The West Wilts Magazine - December 2016

DECEMBER 2016 // ISSUE 88

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The magazine

c i g a M of s a m t s i r h C The

L ITEHAL AT WH CENTRE N GARDE

christmas Wish List 10 PAGES OF GREAT GIFT IDEAS

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY! ENJOY A BEERY CHRISTMAS!

That's Entertainment

GREAT FESTIVE RECIPES FOR ENTERTAINING + LISTINGS GUIDE TAKE GREAT XMAS SNAPS TIMELY INVESTMENTS & MUCH MORE

FOOD & DRINK // INTERVIEWS // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // COMMENT

YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS

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

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

Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on!

The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

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

Front Cover: Whitehall Garden Centre

December 2016 // issue 88

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nd that was 2016! Once again a year has flown by and it has definitely been one to remember.

It’s had everything, from surprise referendums and election nights to a carnival of an Olympic Games.

And (most importantly) at The West Wilts Magazine we’ve provided nearly 1000 pages of great local content ranging from interiors, gardening and weddings to education and retirement planning. We’ve celebrated Sky Safaris, interviewed Monty Don, looked at the world’s best underwater photography, salivated at The Great British Food Festival and much more besides. And with our December edition we’re finishing on a high.

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Our Christmas Wish List is back, offering ideas on gifts for every member of the family and our Fitness Tracker item (p66) covers one of the must-have gifts of the year. As usual we have some fab Christmas recipes (p21) for you to try too - perfect if you are feeding a conveyor belt of family and friends over the coming weeks. Our drinks feature will ensure you drink as well as you eat too (p31).

As well as all that December’s edition also includes stacks of local news, events and your usual favourites too. So for the final time in 2016, enjoy the read, and we’ll see you all again in 2017! Merry Christmas!

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

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in December

HEALTH & WELLBEING 6

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Holburne Museum

12 18

FOOD & DRINK Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Eat The Seasons

31 36

FEATURES Take great pictures this Christmas Christmas Recipes Christmas Gift Guide HOMES & GARDENS Con-tempo Furniture

Fitness Trackers

66

Christmas spa treats

68

LEGAL & FINANCIAL A Rolex as an investment?

54

The elderly care system

64

BATH RUGBY The latest news from Bath Rugby

15 21 40

70

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

72

COMMENT 60

The Last Word

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FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ‘Your Local Furniture & Home Accessories Store’ We sell a large selection of (Wiltshire made) painted, oak, pine and upholstered furniture, all made to order with a wide choice of finishes, fabrics and handles; displayed in room settings designed to inspire.

Find us in the Westway Shopping Centre in Frome (next to Ellenbray Toy Shop), come and browse the showroom displays. Colour Brochures available for furniture ranges.

Visit our Facebook page ‘Avalon Interiors’ (look for our leaf logo)

Avalon Interiors 01373 466414 | sales@avaloninteriors.co.uk Westway Shopping Centre, Frome, Somerset BA11 1AL

| events

local

listings DECEMBER 2016

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

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

POP UP BOWIE 16 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 The UK’s No.1 David Bowie tribute act has amazed and entertained audiences throughout the nation SKANTA’S CHRISTMAS PARTY 23 December, 8pm Tickets: £8 Skanta is coming to town! Live music from Train to Skaville supported by a set from DJ Mr Short who will be spinning all your favourite Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady and Dub. THE MIKE SMITH BIG BAND DINNER DANCE 30 December, 8pm Tickets: £32 Enjoy an evening of food and music from one of the best bands around.

Bring your dancing shoes as there will

Joe Stilgoe, Pound Arts Centre

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be a large dance floor to fill. In aid of The Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 31 December, 8pm Tickets: £20 The whole family is welcome to come along to this year’s New Year’s Eve party.

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

THE NUTCRACKER (As Live) 14 & 21 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 The Royal Ballet celebrates Peter Wright’s 90th birthday with his muchloved production of this beautiful classical ballet.

LA SERENISSIMA 16 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 One of the UK’s leading historical performance ensembles presents a glorious programme featuring works

by Dall’Abaco, Bononcini and Torelli.

CANTAMUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 16 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 The Cantamus Chamber Choir present a Christmas celebration with the Bristol Brass Consort, featuring a selection of traditional and contemporary carols and readings.

PARAGON SINGERS / FLORILEGIUM 17 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £22 An evening of choral delights marking their 40th Anniversary.

GBH BIG BAND 18 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 A selection of seasonal favourites, whimsical readings and fireside crackers with some surprise stocking fillers.

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

JOE STILGOE - SONGS ON FILM 10 December, 8pm Tickets: £15 (Concs: £14) After two sell-out years at the Edinburgh Festival the internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and entertainer Joe Stillgoe returns with his smash hit show.

MARIE ELLIOTT & JACQUELYN BEVAN 14 December, 1pm Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Marie and Jackie will perform two iconic and beautiful song cycles, including Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben.

MARTIN CARTHY 16 December, 7.30pm

Fresh from the Forest! � Traditional Trees

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Potted & Rooted � Large Trees � Nordman Fir

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Frazer Fir Mistletoe & Holly � Wreaths � Logs in Bags

FREE REINDEER DUST! RODE DEPOT: Off the A361 between Frome & Trowbridge SatNav BA11 6PE

Tel: 07870 466179 Open daily from 9am until dark

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

| events Tickets: £15 (Concs: £14) For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures.

ANGEL EXIT - OTTO AND THE ROBIN 22, 23 & 24 December, various times Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Family: £24 A tale of making friends and overcoming our fears filled with festive cheer, fun songs and gorgeous puppetry. Age 2+.

LIVING SPIT - A CHRISTMAS CAROL 23 December, 8pm Tickets: £12 (Concs: £11) Christmas is coming! The Goose is panicking and Living Spit are back to start your Christmas with a zing.

MERLIN THEATRE

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

PETER PAN 3 – 10 December, various times Tickets: £12.50 (Concs: £8.50) After last year’s hugely successful Little Mermaid, Merlin Theatre Productions return this Christmas with a beautiful imagining of this timeless tale.

NT LIVE - NO MAN’S LAND 15 December, 7pm

Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10.50) Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land.

THE BOLSHOI BALLET presents THE NUTCRACKER 18 December, 3pm Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10.50) Christmas would not be complete without the enchanting tale of young Marie and her Nutcracker prince!

A filmed theatre screening from Moscow.

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.

JEKYLL & HYDE 1, 2 & 3 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50 The Athenaeum Limelight Players present a stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Gothic novel.

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER 10 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 (Concs: £6) Warminster Community Choir are hosting their annual Christmas Concert and will be joined by the Warminster Military Wives and the Frome Town Youth Band.

No Man’s Land, Merlin Theatre

CINDERELLA 17 – 24 December, various times Tickets: £11 (Concs: £9) Polish those glass slippers, dust off that pumpkin and get ready to have a ball! It’s the most magical pantomime of them all!

WARMINSTER LIBRARY

Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster, Tel: 01985 216022 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORIES AND CRAFTS 17 December, 11am, 4 - 11 years FREE (Please note all children must be accompanied).

CHRISTMAS RHYME TIME 19 December, 2.15pm, 0-3 years FREE Songs, rhymes, bouncing and clapping. Wear something Christmassy! (Please note all children must be accompanied).

TOWN HALL ARTS

Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 www.trowbridgearts.com THINGS WE LOVE Until 7 Jan, 10am FREE An eclectic selection of small and affordable art works chosen by the Trowbridge Arts team.

DICKENS 16 December, 7.30pm Tickets: £11 (Concs: £9) Dickens staggers onto the stage and falls dead. Seconds later he leaps up, full of life and energy. He has decided to get his death over with right at the beginning!

JACK FROST 17 December, 11am & 3pm Tickets: £10 (Concs: £8) Meet our mischievous sprite as he takes us on a snowy adventure and spreads winter wherever he goes. But wrap up warm or you’ll catch him

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| events nipping at your fingers and toes! A playful production for children 3+.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

GLENN TILBROOK 17 December, 8pm Tickets: £20 Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on the live stage can attest to the properness of his doings, as it were!

THE ALL-NIGHTERS CHRISTMAS PARTY SHAKATAK 23 December, 8pm 9 December, 8pm Tickets: £10 Tickets: £16.50 The All-Nighters pride themselves A huge coup in getting this legendary on recreating the sounds of the band play in time for the party season. Twisted Wheel, Blackpool Mecca, Golden Torch and Wigan Casino of the 60’s & 70’s.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

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

Glenn Tillbrook, Cheese & Grain

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON 3rd Thursday of the month in Westbury Gardens CORSHAM Every Tuesday, 9am – 1pm DEVIZES 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm TROWBRIDGE 2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm WARMINSTER 1st & 3rd Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm

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KEITH DONNELLY 2 December, Tickets: £8 Keith isn’t just a singer, songwriter and guitarist he’s also a stand-up comedian and entertainer who will have the audience crying with laughter.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 16 December Tickets: £3

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

THE BOOTHILL ALL-STARS 9 December RUZZ GUITARS BLUES REVIEW 10 December THE CONVULSIONS 11 December THE ALL NIGHTERS 16 December

THE HAMMERVILLES 22 December FRENZY 23 December

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN www.boafolkclub.org.uk Email: phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Contact: Phil Deverall on 01380 870734

DR. ZEBO’S WHEEZY CLUB 13 December, 8pm FREE When you put two old folkies together with a seasoned jazz bassist you get the Wheezy Club.

SINGAROUND 20 December FREE, 8pm

OTHERS CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKET Springfield Community Campus SN13 9DN 3 December, 11am-3pm FREE Join one of Wiltshire’s best up and coming craft markets where over 30 local stallholders gather to sell handmade, home produced goods - the perfect venue to buy unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. For details email nicola-davis@live.co.uk BATH ARTISAN MARKET Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB Every 2nd & 3rd Sunday Bath’s biggest monthly gathering of independent artists, designermakers, vintage sellers and local food producers.

CHIPPENHAM & DISTRICT ARTISTS Yelde Hall, Market Place, Chippenham, Until 3 December, 10.30am-3.30pm FREE Winter exhibition and sale of paintings.

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary is a small independent animal rescue organisation.

We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned and unwanted dogs.

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered and chipped, and looking for loving new homes

Open Daily 10am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 4.30pm Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ

01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number 256728

CHEESE &GRAIN THU 1 DEC 8PM SAT 3RD DEC 8PM FRI 9TH DEC 8PM SAT 17TH DEC 8PM SUN 18TH DEC 7PM FRI 23RD DEC 8PM FRI 30TH DEC 8PM SAT 14TH JAN 8PM FRI 20TH JAN 8PM FRI 27TH JAN 8PM SAT 28TH JAN 8PM SUN 5TH FEB 8PM SAT 11TH FEB 8PM 18 & 19 FEB FRI 3RD MAR 8PM SAT 4TH MAR 8PM 17 & 18 MAR FRI 24TH MAR 8PM ST

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

STRAWBS £17.50 THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS £15 ADV SHAKATAK £18.50 ADV GLENN TILBROOK £20 CARRIE TREE & THE BAND £7 THE ALL-NIGHTERS CHRISTMAS PARTY £7 ADV SILENT DISCO £8 ADV KING KING £22 ADV THINK FLOYD £17 GRATEFUL DEAD - LIVE DEAD ‘69 £19.50 ADV TREXTASY £16 SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS £15.50 WHOLE LOTTA LED £15 FROME TATTOO CONVENTION £5 ADV DAY / £8 ADV WEEKEND LEE SCRATCH PERRY £20 ADV BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE “LEGEND” £13.50 ADV FROME BEER FESTIVAL 2017 £10 BAY CITY ROLLERS £16.50 ADV

Glenn Tilbrook

Whole Lotta Led

Bay City Rollers

| local news

roundup

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

BOLLYWOOD TO BEETHOVEN AT WMC

Wiltshire Music Centre’s Spring Season is now on sale, with a programme of international and UK stars and special collaborations.

Highlights include international guitarist John Williams, who will present a stunning guitar showcase with jazz guitarist John Etheridge and leading classical guitarist Gary Ryan. Mercury Award-nominees The Unthanks top the folk & roots bill, along with all-female band The Shee,

who celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a stellar show of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk.

Award-winning jazz singer and BBC 2 presenter Clare Teal will be joined by pianist Jason Rebello and others for a fabulous night of well-known jazz classics interspersed with warm and witty storytelling.

The classical programme features world-premieres of three new works, and two arrangements of

The Unthanks

Vaughan Williams’ beautiful The Lark Ascending. One of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, Academy of St Martin in the Fields perform in March, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and London Sinfonietta make a welcome return.

There’s also plenty for the all the family with ‘The Chimpanzees of Happy Town’ and ‘The Ugly Swanling’ family concerts, as well as the free My Science Fair community day!

Don’t miss the section of ballet and opera screenings, dance workshops, lectures, as well as the fabulous Bradford Roots Festival to beat the January blues. You can book now by calling the Box Office on 01225 860100 or via the website.

• wiltshiremusic.org.uk

GET SOME RETAIL THERAPY IN LACOCK THIS CHRISTMAS Head over to Lacock for some festive retail therapy this December

Enjoy Christmas shopping at Lacock Abbey

when, on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December, the National Trust pop-up Christmas shop will open up in Lacock’s historic Manger Barn. It is the perfect place to pick up some presents and delightful decorations (cash sales only).

You’ll also be able to taste a sample of Frome-based Friary Vinters’ delicious alcoholic drinks.

Then, make the most of your visit by exploring Lacock’s lovely local

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shops, all a short walk away. You’ll find Lacock near Chippenham, and the postcode is SN15 2LG. Open daily in December, 11am – 4pm.

Abbey Great Hall is open Thursday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3.30pm.

Lacock is closed 25 – 26 December and 1 January 2017. National Trust members and under 5s go free. Call 01249 730459 for more information or visit the website.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

local news |

POP-UP BOWIE COMES TO MELKSHAM ‘LIGHT UP A LIFE’

On December 16, the UK’s No.1 David Bowie Tribute Act will be performing at Melksham Assembly Hall. Paul Anthony was voted the UK’s No.1 David Bowie Tribute Act at the National Tribute Awards 2013 and his act has amazed and entertained audiences throughout the nation.

See Pop-Up Bowie on 16 December

With a full band Paul will perform 2 hours of Bowie’s biggest hits taking the audience on a musical journey, experiencing the masterpieces that made the late, great David Bowie the immortal legend he is today.

‘Pop-Up Bowie’ aims to inspire, uplift and celebrate the life of a true artistic genius. Experience the magic of Bowie’s music live with thrilling artistry, a theatrical performance that honours the revolutionary icon himself in the most respectful of ways.

Tickets cost £18 each and are available from Melksham Assembly Hall (call 01225 709887) or at Melksham Tourist Information Centre. Get them while you still can!

• facebook.com/MelkshamAH/

XMAS AT HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM Haynes Motor Museum is great at Christmas

With the largest collection of cars and motorcycles in the UK the Haynes International Motor Museum is the place to go this Christmas. Based in Sparkford, Somerset, there are over 400 amazing cars and bikes from

nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces to exciting super cars like the Jaguar XJ220 and Mark Webber’s RB6 Formula 1 car.

There is precious metal around every corner!

For kids (under 4s go free) they’ve got a fun quiz trail, tracking down all of Santa’s elves, as well as all the usual fun and excitement including a dedicated indoor soft play area and arcade games that include everything from games of the 50’s and 60’s, retro 80’s classics and 90’s favourites such as ‘Sega Rally’ to the latest cutting edge technology. Check out their new website for more information - the Museum is open all day, every day (except 24, 25 & 26 December and 1 January).

• www.himm.co.uk

SERVICES

Dorothy House Hospice Care is holding a series of ‘Light up a Life’ Services to remember loved ones at Christmas across Somerset and Wiltshire from late November.

The nine services will start at Bath Abbey at 6pm on 29 November and end with a service in Corsham at 6pm on 9 December. Doors open from 5.30pm, entry is open to all and no tickets are required.

The short services will feature Christmas carols, readings, an opportunity to remember loved ones and to light a candle in their memory. This year, the Bath Abbey service has the added magic of the beautiful voices of Bath Camerata chamber choir who are generously donating their time for free.

Also performing are The Dorothy House Quartet; singing a new piece of music called ‘Folded Wings’ recently gifted to the hospice by local composer, Tim Parker. The song’s theme is the unfaltering care given by the hospice to its patients and their families and the quartet is made up of four members of staff from Dorothy House; Yvonne Brunton, Simon Parrett, Susanna Watson and Peter Howe.

These seasonal services of remembrance are part of the annual Dorothy House ‘Light up a Life’ Appeal. Last year the appeal raised £45,000 to help the hospice provide essential palliative and end of life care, free of charge to local communities in Bath and North East Somerset, parts of Wiltshire and Somerset.

For more information about all Dorothy House’s ‘Light up a Life’ services or to donate to the ‘Light Up A Life’ Appeal call 01225 721480.

• dorothyhouse.co.uk/lual THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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local news |

Take perfect pictures this Christmas FIONA TURNBULL from Lacock Photography gives her advice on getting great photos this festive season...

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he Christmas season is a wonderful time of year to take great photos of the family, frosty countryside scenes and dazzling decorations. However, contending with low light levels and a hectic household can make taking that perfect shot a challenge! Check out Lacock Photography’s top tips for Christmas pics, and make your festive photos extra special this year: 1. Don’t overlook the ordinary We find that the best images are often those that transform the ordinary into something special… this could be anything from a pine cone on a forest floor to Grandad’s old slippers warming in front of the fire! So, get creative this year and make your photographs stand out from the crowd.

2. Choose the right time of day Grabbing the camera for a wintry expedition can sometimes be a bit of an afterthought. If it is not the ideal time of day, poor lighting can really impact the quality of your images. As a rule, the best times for outdoor photography will be early or late in the day, when the light is soft and warm. In the winter, low light is sometimes unavoidable, so we suggest using a tripod or simply keeping your camera as steady as possible!

3. Perfect the natural portrait There isn’t a better time of year to photograph the family than Christmas, however, the traditional staged snap can lose a little of the festive magic. We suggest capturing those real Christmas moments… unwrapping the presents, decorating the tree and cooking Christmas dinner to name but a few. To take the best action shots, don’t forget to increase your shutter speed and always remember to focus on your subject’s eyes.

Lacock Photography can help you master the skills you need to take wonderful pictures of wildlife, stunning portraits of family and friends and breathtaking images of exotic landscapes.

Online course booking and Christmas gift certificates are available for all courses on the Lacock Photography website.

• lacockphotography.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| slocal wen news lacol

Xmas is prime time for business

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he Christmas period is a prime marketing time for many businesses, according to Paul Tagent, Director at Bath Marketing Consultancy. Inspired by the Christmas feeling and the fight for attention with marketing, what can you do to ensure your Paul Tagent

marketing stand out? Should you be doing anything differently? Paul explains a little more...

“There may be marketing gimmicks that apply to the festive period but they won’t be effective unless you’ve got your marketing foundation rock solid.

“Know your target market. This is vital because who your target market is will affect what marketing you do. For example, marketing to children will be drastically different to marketing to women. You’re also marketing to husbands, partners, friends and relatives or put more simply – those likely to buy them what you are marketing.

be bought as a gift? If it’s a gift then it’s not as simple as marketing to people who buy things for themselves. Suddenly you have multiple audiences.

“For Christmas especially, benefits are everything, whilst features mean very little. In the stampede for Christmas sales, you’ve got to quickly and simply communicate why your product or service is better than a competing one.

“From all the team at Bath Marketing Consultancy, we hope you have a good Christmas and a proper break.

You deserve it! And if you need a little advice about how to improve your firm’s marketing, call for a chat on 01225 436426.”

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE ENIZAGAMSTLIW TSEWEHT

| local news

Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty 11 February to 4 June 2017

UK’s first exhibition devoted to the Bruegel dynasty includes newly discovered paintings in the Holburne Museum’s own collection.

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he Holburne Museum is proud to announce the UK’s first exhibition devoted to the Bruegel dynasty, including recent attributions for two paintings from the Museum’s own collection.

Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty will unravel the complex Bruegel family tree, revealing the originality and diversity of Antwerp’s famous artistic dynasty across four generations through 35 works, including masterpieces from the National Gallery, Royal Collection Trust, the National Trust, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Ashmolean Museum and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

“A key work in the exhibition will be Wedding Dance in the Open Air, an oil painting from the Holburne’s own collection”

Brueghel, it now takes its place as the only version of this popular scene in a UK public museum. Together with Robbing the Bird’s Nest and the Visit to a Farmhouse, also featured in the exhibition, this new discovery makes the Holburne Museum the primary collection of Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s work in the UK. The exhibition will also show the David Teniers the Younger’s Boy Blowing Bubbles from the Holburne’s own collection. Previously ascribed to ‘Imitator of David Teniers the Younger’, recent research undertaken by the Holburne Museum has revealed a new attribution to Teniers himself.

Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty is curated by the Holburne’s Director, Jennifer Scott, and Dr Amy Orrock, independent art historian and Bruegel specialist, and will provide the opportunity to understand and reimagine the Bruegel familial

relationships, investigating the developments of the artists’ individual styles and the way in which they asserted both their artistic heritage and their independence. Visitors can compare the development of ‘Bruegelian’ iconography over 150 years, through works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, his sons Pieter Brueghel the Younger and Jan Brueghel the Elder, their direct descendants (Jan van Kessel the Elder) and artists that married into the family (David Teniers the Younger). In particular, the exhibition will highlight Pieter Brueghel the Younger’s artistic talents, reinstating him as an important artist in his own right.

A book to accompany the exhibition Bruegel: Defining a Dynasty is written

by Amy Orrock and published by Philip Wilson and will be on sale in the Holburne’s Gift Shop for £16.95.

• holburne.org

Jennifer Scott, the Holburne’s Director and co-curator of the exhibition notes, ‘This exciting new exhibition not only shines a light on the quality of the Holburne Museum’s Flemish paintings, but also on the wealth of paintings by the Bruegel dynasty in the UK.’ A key work in the exhibition will be Wedding Dance in the Open Air, an oil painting from the Holburne’s own collection which, following conservation work and technical examination, can be attributed firmly to the hand of Pieter Brueghel the Younger. Previously thought to be the work of a copyist or follower of

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Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Wedding Dance in the Open Air, 1607-1614, oil on oak panel. © The Holburne Museum

October 22, 2016 to January 22, 2017

SILVER LIGHT & SHADE An exhibition that brings together historic and contemporary silver masterpieces to tell a new story about the texture, form and colour of this precious metal. ÂŁ10 | Concessions

Principal Sponsor The University of Bath

WWW.HOLBURNE.ORG

Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB

Agutter water beaker, 2013, Rod Kelly (b. 1956), Silver, Sterling standard, partly-gilt Credit: Collection: The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

Tickets available from 2 October

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recipes |

That's

Entertainment Enjoy wonderful food this festive season with the help of these fantastic recipes, courtesy of Waitrose…

Salmon, leek & dill tartlets

�

Ingredients 25g unsalted butter 1 leek, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 170ml double cream 1 medium free range egg 213g can wild red salmon, drained 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, plus extra fronds for garnish 2 x 117g packs Waitrose 18 Party Tartlet Cases

Method Preheat the oven to 190ºC. Melt the butter in a small frying pan and add the leek and garlic. Cook over a medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Beat the cream and egg together in a medium bowl, then fold in the leek mixture along with the salmon and

Makes 36

dill. Divide between the tartlet cases.

Sit the tartlets on 2 large baking sheets and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the filling is just set. Garnish with dill fronds and serve.

Cook’s tip Change the flavour of these tartlets by swapping the dill for chopped fresh chives, or make a selection to serve at your party.

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| recipes

Coronation chicken potato skins

Method Preheat the oven to 190ºC, gas mark 5. Rub the potatoes with a little of the oil. Transfer them to a baking sheet and bake for 30–40

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minutes, or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

Halve the potatoes and scoop out most of the flesh (see cook’s tip), leaving a thin layer. Brush the inside of the potato skins with the rest of the oil and sit them cut side up on the baking sheet. Return them to the oven for 10 minutes until golden.

Sprinkle the chilli over the top (if using) and garnish each with a coriander leaf.

Cook’s tip Use the scooped out potato to make a batch of homemade fishcakes. Mix with some drained canned tuna, salad onions, horseradish and a little beaten egg, then pan-fry until golden.

Leave the skins to cool for 10 minutes, then fill each one with a little of the coronation chicken.

�

Ingredients 12 small Charlotte potatoes 1 tbsp olive oil 2 x 170g packs Waitrose Coronation Chicken Deli Filler 1 red or green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, optional Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

Makes 24

�

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| recipes

Sausage, cranberry & chestnut rolls Makes 16

Ingredients 400g pork sausages 50g Waitrose Christmas Chestnuts, cooked according to pack instructions, and chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage 320g all butter puff pastry sheet 2 tbsp cranberry sauce 1 free range egg, beaten, for glazing Method Preheat the oven to 190ºC. Using a sharp knife, slice the sausage skins and squeeze out the sausagemeat into a bowl. Stir in the chestnuts and sage.

Unroll the pastry on a lightly floured work surface and cut it in half lengthways. Spoon the cranberry sauce down the centre of each half. Divide the sausagemeat mixture in half and roll each batch into a long sausage the same length as the pastry. Lay each half on top of the cranberry sauce.

Brush the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg. Fold the pastry over the sausage, then roll it over so that the join is underneath. Cut each piece into 8 sausage rolls.

Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment and transfer the sausage rolls onto them, keeping the pastry join at the bottom.

Brush a little more egg over the top and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the sausagemeat is cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.

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�

Cook’s tip For a more savoury flavour, try swapping the cranberry sauce for wholegrain mustard, or make a selection of both flavours.

�

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| recipes

Spiced orange & almond cake Ingredients 8 essential Waitrose Easy Peelers Vegetable oil, for greasing 5 medium free range eggs, separated 200g caster sugar 250g ground almonds 2 tsp Waitrose Signature Spice (ground) 2 tbsp clear honey, to serve A little icing sugar,for dusting Method Put 4 of the easy peelers in a saucepan and cover with cold water.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes, then drain and cool slightly. Whizz to a purée in a food processor.

23cm springform cake tin with a little oil and line the bottom with baking parchment. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and half the caster sugar until pale and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then whisk in the rest of the sugar.

Fold the puréed easy peelers, ground almonds and spice into the egg yolk mixture. Fold a quarter of the egg whites into the mixture to loosen it, then

carefully fold in the rest. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 55-60 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin.

Turn the cake out onto a serving plate. Peel the rest of the easy peelers and cut them into slices.

Arrange on top of the cake and drizzle over the honey or syrup. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

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�

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the base and sides of a

�

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| recipes

Festive gingerbread

Ingredients 125g unsalted butter 100g dark brown muscovado sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup 325g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp ground ginger 5 tbsp icing sugar 3 tbsp sprinkles, such as white chocolate stars, silver balls etc Method Preheat the oven to 170ºC. Line 2 large baking trays with baking parchment. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup together in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat. Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ginger into a bowl, then stir the melted ingredients into the dry ingredients to make a stiff dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to a thickness of .about 5mm.

Stamp shapes out of the dough using cookie cutters or cut round festive templates. Place the shapes onto the lined baking trays and bake, in batches, for 9–10 minutes until golden brown.

Remove from the oven. While still warm, use a skewer or chopstick to make any holes that you may need to hang up the biscuits with ribbon or string. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Cook’s tip Dust the cutters with flour to help stop the dough sticking when stamping out shapes.

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�

Mix together the icing sugar with a splash of water to make thick icing then drizzle or pipe over the biscuits and decorate with sprinkles. The gingerbread biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Bailey's creme brulee Ingredients 600ml double cream 200ml semi-skimmed milk 6 medium free fange egg yolks 30g caster sugar 4 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream 3 tbsp demerara sugar

Method Preheat the oven to 150ºC. Pour the cream and milk into a saucepan and heat until almost boiling.

Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes.

Makes 6

balloon whisk until combined. Stir in the cream mixture and Baileys and pour into 6 small ramekins.

Put the ramekins in a roasting tin and add enough cold water to the tin to come two thirds of the way up the sides of the ramekins.

Carefully put the roasting tin in the oven and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until just set. Remove from the tin and leave to cool, then chill for 2 hours.

Preheat the grill to hot. Sprinkle the demerara sugar in an even layer over the brûlées and grill until the sugar has melted, about 2 minutes.

Leave to cool until the sugar has set, then serve straight away.

Cook’s tip If you have a cook’s blowtorch, use it instead of the grill to melt the sugar on top of the brûlées as it’s much easier to control the heat.

In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together with a

�

�

recipes |

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

29

Wylye Valley VINEYARD

FULLY STOCKED WITH Blonde and Dark real ales from the cask from only £1.60/pint & draught ciders from only £1.60/pint

• A large range of cheeses to suit all budgets • Eggs • Marshfield Ice Cream • Wessex Mill Flours • Mead • Taylors Bread • Olives • Smoked Produce • Game • Free Range Chickens, Turkeys & Geese • Bacon • Wiltshire Sausages & Gammon • Cakes • Jam Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 5.30pm tel 01985 211337 wylyevalleyvineyard@gmail.com

Situated in Crockerton, Warminster, just off the A350 on the Warminster to Shaftesbury Road

food & drink |

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY! Keep the drinks flowing this Christmas (responsibly of course) with the help of these fantastic local breweries and producers. Cheers!

Castle Combe Brewery

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

31

| food & drink the company Bunces Brewery. In 1993 Danish Master Brewer Stig Preston West Farm, Preston, Anker Andersen took the reins Chippenham SN15 4DX and in 1997 the name changed to Castle Combe Brewery is now in its Stonehenge Ales, bearing in mind third year of providing a range of the famous World Heritage site on its cask and bottled ales to pubs, clubs doorstep. Stonehenge Ales’ 01761 472242 | dawkinsales.com and retail outlets. All their beers award-winning beers cater for all are themed upon the historic and palates. The range of beers is vast picturesque village of Castle Combe, and the colour scale ranges from Merlin Way, Bowerhill Trading Estate, where the owner Martin, and his light golden to pitch black, and even Melksham SN12 6TJ family, have lived for 20 years. The the cult beer Sign of Spring, which One of a pioneering group of beers range from 3.5%-5.5%, with 5 is a beautiful translucent green, can ‘microbreweries’ that started beer styles plus seasonal offerings, be found among the brews. Great producing real ales in the early brewed on a 200 acre farm not far Bustard supports the reintroduction 1980’s, Moles Brewery has now from the village, by Master Brewer of the great birds to Salisbury celebrated more than a quarter of Marek (ex-Dartmoor Brewery). The Plain and a couple of the beers a century in business, during which brewery delivers to over 100 outlets in time the company’s all-malt real ales have a Nordic twist with regards Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, have gained a solid reputation for to ingredients and name, such as Somerset, Bath and Bristol, as well as quality and consistency amongst real Danish Dynamite which has won offering brewery tours and sales direct ale drinkers in the South West. and keeps winning awards at beer from the brewery. festivals around the country. Not to completely forget his Danish lager Moles Brewery produces a range of Available now in bottle and cask, real ales, including the original Moles roots, Stig has also created a real cask Carols ‘Round The Cross, is their lager, Great Dane. Stockists include Best at their site in Bowerhill, near festival beer at 4.6%. Blended with many real ale renowned local pubs Melksham, as well as their famous ginger, cinnamon, mulled wine spice, Black Rat cider. For Christmas, they and farm shops, plus you can also and essence of orange and lemon, it’s have gift sets and celebration packs buy their beers online, or direct from a lovely, warming festive ale, for those available to buy online including the brewery. cold winter evenings. Look out for it in Moles Best and all your other 01980 670631 | stonehengeales.co.uk your local farm shops and pubs or call favourites or, if you prefer, you can to find your nearest stockist! collect from their head office on the 01249 892900 | castlecombebrewery.co.uk Bowerhill Trading Estate.

Sutton End, Crockerton, Warminster BA12 8BQ 01225 708842 | molesbrewery.com Expect to find all your usual Timsbury Workshop Est, Hayeswood favourites here, including everyday Rd, Timsbury, Bath BA2 0HQ essentials, a fine range of regional Dawkins Ales are a multiple awardcheeses, Wiltshire sausages and winning, independent west country gammon, turkeys and geese, bread, microbrewery making cask, bottled cakes, ice cream, deli goods and and keg-conditioned beers. A range more. However this farm shop, of beers are made in small batches, based in Crockerton on the outskirts from the traditional Bristol Best, bestof Warminster, is perhaps most selling hoppy session beer Bristol renowned for its great range of Blonde and innovative New World booze! Owner Paul Dale has a good style brews. range of blond and dark cask and draught beers from local brewers The Old Mill, Mill Rd, Netheravon, The brewery in Easton, central Bristol Salisbury SP4 9QB (and ciders too) to take away, will be open to the public on the allowing customers to dispense what Stonehenge Ales craft brewery is 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18 December for family owned and run – and is one of they’re after – one, two or four pints bottle sales, gifts and the bar will be Wiltshire’s oldest micros. Tony Bunce at a time for as little as £1.60 a pint! serving draught ale on tap. Whilst started brewing in 1984 and named 01985 211377

Castle Combe Brewery

you’re visiting the city there are five great Dawkins pubs; each with its own individual character but all dedicated to serving great beer and good cheer – great for stopping off at on your Christmas shop!

Moles Brewery

Wylye Valley Vineyard

Dawkins Ales

"Moles Brewery produces a range of real ales, including the original Moles Best, as well as their famous Black Rat cider."

Stonehenge Ales

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THE THREE

HORSESHOES

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

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

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

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

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

It really is a pub for all seasons.

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS Christmas Party menu now available

Three Courses £20.95 Two Courses £16.95

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 2 Course Lunch £12.50

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Thursday 10th January from 8pm with Jamie Hawkins.

Quality seasoned firewood and kindling delivered to your door.

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Food Served Mon - Thurs 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm - 9pm Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9.30pm

All prices include VAT. Minimum order of £45 to qualify for delivery.

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

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Call Chris 07855 945424 or 01225 865472 PR & J Quick & Sons - Upper Bearfield Farm, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon BA15 1RT

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

| 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...

P

arsnips are an important crop in Wiltshire’s horticultural history. I grew up in Bromham and as a child I realised quickly that parsnips were the most important vegetables in our lives, as it featured on our plate almost every day in some shape or form.

the end of the season so he could collect the seed for the following year, a tradition carried on by my

“The parsnips we supply to our customers today still come from Bromham and the taste is second to none.”

father and myself but no longer widely practised. The Bromham seed was so successful that the surplus was bought by some of the major vegetable and plant breeders, going on to be named White Gem, which is Parsnips were probably introduced in a variety still available today. the area by the Romans, who had a settlement nearby. Bromham’s sandy The parsnips we supply to our soil allows the tap root to penetrate customers today still come from deep into the ground, forming Bromham and the taste is second to the perfect shape we all recognise none. Other vegetables to feature today. My grandfather prominently for Christmas, and all would always leave grown in Wiltshire, are carrots, a small patch at curly kale, swede, maris As an adult and a third generation market gardener I had to learn about this love it or hate it vegetable very quickly.

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piper potatoes and of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sprouts. If you find them a

little strong why not try the sprout tops as they are sweeter and like spring green in texture. This is why the best eateries in the area call upon us for the very best in local produce. Have a great Christmas!

Neil @lovejoysuk Find out more at lovejoyswholesale.com

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

waitrose.com

Everyone deserves quality food

Bath Road, Melksham SN12 6LP Station Road,Warminster BA12 9BR

01225 709294 01985 848441

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VIRTUAL REALITY Itek Virtual Reality 3D Goggles, £11.99 GM Davies 01373 822431

SPRING TIME

One Day Upholstery Workshop, £115, Traditional Upholstery School 07505 651030

STAGS NIGHT

Sophie Allport Jugs, £14.50 & £18 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290

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Gift G

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Luxury Ivory Sheepskin (also available in chocolate), £45 Casa Bella • 01225 667878

A REAL SMOOTHIE

NutriPro Blender, £49.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

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gift guide |

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT

Nickel Reindeer Tealight Holder, £26.99 Casa Bella • 01225 667878

SCATTER CUSHION

Country Matters Jack Russell Cushion, £14.99 SL Corden & Sons • 01985 212115

stmas

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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

Guide

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas?

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

TUCK BOX

Burgon & Ball Allotment Box, £19.95 J Alex Brown • 01225 862236

WIND IT UP

Watch Winder, from £150 Charles Hart 01373 462089

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

41

XMAS TREES FOR SALE FROM END NOV

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

BEAUTIFUL PLANTS ALL GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES • Bedding & Annuals • Perennials • Veg & Herbs • Trees & Shrubs • Climbers • Roses PLUS: Pots & Planters • Compost • Fertilisers & Chemicals • Bulbs & Seeds • Tools • Sundries OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm Marsh Road, Hilper ton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL | www.avonfield-gardens.co.uk | 01225 571331 Also visit J Alex Brown Hardware, Ironmongery, DIY, Gardening & More 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire Tel 01225 862236

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Great Gifts for gardeners & more this Christmas at J Alex Brown

| gift guide

MIRROR MIRROR

Small Victorian Overmantel Mirror, £350 Annabelle’s Gilt Shop • 01985 218933

CHANGE THE RECORD

Akai Rechargeable Bluetooth Record Player, £49.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

Christ CYCLE PATH

Ridgeback Dimension 20, £289.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

IN THE BAG

Healthy Back Bag, from £39 Footloose • 01225 571474

44

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Gift G

GARDENER'S DELIGHT

Burgon & Ball Gardener’s Gubbins Pots, £19.95 J Alex Brown • 01225 862236

gift guide |

TEALIGHT TRIO

Set of 3 Tealight Holders, £6.99 Casa Bella • 01225 667878

the cat's whiskers

Haflinger Slippers, £40 Footloose • 01225 571474

stmas

t Guide

HIT THE SKIDS

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

GOGGLE EYES

Onion Glasses, £5.99 Knees • 01225 754161 (Deal on 18 December)

HUG A HOTTIE

Hot Hugs Microwavable Hottie, £19.99 each Whitehall Garden Centre • 01225 754161

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

45

S.L. Corden & Sons

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

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

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

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

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN!

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

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

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

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

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

IT’S ALL ABOUT

CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday 26th November, 11am – 5pm

Join us for the start of our spectacular Christmas activities.

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• BALLOON MODELLING (11am - 4pm) • FACE PAINTING (12pm - 5pm)

T&Cs: One entry per person, one prize maximum per person, prizes have no cash alternative. Prize to be collected in the centre and proof of ID required. Prize draw will take place every 15 mins from 12-4.45pm.

footloose LADIES SHOES

We stock a wide range of quality ladies shoes, boots, handbags & accessories

WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS INSTORE NOW Lamb Yard, Bradford on Avon

01225 571474 HAFLINGER SLIPPERS

£

40

STRAWBERRY BLUE CHRISTMAS SHOP NOW OPEN!

An emporium of gifts for every occasion Come & be inspired!

6A The Shambles, Bradford on AVon

01225 920290

| gift guide

YANKEE DOODLE

Yankee Candle Gift Pack, £19.99 each Whitehall Garden Centre • 01225 754161

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Wicker Heart Jorma Pourri, £20.50 Strawberry Blue • 01225 920290

SPRUCE GOOSE

John Beswick Hand Painted Barnacle Goose Figurine, £19 SL Corden & Sons • 01985 212115

Christ

Gift G

Pho

LOCAL AUTHOR

BOOK CLUB

‘From Shadows to a Darker Place’, Written by Alan Barrett, £8.99 Available at all good bookstores and online

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NIGHT OWL

Lesser & Pavey Owl Doorstop, £14.99 SL Corden & Sons • 01985 212115

gift guide |

FINE ART

Original oils & watercolours, £300+ Annabelle’s Gilt Shop • 01985 218933

THROW's OVER

istmas

t Guide SNAP HAPPY

Photography Course Gift Voucher, from £50 Laock Photography • 01249 730571

SPEAK UP

Luxury Faux Fur Throw, £150 Sofa Co Plus • 01985 847031

Intempo Microphone Speaker, £9.99 GM Davies • 01373 822431

RAZOR SHARP

10” Stellar Sharpening Steel, £8.99 Knees • 01225 754161 (Deal on 15 December)

WHeely good

Early Rider Alley Runner 12, £129.99 TT Cycles • 01225 867187

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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ANNABELLE’S GILT SHOP WARMINSTER

We are a small family run business offering...

• Victorian & Edwardian frames and furniture • Professional restoration using traditional materials • Antique picture & mirror frames Open Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm

T: 01985 218 933

3 Silver Street, Warminster BA12 8PS

www.annabellesgiltshop.co.uk

Timeless Elegance

A huge range of antique, pre-owned and vintage jewellery available online & instore Also stockists of pre-owned RolexÂŽ watches

CHARLES HART Jewellers Since 1820

4 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1BN

Telephone: 01373 462089 Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm www.charleshart.co.uk www.vintagetom.co.uk

Upholstery classes for 2017 New dates for one-day workshops and courses in upholstery, soft furnishings and lampshade making, all to a professional standard Fo r d e t a i l s o f a l l o u r c re at i ve a n d vo c at i o n a l c l a s s e s, v i s i t www.traditionalupholsteryschool.co.uk

Cosy up this winter on a beautiful new sofa

WE HAVE SOFAS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS 01985 847031 | sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk| www.sofaco.co.uk | 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

| xmas shopping

A timely investment...

Chris Hart, owner of CHARLES HART jewellers, explains how buying your loved one a Rolex this Christmas is not only a great gift, but also a wise investment.

W

e are often asked by our customers, can vintage watches be a worthwhile investment? In reality to realise an investment in time, needs time itself. If you have purchased from a dealer then you are likely to have paid his profit, and VAT on the profit he has made, so it’s possible that if you buy an Omega let’s say for £2000, he may well have had it serviced, that’s £300-£400 for starters, then if he has paid say

“If you are going to spend, say, £5000 on a watch, then you want to enjoy owning it, wearing it, and just looking at it.” £1200 for it, there is vat of £160, (20% of his starting profit), so in fact he has only made £240 profit on a £2000 watch, so no one is going to become a millionaire if he deals in watches. It’s true to say that if that dealer is selling 20 watches a day, it’s a good return, or if he is selling a vintage Rolex or Patek Philippe for say £10,000 a time, then again it’s a good return.

As an investor though there are some serious risks to be considered.

The first is buying blind via eBay and other such sites. Many times these sites are fine, but beware, many vintage watches are fakes and it takes an expert to spot one.

These days even Rolex copies have genuine looking boxes and papers!

Some are also ‘aged’ to make them look genuine, so unless you really

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know what you are doing this can be a costly mistake.

Then there is the auction route.

Much safer, but again, there are no guarantees so a watch that needs work could be very expensive. Rolex will charge anything up to £500, and most other watch houses will be similar; we always recommend you have your watch repaired or serviced by the maker, as this will enhance your investment. Having boxes and papers also helps.

So what is the best route to investment? We would always suggest that if you want to purchase a vintage watch, then condition is always the key issue. If you buy a Rolex from say eBay and it needs money spent on it, then £500-£800 is probable.

A genuine box and its papers just adds value, and makes it easier to sell when you wish to move the timepiece on. However our best advice is, ‘buy what you love’. If you are going to spend, say, £5000 on a watch, then you want to enjoy owning it, wearing it, and just looking at it. £5000 in the bank, well thats okay, but it’s not going to be the most

exciting thing in the world. If you invest in a £5000 Rolex for example, then you will almost certainly get your money back, and in time, make a tax free profit.

Go to our websites for information and advice, and of course you can always pop in to our store, on Cheap Street in Frome to pick up a great gift this Christmas.

• vintagetom.co.uk • vintagewatchesandjewellery.co.uk

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

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS Rising Damp - Basement Waterproofing Specialist Re-Plastering Replacement Wall Ties Woodworm, Dry & Wet Rot Treatment Approved Delta Membrane Installer

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS COME & VISIT OUR

Protected guarantee available - working to BS6576

AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FREE 30 YEAR GUARANTEE Email: scott@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk

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

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM FEATURING

New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs, Bespoke Furniture, Curtains & Blinds, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, Flooring, Gifts

Parking is available in front of showroom

COFFEE SHOP NOW OPEN IN STORE • www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • perfectrooms@btconnect.com

OPEN TO RETAIL & TRADE SPECIALIST SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY BATHROOMS & BATHROOM PRODUCTS

We are the number one source for heating and plumbing in Trowbridge and surrounding areas. We can supply a huge range of products: RADIATORS BOILERS CYLINDERS UNDERFLOOR HEATING SHOWERS COMPLETE BATHROOM SUITES ACCESSORIES

FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT LOW LOW PRICES Unit 6-7 Riverway, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8LL

01225 765000

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

Howard Roofing For All Your Roofing Needs

Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company 12 St John’s Street, Devizes SN10 1BD t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

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

Qualified Roofer Offering...

• Tiling • Stone Slate • Natural Slate • Leadwork • Repairs Mob: 07812 093962 Office: 01225 282652 DeneHowardRoofing@gmail.com Based in Box, Wiltshire

Covering Wiltshire & Somerset

Call 01225 800537 /07538 206917 Ten Enterprise Centre, Whitehorse Business Park, Ascot Court, Trowbridge BA14 OXA

www.homefix365.co.uk

alex@homefix365.co.uk

Offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service • Stunning ranges including Contemporary, Traditional, Painted, Gloss and more • Expert Design & Installation • Appliances from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers • The Homemaker Customer Care & After Sales Service 5-6 George Street, Warminster, Wilts BA12 8QA 01985 219200 | www.myhomemaker.co.uk

| house & home

New sofas at Con-tempo

A stunning new line of sofas and chairs from Alexander & James has arrived in store at Con-tempo Furniture in Warminster. forests. The shapely legs are hand turned and polished to perfection.

Fillings are super soft, mixing feather, foam and fibre.

“The Albert sofas and chairs are hand crafted and made to order from the finest materials, sourced from around the world.”

C

on-tempo Furniture has just announced the arrival of some beautiful new sofas, chairs and upholstered furniture into their Warminster store.

Designed by British manufacturers, first up is the Albert Range; a blend of classic style elements, really fantastic fabrics and traditional design. You can be sure their majesties Victoria and Albert would have been delighted to relax into one of these sofas, should ‘one’ have been honoured with a royal visititation!

Hand finished and tailored to perfection, this smart sofa mixes British wool with smooth creamy leathers.

The quintessential mix of materials is available in a variety of coverings to give a superb boutique feel to your drawing room, lounge or relaxing snug.

You can even design your own

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Next up are the Benjamin and Franklin ranges; these are signature Chesterfield style collections in rich velvets and warm wools and smooth leathers. The classic button The Franklin range back will add class and nobility to any home. The Benjamin range can sofa, adding any combination of be covered with your choice of fabrics to the classic solid design. delicious fabrics and the Franklin The Albert sofas and chairs are hand can be covered with any leather or a mix of leather and fabric of your crafted and made to order from the finest materials, sourced from around choosing. the world. The leathers are natural, The Theo chair and sofa range is the have character and age beautifully. perfect accompaniment to a tea All of the solid wood used in the for two, whether in a gentleman’s construction of these great sofas study, or her ladyship’s boudoir. is sourced from sustainable Invite a friend to relax in a grand high backed chair and lounge in style. Theo chairs and sofas are also available in a variety of coverings.

Why not pay a visit to Con-tempo Furniture and try out one of the new range for yourself? Feel the quality and see the fabrics and leathers available too. The showroom is based at Crusader Park and is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

A Theo chair

• www.con-tempofurniture.co.uk

| later life

Is the elderly care system unfair?

We asked ANDREW DOUGLAS, partner at Awdry Bailey Douglas Solicitors, to examine the issue. He and his team specialise in elderly care.

W

ith ever increasing numbers of elderly people (the numbers of nonagenarians are the fastest growing sector of our demographic) means more of us need to take advantage of longer term elderly care services. 81% of people in care homes are over 65. 45% of those in care homes are self funders.

WHAT IS A SELF FUNDER?

This is a phrase used in the industry to describe people who are funding all their care costs. The rules are that if you have capital (to include a property) in excess of £23,250 you will have to self fund your care in its entirety and before you get help from the state. Your income will as a general rule always be used to contribute to your elderly care costs.

IS THE SYSTEM UNFAIR?

The simple answer is yes.

This statement is made in the knowledge that if you self fund the cost is higher for the same services as compared to being funded by a local authority. This manifests itself in various ways. Firstly the cost of a room per week in a care home is more expensive. Local authorities can on average purchase a room for £421 - £624 compared with a self funder who for the equivalent may on average pay £603 - £827 per week. Self funders in addition can be subjected to more regular price rises, a requirement for payments in advance, deposits, longer notice periods and the requirement to pay for unwarranted extras.

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WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Quite simply the government can step in to better support care homes and local authorities who are all under financial pressure. They could also provide more rights to self funders such as protection under the Human Rights Act, which rights only extend at present to those who are funded by local authorities. These hopes are unlikely to be fulfilled when it was this Government who postponed the £72,000 cap on how much anybody would have to pay for their care fees and has now got its hands and time full with managing Brexit.

Bassett, Devizes and Chippenham.

Alternatively visit their website where you have the option to complete a free quick enquiry form.

• www.abdcare.co.uk

“In the right circumstances there are a number of strategies that an individual can put in place to make their money last longer and shelter their assets for the benefit of themselves and others.”

ARE THEIR STRATEGIES THAT AN INDIVIDUAL CAN PUT IN PLACE?

In the right circumstances there are a number of strategies that an individual can put in place to make their money last longer and shelter their assets for the benefit of themselves and others. These include reviewing and investing in the right financial products, owning properties in the right way and making use of Trusts to name but a few.

If you want to know more, then for a free appointment and to find out the answers to questions that need answering email Andrew Douglas or his team on ajd@awdrys.co.uk or call 0800 072 8636. The firm has offices in Marlborough, Andrew Douglas Royal Wootton

| health & wellbeing Fitbit Charge HR £79.99 Jawbone UP2 £34.99

GREAT LOW PRICE

BEST SELLER

Xiaomi Mi Band 1S Pulse £12.99

Thinking of a fitness-based gift this Christmas?

How about one of these activity trackers?

Misfit Ray £79.99

GREAT LOW PRICE

SERIOUSLY STYLISH

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 £33.36

GREAT LOW PRICE

Fitbit Charge £129.99 Apple Watch 2 £369

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Fitbit Alta £94.99

| health & wellbeing

Luxurious Lava Shells at Aquarias Spa

A

quarias Spa at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa has recently introduced the use of Lava Shells, the world’s first self-heating massage tool! In the Lava Shells bring a taste of the tropics to Witlshire

hands of the highly skilled Aquarias Spa therapists, Lava Shells emit heat for over an hour to allow for a continuous and seamless body massage. Using the unique shape and angles of the shell they become an extension of the therapist’s hands and deploy deeply therapeutic relief to where it is most needed.

hips and legs as the pregnancy progresses. The treatment also aims to improve energy levels, assists circulation and alleviates puffiness and fluid build-up in the legs and ankles. The third type of massage is the 60 minute Lava Wellness (£95) treatment. This safe and nurturing massage has been specially created for clients during treatment and The range of body massage after healing from cancer. Using treatments using Lava Shells the warmth of the heated lava includes a 30 or 60 minute Lava shells for comfort and relaxation Relax (£60/£95) treatment offering whilst cooling shells provides a an indulgent massage combining sense of balance and a feeling of the warmth of the shells worked total relaxation and peacefulness over the body in slow deep during and after cancer therapy. movements to warm and ease away To find out more about the Lava all tension, knots and stress. For Shells treatments, or to book an mums-to-be the Lava Mama+ (£95) experience, call the Spa on is a 60 minute pregnancy treatment 01666 827070. that eases aches and pains particularly focusing on the back, • whatleymanor.com

Bath Priory opens L’Occitane Spa

T

he Bath Priory has announced it is to open The Garden Spa by L’Occitane. The new spa will be the first L’Occitane Spa in the UK and will feature exclusive treatments, including bespoke therapies created in partnership with the luxury, Provencal brand.

Offering four refurbished treatment rooms, including one dual room, each will be themed to reflect key L’Occitane ingredients such as verbena and lavender, designed to offer a taste of Provence in the heart of Bath. The new spa will feature a brand new relaxation room, a luxurious nail bar and a retail space dedicated to L’Occitane’s aromatic products. The signature treatment at the Spa will be the 60-minute Verbena Relaxing Massage, which

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combines Swedish effleurage, Chinese acupressure and Balinese massage techniques to stimulate circulation, ease tension and relieve stress, leaving the mind calmed and the body soothed and nurtured.

treatments using L’Occitane products, each containing ingredients with proven effectiveness fused with traditional therapies, to offer a true voyage of the senses designed to rejuvenate body and soul.

The spa will offer a full range of

• thebathpriory.co.uk

The Bath Priory is set to open the UK’s first L’Occitane Spa

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH

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

Call today to make an appointment

Tel: 01225 571030

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

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

| bath rugby

WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?

Huge uncertainty remains over the future of Bath Rubgy and England fly half George Ford.

G

eorge Ford’s future as a Bath player is the source of mass speculation following the 23 year old’s decision to activate a clause in his contract that could potentially see him leave the club at the end of this season.

2017/18 season. Bath owner Bruce Craig has revealed that the truth of the matter is more complex than

George’s future at Bath has been in doubt ever since his father Mike was sacked at the end of last season. There have been protracted talks between Bath and the player’s representatives and Ford’s decision will allow him to speak to other clubs in January, with a view to joining them from the

Ford simply taking his pick from a list of potential suitors though. He told The Times: “There are lots of different pieces to this. There are other things that need to be applied. It is in our hands whether we let him go or not.

There is a contract in place until the end of next season. He can’t leave at the end of this season unless the club says he can. It is in our remit whether we let him go or not.”

here last year but everything I’ve spoken about with George is how much he’s enjoying his rugby and the environment here. If that changes at the end of the season we’ll deal with it. My preference would be to make George a part of Bath’s future, but whatever happens you make the best of every situation and my job is to make this club successful, no matter what happens to him.”

Unsurprisingly, news that Ford may leave is causing a flurry of interest from England’s top clubs, with Leicester, Northampton, Exeter, Worcester and Sale all reportedly keen to sign him. Sale Sharks though are thought to have made Ford an offer in the region of £600k a year to secure his services. Meanwhile, Bath DoR

If he cannot convince him though, Bath are understood to be scouring the globe for a possible replacement, with the likes of All Black Aaron Cruden, Leicester’s Freddie Burns and Exeter’s Henry Slade among those mentioned as potential replacements.

Todd Blackadder is hoping that over the next few months George decides to stay. He said “Things happened

“Unsurprisingly, news that Ford may leave is causing a flurry of interest from England’s top clubs”

• bathrugby.com

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

3 December

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Saracens

AP

10 December 14:30 A

12:15 H

Cardiff Blues

ERCC

15 December 19:45 H

Cardiff Blues

ERCC

TV

24 December 14:00 A

Wasps

AP

TV

31 December 15:00 H

Exeter Chiefs

AP

TV

6 January

19:45 A

Newcastle Falcons

AP

TV

13 - 15 Jan

TBC

Bristol Rugby

ERCC

A

y

Allsop Carpets & Flooring • Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

The ‘Barefoot’ range from Alternative Flooring

www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

BAARAA BARO DIVPADSMIT DOISPREZECE DUABLAIH

SUDOKU

MEDIUM

DUODECIM DWIDASA DYMBEDHJETE KAKSITOISTA KEMGAVTOVO

RORAS SEPPULODUA TINIKARUA TWEELWEN ZWOLF

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.12.16 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: What is Father Christmas called in Chile?

Q2: Who is the only one of Santa’s reindeer whose name starts with a ‘B’?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: VEST Quiz answers: 1: Florence Kiplagat 2: 58.23 3: Bristol 4: Jackie Rockliffe 5: Robert Mbithi

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Q3: Who wrote the poem “A visit from St. Nicholas”?

Q4: Which band originally recorded the song “Little St. Nick”?

Q5: In the second verse of “When Santa got stuck up the chimney” what colour did Rudolph’s nose turn?

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

| last word

When I was 51, it was a very strange year...

A

s 2016 trundles, inexorably towards 2017, one’s mind inevitably wanders and, as well as looking forward to a whole new year, with new beginnings and fresh starts and all that, casts a slightly bemused eye on the year that has come and gone. And what a year it’s been positively full of surprises!

In June our country went to the polls and produced one of the most astonishing results we have ever seen…we voted to leave the EU. Whichever way you voted, the

the next morning…we were out.

We were surprised again with Trump and Clinton. The day before the vote almost all pollsters had Clinton ahead - with one very respected polling company having Trump 20 points behind - as we now know this did not come to pass!! I could have taken a sample of the kids at my daughter’s nursery, extrapolated the result to reflect the whole country, and still had just as accurate a guess at who would win!!

C

hristmas is coming. Oh didn’t you know? It happens, every year, at the same time, has

“When I went to bed on 23 June, just after voting closed at 10pm, we were staying in Europe. When I woke up the next morning…we were out. We were surprised again with Trump and Clinton.” behaviour of the people involved (on both sides), was almost as shocking as the result. Then just a couple of weeks ago we were literally Trumped!! America voted for Donald Trump to be their next president.

This made our little referendum look more like David Horton had been voted off Dibley Parish Council. An interesting sidebar to the controversy that surrounded both these events was how badly wrong the polling companies got it. This started back when they completely failed to predict that the Conservative party would win the 2015 election and it’s a trend that’s continued into 2016.

When I went to bed on 23 June, just after voting closed at 10pm, we were staying in Europe. When I woke up

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done for about the last 2000 years.

Why is this such a surprise to some people? It’s as though it creeps up from nowhere like a huge red, green and gold surprise party and when it jumps out for the big reveal loads of people are…well…surprised.

Why?? One thing that really gives me the hump at this time of year is the Christmas grump! I love Christmas, it is an amazing, magical, fantastic time of year. If you don’t like it that is your prerogative but don’t go around telling everyone how dreadful it is and sprinkling everything with your non-sparkling, grumpy dust. You don’t have to like it but why must you delight in spoiling it for everyone else?

And whilst I’m on the subject of

things that grind my gears - totally irrelevant to Christmas (some may even say trivial) but a cause close to my heart - is the absurd use of take away coffee cups on TV and in films.

They, quite obviously, don’t have anything in them! I drink quite a lot of coffee and have been known to partake in the odd takeaway so I know how they would move if they had any liquid in them. If you are going to go for realism, put some cold water in the cups, then the poor darling actors wouldn’t burn themselves if there was a spillage and equilibrium would be restored to a, frankly, messed up world. That, and it would save my wife from being subjected to increasingly irate comments every time someone has a large, wet, extra hot, latte to go in Elementary or CSI or any other American TV series that I may or may not watch!!

2016 is coming to an end and that is probably a good thing. A few monumentally odd things have happened and a lot of well loved and respected people have died, Muhammed Ali and Victoria Wood to name just two. No doubt 2017 will have it’s ups and downs but it is coming and there is nothing we can do about that it so let’s all stop being grumpy and have a fantastic Christmas and remember it’s the important things in life that matter….look out for those coffee cups!!

Phil Rockliffe

The Old Filling Station 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t 01225 783527 / 782408 e info@pietrawoodandstone.com

NEW HOLT SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.30pm Sat 9.00-5.00pm

www.pietrawoodandstone.com Fulham Showroom 198 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2UE

Tel 0207 610 6111