The West Wilts Magazine - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 // ISSUE 76

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The

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A SKID CONTROL COURSE WORTH £95!

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'Tis The

Season ICE RINK & SANTAN'SAT GROTTO NOW OPEL WHITEHAL

W Christmas

Chefs' Specials

DELICIOUS SEASONAL RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME

Wish List GIFT IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

+ LOCAL LISTINGS EAST FARM XMAS XMAS DRINKS & MUCH MORE

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

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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 Whitehall Garden Centre

December 2015 // issue 76

A

nd that was 2015! it has gone by in a flash, as it always seems to. Over the last 12 months we’ve provided nigh on 1000 pages of content ranging from farm shops and food to later life and retirement planning. We’ve celebrated the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, anticipated (and commiserated all too soon) the Rugby World Cup and much more besides.

It has all come down to this, our final edition of the year.

Don’t worry though, we’re finishing on a good note.

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With Christmas a matter of days away our focus this month is on making the most of those precious few days we have to spend with loved ones. First up we visit East Farm and Whitehall Garden Centre - two great places to get into the Christmas spirit. Our Christmas Wish List is even bigger this year than it was last, with ideas on gifts for every member of the family whilst our stocking filler options for kids all cost less than £5. Our Chefs’ Specials are filled with inspiring recipes to feed the family and our Christmas Cheer feature will ensure you drink as well as you eat.

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Don’t forget to enter our competition on page 15 to win a Skid Pan Course with Drive-Tech and as you have come to expect all your other favourites are her too. So for the final time in 2015, enjoy the read, and we’ll see you all again in 2016! Merry Christmas!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS

What’s on in December

6

LOCAL NEWS

FEATURES Chefs’ Specials

21

Christmas Cheers

29

Christmas Wish List

40

Stocking Fillers

50

Round up of news & events

12

Win a Skin Pan Course at Drive-Tech!

15

East Farm Christmas

16

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Whitehall Garden Centre

18

Yoga Goodies

66

BATH RUGBY

FOOD & DRINK

Bath Men’s Walk

Christmas Cocktails

32

Eat The Seasons

34

PUZZLES

Meet the Chef at The Barge

36

Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

72

COMMENT

HOMES & GARDENS Con-Tempo Furniture

70

60

The Last Word

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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!

[ events

local

listings DECEMBER 2015

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, Wiltshire Music Centre

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

MIKE SMITH BIG BAND SUPPER DANCE 30 December, 7pm Tickets: £31 The Mike Smith Big Band is coming once again to MAH! Supper dance 8pm until midnght.

NEW YEARS EVE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR 31 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50 Join in this Las Vegas themed party with fun play casino games. MAH also welcomes back Trashed Casino who will be performing live throughout the evening.

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.

MIKADO (AS LIVE) 4 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Under 18s £3) English National Opera’s spectacular production is popular with audiences of all ages. Experience the wonderful wit, memorable melodies and hilarious antics in this much-loved production from Jonathan Miller.

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NORTH WILTSHIRE YOUNG MUSICIANS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 7, 8, 10 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 (Concs £3) A concert featuring some of the region’s best young instrumentalists.

BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST 11 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £7) An English folk Christmas: a superb showcase of breathtaking music and wry merry-making with Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin.

PARAGON SINGERS: CHRISTMAS IN THE NEW WORLD 12 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 (Concs £16) A sparkling programme of Baroque music from 17th-century Mexico, Bolivia and Peru, with its vibrant rhythms, gorgeous tunes and striking

instrumental colours.

THE ROYAL OPERA: CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI (AS LIVE) 13 December, 7.15pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £3) A classic double bill of Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s greatest operas, two dark tales of passionate love and violent jealousy.

THE ROYAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER 16 December, 7.15pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £3) THE magical Christmas ballet for all the family - an enchanting fairytale danced to a glittering score.

GBH BIG BAND / CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR ANOTHER MERRY JAZZY CHRISTMAS 19 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £5)

[ events The Merlin’s Christmas show this year is extra special as the theatre celebrates its 40th birthday. Based on the original fairy tale, The Little Mermaid has been written specially for this year of celebration.

Paddington, The Athenaeum Centre

This outstanding big band and choir mix vivacious jazz and wonderful choral music with atmospheric readings in a sensational evening to get you into the swing of the season.

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

GIGSPANNER 5 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Legendary fiddle player Peter Knight and his trio Gigspanner are one of the most innovative acts on the folk/roots scene.

SHINE 12 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Shine’s Mary Macmaster, Corrina Hewat and Alyth McCormack perform their Christmas album Fire and Frost.

MIKE SCOTT & POUND SOUND 14 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £7) The incomparable Mike Scott presents his own unique take on Christmas, with original songs that can be sensitive, thought-provoking or comic.

POUND ARTS CHRISTMAS PARTY 16 December, 7pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £6) A winter night of singing, dancing and winter nibbles. The Pound Christmas Party will be a treat for all the family.

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HANSEL & GRETEL 19 December, 7pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £9) Lost in the deep dark forest, Hansel and Gretel come across well-known fairytale figures who try to help, or hinder them, as they draw closer to a strange house that looks good enough to eat!

THE ARC THEATRE College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES Box Office: 01225 756376 SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER! 6 December, 11am & 2pm Tickets: £8 (Concs £6) This delightful new show has lots of laughs, sing-along songs and plenty of opportunities to join in along the way. It is the perfect treat for Christmas. Oh, and there’s the chance to meet Santa himself!

A NIGHT OF MUSICAL THEATRE 9 – 12 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 (Concs £4) Performing Arts students from Wiltshire College present their Christmas performance! Enjoy a selection of musical favourites from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

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

THE LITTLE MERMAID 4 – 12 December, 7pm + matinees Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £8.50)

JANE EYRE 8 December, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever.

This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms.

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

FMTC presents SLEEPING BEAUTY 29 December – 2 January, 2pm & 7pm Tickets: £13 (Concs £11) The multi award winning Frome Musical Theatre Company is proud to present ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Don’t miss this classic fairytale unfold amidst the music and comedy of pantomime.

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.

PADDINGTON (Cert PG) 6 December, 2.30pm Tickets: £5.50 (Child £3.50) A charming film for all ages starring Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and Nicole Kidman.

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (Cert PG) 9 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 This acclaimed sequel continues the story as the young Indian hotel owner Sonny (Dev Patel) dreams of expanding his empire with another property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful is full.

[ events HEYTESBURY CHRISTMAS FAIR 12 December, 10am FREE Enjoy festive fun and stalls from 10am to 1pm including Father Christmas, mulled wine, raffle and the cast of the theatre’s pantomime Aladdin!

AN OVERTURE TO CHRISTMAS 12 December,7.30pm Tickets: £8 (Concs £7) A festive experience from Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra including a singa-long. Bring your best voices, reindeer antlers and tinsel scarves!

ALADDIN 18 – 24 December, 7pm + matinees Tickets: £10 (Concs £8.50) A traditional family pantomime from the Oddity Theatre group.

LACOCK ABBEY Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated CHRISTMAS AT LACOCK ABBEY Until 3 January Enjoy the festive season at Lacock Abbey. See the Christmas Tree Festival in the cloister and enjoy special events, shopping, eating and more

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

JOHN COOPER CLARKE 9 December, 8pm Tickets: £19 Back by huge pubilc demand.

BAY CITY ROLLERS 11 December, 8pm Tickets: £18.50adv With Les McKeown still at the helm, a Rollers gig is a magical musical and visual trip down memory lane!

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THE BEAT 18 December, 8pm Tickets: £16.50 One of the biggest bands of the 2-Tone movement, the 2014 line-up of The Beat are heading for the Cheese & Grain.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 December, 8pm Tickets: £12 adv, £14 door Join a big party and travel from the 70’s through to the present day with an exciting line up featuring funk soul favourites DJ’s ‘Para and Baila’, Toby Spin, DJ Jimige and a guest appearance from Mr B Gentleman Rhymer!

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge www.villagepump.org.uk OPEN MIC 4 December, 8pm Entrance £3

SEEND ACOUSTIC CLUB Rusty Lane, Seend, SN12 6NS www.seendacoustic.org DR ZEBO’s WHEEZY CLUB 2 December, 8pm £4 When you put two old folkies together with a seasoned jazz bassist you get the Wheezy Club.

CLEVERLY BROTHERS 16 December, 8pm £5 Crazy comedy songs and links that will have you in stitches!

OTHERS CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORIES AND CRAFTS Warminster Library 12 December, 10.30-11.30am FREE Free children’s Christmas stories and crafts event for children aged 4 - 11 years. All children must be accompanied by a parent. For information contact Warminster Library 01985 216022.

CHRISTMAS BEDTIME STORES Warminster Library 17 December, 6-6.30pm FREE Christmas family story time. Children wear your pyjamas, bring teddy and a torch! All children must be accompanied by a parent For information contact Warminster Library 01985 216022.

OASIS ACADEMY LONGMEADOW CHRISTMAS FAIR Broadcloth Lane, Trowbridge BA14 7HE 4 December, 3-5pm FREE Santa’s Grotto, raffle, tombola, stalls and more! Email lizziedaniellerachel@live. co.uk for full details.

STOURHEAD CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 12 & 13 December, 10am – 4.30pm Normal admission charges apply Perfect presents for Christmas, with hand-made ceramics and jewellery, original art and locally created crafts. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN

BRADFORD ON AVON 17 & 20 December

Website: www.boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Contact: Phil Deverall on 01380 870734

DEVIZES 5 December

SINGAROUND 1, 15, 22 December FREE In the cellar Bar. 22 December is the Christmas party – bring and share!

TROWBRIDGE 11 & 18 December WARMINSTER 4 & 18 December

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? For a professional and personal service call

0800 180 4788 www.carolinecrowther.com

Helping you meet someone new in your area

CHEESE &GRAIN SAT 28 NOV 8PM SUN 29TH NOV 9AM-1PM SUN 6TH DEC 10AM-3PM WED 9TH DEC 8PM FRI 11TH DEC 8PM SUN 13TH DEC 2PM FRI 18TH DEC 8PM TUE 22ND DEC 7.30PM WED 23RD DEC 5.30PM THU 31ST DEC 12PM THU 31ST DEC 8PM SAT 16TH JAN 8PM FRI 22ND JAN 8PM SAT 23RD JAN 8PM SAT 6TH FEB 8PM SAT 13TH FEB 8PM 21ST & 22ND FEB FRI 26TH FEB 8PM TH

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com THE PRETTY THINGS £18 ADV CAR BOOT SALE FREE ENTRY TOTALLY CRAFT & MAKE IT MARKET FREE ENTRY JOHN COOPER CLARKE £19 ADV BAY CITY ROLLERS £18.50 ADV FROME TOWN YOUTH BAND £6 THE BEAT £16.50 CHEESY GRIN COMEDY CLUB £6 CHRISTMAS FARMERS MARKET FREE ENTRY AFTERNOON NYE PARTY £9 THE BIG NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY £12.50 ADV WHOLE LOTTA LED £15 GRANDMASTER FLASH £16.50 ADV SUPREME QUEEN £17 T.REXTASY £17 THINK FLOYD £17 FROME TATTOO CONVENTION TURIN BRAKES £21.50

John Cooper Clarke Whole Lotta Led

Turin Brakes

[ local news

roundup

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

CHRISTMAS AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM Christmas is a great time for families to visit the American Museum. Unique handmade decorations abound; festive decorations and gift ideas can be found in the shops, and winter warmer treats are served in the café.

Most of the Period Rooms at the museum pre-date the celebration of Christmas as we know it today and the displays this year show winter activities that were popular during each period.

Each room is transformed with special costumes, textiles, and floral arrangements. The residents of each Period Room will be pursuing activities that are typical winter traditions. In the Massachusetts Tavern, Mrs Conkey’s table is covered with food as she prepares her Thanksgiving feast – an important celebration for the early settlers. Elsewhere, a family warm itself with hot punch after a bracing winter sleigh ride.

The jewel in the crown is the magnificent 17ft Nordman Fir tree that dominates the Central Hall. This tree is decorated with over 1,000 lights

and bedecked with ornaments and tiny Christmas sweaters knitted by the Museum’s volunteers.

Miniature snowmen have crept into the museum and hidden themselves away. Visitors of all ages will have great fun trying to find them all and the hunt for the characters on their Christmas Trail has become a tradition for many regular visitors.

The Christmas shops will be open throughout this period, including the famous Country Store with its collection of toys and craft items from the USA – and this year stitchers and crafters will be drawn to the colourful Kaffe Fassett boutique with its range of fabrics and books. The Selvedge Winter Fair on Saturday 12 December brings an exclusive selection of around 30 makers offering a host of antique textiles, fashion, homewares and haberdashery. Visit on December 20 for a magical end to the Christmas season.

Meet Father Christmas, join the choir for festive carols, and create your own

frosty Christmas pop-up scene, a real holiday homecoming!

The Christmas season runs until Sunday 20 December 2015. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Admission is £10 for adults, £9 for concessions and children.

• www.americanmuseum.org The beautiful Christmas tree dominates the Central Hall

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT WHITE ROW FARM SHOP

Have you tried a White Row Christmas pudding?

Head chef and Masterchef Professional Quarter Finalist Jamie Barnet has come up with a very special recipe for Christmas puddings and you will only find them at White Row. Tasty and beautifully wrapped they will give you a

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tasty treat or why not give one away as a gift? You can pick one up on their Christmas Shopping fun night on Thursday 3 December (3pm – 8pm) or whenever suits you.

The gift shop and florists is packed with glassware, baskets, home decorations, candles, Somerset lavender farm products and lots of new goodies for 2015 and they are also taking orders for fabulous Christmas wreaths, flowers and table decorations now too. Have a chat with their experienced florists who can advise you on something to suit your needs.

• www.whiterowfarm.co.uk

local news ]

LACOCK CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

Lacock Abbey’s beautiful medieval cloister will be filled with Christmas trees decorated by local community groups and charities until 4 January.

Visitors can discover over 25 Christmas trees and the stories behind them. There will be creative, unusual and perhaps unexpected Christmas decorations, often handmade by the groups during meetings and craft sessions, embracing their favourite Christmas memories and themes. Twinkly lights add a warm glow, creating a peaceful festive atmosphere in the cloister walks and rooms

up punchlines. On weekends the doors to the abbey’s Great Hall open to reveal a Victorian-style Christmas, with a huge Christmas tree, warming fire and the story of how the Talbot family celebrated Christmas at Lacock Abbey in 1845. The Lacock Christmas experience is rounded off with choir performances and family craft activities on some weekends. More details can be found online.

• www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Christmas trees fill the Cloister at Lacock Abbey

Community groups taking part this year include Lacock WI, Dorothy House, Riding for the Disabled and Lacock Youth Club among others. Visitors can learn about the work they do and what inspired the tree decorations, and will be invited to vote for their favourite tree.

BRADFORD ON AVON HAS A‘WORKINGTREE’

BIG AWARD TOPS A GREAT YEAR FOR BATH MARKETING CONSULTANCY

Paul Tagent, Director of Bath Marketing Consultancy

Head over to The Lock Inn Café in Bradford On Avon on Wednesday 16 December for the switch on of ‘Leb’s Christmas Canal Boat’. The event kicks off at 5.30pm where they will be serving hot mulled wine and cider and homemade mince pies (for every mince pie sold they’ll donate the price to Dorothy House). There’ll be lots of Christmas music and a great family friendly atmosphere before the lights are switched on at 7pm. The boat will be illuminated until Saturday 19 Dcember to be sure to head over and get into the Christmas spirit! Call 01225 868068 to find out more.

•www.lockinn.co.uk

The festival runs over the whole holiday season and is accompanied by a Christmas family trail in the abbey grounds and village where families have to help the snowfolk match their muddled-

The M&A Awards celebrates the achievements of dealmakers, management teams, financiers and professional advisers and remains one of the most important and highly respected awards in the mid-market sector. Bath Marketing Consultancy

LEB’S CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA

has been awarded “winner” under the category of Professional Services Firm of the year for 2015 adding to the five national awards already won since opening its doors in 2009. This 6th award followed a shortlist of finalists and was awarded based on the quality of BMC’s expertise and work.

Priding itself on providing expert professional services across their three core product areas of marketing consultancy, website design and advertising, Bath Marketing Consultancy continues to offer extremely high service levels and deliverables to clients locally and nationally and this award is a fantastic accolade to have won especially when considering such a reputable category.

• www.bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk

One of the three Christmas trees in the Bradford on Avon town centre this year is located at Lamb’s Yard and is designated as a ‘working tree in a historic working town’ following an idea proposed by resident and teacher Christopher Curtis. The 15ft Nordic fir symbolises the spirit of giving at Christmastime. Two local charities have been chosen

by Bradford on Avon Town Council to support this project - Bath Cats & Dogs Home and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

People can donate small gifts to Dorothy House that are ‘hamper size’ and can be used by the Team at Dorothy House to auction at a later date or to give directly to residents.

These gifts will be collected on a daily basis from a safe box to the right of the tree and delivered direct to Dorothy House. Local residents are also welcome to donate tins of pet food to the Bath Cats & Dogs home in the four weeks leading up to Christmas and these will be regularly delivered to the BCDH by Chris and his team. All donations will be gratefully received.

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competition ]

✃

WINA SKID CONTROL COURSE WORTH £95

“Their Ultimate Driving Experiences will help you build individual skills, increase your confidence and provide white knuckle tension all at the same time!”

D

rive-Tech Ltd are the Skid Control, Karting and 4x4 Off Road experts based at Castle Combe Circuit. Their ultimate Driving Experiences will help you build individual skills, increase your confidence, improve your personal safety, raise your awareness and provide white knuckle tension all at the same time! Pushing anyone’s driving skills to new limits they offer great presents for Christmas, with vouchers from just £36 suitable for everyone aged 10 and over. For more details see the website or call 01249 783010.

COMPETITIOncesNat

One of the most popular experie Drive-Tech is a Skid Control Course. It is great fun and an educational must for all drivers! On your experience you will drive standard road cars whilst receiving expert instruction as to how to react to adverse conditions. The course includes a classroom session with an instructor, driving session on the Skid Pan in two cars, braking exercises and a fun time trial with a prize for the fastest time.

Thanks to Drive-Tech we have a Skid Control Course worth £95 to give away to one lucky reader. What a

great Christmas gift that would make!

All you have to do to enter is email your answer to the following question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your full name, address and contact number

WHERE IS DRIVE-TECH BASED? Email your answers now. Good luck!

Ts&Cs: Closing date for entries is 11/12/15. The competition is only open to persons over 18 years who hold a full driving licence and are able to drive manual cars. The winner will be randomly picked from on all correct entries. No cash alternative. The competiti is not open to employees of Drive-Tech Ltd or Wired Publishing. We may pass on your details to Drive-Tech n Ltd so they can contact you with relevant informatio and special offers. If you would prefer your details were entry. your on not passed on please state NO INFO

• www.drivetechltd.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ local news

Christmas Under One Roof Set in the heart of the Wylye Valley, East Farm Christmas in Codford is a truly enchanting Christmas shop.

N

ow in its sixth year, the East Farm Christmas shop captures the very essence of Christmas - from an encounter with 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.

Every year Jennifer Stratton and her team transform an empty barn into a winter wonderland, complete with grotto, living nativity and a vintage café. Regular customers see it as an essential part of the festive season, travelling from as far afield as Wales, Grimsby, Liverpool and the Channel Isles to find the perfect bauble!

For children one of the most memorable and magical moments of the year is meeting with Father Christmas. His arrival (by tractor) is always eagerly awaited.

Each child who books to meet him has a lovely chat with the man himself and receives their own gift. He also reads a seasonal story from his spectacular grotto!

There is always something new and exciting at East Farm Christmas, this year the list includes a selection of beautifully crafted collectable German music boxes, eye catching table centre pieces and a selection of hilarious hats and head bands!

Alongside the shop is the charming vintage café, which offers a warm welcome on a cold winter’s day with steaming mugs of hot chocolate, delicious homemade cakes, bowls of piping hot soup and the chance for a get together with friends and family.

customers can enjoy time away from the stress of overcrowded shops and streets with the added bonus of free parking and a relaxed atmosphere At East Farm Christmas, customers can enjoy time away from the stress of overcrowded shops and streets with the added bonus of free parking and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly helpful staff all willing to help find the perfect decorations and gifts for one and all.You will find everything to make Christmas complete; real and faux trees, baubles, candles, fun gifts, shimmering lights for both inside and outside the house, the most amazing decorations in every shape size and colour, beautiful garlands and wreaths, snow globes and traditional music boxes - the list is practically endless but at East Farm

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the magic of Christmas truly is under one roof!

Find East Farm on the edge of the village of Codford, just seven miles from Warminster. Follow the signs on the A36 and A303. To find out more call 01985 850982 or email: info@ eastfarmchristmas.co.uk The shop is open daily until Wednesday 23 December from 10am to 5pm (4pm on Sundays). Father Christmas arrives on Saturday 28 November (grand arrival by tractor) and every weekend until Wednesday 23 December. On Wednesday 11 November there is also a Ladies Night in aid of Cancer Research UK. • www.eastfarmchristmas.co.uk

[ local news

Get Your Skates On T

Head over to Whitehall Garden Centre this holiday season and enjoy a real treat for all the family.

he real outdoor ice rink at Whitehall, with its added roof to fully weatherproof your experience, is Wiltshire’s coolest attraction. For the whole of the festive season the outdoor plant area of the garden centre is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Nothing makes you feel more festive than ice skating outdoors - and kids just love it. Whitehall’s family ice rink is open seven days a week every day (apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day) until 3 January 2016. Booking is essential and with the online booking option on their website you can select the session that is best for you. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes and the ticket price includes hire of top

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quality skates. Parent and toddler sessions, late night skating, group bookings and school sessions are all catered for. Refreshments are also available rink side from the enlarged Ice Café.

Why not combine your skate with a visit to see Santa? He’ll be in his grotto every day in December until Christmas Eve. Whilst you are there you can also say hello to Whitehall’s resident reindeers Starlight and

''Why not combine your skate with a visit to see Santa? He'll be in his grotto every day in December until Christmas Eve.''

Moonbeam and the Nativity Animals, featuring Maisy and Lola the miniature donkeys and Pickle and Gherkin the pygmy goats.

Your visit will include a journey through Santa’s Workshop followed by a festive story read by the man himself. The grotto experience will then continue into Santa’s present room where children can personally choose a present. As a reminder of their visit each child will be given a real baby Christmas tree. All adults accompanying the children into the Grotto will be charged at £2 per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult.Tickets can be booked online now.

• www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

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

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

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

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

+ LOCAL ALES + TOP QUALITY WINES + BEAUTIFUL FOOD + FULLY REFURBISHED + COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONSat as Gifts!

Gre

From 1 December, our Christmas menu will be available, and we also have special menus for Christmas Eve and Boxing Day

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Thursday 31st December, 7pm till 12.30am

‘A French Affair’ is the theme - enjoy a classic French Dinner and Disco in the Vault.

Call for details and to book. t 01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk | thegeorgewoolley@gmail.com

food & drink ]

Chefs' Specials

If you have time to spend in the kitchen this Christmas why not flex your culinary muscles and recreate these wonderful dishes. From the simple to complex, all are utterly delicious and come from some of the best chefs in the region. Enjoy!

Starters From Alex Venables at The George At Woolley

GAME TERRINE Makes 12-14 portions Ingredients 1kg mixed game (pheasant breasts, venison, pigeon and mallard) plus forcemeat (livers etc) 500g Church Farm sausage meat 2 good handfuls of breadcrumbs 1 egg

3 tbsp marjoram, thyme 5 juniper berries 3 cloves garlic 1 good glug of brandy & red wine Salt & pepper Method Preheat your oven to 150°C. Line your terrine mould or loaf tin with the streaky bacon. Mix the sausage meat and chopped livers together, add the breadcrumbs, egg and herbs, juniper and garlic and mix well.

Cut game into 1 inch dice and fry on a medium heat until well browned.

Build your terrine, layers of browned Game Terrine

game meat, layers of forcemeat mix, until three layers have been formed finishing with forcemeat on the top layer.

Fold the bacon over the top layer to form a lid and wrap in tin foil. Pour hot water into a large baking tin to make a bains marie and place the terrine inside.

Bake in the oven for 1½ to 2 hours.

Take out of the oven, place a weight on top of the terrine to press and leave overnight. Serve with a lightly dressed salad, Alison’s fantastic chutney, and hot buttered toast.

From Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park

PAN ROASTED SCALLOPS, MARINATED CARROTS VINAIGRETTE, SPICED PORK CROQUETTE, RAISIN & CAPER VINAIGRETTE Serves 4 Ingredients 4 extra large scallops, cleaned & cut in half To make the croquettes Ingredients 1 pig’s head split, singed and blanched 1tbsp mixed spice THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ food & drink Pan roasted scallops

1tbsp ground coriander ½ tbsp ground mace 15 juniper berries 1 tbsp chicken boullion 1 piece fresh ginger sliced ½ tin of tomato puree 250g mirepoix vegetables 1 smoked ham hock boiled and flaked Method Caramelize vegetables in a little oil. Add spices and cook for a few minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add enough water so that when the pigs head is added it is just about covered. Bring to simmer, cover and braise in a low oven for about 3 hours. Allow to cool slightly and then remove all flesh from the skull. Shred and moisten with a little of the reduced cooking liquor. Mix in the flaked ham hock and then press gently into a tray roughly 2cm thick. Allow to set, cut into even sized cubes and coat in Panko breadcrumbs.

Carrot Puree Peel and chop some tender juicy carrots. Cook in a little butter then

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cover with carrot juice and cook until completely soft. Strain and blend to a smooth puree, adding the carrot juice back until correct consistency is achieved. Finish with a drop of cream and season.

Carrot Vinaigrette 200g finely diced carrot blanched 50g brunoise shallot 1 clove garlic 200ml orange juice 200ml white wine 200ml white wine vinegar 50ml extra virgin olive oil Method Cook shallots and garlic in the olive oil.

Add other liquids and reduce down to 75ml. Add the carrot dice and season with salt and a few crushed coriander seeds.

Carrot Ribbons 12 medium carrots sliced lengthways into thin ribbons with a mandolin 100ml water 100ml white wine vinegar 100ml white wine 1 shallot brunoise

50g sugar 10 coriander seeds crushed 50ml Extra virgin olive oil Method Bring all ingredients except for the carrot ribbons up to the boil. Remove from heat, allow to cool and pass. Re heat and pass over the carrot ribbons.

Allow to marinade for 24hrs.

Raisin & Caper Vinaigrette 200gms extra fine capers 200gms golden raisins 200mls boiling water.

Method Combine all three ingredients, cover with cling film and allow to infuse until cold. Blend to a smooth puree.

To Serve Pan fry the scallops until golden. Deep fry the fritters until crisp. Place a little carrot puree on each plate and top with the scallops and pork fritter. Drizzle a little of the carrot vinaigrette around and curl a few of the ribbons over the dish.

Finish with a few dots of the raisin and caper puree and some coriander shoots.

[ food & drink Slow roasted pork belly

to cooking juices. Poach for a few moments until the apple is tender.

Serve with your favourite vegetables and mashed potato.

From Jonathan Furby at The Sign of the Angel

ROASTED RUMP OF LAMB, MINT CRUSTED NECK FILLET, PRESSED VEGETABLE & POTATO HOT POT & A SAUCE REDUCTION Serves 6

Mains From James Hedges at the Biddestone Arms

SLOW ROASTED BELLY OF WILTSHIRE PORK WITH A CIDER & APPLE SAUCE & CRISPY CRACKLING (Serves 6-8) Ingredients 1 piece belly pork 1 medium onion, sliced 2 sliced carrots, sliced 1 small leek, sliced 1 stick celery, sliced 3 cloves garlic, sliced 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced 1 pt good quality chicken stock 1 pt local cider Cornflour Method Ask your butcher for local, quality belly of pork off the bone with the skin on, scored and laid flat.

Preheat your oven to 150°C. In a deep roasting pan place the pork on a bed of sliced onions, carrots, leeks, celery and garlic. Pour a pint of local cider and ½ pint of good quality chicken

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stock over the pork and roast in the oven for 2-2 ½ hours until the pork is tender.

When cooked remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled lift of the skin and lay onto a clean roasting tray, lay another roasting tray on top of the skin, return to the oven and bake until crisp then remove from the oven.

Pass the cooking juices from the pan through a sieve into a clean saucepan; add a little cornflour to thicken. Dice one apple and add Rump and neck of lamb

Ingredients 6 x 4oz lamb rump 1 lamb neck fillet 3 potatoes – peel & sliced finely 1L lamb stock ½ swede - sliced 4 carrots - sliced 1 onion – diced ½ leek - sliced 4 garlic cloves 100g butter A handful mint ½ a handful parsley 100g breadcrumbs ¼ lemon zest ½ Juice of a lime 50ml white wine vinegar Pinch of sugar Seasoning

[ food & drink Method To make the mint crust, in a blender blitz half the mint, half the parsley, the breadcrumbs, lemon zest and add a pinch of seasoning. Next the mint puree. Blend the remaining mint and parsley with lime, sugar & white wine vinegar.

To make the hot pot cook the sliced swede and carrots in the lamb stock, until just soft. Next saute the onion, leek & garlic. Find a suitable dish / mould (one with a reasonable depth to it) and layer with sliced potato; then onion, leek & garlic; then carrot & swede. Repeat, pressing down each layer, until dish is near full & finish with a potato layer.Add 50g butter on the top layer of pressed hotpot. Pour stock to halfway up the side of the mould and cook in the oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until golden on top.

To make the sauce, simmer the remaining stock until reduced by three quarters Add butter to thicken and enrich before serving. For the neck fillet, pan-sear so the fillet is still rare in centre.

Cut into small rounds (3cms).

Pane the fillet with flour, egg wash and the mint crust. Deep or shallow fry 30 seconds to serve.

For the rump, pan fry it on all sides to colour then place in the oven at 180°C for seven minutes to cook it medium rare, a little longer if you like it cooked more.

To serve, place a portion of the pressed hotpot on the plate, slice the rump in 2 and place either side of the plate. Cut the neck fillet & place 3 parts around the plate. Garnish with the mint puree.

Finally, dress the dish with the stock reduction.

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Sides From Riverford Organics

Puddings From Andy Davidson at Edington Farm Shop

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH SAGE & CHESTNUT BUTTER SPICED APPLE, DARK RUM & Serves 4 as a side PECAN CAKE Ingredients 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half Olive oil, to roast 125g salted butter, at room temperature 100g cooked and peeled chestnuts (or use precooked), finely chopped 8 sage leaves, finely chopped Salt and black pepper Method Heat the oven to 190°C. Put the sprouts in a baking dish and toss in just enough olive oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper and roast for 20–30 minutes, until just tender but still with some bite.

Toss once during cooking.

Meanwhile, put the butter in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until very soft. Stir in the chestnuts and sage. Lay a piece of cling film on your work surface. Spoon the butter in a line down the middle. Fold the cling film over and twist both ends to form a taut sausage. Chill until needed. When the sprouts are roasted, toss with about six thin slices of the chestnut butter. Check the seasoning before serving.

You will make more butter than you need for this recipe, but it’s not worth making any less. It will keep in the fridge for a week or so, or can be frozen and sliced as you need it over the festive season.

Serves 6-8 Ingredients 175g softened unsalted butter 175g caster sugar 175g sieved self raising flour 75ml dark rum 3 eggs, beaten 1 vanilla pod split and seeds scraped 2 tsp ground cinnamon 120g roughly chopped pecans.

3 medium sized apples, peeled, cored and chopped into inch square pieces 200g demerara sugar Method Preheat your oven to 170°C.Cream the butter, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar until pale and fluffy in texture. Slowly incorporate the eggs and rum into the mix while whisking. Fold in the flour till fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Fold in the pecans and apples.

Grease and line a baking tray, add the cake mix so its an even layer. Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top, bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and cooked all the way through. To check if cooked insert a knife into the middle, if it comes out clean then it’s cooked.

Served warm or cold with clotted cream, ice cream or custard.

Spice apple cake

THE

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

CHRISTMAS PARTY & DISCO 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

Situated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and much more.

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

JANUARY 2016 LUNCHTIME SPECIAL

Monday to Thursday throughout January

2 COURSE SET LUNCH £12.95

EVERY FRIDAY EVENING Throughout January & February

MUSSEL & STEAK NIGHT Call for details Bar Open Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm Sun 11.30am - 10:30pm Food Served We are now taking orders for our locally reared Bronze Turkeys and Geese as well as all your Christmas favourites.

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.

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

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

Three Courses £22.50 per person | Two Courses £18.50 per person

A Little Something to Start Shitake Mushroom & Tiger Prawn Asian Broth Vanilla Poached Pears Served with Chicory, Stilton, Caramelised Pecans & Balsamic Syrup Smoked Salmon with Celeriac Remoulade Rare Sirloin Of Beef Salad Indian Lamb Koftas served with Raita & Salad

The Main Event Roast Turkey and all the Trimmings Local Braised Venison Haddock Florentine Wild Mushroom, Butternut Squash and Spinach Pie All served with Seasonal Vegetables & Roast Potatoes The Infamous Christmas Burger Beef Pepperpot

Pudding Christmas Pudding with Brandy Cream Black Forest Mousse with Vanilla Cream and Orange Shortbread Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream Tropical Eton Mess Three scoops of Marshfield Farm Organic Ice Cream or Sorbets Coffee or Tea with Mini Mince Pies & Chocolates Selections and a non refundable deposit of £10 per person must be received at least a week in advance.

Telephone 01380 828 271 | www.ravenpoulshot.co.uk

cheers ]

CHRISTMAS

CHEERS What better way to wash down all that wonderful festive food than with a selection of fantastic local beers and ciders? Here are some of our favourites‌

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[ cheers the best local malted barley and finest English yeast.

Whilst only brewing for a short time they have developed a genuine and loyal following in the free houses of the South West as well as gracing the tables of some of London’s finest restaurants as well as the Houses of Parliament.

Box Steam Brewery

BOX STEAM BREWERY Box Steam Brewery is an awardwinning, independent, family-owned traditional brewer now based in the village of Holt. Their Master Brewer Philip Downes is one of only a handful in the country. Philip and his team create a diverse range of beautifully engineered beers in a unique steam copper, using skills passed down through generations of brewers and the finest local ingredients.

Box Steam is a proud Wiltshire brewery and has a great reputation for their events. Following the success of this summer’s inaugural BoxFest, the team is hosting two days of yuletide merriment to see in Christmas 2015 in good cheer.

If you fancy stocking up on great beer for the festive period with the added bauble of a 20% discount, then pay the Brewery a visit between 9am and 5pm on Friday 11 December and take your pick from the Box Steam range in cask, bottle and gift pack. You could even place your order for a box fresh for Christmas and enjoy the cask ale experience in your own home.

On Saturday 12 December it’s worth making a return trip for Christmas BoxFest, a festive celebration of music,

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mirth and great food, all served up with pints of Box beer, of course.

• www.boxsteambrewery.com

MOLES BREWERY

Visit over the festive period and watch as their expert brewing team blend their Christmas Ale, a dark, rich, warming ale packed full of seasonal flavours. Their ales are available to sample and purchase directly above the brewery in the Edington Farm Shop or you can enjoy a pint and meal in their pub, The Three Daggers.

• www.threedaggers.co.uk

One of a pioneering group of ‘microbreweries’ that started in the early 1980’s, Moles Brewery has now celebrated more than 30 years in business, during which time the company’s all-malt real ales have gained a solid reputation for quality and consistency amongst real ale drinkers in the South West.

Moles Brewery produces a range of real ales, including the original Moles Best at their site in Bowerhill, near Melksham, as well as their famous Black Rat cider. For Christmas, they have gift sets and celebration packs available to buy online including Moles Best and all your other favourites or, if you prefer, you can collect from their head office on the Bowerhill Trading Estate.

• www.molesbrewery.com

three daggers BREWERY Nestled in the heart of pretty Edington, The Three Daggers Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery that has recently emerged to create some highly sought after and highly regarded real ales. Their small but perfectly formed brewery uses only

willy good ale Willy Good Ale prides itself on crafting great tasting beer using the finest hops and local malts. All the labels are designed by head brewer Will Southward and feature the family’s pet Parson Russell Terrier, Olive.

Willy Good Ale is based at Hartley Farm, and you can find their cask and bottled-conditioned beer at independent outlets, restaurants, pubs and farmers markets in the local area.

You can follow Willy Good Ale on twitter @WillyGoodAle or visit their website for more information.

• www.willygoodale.com

Willy Good Ale! AWARD-WINNING MICROBREWERY

We are a family run microbrewery based at Hartley Farm in Winsley.

Come to us for a tasty Christmas gift pack of our award-winning beers!

The Old Forge, Hartley Farm, Winsley, Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2JB

www.willygoodale.com

Willy Good Ales

@WillyGoodAle

[ cheers

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS QUINCE, APPLE, CHILLI & recipes courtesy of Riverford Organics www.riverfordorganics.co.uk

GINGER RUM PUNCH Serves 1

Ingredients 25ml spiced rum 1 lemon 1 apple, juiced 1 quince, juiced 1 chilli, blitzed 200ml ginger juice Mix the spiced rum with a squeeze of lemon and top up with the apple, quince, chilli and ginger juice. Serve with a bit of chilli on the side.

CARROT MIMOSA Serves 1

Ingredients 25ml orange juice 25ml carrot juice Prosecco Simply mix 25ml of orange juice with 25ml of carrot juice and top up with chilled Prosecco. Decorate with a sprig of mint.

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[ food & drink

eat the

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

F

or Lovejoys Wholesale this is our weather’s cold and miserable too, even if you are just treating busiest month by far. With all of the Christmas parties being held we can’t afford to let any of our staff take holidays and it is all hands on deck. We are selling stacks of locally produced vegetables to local farm shops like Hartley Farm and Neston Park, garden centres like Prior Park in Bath and Whitehall and many village shops in the area. Feel free to email yourselves to a Christmas veg box me and ask for one nearest to you. as a one off. Get in touch with Dairy Home Team from Trowbridge on It is Lovejoys 20th anniversary and 01225 763615 or email them on we have been busy celebrating! The shop@moo2.me to find out more. winner of the bike was Chef Richard Synan from The Weaving Shed in Every veg box will have a local sprout Bradford on Avon. stalk, don’t forget you can eat the tops! Other local It’s always great to buy the veg you can expect freshest seasonal vegetables to find on sale are and even better if you can have them sent direct to your door. It’s especially nice to have it all delivered when the

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It’s always great to buy the freshest seasonal vegetables and even better if you can have them sent direct to your door.

celeriac, beetroot, cabbage, coloured kale, potatoes, parsnips and swede.

On your veg patch you could plant fruit bushes now as well as rhubarb and strawberry plants, conditions permitting. Another job to do in the garden is to give all of your tools a good clean and oil so they’re in top shape for storing over winter and ready to go next spring.

Talk again in 2016! Email me with any of your veggie questions at any time on neil@lovejoyswholesale.com. @lovejoysuk Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop

Established for over 30 years

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

Home & locally reared Fresh Meat, Poultry & Game Homemade Sausages & Faggots Order for Christmas Now! 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

z

Premium Christmas Trees

Now on Sale

z

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112

THE

WESTBROOK INN F R E E H O U S E

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Lunchtime from £17, Evening from £20 Crackers & fun packs included. See website for details

CHRISTMAS EVE MUSIC Ray Jones (Vocalist & Guitarist) Live on Christmas Eve from 8.30pm

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

[ food & drink

Meet the Chef

ASHLEY WALCOTT is the landlord and head chef over at The Barge Inn at Seend. We caught up with him to find out more about his start in the industry, cooking for the family and his favourite kitchen gadget…

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

I love cooking for my family as it can be quite difficult to get us all together.

My brother Theo plays for Arsenal and is away a lot so when we can get together I like to cook. My wife is American so some Mac ‘n’ Cheese and BBQ ribs are always a favourite. Get a big pot in the centre of the table and then everyone can dig in.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

I’m not really into gadgets but my knife is probably the my most important tool in the kitchen. Without it I wouldn’t get much work done!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cheese. I have been known to eat a whole Camembert in one sitting.

Not that my wife lets me though!

To make a reservation at The Barge Inn call 01380 828230.

What was your first job in catering?

At my local pub, The Sugar Loaf Inn at Little Chalfont near Amersham as a kitchen porter when I was 17. I loved the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and ended up becoming chef de partie; my first full time job.

and use local farms to source their meat. • www.bargeinnseend.co.uk What is your favourite dish on the menu?

At the moment its our pan fried cod with Mediterranean dressing on garlic potatoes (pictured) but as it gets colder I tend to go for comfort food so look out for some delicious game dishes over the coming months.

What was the first dish you mastered?

A foie gras terrine. It uses expensive ingredients and I’d get in trouble with the head chef if I messed it up so I made When you get a day off, which local venues do you like visiting? sure I mastered it pretty quickly!

My wife and I had dinner recently at Timbrells Yard in Bradford on Avon and Do you have any favourite suppliers?

We use Walter Rose Butchers in Devizes we were really impressed with the food and the renovation to the pub. which is great as they are so close by

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LEB'S CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA at

THE LOCK INN CAFE

WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER from 5.30pm

From 5.30pm we’ll have hot mulled wine, hot mulled cider, chestnuts, homemade mince pies, Christmas tunes and more.

proceeds to Dorothy House.

Switch on of 'Leb's Christmas Canal Boat' at 7pm The Boat will be illuminated until Saturday 19th December so come and join us to get into the Christmas Spirit!

The Lock Inn Café, 48 Frome Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LE 01225 868068 | xmas@thelockinn.co.uk | www.thelockinn.co.uk (We will be open as normal serving our full menu)

Eds V A S thousan

s of pound

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[ gift guide

COFFEE BREAK

Bodum Coffee Press, £13.99 & £19.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

W

classic timepiece

Ladies Radley Watch, £99.95 Griffins Jewellers 01985 212643

Wish

IN THE SOUP

Morphy Richards Soup Maker, £39.99 Knees • 01225 754161

F

DUCK HUNT

Wooden Ducks, from £18 Elise • 01225 309303

DROP a dolly

Collectable Doll £12.99 Made in Bradford on Avon 01225 282801

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CHRIST

gift guide ]

W

GARDEN TIDY

Burgon & Ball Greenhouse Caddy, £19 J Alex Brown • 01225 862236

JUG ON

STMAS

h List

Leonardo Jug, £7.99, & Mugs, £3.99 S L Corden & Sons 01985 212115

MOVIE MAGIC

Electric Popcorn Maker, £21.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas?

Fear not, we’ve options for everyone in the family...

RANGEFINDER

‘Improve Your Game’ Gift Voucher, £35 Kingdsown Golf Club 01225 743472

DRAUGHT PICK

Doggie Draught Excluder, £18.99 S L Corden & Sons 01985 212115

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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 guide

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Riverford Cooking Companions, £12.99 each Riverford Organics www.riverford.co.uk

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CHRIST Wish

OLD McDONALD'S FARM Children’s Melamine Breakfast Set, £18 Tillions • 01985 212291

W

FIT LIKE A GLOVE

Women’s Silk Lined Leather Gloves, £72 Dents • 01985 212291

CYCLE SCHEME

Ridgeback Harmony, £239.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

gift guide ]

XMAS PUDDING

Children’s Pudding Beanie, £9 Made in Bradford on Avon 01225 282801

W

WATCH IT

Ladies Citizen Eco-Drive Watch With Matching Bangle, £249 Griffins Jewellers • 01985 212643

STMAS

h List

TUCK BOX

MONEY BAG

Burgon & Ball Allotment Box, £20 J Alex Brown • 01225 862236

Small Flap Over Leather Purse, £49 Dents • 01985 212291

MUG SHOT

MIXED MEDIA

Harbour by Bella Bee £375 Greenhill Cottage Gallery • 07805 065923

Bird Themed Mugs, £6 each Tillions • 01985 212291

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S.L. Corden & Sons

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist. Come to us for...

Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools | Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Gardening | Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts

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

01985 212115

www.slcorden.co.uk

s.fraser2@btconnect.com

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

[ gift guide

MAKE A STAND

3 Tier Cake Stand, £40 HB Pitt Ltd • 01225 776624

TAKE A POUNDING

Jamie Oliver Pestle & Mortar, £12.49 GM Davies • 01373 822431

JUST JUICE

Breville Active Juicer, £24.99 GM Davies 01373 822431

CHRIST Wish ON YER BIKE

Early Rider Trail Runner XL 14.5”, £149.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

HIT THE SKIDS

Skid Pan Gift Voucher, £95 Drive-Tech Ltd • 01249 783010

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W

gift guide ]

W

STMAS

h List

FESTIVAL FEVER

Bath Literature Festival Tickets, £various Bath Festivals www.bathfestivals.org.uk

a Dog's life

Personality Pets, from £19.99 S L Corden & Sons 01985 212115

IN THE MIX

Kitchen Aid Mixer, £386 Knees • 01225 754161

TANK TOP

Chakras Tank, £25 Yoga Goodies www.yogagoodies.co.uk

throw a blanket over it Luxury Faux Fur Throw, £150 Sofa Co Plus 01985 847031

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[ gift guide

TOP SECRET

2 secret agent spy pens, £3.95

TAKE AIM

Stocking

Catapult with 4 balls, £2.95

GET YOUR BEARINGS

Nature trail compass, £2.95

Fillers

Little gifts for little people, and all under a fiver.

They are traditional toys and come courtesy of www.dotcomgiftshop.com

TOY SOLDIERS

Wind up marching soldier, £1.95

WIND POWER

Balloon powered train, £2.95

ERASER HEAD

Gorilla pencil rubber, £3.95

VROOM VROOM

Make your own wind up racing car, £3.95

JACKS IN A BOX

Traditional jacks game, £3.95

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[ gift guide

The gift of photography

From those just starting out with a new camera or to enthusiasts looking to take their photography to the next level Lacock Photography have courses to suit every level and they make ideal Christmas gifts.

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

Equine Photography course in 2015, new for 2016 are Black & White Photography and Adobe® Lightroom® courses. For those not sure how or where to start, or which workshop to attend, there is a short quiz on Lacock Photography’s website that will recommend the right level of course for you.

If you are just starting out, the one day beginner’s digital photography course

Workshops are available for absolute beginners and for the more advanced photographer wanting to develop their skills. is ideal. It will build your confidence and help you get the best from your camera. If you don’t have a camera, you can even borrow one from Lacock Photography for the day and then choose which to buy afterwards helped by your newly acquired knowledge.

L

ocated near to the centre of the village, Lacock Photography runs one and two day photography workshops in its purpose built training school throughout the year. Fiona Turnbull, Principal Tutor at Lacock Photography said “The secret of taking a brilliant photo is being in control of your camera and knowing how to compose that great shot”.

Workshops are available for absolute beginners and for the more advanced

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photographer wanting to develop their skills. All workshops are based in the delightful setting of Lacock and with a maximum of six students on any course, teaching is delivered in a way that makes it a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Tutors are expert in their subject and chosen for their ability to inspire!

New courses are constantly being added to what’s on offer, following introduction of the highly successful

Gifts certificates have become very popular; whether for your partner, a relative or a friend, you can be sure that a photography course gift certificate for Christmas, a birthday, retirement or another special occasion, is a thoughtful and generous gift that will be well received.

To find out more about the courses available call 01249 730571, email contact@lacockphotography.com or go to the website.

• www.lacockphotography.com

Fresh from the Forest! � Traditional Trees

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Tel: 07870 466179 Open daily from 9am until dark

WHILE STOCKS LAST! www.o-christmas.co.uk

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

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

Allsop Carpets & Flooring Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

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[ house & home

Con-Tempo Celebrates Con-Tempo Furniture in Warminster has just reached a landmark anniversary‌

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The Quercus collection of solid oak bedroom and dining room furniture offers a subtle combination of traditional and contemporary design

T

house & home ]

op of anyone’s list when shopping for high quality interiors should be Con-Tempo Furniture. It offers two floors of beautifully made furniture whilst the helpful, well informed staff create a relaxed, pressure free environment that makes for a refreshingly pleasant shopping experience.

Con-Tempo Furniture has recently celebrated 10 years of retailing from their Warminster site. Starting out as a clearance store for Pinetum Manufacturing it has evolved into a stockist of a wide selection of furniture, all designed and manufactured in their own on-site factory.

This means the company is able to offer customers the option of having items handmade to suit their own specific requirements, something very few retailers can offer. As staunch supporters of British manufacturing, Con-Tempo is also extremely proud of its commitment to designing, manufacturing and retailing its own ranges of furniture, which of course comes with the added benefits of uniqueness and exclusivity.

The Quercus collection of solid oak bedroom and dining room furniture offers a subtle combination of traditional and contemporary design, bringing the natural beauty and warmth of solid oak into your home whether as stand alone items such as bookcases, cabinets and sideboards, or as a complete room set.

The oak veneered Ora range brings a fresh contemporary look that cleverly fits into any home environment, and set at a price point just below Quercus, it offers exceptional value for money. The Lusso, Impello, Nouveau and Vienna ranges offer variations on the theme of painted bedroom furniture each defined by its own individual subtleties in terms of styling and fittings such as solid oak tops and a differing handles. There is also a choice of ten different paint colours; each carefully selected to enhance the traditional design values of these beautiful bedroom collections. For kids, there is also the fab Freyaland collection, designed to bring individuality and uniqueness into your child’s room with a selection of fun colours and contrasting ‘Smartie’ knobs.

Con-Tempo Furniture invites you to come along and discover everything behind 10 years of successful retailing; their coffee is pretty good too! Find them at Crusader Business Park on the outskirts of Warminster.

The Como bedroom range

• www.con-tempofurniture.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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[ health & wellbeing

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Yoga Goodies

Two local yoga teachers look set to take the yoga & fitness clothing market by storm in 2016.

ased out of the Santosha Yoga Studio in Chippenham, Claire Murphy and Emma Goodwin have launched their own online yoga & fitness boutique – Yoga Goodies – offering comfortable, colourful and affordable clothing for both men and women.

Having originally built partnerships with suppliers in the USA, Scandinavia and Thailand, they are now designing and manufacturing their own range which they previewed locally in Chippenham before a national launch at the OM Yoga Show, London in October 2015.

Local artist Rachel Meats has worked with the Yoga Goodies team to create the company’s first two clothing lines; the Chakra and Sanskrit ranges. These colourful yoga inspired tanks and long sleeved tops bring a modern twist to original Mandala designs and include simple descriptions of the meanings of common phrases and yogic words.

The company prides itself on creating real clothing for real people, it hopes to give customers the confidence to drop the standard black fitness uniform and bring colour into their practice. The first range allows

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customers to mix, match and layer their active wear, so they can move comfortably from the studio or gym to the supermarket or school run!

you can visit the Yoga Goodies boutique at The Santosha Studio, Chippenham.

• www.yogagoodies.co.uk.

“Being a yoga teacher and enjoying the gym, I understand what clothing works,” says Emma. “Yoga involves a great deal of bending and stretching, so our clothing is cut in such a way that it facilitates the body’s movement and natural flow without being restrictive. Claire and I wanted to bring affordable fashion to the industry, as although there are a number of well know yoga and fitness clothing brands on the high street, they are just too expensive for many people.

We provide a wide range of multi-purpose leisure and fitness wear to help men and women of all ages feel and look good, whatever their preferred practice.”

The company’s second range will be launched online this month. All clothing can be viewed and bought online at www.yogagoodies.co.uk, and West Wilts Magazine readers can input the code WILTS1 at the checkout and receive 10% off their orders ideal for Christmas gifts. Alternatively

Local artist Rachel Meats has worked with the Yoga Goodies team to create the company’s first two clothing lines; the Chakra and Sanskrit ranges.

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Yoga & Fitness Wear Unique colourful clothing for yoga, the gym or the dance studio Visit our online boutique, www.yogagoodies.co.uk Or our studio boutique at Santosha Studio, First Floor, Amusement Centre Foghamshire, Chippenham SN15 1HB

10% off your order until 31st December.

Enter the code WILTS1 at the checkout.

[ bath rugby

Bath Men’s Walk The Bath Men’s Walk is back again in support of Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

Watch Anthony Watson and co play for England on the big screen at The Rec

B

ack for a fourth year, the popular men’s only eight mile walk will take place on Saturday 27 February and aims to raise much needed funds for local charities Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

With record numbers of walkers anticipated to sign up, the men will set out from Dorothy House, Winsley

Bath Rugby Foundation is delighted to be working alongside Dorothy House Hospice Care once again at 1pm and finish at The Recreation Ground – home of Bath Rugby – with a pie, a pint and the Six Nations clash

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between England and Ireland on the big screen (KO 4.50pm). Groups of 12 to 20 walkers who book together will get the opportunity to watch the game in the comfort of their own private box at The Rec, enabling groups of friends to catch up post walk whilst watching what should be a cracking Six Nations encounter.

Halena Coury, Events Manager for Bath Rugby Foundation said “Bath Rugby Foundation is delighted to be working alongside Dorothy House Hospice Care once again. We are aiming to increase the number of walkers this year to a whopping 620 so we urge you all to get your friends involved and enjoy a great day out. The Bath Men’s Walk is perfect for men and boys who fancy a not too strenuous walk along the canal, followed by a great pie and a pint (or two) and a game of rugby. With an ‘unofficial’ pit stop or two along the way, it’s a great way to get a bit of exercise, have lots of fun and enjoy watching a hard fought international match – hopefully featuring plenty of

Bath boys – with some of your mates.

We look forward to welcoming all the walkers back to The Rec.” Emily Knight, Dorothy House Hospice Care’s Events Fundraiser said, “This is a fantastic event and we can’t wait to be working alongside Bath Rugby Foundation in 2016. Both charities rely on the support of the local community by participating in sponsored events to be able to continue their vital work.”

The Bath Men’s Walk is open to men and boys, aged 12 years or over on the day of the event. The entry fee is £23, in addition, all walkers will be expected to raise sponsorship money or make a personal donation in lieu of sponsorship (the amount is your choice but we suggest a minimum of £50 for adults and £25 for under 18s). Entry fee includes T-shirt. Men can register online or can contact the hospice fundraising team on 01225 721480.

• www.bathmenswalk.co.uk • www.bathrugby.com

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

Sat 5 Dec

Northampton Saints H

15.15

TV

Sun 13 Dec ERCC

AP

Wasps

A

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Sat 19 Dec ERCC

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Worcester Warriors

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Sat 2 Jan

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Newcastle Falcons

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15.00

Fri 8 Jan

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Sale Sharks

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19.45

TV

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Leinster

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TBC

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22–24 Jan

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Toulon

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TBC

TV

Saracens

A

15:15

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30 January AP

[ puzzles

Tea Break Teasers FRENCH WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

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WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER!

Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.12.15 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: On what date did David Ben-Gurion die?

Q2: Which Shakespeare play is on at The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse throughout December?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: GILBERT Quiz answers: 1: 3rd November 2: 6th November 3: Alan November 4: Angola 5: Doncaster

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Q3: The King George VI Chase is usually run at Kempton Park on what date?

Q4: Who wrote the song December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)?

Q5: Which female hip-hop artist will be 33 on December 8 2015?

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

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

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[ last word

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

C

hristmas is without any doubt my favourite time of the year. I love everything about it. The songs, the decorations, the whole giving and receiving of presents thing and the fact that, so it seems at least, just for a couple of days people are much nicer to each other.

The thing I love most of all though is the food. I much prefer autumn and winter food anyway. That is what comfort food is all about and who doesn’t like to feel comforted? Stews and casseroles, roast dinners, steamed puddings with lots of custard, cooked breakfasts, mugs of hot chocolate, I could go on but I can feel the weight

pounds heavier. It took me just over a month to get back to where I started which I did not enjoy…at all….very grumpy….sorry wifey! I undoubtedly had more to eat than usual, I was on holiday so don’t judge, but I didn’t go massively overboard. If I can put on five pounds in a week, during summer, how much will I put on over Christmas?!

I can’t not join in though. I can’t be the person, who, on Christmas morning, while everyone else is enjoying the festivities. is in the kitchen hunched over a list of the food we are having that day deciding if it has too much fat or not enough good fats or too much

Back in September we went on a week’s holiday and even though I went for a run every day I still came back five pounds heavier. It took me just over a month to get back to where I started piling on just talking about all those lovely things.

Normally i dive deep into the best of these offerings with relish. This year though I have a dilemma. For the past four of five months I have been on a diet. I’ve managed to lose a decent amount of weight but it has been quite tough (a love of food and a fundamentally greedy nature are real barriers to weight loss I’ve found) and I don’t want to put it all back on again over the festive period,. You know what I’m saying ladies, right?! Back in September we went on a week’s holiday and even though I went for a run every day I still came back five

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of this or too much of that. Also not everyone knows that I’m watching what I eat so I’ll get food as presents.

Chocolate brazils, biscuits (Lebkuchen, mmmm) and cake will definitely make an appearance. Homemade pickles and chutneys will arrive as well, which you can’t eat on their own so have to be eaten with cheese…and maybe a small piece of pork pie… and just a couple of slices of the homebaked ham…and probably cold turkey and chipolatas.

That’s a five pound weight gain in the last five lines alone!! The child will almost certainly be gifted her own weight in chocolate too. What sort of parents would we be if we let her eat all of it…? Childhood obesity is a very real

problem in this country you know… it would be remiss if we didn’t help her out. You can call it what you like but eating your kids chocolate at Christmas that’s good parenting that is!!

Another of my fave things at this time of year also causes me grief on the diet front. I love watching cooking programmes anyway but especially Christmas ones. Delia, Jamie, Rick, Nigella, James (I feel I have spent enough time with them so we are on first name terms) all have their own shows. It doesn’t matter that some are 20 or sometimes 30 years old and I have seen them countless times, it is all part of my Christmas ritual.

Every day I’ll watch some kind of food programme. The consequence of this is my mind is always on food and when you are trying to cut down that is not a good place to be.

I guess what I am trying to achieve is a guilt free Christmas where I can eat what I want and not have to deal with the consequences in January. I can hear you all now, like a choir at Midnight Mass, in beautiful harmony….”Good luck with that my friend”.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Phil Rockliffe

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