The West Wilts Magazine - March 2016

MARCH 2016 // ISSUE 79

FREE

The

WIN

magazine

A copy of MATT JAMES’ new book, HOW TO PLANT A GARDEN

Talking Tapas A FRESH APPROACH TO LEARNING A LANGUAGE

Spring

Tidings READ OUR 16-PAGE GARDENING SPECIAL INSIDE!

Family Fun EASTER DAYS OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

+ LOCAL LISTINGS COPPICE GUILD SEASONAL RECIPES & MUCH MORE

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

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: Narcissus 'Tête-à-Tête'

March 2016 // issue 79

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fter a very soggy winter in which everyone is entitled to feel a little damp and dreary, the green fingered among us emerge triumphantly and embark, with renewed vigour, upon a new gardening year. Soon enough we will be embracing the longer brighter days that March promises. These are exciting times indeed. If you would like help to make the most of your litle patch of England this spring then look no further than our gardening guide for the year (p35) and, just beyond, our interview with Matt James on the subject of his new book, How to Plant a Garden (p48) - we even have five copies to give away to our readers if you enter our competition!

As well as gardens, with Easter at the end of the month we take a look at great spring days out for the family, and with Mother’s Day there are gift ideas (p32) and pamper days (p70) to consider too.

With all this and all your usual favourites, including 16 pages of great food and drink there is plenty to get your teeth into this March. Enjoy!

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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 March

6

Martin & Co

52

Coppice Guild

54

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events

12

FOOD & DRINK Talking Tapas Viva La Pizza Food & Drink news Eat The Seasons Eggcellent Recipes Meet The Chef at The Three Gables

Matt James Interview

48

20 22 24 26 27 30

Easter Eggstravaganzas

61

HOMES & GARDENS Mother’s Day Gifts

32

COMMENT

South West Greenhouses

46

The Last Word

FEATURES Spring Tidings

35

BATH RUGBY Bath’s Brave Blossom

78

PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

80

82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

3

Pop in to see us and find good quality, locally made furniture and homewares

displayed in room settings designed to inspire.

Choose from a large selection of painted, oak, reclaimed and upholstered furniture, all made to order with a wide choice of colours and handles.

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 01373 466414 Westway Shopping Centre | Frome | Somerset | BA11 1AL

| events

local

listings MARCH 2016

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

DAD’S ARMY (Cert 12A) 25 March, 7.30pm

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

Tickets: £6 Near the end of WWII, the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deals with a female journalist and a German spy.

BROOKLYN (Cert 12A) 18 March, 7.30pm

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE

Tickets: £6 A romantic drama set in the 1950s in which a young woman on a visit to her native Ireland from New York must decide in which country and with which man she will spend the rest of her life.

GOOSEBUMPS (Cert PG) 19 March, 10.30am

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

LONDON SINFONIETTA 6 March, 7pm

Tickets: £16 (Concs £8) A magical mystery tour of modern music

Tickets: Adult £4, Child £3 An adventure horror about a boy who has to save his town when hundreds ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA: of monsters are unleashed from his THE MAGIC FLUTE (LIVE) neighbour’s book collection.

9 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 A wonderfully theatrical and imaginative performance where live sound effects and breathtaking animations help bring this captivating tale to life.

MATT RIDLEY QUARTET 18 March, 8pm

Tickets: £10 Cutting-edge grooves, beautiful melodies and exploratory improvisations live in the bar.

TROWBRIDGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 19 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 The programme features the overture for Victor Hugo’s play ‘Ruy Blas’ by Mendelssohn, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Sibelius’ second symphony which has been described as a song of praise for summer and the joy of life. Conducted by Gareth Harris.

EMPATHY presented by NEON DANCE COMPANY 20 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £14 Emotionally charged new dance work with live music.

THE ROYAL OPERA: BORIS GODUNOV (AS LIVE) 28 March, 2pm

Dad’s Army (Cert PG), Melksham Assembly Hall

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Tickets: £15 A tragic romance of unrivalled brilliance, Giuseppe Verdi’s best-loved opera, of a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love, is vividly told.

| events

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

BREABACH 5 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Scottish five-piece Breabach deliver a thrilling and unique brand of contemporary folk that has earned them international recognition on the world and roots music scene.

BILL (Cert PG) 11 March, 4pm

Tickets: £7 (Concs £6) The team behind Horrible Histories imagine the life of a young William Shakespeare in this fast-paced comedy for all the family.

EYES FOR GERTRUDE 18 March, 8pm

FREE Eyes for Gertrude are a British female duo who write full-hearted, unforgettable songs shaped around captivating observations of the everyday.

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY: THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC 24 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £14 (Concs £13) Jonathan Dimbleby tells the epic story of the decisions that led to victory, and the horror and humanity endured in those perilous seas.

THE BEANFIELD 26 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 (Concs £9) It’s been 30 years since the Battle of the Beanfield – a brutal crackdown on the annual Stonehenge Free Festival with bloody violence and mass arrests. Armed with a camera, a map and

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homemade riot gear, Breach set out to mark the anniversary.

THE LITTLE BOOKSHOP BOY 30 March, 2pm

Tickets: £7 (Concs £6, Family £24) Using puppetry, music and storytelling Raised Eyebrows present this charming, spellbinding show. Age guidance 5+.

MERLIN THEATRE

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

ACTING ALONE 5 March, 7pm

Tickets: £8.50 (Concs £5.50) The story of an actor’s unnerving visit to the West Bank, combined with often amusing tales of life as a solo performer.

UPBEAT! 8 March, 7.45pm

Tickets: £14.50 (Concs £12.50) Forest Forge Theatre Company presents this buoyant and poetic new play set against the backdrop of the heritage waterways of Wessex.

ZONES OF AVOIDANCE 11 March, 7.45pm

Tickets: £10.50 A powerfully moving story of a mother caught up in the drama of her daughter’s addiction.

THE PRODUCERS 14-19 March, 7.45pm

Tickets: £15.50 (Concs £10.50) Based on Mel Brooks’ oscarwinning movie, The Producers is a hilarious musical comedy that has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards Jonathan Dimbleby, and 3 Olivier Pound Arts Centre Awards.

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.

A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS 12 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 Following a run of successful shows at The Athenaeum, this professional singing company is back to delight with popular musical theatre songs from the West End, including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Starlight Express, Wicked and many others.

SUFFRAGETTE (Cert 12A) 16 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £5.50 This acclaimed historical drama follows the early members of the Women’s Social and Political Union and the story of their radicalisation from peaceful protesters to law breakers - the only route they saw to change.

WARMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR presents A CHORAL EXTRAVAGANZA 19 March, 7.30pm

Tickets: £8.50 The Warminster Community Choir sings a very wide range of pieces, from hymns such as For the Beauty of the Earth, to songs from the shows such as Les Miserables, and contemporary numbers such as Mamma Mia.

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Wiltshire SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated SPRING FLOWERS AT LACOCK ABBEY From 1 March, 10.30am – 5.30pm

Lacock’s wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months and ideal for a gentle stroll.

| events ICELAND, AN UNEASY CALM From 1 March, 10.30am – 5.30pm

‘Iceland, an Uneasy Calm’ is a series of photographs taken of Iceland over the last eight years by Tim Rudman, widely recognised as one of the finest landscape photographers working today.

THE SETBACKS 12 March RIVERS OF ENGLAND 13 March

Website: www.boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk For more info call 01380 870734.

MAGIC TRACTOR 18 March

SI BARRON 8 March

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY - A SELF-LED FAMILY TRAIL From 1 March, 10.30am – 5.30pm

UNCLE MORBIUS 19 March

Help Tudor gentleman Sir William Sharington find his lost golden coins on this self-led family trail around the grounds and cloister of Lacock Abbey.

TRAIN TO SKAVILLE 20 March

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge Doors open: 7.30pm OPEN MIC NIGHT 18 March

KENISIA 25 March TRIPLE JD 26 March THE MIKE HODDINOTT BLUES ALL-STARS 27 March

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

PHIL COOPER 25 March, 7pm

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

GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY: GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS 12 March, 8pm

JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH 6 March

Tickets: £20.50 Get on board with the legendary Gerry & The Pacemakers.

MERCY LOUNGE 11 March

CARL ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA 13 March, 8pm

Tickets: £12 Frome Voices present Carl Orff’s thrilling choral work Carmina Burana, with professional soloist a 150 strong choir, 2 grand pianos and plenty of percussion.

The Wurzels, Cheese & Grain

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BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN

FREE GEORGIA LEWIS 22 March

FREE

OTHERS ADELA AND FRIENDS: READINGS FROM SHAKESPEARE Warminster Library 11 March, 3pm

FREE Listen to a selection of Shakespearean readings, commemorating 400 years since the death of the world’s most famous playwright and poet.

For further information contact Warminster Library on 01985 216022.

RECENT WORKS BY CLIVE JEBBETT Wine Street Gallery, Devizes, SN10 2HJ Exhibition Preview: 25 March, 6pm

Free entry & wine A solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by renowned Wiltshire artist, Clive Jebbett. For further information just email dawnomant@aol.com

WILTSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKETS www.wiltshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk BRADFORD ON AVON

17 & 23 March DEVIZES

THE WURZELS 25 March, 8pm

5 March

Tickets: £15 An Easter Scrumpy Special with West Country legends The Wurzels.

With support from the Back Wood Redeemers.

11 & 25 March

TROWBRIDGE WARMINSTER

4 & 18 March

| local news

roundup

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

MISS MARPLE COMES TO SWINDON Produced by Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd, Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced is a lavish new production of a classic Miss Marple mystery, making its way to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre this spring.

Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced is coming to the Wyvern Theatre

The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer...

successful TV sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, while Diane Fletcher is forever immortalised as Elizabeth Both Judy Cornwell and Diane Urquhart in House Of Cards. They Fletcher have distinguished careers are joined by Tom Butcher (PC spanning over 50 years on stage and Steve Loxton in The Bill and Dr Marc screen. Judy Cornwell is probably Elliott in Doctors), Rachel Bright best known for her much loved (Eastenders’ Poppy Meadow) plus a portrayal of Daisy in the hugely full supporting cast.

A Murder is Announced will be at Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 April, with tickets available from £18.50. Book tickets through the website - where you can also see the full calendar of events - or by calling 01793 524481.

• swindontheatres.co.uk

WILTSHIRE’S THEATRE FEST WEST ARRIVES THIS EASTER Theatre Fest West returns this Easter bigger and better than ever with events taking place at arts venues across Wiltshire. Celebrating theatre makers from across the South West, the festival runs from 18 March to 2 April with events at Salisbury Playhouse; Salisbury Arts Centre; The Pound Arts Centre, Wiltshire Music Centre and Trowbridge Arts. Now in its fifth year, Theatre Fest West was created by Salisbury Playhouse

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in 2012 to showcase theatre makers from across the region and this year has grown to present theatre, dance, comedy and events for family audiences across the county.

across the region to take part in this year’s festival”.

For full listings or to book tickets visit the website for each of the venues. Salisbury Playhouse (www.

Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of salisburyplayhouse.com), Salisbury Salisbury Playhouse, says “We are Arts Centre, (salisburyartscentre. immensely proud of Theatre Fest co.uk), Pound Arts Centre West and are delighted to be working (poundarts.org.uk), Trowbridge Arts with our partner venues to bring (trowbridgearts.com) and Wiltshire the most inventive companies from Music Centre (wiltshiremusic.org.uk)

local news |

KINGSDOWN GOLF CLUB COMING SOON TO SUPPORTS HOPE FOR TOMORROW LACOCK ABBEY

Kingsdown Golf Club is proud to announce that Howard Thomson (Captain) and their late Lady Captain, Jo Batt, raised a total of £5,650 for their joint charity, Hope For Tomorrow. It is a national charity dedicated to bringing cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes and was chosen because it meant a lot to them both personally. The money was raised throughout the year at both Open and Club events

along with several private donations as well. The cheque was presented

by Howard Thomson and Pam Stratford to Clemency Rubinstein who is the local representative of Hope For Tomorrow on Tuesday 9th February outside the clubhouse.

“Very grateful thanks from myself and the Ladies Section for everybody’s generosity over the year.” said Howard Thomson.

• kingsdowngolfclub.co.uk

around 100,000 people in the UK. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments can help people with MS manage the condition. Until a cure is found the MS society will continue to fund world-class research to make sure people with MS have the treatments and services they need.

‘Elements of Capability’ is the new exhibition coming to Lacock Abbey this spring. Running from 30 April to 22 May 2015, the exhibition is being held to help celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of landscape designer, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Organisers are putting together an intriguing show of outdoor sculpture reflecting the central elements of his designs and confirmed artists include Melissa Cole, Annie Mulholland, Lisa Pettibone, Celia Smith, Woody Fox and Lucy Strachan. The art will echo his artistic vision and will be set against the backdrop of Lacock Abbey and its lovely grounds. Brown was paid for work at Lacock but it’s not clear what it was, or if any of it remains, so these artworks will be a fitting tribute to his memory and will stimulate the imagination.

“Everyone who knows me will know that running a half marathon will be a big challenge, I’ve never entered a race before let alone run that sort of distance! So please dig deep and help me raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity and help beat MS! Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.”

Lacock Abbey is found in the National Trust village of Lacock, near Chippenham. Normal admission applies. National Trust members and under 5s go free.

Open daily, 10.30am-5.30pm. Visit the website or call 01249 730459 for more information.

Kingsdown Golf Club raised more than £5000 for charity last year

RUNNING THE BATH HALF IN AID OF THE MS SOCIETY

Cat Mayo from Stephen Graver Ltd is running the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 13 March 2016. Her first half marathon, she is running to raise money for the MS Society. “I am running Bath Half to raise money for the MS society, a charity which is very close to my heart. In June 2010 my sister Becky was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It’s a neurological condition that affects

Cat Mayo

• justgiving.com/Cat-Mayo

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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local news |

Get on the Artists’ Trail

T

he seventh Cloth Road Arts Trail takes place from Saturday 30 April to Sunday 8 May from 11am – 6pm It is a FREE nine day visual feast, celebrating the superb creativity of talented local artists and craftspeople. From painters, ceramicists, printmakers and glassworkers you will appreciate the diverse artistic talent in West Wiltshire.

The area has some outstanding countryside for the public to enjoy as they travel between Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Melksham and the surrounding villages. In these locations they will be able to find galleries, workshops and individual makers’ studios, where artists will be delighted to meet with them to discuss their work. Whether you are interested in art, purchasing art or

A piece by painter & printmaker Sue Cook

would just enjoy a good day out, there is something for everyone.

Organisers are pleased to be once more associated with Trowbridge Arts, who have invited artists to exhibit at the Town Hall - and Trowbridge Museum, who are hosting two Cloth Road displays.

The 2016 Cloth Road Arts Trail has once more been generously supported by Wiltshire Council, Bradford on Avon Town Council, local Parish Councils and Trowbridge Town Council. Brochures will be available from early March 2016.

• www.clothroadartists.com

The Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

B

uilt in 1817, The Bishopstrow Hotel in Warminster retains all of its unique period features and charm, sympathetically combining many contemporary features running through the bedrooms, restaurant and spa, making it the ideal venue to suit Bishopstrow is a wonderful venue suited to all tastes

all tastes. Whether you are planning a wedding that is an intimate affair or a large celebration with all your friends and family, The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa is the perfect Wiltshire wedding venue. Set in the heart of Wiltshire and surrounded by 27 acres of woodland, our Doric Temple situated

by a private stretch of the Wylye River make for a stunning wedding album to remember your special day.

The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa is delighted to be licensed to hold civil marriages in four separate areas of the hotel.

There is a variety of decadent function rooms that provide elegance and country house character. And for those wishing for a more modern venue, the Mulberry Restaurant, with its far reaching views of rolling countryside, is simply perfect.

Bishopstrow’s professional and attentive teams are committed to delivering you an exquisite experience that will remain in the memories of your guests and you forever. For more information call 01985 212312 • www.bishopstrow.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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LANDLORDS

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WILSONS 14 High Street, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3BW

Tel: 01373 824958

Email: westbury@wilsons-residential.co.uk

General home maintenance for all your home needs • General handyman works • Fitting & erecting furniture • Electrical repairs • Gardening & fencing • Painting & decorating • Plumbing Call 07538 206917

alex@homefix365.co.uk

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Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company

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* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 30.04.16. ROAR

15 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

CHEESE &GRAIN FRI 4 MAR 8PM SAT 12TH MAR 8PM SUN 13TH MAR 7.30PM TUE 15TH MAR 7.15PM 18TH & 19TH MAR FRI 25TH MAR 8PM SAT 2ND APR 8PM SAT 9TH APR 8PM SAT 16TH APR 8PM SAT 23RD APR 8PM SAT 30TH APR 8PM SUN 8TH MAY 2PM FRI 13TH MAY 8PM SAT 14TH MAY 8PM SAT 21ST MAY 8PM 28TH & 29TH MAY SUN 29TH MAY 8PM FRI 3RD JUN 8PM TH

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN £14 GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS £20.50 adv CARL ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA £12 adv LATER WITH... FROME COLLEGE 2016 £6/£4 FROME BEER FESTIVAL £10 THE WURZELS - EASTER SCRUMPY SPECIAL £15 DIRTY DC £13.50 THE MANFREDS £21.50 adv JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART £16.50 THE SMITHS INDEED £13.50 BAD MANNERS £16.50 FROME BLUES RHYTHM & ROCK FESTIVAL £21.50 POLICE DOG HOGAN £14 RYAN MCGARVEY (FULL BAND) £15 FAIRPORT CONVENTION £23.50 BLUES GUITAR WORKSHOP WEEKEND ERIC BIBB £22.50 ABSOLUTE BOWIE £16

Frome Beer Festival

Ryan McGarvey

Fairport Convention

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

MOTHER’S DAY Sunday 6 March 2016

Join us for our Sunday best from 12pm - 5pm or for dinner from 6pm. Booking is a must as we fill up fast. Call to make a reservation.

EASTER WEEKEND Friday 25 - Monday 28 March 2016

Fingers crossed for glorious sunshine this Easter we are hoping to host a BBQ! Look for updates and event details on our Facebook page nearer the time.

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

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PUB

Recently refurbished, you can be sure of a warm welcome at The Stallards Inn. They offer tasty food, cracking live music and wide range of ales, ciders, lagers & wine.

• Live music • Good honest food • Open fire • Local real ales • Function Room MANAGER’S OFFER 2 MEALS FOR £7.50 15-16 Stallard Street, Trowbridge BA14 9AJ

01225 767855 | stallardspub.co.uk

food news |

Longs Arms Beer & Cider Festival

S

ituated in the heart of the picturesque village of Steeple Ashton, The Longs Arms, is the perfect place for the discerning ale drinker or for the whole family to enjoy a meal together. Their annual Beer and Cider Festival is a

In all there are going to be in excess of 30 real ales and ciders for people to try, and there’s something for everyone from light pale ales to dark porters as well as ciders like the bestselling ‘Crazy Goat’ and wooden casked Hunney’s cider; a real treat for enthusiasts, “As well as cider and beer, and enthusiastic drinkers! As well as cider and beer, there is a great line there is a great line up of up of live music on offer to enjoy too, and the event all takes place live music on offer too” in a large marquee, so come rain wonderful event for lovers of music or shine the event can still go off and beer! This year the event is with a bang! For all other essential taking place on St George’s Day information call 01380 870245 or Saturday 23 April – and tickets are take a look at their Facebook page £5 per adult in advance, or £10 on for all the latest announcements on the day. This event is likely to sell out live acts and more! so be sure to get organised and buy your ticket early!

• longsarms.co.uk

Going Live at The Stallards Inn

T

he Stallards Inn in Trowbridge is a great option for those who like a pub full of atmosphere.

Recently refurbished, this free house is open 7 days a week, serving a wide range of ales, including Stonehenge and Moles beers, ciders, lagers and wine.

On cold days there is a warming fire, whilst in summer you can enjoy a drink in the sunshine out in the beer garden.

artists and groups appear on the third Friday of the month; there is an unplugged acoustic session on the third Thursday of the month plus there’s monthly karaoke and a weekly (Wednesday night) quiz where - win or lose - if you enter you still get a free set meal!

As well as a buzzing atmosphere, The Stallards Inn also does food, available through ‘Just Eat’ for delivery or to eat in. See the website for more information on all the acts coming up or call 01225 767855. Alternatively, follow the pub on Twitter (@stallardspub) and Facebook.

• stallardspub.co.uk

The Stallards Inn is best known locally for its fantastic events and live music. Every Saturday night there is a live band; they host an open mic night on the first Thursday of the month; young and upcoming THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| food & drink

Talking Tapas When The West Wilts Magazine found out about new company where learning Spanish was combined with eating great tasting food, we sent LISA ROCKLIFFE along to find out more.

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eather Pottow set up Talking Tapas in October 2015 to help people learn not just a new language (although with Spanish the second most spoken language in the world that’s no bad thing in itself ) but also about Spain’s rich heritage. Having fallen in love with the country as a teenager, some 25 years on Heather is still passionate about everything El Español. “My aim is to give people the confidence to learn a new language no matter what their age or ability, in a relaxed, friendly environment. You are never too old to try something

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new, and learning a language whilst also being introduced to a new culture, with all its food and history is great fun!”

tells you about the history of Tapas. It began in the 1800s when, in a bid to keep out the flies in the midday heat of Southern Spain, people began to

"A fully qualified Spanish teacher with 15+ years experience, Heather is keen to help people learn a language in a way that isn't daunting."

On my visit, which takes place in the comfort of Heather’s home, I enjoyed a Taster session, a 90-minute introduction aimed at helping those interested in finding out more. As well as learning those all important introductions in Spanish, Heather also

cover their glasses of sherry with a thin sliver of bread or a slice of jamón.

A tapa (meaning cover), was then eaten once the drink was finished.

And so began a tradition that would become the hugely popular and sociable way of eating it is today.

food & drink | on holiday either, you might just want to dip into this fantastic culture and enjoy a great bite to eat. That’s great too!”

As well as learning some basics, there is a little more about how tapas bars work, an explanation of ‘pinchos’ and much more that helps bring the culture alive. “My love of food is equal to my love of Spain, and I believe serving a selection of delicious tapas will only help to inspire and encourage you, they are what Spain is all about! You will even get to take away some recipes to try out yourself. For me, understanding the culture of a country is as important as learning the language, especially for one with such a strong sense of tradition and pride as Spain. From the legendary fiestas, to the amazing Spanish arts and architecture, not to mention the sumptuous wines and incredible food, there is so much to learn, see, taste and experience!”

There are lots of options available.

The Beginners Spanish - Talking Food costs £150 per person (6 weeks) and is ideal for those going on their own, or for those looking to meet new Tortilla y pimientos and pinchos de champiñones y jamón people with a similar interest. Classes are limited to just 8 too, so everyone A fully qualified Spanish teacher gets plenty of time as well as plenty with 15+ years experience, Heather to eat! Alternatively, couples may is keen to help people learn a prefer want to learn together (£210 language in a way that isn’t daunting. per person for 6 weeks). There are “Classes take place at my home and also courses for those with a specific are absolutely not like they would be interest in architecture and wine. If in a classroom. I want people to feel you interested in giving it a go, the relaxed and learn about the country Taster sessions can cater for two to and the language at their own pace, eight people at a cost of £30 per after all it’s supposed to be fun! Using person, and include coffee on arrival food is a great way to do that. We sit and a sample of tapas. down, we eat, we socialise and I help people learn the kind of Spanish you Give Heather a call to arrange your are actually going to want to know if Taster session on 07708 628396, or you go on holiday and want to make email heather@talkingtapas.co.uk. the effort to speak the language. Of course you don’t have to be going • www.talkingtapas.co.uk

Heather Pottow Chorizo y garbanzos en sidra & Patatas y salsa romanesco

Manchego y miel

Pincho sticks

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| food & drink

Viva La Pizza

VLP, in the centre of Corsham, has recently celebrated ten years of providing locals and visitors with top quality, traditional Italian cuisine.

T

his family run restaurant has been open in Corsham high street for ten years.

It’s a popular fixture in the local dining scene, providing traditional and authentic pizzas as well as pasta dishes, antipasti, salads and more. Fully licensed, it’s a small but perfectly formed restaurant that offers simple, tasty, food made from top quality ingredients. VLP is a great option for any number of occasions, from a lunch or dinner out with friends to romantic meals for two and family celebrations – they also offer private hire on Sundays for parties with over 20 guests. And since they started doing breakfasts, they now also cater for every meal of the day!

Owner Matthew De Michele likes to keep dishes traditional and homemade wherever he can. You won’t find any foams, edible soil or sous vide cooking here. Instead, they make their own tomato sauce for the base of the pizzas, their herbs and vegetables are from a local supplier, the meats and fish are as authentic as possible and they always use pure mozzarella.

Matthew believes the best cooking comes from doing the simple things well, and that means allowing top quality ingredients to speak for themselves. The wines and beers are all Italian as well as the limoncello, which comes direct from Sorrento.

As well as antipasti such as pickled vegetables and cured meats and various breads and olives, you’ll also find a good selection of pasta dishes including firm favourites like spaghetti bolognese and lasagne.

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Matthew believes the best cooking comes from doing the simple things well, and that means allowing top quality ingredients to speak for themselves.

But it is the pizzas that take pride of place. There are around ten to choose from and they cater for all tastes. There is always a special on offer to tempt you to try something new, and if you can’t see your favourite on the menu they are happy to make a pizza of your choice. Failing that, they recently launched the ‘Abruzzo’ burger, a homemade 7oz 100% British beef burger served in a brioche bun served with bacon and dolcelatte

cheese. It also come with fries and your choice of dip. Tempted?

Viva La Pizza is popular with visitors and tourists alike and there are many, many regulars who have been using the restaurant since it first opened, all testament to consistent, top quality cooking and their high levels of service. Call 01249 713444 to make a reservation.

• www.facebook.com/vlpcorsham

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.

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, BURGERS & FAGGOTS

EASTER ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

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

www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk TEL: 01249 658112 Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ

V.L.P.

Ristorante, Pizzeria & Takeaway

Authentic Homemade Italian Food to Eat In or Take Away 01249 713444 | 55A High Street, Corsham SN13 0EZ | Find us on Facebook: vlpcorsham

| food news

Riverford launches Spring & Summer Veg

F

ar from glossy coffee table food porn, national veg box company Riverford’s new series of books have been designed for real cooks. As farmers and veg experts themselves, their team has created recipes that bring veg to the centre of the plate in dishes that really help people get to grips with the green stuff.

Riverford founder and selfproclaimed ‘veg nerd’ Guy Watson says, “I want this book to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality; to make a turnip or courgette

exciting and to prevent a cardoon or artichoke from being intimidating.

My dream is that a veg box will seem like an allotment without the work, and that this book will help make veg the stars of your eating. Our intention is above all to make veg box cooking easy and pleasurable.”

team has not been able to resist a few more challenging ones, which they hope will appeal to more seasoned and less time-pressed cooks. Jason Holt, Farm Manager at Riverford Norton, says, “Many of our customers really know their way around a veg box, but it’s a journey that can be challenging at first. We feel this cook Most recipes are quick and simple, book will help those starting out, with lots of variations, suitable for and show them what a wonderful weekday nights when you’re community of cooks is at the heart of tired but Riverford.” want to get The next book in the Riverford something Companion series, Autumn and on the Winter Veg, is also available to table that’s purchase online. Spring & Summer good, Veg costs £16.99 and is available seasonal to buy from the website and and in independent book shops. budget.

Riverford’s • www.riverford.co.uk/cookbook

What’s on your plate this Easter?

N

o sooner has Christmas passed, than Easter arrives.

Another great excuse to get friends and family around the table and wow them with your culinary expertise. Time to fire up the oven, crank up the radio and pour yourself a large glass of wine!

These days, more and more people are asking about food provenance.

They want a connection with local suppliers because they know this will lead to better tasting food. At Neston Farm Shop, they lovingly curate products from local suppliers they trust and respect and have developed strong relationships with over the years through their sister site Hartley Farm Shop.

Imagine a beautifully roasted leg of lamb from the butcher at Neston

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Farm Shop, studded with rosemary quality meat from Neston Farm Shop and garlic cloves. You’ve just spent this Easter, call 01225 864948 to find two hours in the kitchen preparing out more. something wonderful for your family.

When someone asks where the • www.nestonfarmshop.co.uk lamb came from, it feels good to say a person’s name, doesn’t it? “Steve Bowles of Church Farm in Winsley” – it’s got a ring to it.

Steve’s lamb is incredible. His flock graze natural grass pastureland around his farm and as a result his lambs grow slowly, developing the way nature intended - resulting in meat tasting like it used to, and should do. The butchers source direct from Church Farm, preparing and cutting exactly to your requirements. They have also put together a handy roasting guide for you – it’s free with your order. If you fancy some locally sourced, great

| 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...

A

t last January and February are out of the way! I must confess they are my two least favourite months of the year, and we had one day more this year because of the leap year! The beginning of the year seems to have gone very fast though, I can’t believe it’s March already! With the arrival of spring, we can now look forward to longer days and, hopefully, better weather.

tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergines in. You could also plant lettuce plants under some cloches if you have some.

Neil There are still some winter veg crops available from your local farm shops and village shops; you should still find leeks, most root crops, kale and savoy cabbage. We will soon see the very first of the local asparagus, so look out for it.

If you have an allotment, a garden or even just some containers, now is the time to get planting, and you can sow peas, beetroot, carrots, parsnips and the next broad beans.

Now spring has begun, all you grow your own enthusiasts can get going!

If you have an allotment, a garden or even just some containers, now is the time to get planting, and you can sow peas, beetroot, carrots, parsnips and also the next broad beans to follow the winter crop.

If you have a greenhouse now is also the time to get your

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shops, or what to grow on your plots, just send email neil@ loveoyswholesale.com

As usual any questions on what you might find in the

@lovejoysuk Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com

recipes |

Eggcellent

Recipes

Healthy, cheap and super versatile, eggs can provide the basis for some fantastic dishes. Here are some great ideas to get you started, and as usual the recipes come courtesy of Waitrose.

Piperade with Eggs, Tomatoes, Pepper & Chorizo Serves 4

�

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 red romano pepper, thinly sliced ½ red chilli, deseeded & chopped 2 vine tomatoes, quartered & chopped 4 medium eggs, beaten 70g chorizo, diced (optional) Chopped flat leaf parsley, to garnish

Method Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium frying pan and add the onion, garlic, pepper and chilli and cook for 8–10 minutes on a low heat until soft and golden.

Stir in the tomatoes (and chorizo, if using) and season. Cook over a high heat for 3–4 minutes until any

moisture evaporates. Set aside and keep warm. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small non-stick pan and add the beaten eggs and seasoning. Stir over a low heat until curds form and it is soft and creamy and not quite set.

Stir the egg into the pepper mixture, scatter with chopped parsley and serve with sliced baguette and a green salad.

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27

| recipes 1 tbsp plain flour 150ml semi-skimmed milk ¼ tsp grated nutmeg 4 medium free range eggs, beaten 2 tbsp half fat crème fraîche Grated vegetarian Cheddar, to serve (optional) Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cook the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, drain and refresh under cold water.

Squeeze out all the water with your hands and chop finely. Heat the butter in a small pan, add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the milk a little at a time, then bring to the boil and stir until thick and smooth.

Serves 4 Ingredients 6 medium free range eggs, beaten 50g soft white breadcrumbs 500g frozen peas, thawed 25g pack chives, cut into 1cm lengths 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 tbsp freshly grated parmesan 6 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped 250g ricotta cheese 1 tbsp olive oil 110g rocket, to serve Method Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, bring to the boil. Meanwhile. mix together the eggs, breadcrumbs, peas, chives, garlic, parmesan and

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Place the pan under a medium grill for a further 5 minutes until golden and completely cooked through.

Slide the frittata out on to a board, slice and serve with rocket.

Place in a roasting tin filled with hot water and bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes until the eggs are set. Serve with crusty bread.

Baked Eggs with Creamy Nutmeg Spinach Serves 2 Ingredients 250g spinach 25g butter

�

Fresh Pea & Ricotta Frittata

tomatoes. Finally, fold in the ricotta but don’t worry about beating out all the lumps. Heat the oil in a 23cm non-stick frying pan and pour in the mixture. Cook very gently for 10–12 minutes until almost completely set.

Stir the chopped spinach into the sauce and add nutmeg and seasoning. Spoon into the base of 2 large ramekins (250ml ramekins or larger) or shallow gratin dishes. Make shallow wells in the spinach, then break 2 eggs into each. Spoon over the crème fraîche and scatter with the grated Cheddar if using.

Beechfield House offers the perfect setting for Sunday Lunch

Four Course Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 6th March

£29.50 per person Four Course Easter Sunday Lunch Sunday 27th March

£29.50 per person Call 01225 703700 to make a reservation

A gem of a country house...

Beanacre, Nr Bath, Wiltshire, SN12 7PU 01225 703700 | www.beechfieldhouse.co.uk

| food & drink

Meet the Chef GIACOMO CARRECA is the new head chef at The Three Gables in Bradford on Avon. We spoke to him to find out more about his background, his passion for local produce and his love of the British Sunday roast.

What was your first job in catering?

Apprentice chef in a local restaurant in my home town back in Sicily.

Where have you worked previously?

I was the head chef at Ciao Ciao in Bath, and before that I was a sous chef at The Royal Oak Paley Street near Maidenhead, which is the Michelin star pub owned by Michael Parkinson.

What was the first dish you mastered?

Arancini. It’s a classic Sicilian street food named after the little oranges that they resemble. They are stuffed, fried rice balls and are absolutely delicious!

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

Lovejoys Wholesale in Melksham.

They provide me with wonderful locally produced or sourced vegetables.

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

Pork belly, with a black pudding croquette, pea, broad beans and baby onions. The pork comes from local producers Downland and the vegetables from Lovejoys.

What is your style of cooking?

I like to showcase the brilliant seasonal produce from this area.

When I cook I treat ingredients with respect, using the classical foundations with a modern

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interpretation and techniques to present beautiful, delicious food.

Hopefully I can play my part in enriching Bradford on Avon’s already strong reputation for great food.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

In 2014 I cooked for Novak Djokovic and his team (I like to think I played my part in his victories!)

When you get a day off, which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting?

I like a proper country pub and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and

good Sunday roast at The Fox in Broughton Gifford. When it comes to restaurant it has to be The Three Gables, which I visited a few times last year before Vito offered the job of running the kitchen.

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

Even though I’m Sicilian I love a good old fashion Sunday roast with all trimmings (you just cannot beat it!)

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

Water bath What is your guilty pleasure?

A cheese toastie or a salami sandwich.

To make a reservation at The Three Gables call 01225 781666.

• thethreegables.com

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

THE THREE GABLES 1 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DA

PLANNING AN EVENT?

We specialise in weddings, conferences and events, catering for up to 120 guests. To find out more please contact Emma Lewis or Sharon Brind.

SUNDAY ROASTS

On Sundays we serve our very popular traditional roast lunch. Choose between roast sirloin of beef, rump of lamb or our ‘Catch of the Day’ fresh fish.

Two Courses £16 | Three Courses £19

BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // +44 (0)1225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

The Three Gables is well known for its top quality food, superb wines and the warm welcome provided by manager Vito Scaduto and his team. The Head Chef uses the finest quality ingredients, locally sourced where possible, to create a modern British menu influenced by the classics of mediterannean cuisine.

LUNCH OFFER

2 Courses £14.00 3 Courses £18.00

DINNER OFFER

Enjoy a complimentary bottle of house wine with dinner Tuesday to Thursday (min 2 courses incl a main)

Mention WestWiltsMag when ordering!

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Mother’s Day is a special occasion and time of the year when every Mum should be pampered and treated to a wonderful lunch!

Canapés & 3 Course Lunch £30.00

VISIT WEBSITE & BOOK ONLINE t 01225 781666 www.thethreegables.com info@thethreegables.com

| Mother’s Day

1./

Mum Embroidered Luxury Bath Robe; thefinecottoncompany.com, £114

2./

Spring Flowers Reed Diffuser; standseven.com, £18

3./

Tangerine Big Flower Large Square Silk Scarf; colliercampbell.com, £45

Mother’s Day Gifts Here are some great options to get you started, and of course our local independents are packed with wonderful ideas too!

4./ 6./ 32

5./ New Weekender – Horses; millygreen.com, £40

Round Wooden Chopping Board; cottageinthehills.com, £25

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Definition of a Mother Print; betsybenn.co.uk, £29

THE ANGEL INN

UPTON SCUDAMORE “One of Wiltshire’s finest country pubs”

For more information about advertising in this magazine please call

01225 807775

• Bar • Restaurant • Rooms A rustic country inn offering tasty, classic dishes alongside the best modern British cooking.

BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER WEEKEND! Upton Scudamore, Warminster BA12 0AG 01985 213225 • angelinnupton@gmail.com • theangelinn.co.uk

e !

Recently renovated, The George is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines and fantastic food created by our award-winning chef Alex Venables.

• Open fires • Cosy bar • Local produce & fresh fish • Dog friendly • Open daily from 9.30 for coffee & breakfast

NOW PEN ALSO O S Y A MOND

SET LUNCH 2 Courses £12.95 Monday to Saturday MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH Sunday 6 MarcH DELICIOUS AFTERNOON TEAS Available Friday to Sunday Book your table today on 01225 865650

67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

N SHO O W W RO O OM PE N

Stunning custom designed bespoke lodges built using only the finest sustainable materials.

Each one designed specifically to meet your exact requirements.

Whether you require some extra accommodation for family, friends or simply a holiday home Ultimate Lodges can help realise your dream.

Based nr Bradford on Avon

01225 751316

info@ultimatelodges.co.uk www.ultimatelodges.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

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

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS READY TO PLANT OUT Our choice of the finest spring flowering bulbs including Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinths, Alliums, Snowdrops, Anenomes, Bluebells, Fritillaries, Iris and many more...

• Spring Bedding • Wallflowers • Annuals • Ornamental & Fruit Trees • Shrubs • Climbers • Conifers • Roses 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

gardens |

Spring

Tidings

Rejoice gardening folk, after a long, wet winter spring is definitely on the way and so a new gardening year begins! Here are some great local businesses who can help you improve your little patch of heaven in 2016‌

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| gardens

Garden Centres and Nurseries ALLINGTON GARDEN SHOP Selling a range of unusual shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, miscellaneous garden accessories and some beautiful and highly original gardening gifts (so useful in the run up to Mother’s Day!).

Owner Brenda Meade will be more than happy to advise you with your garden related woes or planning and can even make up a hanging basket or pot for you whilst you wait.

01249 659700 | allingtongardenshop.co.uk

Avonfield has a fine selection of British grown perennials and shrubs

on our excellent levels of service and high quality range of plants.”

Right now is a great time to sort out your spring bedding and, if you missed the boat in the autumn, they have a range of spring flowering bulbs ready to plant out. Find them on Marsh Road in Hilperton.

01225 866886 | avonfield-gardens.co.uk

THE BOTANIC NURSERY

general gardening and growing from seed as well as their wide range of plants and seeds available to buy online, it’s a wonderful resource.

What’s more, take along a copy of this magazine and receive 10% off your plants!

07850 328756 | thebotanicnursery.co.uk

DOWNSIDE NURSERIES

Downside is a traditional family-run retail, working nursery set in over three The multiple RHS gold medal award- acres situated in Upper Westwood, winning Botanic Nursery gives you between Bradford-on-Avon and Iford/ everything you need to grow great Freshford. Plants account for nearly plants. Their nursery is open from 100% of all sales so you can be sure of Tuesday to Saturday and has quality, choice and value for money. interesting display gardens that house They’re open 7 days a week from 9am hollyhocks, hellebores, peonies, to 5pm. Directions are on the website salvias, rare and unusual shrubs as and it is signposted from the B3109.

Allington Garden Shop can make up well as the National Collection of When visiting the website, do sign up hanging baskets while you wait foxgloves. It’s a great a source of for the news and updates. inspiration and an ideal way to see AVONFIELD these plants thriving in their preferred If you haven’t visited before, you’ll GARDENS conditions. It’s also an ideal way to probably be surprised that there are Garden lovers have flocked to more than 2000 varieties and sizes of Avonfield since it opened in 2008, and find out more. Terry Baker, who they followed Directors James Vincent founded the nursery with wife Mary in plants and trees listed, giving a huge 1976 says “Above all we are and Matthew Webb when they Downside Nurseries has a fabulous enthusiasts ourselves and we love to relocated to Hilperton at the end of selection of herbaceous perennials 2014. The secret to their success is no help customers with advice on secret at all really, it’s just making sure growing our plants so they needn't that the gardeners they serve are their feel intimidated if they don't have a great deal of knowledge or if they are priority. James says, “We have always new to gardening. Pay us a visit and believed that to look after our customers we have to make sure our we’ll help wherever we can!”

Find the nursery in Atworth, on the core products were our focus. We outskirts of Melksham. On their have never done and will never do gimmicks; instead we pride ourselves website you can also find advice on

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The Botanic Nursery Coombe Lane, Atworth, Melksham SN12 8NU

ALLINGTON GARDEN SHOP Selling a range of unusual shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, accessories and gifts.

OPEN 7 days a week 10am - 5pm For friendly, professional & personal service.

Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ 01249 659700 | www.allingtongardenshop.co.uk

Littleton Garden Machinery Providing quality new & used lawnmowers since 1958

Our garden machinery services include: • New & used lawnmowers • Strimmers • Repairs & servicing • Spare parts

Please call to find out more or pop in to speak to our friendly, knowledgable staff.

Littleton Garage, Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6LF 01380 870204 | littleton-gardenmachinery.co.uk

A family-run plant nursery near Melksham with lovely display gardens and a great selection of plants, including woody shrubs, fabulous peonies and salvias and the National Collection of Foxgloves.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Call 07850 328756, visit our beautiful gardens and nursery or buy online

www.thebotanicnursery.co.uk

Bring THE WEST WILTS MAGAZINE with you & receive 10% OFF all plant sales

| gardens selection. Take a look at the 360°online tour on the website to give you a flavour. Plants make a wonderful longlasting gift and are perfect for Mothering Sunday, Easter, birthdays and anniversaries.

01225 862392 | downsidenurseries.co.uk

LAKESIDE & FONTHILL GARDEN CENTRES Lakeside and Fonthill Garden Centres are family run businesses that have been serving gardeners in the West of England for over 40 years. The two centres are based in Warminster and Bitton, located on the A413 between Bath and Bristol. In either location you can be assured of a warm, friendly welcome, top-quality products and knowledgeable advice for everyone from the novice to the expert.

In addition to the wide range of trees, shrubs, patio plants and perennials, you will also find a select range of quality garden furniture, barbecues and gift items. Lakeside is situated on the A350 in Crockerton, just outside Warminster, on the edge of the Longleat estate. What really marks this garden centre apart is the beautiful setting - no visit to Lakeside is complete without a stroll around the lake and a chance to meet the ducks and geese that have settled there.

01985 217413 | fonthill-lakeside.com

“What really marks this garden centre apart is the beautiful setting - no visit to Lakeside is complete without a stroll around the lake” TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE Based on the outskirts of Trowbridge this ever popular garden centre has a great reputation for quality of service and product ranges – it has everything a gardener could need,

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Lawn Tender Before

from planting to ponds, compost to climbers and their staff are on hand to help you discover what works best for your garden. This month head inside for shrubs, trees, alpines, roses and seasonal bedding plants, and encourage wildlife into your garden with their large collection of bird feed and other wildlife products. Also see their collection of metal and wooden garden furniture along with barbecues to suit all budgets.

Lawn Tender After

along with barbecues.

Whitehall is rightly proud of its award-winning farm shop which supplies local produce including beer and wines, preserves, chutneys fresh fruit and vegetables a range of local meats. Their events diary is jam packed with great activities, including planting Mother’s Day baskets from 4-6 March and a special Ladies Evening on 23 March.

01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Also on site are Garden Affairs, Premier Plastics, Pools, Spas & Landscapes, Room to Groom, Indoor Growstore, J C Hairstylist and The Nail GREENTHUMB Emporium as well as the popular Bay GreenThumb started lawn treatment Tree Café, serving breakfasts, snacks, in the UK over 30 years ago GreenThumb (Bath & West Wilts) is hot meals, teas and coffees.

01225 763927 | trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk owned by Graham Smith, operating from Bumpers Farm in Chippenham.

WHITEHALL The business has steadily developed GARDEN CENTRE over the last 15 years, now treating Whitehall is a family owned over 3,000 customers in the area. The independent garden centre that has vast majority of customers start the been run for over 40 years by three programme of 4 yearly “feed & weed” generations of the Self family. Nestled treatments due to a recommendation on the edge of beautiful Lacock, they from friends, relatives or neighbours stock one of the most comprehensive – always a positive sign. ranges of plants in the county, available in store and online.

All the team at GreenThumb are lawn professionals with many years of As well as outdoor plants and trees, experience - lawns are all they do! they carry an excellent range of gifts, The products used are simply not reclaimed oak furniture, casual available in garden centres or DIY clothing and shoes, houseplants, stores, with many made especially for outdoor pots and ornaments. The GreenThumb by leading suppliers outdoor living showrooms feature an from the “sports-turf” industry. extended range of garden furniture GreenThumb’s value-for-money lawn

Lawn Care

S.L. Corden & Sons

www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

Plants & Shrubs • Bedding • Fruit & Veg • Paving Seeds & Bulbs • Gardening Products • Pots • Tools Compost • Wildlife Feed • Outdoor Aquatics plus A wide selection of gifts for every occasion Garden Furniture & Barbecues

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.

Come to us for...

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

288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT • 01225 763927 Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Premier Plastics, Pools, Spas & Landscapes, Room to Groom, Indoor Growstore, J C Hairstylist & The Nail Emporium

4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

| gardens treatments start at just £15 for a small garden. Why not call or email GreenThumb Bath for a free no-obligation lawn inspection?

01249 653765 | bath@greenthumb.co.uk

LAWN TENDER Creating the perfect lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is actually quite straightforward. The solution is to get someone else to do it for you!

Kevin Maul and Sue Jacobs are just the people you need. They run the South Wilts and East Somerset office of Lawn Tender. As a company, Lawn Tender cares for thousands of lawns throughout the south of England, ranging from small town and cottage gardens to large country houses and estates. Kevin and Sue’s area covers Andover to Bath, taking in the city of Salisbury and its surrounding areas plus the towns of Westbury, Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and all their surrounding villages and hamlets.

LawnTender has always placed high focus on customer service and care.

They provide personal ongoing advice, feedback and support throughout the season. This has resulted in strong customer loyalty from year to year. It all starts with a FREE, no obligation assessment.

01980 654800 | lawntender.co.uk

LAZY LAWN

LazyLawn fit artificial lawns that are guaranteed for 10 years. Genuinely hassle free, you can transform your garden into a stylish space your family can enjoy spending time in, all year round. Their thorough installation techniques, combined with fantastically real-looking grass will leave your garden looking neat, tidy and green. To find out more contact Lee Giles, your exclusive South West LazyLawn installer, or go online to www.lazylawn.co.uk to view a special induction video.

0843 659 5870 | lawnsforlife@lazylawn.co.uk

LITTLETON GARDEN MACHINERY

trimmers, shredders and much more as well as petrol mowers and chain saws. As well as the tools they also keep specialised fertilisers, pesticides, weed killers, compost, bark chippings and much more. If you require prices, just call and staff will be happy to help. The difference between a family run business and the huge superstores is that they can offer you more choice and a much more personal service – as well as free delivery in and around Westbury.

0845 291 6015 | daviesofwestbury.co.uk

S L CORDEN & SONS

Cordens in Warminster is a real fixture of Warminster high street. A Based in Semington, Littleton Garden traditional ironmongers, the store is Machinery have been providing now so much more to local residents, quality new & used lawnmowers since and currently operates 10 1958. Their services include new and departments over 3 floors, covering: used lawnmowers, strimmers, repairs gardening, kitchenware, DIY, and servicing - they also stock a wide ironmongery, tools, electrical, range of spare parts. Whatever your camping, locks and key cutting, query you can always rely on their sugarcraft and gifts. knowledgable staff to help.

01380 870204 | littleton-gardenmachinery.co.uk As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff, their knack for problem solving and their ability to source unusual items quickly. Right DAVIES OF now, at the beginning of spring, WESTBURY their gardening department is the If you want to get cracking in the place to head for everything from garden head to Davies of Westbury seeds to secateurs, furniture to to make sure you have everything you need. A family run business, they tomato feed – everything the have over 30 years experience selling enthusiast needs to get the everything for the home – inside and gardening year off to a flying start!

Tools and Equipment

If you love the idea of a perfect lawn, 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk but don’t have the time or energy to out. As far as the garden goes, they maintain one, LazyLawn may have the carry all the top brands when it PRESSURE WASHERS answer. Having rolled out its faux turf SOUTH WEST for over 30 years, LazyLawn has grown “As far as the garden an impressive portfolio of artificial turf goes, they carry all the If you have a patio, deck or drive that needs a good clean then you could in a variety of different colours, top brands when it textures and pile heights. comes to tools as well probably do with a pressure washer. as garden machinery” PWSW is a family company with over 30 years’ experience in sales and In wet weather, finding an Davies of Westbury service of pressure washers, from opportunity to mow the lawn is domestic to large commercial units always a problem. On the other hand, comes to tools as well as both during drier summers the constant electric and petrol garden machinery As the biggest Nilfisk dealers in the watering can cost a small fortune. including mowers, strimmers, hedge South, they offer the right machine

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Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

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

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Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

Reclaimed Building Materials & Architectural Antiques

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| gardens for the right price with domestic models from only £99.00, including a 2 year warranty.

They also carry models for large scale commercial and farm use, with hot/cold water machines and also petrol and diesel engine models, all with their expert Pressure Washers local back up South West service. What’s more at the moment they are offering a FREE 25 litres of Traffic Film Remover (worth £27) with every hot water pressure washer service booked with them.

01373 469825 | pressurewasherssw.co.uk

Ponds and Landscaping AQUA MAGIC Water features, done well, can transform the atmosphere in all types and styles of garden. Although you may like to tackle it yourself, in most cases it pays to call in the experts.

Daniel Marles, with more than 15 years’ industry experience, has built his excellent reputation upon recommendation. Daniel says, “A successful pond is created through careful planning and can be built on most budgets”. Aqua Magic offer a complete design, planning and construction service that will meet your specifications, requirements, and, most importantly, your budget.

Whether it’s a small courtyard pond, an ornamental pond, a wildlife pond or a large koi pond you’d like, Daniel can advise on the construction and the best materials to use, and can then take on the project from start to

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finish, ensuring you get the pond you are looking for with minimum fuss.

07738 192020 | daniel@aquamail.co.uk.

TIDY GARDEN SERVICES If you have visions of summer barbecues enjoyed on a wooden deck, have grand plans for newly sculpted grounds or simply want the extra privacy that a new fence would provide then give Ben Devenney a call for a chat about your ideas. He has been working in the industry for more than 10 years, and his vast experience has seen him work in all manner of gardens, large and small, on a wide variety of projects.

01225 781646 / 07870 811292

Garden Buildings and Furniture BEECHFIELD RECLAMATION From a pretty stone birdbath, to an imposing statue or impressive piece of metalwork, a good architectural piece can really make a garden shine.

Based in Devizes, Beechfield deal in all types of building materials and have some wonderful pieces that would look great in any garden, including arches, fountains, benches, chimney pots, staddle stones, planters, paving, bricks and more.

As well as old items, they also sell reproduction pieces like urns too – well worth a look! Al in all the range is astounding – what’s more they have a stonemason on site who can cut flagstones (and more) to size.

01380 730999 | beechfieldreclamation.co.uk

ULTIMATE LODGES Ultimate Lodges, based in Wingfield near Bradford on Avon, offer stunning custom designed lodges from one to five bedrooms. Custom built to each client’s exact requirements using only the finest sustainable materials, they are ideal for siting in your garden (usually without the need for planning permission), offering luxury accommodation for friends or relatives that want independence but also need the security of being nearby. Alternatively, they make ideal holiday homes; the director started the business after overseeing the design and construction of his own family ski lodge in the French Alps.

Ultimate Lodges offer a complete turnkey solution, incorporating design, planning, project management and build including all ground works, services and landscaping. Prices start from £50,000 with a typical 3 bed 2 bath 72sqm lodge costing £85,000. To find out more just arrange a visit to their show home.

01225 751316 | ultimatelodges.co.uk

Ultimate Lodges create stunning custom designed lodges

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We Offer....

• Pond & Water Feature Construction & Maintenance • Pond & Aquarium Moving Service • Custom Aquariums • Hard Landscaping • Fish Health & Water Treatment

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01225 781646 / 07870 811292

| gardens

South West Greenhouses South West Greenhouses offers a full installation service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

greenhouses including Dwarf Wall, Lean To, Orangery and Victorian style all installed direct by Swallow for free. Made from Thermowood which is a heat and steam treated timber that reduces moisture and resin leaving an attractive and extremely durable wood that is perfect for outdoor use.

CLEARVIEW

F

rom humble beginnings South West Greenhouses are now one of the largest greenhouse retailers in the UK, with their easy to use website they sell and supply greenhouses all over the UK. As they install the greenhouses they sell they have an unrivalled product knowledge on the range; the best way to fully understand a greenhouse is to put it up...over and over again!

When you contact them with your questions they will always give you an honest informed answer by someone who knows exactly what they are talking about.

The Eden Birdlip 4x4

for money and have been making aluminium greenhouses since the 1930s.

EDEN Offering a brand new range of unique “Zero Threshold” aluminium greenhouses straight from their Cheltenham factory.

ELITE The largest range of aluminium greenhouses around, offering all sizes with many different styles - the Titan range is one of the strongest greenhouses on the market.

JULIANA

Top quality stylish Scandinavian South West Greenhouses only supply the best quality greenhouses design - the only aluminium greenhouses recommended by in their price brackets: the RHS.

HALLS

Probably the most well know brand in the UK, they offer good value

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SWALLOW Large range of wooden

New to the market with a range of Redwood Pine greenhouses packed full of useful features at an excellent price point. Installed by Clearview on to your base. As they are the first major retailer to market them they have named their most popular 6ft wide range the “Wiltshire”!

The South West Greenhouses website has all the products broken down and each greenhouse has its own page. All the information and extras available for that exact greenhouse are there to view and buy, so you can order and arrange your installation with the click of a button! It’s that simple. Take a look online today – you can also view photos of greenhouses they have installed to help with your choice.

• swgreenhouses.co.uk The Clearview Wiltshire

We are a local, family run business that prides itself on its friendly, helpful approach, offering all the benefits of a local service combined with great value for money.

The cheapest supplier in the UK, GUARANTEED!

We offer: Full installation service, Base levelling, Base laying, Repairs, Existing greenhouse clearance, Site visits, Insurance quotes

01225 710479

swgreenhouses.co.uk

| interview

Plant Plans

Lisa Rockliffe spoke with MATT JAMES about his new book, How To Plant A Garden, its appeal for novices and keen gardeners alike and the importance of our outdoor space.

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H

ow To Plant A Garden is the new book from designer, horticulturalist and senior lecturer Matt James, who is perhaps best known to the gardening public as The City Gardener, which aired on Channel 4 from 2002 to 2006.

We speak after Matt has had a busy morning, helping his students at the Eden Project in Cornwall finalise their show garden designs “The deadline for submissions is this afternoon so, as you can imagine, there’s been a

matt james | will hopefully inspire people as to how they want to proceed.”

It is easy to get carried away by the beauty of plants – to simply pick all the ones you think are wonderful and just try to cram them into your patch wherever you see a spot of bare earth. And this isn’t always terribly successful. “There is a real process to designing with plants, and there are so many options available that very careful editing is required. There are certain things you need to do to get

"There is a real process to designing with plants, and there are so many options available that very careful editing is required." mad panic this morning. Hopefully they are all ready to go though.” It’s fitting that James, who has a great deal of experience in teaching (he spent five years teaching on the award-winning Garden Design degree course at Falmouth University) should write a book that seems to be based at introducing novices to gardening. Accustomed to teaching would-be designers, he’s on very solid ground. “Yes hopefully it will help those new to gardening, but I think there’s plenty there for experienced gardeners too. If they already know how plants work, and enjoy working with plants but don’t necessarily know how to combine those plants to create a pleasing composition, this book will hopefully prove really useful. A lot of people are very good gardeners but are less certain, and feel they need advice, on how to design with beautiful plants. For beginner gardeners, or for those who want to learn to think like professional gardener, the book takes you on a logical journey through the plant and design process from analysing space, through choosing a style to putting together the composition to understanding how many plants you need to buy and grow. It’s also bursting full of beautiful images that

to that beautiful end design. You need to adhere to the principles of art and design; you need to be aware of your conditions; you need consider the role of plants in your design and that means choosing plants that suit the style of garden you want. The book gives you a series of tests to help you zero in on the best choices. There are thousands of plants that might work, it just isn’t practical to sit down with the RHS Encyclopaedia of Plants and work out what you want. Instead, you say ‘my soil type is this, my preferred aesthetic style is this, my climatic condition is this, the functional role of my plants is this’ and you end up with a brief. Once you have that you have narrowed down your options from that initial encyclopaedia to just 3 or 4 pages of plants that would actually work, and then you can start putting your favourites together in a manner which is beautiful. That is what the book is all about.”

The book promises to work just as well on small projects as large ones, and with new homes now offering smaller gardens than ever, this has never been more important. “The book

is called How To Plant A Garden, not How To Plant A Landscape, and it’s very much focused in on how to apply the principles to smaller gardens. There are lots of images in the book of gardens of different sizes, urban backyards up to large suburban gardens. That’s an important distinction. There are lots of garden books out there that will help you plant a meadow on a huge scale, but the majority of us just don’t live like that, we have a small back garden and there is inspiration aplenty, even if all you have is a small roof terrace, with room for just a few pots. The design principles are the same, they just need to be tweaked accordingly. I’m sort of renowned for tackling smaller gardens, the majority of the clients I work for have them, and I think it’s tremendously important that we take full advantage of any outdoor space that we have. Hopefully this book will help people do that.”

RHS How to Plant a Garden (£25) is published on 3 March 2016 by Mitchell Beazley

COMPETITION TIME We are lucky enough to have 5 copies of Matt James’ How to Plant a Garden to give away to our readers. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning one just email your answer to this easy question to comp@wiredpublishing.co.uk and please include your contact details with your entry.

WHICH HUGELY SUCCESSFUL GARDEN SHOW DID MATT JAMES PRESENT FROM 2002-2006?

Was it:

a) The City Gardener b) The Country Gardener c) The Clever Gardener Email your answers now. Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 31 March 2016. Ts & Cs apply.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

| house & home

Martin & Co Celebrates 30 years You can get the best of both worlds at Martin & Co; deal with staff that have great local knowledge and expertise backed up by a large national company with great resources and a strong reputation.

M

artin & Co is a national business that has been developing a letting and property management pedigree since 1986. The business has invested in well trained staff, leading edge technology systems and cutting edge marketing. The Chippenham/Westbury operation was established almost seven years ago and has gone from strength to strength. Soon after opening the Chippenham office in 2009, the Westbury office was established at Westbury Leigh.

Both offices were originally focused on lettings only and have earned their reputation for excellent customer service with both landlords and tenants alike. Director Tony Sellick explains: “We are very proud of the fact that many of our original clients are still with us and still enjoying our high levels of customer service. Since we began trading we have always looked to develop staff and improve our operating procedures and IT systems - essential elements for any lettings business.

We really do believe we offer the very best service in the Chippenham and Westbury areas to all of our landlords and tenants.”

As the housing sales market improved a few years ago, and some landlords looked to sell their investment properties, Martin & Co responded by supplying them with a sales service. “We had homeowners knocking on our door, asking us to sell their houses” Tony continues.

“Since then there has been no looking back and we have hired

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Martin & Co celebrates 30 years in business in 2016

Martin & Co always provides a courteous, informed service aimed at giving clients total peace of mind – whether you are looking to let or sell your property. more staff specifically to deal with sales enquiries and negotiations.”

Martin & Co always provides a courteous, informed service aimed at giving clients total peace of mind – whether you are looking to let or sell your property or if you are a prospective tenant or purchaser. What’s more, as part of a much larger national company they have access to large databases of potential properties, buyers and tenants as well as the expertise that comes from being part of the largest letting and property management franchise business

in the UK. For more information contact the Chippenham branch on 01249 460783 or Westbury on 01373 866686. Alternatively head to the Martin & Co website.

• www.chippenham.martinco.com • www.westbury.martinco.com

Tony Sellick

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| house & home

A Blank Canvas

Julie Mason at the award-winning designer’s Coppice Guild in Bradford on Avon talks you through the process of designing a new room from scratch…

A

t Coppice Guild it is always exciting when clients walk in holding architect’s drawings of their new build project. Unlike refurbishing an old property, where there has been a chance to live with the feel of things and where you have to work around what is there, a new build offers a completely different set of challenges.

When the clients of this fantastic house, designed by Architects Batterham Matthews Architects (www.batterhammatthewsarchitects. co.uk), got in touch their brief was for a kitchen that reflected their relaxed young family’s lifestyle. The oak framed structure was so stunning that whatever furniture went into the space it definitely did not want to compete against it. It was decided to leave all oak frame parts unhindered by the cabinetry, so the kitchen layout became freestanding leaving the corners of the room clear. By painting the furniture pale grey it recedes into the space acting as a backdrop whilst also paying homage to the architecture of the build. Even the light fittings and bar stools are

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The purpose of the designer is to make the absolute most of the available space Large open plan living is what most people dream of

A new build property offers a wealth of possibilities

The oak framed structure was so stunning that whatever furniture went into the space it definitely did not want to compete against it. transparent, creating an illusion and sense of timelessness.

Large open plan family room/ kitchens (especially those with a strong connection to the garden) are what most people dream about.

If you have a project either in mind,

or on the drawing board, the design team at Coppice Guild will be thrilled to talk to you about the possibilties.

Call Julie on 01225 862268 for more information, or to arrange a no obligation consultation.

• www.coppiceguild.co.uk

All images courtesy Ferla Paolo Photography

When your new house is going to be contemporary in style it is very tempting to go sleek and minimalistic when it comes to décor.

The knock on effect that you need to consider – unless you are fully starting afresh – is how it will all look with much loved possessions and old furniture? Also, is it realistic with an active family that the house will always be neat and tidy? Unless you have very deep pockets a complete style change is out of the question for most of us.

All images courtesy Ferla Paolo Photography

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easter activities | Spring at Bowood House & Gardens

Easter

EGGSTRAVAGANZAS Head out this Easter and enjoy a great time with the family. All these venues are within easy reach and promise a grand day out...

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| easter activities the homes of design greats such as Caroline Herrera and Diana Vreeland, as well as celebrities including Greta Garbo and Hermione Gingold.

Cotswold Motoring Museum

• americanmuseum.org

Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos GL54 2BY At the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, you’ll discover over 50 vehicles including cars, motorcycles, pedal cars and caravans displayed in 7 galleries covering more than 7,500sq ft!

The Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th century, overflowing with vintage vehicles, hundreds of original enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities. It’s also home to TV’s superhero car Brum.

Bowood An American Toy Story at The American Museum

American Museum Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD The opening weekend of the 2016 season is on Saturday 19 March when the exhibition, An American Toy Story, comes to life.

The exhibition runs until 30 October and explores the huge impact that movie-licensing has had on toy production and the way that we play. A collection of vintage treasures and modern classics will be on display together for the very first time. During the opening weekend there’s free entry for anyone who comes dressed as their favourite film character, and visitors can bring along collectibles and toys as Marc Allum and Lisa Lloyd from Antiques Roadshow will be on hand to make a live valuation. You can meet popular film characters and check out movie vehicles and even watch duelling Jedis fight on the lawns and then have a go yourself! New for 2016, the museum’s café and gardens are now open from 10.30am, so visitors can come and stroll around or take in the stunning vista from the café terrace.

Another exhibition to look forward to is Jeremiah! Inspired Interiors by Jeremiah Goodman runs from 19 April – 1 July and is Goodman’s first European show – a chronicle of stunning and stylish room portraits which pre-date the wide use of photography. These paintings depict

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Derry Hill, Calne SN11 9PQ Bowood provides fun for the whole family with an exciting Easter Trail through its 100 acres of beautiful parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. The trail begins on Bowood’s first day of opening – Friday 25 March at 11am, continues over the weekend and finishes on Monday 28 March at 5pm. The trail will include activity sheets, colouring in and prizes. There will also be face painting available, along with Bowood’s famous Adventure Playground along with soft play area and Tractor Ted’s Little Farm where there will be some new arrivals.

Want to make a break of it?

Bowood’s luxury boutique hotel boasts stunning views across the Wiltshire countryside, a championship golf course and relaxing Spa. Entry to the Easter Trail is included within the normal Bowood House & Gardens admission price.

• bowood.org

One of their most popular exhibitions is Dream A Little Dream – which takes a nostalgic look at the 1960s; it’s colourful, laid back and very cool. Alongside the Zephyr Mk3 and motorcycles you can also enjoy the sounds from an original Radio Caroline studio.

• cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk

Court Farm Country Park Banwell, Weston-s-Mare BS29 6DL Open for more than 25 years as a visitor attraction, Court Farm Country Park is looking forward to another fun Meet the baby animals at Court Farm Country Park

| easter activities filled summer of entertainment for all the family. The park has been voted runners up in the Farm Attraction Of The Year competition twice in recent years, an accolade that the attraction’s owner, Peter Gwyn, puts down to the friendly atmosphere and the excellent facilities the farm now boasts. With over 25000sq ft of undercover attractions and playgrounds, visitors can enjoy their day whatever the weather.

If its animals you want - they’ve got loads from Shires and Shetlands to lambs and piglets. Budding adventurers will love the Safari Jeep track. There are two large indoor adventure playgrounds and there are lots of friendly animals on show too. With daily bottle-feeding shows kids can marvel at the antics of the farm’s baby animals. Tractor rides, pony rides, and a whole host of other goings on will leave your kids begging to come back soon. The park is open daily all year round.

• courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk

Junior Championship Kart Races, it’s completely up to you. So if you have a budding Jenson Button in the family, why not give it a go this Easter? What’s more there’s plenty of opportunity for grown ups to have a go too with adult karting sessions.

Call 01249 783010 for more details or to book your experience.

introduces you to the other animals in the park, including goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, pigs, chickens, turkeys, baby emus and alpacas.

You can buy bags of food to give the animals too – a guarantee of some one to one moments with the animals as you go round.

• drivetechltd.co.uk

En route there are other things to keep little ones amused should they need it, including trampolines, playhouses, climbing frames, a miniature golf course and a fairy wood. It’s great fun, allowing kids to work off some of their inexhaustible energies whilst grown ups wander round the park and admire the scenery. After your animal park adventures you may wish to stop off for some much needed refreshment at the popular Squirrels Tea Room.

Holburne Museum Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB The whole family can enjoy activities inspired by the museum’s latest exhibition Impressionism: Capturing Life including painting outdoors for all the family and decorating eggs in an Impressionist style. The exhibition is proving hugely popular and centres on figurative paintings by some of the artists that exhibited at the first Impressionist exhibition of 1874, including Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, PierreAuguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley.

Keen young artists are also more than welcome to sign up for the Easter Art Camp. Aimed specifically at 5-12 year olds, the camp offers creative activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, led by an experienced team of artists. The days cost £36 per day per child, call 01225 388568 for details.

• holburne.org

Junior karting at Drive-Tech Ltd

Drive-Tech Ltd Castle Combe, Chippenham SN14 7BW Ideal for older kids, Drive-Tech’s karting experiences are available for 10 to 15 year olds - min height 4’8” (142cm). Based at Castle Combe Circuit, boys and girls can learn top class racing skills under the professional supervision of marshals and experienced instructors. Junior Karting sessions can be taken as a ‘one off’ or drivers can progress and eventually get to race in their

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Hope Nature Centre Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge BA14 9QD Hope Nature Centre is a great place to take the family during the holidays. Open 7 days a week, it’s unbelievable value: costing just £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child or a family ticket (£7) gains entry for two adults and two children. Small children in particular will be entranced at the Rabbit Village, which has rabbits large and small as well as guinea pigs and oh-so cute little degus. The wheelchair accessible route then

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk

Lackham Lambing Weekends Wiltshire College Lackham, SN15 2NY Lackham’s lambing weekends are a great way to spend time with the family on a real life working farm, at one of our most exciting times of the year! Open from 10am-5pm each day on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 and Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March (last admission at 4pm), you can see a range of animals including pigs and piglets, cows and calves, deer and of course the lambs. As well as the animals there are free tractor and trailer rides, a farmers market and much more. To find out more about the event and book your visit take a look at the website.

• wiltshire.ac.uk/calendar

Lacock Abbey Lacock, near Chippenham SN15 2LG Easter is a great time to visit Lacock – they host their annual Cadbury Easter Egg Trail on Sunday 27 and Sunday 28 March, 10.30am to 4pm. This fun

| easter activities self-led Easter trail around the Abbey grounds will make you crack up with laughter as you discover all the Easter themed jokes and win a Cadbury chocolate Egghead. The cost is £1.50 per trail, and normal admission applies. NT members and under 5s go free. Away from Easter trails there is also the Message in a Bottle self-led family trail to enjoy from 29 March.

Find the bottles and solve the clues to find the party location.

the new game ‘Know Your Numerals’; beat the clock and download a certificate for each of the levels.

You can also be creative and add to a ‘Virtual Hoard ‘of Roman coins, have fun uploading your face and text onto your own Roman coin at romanbaths.co.uk/virtualhoard.

• romanbaths.co.uk/family-activities

STEAM

Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY There’s hands-on action at STEAM this Easter. Located right next to Swindon’s Designer Outlet, the Museum is bursting with things to Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ see and do for all the family from The Roman Baths is a wonderful little ones to grandparents. Among place for all the family; children can storytelling displays, you’ll find find out about Roman life through legendary steam locomotives, a their own audio guide, narrated train simulator and signal box, as

by Michael Rosen, and dramatic well as many hands-on exhibits. The computer reconstructions. They can museum has also just welcomed also meet Roman characters and King George V and City of Truro, two listen to their stories. There are two activity trails which they can collect at superb locomotives that will play the reception desk. Afterwards, enjoy a key part in celebrating Swindon’s 175th anniversary as a railway town. a special treat in the Pump Room - a A collection of working vintage slot children’s tea with an Easter theme. machines completes your round trip, about two hours in all. For more On Monday 4 April enjoy Romans information call or see the website.

Healthy & Happy? from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Find out what the • steam-museum.org.uk Romans did to keep well. The event is included in the admission price, and there is no need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

TT Cycles, Frome Road, Bradford on Free entry to local residents with a Avon BA15 1LE Discovery Card. Your fun with the The Kennet & Avon canal towpath Roman Baths can start right now on offers traffic free and easy cycling for the website. Head to romanbaths. all the family. Stretching from Bristol co.uk/know-your-numerals and play to Reading, through and along hills and valleys, the cities and towns along the way offer an interesting backdrop to the country path Towpath Trail is the original bike and canoe hire on the canal. Operating from their bike shop TT cycles in Bradford on Avon, their bikes are in good condition – all less than 6 months old – and are ideal if you and the family want to head off to Bath Enjoy a children’s tea at the Pump Rooms (10 miles) or Devizes (12 miles), home • nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Roman Baths

Towpath Trail

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to the famous Caen Hill lock flight.

There are also child trailers, trailer bikes and child seats for hire should you need them. Alternatively, you might want to take to the water in a canoe. Their canoes are very safe and easy to use and can be paddled solo, or can accommodate mum, dad and two children, the choice is yours!

• towpathtrail.co.uk

Book Summer Camp!

Mill on the Brue is the best kids’ summer camp ever, residential or daily. Residential camps start on Sunday 10 July, Day camps Mondays to Fridays. There are themed days, Army, Pirates and Olympics 2016 as well as two normal activity days weekly. With a maximum of 12 kids in each group and two instructors they have 25 acres to roam!

Kids try five/six activities in a day, and love the delicious, homecooked filling lunches. The exciting, fun, activities cover canoeing to high ropes, archery to assault course, rafting, tree climbing, tunnelling, crossing the river, zip wire, clay oven cooking, water slide, the list is endless. 50% of children return year after year as it becomes their own summer tradition. Parents remark that their children are more independent and more confident, returning home grubby, tired and very happy!

• millonthebrue.co.uk Mill on the Brue summer camps offer 5 or 6 activities a day

EAT Enjoy breakfast lunch and dinners, craft beers, wines & much more at The Lock Inn CafĂŠ 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

The

Westmagazine Wilts

Have you seen our new website?

It has a link to the latest edition of the magazine plus loads of extra local content & features.

No subscription required www.westwiltsmag.co.uk

| health & beauty

Mum & Me Pamper Day

T

Aqua Sana Spa at Longleat Forest is offering a wonderful present for Mother’s Day this year from £85 per person.

here’s no better way to say thank you to your mum than with an indulging spa day.

The newly launched ‘Mum & Me Pamper Day’ makes for the perfect spa escape at Aqua Sana, within Center Parcs Longleat Forest.

With access to the World of Spa from 9am, take some time out from the stresses and strains of everyday life to spend some quality time with your mum. Enjoy refreshments upon arrival in your complimentary fluffy robe, where a welcome cup of tea or coffee make for the perfect spa day start. Taking you and your mum on a spa adventure, make your way through the 15 different thermal experiences, each of which works to deeply relax the body and mind – the perfect setting to reminisce over those trying motherdaughter moments! Whether easing your muscles in the warming temperatures of the Outdoor Heated Spa Pool or challenging your body in the hot and cold multi-sensory showers, there’s an experience to be loved by everyone.

Make your way to the spa’s Vitalé Café Bar, where a sumptuous lunch, Superfood Facial

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The Mum & Me Pamper Day is a wonderful gift idea

including a selection of hot and cold dishes awaits. Add some sparkle to your day with a glass of bubbly, perfectly setting the mood for your Mother’s Day celebrations!

In the afternoon look forward to a CND spa manicure, where you can choose from a variety of colours to match your mood. Lasting 55 minutes, relax and unwind at the hands of your beauty therapist as your nails are transformed and hands left soft, hydrated and restored following the colder spell.

Whilst the ‘Me & Mum Pamper Day’ might be the perfect gift for some quality mother/daughter time, sons don’t have to miss out. Aqua Sana offers a range of gift vouchers from a ‘Spa Day’ to ‘Twilight Taster for 2’, where mum and son can relax, unwind and recharge their batteries.

The Spa Day includes: • Access to World of Spa from 9am-6pm • Complimentary towel & robe hire • Refreshments upon arrival • Lunch in the Vitalé Café Bar To make your day even more • Free glass of bubbly special, why not add one of the • 55 minute CND Manicure new Elemis treatments to your luxury • Free Spa Discovery Session spa day. Step into spring with the *This package can only be purchased in multiples of two Thousand Flower Detox Wrap, where the highly nutritious wrap The Mum & Me Pamper Day costs warms and cocoons the body melting away toxins for the ultimate £85 per person Monday – Thursday and £109 per person Friday – Sunday. sense of renewal. Alternatively, rejuvenate the complexion with the Available Friday 4 March - Thursday 21 Superfood Facial, designed to relieve April 2016. stress whilst smoothing and • aquasana.co.uk/longleat plumping the skin.

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

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ABD

| later life

What things should you know when considering the need for longer term elderly care?

We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, a partner at Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors who specialises in elderly care, for his views...

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF NEEDING LONGER TERM CARE? A good place to start by way of a reality check and to keep things in perspective is with the statistics. 81% of people in care homes are over

in excess of ÂŁ23,250. Your income in the form of pensions and investment income will always be taken into account. Other funders are the local authority if you are sufficiently poor, the NHS if you are sufficiently ill and some voluntary organizations.

ajd@awdrys.co.uk or call on 0800 072 8636. The firm has offices In Marlborough, Royal Wootton Basset, Devizes & Chippenham.

Alternatively visit their website.

• www.abdcare.co.uk

if you do not understand the system you will not know what strategies to deploy to mitigate cost and make your money last longer. the age of 65. This same research also shows that if you are in the 65 year age group your chances are only 3-4%. This percentage number increases significantly for nonagenarians, to 50%. Most people who need care receive care and support at home.

IS UNDERSTANDING THE SYSTEM IMPORTANT? It is vitally important because if you do not understand the system you will not know what strategies to deploy to mitigate cost and make your money last longer. Things you need to understand are the different types of care, who are the providers and importantly who funds care.

WHO FUNDS LONGER TERM ELDERLY CARE? In this country you fund your care for so long as your capital assets are

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WILL MY HOUSE BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT? It will not be taken into account if you receive care in your own home.

It will not be taken into account if you leave your partner behind in the house if you go into care. There are certain other exceptions but otherwise a house is always taken into account.

If you want to know more, and would like a FREE APPOINTMENT in order to find out answers to the questions that need answering, please email Andrew Douglas or his team on Andrew Douglas

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

| bath rugby

BATH’S BRAVE BLOSSOM

AMANAKI MAFI only arrived at Bath Rugby at the end of January.

After an eye catching debut against Worcester he’s already made a big impression.

F

ourteen months ago Amanaki Lelei Mafi was lying in a hospital bed wondering if he would ever play rugby again, having dislocated his hip in a game for his Japanese club side NTT Communications Shining Arcs.

Following a remarkable Rugby World Cup that saw Japan win new fans across the globe, and which included a memorable victory against the Springboks, on Saturday 13 February he became just the third

On Saturday 13 February he became just the third Brave Blossom to play in the English Premiership

his uncompromisingly and often devastating approach on it. He has a simple rugby philosophy. “I like rugby,” he said. “Give me the ball and I run, that’s all.”

Ford, however, sees a lot more to Mafi. “There was a lot to like; the way he retained possession in the ruck, gave us good clean ball, and the way he defended as well. He has a bit of rugby awareness about him, he’s not just a guy who just runs at the nearest defender, he’s got a merry side step and he is good to watch,” Ford said.

Brave Blossom to play in the English Premiership, helping his new side record their first victory of 2016. He made quite an impression.

While it’s still early days, there is a possibility Mafi will decide to extend his contract beyond this season.

“There’s an option there,” said Ford.

“The deal was until the end of the Mafi’s recovery from injury, his season, but in 4 or 5 weeks we’ll sit devastating form at last year’s World Cup and his recent marriage reads like down and talk about the future. But a fairy tale. The 26-year-old arriving in that’s an option.”

England with his new bride was just Mafi also admitted it was a a continuation of that amazing story. possibility. “Maybe. I decided I was “First time I thought it was a castle,” definitely going back (to Japan) he said when asked about Bath’s HQ. Though just like Kensuke Hatakeyama, before I even came here,” he said.

“Now I am a little torn.” who is currently plying his trade for Newcastle, the English weather gave • bathrugby.com him something of a reality check.

“Everyone saw Amanaki Mafi’s debut, he was sensational,” said Bath coach Mike Ford. “He was phenomenal. He made 19 carries. I can’t remember the last player for Bath who made that many in a game, I don’t think anyone’s done it in my time.”

So, not a bad debut for the 26-yearold whose modest and shy manner off the pitch is in stark contrast to

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

5 March

AP

London Irish

H 15:15

11 March

AP

Harlequins

A 19:45

TV

18 March

AP

Newcastle

H 19:45

TV

26 March

AP

Gloucester

A 17:30

TV

1 April

AP

Saracens

H 19:45

TV

13 April

AP

Sale Sharks

H TBC

TV

15 - 17 April (TBC)

AP

Sale Sharks

A TBC

| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers MIDDLEMARCH WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

BROOKE LYDGATE CASAUBON GARTH CHETTAM

SUDOKU

EASY

VINCY LADISLAW CADWALLADER FAIRBROTHER BULSTRODE

FEATHERSTONE WAULE HAWLEY MAWMSEY RAFFLES

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.03.16 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: Who wrote the novel Middlemarch?

Q2: Who had a hit in 1964 with ‘March of the Mods’?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS

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Q3: What foodstuff used to be called Marchpane?

Wordsearch missing word: RANDALL

Q4: On what dates is the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in 2016?

Quiz answers: 1: 5 2: Aubrey Plaza 3: Don Carlton 4: Pete Docter 5: The Yeti/Abominable Snowman

Q5: Who founded The March of Dimes Foundation, in 1938, as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis?

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

| last word

Getting the drinks in

A

nd so a new gardening year has arrived. My wife’s already started with the seed trays, sowing her sweet peas and annuals undercover and getting strangely excited as they show signs of sprouting into life. Our conservatory has taken on the guise of a greenhouse, as is now customary in springtime given my wife’s greenfingers and our lack of an actual greenhouse, and I can tell she’s trying to coax me back into the garden once again. I have to hand it to the woman, she’s nothing if not persistent.

Truth is, I’m not a gardener. Perhaps it was one too many weekends spent ‘helping’ my dad with weeding and digging and all the other man jobs in our family garden as a child. Perhaps it’s down to spending 20 odd years

herself in the ‘greenhouse’, weeding, mowing lawns, pruning or (from what I can tell) digging up a perfectly good plant and moving it somewhere else for no apparent reason, she seldom seems more content than when out in the great outdoors. Don’t get me wrong, I like the great outdoors as much as the next man, though I prefer to admire it with drink in hand whilst being quietly impressed with skills of the plantsman or woman who has created it.

Last year my wife came closer than ever to winning me over. She bought me a raised bed so I could grow some vegetables. “It doesn’t require any digging, you just plant some seeds, water it when it gets dry and you get to eat the produce. I’ve even bought these seeds for you that all thrive in small spaces”. I won’t lie, I was taken in by the smart look of the raised bed and

My wife loves gardening enough for the both of us.

Whether she’s busying herself in the ‘greenhouse’, weeding, mowing lawns, pruning or digging up a perfectly good plant and moving it somewhere else for no apparent reason, she seldom seems more content than when out in the great outdoors. living in the centre of a city with no outdoor space to call my own. Perhaps it’s that it seems to involve so much damn digging, invariably in inclement weather, or perhaps it’s just that so many things can go wrong despite proper planning. No, I just can’t get into gardening, not for any length of time at any rate.

My wife though, loves it enough for the both of us. Whether she’s busying

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the neat spaces where I could do my so-called ‘square metre gardening’. She bought me a few plug plants to get it going and I duly planted the seeds, which sprouted and which I thinned and it was all going so well. In fact, it was all going too well. The slugs were apparently the first to wise up to the juicy bounty I was developing and started chewing on my lettuces. Then the cabbage whites started flitting round my brassicas. Before I knew it

blackfly had taken a liking to my runner beans. I was under a three pronged attack. Within days my beautiful raised bed had been ransacked, and with it my spirits went. All that hard work to be undone by plagues of insects, not for me I’m afraid. She took over, removing the blackfly, netting the brassicas, and erecting slug barriers, giving it a water, a feed (who knew crops needed food - I thought that rather went against the spirit of growing your own food) soon getting things back on track.

Within weeks we were having our first home grown suppers. Or should I say supper - no one ever became self-sufficient doing square metre gardening I would suggest. I should have been reinvigorated, but to be honest I was just struck by the fact that having emptied the square, we’d have to put something else in and start a new cycle. It all seems far too much like hard work to me, I think I’ll just leave the wife to get on with it after all, despite her earnest intentions to get me involved. By my reckoning though, if I keep her regularly refreshed whilst she works, she’ll let me share the produce without me having to do anything. Yes, drink’s carrier – that’s a role I see myself fitting into rather nicely.

Phil Rockliffe