The West Wilts Magazine - November 2015 by Lisa Rockliffe

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 Longleat Festival of Light

November 2015 // issue 75

his month, as you might have guessed, we’ve welcomed in the yuletide season with gusto. With festive lights being turned on and the number of shopping days until Christmas now relayable in days rather than weeks we just couldn’t help ourselves. Our November edition is unashamedly crammed full of Christmas inspiration! Our cover story this month is Longleat’s Festival of Light. After the huge success of last year’s inaugural event expectations are even higher for this year’s show - see page 14 for more information.

If you want to head along to a local Christmas market, or fancy seeing the lights switched on in your hometown our guide to festive fayres and events is a must, see page 43 for the start of the feature. Foodies should also see our fab Festive Feasts feature (page 19). Finally, it’s time to get prepped. From getting decorations and trees to gifts for even the pickiest of loved ones, we Step into Christmas on page 55 and beckon you to join us!

We’ve all that, a competition to win a vegbox (page 34), an interview with Darren Edwards at Bath Rugby and all your usual favourites too. Enjoy! Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @wiredpublishing Read online... www.wired-publishing.co.uk

in this issue... LOCAL LISTINGS

What’s on in November

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events

Longleat Festival of Light

FOOD & DRINK

43 FEATURES Festive Feasts Christmas Markets & Events Step into Christmas

19 43 55

HEALTH & WELLBEING Chantry Court The Spa at Woolley Grange

70 76

BATH RUGBY An interview with Bath first team coach Darren Edwards

Yapp Brothers

Sebastien’s Bistro

Moles Brewery

Pie Recipes

Lovejoys Wholesale vegbox comp

The Three Gables

PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

COMMENT The Last Word

HOMES & GARDENS Perfect Rooms

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[ events

local

listings NOVEMBER 2015

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 www.melkshamassemblyhall.com For full listings go to the website. DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 7 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Purple Fish perform a spectacular version of the time-honoured Pink Floyd album. ROB BECKETT 13 November, 8pm Tickets: £14 Beckett’s back with a brand-new hour of funnies and he’s taking on the big issues...

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website. CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR 8 November, 7.30pm

Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10) A superb Remembrance Day concert. THE ROYAL BALLET LIVE 12 November, 7.15pm Tickets: £15 A brilliant programme of short ballets, Carmen, Viscera, Afternoon of a Faun and Tchaikovsky’s Pas De Deux. ELIZA CARTHY / JACKIE OATES / LUCY FARRELL / KATE YOUNG 13 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £19 (Concs: £9.50) A powerful acoustic folk set by a quartet of superlative, British, singing, female fiddlers. JONATHAN JAMES 17 November, 11.30am Tickets: £5 The golden age of baroque violin. ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £32 (Concs: £16) A baroque string showcase with a superstar line-up.

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Wiltshire Music Centre

JOSS ARNOTT DANCE / EVELYN GLENNIE 21 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 (Concs: £11) An explosive triple bill of high-octane contemporary dance and percussion. HUUN-HUUR-TU 22 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs: £7) Other-worldly throat-singing rooted in the natural sounds of the Tuvan Steppe.

POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk For full listings go to the website. AND THIS IS MY FRIEND MR LAUREL 7 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £13 (Concs: £11) Paying tribute to his hero Stan Laurel, Jeffrey Holland tells the tale of one of Hollywood’s great film comedians. THE FALLING (Cert: 15) 24 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) A British drama about a fainting epidemic that develops amongst a group of schoolgirls after a tragic incident. NT LIVE: OF MICE & MEN 25 November, 7pm Tickets: £15 (Concs: £14) James Franco and Chris O’Dowd star in this revival of John Steinbeck’s play.

NT LIVE: THE WINTER’S TALE 26 November, 7.15pm Tickets: £15 (Concs: £14) THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

[ events Shakespeare’s timeless tale is reimagined by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh and stars Dame Judi Dench. MINIONS (Cert: U) 27 November, 4pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by a super-villain who hatches a plot to take over the world.

MAGIC & MAYHEM FESTIVAL 19 – 22 November, various venues The brand new festival is a celebration of the heritage of cabaret, illusion, film, comedy and music in the historic and period venues of Corsham. The Festival features comedy from Richard Herring, music from Jacqui Dankworth, some of the UK’s top burlesque performers, Tim Burton-esque theatre from The Human Zoo Theatre Company, magician Paul Dabek, plus magic for all the family with the utterly spiffing Morgan and West, as well as a vintage afternoon of music and swing dance. Look out for the full programme at www.magicandmayhem.org.uk

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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. DOUG ALLAN: LIFE BEHIND THE LENS 12 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 Adventures, encounters and insights from the award winning cameraman whose credits include the BBC’s epic wildlife series The Blue Planet. THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR 14 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 ‘The Purveyors of Cool’ swing into town with the greatest music of the 20th century. ABBA MANIA 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 The world’s number one touring ABBA tribute production.

PRO EVOLUTION WRESTLING 21 November, 7pm Tickets: £10 A night of hard-hitting, high-flying wrestling entertainment. CHRISTMAS CRAFT & FOOD FAIR 28 & 29 November, 10am – 4pm FREE A one stop Christmas shop!.

MERLIN THEATRE Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk For full listings go to the website. THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) 7 & 8 November, 7.45pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs: £8.50) All 37 plays in less than two hours! LOCKE (Cert: 15) 11 November, 8pm Tickets: £6 The story of one man’s life unravelling in a 90-minute race against time.

[ events RING AROUND THE MOON 19, 20 & 21 November, 7.45pm Tickets: £10 (Concs: £8) Anouilh’s delightful romantic comedy.

THE MEMORIAL THEATRE Christchurch Street West, Frome BA11 1EB Box Office: 01373 462795 www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk For full listings go to the website. ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN performed by GARY MULLEN AND THE WORKS 21 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 (Concs: £17.50) A concert recreating the sound of one of the greatest bands of all time.

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. TINDERBOX 7 November, 7pm Tickets: £12 (Concs: £11) A war-torn soldier and an obstinate princess discover the unbreakable bonds of true love.

DUB PISTOLS 14 November, 8pm Tickets: £16.50 The English electronic music group are coming to the Cheese & Grain. LIMEHOUSE LIZZY 21 November, 8pm Tickets: £15 Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge Doors open: 7.30pm VIN GARBUTT 6 November, 8pm Tickets: £12 OPEN MIC 20 November, 8pm Entrance £3 Eddi Reader, Cheese & Grain

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

BOHEMIAN EMBASSY 21 November JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH 22 November PUSSYCAT and the DIRTY JOHNSONS 27 November SOUL STRUTTER 28 November

OTHERS

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

EDDI READER 8 November, 8pm Tickets: £21 The revered Scottish songstress makes a welcome return to the live circuit.

DYNAMITE PUSSY CLUB plus THE LINUP 6 November

TOM ROBINSON BAND 12 November, 8pm Tickets: £19 The legendary Tom Robinson Band play great new material as well as old favourites.

BOB BOWLES 8 November

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ELECTRIC GUITAR BLUES REVIEW 14 November

THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES 29 November

MACBETH 19 & 20 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 (Concs: £6) Warminster School warmly invites you to join them for The Scottish Play.

CHEESE & GRAIN

Of Mice & Men, NT Live Pound Arts Centre

EDSEL FURYS plus THE BUCKY RAGE 7 November

SEVERANCE 13 November

BATH CAMERATA: A CONCERT FOR REMEMBRANCE 8 November, 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Bathwick, BA2 4EB Tickets: £15 (Under 25’s £5) Benjamin Goodson conducts a Concert For Rememberance. Tickets from www.bathcamerata.org.uk or 01225 463362. Email catherinefreda9@gmail.com. FLYING WITH THE LARKS: THE EARLY AVIATION PIONEERS OF LARKHILL 16 November, 7pm Warminster Library, BA12 9BT FREE A talk by historian Timothy Brown on the beginnings of aviation in Wiltshire. For further information contact Warminster Library on 01985 216022.

[ local news

roundup

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

ENJOY AUTUMN AT LACOCK ABBEY November is a wonderful month to enjoy the outdoors in Wiltshire. Nature is constantly changing, as leaves turn from green to gold to red and animals prepare for their winter slumber. The wooded grounds at Lacock Abbey, with magnificent tree species, are a feast for the eyes with beautiful autumn colour. When you walk to the rock works by the Bide Brook the views across the surrounding Wiltshire landscape remind us why we love to

live in West Wiltshire. Warm up in The Stables tea-room across the road, it offers hot drinks and warming meals, and a new winter menu.

From 1 November dog walkers and their furry friends can visit the grounds at the abbey together for an autumn walk. ‘Being a small site we operate a little bit like beaches in Devon and Cornwall, in the summer dogs have the village and surrounding countryside to explore while families play and picnic in Lacock is beautiful in the autumn

the grounds. But as the leaves change colour and we get quieter we can’t wait to welcome back dogs and their owners through the gates. It’s great to see regulars return and there is always time for a cuddle and paw-five from the visitor welcome team,’ says Kristine Heuser, who works for the National Trust. If you are looking for somewhere to take your dog, visit the dog-friendly George Inn on West Street, where you can rest your paws and feet by the fire. Don’t worry, the famous ‘dog wheel’ hasn’t been in operation for many, many years. The grounds at Lacock Abbey are open daily from 11am to 4pm. Dogs are welcome on short leads from 1 November to 31 March. (Please note that dogs can’t go into the buildings and cloisters). Normal admission applies. National Trust members and under 5s go free. For more information call 01249 730459. • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

THE CHRISTMAS VINTAGE BAZAAR IS BACK IN DEVIZES With a chill in the air and Christmas fast approaching it’s time for a little retail therapy. This November sees the return of the renowned Vintage Bazaar event to The Corn Exchange in Devizes. This bi-annual event is a firm favourite with interior and

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fashion designers as well as makers and devotees of quality vintage wares. After a summer spent sourcing beautiful vintage fashion, fabric, homeware and jewellery from brocantes here and in Europe you’ll be overwhelmed by the choice and quality on offer. The stallholders come from all over the UK and are chosen

carefully to represent the very best in vintage and handmade so it’s a fantastic opportunity to purchase truly beautiful, unique items. Why not ditch the high street this Christmas and buy handmade and unique presents from this wonderful event instead? Doors open at 9.30am on Saturday 28 November so make sure the date is firmly in the diary. Follow the event on FB/Twitter and on the dedicated blog. • www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

local news ]

DOROTHY HOUSE SANTA DASH RETURNS HOLBURNE MUSEUM Sunday 6 December sees the return of the annual Santa Dash fun run around Winsley. Get into the festive spirit by getting sponsored to run 6km in your very own Santa outfit! Entrants must be aged 12 years and over on the day (with under 16s being accompanied by an adult entrant). The registration fee is £17 per person (£12 before Friday 13 November). All entrants will receive a Santa suit to wear on the day (please bring your own belt!) and post-dash

refreshments. This year is also the launch of a brand new event – the Festive Family Frolic - a 1km walk, stroll or run around the grounds of Dorothy House for all the family with Christmas fancy dress highly encouraged! For more information and to sign up for the Santa Dash or the Festive Family Frolic please visit the website or call Emily Knight on 01225 721480. • www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/events

Girls on the Santa Dash trail last year

LANTERN PROCESSION The Holburne Museum Lantern Procession, a spectacular community event, will light up Bath on Thursday 19 November. B&NES Council is linking in with this community event and the city’s Christmas illuminations will light up in celebration on the same evening. The youngest members of the Holburne Museum Lantern Procession will bring their lanterns into Abbey Churchyard for the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Jennifer Scott, the Holburne’s Director said: “I am thrilled that for the ninth year in a row the Museum will unite families, schools, students, artists and community groups for the Holburne Lantern Procession. We hope to welcome even more people this year to join in and enjoy the spectacle of lanterns illuminating the streets of Bath on Thursday 19 November.” The procession takes place on 19 November

THE 5TH FROME CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Frome Chocolate Festival is celebrating its 5th anniversary and they’re planning some rather special events. The big day is Saturday 22 November, and the event takes place the the Cheese & Grain in Frome from 10am - 4pm. As usual there will be a fabulous collection of chocolatiers, artisan cake makers, raw chocolate experts, confectioners and sweet makers. Expect chocolate bars and truffles galore, plus unusual chocolate gifts and seasonal delights. There’s a programme of FREE talks and demonstrations running throughout the day plus the famous Curly Wurly Stretching competition is back, it’s always a hotly contested, adrenaline fuelled affair. Can you beat the world record?

This year’s event is supporting Frome Children’s Festival, look out for the children’s area providing activities to keep youngsters entertained. Local charity PAC will be holding a raffle and selling Christmas cards and Fairtrade Frome will be running fun competitions. A new addition this year is the chocolate cocktail bar, chocolate martini anyone? Oh, and there’s chocolate beer too. • www.lipsmacking.co.uk

The theme of this year’s Holburne Museum Lantern Procession is The Enchanted Forest. It takes its inspiration from the museum’s displays, in particular the autumn show Gold: An Exhibition from the Royal Collection, and also the work of Japanese paper cut artist Nahoko Kojima. During the procession, birds, beasts, trees and mythical creatures will travel from the Holburne through the streets of Bath to Parade Gardens. To take part, you will need to book on to one of the Museum’s lanternmaking workshops or purchase a lantern-making kit from the Holburne Museum shop, available now. • www.holburne.org THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

local news ]

ollowing the extraordinary success of last year’s inaugural Festival of Light, which saw more than 150,000 people visit Longleat Estate over the Christmas period, organisers are determined this year’s extravaganza will be even bigger and better again. More than 20,000 individual lanterns will once again transform the estate in to a magical illuminated winter wonderland. Over three-quarters of the glowing scenes are new for this year and designers have taken their inspiration from China’s mighty Tang and Qin

A team of highly-skilled artists from Zigong in China’s Sichuan province, which has been staging lantern festivals for more than 2000 years, are travelling to the UK to help create a must-see event. “To be honest we had very high expectations for last year’s event, but even we were overwhelmed by the positive reaction from our visitors who scored the event as outstanding with a 97% rating,” said Longleat’s CEO Bob Montgomery. “Our challenge now is to go one better in 2015. There will be five additional scenes, with the majority of

"More than 20,000 individual lanterns will once again transform the estate in to a magical illuminated winter wonderland." dynasties. Among the new illuminated artworks will be the 20m tall Porcelain Pagoda – created out of 80,000 porcelain cups, bowls and plates, a 50m long, life size floating Dragon Boat and a stunning recreation from parts of the famous Terracotta Army.

the illuminated tableaux being entirely new. However several of the most popular displays; including the mythical Qilin, which are made from over 65,000 glass phials filled with coloured liquid, the giant elephants and the safari park animals will also be returning,” he added.

The festival will run alongside Longleat’s traditional Christmas celebrations which include the santa trains, giant musical Christmas tree, fairytale characters and outdoor ice skating rink. It opens Fridays to Sundays from 13th November to 6th December and then daily from 11th December to 3rd January (excluding Christmas Day.) • www.longleat.co.uk

The flowers light up the estate

The spectacular Chinese dragon boat

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CHRISTMAS PARTIES

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

Two Courses £15.95 Three Courses £19.95 THE

Shaw Country HOTEL & RESTAURANT CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN - FILLING UP FAST! 3 Course Lunch £20, Dinner £27 (Available Monday - Thursday)

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

CHRISTMAS PARTY & DISCO

Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm

AVAILABLE ON: Friday 4th, 11th and 18th Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December £32 per person, incl 3-course dinner & disco • Open to Non-Residents • Casual Dress • Large Car Park

Sun 11.30am - 10:30pm Food Served Mon - Thurs 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm - 9pm Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9.30pm Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com • +44 (0)1225 702836

PUB

food & drink ]

Eat and drink better than ever this Christmas with help from these local delis, farm shops and producers...

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[ food & drink

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is packed full of delicious Christmas goodies, premium Christmas trees and unusual gift ideas including fabulous hampers tailor made to your requirements; there are a huge range of hamper baskets ready to be filled to the brim with the goodies of your choice. There is an extensive range of locally produced goods on sale (any of which can be included) from local cheese, chutneys and biscuits, fine wines, local ales and ciders, preserves, cakes and chocolates to an entire Christmas Dinner! Orders are now being taken for Christmas in the in house butchery; home reared turkeys are naturally matured on the farm, just behind the farm shop, in large open fronted barns on deep straw bedding. Turkeys are dry plucked, hand finished and then hung for at least 7 days in cold rooms; a

Edington Farm Shop

process that preserves the natural texture and enhances the superior flavour of the bird. As well as home reared turkeys, the butchery specialises in local free range cockerels, chickens, geese, ducks and home cooked hams, all cuts of pork, beef and lamb as well as local seasonal game, dry cured bacon and gammon joints and homemade sausages and faggots. For a preview be sure to head over for their Festive Tasting Day on Saturday 21st November, when you can meet some of their suppliers and taste their delicious products!

"At Christmas Allington Farm Shop is packed full of delicious Christmas goodies, premium Christmas trees and unusual gift ideas" EDINGTON FARM SHOP

01249 658112 | www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

47 Westbury Road, Edington, Westbury BA13 4PG

Based in the heart of Edington village and with its own microbrewery, Edington Farm Shop is a great spot in which to spend time over the festive season. Firstly there is the Christmas Fair to look forward to on Tuesday 17 November. Running between 3pm and 10pm there’ll be lots of local suppliers and craft stalls offering samples of their produce, mulled wine & mince pies, carols from the Steeple Rocks choir, Roasted chestnuts, homemade soups and stews and general fun for all the family.

Allington Farm Shop

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Every week fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers and plants come straight to the shop from their very own Priory Farm, less than a mile away. This Christmas

you can really fill your boots with their delicious locally sourced veg and be sure to pre-order your free range meat from their local supplier, Downland. They offer outstanding quality joints, sausages & bacon, poultry and pork. As well as meat you can also pre-order your ‘Bag in a Box’ of Three Daggers beer and pick out a selection of homemade jams and chutneys and other deli goodies too. They are even selling Christmas trees and Priory Farm wreaths from mid-November. Pop in to find out more. 01380 830940 | www.threedaggers.co.uk

THE CHEESE SHOP 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH

The Cheese Shop, just up Market Street hill in Bradford on Avon, is a retailer of fine cheese and quality delicatessen produce including local ham, pâtés, olives, jams, chutneys, biscuits, wine, luxury chocolates, gifts, hampers and much more! Perfect treats whatever the occasion, they are also taking pre-orders for the festive season from 3 November until 4 December for your perfect cheese board at Christmas or for gift hampers for that someone special. Book early to avoid disappointment! The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from - 8.30am to 5pm. 01225 920 240 | www.cheese-shop.co.uk

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop

Established for over 30 years

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

The Cheese Shop 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES & FAGGOTS CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

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

Retailer of fine cheese, quality delicatessen produce, gifts & hampers

Saturday 21st Nov 10.30am-2.30pm

t: 01225 920240 e: info@cheese-shop.co.uk

Meet our suppliers and sample their delicious produce! www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112

Taking pre-Christmas orders from 3 Nov-4 Dec

www.cheese-shop.co.uk

[ food & drink

The Cheese Shop

CJ ROBBINS 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is now owned and run by Chris Robbins. Business is thriving largely thanks to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable price. They source many of their wares from local established micro food wholesalers, including farmers, cheese makers and egg producers, all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability.

offering a superb selection of artisan cheeses, as well as some continental and local cold meats. As you would expect there are also many other delicatessen favourites – including delicious freshly baked pastries and quiches, a selection of olives and some award winning chutneys, pickles and jams. For those with more of a sweet tooth, take a look at The Deli’s tasty cakes, biscuits and quality chocolates. You can also take home some aromatic freshly ground coffee and impressive wines. Why not request a delicious hamper, made to order? They create a unique gift for Christmas or any other special occasion. Whilst you’re there, you could also stop for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich; the perfect way to sample what The Deli has to offer. 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

goose or their own wonderful roast beef, they want to help you spoil your loved ones. You can also find some fabulous unique gifts in both farm shops including made to order Christmas hampers. At Home at Little Hartley there are plenty of cards, paper and decorations, along with an abundance of spectacular gifts for everyone. Don’t miss the gift section at Neston too, it has a similar wealth of goodies! Scribble Saturday 28th November in your diary for the Christmas Market at Hartley Farm. You can find all sorts of gifts from all their favourite producers, as well as enjoying face painting, mulled wine and mince pies! And don’t miss the Hartley Christmas Party on Saturday 5th December, it’ll offer the perfect chance to be merry with friends and family! They are also now taking

"CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations" Right now they are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites, including superb beef, ducks and cockerels, local pork and lamb as well as Sandridge Farm dry cured bacon and products.

Neston Farm Shop

HARTLEY & NESTON FARM SHOPS Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2JB Bath Rd, Atworth, Melksham SN12 8HP

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and both Hartley and Neston Farm Shops are ready for the Christmas rush. 18 High Street, Corsham, SN13 0ES Make sure to get your Christmas order Sitting on the High Street, The Deli forms in by the 14th December and is your one stop shop for some of put on a Christmas feast to remember, the finest foods in the region. It is a treating your family and friends to the licensed delicatessen and cheesemonger best quality food. Whether it’s a turkey,

Christmas party bookings, so if you are interested in holding a Christmas party of any sort at Hartley, just get in touch! 01225 864948 | www.hartley-farm.co.uk

01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk

01225 700881 | www.nestonfarmshop.co.uk

THE DELI AT CORSHAM

PAXCROFT FARM SHOP

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Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 6JB

Edward Oatley moved his already successful farm to Paxcroft back in 1947, starting a pedigree Friesian dairy herd as well as producing over

The Deli at Corsham Licensed Delicatessen & Cheesemonger

Bronwen & her team welcome you to visit and explore the impressive selection of delicatessen favourites including award-winning chutneys, pickles & jams. Delicious bespoke hampers available Why not stay for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich whilst you are here? 18 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

We are now taking orders for our locally reared Bronze Turkeys and Geese as well as all your Christmas favourites. All our staff are qualified to offer an efficient, reliable and personal service, using traditional methods of butchery. tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

Paxcroft Farm Shop Home of Wiltshire’s Finest Eggs

Free Range Eggs straight from the farm at half the price you pay at the supermarket

Wholesale prices available for customers buying more than 15 dozen eggs a week Open Monday - Friday 8am to 5.30pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 6JB • www.paxcroft.co.uk • 01225 753060

[ food & drink 500,000 chicks every year. In the 1960s The Oatley Family at Paxcroft Farm changed to commercial egg production and cereal farming. Since then, over 400 million eggs have been produced at Paxcroft Farm under the best possible conditions, without health or environmental problems. Even though the farm has expanded to incorporate offices and workshops, today’s laying stock continues to produce over 15 million eggs each year. Fresh, quality eggs of the very highest standard are what the Oatley Family pride themselves on, with Paxcroft Farm Eggs being distributed throughout Wiltshire and the South West, as well as being sold at their own farm shop. You won’t find a better egg around.

with Christmassy veg, 1kg clementines, 12 of their legendary mince pies, a 450g fruity Christmas pudding, zesty cranberry sauce, award-winning stilton and buttery oatcakes not forgetting a 6.5kg free range turkey and 16 pigsin-blankets. All organic and all utterly delicious. Alternatively they have smaller options to feed 2-3 (£65) and vegetarian boxes too. For full details head to their website where you’ll also find other Christmas favourites like hummus, olives, smoked salmon and cooked meats. 01962 763927 | www.riverford.co.uk

WHITE ROW FARM SHOP Beckington, Frome, BA11 6TN

Online

At White Row there is a farm shop with butcher, deli and a fishmongers as well as a wide variety of ciders, wines, dairy, bakery, gift and flower shop, a café, restaurant and fish and chip takeaway!

Founded in 1986 by farmer Guy Watson, veg box company Riverford makes cooking beautiful food easy

Vegetables, potatoes and salads in season are grown on the farm. From

01225 753060 | www.paxcroft.co.uk

RIVERFORD

White Row Farm Shop

with its range of flavourful, ethically produced organic meat and veg boxes. This year, they can make your Christmas food shopping stress free with their seasonal dinner boxes. Their Christmas dinner box with turkey and trimmings (£139) feeds 6 to 8 people and contains everything you need for a fantastic Christmas dinner in a box. It includes a large original vegbox packed

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early November you can start ordering your turkey and Christmas meats from the butchery and your party food from the deli including homemade quiches, flans, their famous cheesecakes and much more. There is a great range of foodie gifts in the farm shop and also

hampers made up to any size or price. The gift and flower shop can also supply Christmas table decorations, wreaths and Christmas trees. The Christmas Shopping Evening, a real seasonal highlight, is this year being held on Tuesday 3rd December (3pm-8pm). With plenty of goodies to sample including mince pies and mulled wine for everyone it is a great festive, fun and, of course, tasty evening! 01373 830798 | www.whiterowfarm.co.uk

"The Christmas Shopping Evening, a real seasonal highlight, is this year being held on Tuesday 3rd December (3pm-8pm)." White Row Farm Shop

the WILTSHIRE LIQUEUR CO. Online

The Wiltshire Liqueur Company has been providing their original liqueurs to some of the smartest country estates, stylish picnics and fun filled family gatherings since 1993. There are four delicious liqueurs to choose from; Sloe Gin, Damson Vodka, Wild Strawberry and Blood Orange, and they all are available to buy online with a bespoke labelling service so that your name or personal message can be added with no set up fees, additional print fee or minimum order. They are a wonderful idea for a Christmas gift, and failing that they are great for festive drinks, and with a collection of wonderful recipes on their website to inspire experimentation, you’ll be heading back for a top up in no time! 01264 731467 | www.wiltshireliqueur.com

Flooded with natural light by day, and romantically candlelit by night, Sebastien’s is perfect for spending time with family and friends or as the setting for a romantic meal for two.

Now Taking Christmas Bookings Lunch from £16.75 for two courses, £20.95 for three courses Evening from £20.95 for two courses, £24.95 for three courses 2 Bridge Yard, Kingston Mill, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1EJ 01225 938284 | www.sebastiens.co.uk | info@sebastiens.co.uk

[ food & drink

The Wine Experts

For exceptional quality wines head to Yapp Brothers in Mere, it’s one of the Top Ten Wine Shops in the UK...

ounded in 1969, Yapp Brothers Wine Merchants is widely recognised as the UK’s leading importer of French regional wines and was named Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year for the Rhône, Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year for Languedoc-Roussillon, and Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year for Regional France at the International Wine Challenge Awards in July 2015.

or are seeking out an ideal gift for a wine enthusiast these are the people to call. As well as providing wine, cellaring and advice to private customers, Yapp Brothers supplies many of the best restaurants in the UK encompassing over 50 Michelin stars and hosts a range of tastings & dinners at these establishments around the country.

The company is rated as one of the ‘Top Ten Wine Shops in the UK’ From its premises in Mere, Wiltshire, Yapp by The Times and ‘Top Ten Online Wine Merchants in the UK’ by The Brothers runs a busy shop, mail order and internet operation. If you are looking Independent. And the plaudits don’t stop there. “There are wines at Yapp to get organised for the festive season, Brothers that you simply can not find anywhere else” says the Daily Telegraph. Even better, it’s on your doorstep and if you can’t make it quite that far they even offer next day delivery across the UK!

As well as providing wine, cellaring and advice to private customers, Yapp Brothers supplies many of the best restaurants in the UK 26

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To find out more head to their website, call 01747 860 423 or pop into the

shop, on Water Street in Mere. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. • www.yapp.co.uk

CHRISTMAS WINE TASTING & SALE Friday 27 & Saturday 28 November, 9.30am - 5pm

Set yourself up for the festive season with one of Yapp’s legendary Christmas tasting and sale events. Over 30 wines will be open for tasting and discounted from list prices.

Christmas Wine Tasting & Sale DATE Friday 27th & Saturday 28th November TASTING HOURS 9.30am - 5.00pm VENUE Yapp Brothers, Water Street, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6DY

ENQUIRIES Telephone 01747 860423 or EMAIL sales@yapp.co.uk Visit one of the Top 10 Wine Shops in the UK (as rated by The Times) and set yourself up for the festive season with our legendary Christmas tasting and sale, where over 30 wines will be open for tasting and discounted from list prices.

01747 860423 | www.yapp.co.uk

Yapp Brothers, Water Street, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DY Shop Open Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 9am-5pm

[ food & drink

Sebastien’s Bistro

With its stunning riverside location and wonderful modern French cooking, Sebastien’s is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal out with family and friends. Sebastien’s offers two and three course options for lunch and dinner, as well as boasting the perfect spot in town to take in the winter views with family, friends and colleagues.

Sebastien’s offers unrivalled views of the river Avon

Christmas at Sebastien’s offers two and three course options for lunch and dinner, as well as boasting the perfect spot in town to take in the winter views They also host popular theme nights, with the next one coming up on Thursday 12 November, and booking is essential.

ebastien’s is a small, family-owned French bistro in the centre of Bradford on Avon, serving simple, modern cuisine with roots in French classics. True to the style of a modern bistro, the approach is uncomplicated, and while the menu is concise, the choices are varied across a range of brunch, lunch and dinner options, as well as a weekday set menu. Over the past year, periodic tastermenus have been gaining something of a reputation. These four or five course set menus showcase the varied and rich regional cuisine of France. Previous theme nights have included seafood, influenced by Sebastien’s Breton heritage, and tastes of the

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The Christmas lunch menu starts at £16.75 for two courses and £20.95 for three courses, and the evening menu starts at £20.95 for two courses and £24.95 for three courses. Perigord, with a menu put together around ingredients from the region. Starting in December, and taking bookings from now, Christmas at

For further information, please email info@sebastiens.co.uk or call today on 01225 938284. • www.sebastiens.co.uk The menu offers modern French bistro cooking

[ food & drink

Enjoy a Christmas Cracker!

With several options for your Christmas parties and festive celebrations, one of Moles Brewery’s wonderful local pubs is bound to fit the bill... THE DUKE

The Duke in Bratton is a lovely village pub that is renowned for its tasty food. They are particularly known for their ability to accommodate special dietary requirements, offering a gluten free, egg free and lactose free menu; perfect if you are looking to feed a crowd. Their Christmas menu offers two courses for £18.95 or three for £23.50 and is available from 1st December until Christmas Eve. The menu includes real Christmas classics like prawn cocktail, roast turkey with all the trimmings (naturally!) and Christmas pudding served with brandy butter or cream. They are also open on Christmas Day (pre-booking essential) with a three course menu at £50 a head. Open throughout the festive season, pop in on New Year’s Eve and you can enjoy live music too.

The Pilot has a large function room with its own bar and can accommodate up to 50 people. The Christmas menu offers 2 courses for £13.50 and three for £17.95 – cracking value! Over the festive season there is also a Christmas Eve all request disco, a Boxing Day karaoke and a New Year’s Eve 80s themed disco – fancy dress of course! 01225 790599 | pilotbowerhill.cascadepubs.co.uk

THE RISING SUN

The Rising Sun sits atop Bowden Hill in Lacock, offering wonderful views across the village and the countryside beyond. The pub is warm and cosy, the roaring fires and wooden beams make it a lovely place to enjoy a pint or a bite to eat. The Christmas menu offers two courses for £16.95 and three for £19.95, with the conservatory an ideal spot for taking in those fantastic views. They are 01380 830242 | dukebratton.cascadepubs.co.uk also open on Christmas Day (£54.95 for THE PILOT three courses, under 12s £29.95), though The Pilot in Bowerhill is a real hub of the pre-booking is essential. Choose from community. Landlords Nick and Debbie the likes of scallops and black pudding work hard to ensure their pub offers to start, orange and plum roast duck a warm welcome, great ales, home for main and toffee and pecan nut cooked food and a fun atmosphere. All meringue roulade to finish. Delicious! the key sporting events are beamed on 01249 730363 | risingsunlacock.cascadepubs.co.uk the two big screens, whilst the perfectly kept range of Moles real ales are a great HARP & CROWN accompaniment to the tasty food. From the days of being an inn for

The Pilot offers great value food

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You’ll always get a great pint at a Moles pub!

highway men or travellers it is now a pub which welcomes a very different kind of visitor. Some from nearby Melksham and Corsham, others from Bath, Chippenham and beyond! They come to enjoy a range of well-kept real ales, excellent wines, local ciders and also the fantastic menu of home cooked food.

Visitors come to enjoy a range of well-kept real ales, excellent wines, local ciders and also the fantastic menu of home cooked food. Harp & Crown The Christmas Party Menu offers two courses for £19.95, three courses for £24.95 and mixes traditional offerings with dishes such as Tuscan bean soup, sea bass in sage butter and Prosecco and elderflower sorbet. The full menu can be viewed on the website, and if you would like to book a large party the beautiful conservatory, which sits a comfortable 45 people, is ideal. Highlights of the festive season include a visit from Santa on 20th December, a Christmas Quiz on 22nd December and a NYE Party Disco. Dress to impress, dance the night away and enjoy a free glass of fizz at midnight too! 01249 715697 | harpandcrowngastard.cascadepubs.co.uk

A LOVELY VILLAGE PUB WITH GOOD FOOD, GREAT BEER & FRIENDLY SERVICE

CHRISTMAS MENU

A LARGE COMMUNITY PUB OFFERING GREAT VALUE FOOD & QUALITY ALES

CHRISTMAS MENU

2 COURSES £18.95, 3 COURSES £23.50

2 COURSES £13.50, 3 COURSES £17.95

• Large Car Park • Special Dietary Menus Available • Live Sport • Great Views

• Live Sport • Function Room • Pool, Darts & Skittles • Live Music Every Week

Melbourne Street, Bratton, Westbury, Wilts BA13 4RW

56 Blenheim Park, Bowerhill, Melksham, Wilts SN12 6TA

01380 830242 | dukebratton@cascadepubs.co.uk

01225 790599 | pilotbowerhill@cascadepubs.co.uk

ENJOY STUNNING VIEWS & TASTY FOOD AT THIS QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH PUB

A BEAUTIFUL PUB THAT OFFERS A WARM WELCOME & SUPERB FOOD & DRINK

CHRISTMAS MENU

2 COURSES £16.95, 3 COURSES £19.95

2 COURSES £19.95, 3 COURSES £24.95

• Large Car Park • Stunning Countryside Views • Family Friendly

• Large Car Park • Private Parties Catered For • Family Friendly

Melbourne Street, Bratton, Westbury, Wilts BA13 4RW

Velly Hill, Gastard, Nr Corsham, Wilts SN13 9PU

01380 830242 | dukebratton@cascadepubs.co.uk

01249 715697 | harpcrowngastard@cascadepubs.co.uk

[ recipes

Pies

Perfect

Comfort eat in style this month with these delicious pies - recipes come courtesy of Waitrose as usual.

STEAK & CARROT POT PIES

Method Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Heat the THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Add the onion, carrots and mushrooms to the pan. Cook over a medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Stir in the flour, then gradually add the stock and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. Season and bring to a simmer, return the steak to the pan, then cook gently for 5 minutes.

Serves 6

Lay the pastry sheet on a clean work surface and place 6 x 250ml pie dishes upside down on top of it. Cut around each one to make a pastry lid for each pie (you can roll the pastry a little larger if you need to). Divide the steak mixture between the pie dishes and top each one with a pastry lid, crimping the edges to seal. Make a small hole in the top of each pie, place on a baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is risen and golden. Serve with green vegetables.

✃

oil in a large saucepan and add the steak. Cook for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

✃

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 2 x 340g packs of beef frying steak, cut into 3cm dice 1 onion, diced 2 large carrots, diced 200g pack button mushrooms 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp plain flour 400ml beef stock 2–3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 320g puff pastry sheet

recipes ]

LEEK, MUSHROOM & GRUYERE PIE Serves 6

Ingredients 3 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into cubes 1 tbsp sunflower oil 400g leeks, trimmed & roughly chopped 300g chestnut mushrooms, quartered 200g creme fraiche 100g Gruyere, grated 320g pack puff pastry sheet 1 medium egg, beaten Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes and drain. While the potatoes are boiling, heat the oil in a medium saucepan and gently sweat the leeks and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until beginning to soften.

✃

Stir through the creme fraiche and grated cheese, and add the parboiled

potatoes. Season with a small pinch of salt and some black pepper.

away any excess and pressing down the edges.

Place the filling in a medium rectangular baking dish just a little smaller than the pastry sheet, and top with the sheet of puff pastry, cutting

Brush all over with beaten egg and cut a hole in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

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[ food & drink

A Man For All Seasons NEIL MORTIMER is the man behind specialist fruit and veg supplier Lovejoys Wholesale. The business is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month and we caught up with Neil to find out the secret of the company’s success…

How did Lovejoys Wholesale come into being? Well I’m from a farming background. After getting my qualifications from Pershore Horticultural College I came back to work on the family farm, responsible for growing 250 acres of vegetables and arable. I then ran a greengrocers in Melksham, which in turn led to the establishment of the wholesale business in 1995. It came about by chance really, when customers asked me to supply their restaurants

and pubs. It wasn’t my initial intention but it has turned into a thriving business where we supply great local produce to local pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops among others. What do you supply? Predominantly we supply seasonal, locally grown fruit and veg, but also milk, cheese and bread. Much of what we sell is grown right here in Wiltshire, and we also source from producers in the Vale of Evesham and from Bristol Market.

Who do you supply? We supply many restaurants in Bath and Wiltshire, within about a 90 minute radius of our base in Melksham. We also supply schools, care homes, pubs, garden centres, village shops and farm shops. In all we have over 200 regular customers and we pride ourselves on our levels of service; we always try do our absolute best for our customers. What’s the best bit about your job? I used to love being outdoors all day in the fields, especially in the spring. My favourite bit was harvesting on the morning, knowing what we picked would be on sale that day! Although

Competition

Lovejoys Wholesale is also celebrating its anniversary by offering readers the chance to win a fruit and veg box worth £30! All you have to do to enter is email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name and address so we can send your box to you if you win. Good luck! Lovejoys Wholesale was founded in what year? Email your answers now!

Neil (left) with one of his growers in Bromham

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Closing date for entries is 30/11/15. Entrants must be over 18. We may pass on your details to Lovejoys Wholesale so they can contact you with relevant offers. If you would prefer your details were not passed on please state NO INFO on your entry. Veg box is to be collected from the warehouse unless you are on the Lovejoys delivery route in which case they’ll drop it off!

food & drink ] Any plans to celebrate? Absolutely! We’re having a barge trip, a brewery tour, a competition for our chefs to win a bike and a 20th anniversary dinner for our staff and customers.

Neil (second from left) and the team at Lovejoys HQ

"We know all our chefs by name and they know they can get hold of us for information or advice at any time. They all depend on quality and that is what we aim to give them." other people grow for me now, I’m still very in touch with the seasons and we grow many crops to order for our chefs. In the last few years that has included growing heritage varieties like pink fir apple potatoes, stripy beetroot and mixed colour carrots. I also like eating out at the many lovely restaurants I supply to actually see the end of the journey on the plate. What’s the secret of your success? The business has grown gradually and we’ve always ensured we have the ability to provide what our customers want. We know all our chefs by name and they know they can get hold of us for information or advice at any time. They all depend on quality and that is what we aim to give them. If a chef

wants something unusual we can source it for them. We support our chefs with weekly specials lists, monthly newsletters and can also arrange farm visits if they would like to meet our growers. How important is it to buy local? I urge everybody to try to buy British as much as possible, just look at the label. You can support the growers in this country who get up in all weathers to grow local food. They are under threat from the cheap imported fruit and vegetables now available pretty much all year round in supermarkets. Not only are you helping the local economy but you are also getting healthy, tastier produce that is being eaten in the right season.

And what’s best to eat right now…? Winter is nearly here! We are starting to gear up for the Christmas season. Our prep room will be at its busiest. If you are handy with a knife or a peeler and fancy some seasonal work please contact me by email - I’m serious about that too! Root vegetables are the centre of attention this month with the famous Bromham parsnip in full production. Parsnips have been grown in the village for generations as the sandy soil provides the best conditions for the tap root to grown deep into the soil. It also allows heavy machinery on to the field during wet conditions which going by our weather in this country sometimes we are very grateful for! Locally grown at the moment are swede, beetroot, curly kale, cavolo nero, celeriac, brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage and bunch carrots. On your allotment or in your veg patch you can sow broad beans directly into the soil. Now is also the time to reflect on the season gone and plan for the next new year of growing. Decide what you want to grow and go for it! • www.lovejoyswholesale.com

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+ 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 Saturday 21st November, 9am to 1pm

CHRISTMAS MARKET Do you make something? Book a stall!

t 01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ

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

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!

[ food & drink

The Three Gables

One of Bradford on Avon’s premier fine dining establishments is gearing up for a very busy festive season.... The Three Gables is one of the best restaurants in the area

Enjoy the wonderful ambience...

Christmas is a fantastic time to try the Three Gables. Their seasonal Christmas lunch costs £19.50 for two courses and £24 for three courses, whilst dinner comes in at £32 Tuesday to Thursday and £35 on Friday and Saturday, with coffee, mince pies and Christmas crackers included. Vito and the team are also hosting their hugely popular New Year’s Eve celebration dinner once again. The five course dinner is priced at £92.50 per person, and places always fill up fast, so be sure to make your reservation soon. • www.thethreegables.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday 5 November

he Three Gables is an award-winning restaurant that marries old fashioned values of service, exquisite cooking and a stunning setting to provide a combination that attracts diners not just from Bradford on Avon, but from Wiltshire, Bath and beyond! Restaurant manager Vito Scaduto and classically trained head chef Marc Salmon each have more than two

Vito and the team are also hosting their hugely popular New Year’s Eve celebration dinner once again decades’ experience in the region’s finest restaurants and hotels. In the kitchen at The Three Gables Marc

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

DELAS RHÔNE DINNER with ETIENNE DEFOSSE

creates dishes that have garnered 2 AA Rosettes, 3 Forks in the Michelin Guide and entry in the 2016 Good Food Guide. Taking charge of front of house, Vito and the waiting staff see their guests receive efficient service and the warmest of welcomes. Vito is also responsible for the exquisite wine list, sourced with care and exceptional attention to detail.

Champagne & canapés from 7.30pm, Dinner at 8pm Four courses including wines £85.00 per person Thursday 31 December

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION DINNER

Aperitif & canapés from 7.30pm, Dinner at 8pm Five course dinner £92.50 per person ...and award-winning food

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

THE

WESTBROOK INN F R E E H O U S E

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.

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Bookings Now Being Taken

Lunchtime: 2 Courses £17, 3 Courses £21 Evening: 2 Courses £20, 3 Courses £24 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

Crackers & fun packs included Go to our website for menu & order forms

SUNDAY ROASTS

Lunches served from noon (Bookings Recommended)

THURSDAYS IS ‘PIE DAY’ A good selection of homemade pies, peas & mash only £7.50!

Tel: 01380 850418 | www.westbrookinn.co.uk Westbrook, Bromham, Nr Chippenham SN15 2EE

Open 11.30am-3pm & 7pm 11pm, Tues to Sat, Sun 12noon-4pm Closed Mondays

NOW TAKING

CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

The Three Gables

THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER DELAS RHÔNE DINNER with ETIENNE DEFOSSE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Champagne & canapés from 7.30pm. Dinner at 8pm Aperitif & canapés from 7.30pm. Dinner at 8pm Four courses including wines £85.00 per person Five course dinner £92.50 per person

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

christmas ]

The

Christmas Countdown

Christmas Markets, Fayres and Lights Switch Ons are coming to town! Here is the rundown on the what’s happening in our area...

BRADFORD ON AVON The big night in Bradford is Friday 27 November, with the Lights Switch On at 7pm and late night shopping until 8pm.The lighting will stretch further this year and include Market Street, Silver Street, St Margaret’s Street and Church Street. This year also sees the introduction of sparkling Christmas globe lights

hanging outside many shops and cafes. Trees will be erected in Westbury Gardens, Lamb Yard and outside the Station, with the tree in Lamb Yard designated as a ‘Giving Tree’ to collect donations for Dorothy House and Bath Cats & Dogs Home. On the night itself you can enjoy a bar and food in Westbury Gardens with children’s rides, choir and samba band that will lead

crowds over the footbridge into Church St, along Market St, through the Shambles and over to Lamb Yard where there will be more food and entertainment. With the shops opening late and most offering festive refreshments it should be a wonderful kick off to Christmas! www.bradfordonavon.co.uk

CHIPPENHAM Actor and TV presenter Warwick Davis will be the special guest at this year’s Chippenham Christmas Lights Switch On, which kicks off a weekend

Bath Christmas Market

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

[ christmas Corsham is also a really great place for finding those extra-special Christmas presents for all the family. Whether you’re looking for the year’s Taking place Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November and commencing at 5pm, best-seller; toys for would-be super heroes; crafty projects to keep them the Lights Switch On extravaganza quiet; something chic from a bygone will be centred on a stage erected age, or even five gold (or diamond) on Town Bridge. This year’s two-day rings, you’ll find them all in historic, event features a packed programme beautiful Corsham – and you can of attractions and entertainment get your Christmas cake and locallysuitable for all the family and includes; an undercover roller disco in The Neeld sourced turkey here too! And when you’re all shopped out, put your feet Hall; bands, choirs and carol singers; a Christmas market in Market Place; land up and enjoy a drink and something to eat in one of the town’s great cafes, train; artificial snowstorm; and even a pubs or restaurants. Santa Phone for children to put calls in www.corsham.gov.uk to Santa. www.chippenhambid.co.uk of celebrations that will be the biggest event of its kind the town has seen.

image ©Andrew Eberlin

CORSHAM On Friday 4 December, the Christmas lights go on in Corsham, and Father Christmas will be making a very special visit, along with his reindeer! There’s also a Christmas Market, entertainment, music, donkeys, festive food, mulled wine and lots more. The family-friendly fun starts at 5.15pm, with the lights on at 6pm. And just before, on Saturday 28 November, from 10am-1pm, the High Street’s Wishing Tree will be open, taking wishes from good boys and girls of all ages to hang on the town’s Christmas tree.

MELKSHAM

The everpopular Christmas Lights Switch On in Melksham takes please on Saturday 6 December in the Market Place. On the Saturday there is also a Christmas Fayre taking place in the Assembly Hall from 11am until 5pm. It will feature an abundance of Christmassy stalls from local groups and businesses, Santa’s Grotto for the children and live entertainment throughout the day. The switching on of the famous Melksham Christmas Lights, run entirely by volunteers, takes place at 5pm. www.melkshamtown.co.uk Bradford on Avon

TROWBRIDGE The county town is going all out again this year to ensure their festive season kicks off with a bang! The big day is Saturday 28 November. In Fore Street, Silver Street and Market Street there is a Christmas Fayre with lots of different stallholders, music, fair rides, stilt walkers, elves, a land train, reindeers and more. There will be a Treasure Trail around town (10am until 3pm) with the winner set to assist with the Lights Switch On! A real highlight is the Lantern Procession. Starting at the war memorial in Trowbridge Park, it will travel through the illuminated sensory garden to the Lights Switch On at 5.15pm in front of the Town Hall. This is followed by a carol service at St. James’ Church, which begins at 5.30pm, whilst the stalls will remain open until 8pm. Also running over the weekend of 28 & 29 November, and on selected days in the lead up to Christmas, is Santa’s Grotto at The Shires, which will also be offering free parking all day on the Saturday. The grotto entry fee is £4.50 (for a photo with Santa OR a present from Santa – £8 for a photo with Santa AND a gift from Santa) plus there’s free face painting for the children between 11am and 3pm and Dave Hickory will be out and about in the mall showing off his balloon modelling skills. See www.shirescentre.co.uk for full details. www.trowbridge.gov.uk

WESTBURY Christmas in Westbury is a wonderful time when families and friends can all get together and enjoy the festivities. This year is no exception, and there is a fantastic programme of events starting on Saturday 7 November with the Christmas Card Exhibition and Model Competition. Free to enter, there are categories from 3-5 years, 6-8years and 9-11 years. The main event this year is on Saturday 28 November with the Christmas Street Fayre and Lights

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Devizes Venues

Planning Your Wedding

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

Christmas Vintage Bazaar

Saturday November 28th The Corn Exchange, Devizes, 9.30-3.30pm Come and purchase beautiful and unique Christmas gifts direct from the dealers and designers at this fabulous event.

www.thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

SEASONAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR ALL Christmas Card Exhibition & Model Competition Saturday 7th November, 2.30 – 4pm The Laverton. FREE ENTRY. Categories 3-5yrs, 6-8yrs & 9-11yrs.

Street Fayre & Lights Switch On

Saturday 28th November 2015, 10am – 9pm High Street (inc car park), Maristow Street, Market Place and Church Hall. Christmas Camel, Live Music, Street Entertainers, Reptile Display, Petting Zoo, Miniature Railway, Fun Fair, Food Stalls, Father Christmas Grotto and much more.

Children’s Party

Sunday 6th December 2015, 1.30pm – 4.30pm Leighton Recreation Centre. Entry £4 Festive Fun & Activities including: Didi cars, Father Christmas and Dave Hickory Balloon Magician. Children’s Party.Tickets from Leighton Recreation Centre, 01373 824448.

Pool Party

Friday 11th December 2015, 6 – 8pm Westbury Swimming Pool, Entry £1 For young persons aged 9-12yrs. Booking essential, £1 refundable booking fee applies.Tickets available from Westbury Swimming Pool. For more information contact Westbury Town Council Tel 01373 822232 Or visit our website: westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

christmas ] Warminster Market Place

Switch On in the town centre. Running from 10am-9pm there will be live music, street entertainers, a petting zoo and reptile display, fairground rides, food, Father Christmas, a miniature railway and much more (including a Christmas camel!). The very popular children’s party will be taking place on Sunday 6 December at Leighton Recreation Centre for those aged 3-12 years and there’s also a children’s Pool Party to look forward to on Friday 11 December. Full details of these and other Christmas events in Westbury and surrounding villages will be found in the Christmas in Westbury booklet. www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

"Christmas in Westbury is a wonderful time when families and friends can all get together and enjoy the festivities." WARMINSTER Warminster’s ever popular Christmas Market will be held at the Civic Centre, Sambourne Road on Saturday 28 November from 10am until 4.30pm. The centre will be packed with over 30 stalls offering a wide variety of Christmas gift ideas, including local handcrafted products, art and food.

Children can visit Santa and local choirs will add to the festive occasion. There will be free parking in town all day, so shoppers can stay to enjoy the switch-on of Warminster’s wonderful Christmas lights between 5pm and 7pm. The switch-on ceremony will be supported by live music from Dukebox and Warminster Community Choir, street entertainment and a lantern parade through the Three Horseshoes Walk into the Market Place led by the irrepressible Bath Samba Band. Don’t miss it! www.warminster.uk.com

OTHERS BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET Head to Bath’s Christmas Market and see the city transform into a winter wonderland. This year’s dates are 26 November – 13 December, giving you 18 days to enjoy the magic of Bath and all that the city has to offer. The biggest Christmas shopping event in the South West, over 170 beautifully decorated wooden chalets line the city centre, with the stunning backdrop of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. The chalets offer handmade Christmas decorations, local artwork, bespoke jewellery, festive food and drink, toys, clothing and much more. There are also pop-up stalls on Bath Street,

there for a limited time only. This means your visit will never be the same and you can come back and see what has changed. For 2015, 25% of stallholders are new to the event, 75% make handmade artisan products, and 80% of traders are from Bath and its surrounding area, making it a great place to head and support local artisanal businesses. New this year to the market is The Christmas Lodge, an indoor venue on Stall Street. With warming comfort food and locally produced ales on offer, drop in and take a seat whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile the city itself boasts a unique mix of independents, designer boutiques and high street brands, giving you an eclectic mix of things to do. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

BATH GUILDHALL MARKET The Bath Guildhall Market is located on the east side of the High Street, between the Guildhall to the south, The Victoria Art Gallery and Bridge Street to the north and New Market Row to the east (directly across the road from the weir by Pulteney Bridge). The Market is one of the longest running shopping venues in Bath, serving the community for around 800 years and operating from its current venue in one form or another from at least the 16th century. The Market is home to 20 independent retailers and serves up a plethora of products and services including a traditional sweetshop, secondhand books, phone & PC repairs, handmade leather goods, two cafes, natural health products and a helluva lot more! Catering for virtually everything you need under one roof – it’s always service with a smile and the personal attention one always gets when dealing with family run businesses! At Christmas things really step up and the excitement and buzz of Bath THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

[ christmas Guildhall Market’s annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. Extending out of the building next to the Market Café, large interlinked centrally heated marquees are erected in the car park at the rear housing an amazing array of fabulous seasonal gifts for everyone. There’s also a licenced bar serving locally brewed Abbey Ales beers, hot mulled wine and ‘live’ entertainment throughout the day. This year’s Christmas Market runs for 18 days from Thursday 26 November until Sunday 13 December – entrances on Orange Grove, Pulteney Bridge and High Street. www.bathguildhallmarket.co.uk

BOX Get fabulously festive and join us at the annual Box Christmas Market. This popular event takes place at Selwyn Hall, Box on Saturday 5 December from 2-5pm. Guaranteed to provide magical Christmas fun, present shopping galore, children’s entertainment and superb food from the Little Box Café.

East Farm Christmas

real live nativity animals to a meeting with Father Christmas himself, and the opportunity to purchase the most beautiful Christmas decorations sourced from across the globe.

Open until 23 December, customers can enjoy time away from the stress of overcrowded shops and streets with the added bonus of free parking, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff to help find the perfect decorations Be inspired by a whole range of and gifts. On site there is also plenty local gift and food stalls including for children to do, with Tinsel the Box Candle Company, Tallulah Bow donkey and other animals to meet (children’s clothing) and many other and a grotto with Father Christmas (on wonderful artisan producers. selected dates) – his arrival by tractor is always eagerly awaited. There is Santa will be making an appearance at also a charming vintage café, which the event in his magical grotto which is offers a warm welcome on cold days sure to delight the little ones. There will with steaming mugs of hot chocolate, also be plenty to entertain the younger delicious homemade cakes, bowls of generations including decoration and piping hot soup and the chance for a card making, icing cookies, lucky dip get together with friends and family. and face painting. Children can enter www.eastfarmchristmas.co.uk the market for free and adults receive a complimentary glass of bubbly with their £2.50 entry ticket purchased at The historic market town of Devizes the door. All profits will go towards the provides a stunning backdrop to Charity run Box Pre-School Playgroup. the Christmas Festival and the Christmas Markets and 2015 will be no exception. Christmas markets are Now in its sixth year, the East Farm held in the Corn Exchange, Market Christmas shop in Codford near Place and Shambles through the day Warminster captures the very essence on Friday 27 November. Live music, of Christmas - from an encounter with children’s choirs and street shows will

DEVIZES

EAST FARM CHRISTMAS

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once again entertain the shoppers and visitors and families can visit Father Christmas in his Wharf side grotto for free! The magical Lantern Parade, which now attracts more than 2000 participants, will wind its way around the town, finishing in the Market Place where Father Christmas will turn on the lights and start a firework display! A truly festive way to start the yuletide celebrations! www.devizes-tc.gov.uk

"Live musical entertainment and heartwarming harmonies lead the way at the Christmas at STEAM event on 5 and 6 December." STEAM Live musical entertainment and heartwarming harmonies lead the way at the Christmas at STEAM event on 5 and 6 December. The event is full of the traditional experiences of Christmas and includes access to STEAM’s permanent displays – all for a specially discounted price of £3 for adults (or two adults for £5) and just £1 each for children (3-15 years). Under threes go free. Festive performances are included in the special ticket price and include the joyful ambience of shows on stage by Pegasus Brass, Swindon Male Voice, Kentwood and Thamesdown Ladies Choirs, scheduled throughout the weekend. Amidst the evocative sounds and yuletide aromas, the museum’s famous locomotives and hands-on exhibits provide the perfect backdrop for an experience filled with sparkle and cheer. Santa’s story-time sessions (for an extra charge and to be booked in advance) and a sumptuous Christmas Café complete the Christmas magic. www.steam-museum.org.uk

Trowbridge Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On Saturday 28th November Christmas Fayre10am – 8pm at Fore Street / Silver Street / Market Street

outside Trowbridge Town Hall

PLUS... Stalls, Stilt Walkers, Elves, Land Train, Choirs, Reindeer, Fair Rides, Father Christmas Grotto at The Shires, Food & Drink & much more!

�✃

from Trowbridge Park

Lights Switch On 5.15pm

WWM022

Torch Light Procession 4.45pm

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.12.15. ROAR

EAT Enjoy breakfast lunch and dinners, craft beers, wines & much more at The Lock Inn Café beside the Kennet & Avon Canal. www.thelockinn.co.uk 01225 868068

CHEESE &GRAIN FRI 6 NOV 8PM SAT 7TH NOV 8PM SUN 8TH NOV 8PM THU 12TH NOV 8PM FRI 6TH NOV 8PM SAT 7TH NOV 8PM SUN 8TH NOV 8PM THU 12TH NOV 8PM FRI 13TH NOV 8PM SAT 14TH NOV 8PM SAT 21ST NOV 8PM WED 25TH NOV 8PM SAT 28TH NOV 8PM SUN 29TH NOV 8PM WED 9TH DEC 8PM FRI 11TH DEC 8PM FRI 18TH NOV 8PM THU 31ST DEC 8PM TH

PEDAL OR PADDLE TT Cycles is a premier bike shop offering sales and servicing whilst Towpath Trail offers bike and canoe hire. www.ttcycles.co.uk 01225 867187

SLEEP Widbrook Barns offers self contained, comfortable B&B barns in private grounds plus Gypsy Caravan stays. www.widbrookbarns.co.uk 01225 865049

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

KING KING £17.50 WISHBONE ASH £19 ADV EDDI READER £21 ADV TOM ROBINSON BAND £19 ADV KING KING £17.50 WISHBONE ASH £19 ADV EDDI READER £21 ADV TOM ROBINSON BAND £19 ADV AKA £13 ADV DUB PISTOLS £16.50 ADV LIMEHOUSE LIZZY £15 ADV WALTER TROUT £26.50 ADV THE PRETTY THINGS £18 ADV LINDISFARNE £17.50 ADV JOHN COOPER CLARKE £19 ADV BAY CITY ROLLERS £18.50 ADV THE BEAT £16.50 THE BIG NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY £12.50 ADV

www.cheeseandgrain.com

Eddi Reader

Dub Pistols

John Cooper Clarke

Christmas Christmas Department NOW OPEN!

at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk Tel 01225

763927

Find... Christmas Trees, Gifts, Lights, Children’s Toys, Decorations, Wreaths, Garlands & much much more! Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Premier Plastics, Pools, Spas & Landscapes, Room to Groom, Indoor Growstore, J C Hairstylist and The Nail Emporium.

christmas ]

STEPinto

CHRISTMAS Read our guide to getting ready for the festive season, complete with decoration and tree buying ideas and gift inspiration!

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[ christmas paraphernalia, including Le Creuset and other top brands, there is plenty for any budding chef too! Beyond that there are games and puzzles, toys for children, airfix models and much more. They also have everything you need to get prepped for winter and the festive season including leather draught excluders, hot water bottles, logs and fuel as well as Christmas trees, decorations and lights. Their in-store Dulux paint mixer can also make up any of their 500+ shades whilst you wait – perfect if the spare room needs a quick makeover before the relatives arrive!

Davies of Westbury stocks great gifts for foodies, including Le Creuset and other top brands

AVONFIELD GARDENS

Marsh Road, Hilperton BA14 7PL Directors James Vincent and Matthew Webb are now happily settled in their new home over in Hilperton – and are delighted to have seen so many customers move with them over the last year.

' We hope to see people come to us for their mistletoe, holly, wreaths, indoor and outdoor arrangements and Christmas trees.''

Avonfield Gardens

“The winter has previously been a quieter time of year for us,” said Matthew, “but now we’re busier than ever. We have a greater range of plants and supplies than ever and hope to see people come to us for their mistletoe, holly, wreaths, indoor and outdoor arrangements and Christmas trees. We’ll have a range to choose from, including traditional Norway Spruce and the popular non drop Nordman Firs. Prices start from just £15 and we have cut and potted trees available too.” As well as getting prepped for the festive season, Avonfield is a lovely spot to pick up a gift, be it a National Garden Scheme voucher or a beautiful shrub;

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they make thoughtful long lasting gifts. Alternatively you might want to pop over to their hardware store, J Alex Brown in Bradford on Avon, where you’ll find a wonderful selection of gifts for gardeners as well as Christmas lights and much more! 01225 571331 | www.avonfield-gardens.co.uk

DAVIES OF WESTBURY

24 Edward Street, Westbury BA13 3BD If you’re looking for the perfect present for a DIY enthusiast, Davies of Westbury is the place to go. A family run business, they have over 30 years experience selling everything for those all important home improvements – whether it’s equipment for the garden or tools for the house you’ll find a great selection of both. With a good range of culinary equipment and sugarcraft

01373 822431 | www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

DRIVE-TECH

Castle Combe Circuit, Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7BW Drive-Tech Ltd are Skid Control, Karting and 4x4 off road experts at Castle Combe Circuit within easy access of the M4. These ultimate driving experiences will challenge you as well as build individual skills, increase confidence, improve personal safety and raise awareness whilst also providing white knuckle tension as your driving skills to new limits. They are the ultimate experiences for excitement and entertainment and what’s more there is something for everyone aged 10 and over, with gift vouchers from £36, valid for 18 months. 01249 783010 | www.drivetechltd.co.uk

Drive-Tech has gift vouchers from just £36

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

For all your needs around the home, both inside & out • DIY • Tools • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft PLUS Great Christmas Gift Ideas!

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

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

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

FIND US AT Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL 01225 571331

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS NOW IN STOCK Our choice of the finest spring flowering bulbs including

Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinths, Alliums, Snowdrops, Anenomes, Bluebells, Fritillaries, Iris and many more...

• Winter bedding • Indoor Bulbs • Wallflower plugs • Ornamental & Fruit trees • Shrubs • Climbers • Conifers • Roses • Perennials ALL GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES PLUS: Pots & Planters • Compost • Fertilisers & Chemicals • Seeds • Tools • Sundries OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Also visit J Alex Brown Hardware, Ironmongery, Decorating & DIY, Gardening & More 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire Tel 01225 862236

[ christmas improve their game. To find out more email emily@kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk. 01225 743472 | www.kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk

KNEES HOME & ELECTRICAL

Greenhill Cottage Gallery has unique gifts to suit all budgets

ELISE

10 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS Based in The Shambles, Bradford on Avon, Elise is a great stop off point on the gift trail! With a vast range of handbags, scarves, gloves, cosy slippers and more, it’s perfect for nabbing those all important winter warmers that make such wonderful Christmas gifts. They’re available for the whole family too, from babies to grandparents! There is also a selection of decorative pieces for the home including candles, bowls, cushions, quirky doorstops and throws. Ideal presents again, or alternatively little treats for you to ensure your home is snuggly and cosy this winter! 01225 309303 | Find them on Facebook

GREENHILL COTTAGE GALLERY Brokerswood Road, Southwick BA14 9PR If you are looking for something that is thoughtful and beautiful then consider a piece of original artwork from the Greenhill Cottage Gallery. They have a fabulous range of over 200 original pieces of art to suit all tastes, with paintings, ceramics, jewellery and sculptures for everyone. Prices range from as little as £25. Most of the artists are local but this selection of work is complemented with many more from around the British Isles and beyond.

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So for a fun, imaginative, longlasting, thoughtful gift be original this Christmas and pay a visit to the Greenhill Cottage Gallery. 07805 065923 | www.greenhillcottagegallery.com

''If you want to treat a golfer this Christmas then consider one of their 'Improve Your Game' gift vouchers.'' KINGSDOWN GOLF CLUB

Kingsdown Golf Club

Kingsdown, Corsham SN13 8BS Founded in 1880, Kingsdown is the oldest golf club in Wiltshire. A downland course it is renowned for its beautiful scenery, luscious fairways and superb greens. The excellent drainage also makes play possible all year round. If you want to treat a golfer this Christmas then perhaps consider one of their ‘Improve Your Game’ gift vouchers. Costing just £35 it entitles the bearer to a four hole playing assessment with one of the club’s PGA professionals, one lesson, five range tokens and a tailored plan to help them

Spitfire Retail Park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge BA14 0AZ Knees has some great offers to guide you to that perfect gift. Foodies will love a Kitchen Aid Mixer (£386) or a Morphy Richards Soup Maker (£39.99), and they are available at internet beating prices. If you’d prefer to browse online you can do that too at their new look website, www.hjknee.co.uk, where you’ll find an ever expanding range of products to save on quality this Christmas. And if you would like to know more pop in and the knowledgable staff will be more than happy to help and advise. Santa will be in store on the last two Saturdays before Christmas Day, (Saturday 12 & 19 December from 10am till 4pm) so be sure to head over with your children and meet Santa for FREE. With Christmas the time for goodwill, they’ve also added in an offer, from Wednesday 16 December their WINTER SALE is on – making it even more inviting to shop better at Knees Home & Electrical. 01225 754161 | www.hjknee.co.uk

Kitchen Aid Mixers, just £386 at Knees Home & Electrical

SOPHIE ALLPORT ‘Robin & Mistletoe’ mugs £10 each, incl gift box

Beautiful gifts for the home this Christmas at Tillions The Shambles, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1JS 01225 864631 • www.tillions.co.uk

[ christmas

S L CORDEN & SONS

4 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Cordens in Warminster is a real fixture of Warminster high street. A traditional ironmongers, the store is now so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over three floors, covering: kitchenware, DIY, ironmongery, tools, electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts.

''Their famous Christmas Shop is also now open for all your decoration requirements, pop in and have a look''

SL Corden & Sons

As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff (many of whom have been in the shop between 10 and 25 years), their ability to solve problems, and being able to source unusual items quickly. Their famous Christmas Shop is also now open for all your decoration requirements, pop in and have a look, and if you are looking for gifts and stocking fillers - you won’t be disappointed with their selection. 01985 212115 Sophie Allport mugs at Tillions, £10 each gift boxed

Trowbridge Garden Centre has a huge dedicated Christmas department

TILLIONS

The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS Tillions is a family run business with a stunning collection of china, glass, cutlery and cookware and an excellent reputation gathered during 33 years of retailing in Bradford on Avon. This Christmas pop in to find some wonderful gift ideas. There is a wide selection of mugs, stocking fillers, Yankee Candles, Sophie Conran Christmas China, Christmas napkins and tea towels and much more. Dartington Crystal has a fantastic range this season, flower bottles and vases in wonderful colours, beer glasses and tankards individually boxed and candle lamps in different sizes. The popular 6 for the price of 4 offer continues on Wine Glasses and Tumblers - £24 for six Wine Glasses. The autumn/winter woodland trend still continues and the Sophie Allport stag, pheasant and new robin designs on textiles and mugs meet this trend beautifully; find double oven gloves (£16), tea towels (£7) aprons (£17). The best thing to do is to visit the shop and have a browse. They are open Monday to Saturday 9.15am to 5.30pm and Sundays during December 11am to 4pm. Also remember to pop in

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when Bradford on Avon switches on its Christmas lights on Friday 27 November at 7pm; shops will be open until 8pm. 01225 864631 | www.tillions.co.uk

TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge BA14 0DT Based on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden centre has a great reputation for its customer service and high quality product ranges. Their Christmas department is open now, and as usual it is packed full with everything you need to get prepped for the festive season including beautiful Christmas wreaths and garlands, indoor and outdoor lights, baubles and tree ornaments, decorations, picture frames, calendars, candles and oil burners, gifts, children’s toys and much much more!

And don’t forget the garden! As well as winter hanging baskets, they also carry mistletoe and real Christmas wreaths, holly and ivy as well as indoor plants like poinsettias, bulbs for forcing and all your winter garden sundries. Also on site are Garden Affairs, Premier Plastics, Pools, Spas & Landscapes, Room to Groom, Indoor Growstore, J C Hairstylist and The Nail Emporium as well as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas and coffees. 01225 763927 | www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

S.L. Corden & Sons

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN! 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE

01985 212115

www.slcorden.co.uk

s.fraser2@btconnect.com

[ christmas

In the Right Frame

Develop your skills with a photography course in the National Trust village of Lacock, the ‘Birthplace of Photography’... each of us individually to help us as we needed it. We were supplied with plenty of tea and coffee throughout the day, and a lovely lunch. Thank you for such a great introduction to photography!” Online course booking and Christmas gift certificates are available for all courses on the Lacock Photography website. • www.lacockphotography.com

Courses for absolute beginners to advanced levels are all run in Lacock Photography’s own training school and gallery in the beautiful village of Lacock

Lacock Photography can help you master the essntial tools you need to take great looking pictures

acock Photography is one of the UK’s leading providers of photography courses and workshops aimed at the enthusiastic amateur. Courses for absolute beginners to advanced levels are all run in Lacock Photography’s own training school and gallery in the beautiful village of Lacock. With Christmas on the way, a voucher for a photography course is a wonderful treat for anyone with an interest in taking beautiful pictures, whatever their chosen subject. Lacock Photography can help you master the skills you need to take wonderful pictures of wildlife, stunning portraits of family and friends and breathtaking images of exotic landscapes.

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Customer reviews on the Lacock Photography website are testimony to the great experience that these workshops offer. One such example reads: “A fantastic course for beginners. I had tried to read some books on using the camera - a lot of it didn’t make sense, but this course helped everything click into place. My photography skills instantly got better on the day, and what I learnt will allow me to develop my skills further. There was a nice mix of teaching and demonstration and a good few hours of practical work with my camera in the afternoon. The venue was fantastic, and Andy and Fiona made us all feel very welcome, spending time with

Come see our range of fantastic sofas at unbeatable prices!

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[ house & home

Enjoy a Perfect Christmas SUE COLEMAN from Perfect Rooms interiors discusses how you can add a few touches to make your home look fabulous this Christmas…

and has become one of the biggest interiors trends around the globe. This style has a heavy influence on this season’s festive accessories, designs and shapes. You can see lots of fabrics featuring winter landscapes, animals and details such as forest effects, wolves, and of course reindeer. The stag is sure to be one of the most represented animals this Christmas too. House shapes are also very popular this winter, especially

There are lots of lovely items out there that you can bring into a room to make it feel more seasonal.

would never advocate revamping your whole room to make it more Christmassy. Sure, it’d be lovely during the festive season, but would you want to feel like that in January, February or even June?! No, me neither. It’s hardly practical. That doesn’t mean being a Grinch though, nor does it mean you have to simply use the same decorations year after year. There are lots of lovely items out there that you can bring into a room

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Bisque House Tea Light Holder, £24, www.tch.net

to make it feel more seasonal. Winter accessories will help your rooms feel more cosy in the colder months, and then, when the warmer weather arrives you can exchange Wooden Reindeer with Jumper, £4 - £10 each, those for some www.tch.net brighter, lighter touches to get your room ready for spring/summer. The Nordic Style has taken the world by storm this year,

in the form of candle holders and tree pendants. The enchanting bisque house tea light holder pictured would fit perfectly into almost colour scheme and would last for years. The wooden reindeers below are great fun too. Take a look around your local stores and gift shops and head to some Christmas markets for inspiration. A few well chosen items are all you need. Meanwhile, with the new year not far away you might want to consider more far reaching changes. If you have a room that needs some TLC why not head over to our showroom, sit down with a coffee and have a chat about your ideas? Our staff have years of experience in room makeovers and can help take those initial ideas and help turn them into your perfect room! With lots of accessories, fabric samples and designs on display there’s plenty to get the design juices flowing. • www.perfectrooms.co.uk

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[ later life

Independent Living

With great facilities and a thriving community, Chantry Court is a great solution for older people considering a move to supported living facility. Chantry Court has a thriving community feel that greatly benefits many residents

hantry Court’s ethos is centred around residents living as independently as they can for as long as they can, with a network of support and care available if they require or want it. The one and two bedroom apartments are available to rent or purchase, are all spacious and come in a choice of layouts. Some have outdoor space in the form of a garden or balcony. There are various areas available within the grounds where residents can sit out too. One of the main reasons residents choose to live at Chantry Court is to combat the lonliness and isolation that can increase as one gets older. Very often it is family members who divulge that their loved one has been living alone and becoming increasingly isolated. Chantry Court also has a policy which allows pet owners to bring their pets, which can bring great joy to an individual and make the transition to life in the village that much easier to contemplate. Of course some residents who move to Chantry Court are very private people, and that is completely

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hobbies room, where likeminded souls can get together. A move to any supported living facility is more often than not needs driven, and there are many types of supportive living available. Many older people develop needs of some description but are certainly not ready to live in a care home environment, nor would they even contemplate it. Chantry Court offers the ‘best of both worlds’ in that residents are living in their own home, and are very much in control of

respected. It is an advantage and an individual’s right however, to have the choice and the balance of interaction, and most residents like the idea of having the option to be on their own, one to one or within a group as and when they wish. The best and most natural form of interaction for a new resident is the village restaurant, where a number of our existing residents choose to have their main meal of the day. The layout of the restaurant is open plan and a number of residents, after finishing their meal, naturally gravitate to the lounge for tea or coffee, which means an invaluable extension of social integration. The lounge area has a licensed bar and there is also an on site cinema and a

Many older people develop needs of some description but are certainly not ready to live in a care home environment their lives, but can utilise the in-house domiciliary service to meet their individual needs. Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of moving to a retirement village is encouraged to take a look at their website or call the sales team on 0800 0147 552 for a no-obligation chat. • www.chantrycourt.com Chantry Court offers a range of one and two bedroom apartments to buy or rent

YOUNG JOHNSON Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company 15 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

MONUMENTAL MASONS Traditional & Modern Memorials produced in our own workshop. • New Memorials • Renovations • Additional Inscriptions • Individual Designs made to order • Home visits arranged with no obligation VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT The Lodge, Westbury Cemetary, Bratton Rd, Westbury

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[ later life

What does the future hold? Will you end up in long term care? Will your relatives have to sell your home to fund it? We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, partner at Awdry Bailey Douglas Solicitors, to examine the issue. He and his team specialise in elderly care.

e all know that statistics can be misleading. With that warning what do the statistics show? Firstly, that 81% of people in care homes are over the age of 65. If you drill down, this same research also shows that if you are in the 65 year age group your chances are only 3 to 4%. This percentage increases significantly however for nonagenarians. A person who is between 90 and 99 years old – one of the fastest growing groups in our demographic – has a 50% chance of being in a care home. If you do end up in a care home research shows that your average likely stay is just under three years.

a local authority must in certain circumstances allow you the option to defer paying for your care home fees by putting a charge on your property. Statistics are statistics. Of more concern to people is if they do need longer term elderly care will the local authority require you to sell your home? This is a complicated area. The first point to note, and which is fundamental, is that your home will not be taken into account for so long as you are receiving care within your home. If you do need to go into a long term care home the council will not take into account your home until your other savings are reduced to £23,250 and your income is insufficient to pay for the care home.

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If your home needs to be considered the local authorities cannot take it into account if there remains living in your home your partner, former partner or civil partner, or if you leave behind a member of the family who is 60 or over or a child aged 18 and below. There are certain other exceptions If you do not fall into any of the exceptions mentioned councils do have a discretion not to require you to sell where another person lives in the property. Also, and importantly, a local authority must in certain circumstances allow you the option to defer paying for your care home fees by putting a charge on your property. This is called a deferred payment arrangement. Interest is chargeable and other conditions apply.

ajd@awdrys.co.uk or call 0800 072 8636. The firm has offices in Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Devizes and Chippenham. Alternatively visit their website where you have the option to complete a free quick enquiry form. • www.abdcare.co.uk

abdcare is a managed, branded division within Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors. The firm is Lexcel and IIP accredited and has won a number of awards. They specialise in fighting for the rights of victims, advising and assisting people with elderly care issues. If you want to know more, then for a free appointment and to find out the answers to questions that need answering email Andrew Douglas or his team on

Andrew Douglas

ABD CARE FP_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 27/05/2015 09:58 Page 1

[ health & wellbeing

The BIOTEC Facial

When The Spa at Woolley Grange Hotel launched a new range of Elemis beauty treatments, LISA ROCKLIFFE headed over to find out more... One of the treatment rooms at The Spa

y skin always starts to feel off at this time of year. Whether it’s the diminishing light, the drying impact of central heating systems or the dreary weather taking its toll, I always feel (and no doubt look) a little lacklustre come late autumn. So when Woolley Grange offered to let me try their new Elemis facials I jumped at the chance. The introduction of the Elemis range has seen The Spa bring in a whole new range of treatments. I was here to experience something completely new, a BIOTEC facial. My treatment began with a consultation with my therapist Chelsea. She asked about any problem areas I had and about my skincare routine to help figure out which type of facial would suit me best. There are six available, Anti-Wrinkle, Firming, Resurfacing, Radiance, Sensitive Skin and

a White Brightening. We decided that the Sonic Skin-Resurfacing Facial (£70 for 60 minutes) would fit the bill. A BIOTEC facial mixes electrotechnology with all the relaxing pampering aspects you expect and promises to leave your skin looking wonderfully soft and even. The procedure begins with a cleanse before Chelsea then starts to work with the BIOTEC machine. For those who have never experienced it before it is slightly unnerving, but any worries you might have quickly dissipate as it is gently, and painlessly, scraped across your skin. Using vibrations rather than exfoliation, the machine encourages dead cells to come away whilst an infusion of concentrated lactic and hyaluronic acid helps to boost cell turnover. The effect is a more even tone, whilst minimising the appearance of blemishes and fine lines.

A BIOTEC facial mixes electrotechnology with all the relaxing pampering aspects you expect and promises to leave your skin looking wonderfully soft and even. 76

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If this is all sounding hi-tech, it’s because it is, you really do feel like you are getting a state-of-the-art treatment. Even better, all the best elements of a pampering session remain too. After the machine had removed dead skin and impurities, I had a face mask applied and enjoyed a relaxing shoulder, head and scalp massage whilst waiting for it to set. The BIOTEC was then used to apply a final layer of serum to complete the session. And the result? Wow. My skin has never felt softer or looked better. Days later and I can still feel the difference, unlike so many facials where the effect diminishes frustratingly quickly. As well as the facial I enjoyed, The Spa has a full range of treatments available, including massages, pedicures, waxes and a selection of procedures tailored specifically for men; a fantastic gift idea or the perfect pre-Christmas treat. They also recommend a series of treatments to get maximum benefit and have a loyalty scheme which offers a complimentary treatment for every 5 taken at full price. Now if that doesn’t convince you, nothing will! For more information call 01225 865979. • www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

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[ bath rugby

TEAM TALK

We caught up with Bath Rugby first team coach DARREN EDWARDS to find out more about the team’s start to the new season...

hen I speak to first team coach Darren Edwards it is on the back of a hard fought win against Exeter Chiefs (19-17). It was a tough start. “Yeah wasn’t it just. We knew the game would be tough. Exeter are a quality side and we weren’t at our best. We had a lot of internationals to reintegrate back into the team, and many of them weren’t as prepared as we’d have liked but when their coach Rob Baxter says he thought that was the best Exeter have played at The Rec that tells you what we were up against. We were just happy to get the win and move on.”

With the World Cup going on the domestic season has, understandably, taken a back seat. I wonder if it has been difficult to prepare for with so many internationals missing? “It has been strange not having them around, but it has given the coaches an opportunity to work more with those who have been here as well as with our academy players. They’ve also benefitted from more game time in pre season and we’ve seen some come on in leaps and bounds.”

Rhys Priestland and Niko Matawalu have now arrived. They, like the returning England players and other internationals, Following the opening round it looks like have perhaps not experienced the World a lot of teams are going to be competitive Cup they hoped for. “We are delighted to have the guys back, and the new players this year. “Absolutely. You have the likes coming in have been really keen to get of Saracens, Northampton and Leicester started. Obviously the England boys who were in the top four last year plus didn’t enjoy a great tournament but it is Exeter, Harlequins, Wasps and others up to us to get them back involved and looking like they will be pushing for the top four too.” There don’t appear to being playing well for Bath. They are all great professionals and just want to play, if many easy games. “Worcester surprised anything we’re trying to hold them back Northampton on the opening weekend and manage their game time. Getting all and they have only just come back up. our returning internationals up to speed With the late start to the season the as soon as possible is going to be really games are coming thick and fast, really testing everyone’s squads; the teams that important as we have a tough start to the season in the league and then the rotate their players the best will do well European games will be on us soon too.” this season.”

“With the late start to the season the games are coming thick and fast, really testing everyone’s squads; the teams that rotate their players the best will do well this season”

UPCOMING FIXTURES To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website. Sat 7 Nov

London Irish

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Sun 15 Nov

ERCC

Toulon

15.15

Sat 21 Nov

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Leinster

15.15

Sat 28 Nov

Leicester

15.00

Sat 5 Dec

Northampton H

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The World Cup appears to have changed things, attacking rugby has thrived. “Teams like Argentina have come along and really shaken things up. They played with such great speed and intensity against Ireland. New Zealand as well looked fantastic.” Does that echo what they are trying to do as a club? “Well we do have that attacking mentality for sure. We look to score 25 points a game and know that if we do we should be there or thereabouts in every game. You have seen teams in the World Cup who look to defend a lead failing to do so and those that have gone out to attack have done really well. It’s been great to watch. Our mantra is just to keep improving every day and keep playing in the Bath way and hopefully we can go one better than we did last season.” • www.bathrugby.com

[ puzzles

Tea Break Teasers NAMES WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid? FLORIBERT ALBERT CUTHBERT DAGOBERT DILBERT

SUDOKU

HARD

ELBERT EGBERT ENGELBERT FILBERT GERBERT

GILBERT HERBERT HUBERT HUMBERT NORBERT

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Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.11.15 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher. Good luck!

Q1: On what date in 2015 is The Melbourne Cup being run?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: PHEASANT Quiz answers: 1: 12 October 2: Blue October 3: Aubrey Williams 4: October Films 5: Ariana Grande

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Q2: The Peanuts Movie is released on what date in the USA? Q3: Who wrote the book ‘Who Owns The Learning’? Q4: On 11th November 1975 which African country gained independence from Portugal? Q5: On which racecourse is The Betfred November Handicap run? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

[ last word

Come on England!

y the time you read this the Rugby World Cup will be over. New Zealand will have won, although as I am writing this they still have yet to play South Africa in the semi final. Just a thought, by the way, but if South Africa beat New Zealand would the fact that Japan beat South Africa make Japan better than New Zealand? I think it would but then I am an English rugby fan….and not bitter at all! It is only now, three weeks after England were ignominiously dumped out of their own tournament in the group stages, that I can even contemplate discussing the most upsetting sporting occasion of my life.

nooooo’… ‘All Scotland have to do is hold out for another minute’…’Oh nooooo!’ There it was, gone. Not only the hopes of a nation but the hopes of a whole hemisphere. I’m only glad that I decided not to buy any tickets, thankfully the eye-watering prices put me off. I also came to an agreement with myself that I’d not be swayed by the marketing campaign and end up swathed in branded RWC15 gear. The one concession I did make on this front was buying my daughter an England rugby shirt. I must admit it cost a few quid, especially when you bear in mind she’ll have grown out of it by Christmas, but, once in a lifetime etc etc and she did look very cute…

One of the saddest sights of the recent past was in the week after the Australia game. I went into a supermarket and was greeted by a huge box of England rugby balls on sale. They were dirty, the box was tatty and worst of all, they were completely flat. I am English but will always support any of the home nations (including Ireland of course) in any sport so it goes without saying that I’m used to being disappointed. The Rugby World Cup 2015 promised something different though. It was in our own backyard and to have waited 24 years for it to return and then to be over after just three weeks was just dreadful. Then to watch as one by one the other home nations fell away as well. ‘Wales are going to win only 5 minutes to go’…’Oh no’…’Ireland will surely beat Argentina, the weakest of the Southern Hemisphere sides’…’Oh

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well she would have if she’d have even tried it on. When I got home with it, on the morning of the Wales game, she flatly refused to have anything to do with it. Little did I know I have been harbouring my own version of Paul ‘the oracle’ octopus; she obviously knew it would all end in tears. Maybe by not wearing it she was hoping her old man could return it and get his money back. Thankfully her early bedtime meant she didn’t have to watch the horrors unfold, but by the end of the game I sure wish I’d joined her in having an early night. She still hasn’t worn it (is she trying to tell me

something?). We’ll keep her on half rations to make sure it still fits come the Six Nations in February and if she still refuses to don the rose then I’ll be sure not to put any money on England to win that one either. One of the saddest sights of the recent past was in the week after the Australia game. I went into a supermarket and was greeted by a huge box of England rugby balls on sale. They were dirty, the box was tatty and worst of all, they were completely flat. If ever there was a metaphor for how England fans were feeling then this was it, deflated and at the bargain bin end of the rugby world. Oh well, if nothing else England fans are resilient…Bring on Japan 2019…Come on England!!!

Phil Rockliffe

FG COLLIER_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 07/01/2015 12:30 Page 1