The West Wilts Magazine - October 2015

OCTOBER 2015 // ISSUE 74

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A PAIR OF TICKETS TO BATH V QUINS + LOCAL LISTINGS FG COLLIER XMAS PARTY IDEAS & MUCH MORE

FOOD & DRINK // INTERVIEWS // PROPERTY // SHOPPING // COMMENT

bathrooms no 5 ad_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 18/05/2015 09:53 Page 1

YOUR lOcal VIlleROY & BOcH STOcKIST

NOW SHOWING OUR NEW VENTICELLO RANGE

5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS | 01225 309110 | www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on! The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers.

Front Cover: Con-tempo Furniture

October 2015 // issue 74

A

s we creep towards the end of the year so Christmas (there I go talking about it) comes into view. Yes planning for the festive season is already well underway for many, and if it isn’t yet for you no doubt this month you will start to consider what you will be doing. If you are planning a shindig of your own then you might want to take a look at our Party Season guide. We’ve scoured the region, got the info and present to you a fantastic guide to what’s available in the region, including costs and what’s on the menu. Take a look from p21, but don’t blame us if it makes you hungry!

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Away from food may I turn your attention to our other main focus this month - the home. Our Autumn Interiors Guide runs some 18 pages in all, and covers everying from carpets to kitchens, running repairs to roofing. Anyone interested in the home, and how to furnish it, I urge you to take a closer look from p45.

Beyond that are all your West Wilts staples, including our news and listings pages that should give you plenty of ideas for things to do over the half term break.

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See you next month.

Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @wiredpublishing Read online... www.wired-publishing.co.uk

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in October

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LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Half Term ideas The Conigre

12 14 17

FOOD & DRINK Eat the Seasons Pudding Recipes Meet the Chef Food News Pumpkin Day at Riverford

32 33 36 38 40

FEATURES Christmas Party Bookings Interiors Guide 2015/16

21 45

HOMES & GARDENS Martin & Co

62

FG Collier

64

HEALTH & LEISURE The Halo Clinic

72

BATH RUGBY Win one of a pair of tickets to Bath v Harlequins

78

PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

80

COMMENT The Last Word

82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ advertising feature

Come Rain or Shine...

Whatever the weather, whatever the season, treat your friends, or yourself, to time at the award-winning Thermae Bath Spa...

E

ver since the Romans built their magnificent bathing complex in the heart of what is now a World Heritage Site, people have made a pilgrimage to Bath to ‘take the waters’.

Today’s visitors can relax in the warm mineral-rich waters just as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years and enjoy the facilities of Thermae Bath Spa which combines the best of the historic Spa with the contemporary architecture of the New Royal Bath.

As a little treat, you can choose from a range of 40 spa treatments and packages designed to relax the body and soothe the mind.

A spa session at Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to bathe in the natural thermal waters of the indoor Minerva Bath with its whirlpool and neck massage, revive the senses in the suite of aroma steam rooms and relax in the open-air rooftop pool which has spectacular views across the city and surrounding hills.

As a little treat, you can choose from a range of 40 spa treatments and packages designed to relax the body and soothe the mind.

A number of the packages offer a choice of a spa treatments and a tasty meal in the Springs Restaurant.

The Thermae Harmony package, for example, includes a 4-hour spa session, use of towel, robe & slippers, a 2-course meal and a choice of either a Watsu massage, a Hot Stones Vichy treatment or a Reviver Massage & Body Scrub.

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Other packages include a Just For Him designed for men, and a Time for Two; ideal for a couple or two friends.

The popular Twilight Package provides an opportunity to experience the gradual change in light and atmosphere and includes a 3-hour spa session, use of towel, robe & slippers and a light meal & drink in the Springs Restaurant. It is available from 4pm Sunday to Friday and can be booked in advance.

Across from the main spa complex, the stand alone Cross Bath is an The Cross Bath

intimate open-air bath with its own changing facilities. In this beautiful 18th century building, visitors can bathe in the natural thermal waters which emerge from a specially-commissioned poolside fountain.

The Cross Bath is a unique, sacred site which can be enjoyed by individuals or exclusively for small parties of up to 12 people (subject to availability).

To complete the celebration, a variety of light bites, soft drinks, wine and Prosecco can be arranged.

• www.thermaebathspa.com

[ events

local

listings OCTOBER 2015

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 www.melkshamassemblyhall.com For full listings go to the website.

PIXELS (Cert PG) 17 October, 10.30am Tickets: £4 Adult, £3 Child When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games.

Pixels, Melksham Assembly Hall

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES CHARITY CONCERT 18 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £7.50 The Female of the Species is made up of five girls who front five local bands that have all come together to put on a special charity gig to help raise money for Wiltshire Mind.

BOB DRURY: THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY 29 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 In his one-man show, singer and

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guitarist Bob Drury celebrates the life and music of the legend that is Neil Diamond.

Ian Bostridge, Wiltshire Music Centre

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Photo Credit: B-Ealovega

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

IAN BOSTRIDGE TENOR / XUEFEI YANG GUITAR 10 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 This acclaimed collaboration between leading tenor Ian Bostridge and classical guitarist Xuefei Yang celebrates over 3,000 years of human experience.

JOSEPH TONG PIANO / WAKA HASEGAWA PIANO 16 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 Peerless piano duo presents an evening of ballet music.

SOUMIK DATTA SAROD / SHAHBAZ HUSSAIN TABLA 17 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 Two master musicians extend the boundaries of Indian classical music.

ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (AS LIVE) 21 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 The Barber of Seville will have you smiling from the moment it begins.

WILL BUTTERWORTH QUARTET 24 October, 8pm Tickets: £10 Live in the Bar: a riveting musical suite from an acclaimed rising Brit jazz piano star.

ORCHESTRA OF ST JOHN’S 25 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £24 An outstanding all-Bach evening by an orchestra on mesmerising form.

BEER FOLK 29 October, 8pm Tickets: £10 Live and drink beer: a glorious showcase of beer and folk music (in the best tradition).

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk For full listings please go to the website.

FREYA: A VIKING SAGA 10 October, 2pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Freya, a Viking girl and friend of the gods, is about to become a giant’s

Hamlet (Live Screening), Merlin Theatre & Pound Arts Centre

the 600th anniversary year of the Battle of Agincourt.

WE ARE BRONTË 24 October, 7.45pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs: £10.50) Physical theatre collides with standup, clowning and improvisation - this promises to be no ordinary Brontë adaptation.

PUSS IN BOOTS 29 October, 11am & 2pm Tickets: £8 (Concs: £5.50) With a host of puppets and a working windmill, Patrick Lynch from CBeebies shows how Puss fools both the King and the ogre to put his master at the top.

dinner. She must use all her wits to escape Gorm’s cooking pot. Age 4+.

The Magic Of The Beatles is one of the UK’s leading Beatles’ tribute shows.

HAMLET (Live Screening) 15 October, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs: £14) Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role in Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

MISSTASIA THE PRINCESS TOUR 27 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Adult, £10 Child This stunning show is guaranteed to have you dancing and singing along as Misstasia sprinkle a little bit of magic on your day.

JOE STILGOE: NEW SONGS FOR OLD SOULS 16 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs: £11) An internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter. This hotly anticipated debut UK tour accompanies Stilgoe’s third studio album.

WILL LAWTON 23 October, 8pm FREE A local singer songwriter and pianist.

TROWBRIDGE CIVIC CENTRE St Stephen’s Pl, Trowbridge BA14 8AH Box Office: 01225 765072 www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

THE MAGIC OF THE BEATLES 10 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50

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MERLIN THEATRE Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

AVENUE Q 15, 16 & 17 October, 7.45pm Tickets: £10.50 Part flesh, part felt and packed with heart, Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud musical.

HAMLET (Live Screening) 18 & 22 October, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10.50) Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.

HENRY V (Live Screening) 21 October, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10.50) Henry V is performed to commemorate

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE Christchurch Street West, Frome BA11 1EB Box Office: 01373 462795 www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT 17 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 This portrayal of Michael Jackson in his prime has to be the most vocally and visually accurate tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres.

LEE NELSON: SUITED AND BOOTED 23 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Due to exceptional demand Lee Nelson’s brand new show has been extended into autumn 2015!

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 www.theath.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

SELMA (Cert: 12A) 14 October, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 The true story of the three month period in 1965, when Martin Luther King and

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

[ events

CHEESE &GRAIN FRI 2 OCT 8PM SAT 3RD OCT 8PM TUE 6TH OCT 8PM THU 8TH OCT 8PM FRI 9TH OCT 8PM SAT 10TH OCT 8PM TUE 13TH OCT 8PM THU 15TH OCT 7.30PM FRI 16TH OCT 8PM SUN 18TH OCT 2PM SAT 24TH OCT 8PM WED 28TH OCT 8PM FRI 30TH OCT 8PM SAT 31ST OCT 8PM FRI 6TH NOV 8PM SAT 7TH NOV 8PM SUN 8TH NOV 8PM THU 12TH NOV 8PM ND

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS £15 PUBLIC IMAGE LTD SOLD OUT THE GLADIATORS feat. DROOP LION £16.50 ADV T’PAU £17.50 ADV ABBAMANIA £19.50 CARA DILLON £19.50 BAKED ALASKA £12 JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR £21.50 KAST OFF KINKS £16 FROME BLUES RHYTHM & ROCK FESTIVAL £24.50 HAYSEED DIXIE £18.50 BERNIE TORME £14.50 ALABAMA 3 £23.50 SETH LAKEMAN £18 KING KING £17.50 WISHBONE ASH £19 ADV EDDI READER £21 ADV TOM ROBINSON BAND £19 ADV

T’Pau

Seth Lakeman

Eddi Reader

[ events Cara Dillon, Cheese & Grain

Described by Q Magazine as “quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”, Dillon is one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world.

HAYSEED DIXIE 24 October, 8pm Tickets; £18.50 A welcome return after four years for one of the most popular bands on the live circuit.

his ‘brothers and sisters’ led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.

A GURKHA FILM NIGHT 16 October, 7pm Tickets: £12 To celebrate 200 years of Gurkha service to the crown and to raise money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust to support those suffering from the Nepal earthquake.

LACOCK ABBEY

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

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SEEND ACOUSTIC CLUB

THE THREE HORSESHOES Frome Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LA Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm

TRIPLE JD 17 October DUENNA 18 October

CHEESE & GRAIN

I AM HORSE 25 October

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FOLKLAW 13 October Premium quality folk rock

OPEN MIC 16 October, 8pm Entrance £3

7 CROWNS 23 October

CARA DILLON 10 October, 8pm Tickets: £19.50

SINGAROUND 6 & 20 October , 8pm FREE

ROSIE EADE 27 October

WIZARD SCHOOL TRAIL 24 October to 1 November, 10.30am-5.30pm Follow our magical self-led activity trail around the abbey grounds.

5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 www.cheeseandgrain.com For full listings go to the website.

Cellar Bar, Swan Hotel, 1 Church Street Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN www.boafolkclub.org.uk All gigs are FREE and start at 8pm

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge Doors open: 7.30pm

Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated. THE HAMMERVILLES 16 October POETREE’ TREE TRAIL 1 to 23 October, 10.30am-5.30pm & 2 to 18 November, 11am-4pm Discover Lacock’s ‘poetrees’ and create your own leaf poem on this self-led family trail.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB

RETRO ELECTRO 24 October

BLACK ELEPHANT 30 October HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR WITH CALLY & THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES ALL-STARS 31 October

Rusty Lane, Seend, SN12 6NS www.seendacoustic.org AMELIA ORGILL 7 October Tickets: £4 SKINNER & T’WITCH 21 October Tickets: £4

OTHERS MEDITATION EVENING The Hub, Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon 4 October, 5-6pm Do you need a quiet meditative space in your busy life? Then this could be for you.

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON 15 & 25 October DEVIZES 3 October TROWBRIDGE 9 & 23 October WARMINSTER 2 & 16 October

[ local news

roundup

All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!

SEVEN AGES OR WHAT YOU WILL Founded in 1989 by a group of experienced amateur actors, Shakespeare Live is a local theatre company which raises funds for charity by producing open air performances of Shakespeare plays.

Having been chosen by the RSC for a fourth year to perform at The Dell in Stratford on Avon they are now bringing their latest project, Seven Ages Or What you Will, on a mini tour around our area.

Seven Ages Or What You Will is another in their tradition of original and innovative pieces. Shakespeare meets A Christmas Carol as the inebriated n’er do well Christopher Sly from The Taming of the Shrew encounters the mysterious Will.

The none too comfortable journey through the seven ages of his own life that Will then leads him through shows Sly the choices he has made so far, the ways in which he could have

Shakespeare Live is going on tour this October

dealt with life better, and the options he has for the rest of his life, good and bad. In the end, he will have to make a decision about his future - will he opt for virtuous chastity and honesty, or will he stick with his selfish and self-indulgent behaviour?

Using extracts from many of Shakespeare’s plays, both serious and funny, this is an original, entertaining and thought-provoking piece of theatre, written for and first produced by local company, Shakespeare Live, this August at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s outdoor venue, The Dell.

Performances for this mini tour are at The Mission Theatre, Bath, on 1 October; The Pound Theatre, Corsham, on 3 October; The Wharf Theatre, Devizes, on 5 October; and St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon, on 7 October. All performances start at 7.30pm and seats cost £10. They can be bought from the first three venues directly, or by phoning 07780 938107, or email shakespearelive@outlook.com.

BATHAVON ROTARY CLUB WELCOMES SIMON WESTON On 19 November Simon Weston OBE Hero of the Falklands War is giving a talk at The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School.

After suffering 46% burns when the Sir Galahad troop carrier was destroyed at Bluff Cove in the Falklands in 1982, Welsh Guardsman Simon Weston overcame his injuries and dedicated

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his life to charitable work with veteran’s groups and young people’s organisations.

Honoured by the Queen and voted The Nation’s Favourite Hero for his bravery he became the subject of TV documentaries, a successful author, businessman and an inspirational public speaker.

Hear his personal experience of The Falklands War and his subsequent triumph over adversity at The Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath, BA2 3LA at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and are available from Park Pets (01225-316509), Beau Nash Antiques (07891 868410) and Stonier Hobbs (01225 463322). All proceeds to Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Bath Stroke Support Group.

• bathrotarysec@gmail.com

local news ]

THIS MONTH AT THE HOLBURNE With two new exhibitions launching this month, as well as a series of late night openings and a lecture on The Art of the Redhead by Jacky Colliss-Harvey, now is a wonderful time to head over to the Holburne Museum.

Gold, an exhibition from the Royal Collection, runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 24 January 2016 and explores the enduring beauty and symbolism of gold through a selection of 60 exquisite works of art from the Royal Collection. Dating from the Early Bronze

Age to the 20th century, these objects tell a story about the art of working this precious material, and the importance of gold to the representation of spirituality, power and status. Admission is £8.50.

Honey Bee (also 24 October to 24 January 2016) is a FREE exhibition of the work of Japanese paper cut artist Nahoko Kojima. She will create an intricate floating three dimensional sculpture from a single sheet of paper cut by hand.

• www.holburne.org Nahoko Kojima

GOUGHS COMPLETES 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE On Saturday 5 September, Wiltshire based law firm Goughs Solicitors took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for local children’s charity Devizes & District Opportunity Centre. The Challenge involved hiking the peaks of Pen-yghent (691 metres high), Whernside (728 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres). The peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Goughs team was delighted to complete the 39.2km (24.5 mile) hike in just under 12 hours, taking the running total raised for its Charity of the Year to just under £2,000.

The Goughs team completed the Three Peaks Challenge

POLO DAY RAISES £46,000 FOR CHARITY Over £46,000 was raised in aid of industry charity Hospitality Action on Sunday 6 September at the charity’s sixth annual Polo Day. Taking place at Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire six Michelinstarred South West chefs - Martin Burge of Whatley Manor, Richard Davies of The Manor House, Josh Eggleton of The Pony & Trap, Hywel Jones of Lucknam Park, Sam Moody of The Bath Priory and Richard Picard-Edwards of Lords of the Manor, The chefs cooked up a feast at this year’s Hospitality Acton Polo Day

successfully joined forces with Calcot Kitchens to raise this fantastic sum.

The team of professionals were supported by the next generation of culinary stars from City of Bath College and Hit Training Academy and featured the final of the Solitaire Salver polo match. Prior to the match, guests were treated to a polo demonstration as they enjoyed a Moët & Chandon reception on the lawn of the Beaufort Polo Club.

Guests were delighted with a delicious lunch as well as afternoon cream tea prepared by Calcot Kitchens.

For more information about Hospitality Action and their future events, visit the website. To be the first to hear about the 2016 Polo Day email fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk

The Devizes & District Opportunity Centre is a Specialist Early Years Centre committed to promoting the overall development and life chances of young children who have disabilities, learning difficulties and complex health conditions.

Goughs has pledged to raise £5,000 for the charity through a combination of fundraising activities in 2015, which in addition to the Yorkshire Three Peaks include the Chippenham Dragon Boat Race which took place earlier this year and the forthcoming annual Goughs Charity Golf Day at Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford-on-Avon. To sponsor Goughs Solicitors and help support Devizes & District Opportunity Centre please visit www.justgiving. com/company/goughs2015 • www.goughs.co.uk

• www.hospitalityaction.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ local news

Half term fun at Lacock Abbey

C

olour is everywhere at Lacock Abbey in October, when the herbaceous borders in the Botanic Garden bloom with the last colourful flowers and plants, while the ancient trees in the woodland start to turn into glowing autumn shades.

Young visitors can learn more about trees on the ‘Poetree’ family trail, where they can create their own leaf poem.

Escape Arist is a new exhibition in the Fox Talbot Museum gallery shows photo paintings from American artist

Fran Forman. Her inspired photo collages shine in bright colours, accompanied by a story from poet Michelle Blake, which links the photographs together.

Over the autumn half term holidays (from 24 October to 1 November) young witches and wizards can test their magical abilities on a self-led family trail around the abbey grounds.

Have a go at broom racing and spell casting as the ‘wizard school trail’ returns to Lacock Abbey for another year of spooky fun.

Lacock is near Chippenham.

Normal admission applies to all events.

National Trust members and under 5s go free. For more details please visit the website or call 01249 730459.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Heritage Open Week 24 October-1 November

H

eritage Open Week has been running for 30 years and is designed to celebrate the amazing range of collections and activities available in Bath and North East Somerset. There are 24 venues taking part in Heritage Open Week this year, Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. Full details can be found in the downloadable Heritage Open Week leaflet on the website. Those participating include the American Museum in Britain, Bath Abbey, Bath City Farm, Bath Postal Museum, Fashion Museum, Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Holburne Museum, Museum of Bath at Work, No.1 Royal Crescent and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Fashion Museum marks the 150th anniversary the Roman Baths. of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland; a Falconry Demonstration at the Highlights include Space Lego Fun at Herschel Museum of Astronomy, where American Museum in Britain on 27 October and Fabulous Feasts or kids can design their own spacecraft Meagre Morsels? at the Roman Baths, for display in the exhibition gallery; a

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which will enable visitors to find out more about what the Romans ate. For details on all the events being held as well as times and entry information, go to the website.

• www.bathnes.gov.uk/openweek

WWM021

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* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.11.15. ROAR

[ business news

The Conigre

This small family-run hotel, full of rustic charm and character, is thriving since coming under new ownership in the spring.

The breakfast room

The Conigre is superb for hosting a function

All rooms are individually styled

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T

he Conigre became home to local couple Paul and Cynthia Watts and their family in April 2015. This beautiful 17th century farmhouse has already been much improved and further upgrades are planned for the coming months.

The beautiful 17th century farmhouse

also proven to be a popular venue for ‘celebrations of life’ and other private events such as birthdays, Christenings and retirement parties. As they offer exclusive use, it’s ideal for enjoying special times with family and friends.

With the festive season just around the corner, The Conigre’s close proximity to Bath makes it a perfect base for visiting the hugely popular Christmas market. Its excellent function facilities also make it ideal for Christmas parties.

They are offering a two course menu for £22.50 and three courses for £26.50, The Conigre is in a great location both including coffee and mince pies. for leisure and business travellers The menu offers all the traditional alike, based as it is on the outskirts of favourites, inventive vegetarian options Melksham town centre. All eight rooms and some truly wonderful sounding have their own individual style and come complete with fluffy towels, luxury puds, including Christmas pudding bombs and eggnog panna cotta! The toiletries and crisp cotton linen; the Watts family have gone to great lengths menu is on their website now. What’s more, Paul and Cynthia are more to make it a real home from home. than happy to accommodate specific preferences for your special event, just Accommodation occupancy has get in touch and they will do their best been brisk, with business guests to help. Call reception on 01225 702229 using it as a comfortable base and or email enquiries@theconigre.co.uk to leisure visitors taking advantage of find out more.

Melksham’s convenient road and rail links to explore the many attractions and events the area has to offer. It has • www.theconigre.co.uk

All eight rooms have their own individual style and come complete with fluffy towels, luxury toiletries and crisp cotton linen

Enjoy The Great Atmosphere At

The Organ Inn After a long day what could be better than a roaring log fire, a convivial atmosphere and a glass of something you fancy? ~~~~~~~~~~ Find us in The Good Beer Guide 2016 4 everchanging real ale pumps, ciders and perry on draught plus lots of bottle options showcasing the best of local and national independent breweries.

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop

Established for over 30 years

Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am – 6pm 10am – 5pm on Sundays

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES & FAGGOTS

CHRISTMAS ORDERS TAKEN FROM 1ST OCTOBER

~~~~~~~~~~ Plus Quality wines, lagers & spirits and traditional bar games ~~~~~~~~~~ CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year 2014!

Tel: 01985 211777 | OVER 21s www.theorganinn.co.uk 49 High St, Warminster, Wilts ba12 9aq (Just a 5 minute walk from the railway station)

OPEN 4pm-12midnight mon- fri

12noon-12midnight sat 4pm-11pm sun

THE CONIGRE

LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS LOCAL ALES & CIDERS AND FINE WINES GIFT HAMPERS

Meet our suppliers and sample their delicious produce!

Saturday 21st Nov 10.30am-2.30pm

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112

2a, Semington Road, Melksham Wiltshire SN12 6BZ

A 17th Century Grade II listed former farmhouse, The Conigre is a small family-run hotel full of rustic charm and character.

8 individually designed en suite bedrooms | Beautiful mature grounds Convenient access to Melksham town centre | Ideal business & meeting venue A perfect setting for weddings, special celebrations and wakes. +44 (0) 1225 702229 | +44 (0) 7969 801977 | enquiries@theconigre.co.uk | www.theconigre.co.uk

NOW TAKING

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

The Three Gables

WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER TASCA D’ALMERITA DINNER SICILY DELAS RHÔNE DINNER with ETIENNE DEFOSSE Aperitif & canapés from 7.30pm. Dinner at 8pm Champagne & canapés from 7.30pm. Dinner at 8pm Four courses including wines: £75.00 per head Four courses including wines £85.00 per head

Set Lunch Menu 2 Courses £14.00 | 3 Courses £18.00 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DA t 01225 781666 www.thethreegables.com info@thethreegables.com

Now serving authentically prepared Thai food in a relaxed atmosphere prepared by our own Thai Chef.

Sunday Carvery served every week

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

The festive menu offers a traditional festive option alongside an exciting Thai Menu Christmas Menu 2 course menu £21 3 course menu £25 Christmas Carvery £16.95 Vegetarian options available Children welcome Dogs welcome Fully licenced Private parking

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR AUTHENTICALLY PREPARED THAI FOOD & TRADITIONAL PUB CLASSICS

Breakfast 7.30-9.30am, Food Served Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 6-10pm, Sun 4pm-9pm; Sun Carvery: 12-3pm (Thai Takeaways also available)

The Swan Hotel & Restaurant Church Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN Telephone: 01225 868686 | www.theswanbradford.co.uk

christmas parties ] image courtesy Bowood

season ‘tis the party

Need help planning your family get-together or works do? Fear not, this is a comprehensive guide, from Michelin dining to dinner and a disco and everything in between!

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[ christmas parties

THE BARGE INN

Seend Cleeve, Melksham SN12 6QB Situated on the Kennet & Avon Canal, The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and a beautiful setting on the banks of the Kennet & Avon canal. Their Christmas Celebration menu is now available, and they are taking bookings for parties from late November through to January. With two courses for £15.95 or three for £19.95 it offers great value for money and if you pay in full by 1 November you’ll receive 10% discount on your total food bill. They can cater for up to 50 people in comfort – how about a mouthwatering meal with baked Camembert to start, grilled salmon with a dill hollandaise and crushed new potatoes for mains (don’t fret, traditional roast turkey is available too!) and banoffee pie with salted caramel ice cream to finish? Find the full menu on their website or email bargeinn@wadworth.co.uk for a booking form.

Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £15.95, 3 Courses £19.95

Biddestone Arms

on the website – and bookings can be taken from just 2 right up to 75 people.

Christmas Menu: 2 courses £24, 3 courses £27 01249 714377 | www.biddestonearms.co.uk

Beechfield House Hotel

BOWOOD

Derry Hill, Calne SN11 9NF Christmas at Bowood is magical, with flickering candlelight, cosy log fires and BEECHFIELD 01225 703700 | www.beechfieldhouse.co.uk the smell of dressed Christmas trees from HOUSE HOTEL the Estate. Their festive dining options are Beanacre, Melksham SN12 7PU BIDDESTONE ARMS perfect for bringing friends and family Beechfield House Hotel is a 4 AA The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham together, and delicious seasonal menus Red Star Country House Hotel, and SN14 7DG of turkey and a selection of roast joints offers the perfect setting for all your When it comes to celebrating are available in the elegant setting of the jollifications, be it a small intimate Christmas, you’ll struggle to beat Shelburne Restaurant. As well as that gathering with family, merrymaking to the setting of the wonderful there is the Ladies’ Festive Fayre to look with work colleagues or a lavish house Biddestone Arms. A country pub that forward to on Thursday 19 November party with family or groups of friends. also happens to offer multi-award (£22.50 per person). Those looking to In all they can cater for 6 to 70 diners, celebrate the season with friends and with their Christmas Menu costing from winning food, it has a wonderful village setting and a mouthwatering colleagues can join the popular party £19.50 per person for lunch and from £29.50 for dinner. They also offer special Christmas menu for 2015. With four or nights in December and January, with five delicious options per course, how delicious dining and disco to complete bedroom rates for anyone wishing to about a classic prawn cocktail with the evening. Enjoy a three course festive stay overnight following their party. crisp lettuce and brown bread and menu, half a bottle of wine, disco and butter to start, Christmas shortcrust Christmas novelties from just £37.50 per Beechfield House is open throughout pastry pie with turkey as a main and person. Alternatively you can host an the festive season, offering a delicious a Black forest gateau with cream intimate lunch or dinner in one of their Christmas Day Lunch (£95 per person) or Christmas pudding to finish? Of private rooms. and New Year’s Eve dining too. course, there are plenty of other Christmas Menu: from £25 for a Alternatively, why not pop over for mouthwatering options available – the 3 course lunch or dinner a delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea full menu can be viewed and booked (£19.95 per person)?

01249 848298 | www.bowood.org 01380 828230 | www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

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Christmas Menu: £19.50 lunch, £29.50 dinner

Your perfect destination this Christmas

Christmas Afternoon Teas £19.95 per person

Christmas Day Lunch £95.00 per person

Christmas Lunch Menu From £19.50 per person

Christmas Dinner Menu From £29.50 per person

Enjoy a special yet relaxed Christmas party with friends, family or colleagues in this ‘gem of a country house’.

We are pleased to take bookings from our special festive menus for all parties; from 6 to 70 diners.

01225 703700

4 AA Red Star Country House Hotel - AA Inspectors’ Choice 2015 AA Rosette reception@beechfieldhouse.co.uk www.beechfieldhouse.co.uk Beanacre, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 7PU

BEAUTIFUL AWARD-WINNING VILLAGE PUB

biddestone arms

Fine Dining & Country Pub

•Award-Winning British Pub Menu • Finest Cask Ales • Superb Wines • Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2014 & 2015 01249 714377 | www.biddestonearms.co.uk | The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham SN14 7DG

[ christmas parties

THE GEORGE & DRAGON

Each room is individually designed for relaxation and comfort and has been awarded a 4 star rating by the AA. Christmas Menu A: £35 p/p Christmas Menu B: 2 courses £21.50, 3 courses £27.50

THE GREYHOUND

25 High Street, Bromham, nr Devizes SN15 2HA With its open fire and candle lit tables, The Greyhound has a warm, cosy feel in winter. As a traditional village pub 01380723053 | www.thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk this place oozes country charm whilst also offering fantastic quality food. As THE GEORGE INN such it is a hugely popular destination High Street, Norton St Philip BA2 7LG for Christmas parties, be they private The George is a 700 year old inn with family get-togethers or office dos. beams and antique furniture, cosy bars, The menu (which can be served an ancient galleried courtyard and either as two or three courses) offers even its own dungeon. It offers great some real crowd pleasers including Wadworth beers, a well considered oak smoked salmon and king prawn wine list and tasty, freshly prepared cocktail and duck, orange and Grand food. This Christmas their party menu Marnier terrine to start and traditional can be enjoyed from November right free range turkey and aged sirloin through to January and offers both steak for mains. For pudding you can the traditional favourites and some choose from five dishes including a interesting dishes to please those West Country Christmas pudding or looking for something a little different. a raspberry & Cointreau cheesecake.

The team is now taking bookings for How about salt and pepper squid to With a £3 discount for parties booked Christmas parties, which can be taken start, slow braised ox cheek with celeriac Monday to Wednesday, it offers great throughout November and December. and horseradish puree for a main course value for money too.

The menu includes all the favourites and a chilli and lime cheesecake with Christmas Menu: 2 courses £20.99, you would expect, including pate, mulled apple sorbet for dessert? They 3 courses £23.99 smoked salmon, turkey with stuffing are also open for Christmas Day, offering and cranberry sauce and much more.

01380 850154 | www.greyhoundbromham.co.uk three course meal for £69.95 (children Call for details or to book – large parties 12 and under half price) and have some of up to 16 can also enjoy private LUCKNAM PARK great offers on accommodation both at dining in their Sitting Room, what could Colerne, Chippenham, SN14 8AZ The George and across the road at the be more inviting!?

The Brasserie at Lucknam Park Hotel & beautiful, and freshly refurbished The Spa is a perfect place to celebrate with Plaine B&B. The George & Dragon also offers luxury family, friends or colleagues this festive Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £19.95, accommodation mixing traditional season. Their award winning Executive 3 Courses £24.95 beamed rooms with modern interior Chef Hywel Jones has created a delicious 01373 834224 | www.georgeinnnsp.co.uk furnishings and crisp white linen. three course festive menu showcasing his talent with a mix of contemporary dishes and traditional favourites. This special menu is available for both lunch and dinner from 1 December until lunch on 31 December, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day. High Street, Rowde, Nr Devizes SN10 2PN The George & Dragon successfully combines the charm and character of the 16th century inn with awardwinning food – they have been awarded 2 AA rosettes & an Egon Ronay star.

Specializing in seafood delivered daily from St Mawes in Cornwall, there are blackboards above the bar displaying the tempting fish specials on offer (including their famous seafood sharing platter) and an a la carte menu that boasts many local meat and game dishes. They even make their own bread, homemade being the theme, with delicious desserts, ice creams and chocolate fudge all available too, perfect for enjoying in the restaurant or cosy bar with open log fire.

The George & Dragon

Throughout November and December Lucknam also has some great festive courses in their Cookery School, from Christmas Baking to Entertaining. View the course calendar online where you can also find out about gift vouchers for the school, spa and restaurants.

01225 742777 | www.lucknampark.co.uk

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Winner of 2 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

High Street, Rowde Nr Devizes SN10 2PN

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2 COURSES £18.95 / 3 COURSES £22.95

STARTERS An award-winning traditional pub & restaurant with accommodation Now taking Christmas Party bookings, available throughout November & December. +++++ Our Sitting Room seats up to 16, perfect for a corporate function or big family get together! +++++ 3 AA 4* Luxury Bedrooms also available 01380 723053 • info@thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

www.thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

The New Inn

(v) White onion, Stilton and sherry soup with toasted brioche Cured sausage infused with porcini mushroom, served with pickled vegetables, smoked Wedmore cheese and toasted brioche Venison confit, spicy tangy plum jus and broad beans Smoked salmon and king prawn timbale served with dressed leaves

MAINS

All mains served with roast potatoes, roasted root vegetables & greens

Traditional roast turkey with chestnut stuffing & all the trimmings Salmon fillet with grilled asparagus and ginger hollandaise Fillet of Beef Wellington (served medium rare) with red wine reduction (£7 sup.) (v) Filo basket with butterbean, wild mushroom and chestnuts in Marsala wine jus, topped with seared haloumi cheese

DESSERTS Baileys and white chocolate mousse with blueberry compote and ginger tuile biscuit Pear & apple frangipane tart with crème anglais Christmas pudding with brandy ice cream

Now taking bookings for

Christmas Parties!

2 Courses £15 | 3 Courses £20 80 Lower Westwood, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2AE

01225 863 123 www.thenewinnwestwood.co.uk info@thenewinnwestwood.co.uk

Cheese plate - Stilton, brie and smoked Wedmore cheese with biscuits and chutney

Available until 24th December with booking & pre-order only

01373 832211 threehorseshoes.uk.com

[ christmas parties

THE OLD HAM TREE Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PY Landlords Steph and Sam run a pub that offers a welcoming atmosphere and tasty, fresh good value food. It is a Wadworth pub, so you can expect to find a tasty pint, and their Cask Marque accredited beers include 6X, IPA, Horizon and Swordfish. The pub is grade II listed, with lovely features that include a cobbled carriageway, exposed beams and brickwork and wood burning stoves.

The food is made with an emphasis on quality ingredients and great value.

All dishes are freshly prepared to order, and the kitchen team prides itself on its consistency. They are now taking Christmas bookings, offering a menu that offers crowd pleasers like baked Camembert with garlic bread, roast turkey and Christmas pudding as well as a delicious sounding smoked salmon and dill pate, beef braised in red wine and cranberry and homemade coffee crème brulee, they can cater for parties up to 32, and the prices are great value too.

Christmas menu: 2 courses £16, 3 Courses £20 01225 782581 | www.theoldhamtree.com

All dishes are freshly prepared to order, and the kitchen team prides itself on its consistency.

The Old Ham Tree

THE NEW INN

80 Lower Westwood, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2AE Taken over in February 2012 by chef patron, David Philpott - with great help from his father John and stepmother Caroline - The New Inn offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere where both drinkers and diners are embraced. The pub oozes character, with flagstone floors, old beams and crackling log fires, making it a wonderful place to hunker down and escape the worst of any wintry weather.

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David has previously worked under the likes of Marco Pierre White and Tom Kerridge, so as you might imagine the food is fantastic. The menu offers a wide range of locally sourced produce, cooked fresh to order. This Christmas you’ll find all the traditional favourites like roast turkey and Christmas pudding of course, but there’s lots more available too, all packing a real flavour punch.

Call for full details and to book!

Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £15, 3 Courses £20 01225 863123 | www.thenewinnwestwood.co.uk

THE POPLARS

Shop Lane, Wingfield, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9LN Whether it’s a family gathering, office party or just a table for two, you will always be welcomed by the friendly efficient staff at The Poplars - they hold the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award for 2014 and 2015. Dine in the traditional bar or lounge with an open fire and candlelit tables for a more cosy atmosphere or in the restaurant, which holds up to 32 people, with a more modern feel overlooking their cricket pitch. They are offering a 2 or 3 course menu consisting of mouth-watering delights such as Smoked Salmon, Crab and Watercress Terrine, Loin of Venison wrapped in Parma Ham, Chocolate & Baileys Torte together with Traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings and Homemade Christmas Pudding. We look forward to seeing you.

Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £19.95, 3 Courses £24.95 01225 752426 | www.poplarsinn.co.uk

THE SWAN

1 Church St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN If it is a party or dinner you are looking to arrange in the run up to Christmas The Swan Hotel in the heart of Bradford on Avon can cater for up to 80 people with the option to select from their festive menu or choose to have a festive carvery! Groups can opt to enjoy a carvery, complete with three

meats, all the trimmings and Christmas pudding or chocolate log all for just £16.95 (minimum party size applies) per person, making it a great value option for those looking to feed a crowd!

Alternatively, the festive menu offers a more traditional set of Christmas party fare with a Thai and South East Asian option or two in there for good measure! The Swan is also open for Christmas Day lunch (Adults £59.95, under 12s £29.95 for four courses) and a New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance (£55 per person including a glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival).

Christmas Menu: 2 courses £21, 3 courses £25 01225 868686 | www.theswanbradford.co.uk

THREE DAGGERS

47 Westbury Road, Edington BA13 4PG Based in the heart of Edington village and with its own farm shop next door, the Three Daggers is a great spot in which to spend time over the festive season. The Christmas party menu will be available from 1-23 December, and includes the option of a pre-dinner drink of blackberry and damson vodka Bellini (£7.50) should you wish to really make the party start with a bang. The menu is brilliantly conceived, each and every dish reading like a real winner.

Enjoy the likes of seasonal game pâté with Three Daggers Ale chutney and beer bread to start, Cornish hake fillet with pan fried gnocchi, ham hock and puy lentils for main and ‘Snickers’ chocolate fondant, salted caramel ice cream for pudding. It ends too with coffee and mince pies. The menu can be found on their website. They have a Three Daggers

HAM GREEN, HOLT, BA14 6PY

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2 Courses £16 3 Courses £20

Starters Smoked Salmon & Dill Pâté Winter Vegetable Soup Baked Camembert with Garlic Bread

Mains Roast Turkey Beef Braised in Red Wine & Cranberry Lentil & Cashew Nut Roast Fisherman’s Pie

Desserts Christmas Pudding Homemade Chocolate & Walnut Brownie Homemade Coffee Crème Brûlée Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding • 2 Log Burning fires • Bookings up to 32 welcome

FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE Call 01225 782581 or email theoldhamtree@gmail.com www.theoldhamtree.com

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION MENU IS NOW AVAILABLE (Served Late November to January)

Two Courses £15.95 Three Courses £19.95 If you pay in full by the 1 November 2015 you will receive 10% discount on your total food bill.

THE POPLARS

SHOP LANE, WINGFIELD, WILTSHIRE BA14 9LN

Come & join us for your Christmas celebrations

Menus are on our website now www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

Five Courses £69.95 Children 12 or under half price

Bar Open Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm Sun 11.30am - 10:30pm Food Served Mon - Thurs 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm - 9pm Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9.30pm

Christmas Menu

Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

(available from 28 November until 23 December)

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

3 Courses £24.95 | 2 Courses £19.95 Menu & Booking Form available on our website

01225 752426 info@poplarsinn.co.uk www.poplarsinn.co.uk

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

[ christmas parties few spots remaining for Christmas Day lunch. It costs £75 per head, and offers nibbles and an amuse bouche on arrival, followed by three courses and cheese and mulled wine to finish. That, and no washing up to worry about of course.

Saying that, should you prefer to have a celebration at home, just across the way is the farm shop, where they are now taking your Christmas orders.

Christmas Menu: 2 courses £25, 3 courses £30 01380 830940 | www.threedaggers.co.uk

The Three Gables

THE THREE GABLES St Margaret Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DA This delightful, independently run restaurant is one of Bradford on Avon’s favourite destinations, and has a great reputation for high quality food, superb wines and wonderful service, provided by manager Vito Scaduto and his team.

course dinner costs £92.50 per person.

Christmas Menu: 3 Courses from £32 01225 781666 | www.thethreegables.com

THE THREE HORSESHOES

68 High Street, Chapmanslade, BA13 4AN A charming country pub in the heart of Chapmanslade between Frome and Westbury, just off the A36. The pub offers comfortable seating around an Inglenook fireplace and has extensive views through the valleys of Cley Hill and Longleat. A stable conversion with a mezzanine level lends itself perfectly to hosting private parties.

Over the years, this freehouse has gained an impressive reputation for its freshly cooked food, its carefully selected range of beers and wines and its friendly, efficient service. When it comes to Christmas, they offer tasteful decorations, a tantalizing menu and a warm festive atmosphere. Their party menu is available until Christmas Eve and they can accommodate parties up to 70 people, plus they are also open on Christmas Day, offering a five course menu for £70.

Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £18.95, 3 courses £22.95 01373 832211 | www.threehorseshoes.uk.com

THREE MAGPIES

Sells Green, Seend SN12 6RN This traditional English Wadworth pub offers a great range of real ales and fine The ground floor lounge bar is the perfect wines. It is a homely, happy place and place to relax in, whilst the restaurant, they have a terrific team of staff waiting situated on the first floor, has elegant to welcome you. Open seven days a furnishings and an unbeatable view of week, lunchtimes and evenings, they the river, ensuring that any occasion are gearing up for a busy festive season. becomes truly special. This Christmas you Their Christmas menu is available from can enjoy a three course lunch or dinner November to January, and options that includes the likes of confit of Cornish include spiced parsnip soup and Thai hake to start, Salisbury venison loin for style crab cakes to start, traditional roast mains and steamed chocolate sponge turkey and hearty game casserole for and peanut butter ice cream to finish, mains and lemon torte and chocolate all cooked to perfection and beautifully profiteroles for pudding. The full presented. You may also want to attend menu is available on their website and if their New Year’s Eve party. Serving an you book and pay in full by 1st November aperitif and canapés from 7.30pm, their 5 you will receive 10% off your food bill too!

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You may instead want to pop over on Christmas day. Open for lunch they have a four course menu available for £59.95 (half price for children 12 and under) that includes ham hock terrine, sea bass, slow roasted duck breast, ginger sponge pudding, chocolate orange tart and more. Again the menu is online. They are also open throughout the festive season and you can see in the new year with live music and lots of fun.

Christmas Menu: 2 Courses £13.95, 3 Courses £17.95 01380 828389 | www.threemagpies.co.uk

WHATLEY MANOR

Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB Whatley Manor’s festive party menu is served in Le Mazot brasserie from 1 December until 3 January 2016. The three course meal costs £30 per person, and includes a selection of starters such as deep fried goats cheese with spiced red wine pears; mains including steamed fillet of plaice with shellfish cream sauce, plus a choice of desserts ranging from Whatley Manor’s classic Christmas pudding to a lemon crème brûlée. Alternatively, Whatley Manor’s delicious Traditional Swiss cheese fondue is available as either a starter or a main course for an unusual festive twist and as it is a hotel, they are also open for special lunches and dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Christmas Menu: 3 courses £30 01666 822 888 | www.whatleymanor.com

Whatley Manor

The Greyhound Bromham Telephone 01380 850241 | www.greyhoundbromham.co.uk

Christmas Party Menu 2 courses £20.99 per person • 3 courses £23.99 per person STARTERS Seasonal Butternut Squash Veloute (v) Oak Smoked Salmon & King Prawn Cocktail Duck, Orange & Grand Marnier Terrine Fillet of Sea Bass Somerset Brie (v) MAIN COURSES Traditional Free Range Roast Turkey Aged Sirloin Steak (£2 Supplement) Berkshire Rare Breed Pork Loin Herb Crusted Cod Fillet Pheasant Breast Christmas Cracker Pie (v) (all served with a selection of locally grown seasonal vegetables, roast and new potatoes)

DESSERTS West Country Christmas Pudding Raspberry & Cointreau Cheesecake Toffee Apple Crumble Festive Crème Brûlée Cheese & Biscuits (£2 supplement) £3 DISCOUNT FOR PARTIES BOOKED MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY & TO BOOK YOUR PARTY!

Eat The George Inn

High Street, Norton St Philip BA2 7LG tel 01373 834224 • www.georgeinnnsp.co.uk The George is a grade one listed building situated in an idyllic setting with beautiful views.

As well as offering accommodation, we are renowned for our food and functions. We are a popular wedding venue a great destination for your Christmas party, call now to find out more!

Drink The Fleur De Lys

High Street, Norton St Philip BA2 7LG tel 01373 834333 • www.fleurdelysnsp.co.uk We are a real local’s local with a great selection of Wadworth beers and lots of traditional bar games including darts, bar billiards and gaming machines as well as a refurbished skittle alley. We show live rugby on our TV screens too, including coverage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Stay The Plaine Bed & Breakfast

Bell Hill, Norton St Philip BA2 7LT tel 01373 834723 • www.theplaine.co.uk The latest addition to the Wadworth portfolio within Norton St Philip, The Plaine offers traditional charm and relaxing B&B accommodation. Rooms offer WiFi, refreshment trays, TV with Freeview and free off road parking and are set to be given a revamp in time for the festive season.

[ food & drink

eat the

seasons I

Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...

t does not seem like 12 months since I talked about pumpkins and squashes but this is the month that they are at their best. If you have grown butternut squash I don’t know if our summer was a good enough length for the ripening process. It is best grown in hot climates. They are very popular in Florida (USA), New Zealand and Australia. They are also known as the butternut pumpkin. Other pumpkins available at this time of year are the small gem, which can be used as a one portion dish, spaghetti squash, crown prince to name but a few.

Let’s not forget the good old pumpkin for its many edible dishes and of

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

It is our 20th anniverary at Lovejoys Wholesale this autumn and we’re running a competition; send me your best squash photo and I’ll send the best three a Lovejoys Wholesale 20th anniversary pen!! beetroot and root vegetables such as parsnips and swede. For foraging there are crab apples, blackberries (watch out for the frost soon) sloes and cob nuts.

For your vegetable patch you can plant out onion sets, garlic, spring cabbage, winter lettuce and broad beans.

It is our 20th anniversary at Lovejoys Wholesale this autumn and we’re running a competition; send me your best squash photo by email (with your name and address) and I’ll send the best three a Lovejoys Wholesale 20th anniversary pen!! Wow! As always you can email me (neil@lovejoyswholesale.com) with any questions you may have about seasonality and availability.

Neil @lovejoysuk Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com

✃

32

course its use as the halloween lantern! Other local vegetables available this month are curly kale, cavolo nero, savoy cabbage, leeks,

recipes ]

THE

PUDDING CLUB

There’s something about the onset of autumn that has us reaching for a soothing, warming pud. These tasty treats come courtesy of Waitrose.

HOT APPLE PUDDING Serves 6

Ingredients 25g butter 6 Jazz apples, quartered and cored 25g light brown muscavado sugar 3 medium free range eggs 50g vanilla sugar 75g self-raising flour 300ml skimmed milk 1 tbsp icing sugar

Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat the butter in a large frying pan, add the apple quarters and muscovado sugar and cook over a high heat for 5 minutes until the apple is lightly browned. Tip the apple and all the juices into a large ovenproof dish, making sure the pieces sit in a single layer.

Using an electric whisk, beat the eggs and vanilla sugar until pale and voluminous, then whisk in the flour, milk and a pinch of salt.

Pour the whisked mixture round the apples then place the dish on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until puffed, golden brown and just set. Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream or ice cream.

✃

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[ recipes

CHAI LATTE RICE PUDDING Serves 4

Ingredients 2 Bollywood Chai Latte teabags 600ml semi-skimmed milk 100g short grain rice 50g golden caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cinnamon stick 50g shelled pistachios, roughly chopped 50g ready-to-eat dried apricots, roughly chopped Method Preheat the oven to 150°C, gas mark 2.

Place two teabags in a saucepan and pour over 150ml boiling water. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes, then lift out and discard the teabags.

BANANA & COCONUT BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING Ingredients 10 slices essential Waitrose brioche loaf 40g butter, softened 100g demerara sugar 3 medium free range Eggs 400ml can coconut milk 200ml whole milk 2 large bananas, thinly sliced 40g desiccated coconut Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly butter the brioche and cut each slice into triangles.

Set aside 2 tbsp of sugar, then whisk the remainder with the eggs until light and foamy. Stir in the coconut milk and whole milk until well blended.

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Line the base of a large oven proof dish with a third of the bread and top with some banana slices. Repeat until the bread and banana are all layered into the dish. Pour over the egg mixture and set aside to soak for 10 minutes.

Scatter over the chopped nuts and apricots, and serve warm immediately, or leave to cool and chill until ready to serve.

Scatter the reserved sugar and the coconut on top. Sit the dish in a large roasting tin and pour boiling water into the tin so it comes two thirds up the side of the dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and golden brown.

Chef’s Tip The simple bread and milk base of this dish allows for many combinations. Try slices of mango sprinkled with cinnamon in place of the banana, or top with chopped apricots and pistachios.

✃

Serves 6-8

Stir in the milk, rice, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon stick, and bring to a simmer. Pour the mixture into a 1-litre ovenproof dish and bake for 90 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed. Stir and remove the cinnamon stick.

✃

A WORLD

OF

FUN

The Lock Inn Café

WITH

DICK & JANE

TT CyCles

Home of the famous Boatman’s Breakfast since 1990, and offering a vast lunch, snack and evening menu, canalside garden, good beer, wines & coffee. Our Kitchen is open All Day, Every Day.

Top quality bikes, accessories and spares, including a great range of second hand bikes are all available at Bradford on Avon’s premier bike shop.

Service and repairs by fully qualified mechanics.

Lower Wharf, Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE

Frome Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE

w www.thelockinn.co.uk t 01225 868068

w www.ttcycles.co.uk t 01225 867187

Widbrook barns

THE TOWPATH TRAIL

Self contained rooms in newly converted stone barns. Family suites & self catering available.

Traditional Marquee Weddings, Gypsy Caravan Stays & Private Dining.

Bike & Canoe Hire on the Kennet and Avon Canal. High quality bikes, trailers, canoes and all the family needs for a day messing about out along the level and traffic free canal towpath.

Widbrook House & Barns, Widbrook, Bradford on Avon BA15 1UD

Based at TT Cycles

w www.widbrookbarns.co.uk t 01225 865049

w www.towpathtrail.co.uk t 01225 867187

B&B & Holiday accommodation

Shop at the new

Waitrose.com Free delivery on every order

Convenient delivery • Brand Price Match • Easy-to-use website We match our prices with Tesco on 1000 everyday branded products. Brand Price Match – visit waitrose.com/brandpricematch for full terms. Service min spend £50. Free delivery excludes our shop in branch service. Selected postcodes. Details correct as of 16 April 2011. Waitrose Limited, RG12 8YA. Melksham dot com ad.indd 1

19/04/2011 10:32

[ food & drink

Meet the Chef

ALEX VENABLES has worked at The Cliveden Hotel, Hotel L’Orizon and Lucknam Park, where he gained a Michelin star. More recently he was at The Tollgate in Holt for 13 years and is now head chef at The George at Woolley in Bradford on Avon.

What was your first job in catering and how has your career progressed?

A waiter at The Post House Hotel in Chester, I started as a commis and worked my way through. It taught me to appreciate all staff and levels.

What was the first dish you mastered?

Apple pie with my mum; she makes the best shortcrust pastry, as short as ever, and using homegrown Bramley apples from the garden.

Autumn is my favourite time of year; game season. I get very excited when the pheasants come in on the feather.

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

Neil Hooper from Church Farm Meats.

His beef is consistently brilliant and they offer great service. He’s a great friend and not a bad golfer either!!

What is your favourite food season?

Autumn is my favourite time of year; game season. I get very excited when the pheasants come in on the feather.

We love venison, partridge, woodcock etc. Look out for our fantastic game pies!

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What do you like to do on when you have time off?

I am a keen cyclist so I spend the majority of my spare time out on the road. I also try to get in a few sportifs in the year if time allows.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

My mincer, I love to make terrines and sausages at this time of year.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate cake and a double expresso, I’m always pestering the front of house team for coffee.

When you cook for friends, what’s on the menu?

I keep it simple but really tasty; fillet steak What plans do you have at The George?

We plan to start a cookery school. We cooked medium rare, topped with pan currently hold dine and demo events fried foie gras and a rich Madeira sauce. which are very popular. We’re also in the process of developing a wine club Which local pubs and restaurants do featuring tasting nights and future trips you like visiting? abroad to wineries. It should be great fun!

I like The Longs Arms at Wraxall, Rob and Liz run a fabulous place with tasty, To make a reservation at The George call innovative food, great company and 01225 865650. a good wine list. Also our friends at Woolley Grange hotel, which is just such • www.facebook.com/thegeorgeatwoolley a lovely place to dine.

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.

Live Music with Friday & Saturday night bands, and Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions.

Good selection of Real Ales available too Beer Garden | Pub Games | Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

+ LOCAL ALES + TOP QUALITY WINES + BEAUTIFUL FOOD + LANDSCAPED GARDENS + FULLY REFURBISHED + COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONSas Gifts!

Great

Now Open for Breakfasts on Saturday & Sunday from 9am Sunday Roasts incl whole roast chickens to carve at your table, complete with all the trimmings BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAY ON 01225 865650 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Saturday 21st November, 9am to 1pm Do you make something? Book a stall!

image © Jake Eastham

[ food & drink

The Pear Tree Inn returns Shepherd’s Pe with cabbage

A

fter a record breaking year in 2014, The Wltshire Liqueur Company has continued to go from strength to strength in 2015, increasing their number of stockists, appearing at shows across the country and generally spreading the word about their wonderful range of English liqueurs.

T

ucked away in the Wiltshire village of Whitley, The Pear Tree Inn is a restored country pub with rooms in a 17th century farmhouse, serving relaxed rustic food.

Marco Pierre White withdrew from the premises in August last year and the pub has since been closed. Following extensive refurbishment from its new management team, the Pear Tree Inn will reopen its doors - for breakfast,

coffees, drinks, lunch and evening meals, from Friday 9 October. The pub also has eight en suite bedrooms.

If you can’t wait that long to find out more a sample menu and Christmas menu are available to view on their website now and you can get in touch on 01225 704966.

• www.peartreewhitley.co.uk

Hartley Farm Kitchen The Hartley Farm tipi

H

artley Farm is thrilled to be playing a big part in this year’s Great Bath Feast celebrations.

Throughout October all food lovers will be in food heaven, as Bath embraces its foodie culture. For the team at Hartley, it is about sharing their passion for food, farming and family.

From 15–18 October the Hartley Farm Kitchen will be pitching up on Queen Square, with food demos, a pop-up

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THE WILTSHIRE LIQUEUR CO.

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Owners Christopher Robinson and Tiffinie Pride have set out to transform the way we think about liqueurs, encouraging new ideas about how to mix and cook with them. Current recipes, perfect for the colder months, include warming Blood Orange Liqueur and butter and pouring over pancakes, or adding a few glugs of Wild Strawberry Liqueur into Eton Mess to make a ‘Boozy Mess’!

Wiltshire Liqueurs look really stylish too; the William Morris and Alphonse Mucha inspired labels are simply stunning and what’s more, at no extra cost, the labels can be personalised with a name or message. They’re available in beautiful box sets too, great for Christmas gifts.

To buy online or to see the full range of stockists see the website, and also watch out for them at local events including the Marlborough Feast of Food (Saturday 24 October) and the Lip Smacking Chocolate Festival in Frome this November.

kitchen, farmer’s market and Hartley’s Kitchen Feast on the Saturday night.

They hope to see lots of people and are extremely excited to have the chance to introduce them to their values and great quality food. Tickets are available to buy online for Hartley’s Kitchen Feast on Saturday 17 October, featuring a menu of local produce inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.

• www.hartley-farm.co.uk

• www.wiltshireliqueur.com The new luxury box sets

[ food & drink

Pumpkin Day

Embrace the onset of autumn with a great family day out at Riverford Norton this half term. everyone will get a sneaky first taste of Riverford’s Christmas food too. You’ll find plenty of tasty organic food and drink for you to buy including tempting Riverford Field Kitchen soups, tagines and stews, entry is free, all are welcome (you don’t have to be a Riverford customer) and there’s no need to book.

• www.riverford.co.uk

Their Pumpkin Day, held on Saturday 24 October, is legendary and with good reason; it is full of busy fun, tasty food and a good dose of fresh air…

There are great pumpkin recipes to try

Pumpkin Day at Riverford is always a great occasion

I

f a spot of quirky fun is what you and your kids need this Halloween, then get wellied-up and head for Riverford Norton farm, Sutton Scotney, Hampshire. Their Pumpkin Day, held on Saturday 24 October, 11am-4pm, is legendary and with good reason; it is full of busy fun, tasty food and a good dose of fresh air…and there’s free entry! It’s a great idea for the upcoming half term break. “Our Pumpkin Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of autumn and all the fantastic food that it brings,” says Guy Watson, the founding farmer of Riverford. “It’s a free

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day out with loads for both kids and adults to enjoy, right here on the farm”.

Children’s activities include worm digging, pumpkin carving, face painting and vegetable games. When that all gets too much, they can settle down to paint spooky pictures in the creativity area or take a tractor ride around the farm to see where the team grow the veg for the farm’s vegboxes.

If you’ve still got some energy left after all that, you can string some chillies to make an original Christmas present, and

There is stacks for kids to do

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

Devizes Venues

Planning Your Wedding

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH

We can help with..

• corns • calluses • hard skin • verrucae • ingrown toenails • fungal nail infections • footcare for the elderly, diabetics and those with poor circulation • advice and support Member of the Institute of Chiropodist and Podiatrists

Call today to make an appointment

Tel: 01225 571030

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk Find us at: 13 St Georges Works, Silver St, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8AA

Find us on Facebook: Trowbridge - Chiropodist Follow us on Twitter: @TrowChiropodist

The perfect venue for your perfect wedding ceremony & reception Full catering & bar facilities Professional service in beautiful surroundings For further details please contact Heather Bond on 01380 722160

email: bookings@devizes-tc.gov.uk www.devizesvenues.co.uk

home FRONT

house & home ]

Con-tempo Furniture

ON THE

From the finest kitchens and bathrooms to simple accessories & essential maintenance, welcome to The West Wilts Magazine Interiors 2015/16 directory.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ house & home

INTERIORS & FURNISHINGS ALLSOP CARPETS (Frome) For over 30 years, Allsop Carpets & Flooring has strived to deliver the highest quality and service as well as first class fitting with their own team of polite and friendly fitters, who will not only move your furniture, but they’ll tidy up too, leaving your rooms looking clean, finished and transformed!

Through the years their commitment to clients has led to a loyal customer base branching throughout the South West. Pop into their Frome carpet and flooring showroom and you’ll discover an extensive range of flooring including wood, laminate, vinyl, sisal, coir, wool and synthetic carpets as well as rugs and remnants. You will find them at Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West, Frome.

01373 463866 | www.allsopcarpets.co.uk.

CON-TEMPO FURNITURE (Warminster) Con-Tempo Furniture takes real pride in their heritage and reputation for offering a wide and comprehensive selection of beautifully designed furniture complemented by contemporary and traditional sofas and armchairs. All are lovingly manufactured here in the UK. If you’re hosting the family festivities this year, smartening up your dining room is an essential part of your Christmas preparations. Con-tempo has a vast range of dining room furniture, and with two floors of choice there is really something for every style and setting. Most items can be designed and made-to-order to your specification.

Based on the Crusader Business Park, Con-tempo offers British made furniture for every room in the home.

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Coppice Guild

The team design and manufacture furniture right next door to their large retail store, a unique set up that attracts customers from all across the UK. To find out more, and to see their inspirational room layouts, pop in to see them.

01985 213222 | www.con-tempofurniture.co.uk

COPPICE GUILD (Bradford on Avon) Do you want the feel good factor of supporting your local economy whilst being a patron of the crafts? Then head over to Coppice Guild, at the foot of Coppice Hill/The Shambles.

Coppice Guild is an award winning interiors specialist owned by local

resident Julie Mason. Inside the showroom you will find elegant displays that will help inspire you on your own renovation. As well as offering beautiful and clever solutions for your kitchen, you can also gain beautiful professionally designed cabinetry for any room without the heavy branded price tag.

Julie and her team have a wealth of experience working with cabinetmakers including well-known names such as Plain English, Chalon and Mark Wilkinson, which is now put to good use working with more affordable smaller local makers.

Keeping things local and British is a strong theme with Coppice Guild.

WITHAM HOUSE DESIGNS bEauTifuL & pracTicaL gifTs

ASTON INTERIORS Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Furniture

From the classic and traditional, to the modern and contemporary, we have kitchens and bathrooms and bedroom furniture for everyone.

FREE, NO OBLIGATION, PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICE T 01225 344566 M 07768 935448 info@astoninteriors.com • www.astoninteriors.com 1 Wicker Hill, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8JS

A fabulous selection of gifts, tableware and furniture to suit every occasion.

TEL

01985 220122

Open: Monday - Friday 9.30am to 5pm Saturdays 10am to 4pm

4 THREE HORSESHOES WALK, WARMINSTER BA12 9BT

www.withamhousedesigns.co.uk

[ house & home Perfect Rooms

Dible & Roy

The Coppice Guild team can offer a complete turn key solution to any project and style you may have in mind, adding their own understated timeless touch that will not out date too quickly.

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Darling Interiors

schemes to add style and individuality to any home or business.

As an authorised AGA showroom there is also the occasional AGA demonstration. Why not head over to start discussing your ideas? Give them a call or pop into the showroom at 28 Coppice Hill.

Dible & Roy offers a full range of interior design services, including one to one consultations should you want them.

In their Bridge Street store customers can view a range of designer fabrics, paints, wallpapers and even custom made curtains and blinds, which can be delivered straight to your door. What’s more, they also offer vouchers, a fab Christmas gift idea.

01225 862268 | www.coppiceguild.co.uk

01225 862320 | www.dibleandroy.co.uk

DIBLE & ROY

DARLING INTERIORS

(Bradford on Avon) Dible & Roy offers a range of products and services to enable you to transform any room. Supplying the finest products from many leading brands including Harlequin, , they specialise in delivering the highest quality bespoke soft furnishings, upholstery, furniture and design

(Home Visit) Darling Interiors has been trading in Surrey for 12 years; having recently relocated to Wiltshire, this family run business is now ready to offer the same service to West Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas. Darling Interiors offer a very personal service and high standards, carrying an

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

extensive range of fabric samples from leading suppliers that they bring to your house at a time to suit you. By having the fabrics in your home, it is easy to see how they will work within your space – making those decisions simpler than picking from a showroom. What’s more, they make and fit curtains and blinds too, specializing in bay tracks for tricky windows, and they also supply and fit poles, tracks, Venetian roller and vertical blinds.

The process all begins with a free visit and no obligation quotation, If you wish to proceed, the service includes all fitting of our tracks and poles, fitting and dressing your curtains too – everything you need to get that perfect finish.

01373 672359 | www.darling-interiors.co.uk

KNEES HOME & ELECTRICAL (Trowbridge & Malmesbury) Knees Home & Electrical stocks a range of diverse products, everything from mirrors to range cookers, that add style and elegance to your home. They

Now offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors - with FREE innovative design and planning service

• StuNNiNg RaNgES: coNtEmpoRaRy, tRaditioNal paiNtEd gloSS & moRE • ExpERt dESigN aNd iNStallatioN • appliaNcES FRom all thE iNduStRy’S lEadiNg maNuFactuRERS • thE homEmakER cuStomER caRE & aFtER SalES SERvicE

[ house & home also offer functionality and quality too. It is the company’s goal to offer ‘Whole New Vision for your Home’, and it’s a promise they want to keep, stocking products that will excite and exceed your expectations. To that end they now stock a large range of Kitchen Aid products that offer all the functionality you need and fantastic looks too. There is also a new range of Billib wall clocks coming soon, these hand-painted individual items show you can also find that little something different in store. If it is sofas that you need then range is changing to offer more products to view. Head over to the store today and find that ‘Whole new vision for your Home’ you won’t be disappointed!

01225 754161 | www.hjknee.co.uk

PERFECT ROOMS (Gastard, nr Corsham) When it comes to Interiors, Perfect Rooms is a one stop shop. Whatever your budget, big or small, they can take on both minor and full redecoration and furnishing. If you’ve been weary of using an interior design service before, don’t be! Sue Coleman and her team can save you time, effort and money; they even offer a free initial consultation, with no obligation.

The range of servies on offer is vast, Sofa Co Plus

they provide site surveys, mood boards, bespoke joinery, CAD plans and hand-drawn sketches of proposed interiors. The soft furnishing services include but are not limited to, curtains and blinds, headboards, bedding, cushions, wall paper and paint, lighting and flooring and upholstery.

Whether you are looking for a single pair of curtains or your home needs a complete make over, Perfect Rooms can help. Pop into their showroom, enjoy a complimentary coffee and take a look around their stunning space, you’ll be sure to go home with plenty of ideas and arm-fulls of books!

01249 716445 | www.perfectrooms.co.uk

SOFA CO PLUS 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA Six years ago Tom O’Hare was busy getting ready for the grand opening of SofaCo Plus. The years have passed, and they have had great support from clients within Warminster, the

“SofaCo is now displaying a new solid oak dining range and some exclusive pieces of artwork”

Sophie Allport at Witham House Designs

surrounding villages, as far afield as Stranraer to Cardiff and even to Le Havre in France.

With frequent visits to international furniture and design shows they have kept up with market trends and offer high quality products to cover all budgets, in both fabrics and leather.

Feedback from clients has been excellent, impressed with the choice available, the keen pricing and the quality of service that you just don’t get from the big chain outlets.

SofaCo is now displaying a new solid oak dining range and some exclusive pieces of artwork; offered in amazing colours they will brighten any room.

Now is an ideal time to pop in and take a look – order your items now for pre-Christmas delivery.

01985 847031 | www.sofaco.co.uk

WITHAM HOUSE DESIGNS (Warminster) This is Witham House Design’s third Christmas in Warminster and this year they are focusing on being warm and cosy, with a lovely new range of snuggle soft throws, cushions and scarves.

Their range of Shruti washbags, handbags and accessories - including lovely scented candle and diffusers keeps expanding - as do the fun and

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[ house & home also recommend plumbers to customers who have jobs that need doing and provide contact details for them.

colourful Casey Rogers washbags with their amusing cartoon designs.

Tartan stags and hares are the themes this autumn with Sophie Allport producing a lovely new hares range which is now in store, everything from napkins to oil cloth weekend bags.

Why not come and explore, they would be delighted to greet you.

“Aston Interiors specialises in kitchen and bathroom sales, including design and installation.”

01985 220122 | www.withamhousedesigns.co.uk

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ACTIVE PLUMBING SUPPLIES (Trowbridge) Active Plumbing Supplies opened in March last year and specialises in supplying plumbing products for trade and retail customers, stocking anything to do with bathrooms and heating.

As well as supplying everything from showers, baths and sinks to radiators and toilets, Active Plumbing Supplies also offers advice to customers unsure

Active Pumbing Supplies

about how they want to design their bathroom. Manager Martyn Johnson said, “We are a relatively new business and we pride ourselves on our customer service, helping customers with any plumbing advice they need.

We always aim to go the extra mile.

The showroom has recently been completed and looks great. It helps gives people ideas and we are also on hand if customers want any tips or advice on their bathroom design.”

Along with all the other services it provides, Active Plumbing Supplies can

Mr Johnson added: “As part of the personal touch we provide we can point people in the direction of plumbers for certain jobs. We can recommend the best company to speak to depending on what they need doing. You don’t get that from your big DIY warehouses.”

01225 765000 | martyn@activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

ASTON INTERIORS (Trowbridge) Aston Interiors specialises in kitchen and bathroom sales, including design and installation. Located in Trowbridge, the team is headed up

by Mourad, who has over 20 years of experience of planning kitchens and

Bathrooms at No.5

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Has your kitchen seen better days?

eds v n a stha ous unds o of p

GO FROM THIS...

...TO THIS!

Premier Kitchen Doors can transform your kitchen with replacement doors, worktops, sinks and hobs.

You could save up to 50% compared to a new kitchen...

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Allsop Carpets & Flooring

VISIT OUR FROME SHOWROOM Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB (FREE UNDERCOVER PARKING)

WWW.ALLSOPCARPETS.CO.UK | TEL: 01373 463866

[ house & home where the sky’s the limit, Formosa can help. Natasha and her team have seen projects to completion at every budget level and have the know how to make the most of every penny, and every available square inch!

Home Inspirations

bathrooms, helping you purchase a kitchen or bathroom that looks stunning, suits your needs and which is built to last.

Although specialists in kitchens and bathrooms they can also turn their hands to bedrooms, helping with design, functionality and the usual headache of storage! They can even make adjustments to your design after installation to suit your changing needs.

Feel free to come and browse in the showroom and talk to one of the professional and friendly staff.

The showroom manager is available to assist you and there is a free, no obligation planning and design service. See website for more details.

can provide everything from a new mixer tap to the most contemporary bathrooms and wet rooms, all the while offering expert knowledge, guidance and advice throughout the process. Able to handle all manner of projects, whether it’s a compact cloakroom or a luxurious bathroom suite, Bathrooms at No.5 take great pride in everything they undertake, balancing practicality with style in every design they create. Once you’ve settled on your perfect bathroom, their expert in-house installation team will ensure it is fitted with minimum fuss, yet with the maximum care and expertise.

01225 309110 | www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

FORMOSA KITCHENS

(Bradford on Avon) Set up late in 2011, Formosa Kitchens BATHROOMS AT NO. 5 was started by Director Natasha Allin, who brought years of experience in (Bradford on Avon) the kitchen and bathroom industries When it comes to innovation and to bear in a new company that stunning design, Bradford on Avon’s gives people the choice of using a Bathrooms at No. 5 in The Shambles local, independent company where offers all you could possibly need all product knowledge, service and under one roof. Their boutique style showroom combines a fantastic range affordability stand stand by side and of products with a warm, professional not as opposing forces! Whether you are looking for a kitchen freshen service and innovative approach to bathroom design and installation. They up, or want a total transformation 01225 344566 | www.astoninteriors.com

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When you buy from Formosa, not only are you supporting a local company, but you are also buying British. They are proud to promote their British kitchen supplier and want to support British industries wherever possible, whilst also offering a deal for the customer that means the cost is kept competitive. To find out more about the Formosa ranges, or to get a quote on your new kitchen, pop in to the showroom at 32 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon or give them a call.

01225 868877 | www.formosakitchens.co.uk

HOME INSPIRATIONS (Devizes) With 25 years experience the business of home installations, director Matthew Gould and his team have built up an enviable reputation in the area in the fitting of bathrooms, kitchens, home offices and bedrooms, bringing such projects in on time and within budget.The team has vast experience and take great pride in seeing a job through to completion.

After many years of hard work and outstanding customer care they have also just been awarded Which?

Trusted Trader status. Matthew says, “This award is something the team are really pleased about and which I think reflects the hard work put in by all members of staff over a number of years. In this industry we rely on customers to take something of a leap of faith by trusting us with their home renovation, and hopefully this will give them even greater peace of mind when they do so.”

With Christmas not too far away there is still time to spruce up your kitchen before friends and family descend for

ORDER NOW FOR

PRE-XMAS DELIVERY!

Enjoy huge savings across the store!

01985 847031 | sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk| www.sofaco.co.uk | 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS THIS AUTUMN, COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FEATURING

New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs, Bespoke Furniture, Curtains & Blinds, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, Flooring, Gifts Parking is available in front of showroom

• www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • perfectrooms@btconnect.com

[ house & home the festive season – how nice would it be to be celebrating in a brand new kitchen?! Take a little time to find out more by giving Home Inspirations a call or visiting their website.

01380 728644 | www.homeinspirationsltd.co.uk

HOMEMAKER (Warminster) Homemaker is a family owned independent company supplying kitchens and electrical appliances from all the major manufactures from their three shops in Warminster, Shaftesbury and Bath. As well as kitchens, the company now also supplies beautiful fitted bedrooms too.

Homemaker is probably best known in the area for their British made kitchens

by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Quantum as well as their Hacker Kitchens, custom made in Germany.

The latest solid quartz, acrylic and timber worktops are stocked too. If you are looking for a change but need some ideas as to what you could do, or even if you know exactly what you are looking for, give the team a call – Homemaker pride themselves on

Stephen Graver

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

giving good reliable local service to their customers at very competitive prices.

01985 219200 | www.myhomemaker.co.uk

PREMIER KITCHEN DOORS (Home Visits) If your kitchen has seen better days, but you don’t have the pennies to invest in a new one, consider using Premier Kitchen Doors, who specialise in delivering kitchen makeovers,

worktops, appliances, tiling and flooring if you need it.

The choice of options is extensive, using high quality materials manufactured in the UK. As kitchen replacement specialists, Premier Kitchen Doors, a proud member of Checkatrade, prides itself on the quality of its installations. Of course they also provide new fully fitted kitchens if that is what you’re looking for. Call their freephone number now to arrange a free, no obligation, home visit.

“If your kitchen has 0800 285 1959 | www.premierkitchendoors.co.uk seen better days, but STEPHEN GRAVER you don’t have the Ashton) pennies to invest in (Steeple Exquisite quality is what you can a new one, consider expect from Stephen Graver Ltd, and what is always delivered. The company using Premier has the ability to manufacture a Kitchen Doors.” without the cost and disruption of having a new fitted kitchen.

Somerset based Premier Kitchen Doors offer a fully bespoke service and it’s not just the doors and drawer fronts that get replaced, they change, well, everything you can see, including

product that excels in every area and is backed up by the very best service.

A Stephen Graver product is designed, crafted and fitted by the very best skilled English craftsmen.

Whether it’s a coffee table or a complete new kitchen the finished

ACTIVE

PLUMBING SUPPLIES TROWBRIDGE LTD

Unit 6-7 Riverway, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8LL

TROWBRIDGE SHOWROOM OPEN FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

We are the nUmBeR one source for heating and plumbing in Trowbridge and surrounding areas.

We can supply a huge range of products: Radiators Boilers Cylinders Underfloor Heating Complete Bathroom Suites

01225 765000

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

[ house & home product is designed with real attention to detail and always includes the high quality associated with their work.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & MAINTENANCE

Get a taster of what they do by visiting their studio in Steeple Ashton, after all seeing is believing and the studio is an exciting lifestyle space which showcases a selection of their work.

Call any time between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday to discuss your requirements, or to book your personal visit to the studio.

DAVIES OF WESTBURY

01380 871746 | www.stephengraver.com

TIPADEL (Frome) The builders’ merchant Tipadel Ltd in Frome isn’t just a supplier for people in the trade. Members of the public can also take advantage of the specialist knowledge they have to offer. Head over to ‘The Studio’, their showroom, and you’ll find a wide range of well fitted displays. Here you can see their exclusive range of kitchens and bathrooms, all laden with new products that could be the exact thing you’re looking for. Tipadel also offer a design service, producing 3D models of your ideas. Once you’ve settled on what you want they will call in their trusted fitters to come and make your dream kitchen or bathroom a reality. With well over 25 years of experience they know what they’re doing ensuring that their kitchen and bathroom showroom is a pleasant and welcoming place to be, with friendly staff on hand to help you make the right choice.

01373 451600 | www.tipadel.co.uk

(Westbury) If you’re looking to finish that DIY project, get ready for winter or even plan for the festive season. Davies of Westbury is the place to go. A family run business, they have over thirty years’ experience selling everything for those all important home improvements – whether it’s for the garden, decorating the spare room, any electrical jobs and for those cooks amongst you - yes, there’s also a good range of equipment and sugar craft paraphernalia for any budding chef!

The difference between a family run business and the huge superstores is that they can offer you more choice and a much more personal service – as well as free delivery in and around Westbury.

0845 291 6015 | www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

MARDEN ROOFING (Melksham) Marden Roofing’s forte lies in the re-roofing of older properties, including listed buildings, but they are equally adept in all aspects of roofing, conversant with a wide range of roofing products including slate, tiles and leadwork. They can usually source matching materials to ensure a high quality finish, be it for a repair or extension. Marden can carry out minor and major roofing repairs together with temporary repairs to protect your most valuable asset. They do not consider any job too small and are approved by many insurance companies too. For a free, no-obligation estimate give them a call today.

“Prior & Company has builders, painters and decorators, roofers and 01249 814204 | www.mardenroofing.co.uk plasterers under & COMPANY one roof, all with the PRIOR BUILDERS experience to take (Melksham) Prior & Company Ltd offers a full range on jobs of all sizes.”

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of property maintenance services to domestic and commercial customers in Melksham, Corsham, Chippenham and surrounding areas.

A specialist building firm and member of the Federation of Master Builders, Prior & Company has builders, painters and decorators, roofers and plasterers under one roof, all with the experience to take on jobs of all sizes. Their services include painting and decorating, extensions and alterations, kitchens and bathrooms, and all work is carried out by fully qualified tradesmen who work hard to deliver outstanding results. Their improvements will increase the value of your home and may be cheaper than you think! Call to find out more.

01249 782898 | www.priorandcompany.com

SOVEREIGN DAMP PROOFING & CONSTRUCTION (Corsham) Sovereign Damp Proofing and Construction Ltd has been providing services throughout the South West since 1981. Established for over 30 years, they are renowned for their high quality of workmanship and reliability.

Sovereign offer injected damp proof courses, timber treatments including beetle infestation, wet rot and dry rot treatments, basement waterproofing (including Delta membrane systems) and general maintenance.

They also offer re-plastering services including lime based plastering - which is approved by Listed Buildings and English Heritage, which makes it perfect for use on the beautiful old properties you find in the local area. It comes as no surprise that both the National Trust and Crown Estates feature on their list of regular clients, as well as local authorities, estate and lettings agents, housing associations and architects as well as the general public.

01249 716161 | www.sovereigndpc.co.uk

Davies of Westbury D I Y, G a r d e n i n g & C o o k S h o p

SOVEREIGN DAMP PROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD APPROVED CONTRACTOR FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST & THE CROWN ESTATES

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS Rising Damp - Basement Waterproofing

For all your needs around the home, both inside and out • DIY • Gardening • Tools • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Decorating • Electricals • Cooking • Sugarcraft

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDING AREAS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 0845 2910 6015 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

Specialist Re-Plastering Replacement Wall Ties Woodworm, Dry & Wet Rot Treatment Approved Delta Membrane Installer

FREE 30 YEAR GUARANTEE Protected guarantee available - working to BS6576

Email: scott@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk

01249 716161 / 01225 811222 Unit 1, Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN

[ house & home

What a difference a year makes...

To find out more about the state of the local property market we caught up with TONY SELLICK from Martin & Co (Westbury/Chippenham) Tony Sellick (far left) with the Martin & Co Westbury team

M

artin & Co (Westbury/ Chippenham) is part of a national franchise that has been developing a property management pedigree since 1986. The business has been extremely successful by investing in well trained staff, leading technology and cutting edge marketing.

At the end of last year the Westbury branch launched into a major property sales initiative and new staff were recruited to ensure its success. Luke Hames joined the business as Area Sales Manager, with Helen Ash and more recently Lottie Hedley-Harper providing strong additional support. In fact it was amazing how all the branch staff got behind the initiative; they say a leopard can’t change its spots but it was gratifying how the lettings staff embraced the new sales activity.

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We have been delighted and extremely grateful with the way homeowners in the Westbury area have supported us in our sales initiative by entrusting us to sell their properties or to find them a new home. The team take great pride in ensuring vendors and buyers get great service and support in what can be a difficult process.

We have tried to take a slightly different approach to other local agents and have focused on producing top quality

The team takes great pride in ensuring vendors and buyers get great service and support in what can be a difficult process.

sales brochures, excellent photography and continuous service throughout the sale, right through to completion. Our efforts have seen the business go from strength to strength. We can boast a sales record to be proud of, making us one of the top agents in the region, regularly outselling our competitors.

We always aim to provide a courteous and informed service, whether you are looking to buy, sell, let or rent. We would be delighted to help you with all your property needs and look forward to hearing from you.

01249 460783 chippenham@martinco.com 01373 866686 westbury@martinco.com • www.martinco.com

[ house & home

FG Collier From luxury bathrooms and kitchens to top quality upgrades, you can get it all at FG Collier in Westbury.

W

hen deciding to change your kitchen or bathroom it is a big task with many important decisions to be made, choosing who you trust to work with for this project is an even bigger decision. FG Collier Kitchens & Bathrooms Ltd is a local, small family run business based in Westbury. Their team of designers are passionate about design and the service they offer to clients before, during and - just as importantly after installing your kitchen or bathroom. They pride themselves on their customer care and provide a service that is second to none, taking the hassle out of your project and providing minimal inconvenience to you whilst works are undertaken. They are also able to take care of everything all under one roof. This has resulted in a successful family business being built on the personal recommendations of their happy customers.

At FG Collier they fully believe your kitchen or bathroom should be designed, not just planned, and every design is individually tailored to each client’s requirements taking into consideration not only the customer’s dreams but also the homes and the unique opportunities and difficulties they may present. They offer an unrivalled design service coupled with the highest quality products on the market today.

As well as full redesigns, FG Collier also provides an upgrade service for clients looking to freshen up their kitchen by changing the worktops, sink, taps and appliances. They are also pleased to be a recommended retailer of Miele Appliances, whose new Generation 6000 range of appliances has been designed to take design consistency to a completely new level. With many working Miele appliances on display they are happy for you to come in and try before you buy.

Find the FG Collier showrooms at 29-35 Edward Street Westbury, or call 01373 822227 for more information.

• www.fgcollier.com

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At FG Collier they fully believe your kitchen or bathroom should be DESIGNED, not just planned, and every design is individually tailored to each client’s requirements

house & home ]

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What could your business do with more hours in your day?

MarMalade SolutionS provides flexible business support services to undertake those tasks that seem forever on your to-do list. Office support, project planning or event management, we offer your business tailored services to suit your individual requirements, large or small, working remotely or in-house.

Whatever your business needs, MarMalade SolutionS will give you the focused support required – and you only pay for the time you need.

Learn how you can gain time in your day to focus on driving your business forward.

Kirsten Kerr-Bonner // info@marmaladesolutions.co.uk // 01985 510499 // www.marmaladesolutions.co.uk //

[ business news

What is Direct Marketing?

PAUL TAGENT, director of the award-winning Bath Marketing Consultancy talks about taking the direct approach with your customers...

have something new to say, or are about to launch a new product or service, existing clients should be given priority and should hear about this first!

There are loads of direct marketing companies and agencies out there who will tell you how to do mass mailings, but identify your market and tailor your messaging. I’m not a fan of ‘buy now while stocks last’ or ‘BOGOF’ campaigns, but the underlying idea could be adapted. For example, target

If you have something new to say, or are about to launch a new product or service, existing clients should be given priority and should hear about this first!

T

oo many organisations perceive direct marketing as just direct mail. This is not the case. Direct marketing is a marketing method and direct mail is just one of the initiatives available. It may well form over 50% of what is done under the direct marketing heading, but it is slowly being overtaken by the increasing number of press and TV ads with some sort of direct response device, e.g “Text tell me more to 12345.”

To me direct marketing could also come under the bracket of “pull marketing” where prospects are being directly

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targeted and enticed in a company’s marketing activity to respond; they are being “pulled.” Anyway, no matter what heading or category direct marketing is put under, each marketing initiative must have some sort of response mechanism which identifies the prospect and allows him or her to start a conversation with your organisation which could well lead to an appointment and (hopefully!) a problem-solving discussion and a business relationship.

Don’t forget existing clients when you are looking at direct marketing. If you

those people with a relevant need for your product or service and have the response go to a named and labelled person within your organisation; maybe even configure a new email address or phone number purely for direct marketing purposes?

Put yourself in the position of the receivers of your offer message, “How can I get hold of this?” … and make it easy for them!

Call 01225 436426 or email Paul direct paul@bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk to find out more.

• www.bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk

[ health & wellbeing

Enjoy a fresh new you If you want to look younger and feel more confident consider a visit to The Halo Clinic, a practice that specialises in non-surgical treatments...

as well as the cost. The vast majority of treatments can be undertaken in a lunch hour; as treatments are non-invasive, side effects are minimal and clients can get on with their normal routines the moment they step out of the door. In most cases results can be seen after just a few sessions.

The clinic also advises patients on prevention of skin damage and the best way to look after your skin. They stock the Agera Rx range of skincare

As well as treatments that slow the signs of ageing, The Halo Clinic also offers solutions to problems such as scars, stretch marks, spider veins, mole and skin tag removal and much more.

T

he Halo Clinic in Chippenham specialises in non-surgical medical aesthetic treatment for women and men, using stateof-the-art technology, such as antiwrinkle injections, skin peels and microdermabrasion. Unlike beauty salons that you’ll find on the high street though, all treatments are carried out by doctors or medically qualified professionals.

Dr Tony Wright, Dr Jonathan Burrows and Dr Lauren Richardson, all GPs, are qualified and experienced medical

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Most treatments at The Halo Clinic can be undertaken in your lunch hour

aesthetic practitioners. With their team of nurses and aestheticians they offer an extensive range of procedures.

As well as treatments that slow the signs of ageing, The Halo Clinic also offers solutions to problems such as acne marked skin, scars, stretch marks, spider veins, mole and skin tag removal and much more.

Every client is given a consultation which covers all aspects of the procedure they are considering, including benefits and what to expect in the short and long term

products, only available through medical centres. They also use the Palomar Starlux laser and pulsed light system because it offers the most versatile, effective and comfortable aesthetic treatments available. This system covers fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing, permanent hair reduction, photofacials for the clearance of sun spots, rosacea and spider veins.

The friendly team at The Halo Clinic look forward to welcoming you soon. For further information and a complete list of treatments available visit the website or call 01249 454545 to discuss how they can help you achieve a fresh new you. • www.thehaloclinic.co.uk

The Halo Clinic

welcomes new & existing clients to try Micro-needling treatment If your skin is suffering from irregular pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, dehydration or acne scarring this is the treatment for you.

Each treatment is put together according to the clients skin type.

The infusion serum is able to penetrate the skin instantly and more effectively to leave you with a healthy, glowing complexion.

Our introductory offer is a course of 3 sessions taken 4 weeks apart for ÂŁ250 + an additional session FREE. Offer ends 30 nOVeMBer 2015 Please bring this advertisement with you

Call 01249 454545 to book a consultation or visit our website for more information

Y

INTRODUCTOR

OFFER

3 TREATMENTS

FOSERSSIOÂŁN2FR5EE0 +1

1.15)

(offer until 30.1

Dr Tony Wright, Dr Jonathan Burrows & Dr Lauren Richardson

The Halo Clinic, Hathaway Medical Centre, Middlefield Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 6GT

(Ample Free Parking)

A doctor led clinic Safety and quality are our top priority

info@thehaloclinic.co.uk

www.thehaloclinic.co.uk

2 Warwick Crescent, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6AA Providing domestic & commercial clients with helpful mobility aids & solutions

Stairlifts

Home Lifts

Scooters

Repairs

Call 01225 288676 or 07875 206313 for a FREE no obligation quote or to arrange a home visit.

www.raiseliftservicesltd.co.uk

We have been trading in Wiltshire for 20 years, and are specialists in writing Wills, advising on Trusts and helping with Probate.

Lasting Power of Attorney

AUTUMN PROMOTION

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OFFER PRICE % 25 (Normally £100) SAVE

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If you have money or property and become unable to deal with your affairs because of an accident or illness your assets may be frozen. If you have a stroke, or develop Alzheimer’s, your family may have to apply to the courts to deal with your affairs. This can be expensive, may take a year or more to complete and a large sum of money may have to be deposited with the courts!

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives somebody of your choice the power to deal with your financial affairs if for any physical or mental reason you were unable to. It is the only document which gives this power but you can only complete one while in good health, so you need to act as soon as possible.

To make an appointment for a home visit please telephone:

01225 400060

Head Office: Redbridge House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EW www.wtponline.co.uk | david@wtponline.co.uk | 01225 400060

e s n .

[ bath rugby

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO

BATH V QUINS Bath Rugby face Harlequins in an Aviva Premiership match on Saturday 31 October (KO 1.30pm). Enter our competition for the chance to win tickets to the game...

Irish before their European Champions Cup campaign begins with the most daunting of visits to the south of France to face reigning champions Toulon.

With the World Cup action impacting the start of the season the big games are coming at us thick and fast, it should be one hell of a ride!

• www.bathrugby.com

Crowd favourite Leroy Houston should be involved against Harlequins

B

ath Rugby kick off their Aviva Premiership campaign on Saturday 17 October against Exeter. It will be the second time in a fortnight they’ll have played the Chiefs after their encounter in the West Country Challenge Cup, which also takes place at The Rec. With so many players out on international duty it is impossible to

say how Bath will fare, though they are fortunate to have escaped playing any of their fellow top four sides whilst the RWC is on. Saying that, Exeter were unlucky to miss out on fourth place last season, Wasps are a side bursting with potential and Harlequins will be looking to improve vastly on last season’s disappointing eigth place finish. In early November Bath then travel to the Madejski Stadium to play London

UPCOMING FIXTURES

images © Patrick Khachfe. Onside Images

To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website.

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Sat 10 Oct

WCCC

Exeter Chiefs

H

17:45

Sat 17 Oct

AP

Exeter Chiefs

H

15:00

Sun 25 Oct

AP

Wasps

A

14.00

Sat 31 Oct

AP

Harlequins

H

13.30

Sat 7 Nov

AP

London Irish

A

15.00

Sun 15 Nov

ERCC

Toulon

A

15.15

TV

Sat 21 Nov

ERCC

Leinster

H

15.15

TV

Sat 28 Nov

AP

Leicester

A

15.00

TV

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

TV

Kyle Eastmond in try scoring action last season against Saracens

COMPETITION

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of two pairs of tickets to the Bath v Harlequins game on Saturday 31 October is email your answer to this easy question to: comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your contact details so we can get in touch if you are one of our winners!

WHICH LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY IS BATH RUGBY CELEBRATING THIS SEASON? Email your answers now. Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 23/10/15. Entrants must be over 18. We may pass on your details to Bath Rugby so they can contact you with relevant club information and offers. If you would prefer your details were not passed on please state NO INFO on your entry.

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[ puzzles

Tea Break Teasers GAME WORDSEARCH What/who is missing from the grid?

BLACK GROUSE COOT DUCK GOOSE GOLDEN PLOVER HARE MUNTJAC DEER MOORHEN

SUDOKU

EASY

PARTRIDGE PHEASANT PTARMIGAN RABBIT RED GROUSE SNIPE WOODCOCK

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER!

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.10.15 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: In the U.S on what date is Colombus Day in 2015?

Q2: Which band released the hit single Hate Me in 2006?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: EMOTIONS Quiz answers: 1: Saint Michael the Archangel 2: Egremont Crab Fair 3: 9 September 1950 4: Cars by Gary Numan 5: Basque Selection

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Q3: Who has an exhibition at The October Gallery, London from 8th October to 21st November 2015?

Q4: Which TV production company is behind the 2015 documentary Walking The Nile with Levison Wood?

Q5: Which pop music superstar is playing in Chicago on October 2nd 2015?

Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

[ last word

A

Vive La France!

s most of you will know, if you were paying attention last month, we have been on holiday. After the, almost, debacle of our daughters passport we were quite relieved that we were actually asked to show it. If they hadn’t I think we would probably have insisted they look at it. I can imagine my wife, wild haired and red of face, chasing a border patrol guard around the ferry terminal shouting, “ Do you realise what I had to go through to get this? You will look at it and you will comment on how perfect it is!”

We made it across the channel without too many problems. All very exciting for the child, first time on a ferry and all.

so confident of our calculations that we thought the SatNav was wrong and we would “give it a few kilometres to settle down” and then it would magically reset itself and we could reclaim our three hours. It wasn’t wrong. As a cherry on this particular cake I ended up going a little too fast.

What I have neglected to mention up to this point was that I hadn’t wanted to go to France. I’d only ever been once, on a school trip to Lourdes, and despite the fact I have never met a French person I didn’t like I somehow couldn’t shake the idea that I wouldn’t like it. It wasn’t that I kicked up a fuss about going there, I just wasn’t exactly coq-au-hoop, if you see what I mean. You know when you develop

Not for us these new-fangled, satellite-accurate websites that can predict your journey time to within a few minutes. Oh no, we did it the old fashioned method using our eyes, the scale on the map and the distance between two fingers.

Then we encountered a small problem; the drive from the ferry port to our destination. At home we’d calculated it would be a three to four hour drive. Not for us these new-fangled, satellite-accurate websites that can predict your journey time to within a few minutes. Oh no, we did it the old fashioned method using our eyes, the scale on the map and the distance between two fingers. Consequently we were approximately three hours out! Yes we now faced the prospect of, without breaks, a six hour car ride with an already overtired toddler. What was quite funny though was that we were

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an opinion about how you think something’s going to be, and you can’t be swayed, even though what you used to base that opninion on was either wrong, out of date, groundless or all of the above. Well imagine my face when the first actual French person I spoke to was a Gendarme giving me an on the spot speeding fine of €45…my wife’s face was a picture.

We like to think we are good parents.

We try and engage with our daughter at every opportunity. We answer her questions, play with her when she wants; I’ve even tried to fit my 6’3” 15

stone frame into a child’s wigwam for a ‘sleepover’. Sometimes though you just have to stick them in front of the TV and learn to love the silence. Not the best parenting in the world maybe but my guess would be everybody does it and then pretends they don’t. To this end we had invested in a portable DVD player that would hang on the back of my wife’s headrest so the smallest but most needy person in the family would have a distraction. Without question this is the best £50 we have ever spent.

For almost all of the journey down we hardly heard a peep. Except of course snippets of Paw Patrol, (Nickleodeon, check the website for scheduling details) and Ice Age 4 which were the chosen babysitters for the duration.

What a revelation, we need never worry about a long car journey ever again, our daughter will always be quiet and well behaved and we can continue arguing about the SatNav, which way we should be going and should we trust it, without any interruptions.

When we did finally get there it was fantastic. The villa was amazing, we were about a 20 minute walk from a superb sandy beach, there was a bakery about three minutes away where I would send my wife off in the morning to fetch our croissants and baguettes (it gave her a wonderful opportunity to practice her French you understand) and the weather was beautiful. In fact it was so brilliant that we’ll be booking to go back to the same place next year… turns out France isn’t so bad after all.

Phil Rockliffe

FG COLLIER_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 07/01/2015 15:02 Page 1