MARCH 2017 // ISSUE 91
FREE
WIN
HONEY HONEY...
TICKETS TO GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE!
GET INTO BEEKEEPING
Get set for
SPRING 18-pages dedicated to spring gardening
THERMAE BATH SPA OPENS THE BRAND
NEW WELLNESS SUITE
+ LISTINGS GUIDE SEAFOOD RECIPES KITCHENS WILTSHIRE & MUCH MORE
FOOD & DRINK // INTERVIEWS // HOME & GARDENS // HEALTH // 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: Grape hyacinths (muscari) in bloom
March 2017 // issue 91
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s a gardening enthusiast (I wouldn’t go so far as to claim any sort of green-fingeredness) the start of the new gardening year is cause for great excitement. Whilst I’m as happy as anyone to batten down the hatches and retreat indoors for the winter, come springtime I’m itching to get back back out into the garden. The sight of bulbs peeking out from the earth could surely warm even the coldest of hearts. To celebrate, we’ve a bumper gardening feature (starting on p35), including loads of great local garden centres, nurseries and landscaping and exterior specialists, some wonderful gift ideas for gardeners, a guide to getting into beekeeping and a wonderful competition to win tickets to Gardener’s World Live - one of the biggest gardening shows of the year! Away from gardening, we’ve an extensive food and drink section, featuring the likes of The George at Sandy Lane, Riverford Organics, Beechfield House and Whatley Manor. We also find out more about a new centre at Thermae Bath Spa, cover the latest goings on at Bath Rugby and lots more besides - just turn the page to get cracking!
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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
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LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Thermae Bath Spa Awards for Ewe Move
12 15 18
FOOD & DRINK The George at Sandy Lane Riverford help beat the veg shortage Eat The Seasons Seafood Recipes Meet the chef at Beechfield House New menu for Whatley Manor
20 24 26 27 30 32
HOMES & GARDENS Allsop Carpets
52
Kitchens Wiltshire
54
FEATURES Spring Gardens Gifts for Gardeners Get into beekeeping Spring into photography Bowood golf course
35 46 48 74 76
BATH RUGBY The latest from Bath Rugby
78
COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win tickets to Gardener’s World Live Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku
50 80
COMMENT The Last Word
82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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CHEESE &GRAIN FRI 3RD MAR 8PM SAT 4TH MAR 8PM SUN 12TH MAR 7PM 17 & 18 MAR FRI 24TH MAR 8PM SAT 25TH MAR 8PM FRI 31ST MAR 8PM FRI 14TH APR 8PM SAT 15TH APR 8PM SUN 16TH APR SUN 23RD APR 4.30PM SAT 29TH APR 8PM SAT 6TH MAY 12PM SAT 13TH MAY 8PM SUN 14TH MAY 6PM 19 & 20 MAY FRI 26TH MAY 8PM
BOX OFFICE: 01373
455420
MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE
www.cheeseandgrain.com LEE SCRATCH PERRY £20 ADV BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE “LEGEND” £13.50 ADV FROME VOICES - SAUL £12 FROME BEER FESTIVAL 2017 £10 BAY CITY ROLLERS £16.50 ADV THE CUBAN BROTHERS £16.50 ADV SHAM 69 £16.50 ADV THE WURZELS £16 DREADZONE £16.50 ADV DICK & DOM £11 CHILD, £13.50 ADULTS (ADV) CSF WRESTLING: SHOWDOWN £10 / £35 FOR 4 TINARIWEN £22.50 ALL ROADS LEAD TO FROME 2017 £12 SHAKATAK £18.50 ADV FROME SYMPHONY £12 FROME GIN FESTIVAL £10 SNAKECHARMER £17
Lee Scratch Perry
Bay City Rollers
Shakatak
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| events
local
listings MARCH 2017
MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL
Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 melkshamassemblyhall.com For full listings go to the website. MAD TOUR: STEVE PARRISH 5 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £18.50-£20 Enjoy the life and times of Steve Parrish (Stavros) which provide a colourful, humorous and, at times, daring portrayal of this man’s career. SANDY KELLY AS PATSY KLINE 18 March, 7pm Tickets: £22.50 An evening of song, laughter and legendary stories is promised when you come along to this enthralling tribute to the music, life and times of Patsy Cline.
ABBA MANIA: THE OFFICIAL WEST END SHOW 24 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 ABBA Mania is not only for life long, die hard ABBA fans but the new generation of fans, who never had the opportunity to see ‘ABBA’ live.
LEVERET 8 March, 7.30pm Ticekts: £16 (Concs £8) Shining stars of the English folk scene, Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians, Andy Cutting (melodeon), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina).
THE THREE DEGREES 28 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £25 The Three Degrees have been producing hits since 1963 and have classic tracks such as the classic When Will I See You Again and Everybody’s Going To The Moon.
SITKOVETSKY TRIO 10 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £25 (Under 25s FREE) Discovering their mutual passion for chamber music during their formative years at the Yehudi Menuhin School, this trio has cultivated it with success since their foundation in 2007.
WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE
Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website. RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS 4 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £10) Sharing the story of one of the world’s most iconic jazz venues.
Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Wiltshire Music Centre
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MY SCIENCE FAIR 5 March, 10am – 4pm FREE Powered by the imagination and enthusiasm of local primary school children, this day-long community festival showcases eye-opening children’s projects exploring the amazing world of science. Ages 5-11.
ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS 14 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £28 (Concs £14) Renowned for its fresh, interpretations of the world’s most-loved classical music, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier chamber orchestras. BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKSHOP 17 March, 5pm Tickets: £5 A relaxed and enjoyable introduction to Indian dance. BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND 17 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Under 18s £8) The internationally renowned Bollywood Brass Band return in style
send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
| events TOM MCCONVILLE BAND 11 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Tom McConville is one of the leading fiddle players of our time. A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice is greatly admired throughout the world. Wendy Cope, Pound Arts Centre
celebrating the music of Grammy Award and Golden Globe-winning composer A. R. Rahman.
HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (Cert 12A) 16 March, 11am & 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (Under 16s £6) This heart-warming comedy follows an unruly teenager and a grouchy bushman who unwittingly find themselves the subject of a national manhunt.
KRUGER QUARTET 22 March, 1pm Tickets: £10 (Under 18s £5) Haydn’s mastery: early middle and late quartets with OAE Young Artists. WENDY COPE 17 March, 7.30pm TROWBRIDGE SYMPHONY Tickets: £14 (Concs £13) ORCHESTRA Wendy returns to The Pound with 25 March, 7.30pm her newest collection Family Values, Tickets: £12 (Under 18s £8) which will be read alongside her A Spring concert with three musical previous bestseller Two Cures for masterpieces. Love and Life, Love and the Archers. WILTSHIRE YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA / GWILYM SIMCOCK PIANO 26 March, 3pm Tickets: £12 (Under 18s £8) Brilliant big band jazz with WMC Artist in Residence.
CRAOBH RUA 18 March, 8pm Tickets: £14 (Concs £12) Belfast’s finest acoustic globetrotting four-piece play Irish traditional music and song from the heart.
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY CHOIR 31 March, 8pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) Talented young singers return from Carnegie Hall to perform Rossini.
THE REMI HARRIS PROJECT 23 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 An exciting young guitarist whose unique style blends elements from Gypsy Swing, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip Hop and World Music.
POUND ARTS CENTRE Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 poundarts.org.uk For full listings go to the website.
MARTIN SIMPSON 4 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Martin Simpson gives rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.
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Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Effra bring their UK tour to Wiltshire in preparation for the release of their highly anticipated second album.
MERLIN THEATRE Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk
NT Live: HEDDA GABLER 9 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove returns to National Theatre Live screens with a modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece. ROCKTOPUS: THE BIG GIG 11 March, 2pm Tickets: £7.50 (Concs £5.50) Rocktopus, the world’s only underwater rock band for kids, adults and sea creatures alike has finally left the ocean to come and perform its ‘Big Gig’ for you! A CONTEMPORARY EVENING: BOLSHOI 19 March, 3pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) For one evening, the Bolshoi takes on a bold new challenge in Hans Van Manen’s Frank Bridge’s Variations, Sol León and Paul Lightfoot’s Short Time Together and Alexei Ratmansky’s Russian Seasons. KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN 29 March, 7.45pm Tickets: £14.50 One of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships.
SAMMY THE SNOW LEOPARD 25 March, 2pm Tickets: £7 (Concs £6), £24 family Sammy loves animals and when he hears about the ‘Adopt a Snow Leopard’ programme, he reckons he’s found the perfect way to have a pet EFFRA 31 March, 8pm
NT Live: Hedda Gabler, Merlin Theatre
send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
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| events ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: MADAMA BUTTERFLY 30 March, 7.15pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) East meets West with devastating consequences in this production of Puccini’s deeply poignant opera.
THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk For full listings go to the website.
I, DANIEL BLAKE (Cert 15) 15 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 Ken Loach’s film is the moving story of a 59 year old carpenter fighting to collect his Employment and Support allowances after falling ill. BOUNCERS & SHAKERS 22 – 25 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 Bouncers and Shakers are sister plays, set up north in the 1980s. Both are fast paced comedies that make social comments on working class night life. Full of energy and laughs.
SAUL 12 March, 7pm Tickets: £12 Saul by Handel, sung by Frome Voices with orchestra and soloists. FROME BEER FESTIVAL 17 & 18 March Tickets: £10 Three sessions over two days offering a selection of over 40 beers and ciders, live music and big screen Six Nations rugby action on Saturday. Ticket also includes a souvenir glass, a programme and two half pint vouchers. BAY CITY ROLLERS 24 March, 8pm Tickets: £19 With legendary singer Les McKeown still at the helm, a Rollers gig is a magical musical and visual trip down memory lane!
THE CUBAN BROTHERS 25 March, 8pm Tickets: £16.50 adv The Cuban Brothers blend sexy, soulful vocals with jaw-dropping funk that never fails to get crowds NO FINER LIFE BY GRAHAM HARVEY on their feet. 31 March, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £10) SHAM 69 A new play from the writer of over 31 March, 8pm 600 episodes of BBC Radio 4’s The Tickets: £16.50 adv Archers. The punk icons SHAM 69 currently fronted by Tim V, make their CHEESE & GRAIN Frome debut in a special show in 5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR celebration of 40 years of punk. Box Office: 01373 455420 cheeseandgrain.com For full listings go to the website. BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE ‘LEGEND’ 4 March, 8pm Tickets: £13.50 A tribute to Bob Marley and the Wailers + Troy Ellis and his Hail Jamaica Reggae band. As part of the Reggae Weekend, Lee Scratch Perry also appears at the Cheese & Grain on 3 March. Tickets £20.
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OTHERS SINGAROUND AT BOA FOLK CLUB 7, 14 & 21 March FREE, 8pm
The Swan Hotel, Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LN FREE boafolkclub.org.uk Email phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk or call Phil Deverall on 01380 870734.
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 JIM TIGWELL 28 March Described as “fiery and fluent”, Jim’s performances are rich in story songs gathered from the wealth of pre WWII country blues and beyond.
CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKET Springfield Community Campus, Corsham SN13 9DN 4 March & 1 April February, 11am-3pm FREE Join one of Wiltshire’s best craft markets where over 30 local stallholders gather to sell handmade, home produced goods. Email nicola-davis@live.co.uk
VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK PETE MORTON Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge Tickets: £3 3 March, 8pm Tickets: £10 Support from young Bristol based singer/songwriter Saskia Griffiths-Moore.
BATH ARTISAN MARKET Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB Every 2nd & 3rd Sunday of the month, Bath’s biggest monthly gathering of independent artists, designer-makers, vintage sellers and local food producers.
send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk
| local news
roundup
All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!
THE LONGS ARMS BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL
The annual Beer and Cider Festival at the beautiful Longs Arms in Steeple Ashton is a wonderful event for lovers of music and beer! This year the event is taking place on Saturday 29 April – from 2pm until midnight and tickets are £10 per adult, which can be bought on direct from the pub in the lead up. Under 18s are free, but they do still require a ticket and must be
The Longs Arms Beer & Cider Festival takes place on 29 April
accompanied by an adult. Queues can be large and the event always sells out so you are advised to get your ticket early! 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 and dark porters as well as ciders like the bestselling ‘Crazy Goat’ and wooden casked Hunney’s cider.
As well as cider and beer, there is a great line up of live music on offer to enjoy too, and the event all takes place in a large marquee, so come rain or shine the event can still go off with a bang! For more information call 01380 870245 or take a look at their Facebook page for all the latest announcements on live acts and more! • longsarms.co.uk
GET SOME ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS FLOWERS THIS SPRING
Absolutely Fabulous Flowers offer arrangements for all occasions
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Absolutely Fabulous Flowers are based on Church Walk in Trowbridge. Whilst they offer arrangements for all occasions, they are perhaps best known for their wedding flowers. With options to suit every budget, they are well equipped to ensure all your floral requirements are taken care of. As well as the bouquet, they can provide pedestals, table arrangements, pew end decorations
and more. If you know exactly what you are looking for they will work with you to provide it, and if you are a little stuck, take advantage of their years of expertise to get advice on how to achieve the perfect look for your wedding. They are also currently taking bookings for beautiful spring Mother’s Day bouquets – book yours today on 01225 719393. • ab-fab-flowers.co.uk
local news |
MOTHER’S DAY DREAM CAR DRIVES Haynes Motor Museum is offering a unique Mother’s Day gift idea
BOLLYWOOD TO BEETHOVEN AT WMC
Classical guitarist John Williams, is one of the leading artists performing at Wiltshire Music Centre this spring. He will perform alongside virtuosos Gary Ryan and John Etheridge as Guitar 6 Hands on 24 May in a concert tipped to be a swift sell-out. The Folk & Roots programme features English folk supergroup Leveret (8 Mar) and Mercurynominated The Unthanks (30 April) who explore the extraordinary songs and poems of Molly Drake.
Mums love cars too – it’s official! Do you want something different to buy your mum for Mother’s Day (Sunday 26 March)? Are you fed-up with buying flowers and chocolate? How about an exclusive chance to drive an iconic car at Haynes International Motor Museum? Choose from a selection of cars, including supercars and
luxury marques. This is a present that your mum will talk about for years to come. Don’t worry, there’s plenty for dad and kids to do too; why not visit the museum or enjoy a pit stop in Café 750?See the website for further details and terms and conditions.
Pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock takes up the position of Nimmo Artist in Residence 2017; a new Residency in memory of the Centre’s founding Artistic Director Keith Nimmo. The musician will perform with the Wiltshire Youth Folk supergroup Leveret
• himm.co.uk
AIR AMBULANCE RECEIVES £250,000 Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s major fundraising appeal for its new airbase is to receive a significant donation of £250,000. The funding is for the helipad and associated costs at the charity’s new airbase at Outmarsh Farm, Semington, near Melksham, and has been given by the HELP (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads) Appeal. The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the UK that funds the development of helipads at Major Trauma Centres, key A&E hospitals and air ambulance bases across the country. Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been providing an outstanding service for many years and we are delighted to be
able to support them in providing what will undoubtedly be the very best airbase in the country.” David Philpott, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank the Trustees of the HELP Appeal for their incredible generosity in awarding this funding. It’s re-assuring to know that at a time when the cash-strapped NHS is often unable to provide the capital costs to build 21st century helipads that this wonderful charity has stepped in to fill the funding gap.” To donate to the Airbase Appeal and find out how to get involved go to the website or text BASE17 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070. • wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk
Jazz Orchestra on 26 March, and present a fascinating concert with violinist Thomas Gould on 29 April. The Centre is also delighted to welcome Clare Teal on 7 April. Children and families can join story-teller Michael Loader and his gang in The Ugly Swanling (9 April), as a young swan tries to find her true home. The show is jam packed with exciting instruments and you can learn how to wriggle like a rat in a pre-concert workshop. The Spring/Summer season at Wiltshire Music Centre provides a treat for anyone who enjoys fantastic live music of all kinds. • wiltshiremusic.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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NEW WELLNESS SUITE OPENING LATE MARCH
Enjoy the contrasting experiences of the new Wellness Suite featuring the Roman and Georgian steam rooms, a state-of-the-art Infrared Sauna, an invigorating Ice Chamber and a dream-like Astral Relaxation room.
Open daily from 09.00 – 21.30 (pools & Wellness Suite close at 21.00)
01225 33 1234 www.ThermaeBathSpa.com
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local news |
The Wellness Suite
Opening in late March, Thermae Bath Spa is excited to introduce a brand new Wellness Suite, complete with Roman and Georgian steam rooms.
O
ffering five distinctive experiences, guests will transition into the Wellness Suite, where they can rest and relax in an entirely different atmosphere. It features two themed steam rooms, an infrared sauna, an ice chamber and an Astral Relaxation Room.
The new ice chamber
The Roman-inspired steam room encapsulates Bath’s rich Roman history. Featuring hand-crafted, traditional stone seating and gorgeous fluted columns, the mosaic of Sulis Minerva embodies the Romano-Celtic philosophy of the healing power of thermal water that pervades all aspects of Thermae Bath Spa.
are wreathed in comforting floral fragrance and steam, that will provide the ideal ambience for revitalisation.
The Georgian-inspired steam room offers a trip to another hugely influential period of Bath’s history. Utilising elements of traditional Georgian architecture to create strikingly elegant surroundings, warm light and garden scenes fill the space, while water trickles from an ornate fountain. Bathers
Find yourself in contemporary surroundings with a state-of-theart infrared sauna, which transmits healing heat much deeper into the muscles and joints than traditional saunas. Acacia and lime wood panels are draped in a warm amber glow to create the perfect environment for a detox.
The infrared sauna
In contrast to the warmth of the steam rooms and sauna, guests can step into a distinctly different environment with an invigorating ice chamber. Ultrasonic vibrations create an immersive, ethereal mist and those feeling particularly brave can use a handful of flaked ice to rejuvenate and energise themselves. The Astral Relaxation Room presents another dimension with soothing, twinkling lights and calming sounds. Inspired by the work of William Herschel - the Bath–based astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus – this intimate area crafts a serene, dream-like environment. The innovative new Wellness Suite adds an original selection of experiences to Thermae Bath Spa’s already impressive facilities. For updates and further information visit the website. • thermaebathspa.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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ENIZAGAMSTLIW TSEWEHT
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958
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 – 4pm
Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ
01344 882689 | pineridgedogs@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number 256728
| local news
David Wiltshire Photography
D
avid Wiltshire Photography has over 40 years’ experience in the ever changing world of photography. David Wiltshire started the business in 1971 having previously worked for a large photographic business in Oxford. As you might expect, the company specializes in wedding photography, but that’s not all. They also carry out school and military photography, family shoots, PR and product work. If you are interested in hiring them why not take a look at the gallery on their website and see some of their work for yourself? The shop (and studio) is located in George Street, Warminster. They have one of the largest collections of readymade frames in the area, as well a fully equipped instant and next day
printing lab. Another great success over the last few years has been their web kiosk, where customers can upload pictures to print on their
professional printing equipment for as little as 15p per print.
I
Best Franchise Network, as well as Silver for both Best Innovation and Best Agency to Work For – a huge achievement!
for your individual property report. Alternatively contact Brian on 01225 430776.
• davidwiltshire.co.uk
Ewe Move scoops double gold t was celebrations all round for EweMove at this year’s Times/ Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards as the firm scooped four top honours, including Gold for Best Estate Agency Website. EweMove Sales & Lettings, the UK’s first hybrid estate agency which launched in Trowbridge in early 2016, was praised by the judges for offering its customers a ‘fantastic proposition’ and for its ‘highest level of personal service… supported by a fantastic brand’ at the official ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole on 2 December. The Estate Agency of the Year awards, in association with the Times and Sunday Times, is the UK’s longest running and most respected awards event. In addition to Best Website, EweMove also secured Gold for
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• EweMove.com/Trowbridge Brian Marsh Branch Director of EweMove Trowbridge & West Wiltshire, said: “To scoop two gold awards including Best Website is absolutely amazing, particularly in what is such a competitive and sought-after category. As a growing brand, we’re hugely passionate about ensuring that everything we do makes for the ultimate customer experience.” If you’re thinking of moving and you would like to find out what your property is worth or how much rent you should be getting then visit the website and use the free, instant online valuation tool
Traditional family run village pub
Open for lunch & dinner seven days a week serving homecooked food with accredited Cask Marque Wadworth ales •Ample Parking • Bar • Two Restaurants •Award-Winning Gardens • Cricket Pitch • Real Ales 01225 752426 | poplarsinn@gmail.com | poplarsinn.co.uk
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| food & drink
The George at Sandy Lane Following a change of ownership, a sympathetic renovation and a new chef, The George is becoming the perfect location for meeting up with friends and family.
Egg completion. Be sure to book early for that too! Looking ahead we are also holding a Summer Cider Festival on the last bank holiday weekend of the summer with live music, bouncy castle, face painting, BBQ and of course cider.”
T
he George is an 18th Century pub situated in the picturesque village of Sandy Lane, close to Lacock, Devizes, Calne, Melksham and of course Chippenham. Its close proximity to Bowood House & Gardens also makes it an ideal stopping off point if you are going for a day out with the family. Helen Drake is the new landlady. She arrives having worked in the hospitality industry for 15+ years working for Accor hotels and formerly Hartham Park and Jack’s Restaurant in Corsham. Owning a country pub was always a dream for Helen and that dream has now become a reality. Helen says, “We are a family friendly pub, and the large table in the stunning oak conservatory seats 10 so is perfect for getting the whole family together. Well behaved dogs are welcome to bring their owners for
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a spot of lunch or dinner in the main bar and we have a great walk to the Bowood Estate to try too.”
“the large table in the stunning oak conservatory seats 10 so is perfect for getting the whole family together.” The George has developed a great reputation for Sunday roasts. Helen says, “You have to book in advance as we get booked up for the whole day. Our children’s Sunday roast is just £5, whilst our adult option is £19.50 for two courses and £26 for three. For Mother’s Day on 26 March we are almost fully booked, with a special gift on offer for all mums visiting us on the day. Over Easter there will also be a celebratory Sunday roast and Easter
Away from Sunday roasts, head chef Wyn Jones has created a predominantly British style menu with a modern twist and a few old classics, priding themselves on home cooked locally grown and sourced produce. For a great value option you can pop over during the week you can enjoy a two course lunch for £15 from Tuesday to Friday. Real ale lovers can enjoy Cask Marque accredited Wadworth favourites like 6X, Henry’s IPA and a seasonal ale, whilst the wine list has been created to complement the style of food from a deep Barolo to a crisp Chardonnay. With a beer garden to the rear offering stunning views across the Bowood Estate fields, on a sunny day this spring there are few better options around. • thegeorgeinnsandylane.co.uk
THE
Shaw Country
HOTEL & RESTAURANT
THE
Farmhouse INN
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
PLANNING AN EVENT?
We specialise in weddings, conferences and events, catering for up to 120 guests. If you wish to have a look around the hotel or would like an informal chat please contact Emma Lewis or Sharon Brind.
BOOK FOR 2017 & BEYOND!
SUNDAY ROASTS
Choose between roast sirloin of beef, rump of lamb or our ‘Catch of the Day’ fresh fish. Two Courses £16 | Three Courses £19
Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // 01225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014
Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, filled with happiness, for you, your family and friends. Our Wedding co-ordinator, Janet Harris, will be delighted to work with you to ensure your wedding reception is truly memorable. Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk
NOW OPEN UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Serving wonderful food with fantastic ales in beautiful surroundings, we are open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch & dinner, our seasonal menu offering a twist on traditional country fare.
BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER
STEAK NIGHT WEDNESDAY £10 OFF your bill when you order 2 steaks from the main menu
PENSIONERS LUNCH
Every Tuesday - 2 courses from the Specials Board only £10.00
LUNCH SPECIALS
Two Course Lunch £15.00 Tuesday to Friday
The George Inn, Sandy Lane, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2XP • t 01380 850403
thegeorgeinnsandylane.co.uk | book@thegeorgeinnsandylane.co.uk
PUBLIC COURSES CORPORATE & BESPOKE PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
Enjoy The Great Atmosphere At
The Organ Inn After a long day what could be better than a warm welcome, a convivial atmosphere & a glass of something you fancy?
REAL ALES & CIDERS (Find us in The Good Beer Guide)
4 ever changing real ale pumps, ciders and perrys on draught plus lots of bottled options showcasing the best of local and national independent breweries. Plus quality wines, lagers and spirits & traditional bar games.
CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year 2014! Tel: 01985 211777 | OVER 21s | www.theorganinn.co.uk 49 high st, warminster, wiltshire ba12 9aq (just a 5 minute walk from the railway station) OPEN 4pm-12midnight monday to friday, 12noon-12midnight saturday, 4pm-11pm sunday
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
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
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.
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.
LIVE MUSIC
Thursday 2 March 2017 Chris Griffith playing live from 7.30pm. No tickets required just book a table on 01380 828230!
MOTHER’S DAY
Sunday 26 March 2017 Join us from 12pm - 5pm or for dinner from 6pm. Booking is a must - call to make a reservation!
EASTER WEEKEND
Friday 14 - Monday 17 April 2017 Fingers crossed for glorious sunshine. Look for updates on our Facebook page. 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
Live Music with Friday & Saturday night bands, and Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions.
Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.
Good selection of Real Ales available too
Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk
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
Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB
A
PUB
| food & drink
Riverford offer simple answer to veg shortage
As supermarkets ration lettuce and broccoli because of bad weather in Spain and Italy, is the veg shortage the big deal many are making it out to be? Riverford have their own ideas for coping with the shortages.
RIVERFORD’S KALE CAESAR SALAD
A recipe by James Dodd, head chef at The Riverford Field Kitchen restaurant. Leaving the salad to sit for 15 minutes before serving allows the acidity to take away the raw taste and texture from the kale.
G
uy Watson, the founder of the UK’s biggest organic veg retailer, Riverford, thinks not. “We need to relearn the potential of great British veg, and embrace seasonal British winter crops instead of relying on imports. Right now our fields are brimming with wonderful cabbages, leeks, kale, swede and flavourful greenery that have much more to offer than imported courgettes or watery iceberg lettuce.” Jason Holt, Farm Manager from Riverford Norton Farm, Winchester said, “A lack of lettuce isn’t a big deal. One of our most popular winter recipes is our Kale Caesar Salad; it is always a hit! Many are rarely aware that kale can be a far superior substitute for bland salad leaves. It’s
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“Having been growing veg for thirty years, Riverford really know how to make great British veg really sing.” also really easy to make a vibrant winter slaw using beetroot, carrot, red cabbage and swede – all in season and growing in British fields right now.” Having been growing veg for thirty years, Riverford really know how to make great British veg really sing. Their recipe hub is packed with recipes to help bring British veg to life, such as Kale, Chorizo and Potato Hash, Moroccan Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas and Hazelnuts and Kale, Fruit and Nut Pilaf.
Ingredients 2 garlic cloves, peeled 10 anchovy fillets or capers 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp red wine vinegar Juice of 1-2 lemons 2 poached eggs (blended hot) 250ml olive oil Kale, preferably curly To serve Croutons Parmesan Method Add all the salad ingredients (except for the oil) into a blender. Make sure the eggs are just poached and still hot. Blend. Slowly add the oil, bit by bit until smooth and completely blended. Toss with the kale and leave to sit for about 15 minutes before serving. Top with croutons and a hard cheese, like Parmesan, or whatever takes your fancy. Keep any leftover dressing in a fridge and use within a few days. • riverford.co.uk
EXCELLENT SPANISH TAPAS IN THE HEART OF BRADFORD ON AVON
Extensive lunchtime menu available ‘The place’ to relax with friends or family Tel 01225 866823 / www.pablostapas.com OPEN 11.30am - 11pm Monday - Saturday
10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERTISEMENT code no. WW2017 valid Monday – Thursday only
�
6 Lambs Yard, Kingston Mills, Bradford on Avon, Wilts BA15 1FG
| 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
s I always mention in this edition, thank goodness January and February are out of the way as far as crops are concerned. With any luck our hard working growers will get a window of opportunity to sow early season carrots which hopefully will be ready sometime in early June. That gives us all something to look forward to. When it is a horrible day and you are indoors looking out at windy, rainy, cold weather - spare a thought for the poor grower who is trying to get out on the land whatever the weather! If you have an allotment or some space in your garden put aside for vegetables now is the time to think about what to sow e.g. peas, carrots, beetroot, parsnips, broad beans and leeks. Don’t rush because the soil needs to get to 40°F. You can buy a soil thermometer from good garden centres.
Our sister company, Lovejoys Larder, is following with our strong ethos of procuring and selling local produce to our restaurants and hotels. If you are out dining locally be
sure to ask where the produce used in your meal has come from - you will find that good chefs try to use seasonal items as they are then supporting local growers, reducing the food miles and getting the best tasting ingredients! The Larder has secured a wonderful ice cream from Lacock Dairy, Cheese from Brinkworth Dairy and an amazing artisan Gelato (like ice cream) from a passionate producer in Cirencester. Neil
On the local vegetable front there are leeks, purple sprouting, parsnips, kale, beetroot and swede too look out for this month in your local farm shops and greengrocers.
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@lovejoysuk Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com
COMPETITION Thanks for entering our competition last month. The winner will be announced in April’s edition.
This month if you spot a Lovejoys van out on its deliveries and take a photo to send us you could WIN A FRUIT BOX. If you can spot both a Lovejoys Wholesale and a Lovejoys Larder van you will win a bag of potatoes too! Send your photos to neil@lovejoyswholesale.com leaving your full name, email address, phone number and answer. Please state if you are a chef too for extra points!
recipes |
SEAFooD
SuppErs
It’s healthy, inexpensive and we don’t eat enough of it! Bring more seafood into your diet with the help of these recipes from Waitrose.
Sea bream with thyme butter and leek & potato mash
Serves 2
Ingredients 40g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 2 large white potatoes, peeled and cubed 75g frozen peas 4 sprigs fresh lemon thyme 1 small clove garlic, crushed 2 sea bream fillets 2 slices lemon 2 leeks, very thinly sliced Method Preheat the oven to 220ºC. Lightly butter a small ovenproof dish. Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling water for 10 minutes until almost tender. Add the peas to the potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until both are tender. Drain well, return to the pan and mash roughly. Meanwhile, strip the leaves from 2 of the thyme sprigs and mash with 25g butter and the garlic. Lay the fish in the dish and dot over the herb butter. Lay a lemon slice and a sprig of thyme on each and bake for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Melt the remaining butter in a large frying pan and cook the leeks for 5 minutes until softened. Beat the leeks into the potato and serve with the fish, drizzling over the buttery juices.
�
Cook’s tip Vary the flavourings used in the herb butter. Try swapping the thyme for chives or dill, or adding some finely chopped chilli for a fiery kick. THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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| recipes
Haddock & leek bake Serves 2 Ingredients Knob of butter 2 leeks, sliced very thinly 200g tub Waitrose Watercress Sauce (from the chiller cabinet) 25g grated Gruyère cheese 3 tbsp Panko breadcrumbs 2 x 150g haddock fillets, skinned Mashed potatoes and steamed green veg, to serve Method Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Grease a small ovenproof dish. Heat the butter in a small frying pan and add the leeks. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, heat the sauce in a pan or microwave according to the packet instructions.
Serves 4
Ingredients 1.5 litres hot vegetable stock 2 Salmon fillets 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 350g Arborio rice 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 25g pack flat-leaf parsley, leaves and stalks chopped Grated lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon Knob of butter 2 tbsp finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus extra to serve Method Pour the stock into a wide saucepan and add in the salmon fillets. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until cooked through,
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then lift out the fish and transfer to a plate, reserving the stock in the pan. Heat the olive oil in a separate large saucepan and cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the rice and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Ladle in a third of the reserved stock and cook, stirring until it absorbs the liquid. Continue to cook and add the remaining stock, stirring regularly until the stock has been absorbed and the rice is tender — this should take about 20 minutes.
Bake for 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve with mash and your favourite steamed green vegetables.
Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley leaves and stalks, the lemon zest and juice, butter and cheese. Break the salmon into large flakes and carefully fold through the risotto. Divide between bowls and serve with extra cheese and a good grinding of black pepper.
�
Zesty salmon & parsley risotto
Stir together the Gruyère and breadcrumbs. Spoon the leeks into the bottom of the dish and lay the fish fillets on top. Pour over the warmed watercress sauce then scatter over the breadcrumb and cheese mixture.
| food & drink
Meet the Chef
This month we caught up with MIKE BAIN from Beechfield House Hotel in Beanacre to talk omelettes, peanut parfait and Obsession 17. and summer cooking, When you get a day off, which local restaurants do you like visiting? The Priory Inn Tetbury is nice, their ingredients are sourced from a 30 mile radius and they have some great local beers. When you cook for friends, what’s on the menu? Something simple and tasty - spiced lamb burgers always go down well. Your favourite kitchen gadget? The water bath. What is your guilty pleasure? Chicken wings.
What was your first job in catering? Like many others I started out as a kitchen porter at 14. Where have you worked previously? At 16 I started at Vatika under the ownership of Atul Kochhar. My first full time job was at the Michelinstarred restaurant 36 on the Quay at Emsworth. I’ve also spent time at Brocket Hall and Whatley Manor. The first dish you mastered? A real classic - the three egg omelette. Do you have any favourite local suppliers? We are lucky to have lots, like Lovejoys, Downlands and Walter Rose & Sons butchers. And I have to
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mention our head gardener Gerardo Lane who works really hard to get us a good quantity of home grown fresh produce for our kitchen. What’s your favourite dish on the menu? Our pastry chef’s peanut parfait - it’s worth leaving space for! (pictured) What is the most memorable event you have cooked for? Obsession 17. It’s one of the biggest gastronomic events in the world and it gave me the chance to cook for some of the nation’s best chefs. Do you have a favourite season for cooking and if so why? Spring; you get a great mix of winter
To make a reservation at Beechfield House call 01225 703700, email reception@beechfieldhouse.co.uk or book online. Readers are being offered A FREE GLASS OF HOUSE WINE when dining for lunch or dinner, Monday to Friday during March and April. Please mention The West Wilts Magazine when booking. • www.beechfieldhouse.co.uk
THE
WESTBROOK
Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE tel 01380 850418 www.westbrookbromham.co.uk
BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A £30 FOOD & DRINK VOUCHER! Kevin & Louise invite you to visit the beautifully refurbished Westbrook. It offers an inviting bar, a beautiful sun deck, garden and a new children’s play area. The menu is bursting with superb value traditional pub classics and top notch specials. • FULLY REFURBISHED • FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • FAMILY FRIENDLY • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • REAL ALES • CAR PARK
NEW LOOK , NEW MENU, NEW WESTBROOK!
The perfect setting for a Sunday Lunch Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 26th March
5 courses £32.50 Easter Sunday Lunch Sunday 16th April
5 courses £32.50
A gem of a country house...
Beanacre, Wiltshire SN12 7PU 01225 703700 www.beechfieldhouse.co.uk reception@beechfieldhouse.co.uk
| food & drink
New Menu at Whatley Manor
New Executive Chef NIALL KEATING has just launched his new menu...
THE NEW ME
Oyster, seaweed mignonette
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NU...
Spiced cracker, sesame, lime Oyster, seawee d mignonette Chicken fat custa rd, tamari, cavia r Brown butter, bu ttermilk Mackerel, preser ved raspberry, greens Tortellini, black ‘Risotto’, chorizo , raw scallop Cod, chicken br oth, fermented turnip Aged beef loin , lettuce, pomm e purée, red wine Salted rhubarb, umeshu, shiso Chocolate, cara mel, crème fraîch e Treats
W
food & drink |
hatley Manor appointed Niall Keating as Executive Chef in December 2016. This month, he has launched his own modern British menus in The Dining Room, where he has also drawn inspiration from many different cuisines, including Korean, Japanese and classic French. Additionally, Niall has initiated the re-styling of the hotel’s informal restaurant (formerly Le Mazot), launching it as Grey’s Brasserie with new menus, in conjunction with his Sous Chef George Dingle, and a refurbishment is planned for August 2017. Niall has an impressive pedigree – aged just 26, he has worked in several significant Michelin-starred establishments in the UK, USA and Denmark. His culinary career began at The Bath Priory Hotel as a Commis Chef, but he quickly worked his way up to Sous Chef (2010–12). Niall then joined two-star Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham as a Chef de Partie for two-and-a-half years (2012–14), before moving to San Francisco for one year (2015) at the renowned three-star Benu, where he was a Chef de Partie, progressing to Sous Chef. He then returned to Europe, settling in Copenhagen at one-star Kong Hans Kalder, where he was Chef de Cuisine (2016). Then came the decision to move back to England, thanks to a long-standing rapport and sustained contact with Sue Williams, now General Manager at Whatley Manor, who he first met at The Bath Priory. “I knew from day one in Bath that Niall had a special talent, and we stayed in contact as he developed his skills around the world”, stated Sue Williams. “His energy, creativity, enthusiasm and fresh approach are
New Executive Chef Niall Keating
Tortellini, black
perfectly suited to Whatley Manor as the hotel enters a new phase.”
including a traditional Sunday roast. Typical dishes range from Smoked mussels on toast, Charred onion Niall’s menus balance contemporary Caesar salad, and Omelette Arnold and classic styles in terms of Bennett, to Braised beef cheek with ingredients and presentation, with parsnip and bok choy, Roasted some intriguing Asian influences as bream with baby cabbage and well. The Dining Room is open for almond, Rhubarb trifle with ginger dinner from Wednesday through financier, and English custard tart Sunday, offering a tasting menu of with nutmeg and blackcurrant 12 small courses for £99 (with the sorbet. When the weather is warm option of a matching wine flight and sunny guests can also choose for £70). to dine al fresco in the Kitchen Garden Terrace. Additionally at Whatley Manor, Grey’s Brasserie (50 seats) offers a To make a reservation at The Dining more relaxed dining option, open Room call 01666 822888, or email daily for lunch and dinner, with the reservations@whatleymanor.com. menu focusing on a mix of comfort food and more casual British fare, • whatleymanor.com THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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gardens |
Get set for
SPRING After a long, frosty winter spring is 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 2017‌
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| gardens account for nearly 100% of all sales so you can be sure of quality, choice and value for money. They’re open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. Directions are on the contact page of the website and it is signposted from the B3109. When visiting the website, do sign up for the news and updates.
Avonfield Garden centre ensure their core products are their focus
GARDEN CENTRES & NURSERIES
pride ourselves on our excellent levels of service and high quality range of plants.”
If you haven’t visited before, you’ll probably be surprised that there are more than 2000 varieties and sizes of plants and trees listed, giving a huge selection. Take a look at the 360°online tour from the home or contact pages on our website to give you a flavour. Plants always make a wonderful long-lasting gift so perfect for Mothering Sunday, Easter and birthday and anniversary gifts.
Right now is a great time to sort out 01225 862392 | downsidenurseries.co.uk your spring bedding and, if you ALLINGTON missed the boat in the autumn, they GARDEN SHOP LAKESIDE & have a range of spring flowering Selling a range of unusual shrubs, FONTHILL GARDEN bulbs ready to plant out. Pop in to roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable CENTRES see them at their centre on Marsh plants, miscellaneous garden Lakeside and Fonthill Garden Centres Road in Hilperton or give them a call accessories and some beautiful and are a family run business that has to find out more. highly original gardening gifts (so been serving gardeners in the West of 01225 866886 | avonfield-gardens.co.uk useful in the run up to Mother’s England for over forty years. The two Day!). Owner Brenda Meade will be centres are based in Warminster and DOWNSIDE more than happy to advise you with Bitton, located on the A413 between NURSERIES your garden related woes or Bath and Bristol. In either location you Downside Nurseries is a traditional planning and can even make up a can be assured of a warm, friendly family-run retail, working nursery set hanging basket or pot for you whilst in over three acres situated in Upper welcome, top-quality products and you wait. knowledgeable advice for everyone Westwood, between Bradford-on01249 659700 | allingtongardenshop.co.uk from the novice to the expert. Avon and Iford/Freshford. Plants
AVONFIELD GARDENS Garden lovers flocked to Avonfield Garden centre on Marsh Road in Hilperton. It is run by directors James Vincent and Matthew Webb, and the secret to their success is no secret at all really, it’s just making sure that the gardeners they serve are their priority. James says, “We have always believed that to look after our customers we have to make sure our core products were our focus. We have never done and will never do gimmicks; instead we
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Downside Nurseries is open 7 days a week
at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge, Wilts BA14 0DT
www.trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk
Tel 01225 763927
Plants & Shrubs, Bedding, Fruit & Veg, Seeds & Bulbs, Gardening Products, Paving, Pots & Containers, Tools, Compost, Wildlife Feed and Outdoor Aquatics plus A wide selection of gifts for every occasion Garden Furniture & Barbecues
Also home to The Bay Tree CafĂŠ, Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Indoor Growstore & Kalahari Kitchen
| gardens 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.
“Old Milestone Nursery has a wonderful reputation for beautiful hanging baskets” 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
OLD MILESTONE NURSERY Based on the Melksham Road on the outskirts of Holt, Old Milestone Nursery has a wonderful reputation for beautiful hanging baskets, with hundreds of ready planted baskets and pots available for you to take home. Just give them a little TLC and they’ll reward you with stunning displays of colour right throughout the summer months. Alternatively, if you would prefer to make your own, they have thousands of summer bedding and trailing plants to choose from, plus of course there’s opportunity to pick the brains of some true experts in the field. As well as bedding you’ll find perennials, herbs, shrubs and climbers too, and plenty of parking to boot! 01225 783226 | facebook.com/OldMilestoneNursery
TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE Based on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden
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Trowbridge Garden Centre has a great reputation for quality of service
centre has a great reputation for quality of service and product ranges – it has everything a gardener could ever need, from planting to ponds, compost to climbers their knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you discover what works best for your garden.
breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas and coffees. 01225 763927 | trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk
WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE
Come shopping at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock, Chippenham and you will find one of the best plant areas in the South West. Whitehall is a This month head inside for shrubs, family run firm and has one of the trees, alpines, roses and seasonal largest selections of outdoor plants bedding plants, and encourage in the area; including shrubs, roses, wildlife into your garden with their clematis, conifers, herbs, herbaceous, large collection of bird feed and bedding plants, ornamental trees other wildlife products. Also see and alpine plants. They have an their large collection of metal and excellent range of gifts, reclaimed wooden garden furniture along oak furniture, casual clothing, with barbecues to suit all budgets. houseplants, outdoor pots and ornaments, floral gifts, garden Also on site are Garden Affairs, sundries and garden furniture as well Room to Groom, The Nail as an award-winning farm shop. As Emporium, Premium Tubs, Indoor Growstore & Kalahari Kitchen as well well as plants, Whitehall also offers a as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving great day out for the whole family, with two children’s play areas where little ones can let off steam and an Whitehall Garden Centre houses one of the best plant areas in the South West award-winning restaurant. 01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk
LAWN CARE GREENTHUMB Now is the ideal time to give your lawn an overhaul to ensure it returns to the peak of health over the coming spring and summer months.
E.J. SHANLEY & SON [TROWBRIDGE] LTD ALLINGTON GARDEN SHOP
HOUSE OR GARDEN NEED A CLEAROUT THIS SPRING?
Selling a range of unusual shrubs, roses, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, accessories and gifts.
CALL US TODAY!
For friendly, professional & personal service.
OPEN 7 days a week 10am - 5pm Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ 01249 659700 | www.allingtongardenshop.co.uk
General home maintenance for all your home needs
CALL TROWBRIDGE OR WARMINSTER 01225 753333 / 01985 213348 43 Shails Lane, Trowbridge 43 Copheap Lane, Warminster
www.ejshanley.co.uk
WILTSHIRE‘S LEADER IN SKIP HIRE
• General handyman works • Fitting & erecting furniture • Electrical repairs • Gardening & fencing • Painting & decorating • Plumbing
Professional & reliable service
Call 01225 800537 /07538 206917 Ten Enterprise Centre, Whitehorse Business Park, Ascot Court, Trowbridge BA14 OXA
www.homefix365.co.uk
alex@homefix365.co.uk
| gardens Often the centrepiece that sets off spectacular flowering borders, and links patio to pond and sundeck to shrubbery, the lawn is frequently the least cared-for feature in the garden. “Weeds are the bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards is a good time to tackle them,” agrees Graham Smith, owner of local lawn treatment company GreenThumb. “Spraying the lawn with a selective herbicide can rid it of dandelions, daisies and clover, as well as other weeds.”
Spring is nearly here and the grass has started to grow again so get down to Mendip Mowers
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 and from their Westbury base regularly visit Warminster, Frome, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon and all their In business for 15 years, GreenThumb surrounding villages and hamlets. is the area’s largest and most “LawnTender cares recommended lawn care specialist with over 3000 customers using the for thousands of regular four treatments per year lawns throughout the service. The fourth treatment is south of England” applied between September and February concentrating on maintaining that healthy colour, with In what is a competitive market, LawnTender has always placed an emphasis on moss control. high focus on customer service GreenThumb treatments cost from and care. They provide personal just £15 per application, and the ongoing advice, feedback and householder does not have to be in when the treatments take place. The support throughout the season. This has resulted in strong service is pay-as-you-go and there customer loyalty from year to year. are no customer contracts to sign. It all starts with a FREE, no For a free lawn survey contact obligation lawn assessment and GreenThumb today! quotation - all you have to do is 08000 111 222 | greenthumb.co.uk give them a call or email southwilts@lawntender.co.uk. LAWN TENDER 01373 859016 | www.lawntender.co.uk Creating the perfect lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is actually MENDIP MOWERS quite straightforward. The solution is Spring is nearly here and the grass to get someone else to do it for you! has started to grow again! Is your Kevin Maul and Sue Jacobs are just lawn mower fit and raring to go? If the people you need. They run the not bring it in for a service or they South Wilts & East Somerset office of can collect it and deliver it back for LawnTender. As a company, you is that’s easier. Or is it time for a LawnTender cares for thousands of
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change of machine? Honda has just announced its exciting new offers head to the showroom to see the easy start lawnmowers. They even do part exchange! At the showroom you’ll also find a range of brush cutters, with Honda’s quiet, cost effective and powerful 4 stroke engine and Versatool, the engine with 7 attachments. 01373 832965 | mendipmowers.co.uk
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT DAVIES OF WESTBURY If you want to get cracking in the garden head to Davies of Westbury to make sure you have everything you need. A family run business, they have over 30 years’ experience selling everything for the home – inside and out. As far as the garden goes, they carry all the top brands when it comes to tools as well as both electric and petrol garden machinery including mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, shredders and much more as well as petrol mowers and chain saws. As well as the tools they also keep specialised fertilisers, pesticides, weedkillers, compost, bark chippings and much more. If you require prices, just phone and a member of 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 traditional ironmongers, the store is now so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over 3 floors, covering: DIY, tools, kitchenware, ironmongery,
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE
SPRING BULBS NOW IN STOCK
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
www.avonfield-gardens.co.uk Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL Tel 01225 571331
| gardens electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts. 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 now, at the beginning of spring, their gardening department is the place to head for everything from seeds to secateurs, furniture to tomato feed – everything a gardener needs to get the gardening year off to a flying start! 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk
Cordens is a traditional ironmongers
GARDEN BUILDINGS & LANSCAPING
peace of mind whatever the weather may have in store. Colourfence fencing is manufactured from Zincalume high tensile steel and is BEECHFIELD fully engineered to be light weight yet RECLAMATION extremely strong and durable. Whilst From a pretty stone birdbath, to an more expensive than traditional lap imposing statue or impressive piece panel installations it costs less than of metalwork, a good architectural you might think and is remarkably piece can really make a garden shine. good value when you consider there Based in Devizes, Beechfield are no ongoing maintenance costs - it Reclamation deal in all types of never needs treating or painting, just building materials. They have some the occasional hose down will keep wonderful pieces that would look your fence looking as good as new. great in any garden, including arches, fountains, benches, chimney pots, Your local franchise owner Ivor staddle stones, planters, paving, McKeown offers a free, no obligation bricks and more. design, installation and quotation As well as old items, they also sell reproduction pieces like urns too – well worth a look! All 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
COLOURFENCE BATH If you are in need of a new fence, or want a low maintenance solution that doesn’t require lots of upkeep then why not consider Colourfence? Their durable fencing panels are guaranteed not to rot, warp or peel for 25 years and can withstand wind gusts up to 130mph, giving you real
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service. They do not employ high pressure sales tactics and if
Colourfence is not right for your garden for any reason they will be happy to advise on alternative solutions should you wish. Available in a range of colours to complement any garden environment, both sides are identical making Colourfence the most attractive garden fencing solution for you and your neighbour. To find out more go to the website or read their reviews on their Checkatrade page at checkatrade.com/ColoufenceBath. 01458 830486 | colourfence.co.uk/bath
EJ SHANLEY & SON Sometimes nothing but a total clear out will do! If your garden is in need of an overhaul consider giving EJ Colourfence fencing is a low maintenance solution for your garden
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
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDING AREAS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)
24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD
Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk
Reclaimed Building Materials & Architectural Antiques
All Reclaimed Building Materials Bought & Sold The White Horse Yard, Beechfield Rd, Hopton Park Ind Est, Devizes SN10 2DX
Tel
01380 730999
See our full range of stock on our website:
www.beechfieldreclamation.co.uk
| gardens Shanley & Son a call to see about a skip. A family run business for over 50 years, they have a huge fleet of lorries and a large selection of skips and compactor bins for hire, as well as roll-on roll-off bins, a car breakers yard and a metal reclamation centre. 01225 753333 | ejshanley.co.uk
HOMEFIX 365 If you need help sorting out your garden then why not give Alex at Homefix 365 a call? As well as carrying out all manner of building work inside the home, this small friendly team cover all types of exterior work including roofing, gardening, clearance, landscaping and much more. No job to big or small! All work is project managed and carried out by fully qualified and insured tradesmen who work hard to deliver outstanding results. 07538 206917 | homefix365.co.uk
SOUTH WEST GREENHOUSES South West Greenhouses offers a full installation service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties. From humble beginnings South West Greenhouses is now one of the largest greenhouse retailers in the UK. Because 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 company supplies the best quality greenhouses including Halls, Eden, Elite, Swallow and many more. The website has all information you could need on every greenhouse so you can order and arrange your installation with the click of a button! Take a look online – you can also
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South West Greenhouses is one of the largest greenhouse retailers in the UK
view photos of installations they’ve carried out to help with your choice. 01225 710479 | swgreenhouses.co.uk
SYDENHAMS Sydenhams Maiden Bradley has a new landscaping centre that offers everything you need to spruce up your garden. They stock domestic and agricultural fencing including professional lap panels, round, half round and square treated posts. You’ll also find wooden gates and catches, hinges and clasps plus a range of outdoor timbers and sleepers. Supplying both trade and retail customers, they have wire fencing, staples, nails and other fixings plus timber treatments to protect and extend the life of your fence.
Alongside this they stock paving slabs and block paving, decorative gravels, pebbles and bark in mini and bulk bags, topsoil, sand, ballast, cement and even coal to keep you warm through the last days of winter! What’s more, new in this spring… a range of sheds and summerhouses! With so much to offer why not pay them a visit and have a look around? You’ll find the centre behind the village shop in the centre of Maiden Bradley with vehicular access on Bruton Road, and they are open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with staff happy to provide no obligation quotations. 01985 844771 | sydenhams.co.uk Sydenhams has a new landscaping centre
S.L. Corden & Sons
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 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com
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
| garden gifts
Garden Twine ‘Dual Spool’, £8.99 oakroomshop.co.uk
Gardman Kensington Station Clock, £22.39 S L Corden & Sons
Weather Station, £19.99 Lakeside Garden Centre
Stelton oil lamp, £64.95 cloudberryliving.co.uk
Whatever the occasion be inspired by these great gift ideas for the gardener in your life!
Gardman Hanging Cones & Baskets, £6.99 each S L Corden & Sons
Cloggies, £12.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre Wildflower seed mix, £3.99 Whitehall Garden Centre
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garden gifts |
Charnwood Boots, £40 Trowbridge Garden Centre
Burgon & Ball Poc-Kit Tool Belt (various colours), £14.99 Lakeside Garden Centre Nibble My Bits Bird Feeder, £14.99 totally-funky.co.uk
Spear & Jackson Easy Reach Pruner, £27.50 Avonfield Gardens
Wilkinson Sword secateurs, £9.99 & £19.99 Trowbridge Garden Centre Little Gardening Tool Gift Set, £17.95 annabeljames.co.uk
Gardeners’ Notebook, £5 tch.net Woodlodge Heritage Pots, from £5.99, Whitehall Garden Centre
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| gardens
The buzz of beekeeping RICHARD RICKETT from Melksham & District Beekeepers Association offers some thought on the benefits of beekeeping for gardens and the gardener.
O
f all hobbies, the keeping of bees is one of the most rewarding. It is a peaceful occupation and an ideal antidote to the noise and pace of modern life. It will keep you physically active but is not hard work, and learning about your bees and thinking about how to care for them will keep you mentally active. As a reward you’ll know you’re helping our struggling population of pollinators and enriching the environment. And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s honey too! Beekeeping can be an all-consuming passion or merely an addition to your gardening. Whether you have a large garden, small backyard or roof terrace, there is always enough room for a hive or two. Keeping bees requires small amounts of regular time at the hive - typically around half an hour a week in summer. Bees mostly look after themselves and will not notice if you go on holiday – although there are certain times when you need to make sure you are around to give them the things they need. Beekeeping has much in common with gardening; it is done outdoors, it tends to be seasonal, and small tasks done at the right time bring great rewards. If you are a gardener then keeping bees brings even greater joy to your garden as you can plant specifically for your bees and enjoy watching them as they buzz around pollinating your fruit and vegetables. You can read about beekeeping in books, but you do need someone with practical experience to help you get going. It is best to learn
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“You can read about beekeeping in books, but you do need someone with practical experience to help you get going.” the beekeeping basics with an established club. If you decide to keep bees you’ll never stop learning more about them, or cease to be delighted and amazed by these extraordinary, beautiful creatures. Melksham and District Beekeeper’s Association is a friendly club with over 100 members from the Melksham, Corsham, Chippenham, Bradford and Devizes areas. We have monthly meetings and are
always there to help each other with beekeeping help and advice. Non members are always welcome to attend our meetings and find out more. Our Beginner’s Course will teach you everything you need to know to get started. There are 4 evening classes on 27 April, 4, 11, 18 May and practical sessions at weekends in the summer. The cost is just £40, £60 for couples. • mbka.org
| competition
Win tickets to this year's Gardener's World Live! BBC2’s Gardener’s World celebrates its 50th birthday and you can join the Garden Party at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 15-18 June, NEC Birmingham.
C
elebrating this anniversary year, the show features presenters past and present including Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh, a Nostalgia Garden harking back to gardens of the 1960s; an incredible feature garden taking you on a journey through the history of modern gardens; birthday cake; vintage tea tent; themed Beautiful Borders and much more. All this alongside annual favourites like the show gardens, floral marquee, BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre, VegTrug Grow Your Own Stage and the Rose Festival makes for an unforgettable experience! All tickets include entry to the BBC Good Food Show, so there’s something for everyone! From top chefs demonstrating summer dishes and techniques (this year including Michel Roux Jr and Mary Berry) to
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shopping for fresh flavours and scrumptious treats – even pick and mix from the stalls to make a tasty picnic to enjoy outside in the show gardens. Early Bird tickets start at £19.50 for adults, concession rates are also available. • bbcgardenersworldlive.com
Win a pair of tickets to the show! We are lucky enough to have FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS to BBC Gardeners’ World Live to giveaway to our readers. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name and address so we can post your tickets if you win!
WHAT IS THE NAME OF MONTY DON’S GARDEN, FROM WHICH HE PRESENTS GARDENER’S WORLD EACH WEEK? IS IT... A) LONGMEADOW
B) HAYMEADOW
C) DOWNMEADOW
Email your answers now, good luck! T&Cs: Closing date for entries is 31.03.17. Entrants must be 18 or over. We may add you to our mailing list to receive an online edition of the magazine each month. If you would prefer your details were not used in this way please state NO INFO on your entry.
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Tuesday Garden Tours 2017 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th June 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th July £49.50 includes tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, the garden tour and a two-course lunch with a glass of house wine followed by coffee. Call Events on 01666 834 026 to make a booking or email events@whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa Easton Grey Malmesbury Wiltshire SN16 0RB Web whatleymanor.com @Whatley_Manor
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| house & home
Allsop Carpets & Flooring From finding new flooring to fitting it, Allsop Carpets & Flooring in Frome offers a complete service at prices you may find surprising.
Another natural flooring suitable for all areas, including kitchens and bathrooms, is Marmoleum. This is made from 97% natural, raw materials and the full selection is available in their Frome showroom.
Alternative Flooring’s Sisal Bubbleweave
WOOD & LAMINATE
A variety of wood and laminates are on display to choose from including, engineered and solid woods using both oak and bamboo. These hardwearing and stylish boards are available in many different finishes. Find the showroom within Tonemar Express Beds at Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West, where there is free undercover parking, or call 01373 463866 for further information.
LUXURY VINYL TILES
O
ver the last 30 years, Allsop Carpets has strived to deliver not only a great range of top quality products but also a first class delivery and fitting service. Through the years their commitment to their clients has led to a loyal customer base branching throughout the South West area. If you pop into their Frome carpet & flooring showroom you will see an extensive range of flooring including wood, laminate, sisal, coir, wool and synthetic carpets as well as rugs and remnants.
CARPETS
Allsop Carpets has an extensive range of carpets suitable for both the domestic and commercial
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If you prefer you could also opt to design your own floor with Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) from Amtico – markets. They can provide you with Karndean and Vusta. For something truly bespoke it’s perfect; let your samples to match both your style imagination run wild and create a and budget, whether you require look for your home as unique as a twist, loop, velvet or saxony pile carpets in wool, synthetic or a mix of you are, and the flooring is durable and easy to maintain too. To see both. They hold accounts with the the range and talk about how a LVT UK’s leading carpet manufacturers flooring would work in your home and wholesalers. pop in to the showroom today.
NATURALS
Specialising in all things natural, in Allsop’s showroom they have a large selection of many natural floorings including sisal, sea-grass, coir and jute. These are made with sustainable natural fibres that are kind to both you and the environment. 100% wool carpets are also available in many different designs to suit all budgets.
• allsopcarpets.co.uk
“In Allsop’s showroom they have a large selection of many natural floorings including sisal, sea-grass, coir and jute.”
Allsop Carpets & Flooring • Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring
Cormar Carpets Starlight Grey
www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB
Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers
| house & home
Get a great new kitchen with far less fuss Are you looking for a new kitchen but are daunted by the choices, the cost and the inconvenience? Speak to Kitchens Wiltshire today.
W
ith no hard sell tactics, Kitchens Wiltshire won’t sell you a kitchen but they will help you buy one! Owner Richard Hall has 15 years’ experience in the buliding industry and has spent the last 10 years focusing solely on kitchens. In that time he has seen a huge increase in the products available for creating
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exciting, inspiring and practical living spaces. The upsides to this are obvious – greater choice than ever before. It has come, however, with the need to make carefully considered decisions about which products and materials will endure and which are most suited to the way your family uses its kitchen. Although some customers opt just for the design and supply service,
house & home | Kitchens Wiltshire offers both contemporary and traditional kitchens from the Masterclass range
“With an industry leading 14,000 cabinet options the extensive Masterclass range allows Kitchens Wiltshire to create a bespoke feel without the accompanying price tag.”
the vast majority of clients prefer the the peace of mind that comes with one person managing the project from conception to completion, supplying all trades and including structural alterations if required. As one recent customer put it “if you want perfection, call Richard!” In 2014 Richard made the decision to offer his customers just one brand of kitchen, the award-winning
Masterclass Kitchens range. Chosen by Richard as a brand with the same commitment to its customers as he has, Masterclass Kitchens are all made in the UK using state-ofthe-art machinery. The range fills the void between the low cost mass produced kitchens and eye wateringly expensive, bespoke offerings. With an industry leading 14,000 cabinet options (available in 19 colours) the extensive Masterclass range allows Kitchens Wiltshire to create a bespoke feel without the accompanying price tag. With a selection of 28 doors catering for all
the popular styles and a constantly evolving palette of colours to choose from, you would be hard pressed not to find a kitchen to fall in love with. Call today on 01225 783118 or email info@kitchenswiltshire.co.uk to find out more, plus they offer a free design consultation at no obligation. Or if you prefer you can pay a visit to their showroom based at Bradford on Avon Marina - just call to make an appointment at a time to suit you! • kitchenswiltshire.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE
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COMING UP IN OUR NEXT ISSUE...
INTERIORS 2017
EASTER ACTIVITIES
WILTSHIRE WALKS
& ALL YOUR USUAL FAVOURITES INCL... EVENTS, FOOD & DRINK, GARDENS, BATH RUGBY, NEWS
OUT FROM 31 MARCH 2017 WESTWILTSMAG.CO.UK
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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
The Old Filling Station 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t 01225 783527 / 782408 e info@pietrawoodandstone.com
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Tel 0207 610 6111
COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICE AND CONSULTATION With every site survey booked
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Frome
BA11 2FB
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| house & home
Colour of the Year 2017 A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings. Dancing Tulips Green roman blinds blinds-2go.co.uk, £33.95
feeling fresh, clean and calm. You don’t have to rely on houseplants to bring a little green into your home, in stores and online you’ll find great looking textiles, furniture, accessories and botanic-themed wallpaper and paint to really bring your interiors to life.
GREENERY COLOUR PAIRINGS
Pantone Greenery is a versatile shade that lends itself to many colour combinations and which fits with any season. Greenery is easily paired with neutrals - browns are a given - brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics and even the enduring presence of Pantone Colour of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity.
F
or the past 16 years, Pantone has released a colour that embodies deeper reconnection we societal trends, forecasting seek with nature, and influencing visual and one another design trends for the year and a larger ahead in homewares, purpose.” fashion and industrial design to name a Illustrative of few. This year, they flourishing have chosen 5-0343 foliage and Greenery. It is a fresh and the lushness of the zesty yellow-green shade great outdoors, that evokes the first days Greenery is of spring - perfect at this nature’s neutral, time of year. Pantone’s and helps bring executive director Leatrice Eames Inspired Apple the outside in, Green Dining Chair With Eiseman puts it this way: DSW Style Wood Legs, leaving rooms Cult Furniture, £59 “Greenery symbolises the
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To find out more about Greenery, and the combinations that work well with it, see the website. • pantone.com/color-of-theyear-2017 Garden Gates photo frames, in-spaces.com, £31each
ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2017
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| health & wellbeing
Moving on up! We recently caught up with DR RUPERT AND MRS ANN GABRIEL - the husband and wife team heading up Snowberry Lane Clinic in Melksham.
S
nowberry Lane Clinic is now entering its fourteenth year of business, they are also celebrating their second year in their new premises. “We started the clinic in 2003, with just the two of us and a single room rented from Spa Medical Centre (the GP Practice where Rupert works).” Recalls Ann. “Rupert specialises in Minor Surgery alongside his role as a GP, he found it incredibly rewarding, as it benefits the patient both in terms of health – removing worrying skin lesions, and in cosmetic terms – by removing areas that cause patients to suffer from self-consciousness. Rupert was inspired by the positive feedback from his work, so we began to look into other cosmetic procedures. It was important for us to focus on non-invasive treatments, as these can give natural looking results and have shorter recovery times.”
Snowberry Lane has been in its current premises for two years
“The couple have been married for 33 years. Their strong partnership is the backbone of Snowberry Lane and their nurturing family values shine through in their approach to clients.”
which enables clients to lose weight rapidly as well as helping They first trained in the use of to sculpt and tighten the skin medical grade lasers, which as much as possible, which is enabled the treatment of often neglected in other weight unwanted hair and veins and tattoo loss regimes” says Rupert. “Our removal followed by injectables dedicated Alevere team has now to treat wrinkles. The clinic grew grown to five people, it’s a great rapidly and at the beginning of feeling to know that the success of 2014, Snowberry Lane moved to the clinic allows us to give back to a beautiful converted farmhouse the community with opportunities in Shurnhold on the Bath road. like this, we now have seventeen “The clinic now has 6 dedicated members of staff in total.” treatment rooms, which allowed us to take on new staff for our latest The couple have been married treatment – Alevere Weight Loss for 33 years and have worked Therapy. Alevere is a really exciting together for nearly half of that new programme, it is a medically time. Their strong partnership is designed diet and treatment plan the backbone of Snowberry Lane
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and their nurturing family values shine through in their approach to clients. Ann says, “Everyone who enters our clinic is unique, there is no blanket solution to any one problem, we take the time to listen and understand what is troubling our clients before making treatment recommendations. It is important for us that our clients have time to understand and fully consider their options before committing to any treatments. We aim to improve our client’s confidence and hopefully their lives for the better rather than just to sell them a cosmetic procedure.” • snowberrylane.co.uk
| leisure
Spring into photography
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FIONA TURNBULL from Lacock Photography talks you through taking some wonderful springtime snaps…
pring is a great time of year for photography, and capturing those first signs of life after a long winter can make for a really special image. Get inspired by spring this year; go out and photograph the things we all love about the season. Just think about the emerging snowdrops, the trees turning green and the frolicking lambs in the field. But, before you frantically sprint outside as though you’ve never seen the sun before, read these springtime photography tips and make sure your pics are bloomin’ marvellous this year:
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Springtime is all about the flowers! To make the most of your floral images, the first thing you need to do is get those knees dirty and take your shot at the same level as your subject. When photographing flowers, many new photographers take a quick bird’seye snap, which often doesn’t produce a very memorable image. So, give this easy tip a try…we’re sure you’ll thank us a bunch!
action. Oh, and don’t forget to always focus on your subject’s eyes!
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Make the most of the longer days. Celebrate sunlight this season, and say goodbye to those gloomy winter evenings. Sunsets are particularly lovely in spring and the unpredictable weather can make for a beautifully dramatic sky. A great tip for sunset photography
“Get inspired by spring this year; go out and photograph the things we all love about the season.”
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The second thing that springs to mind about the season is all the cute baby animals! The trickiest part of animal photography is producing a perfectly sharp image, and so to avoid blurry pics, simply increase your shutter speed to freeze the
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is to not put the horizon in the middle of your photo; try putting it in the top or bottom third of the picture to give your sunset snap more impact this spring! • lacockphotography.com
| leisure
Play a round at Bowood Enjoy a round of golf at Wiltshire’s number one championship golf course at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.
The practice facilities at Bowood are second to none. The three-hole academy course, an undercover floodlit driving range and two putting greens ensure that golfers have every opportunity to fine-tune their game. Tuition is available from the team of PGA qualified teaching professionals.
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esigned by renowned architect Dave Thomas, the course is an exciting prospect for all levels of golfer who love the game! It weaves effortlessly through ‘Capability’ Brown’s mature woodland, with cavernous moulded bunkers and skilfully planned hillocks defining the fairways, with
Full golf membership at Bowood starts from just £115 per month
per person to include: unlimited holes of golf, a full Wiltshire breakfast and coffee or a one-course lunch with a pint! Valid until 31st March 2017. Visit the website for more information. Full golf memberships at Bowood start from just £115 per month, with
“The spring golf season has just begun and golfers can enjoy a great day out at Bowood with unlimited golf for just £120 per fourball or £35 per person” vast rolling greens; every aspect is in perfect harmony with the park. Bowood golf course gives a genuine feeling of getting away from it all, with extraordinary views towards the rolling downs. The spring golf season has just begun and golfers can enjoy a great day out at Bowood with unlimited golf for just £120 per four-ball or £35
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many options available. Membership opportunities bring a wealth of privileges from preferential rates on a range of products from the pro shop and driving range to dining and beverages at the club. Members also enjoy free use of the academy course and practice facilities as well being able to nominate Bowood as their home club for handicapping and competition purposes.
The clubhouse is the former estate farmhouse, dating from the 18th century, lovingly converted into a superb clubhouse with exceptional facilities and an informal, relaxed atmosphere. There is also a fully stocked pro shop with all the latest clothing and equipment, and advice is on hand from the experienced professional staff to ensure you make the right choice. • bowood.org/golf
| bath rugby
FORD TO TIGERS, BURNS TO BATH... Bath-born Freddie Burns is set to return to his hometown club next season as it is confirmed that George Ford will leave Bath to rejoin Leicester Tigers. have now been able to conclude this matter positively.“ Ford commented: “This hasn’t been an easy decision for me to make, but I feel it is the best one for me at this time. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bath and have worked with some incredible players and coaches. I know I have developed hugely as a player because of that.”
QUARTER FINAL Bath Rugby enter the spring with a significant chance of winning some silverware. They are doing well in the Aviva Premiership and have a European Bath’s Director of Rugby, Todd Challenge Cup Quarter Final to look Blackadder, added: “We are really excited to be working with Freddie next forward to against Brive on 1 April - the season. He is a fantastic player, who has same opponents Bath beat to win the Heineken Cup in 1998. Tickets are developed into an all-encompassing available now on the website. fly-half and I’m looking forward to seeing that fit into our game here. We’ve now got two international THE CLASH fly-halves signed for next season in With added spice following the Ford/ Freddie and Rhys Priestland, and I’ve no Burns switch, 'The Clash' will see Bath doubt that both will play a key role for take on Leicester at Twickenham us going forward.” on Saturday 8 April. Tickets are still available priced from just £15 for adults Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director and £5 for juniors. With loads of extra at Bath, said: “We are of course sorry activities planned at HQ it promises to to lose George and wish him well, but be a great day out for the whole family. we have been in discussions about his future for some time and are glad we • bathrugby.co.uk Freddie Burns will be returning to his hometown club next season
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he most drawn out transfer saga of the season came to a conclusion on Valentine's Day as Bath Rugby announced that George Ford would, as widely expected, be leaving the club at the end of the season to rejoin Leicester Tigers, with Freddie Burns moving in the opposite direction. The former Beechen Cliff School pupil said, “I’m really looking forward to joining Bath. The opportunity for me to represent my hometown club is one I have dreamt of from the day I started playing rugby. I am looking forward to working under Todd Blackadder and being part of a young and ambitious team to bring more success to the Club.”
UPCOMING FIXTURES To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website.
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4 March
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Wasps
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26 March
15:00
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Saracens
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1 April
12:45
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Brive
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8 April
15:00
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Leicester Tigers
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14-16 April
TBC
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Worcester Warriors
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George Ford will return to the Tigers
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
EAT Enjoy breakfast lunch and dinners, craft beers, wines & much more at The Lock Inn Café beside the Kennet & Avon Canal. www.thelockinn.co.uk 01225 868068
PEDAL OR PADDLE TT Cycles is a premier bike shop offering sales and servicing whilst Towpath Trail offers bike and canoe hire. www.ttcycles.co.uk 01225 867187
SLEEP Widbrook Barns offers self contained, comfortable B&B barns in private grounds plus Gypsy Caravan stays. www.widbrookbarns.co.uk 01225 865049
| puzzles
Tea Break Teasers What/who is missing from the grid?
EMPEROR WORDSEARCH
AUGUSTUS BRITTANICUS CALIGULA CLAUDIUS CONSTANTINE DIOCLETIAN DOMITIAN GALBA HADRIAN MARCUS AURELIUS NERO TIBERIUS TITUS VITELLIUS VESPASIAN
SUDOKU
MEDIUM
WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.03.17 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher. Good luck!
Q1: When was Rome founded? Q2: Which emperor completed the Colosseum in Rome? LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: SCRUM Quiz answers: 1: 2000 2: England 3: France and Wales 4: 1879 5: Croke Park
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Q3: Who was the first emperor to convert to Christianity? Q4: Vespasian’s youngest son became which emperor? Q5: Which emperor was killed by his own Praetorian Guard on 24 January 41 AD? Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!
| last word
I
Le Jog hits the skids
am currently confined to quarters, more specifically to my bed so am writing this in a supine position whilst my every whim is pandered to. Let me explain. As I’m undertaking the challenge of cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats (Le Jog) in May I thought it wise to start to do some long distance cycling in preparation. It’s all about time on the bike you see - you have to physically prepare your undercarriage for the onslaught. I had prepared an 80km
and bird food or something equally glamorous blissfully unaware that I was slowly going into shock at my parent’s house and making the decision that I needed to go to the hospital. When she eventually turned up at my parents I was halfway down the path and “as close to tears as I have ever seen anyone without actually crying” apparently, and possibly a little bit shouty as well! Once my lovely wife had driven me to the RUH (braking too sharply in
“Only I could go into a hospital and come out worse than I went in!” course around and through some of the lovely Wiltshire countryside and had completed around 40km of this when, between Keevil and Bulkington, I came, what can only be described as, a cropper. I fell off going 15mph around a corner and hit the ground heavily. I knew straight away I wouldn’t be able to cycle home so I did what any grown man would do in my position and called my daddy to come and pick me and my bike up. In fairness I did call my wife first but she had just gone into a yoga class and I had to leave a message. The message I left, I have been told, was altogether too low key. I didn’t want to cause any alarm so just said, “I’ve fallen off my bike, I’m fine but could you pick me up from my parents house as I didn’t take my keys with me”. Unfortunately the message was so low key that when she heard it, apres yoga, she assumed she had time to do a bit of shopping before coming to get me and so carried on errand running, buying light bulbs
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traffic and hitting every pothole on the way obviously) I was decanted into a wheelchair, booked in and taken through to see a nurse who would assess my injuries. It was mainly the hip area and also a very small pain in one of my ribs. When I had left the house that morning it had been a tad nippy so I had quite a few layers to lose before she could see what was going on. What she wasn’t prepared for I don’t think was the bib shorts - things cyclists wear so your shorts don’t fall down that unfortunately make you look like one of those 19th century moustachioed strongmen. Usually it doesn’t matter, members of the public won’t see you after all, not today. Google ‘bib shorts’ then click on ‘images’. The pictures you see are of perfect human specimens. Imagine, if you will, the same gear but on a 52 year old, overweight, slightly hairier than average person and you can see why this particular nurse’s Valentine’s Day did not get off to a great start… I hope she could get that picture out of her head later on!!!
They decided I needed an X-Ray on my hip and pelvis to rule out any fractures, so off I went. At the X-Ray department a very nice young man asked me to lay back on the bed. Easier said than done. As I lowered myself I heard, and definitely felt, my rib pop. So as well as whatever was going on with my hip/pelvis area I also now had a cracked rib. Only I could go into a hospital and come out worse than I went in! It turns out I didn’t have any fractures just very severe bruising to the hip, pelvis and groin area (kind of annoying really as the pain levels definitely justified some sort of break I thought). As well as the rib lesser injuries included grazing to my left knee and elbow, bruising to my left shoulder and upper chest and a massive dent to my dignity. They sent me away with painkillers and ‘scrutches’, as my four year old calls them, and said I should make a full recovery in a few weeks. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the staff at the RUH, especially the nurse who saw me in my bib shorts (and who now, no doubt, cannot unsee me in my bib shorts). They once again, have come up trumps. Actually a huge thank you to all NHS staff who are all, I think we can agree, amazing.
Phil Rockliffe
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