The West Wilts Magazine - May 2017

MAY 2017 // ISSUE 93

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MAGAZINE HEAD TO THE STUDIO FOR A GREAT KITCHEN OR BATHROOM

Fresh Farm

WIN

TICKETS TO YEOVILTON AIR DAY!

FROM THE

8 PAGES OF THE BEST SUPPLIERS OF LOCAL PRODUCE AROUND

GARDEN STRUCTURE

BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, CONSERVATORIES & MORE

+ LISTINGS GUIDE SELWOOD STEAM RALLY BOWOOD GARDENS & MUCH MORE

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

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

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

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

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

Front Cover: Neston Farm Shop & Kitchen

May 2017 // issue 93

W

e’ve already enjoyed some lovely warm days this spring and with the hope (!) of a long hot summer ahead it is natural our thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors. Our Garden Structure feature (p41) looks at everything from furniture to summerhouses - there is more to a great garden than just plants after all. Take a look a be inspired to improve your outdoor space.

That’s your garden covered, but don’t forget inside, and with our extensive house and home section that’s taken care of this month too, with the likes of Pietra Wood & Stone (p62), The Studio (p58), Casa Bella (p64) and more on hand with beautiful ideas for your home.

As well as enjoying our homes and gardens, this month we’ve also been finding out the best ways to enjoy our wonderful local produce - perhaps this is easiest when we pay a visit to some of our wonderful local farm shops, delis and butchers. We’ve done the hard work and have a line up of some of the best around from p23.

All that, and we still have all your usual favourites plus a competition to win tickets to Yeovilton Air Day on p14!

Enjoy.

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31

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Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @westwiltsmag Read online... www.westwiltsmag.co.uk

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in May

6

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events Wylye Valley Arts Trail Selwood Steam & Vintage Rally

12 17 17

FOOD & DRINK Eat The Seasons Fast Food Recipes Meet the chef at The Barge Inn Food News

30 31 34 36

HOMES & GARDENS LawnTender Lakeside Garden Centre Bowood Woodland Walks

48 50 52

Chelsea Flower Show Head to The Studio Pietra Wood & Stone Casa Bella Furniture

54 58 62 64

FEATURES Fresh from the Farm Garden Structure

23 41

BATH RUGBY Three Bath players in the Lions squad 78 COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win tickets to Yeovilton Air Day Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

14 80

COMMENT The Last Word

82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| events

local

listings MAY 2017

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

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

THE ARC THEATRE

Brodsky Quartet, Wiltshire Music Centre

College Road, Trowbridge BA14 0ES Box Office: 01225 756376 arctheatre.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

INTO THE WOODS JR. 10 – 12 May, various times Tickets: £8 (Concs £6) Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tickets: £5 fairytale comes to life in this adaptation Jonathan challenges stereotypes to see how the fugues in the Brodsky of their Tony award-winning musical. programme help the music take flight.

MADE IN DAGENHAM CONCORD WINDS 16- 20 May, 7.30pm 10 May, 1pm Tickets: £12 BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Cert PG) Inspired by a true story and based on Tickets: £10 Concord Winds represent some of the 20 May, 10.30am the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is most promising young talents from Tickets: £4 the uplifting new West End musical the world of historically informed The live action remake of one of comedy about friendship, love and performance.

Disney’s most beloved animations stars fighting for what is right. 12+.

Emma Watson and Dan Stephens.

BRODSKY QUARTET CLARE MACNAUGHTON 12 May, 7.30pm CHAMPIONS OF ROCK 26 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 26 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £8 A natural curiosity and desire to Tickets: £22.50 Clare started the blog ‘A Modern The UK’s premier Queen Tribute play Military Mother’ and is considered an explore has propelled the Brodsky Quartet in many artistic directions and live in a 2-hour spectacular. outspoken voice as a no baking, no continues to ensure them a place at singing military spouse. 16+. the very forefront of the international WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE chamber music scene.

Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ LUCIS Box Office: 01225 860100 13 May, 7.30pm wiltshiremusic.org.uk Tickets: £17 For full listings go to the website.

Bath-based choir return to perform contemporary choral music from JONATHAN JAMES Fences (12A), across the globe.

9 May, 11.30pm Melksham Assembly Hall FENCES (Cert 12A) 19 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £6 The story of Troy Maxson, a Pittsburgh sanitation worker who once dreamed of a baseball career, but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players.

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9 - 11 JUNE 2017 There are 18 walks planned over the 3 days of the festival, catering for all abilities.

Booking essential - see website for details! www.corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk

| events CAKE CONCERT 18 May, 1pm Tickets: £5 Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Teatime Trio for afternoon tea and a dementia friendly concert.

when she inexplicably marries his father’s younger brother, the newly crowned and murderously ambitious King Claudius, Hamlet struggles to find his place in this new world order.

Age guidance 11+.

WILTSHIRE WAILERS 21 May, 1.30pm Tickets: £8 A 10th anniversary celebration

MERLIN THEATRE

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

JONNY & THE BAPTISTS: EAT THE POOR 12 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Join acclaimed musical comedians Jonny & the Baptists – stars of Radio 4’s The Now Show for an epic tale of modern Britain.

BLOFELD & BAXTER: ROGUES ON THE ROAD 13 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 After two sold out shows at The Pound, Blowers and Backers are back again by popular demand!

HOME 19 May, 11am & 1.30pm Tickets: £10 (one companion free for PMLD audience members) HOME is Frozen Light’s unmissable new multi-sensory production for teenagers and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

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

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tragedy of love and duty, picking up the story where Julius Caesar ends.

NTL LIVE: OBSESSION 11 May, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Jude Law stars in the stage production of Obsession, broadcast live from The Barbican. Ivo van Hove directs this new stage adaptation of Luchino Visconti’s 1943 film.

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 28 May, 3pm Tickets: £14.50 (Concs £11.50) The Emperor is a lovely man, but not the best judge of character. When two swindlers spin a yarn and everyone is taken in, what price will he pay?

IMAGES BALLET 13 May, 7.45pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £7.50) With new music, beautiful costumes and brimming with vitality, Images Ballet Company presents four richly contrasting works by a company of talented dancers and musicians.

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Phone: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated

GIVE ME YOUR LOVE 14 May, 7.45pm Tickets: £12.50 (Concs £10.50) Jon Haynes and David Woods of Ridiculusmus are back with a funny, fragile and profound fable based on ground breaking medical research and real-life war testimonies.

NTL LIVE: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? 18 May, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) MARK THOMAS Imelda Staunton, Conleth Hill, Luke 26 May, 7.30pm Treadaway and Imogen Poots Tickets: £12 in James Macdonald’s critically Mark brings his new show, Predictable acclaimed, 5-star production of – Work in Progress, to the Pound.

Edward Albee’s landmark play.

HAMLET 27 May, 7pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Alienated from a mother he adores

NT Live: Obsession, Merlin Theatre

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA – RSC LIVE 24 May, 7pm

Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Iqbal Khan directs Shakespeare’s

LACOCK ABBEY

SPRING FLOWERS AT LACOCK ABBEY Until 31 May, 10.30am FREE Lacock’s wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months, ideal for a gentle stroll.

PLANTS IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT Until 18 June, 10.30am FREE An exhibition of botanical photograms by scientist and artist, Jan Ramscar, at the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

MOR KARBASI 7 May, 8pm Tickets: £18.50 Diva with gorgeous, exceptional voice and looks to match, breathes new life into ancient language.

CHEESE &GRAIN SAT 6TH MAY 12PM SUN 7TH MAY 8PM FRI 12TH MAY 6.30PM SAT 13TH MAY 8PM SUN 14TH MAY 6PM 19 & 20 MAY FRI 26TH MAY 8PM SAT 27TH MAY 8PM FRI 2ND JUNE 8PM SAT 3RD JUNE 8PM FRI 9TH JUNE 8PM FRI 16TH JUNE 8PM SAT 17TH JUNE 8PM SUN 25TH JUNE 8PM FRI 7TH JULY 8PM FRI 7TH JULY 8PM TUE 11TH JULY 7PM

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com ALL ROADS LEAD TO FROME 2017 £12 MOR KARBASI £18.50 ADV BLACK TIE BINGO 2017 £25 AL STEWART £32 ADV FROME SYMPHONY £12 FROME GIN FESTIVAL £10 SNAKECHARMER £17 MAD DOG MCREA £13.50 ADV DON LETTS (DJ SET) £14.50 ADV DIRTY DC £16 SUPREME QUEEN £19 FLEETWOOD BAC £16 ADV IAN HUNTER & THE RANT BAND £22.50 GERMAINE GREER £15 ADV BOLLYWOOD BRASS BAND £14 ADV PRAYING FOR THE RAIN £12 (nb AT ROOK LANE ARTS) FROME FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW £10

Mad Dog Mcrea

Al Stewart

Ian Hunter & The Rant Band

| events AL STEWART 13 May, 8pm Tickets: £32 A once in a lifetime chance to catch the legendary Al Stewart in a venue as intimate as The Cheese & Grain.

FROME SYMPHONY 14 May, 7pm Tickets: £12 Lukas Hank makes a welcome return with the Beethoven violin concerto.

MAD DOG MCREA 27 May, 8pm Tickets: £13.50 From songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to tales of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.

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

SEVERANCE 12 May VIRUS, BUS STATION LOONYS, HUSBAND AND KNIVES 13 May RUSS GUITARS BLUES REVUE 14 May CANTALOOP 19 May STRAIGHT SHOOTER 20 May

Athenaeum Singers, Church of St Denys

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THE WORRIED MEN 21 May THE EDSEL FURYS 26 May THE FORGETTING CURVE 27 May THE MODEL FOLK 28 May

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

LIGHTGARDEN 30 May, 8pm FREE Lightgarden’s music brings together many world influences along with classical training and their native folk/ traditional roots in the music of UK, Ireland, Russia and Germany.

OTHERS MELKSHAM & DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY St Michaels & All Angels’ Church, Melksham SN12 6LX 12 - 14 May, various times FREE (donations welcomed) A festival of flowers to celebrate 100 years of Rotary Foundation charity.

More information can be found at melkshamrotary.org.

GLOUCESTER ROAD ALLOTMENTS Gladstone Rd, Trowbridge, BA14 8QS 13 May, 11am-1pm Plant sales, other tables and a BBQ. For more information call Valerie on 01225 760636.

CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR SPRING CONCERT Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LW 13 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £10

Ballade to the Moon is an evening of choral music inspired by the sun, moon and stars featuring music by Monteverdi, Campion, Byrd, Elder, Whitacre and Esenvalds. Tickets available from wiltshiremusic.org.uk.

THE ATHENAEUM SINGERS WITH CORSLEY FESTIVAL CHOIR The Minster Church of St Denys, Warminster BA12 8PQ 20 May, 7pm Tickets: £15 from Ann Coventry, Tel: 01985 213594 Faure: Requiem, Haydn: Te Deum and the world premiere of Harry: Mass of the Matryrs: A Mass for St Denys.

ACOUSTIC OAK AT THE ROYAL OAK High Street, Corsham SN13 0HF 4, 11, 18 & 25 May, 8pm Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights for more info go to finemusicworks.com FAMILY FUN DAY & CAR BOOT SALE Culver Close, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LF 29 May, from 7am Bradford on Avon Lions Club host a family fun day (from 11am) and giant car boot sale. For more info call 01225 865851. boalions.org.uk

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

| local news

roundup

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

SPRING OPEN DAYS AT PRIOR PARK

Prior Park College is a Day and Boarding school and one of the largest, co-educational, independent senior schools in the UK. Set in a breathtaking location, overlooking the World Heritage city of Bath, the college offers its students inspirational teaching and excellent facilities.

The school’s primary aim is to provide an all-round education and whilst academic endeavour remains at the school’s core, encouraging students to embrace all the opportunities on offer – acting and singing in first class performances; competing for their team; producing impressive works in art and design; leading the charities’ work.

Whilst the school is justly proud of their students, who achieve excellent exam results, they are just as proud of their less academic students who, encouraged by teachers to believe in themselves, work hard and reach their full potential.

Prior Park is hosting Open Days on 5 & 6 May

Many pupils benefit from the structure and stability their boarding houses offer. In all 180 full, weekly and flexi boarders enjoy a homefrom-home environment provided by dedicated staff.

If you would like to find out more about the school, register for the next Open Day on Friday 5 May or Boarding Open Morning on Saturday 6 May. Visit the website for details.

• priorparkcollege.com

CORSHAM WALKING FESTIVAL RETURNS FROM 9-11 JUNE Corsham Walking Festival, returns for its fourth year, already a firm fixture for all who love the great outdoors. Corsham sits on the fringe of the Cotswolds and at the heart of the beautiful rolling North Wiltshire countryside on paths dating back to Roman times.

There are 18 walks planned over the three days of the Festival, many of them themed and with talks given

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by experts. Many walks start from Corsham, others from local villages, all are carefully planned to offer insights into Corsham and the local area, landscape and history of our beautiful countryside.

is looking to be another winner this year with music provided by Akrat, a four piece jazz band from the Corsham School, a quiz to tease the mind and to compete for the ‘Golden Boots’ and other great prizes.

Bring family and friends and join either the Children’s Treasure Hunt or Corsham Quest testing you knowledge and observation skills.

The Saturday evening entertainment

All walk descriptions covering distance, gradings, start times, costs and booking arrangements are explained on the Festival website.

• corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk

local news |

TASTE OF CORSHAM RETURNS IN JUNE Taste of Corsham, on Saturday 17 June, is an interactive food and drink experience with something for everyone, featuring artisan market stalls showcasing local and regional companies, sampling tents, masterclasses and guest speakers.

Taste of Corsham is teaming up with the Pound Arts to bring music and entertainment as part of the Blue Sky Festival (15-18 June). There will also be street theatre, face painting, garland making and lots more.

weekend, and enter to win a case of champagne (donated by Octavian Wine Services).

• corsham.gov.uk

Acclaimed British singer-songwriter Emily Maguire is giving a special concert in aid of local mental health charity Wiltshire Mind on Friday 30 June at the King’s Arms Hotel in Melksham.

KIDS DISCOVERY WEEK AT HAYNES

Is your family ready to accept the Haynes Discovery Mission?

During Kids’ Discovery Week (29 May to 2 June), working as a family of amateur detectives, your first task will be to work out what the contents are in one of the mysterious bags. A museum

Emily Maguire’s fundraising concert takes places at the Kings Arms in Melksham

To find out more contact Rachel Avent by phone on 01249 702130 or email ravent@corsham.gov.uk.

You can get involved with the Great Get Together, in memory of MP Jo Cox. Pin a message on the Tree of Hope opposite the Taste Stage and enjoy the Big Lunch while soaking up the vibes on stage and tasting all that’s on offer from the local producers. And can you taste all of Corsham in one weekend by visiting a selection of local cafes, pubs and restaurants that will be offering food and drink tasters during the festival

Discovery Week at Haynes (29 May to 2 June)

EMILY MAGUIRE CHARITY CONCERT

volunteer will be alongside each bag and once you have identified the contents the volunteer will give you further information about it. They will then give you your ‘mission details’. Upon completing your mission you will need to report back to HQ with the information you have collected and you will then all receive your first mission reward.

In total there are ten exciting missions.

Aimed at families, this is a fantastic chance to explore the museum, as well as getting hands on with some artefacts from our motoring past and present. See the website for further details and T & Cs. • himm.co.uk

A classically-trained multiinstrumentalist, Emily is truly “a talent to be reckoned with” (R2 Magazine), her strong, thoughtprovoking lyrics, supremely expressive vocals and stunning live performances winning her fans across the globe.

As an advocate for mental health, Emily speaks frequently in the media about combating the stigma of mental illness. She has been featured several times on Radio 4 including Woman’s Hour, Loose Ends and Midweek, where she was interviewed by Libby Purves talking about her book ‘Start Over Again’.

Wiltshire Mind is a very local charity, based in Melksham, providing support to anyone experiencing mental health issues in Wiltshire.

The concert is kindly hosted by the King’s Arms Hotel, Market Place in Melksham. Tickets are £12, available online or from the Wiltshire Mind charity shop, 7 Church Street, Melksham.

• eventbrite.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| competition

WIN TICKETS TO YEOVILTON INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY! The Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day will open its gates on Saturday 8 July 2017 to 40,000 visitors, just as it did at its first Open Day 70 years ago. We have three pairs of tickets to the 2017 event to give away!

Over five hours of incredible flying displays with pyrotechnics will feature fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters and formation display teams. Leading the flying display will be rare naval heritage aircraft such as the Sea Vixen, Swordfish and Sea Fury. Their modernday counterparts will perform spectacular role demonstrations to reflect the contribution made by naval aviation to Protect Our Nation’s Interests. Airshow favourites from the RAF - the Red Arrows, Typhoon, Chinook and

“LEADING THE FLYING DISPLAY WILL BE RARE NAVAL HERITAGE AIRCRAFT SUCH AS THE SEA VIXEN, SWORDFISH AND SEA FURY.” Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also be in attendance whilst foreign military participation will include roaring displays from the Belgian Air Force F-16, Czech Air Force Gripen and a rare and dazzling appearance by the Swiss Air Force national

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display team – The Patrouille Suisse.

Other allied nations will provide static displays offering visitors an opportunity to meet the aircrew and view the aircraft up close.

Throughout the day, families will have the chance to enjoy plenty of ground entertainment including discounted entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, interactive military displays, an engineering fair, performances from military bands, classic and military vehicle exhibitions, funfair, simulators, French Navy Rafale at helicopter Air Day 16

pleasure flights, trade stalls and much, much more!

Whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned air show veteran, be prepared for a wonderful day out!

Adavance tickets to the show (available now until 3 July via the website) cost £22 for adults (16+) and £7 for children (5-15yrs). Tickets on the day will cost £28 for adults, £10 for children.

• royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

WIN TICKETS TO THE SHOW!

We are lucky enough to have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway to our lucky readers. For a chance to win all you need to do is email your answer to this question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your contact details so we can dispatch your tickets if you win!

IN WHAT YEAR DID THE FIRST YEOVILTON AIR DAY TAKE PLACE? WAS IT: A) 1947

B) 1957

C) 1967

Email your answers now. Good luck!

Closing date for entries is 31.05.17. Entrants must be 18+. Entrants may be added to our mailing list. If you would prefer not to be added please state NO INFO on your entry.

image © Kevin Wills

A

s one of the South West’s largest one day events, this award-winning Somerset air show offers an actionpacked day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and amazing ground attractions.

image © Kevin Wills

The George Inn Norton St Philip - Since 1397 The George Inn is the country’s longest serving inn. Built in the late 1200s and licensed in 1397, it is also one of the South West’s best kept secrets.

With medieval architecture, 14 letting rooms, freshly cooked local produce and one of the best views in the area why would you not want to spend your summer with us?!

Diary Dates Jazz @ The George Live jazz from the garden (weather permitting). 3rd Thursday of every month. Simply book a table, enjoy some great food and wonderful live jazz!

Village Weekender The 8th & 9th July sees the village fête and cricket club weekender.

Expect stalls, a bar, BBQ and fun for the whole family!

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local news |

Wylye Valley Arts Trail: 27 May - 4 June

T

he Wylye Valley Art Trail is the largest and most diverse open studios event in Wiltshire, and takes place in some of the most gorgeous countryside this beautiful county has to offer.

digital artists, glassblowers not far from scrap metal sculptors, potters hard by jewellers: there’s something to suit every taste and, if you’re in the market to buy, every budget.

The Wylye Valley Art Trail offers There are 73 venues in locations both the visitor the chance to from tiny rural outposts to bustling meet the artist and discuss their market towns, all within a ten-mile creative world, and the artist the radius of the centre of the Wylye chance to get direct and hugely Valley in south Wiltshire. Some helpful feedback on their work. artists are exhibiting in their own Many artists will be demonstrating studios, others have grouped their working techniques, and together to show in larger spaces, may even be encouraging visitors such as village halls and even to have a go themselves in ‘take galleries. There are award-winning pArt’ sessions. It’s easy to find artists with an international out where you can ‘take pArt’ and clientele exhibiting close by others how to plot your route around the who are only just starting out along venues: brochures, available free their creative path, traditionalist from many locations from Tourist landscape painters near abstract Information Centres to shops and

pubs, list all the venues and artists, giving directions, opening times and an illustration of what’s on view where.

• wvat.co.uk Geraldine McLoughlin Venue 59

Selwood Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally

T

he Spring Bank Holiday weekend will see Southwick near Trowbridge come alive with the sights and sounds of yesteryear as ‘Selwood Steam and Vintage’ holds its annual steam and vintage rally.

commercial vehicles and day and evening live entertainment in the beer tent. Some of this year’s must see events include some fast and furious lawnmower racing and a Wild West re-enactment. Not only that but there’ll be archery, craft

displays, a 1940s style tea tent, children’s zoo and much more. It should be a great day out for all the family. The event will also once again be supporting CLIC Sargent charity.

• selwoodvintage.co.uk

The event is open from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May, from 10am to 5pm each day, and aims to display an extensive range of nostalgic exhibits, most of which can be seen working.

Entry prices are just £6 for adults, seniors £4 and children (aged 5 to 16) £2.

New attractions this year include a fairground, fun bus, inflatables, lawnmower racing, climbing wall, circus skills & face painting as well as military vehicles, steam engines, both large and small, vintage cars, tractors,

Selwood Rally offers activities to keep the whole family entertained

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17

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

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! For a professional & personal service call 0800 180 4788 carolinecrowther.com

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

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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 10:00 - 12:15 & 14:00 - 16:15

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

| local news

The VFB presents Cinderella

V

ienna Festival Ballet is proud to present their new Spring Ballet for the 2017 season – Cinderella, one of the bestknown rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time. A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince combine to make the perfect piece of storytelling.

productions, VFB continues to on 01373 462795 or book via the experience remarkable success and theatre website. perform great classical ballets all over the world. Their productions have • fmt.website all the elegance and extravagance Cinderella is on at Frome associated with the best of ballet.

Memorial Theatre on 27 May Notable for the continued freshness and strength of their artistes, VFB attract highly talented dancers from around the globe.

Cinderella is based on the traditional story, the ballet will surely touch and reach out to everyone’s heart, with its combination of pure classical dancing and a touch of pantomime.

Sheila Styles, one of the company’s most expert and idiosyncratic choreographers, from the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet has created through inspiration from the choice of music, and her talent for choreography and staging, a perfect ballet for VFB.

Peter Mallek, celebrated Austrian dancer, founded Vienna Festival Ballet company after his illustrious career as a dancer of international renown, in 1980. Now in their 38th year of producing quality ballet

The show arrives at Frome Memorial Theatre on Saturday 27 May at 7.30pm. For tickets call the Box Office

HUBNub opens its doors in Frome

T

he brainchild of local Frome residents Ed & Io Roberts-Fox (a nurse and special needs teacher), this wonderful project sprang from the two of them discovering an old building for sale right in the centre of the town sometime ago.

The couple were hunting for a unique property that could house a whole host of creative, social, musical, educational and community projects in one place.

The essence of what Frome is about.

It is now months later after their extensive renovations and The HUBNub Centre is open for all. The glorious building on Whittox Lane now hosts a welcoming children’s play area, a friendly café, studios for yoga and dance, an artists’ gallery space and a beautiful garden.

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Local groups can meet regularly in the many rooms on offer, guests can host one-off events and artists can find a light-filled space where they can display their work. Happily, the office space underneath has been taken by a local charity that is a great fit for this community based project.

Io says “HUBNub is all about giving the local Frome people accessible, approachable space that individuals, families and groups can all enjoy.

We want to give something back.”

Go and see for yourself, there’s nothing quite like it in Frome!

To find out more, call Ed and Io on 07712 523734 or email info@ hubnubcentre.com.

• hubnubcentre.com

HUBNub is a unique space that can cater for a whole host of projects

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

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

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

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

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

SATURDAY 27 MAY, 7.30PM

FROME MEMORIAL THEATRE

Christchurch Street West, Frome BA11 1EB

BOX OFFICE: 01373 462795 www.fmt.website

“The entire show was captivating from start to finish” WELWYN HATFIELD TIMES

Corsham Greengrocers

Toby Haynes F A M I LY B U T C H E R S

Offering great food, great taste & traditional expertise • Handmade Pies • Traditional Meats • Handmade Sausages & Burgers • Friendly, helpful advice Delicious seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and salad leaves, ideal for summer picnics and barbecues!

PLUS fruit baskets, locally grown plants, homemade cakes, soups & salads #ShopLocal 7 Martingate, Corsham SN13 0HL tel: 01249 712941

Farleigh Road

OPEN Tues to Fri 8am-5pm & Sat 8am-3pm 32 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0HD 01249 713253 • corshambutcher.co.uk

Everything you need at

FARM SHOP & CAFÉ

Fantastic Shop

We have a fantastic selection of local produce and gourmet treats as well as a large range of ready meals, quiches, pies, pasties, soups, salads, cakes and desserts all made by our own chefs.

Fabulous Café

Serving great, freshly cooked breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and brilliant Sunday lunches.

Farleigh Road, Norton St Philip, Bath BA2 7NG Tel 01225 720006 farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk

• Award-winning food handmade in our kitchen • A great selection of local produce and delicious artisan treats • Instore butchery offering locally sourced free range pork, lamb and beef as well as free range poultry and game • Outside catering for parties and events The Old Potato Yard, Lydeway, Devizes SN10 3PU telephone 01380 848691 planksfarmshop.co.uk

food & drink |

FresH Farm FROM THE

Living as we do in the heart of Wiltshire, we are fortunate to have a glut of wonderful local produce on our doorsteps. Get your hands on the very best of it with the help of these fantastic local outlets…

Hartley Farm Shop & Kitchen

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23

| food & drink Allington Farm Shop is hosting a fun day on 4 June

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP

Allington Bar Farm, Chippenham Allington Farm Shop near Chippenham has been established since 1981. Run by the Reynolds family who have been tenant farmers for three generations; their award winning farm shop specializes in quality, home and locally produced food. The farm shop boasts a fantastic range including; fresh vegetables and fruit, an inhouse butchery, a delicatessen counter as well as many locally produced store cupboard essentials and speciality grocery items. Whether you are looking for locally produced ingredients to make your own creations or something delicious, quick and ready to eat, you are sure to find it at Allington. Sample the unique experience of food direct from the farm to your plate at their fully licensed café, serving farmhouse breakfasts, chef cooked meals, homemade cakes and afternoon teas.

A36, offers a fantastic selection of local produce and gourmet treats as well as a large range of awardwinning ready meals, quiches, pies, pasties, soups, salads, cakes and desserts all made by their own inhouse chefs. The instore butchery offers locally sourced free range pork, lamb and beef as well free range poultry and game. With the BBQ season here there are special offers on their homemade sausages, steaks, chicken legs and thighs and much more – see instore for details.

Their price structure is competitive, easily matching some larger outlets, and the quality is already known.

Free refrigerated delivery to the local areas is available and orders only have to be £20 or over. Call for their weekly special offers.

Why not treat yourself to a vintage afternoon tea in the award-winning café? They come with finger sandwiches, homemade scones, jam and clotted cream and freshly made cakes, all served on vintage china with your choice of tea. Delicious!

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

01225 720006| farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk

CORSHAM GREENGROCERS HARTLEY FARM SHOP 7 Martingate, Corsham Run by Bob and Jan Stevens since late & KITCHEN

Be sure to head over for the Chippenham Lions Club Cherished Vehicle & Farm Fun Day. It takes place on Sunday 4 June – see chippenhamlions.org.uk for details.

2010, Corsham Greengrocers is flying the flag for independent greengrocers everywhere. Offering a fantastic selection of fruit, vegetables and herbs, the produce is ripe, fresh and locally sourced where possible. With warmer weather on the way, it’s the ideal place to head to stock up for a picnic or BBQ. You’ll find seasonal asparagus instore now and with special offers on items like British strawberries (arriving in the coming weeks) a visit here definitely won’t break the bank. As well as all that they also have a selection of fruit baskets, locally grown plants, homemade cakes and more if you are on the lookout for a gift.

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

01249 712941

CJ ROBBINS

FARLEIGH ROAD FARM SHOP

76 Market Place, Warminster A fixture in Warminster for over 30 years, Chris Robbins and his staff use tried and tested methods of

24

butchery passed down through two generations. If you are planning a barbecue this summer they have a full range of products available to sizzle on the griddle. They make a lot of products on site, including coatings and sauces to add extra flavour to the local meats, fully assured and with full traceability. If you have a large party why not consider their Hog Roast service? A roasted hog may just be the way to reunite family and friends or that group from work who never see each other anymore!

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

Norton St Philip, Bath Farleigh Road Farm Shop and Café, based 6 miles south of Bath on the

Winsley, near Bradford on Avon With summer almost here, in the farm shop and kitchen the attention is turned to the changing seasons and the bounty of wonderful produce available from their fantastic local growers and producers. The shelves and tables in the farm shop are boasting beautiful soft fruit and stone fruit, wonderful salads and greens.

In fact all things that go perfectly with a barbecue. Oh, and they also do those too! The famous Big Green Eggs will be fired up through the summer making perfect match for Hartley’s local meat from the inhouse butchers. For a demonstration on these wonderful smokers, grills, ovens and BBQs all in one, just ask one of the team. Also back on the events calendar this year is the wonderful Summer Sessions in the farm kitchen.

Think chilled wine, delicious food for family and friends and live music as the sun goes down on another

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF LOCALLY GROWN FOOD We’re a traditional butcher that’s proud to serve the finest British meats.

If you are planning a party or BBQ come & see us for our great value meat packs.

We have a selection of tasty specialist coatings & marinades especially for the BBQ! tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

Come and see our carefully selected range of local meats, fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, chutneys and much more, all from local producers Poulshot, Nr Devizes SN10 1RQ Tel 01380 827202 Open: Tuesday - Thursday 10am – 5pm Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm

www.poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk

Award Winning, Family Run, Farm Shop Established for over 30 years Selling Quality Local Produce Open Daily 9am – 6pm, 10am – 5pm on Sundays

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES AND BURGERS

Join us at the Cherished Vehicle & Farm Fun Day Sunday 4th June LOCAL CHEESES & HOME COOKED MEATS LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, FRUIT & SALADS HOMEMADE CAKES & PIES

LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATES & FUDGE FINE WINE, LOCAL ALE & CIDER PRESERVES & CHUTNEYS GIFT HAMPERS

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

| food & drink summer’s day! Head over to the events page on their website for all the ‘need to know’ info.

01225 864948 | hartley-farm.co.uk

LOVEJOYS LARDER

coming months more local products are to be added to the range, they already have local cheese and ice cream suppliers, with more to come online soon. So, if you are a local business looking for new wholesaler, or if you are a local producer looking to get your wares into more local pubs and restaurants, give Tracy Hillier a call today for a friendly chat.

(Wholesale) Lovejoys Larder is an offshoot of well known local fruit and veg suppliers Lovejoys Wholesale. The 01225 790674 | lovejoyslarder.com new company launched last year following a huge number of requests from Hilperton, existing Trowbridge customers to The Oatley extend their Family at wholesale Paxcroft fruit and veg Farm changed service to to commercial egg also supply their Lovejoys Larder launched last year production and cereal store cupboard farming. in the 1960s. Since essentials. then, over 400 million eggs have been produced at Paxcroft Farm The new business is thriving, thanks in large part to Lovejoys’ commitment under the best possible conditions, without health or environmental to offering the same exceptional 6 problems. Even though the farm days a week delivery service they has expanded to incorporate offices have always had with their veg and workshops, today’s laying business, as well as the option for stock continues to produce over 15 customers to speak to someone in million eggs a year. They also have person should they need to. The product range has evolved to supply their own farm shop. Small, but perfectly formed, it is the ideal place an extensive range of daily essential to pick up your own supply of free dry goods as well as sourcing more unusual and specialist items. Over the range eggs – at half the price you’ll

pay in the supermarket – as well as honey, homemade preserves and condiments, sauces from Wiltshire Chilli Farm, award-winning oils, snacks, soft drinks, sacks of locally grown potatoes and more besides.

01225 753060 | paxcroft.co.uk

"From their large onsite kitchen, their team of chefs produce PAXCROFT FARM a wide range of seasonal ready meals" Plank’s PLANK'S FARM SHOP

Paxcroft Farm produces over 15 million eggs a year

Lydeway, Devizes Plank’s, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, has gained a reputation for offering fabulous home cooked food. From their large onsite kitchen, their team of chefs produce a wide range of seasonal ready meals, quiches, soups, pies, salads as well as biscuits, cakes and desserts using high quality ingredients from the shop.

As we come into BBQ season Plank’s have a wonderful selection of meats that are perfect for the occasion, including handmade sausages and local Aberdeen Angus beef, hung and dry aged for at least 21 days. Pop in to see the latest offers!

Plank’s also offer an outside catering service, so whether you are having a dinner party for a few friends or holding a large event, they can offer you a wonderful selection home cooked food.

01380 848691 | planksfarmshop.co.uk

POULSHOT LODGE FARM

Poulshot, Nr Devizes SN10 1RQ Open since 2010, Poulshot Lodge Farm Shop offers a carefully selected range of local meats, fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, chutneys

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Paxcroft Farm Shop Home of Wiltshire’s Finest Eggs

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

Wholesale prices available for customers buying more than 15 dozen eggs a week Open Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 6JB • www.paxcroft.co.uk • 01225 753060

| food & drink Rowdey Cow make their own ice cream

those friends! Visit the website for more information. riverford.co.uk

ROWDEY COW

Lower Farm, Devizes Rd, Rowde, Devizes Rowdey Cow’s glass fronted café offers spectacular views of Roundway Hill and the surrounding farmland and serves scrumptious cooked breakfasts, lunch and teas as well as home baked cakes and barista coffees. Kids will love the children’s play area, and be sure to make time to visit the farm’s animals, including and much more, all from local wonderful bread from Bertinet Bakery miniature Shetland ponies, goats, producers. They sell locally sourced and a great selection of cheese from sheep and cows. beef, pork, lamb and poultry, 90% of the deli counter. which has been reared on the Hues Everyone who visits Rowdey Cow has family farm in Poulshot.

The kitchen is hive of activity with a to try their gobsmackingly delicious At the fully stocked butchery you new spring menu celebrating local fresh ice cream, made on the farm can speak to experts able to advise produce and a real focus on healthy, from their own cows’ milk! They have you on the best cuts of meat to suit hearty food. Perfect for a healthy up to 16 different flavours to choose your recipe ideas, alternatively they’ll midweek lunch stop or a weekend from at any one time and the options be more than happy to suggest cuts feast with the family! Don’t forget to change daily, so you can visit every should you need some inspiration. All check the events calendar online for day and not get bored! Find them the meat is competitively priced and a cracking line-up of food demos, in Rowde on the A342 Chippenham 100% traceable, and as most of the supper clubs and live jazz events and to Devizes road, they are open daily meat comes from local livestock, the a family festival on 1 July! from 10am to 4pm.

01225 700881 | nestonfarmshop.co.uk 01380 829666 | rowdeycow.co.uk food miles are greatly reduced too.

Find the shop just off the A361, less than 1 mile from Devizes. Ample free parking is available too.

Home Delivery 32 High Street, Corsham 01380 827202 | poulshotlodgefarm.co.uk With spring/summer fast Toby Haynes traditional family approaching are you thinking of butchers opened on Corsham High dusting off the BBQ and taking Street in late 2015. Just 18 months advantage of the bank holidays to later and it has established a growing Bath Road, Atworth host a get together? Why not let reputation for selling high quality After recently being crowned the Best Riverford take the strain and order meat at very reasonable prices. Toby Farm Shop in Wiltshire at the WIltshire one of their organic meat boxes?

Haynes endeavours to source all its Life awards, the team at Neston Try a mixed box, or simply choose meat from the local area, including are busy gearing up for an exciting your own from a range of organic free range chicken and traditional summer celebrating delicious, locally meat. Sample some pork and apple grass finished beef. As well as that sourced food and drink! Based near sausages, beef ribs, chicken breasts they also make their own sausages Atworth, the farm shop has a great and much more, all of which you and pies inhouse – delicious! With selection of seasonal fruit and veggies can marinade from their easy and expert advice from their friendly staff, straight from the market and local inspiring online recipes. you needn’t go anywhere else when growers along with a tasty selection looking for a great roasting joint or of high welfare, local meat from the To accompany your organic meat something to put on the BBQ this award-winning butchers at their sister selection, you can also order a salad summer.

01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk farm shop, Hartley, daily deliveries of box to go with it and really impress

RIVERFORD

NESTON FARM SHOP & KITCHEN

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TOBY HAYNES

| 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...

M

ay is the most prolific month for English Asparagus. At the right temperature it can grow around 10cm a day. It is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin K. Also now available locally are baby bunch carrots, all of the different types of lettuce, fresh herbs and local watercress. Look out for them all in your local shops.

At Lovejoys we are still foraging nettles and wild garlic leaves - you can often smell them if you walk in a wooded area and wonder what the very strong garlic smell is! It is also the time for elderflower blossom.

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“Also now available locally are baby bunch carrots, all of the different types of lettuce, fresh herbs and local watercress.�

Our sister company, Lovejoys Larder, is carrying on with the same ethos and sourcing lots of locally produced items such as some wonderful gelato (an Italian ice cream), cheese, cream and chutneys to name a few. Follow us @lovejoyslarder.

It is a bit late for potatoes now but you might just get away with a main crop variety if you do it now.

Email me with any of your veggie questions at any time on neil@lovejoyswholesale.com.

Although we always say beware of @lovejoysuk frost until May is out with the effects of global warming it is not such a Find out more at risk planting out those tender plants www.lovejoyswholesale.com in mid May anymore. You can plant out the following now! Celeriac, courgettes, marrows and sweetcorn.

recipes |

meaLs in

Minutes

Enjoy tasty dinners in a flash thanks with these delicious recipes from Waitrose – each is ready in 20 minutes or less!

Gnocchi with Dolcelatte

�

Ingredients 500g pack Waitrose Gnocchi 125g frozen peas 3 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 45g rocket 75g Galbani Dolcelatte 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Method Cook the gnocchi in a large pan of boiling water for 1 minute. Add the peas and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small saucepan and add the garlic. Cook gently for 1 minute, but don’t let the garlic brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Serves 4

Drain the gnocchi and peas and tip into a large serving bowl. Stir in the garlicky oil and some freshly ground black pepper.

Pile the rocket on the gnocchi, break the Dolcelatte into pieces and arrange on top. Scatter over the pine nuts and toss together before serving.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

31

| recipes

Mediterranean lamb & butter bean salad Serves 4 Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ tsp dried oregano 4 lamb steaks 275g baby plum tomatoes, halved 400g butter beans, drained & rinsed 100g watercress 2 tbsp balsamic & olive oil dressing 25g pack fresh mint leaves, torn Crusty bread, to serve Method Stir together the olive oil, garlic and oregano and brush over the lamb.

Cook in a griddle or frying pan for 3–4 minutes on each side until nicely browned but still a little pink in the centre. Transfer to a warm plate and leave to rest for 3–4 minutes.

Serves 4 Ingredients 4 Waitrose salmon fillets 2cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped Juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp sunflower oil 1 cucumber 2 tbsp sugar 20g pack fresh dill, chopped 2 tbsp white wine vinegar Method Cut the salmon into 4cm cubes and place in a bowl. Add the ginger, lemon juice, oil and seasoning, cover and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.

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Rinse the cucumber under cold water to remove the salt, then pat dry. Place in a bowl and add the sugar, dill, vinegar, seasoning and 2 tbsp cold water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, lightly toss together the tomatoes, butter beans, watercress, dressing and mint.

Slice the lamb and add to the salad, giving it a quick toss. Divide between 4 plates and serve with crusty bread, and extra dressing on the side.

Grill the kebabs for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, to cook on all sides until cooked through.

Pour the liquid off the cucumber salad and discard. Serve the salad with the salmon kebab.

Chef’s Tip For a more substantial meal, serve with new potatoes and mayonnaise.

�

Quick Salmon Kebabs with Cucumber & Dill Salad

Slice the cucumber very thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Place in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.

Thread the salmon onto skewers and set aside. Preheat the grill.

ADVERTISE WITH US IN 2017

INTRODUCTORY & SERIES DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Call Andy today on � 01225 807775 www.westwiltsmag.co.uk

| food & drink

Meet the Chef

This month we caught up with JAMES GRIFFITH from The Barge Inn in Seend to talk ‘Bloody Mary’ tomatoes, Cadbury’s Creme Eggs and cooking for Rick Stein.

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

My favourite is The Methuen Arms in Corsham.

What was your first job in catering?

I started work at 15 in a local pub as a KP but my first real job was at Babington House. That’s where I really started cooking.

Where have you worked previously?

After leaving Babington House I worked at The Angel at Heytesbury where I gained my first head chef position. Most recently, before I joined The Barge, I was head chef at White Row Farm Shop in Beckington.

Do you have any favourite local suppliers?

Walter Rose of Devizes is our local butcher and for us is the best in the

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area. It’s great that they are only up the road and use local farms for much of their meat. It means we can truly say our meat is local.

What is your favourite dish on the menu?

At the moment our hanger steak (pictured above right) with ‘Bloody Mary’ tomatoes, fried egg and chips.

What is the most memorable event you have cooked for?

We cooked for and with lots of celebrities at Babington House but my most memorable was hosting Rick Stein’s 60th birthday party while at The Angel.

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

With young children at home it’s usually pizza, that keeps everyone happy.

What’s your favourite kitchen gadget?

A simple one, but I really couldn’t be without my knives.

And your guilty pleasure?

A Cadbury’s Creme Egg. Call 01380 828230 to make a reservation at The Barge Inn Seend.

• bargeinnseend.co.uk

EXCELLENT SPANISH TAPAS IN THE HEART OF BRADFORD ON AVON

Extensive lunchtime menu available ‘The place’ to relax with friends or family 6 Lambs Yard, Kingston Mills, Bradford on Avon, Wilts BA15 1FG

Tel 01225 866823 / www.pablostapas.com OPEN 11.30am - 11pm Monday - Saturday

10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERTISEMENT code no. WW2017 valid Monday – Thursday only

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL Every Wednesday, lunch and evening enjoy 2 main course fish & chips for only £16.95!

BEERS, BEERS, BEERS! If you can’t decide which great Wadworth beer to drink, we offer 3rd of a pint tasting.

Bar Open Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm Sun 11.30am - 10:30pm Food Served Mon - Thurs 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm - 9pm Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9.30pm Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

A

PUB

Offering seasonal, homecooked food every lunchtime and evening Enjoy our Sunday Roasts A choice of meats & all the trimmings just £9.95

Midweek Special

Enjoy a 2 course lunch for only £7.00

(Mon & Weds lunchtimes, not available on Bank Holidays)

Sells Green, Seend, Nr Devizes SN12 6RN 01380 828389 • www.threemagpies.co.uk

�

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.

| food news

Kalahari Kitchen Catering & Shop

K

alahari Kitchen is a family run business based in Trowbridge specialising in BBQs for event catering, feeding customers of many different types at food and beer festivals, sports events, fetes, fundraisers, birthday parties and weddings.

The secret to their success comes from using recipes and methods found throughout Southern Africa combined with rubs, sauces and marinades from the American South.

It makes for a mouth-watering fusion of exciting tastes and flavours.

Whilst the event catering has been going from strength to strength the owners also spotted a gap in the area locally for a Southern African Shop facility, and in March last year they proudly opened a new shop at

Trowbridge Garden Centre. The shop stocks and sells their own delicious Biltong, Boerewors, Dry Wors and Koeksisters and a range of Southern African groceries, crisps, confectionary and cool drinks. They have recently introduced delicious melk and coconut tarts and cakes to their range, baked by the talented Angie of Chatters Cakes and Desserts.

With an ever-increasing customer base they are looking forward to a busy summer both in the shop and at events. Visit the website to see the exciting range of menu choices for events and for details of the shop and opening times. Throughout the summer they have Braais (BBQs) at the shop where you can come along and sample their food, a great opportunity to try their wares before taking a taste of Africa home with

you. Details of events at the shop will be posted on the website and their Facebook page - search Kalahari Kitchen.

• kalaharikitchen.co.uk

Ginni at their shop within Trowbridge Garden Centre

Shop, Eat, Discover at Visit Hillbrush

V

isit Hillbrush, a top new destination for eating, shopping and learning in Mere, opened in April after a £9million investment into a Visitors Centre and purpose built manufacturing and distribution.

Hillbrush, a brushware and hygienic cleaning tools manufacturer, has created Visit Hillbrush to provide a community hub for locals as well as a welcome alternative for travellers wanting a break from the busy A303 road.

The Visit Hillbrush restaurant serves delicious locally sourced food and drink, as well as ‘grab & go’ meals’ while members of the public can also purchase high quality Hillbrush products. The company’s rich 95-year history is also celebrated with a

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stimulating and educational museum.

Exhibits include How Many Brushes in your Home? Fibres from Around the World, historic videos and restored antique brush machines.

Based in Norwood Park, just minutes from the A303, the Royal Warrant holders have come a long way since Hillbrush was founded in 1922. The company is now headed up by the Visit Hillbrush is a unique new third and fourth generation of the venue on the outskirts of Mere Coward family and employs over 100 people.

“Visit Hillbrush is a contemporary, yet warm and comfortable venue.

Commercial Director Charlie Coward The Visitors Centre is about giving said: “We hope members of public local people a personal experience will come and enjoy what Visit they’ll want to enjoy again and Hillbrush has to offer; be it a tasty again, as well as establishing lunch, a lovely coffee or a chance to ourselves as a key destination on learn about the Hillbrush company one of the UK’s busy tourist routes.” and the many quirky stats and facts about the making of brushes.

• visit.hillbrush.com

Catering For Any Occasion, Indoor or Outdoor

Festivals, Weddings Field Events, Private Parties Corporate Events Southern African recipes and cooking methods combine with marinades, rubs & sauces from the American South to create a mouth watering fusion that was meant to be.

Visit our website and see all the exciting choices available or visit our shop and speak to Ginni who will be happy to assist you.

Shop at Trowbridge Garden Centre 288 Frome Road, BA14 0DT Biltong, Drywors, Boerewors, SA sweets etc 01225 938455 07885 680287 07834 283782 kalaharikitchen@hotmail.co.uk

kalaharikitchen.co.uk

Shop, Restaurant & Museum Open Mon – Sat, 8am-6pm & Sun 8-4pm

• Locally sourced food • Eat in or ‘grab and go’ meals • Fully licensed • Educational & interactive museum • Homeware shop • Onsite free parking • Electric car charging bays Norwood Park, Mere BA12 6FE � 01747 440077 � visit@hillbrush.com

www.visit.hillbrush.com

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

fi

THE

WESTBROOK GREAT VALUE LUNCH MENU

2 COURSES JUST £12! AVAILABLE MONDAY-FRIDAY 12-5PM.

Kevin & Louise invite you to visit The 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.

• FRESHLY COOKED FOOD • DAILY SPECIALS • FAMILY FRIENDLY • LARGE GARDEN • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA • REAL ALES • CAR PARK

BOUNCY CASTLE AVAILABLE ON SUNNY DAYS! Bromham, Chippenham,Wilts SN15 2EE tel 01380 850418 www.westbrookbromham.co.uk

f

Celebrating Summer

with our spectacular Garden Furniture range

Bramblecrest Framptom 6 Seater Set RRP £1857

Our Price £1499

Exclusive to Whitehall Garden Centres

LACOCK

WHITCHURCH

WOODBOROUGH

Corsham Road, Lacock, Wiltshire, SN15 2JY

Norton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 OBT

Nursery Farm, Woodborough, Wiltshire, SN9 5PF

Tel: 01249 730204

Tel: 01275 832296

Tel: 01672 851249

www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

gardens |

Garden

e r u t Struc

From summerhouses to conservatories, seating and even sculpture, a garden is about more than just plants. With so much choice available, here are some great local companies to head to for help transforming your outside space.

Bramblecrest Garden Furniture

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| gardens Closa offers an extensive range of garden furniture and is hosting a warehouse sale soon!

BEECHFIELD RECLAMATION

manufactured from Zincalume high tensile steel and is fully engineered to be light weight yet extremely strong and durable. Whilst more expensive than traditional lap panel installations it costs less than you might think and is remarkably good value when you consider there are no ongoing maintenance costs - it never needs treating or painting, just the occasional hose down will keep your fence looking as good as new.

From a pretty stone birdbath, to an imposing statue or impressive piece of metalwork, a good architectural piece can really make a garden shine. Based in Devizes, Beechfield Reclamation deal in all types of building materials. They have some wonderful pieces that would look great in any garden, including arches, fountains, benches, chimney pots, staddle stones, planters, paving, bricks and more.

As well as old items, they also sell reproduction pieces like urns too – well worth a look! 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 Neat, well maintained boundaries can make a huge difference to the feel of your garden. If you are in

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Beechfield Reclamation have beautiful pieces for the garden

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 peace of mind whatever the weather may have in store. Colourfence fencing is

Your local franchise owner Ivor McKeown offers a free, no obligation design, installation and quotation 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

NEW GARDEN WAREHOUSE NOW OPEN!

Reclaimed Building Materials & Architectural Antiques

Neatly crafted sheds or summerhouses in a huge range of styles and sizes.

Delivery Only or Delivery & Installation PLUS: Decking, Fencing & Gates

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

LANDSCAPING SERVICE AVAILABLE

01225 769145 / 07881 496923 office.tdeaconltd@aol.co.uk tdeaconfencingandlandscaping.co.uk Dunkirk Business Park, Southwick, Wiltshire BA14 9NL

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

| gardens 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.

your carbon footprint, make your home less draughty and insulate your home against unwanted outside noise.

With over 25 years of continuous service, New Windows has a long standing reputation for providing high quality products, all It is time to start enjoying our outside manufactured in the UK to a high specification. As well as installing top space, but if your garden table and quality replacement windows, they chairs are looking a bit shabby, it’s nowhere near as nice! Now’s the ideal are also specialists in conservatories, time to invest in some new furniture, orangeries and contemporary bi-fold doors. What’s more, their to make the most of outdoor living team of expert fitters are all trained for the rest of the summer. Whether craftsmen and provide a friendly you’re looking for Lloyd Loom style and professional service - tidily and chairs for your conservatory, a teak without fuss. garden bench or a sunlounger, Closa offers an extensive range, from Based in Warminster, New Windows leading brands such as Barlow Tyrie, Bramblecrest, Neptune, Westminster serves West Wiltshire, Bath and most of the South West. Call to arrange a and others. free no obligation quote.

01458 830486 | colourfence.co.uk/bath

CLOSA

Closa is holding a warehouse sale of ex-display and older models so get in touch soon to grab a bargain!

Find Closa on the Bristol Road near Chippenham.

01249 448731 | closa.co.uk

SOUTH WEST GREENHOUSES

The company supplies the best quality greenhouses in their price brackets 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!

It’s that simple. Take a look online today – you can also view photos of greenhouses they have installed to help with your choice.

South West Greenhouses offers a full

01225 710479 | swgreenhouses.co.uk

01985 215566 | newwindowsltd.co.uk

NEW WINDOWS Spring is a great time to consider replacing your windows and doors.

By replacing single glazed windows and doors with energy efficient glazing you could save around £135 per year on your energy bills, reduce

New Windows are specialists in conservatories and bi-fold doors

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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.

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

| gardens You’ll find them behind the village shop in the centre of Maiden Bradley with vehicular access on Bruton Road.

Sydenhams Maiden Bradley’s new landscaping centre has everything you They are open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and staff are happy Whitehall Garden Centres have some need to spruce up your garden, from of the largest garden furniture ranges to provide no obligation quotations. domestic and agricultural fencing, in the UK, with prestigious brands wooden gates and catches, hinges and 01985 844771 | sydenhams.co.uk such as Bramblecrest, Kettler and clasps plus a range of outdoor timbers Hartman. and sleepers. Supplying both trade and retail customers, they have wire They pride themselves on the quality fencing, staples, nails and other fixings and luxury of their garden furniture plus timber treatments to protect and If you are looking for a bit of extra sets and have specially selected space to store tools and gardening extend the life of your fence. Alongside this year’s range to guarantee they equipment you’ve come to the this they stock paving slabs and block offer something for everyone, such right place! A neatly crafted shed paving, decorative gravels, pebbles as outdoor sofas, dining sets, bistro or summerhouse is ideal for the and bark in mini and bulk bags, topsoil, chairs, bar stools, hanging chairs, purpose and at their new garden sand, ballast, cement and even coal! loungers and recliners. warehouse T Deacon offers a huge Also new in this spring is a selection of range of styles and sizes, including sheds and summerhouses! shed bases if required, and a variety of The garden furniture range can summerhouses with the option of just be found at all three of their With so much to see it’s best to pay centres (Lacock, Whitchurch and delivery or delivery and installation. them a visit and have a look around.

Woodborough) with exclusive Whitehall prices and guarantees.

Their new warehouse, based at They are very proud of the Dunkirk Business Park in Southwick, garden furniture that they sell and near Trowbridge, is open 7 days encourage you to come and view a week, and as well as sheds and the showrooms. Their friendly, summerhouses also carries fence knowledgeable staff will be able to posts and panels, tools, patios, turf, help you with any questions you gates, trellis, decking, concrete products and lots more. Pop in to see may have. A selection of their garden furniture can also be viewed online. for yourself!

Sydenhams

WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRES

T DEACON FENCING & LANDSCAPING

"A neatly Crafted shed or summerhouse is ideal for the purpose and at their new garden warehouse T Deacon offers a huge range of styles and sizes"

01225 769145 | tdeaconfencingandlandscaping.co.uk

Whitehall Garden Centres have some of the most extensive garden furniture ranges in the UK

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01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

| gardens

Getting green green grass at home Get a greener, healthier looking lawn this year with a little help from the local experts at LawnTender.

They are NPTC qualified and have full public liability for your piece of mind.

Sue says, “Our strength is that we supply a professional service to many different people. Some have invested in new lawns and want to keep them in good order. There are those who have retired and find it difficult to continue maintaining their lawns as they used to. Then finally, those who have tried all the DIY treatments and realised it is more cost effective to hand the job over to us.”

C

Kevin and Sue have always placed a high focus on their strong customer service

reating the perfect lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is actually quite straight forward; get someone else to do it for you! Kevin Maul and Sue Jacobs are the people you are looking for, as they run the South Wilts and East Somerset office of LawnTender.

They have recently relocated to Westbury, to be central to their area, which covers all the major cities and towns between Bath and Andover and all their surrounding villages and hamlets too. LawnTender offers a comprehensive lawn care service either on an individual treatment basis or as part of an annual scheduled programme.

Kevin says, “It is not often that we get called to see a lawn that is beyond repair and will only recommend

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In what is a competitive market, Kevin and Sue have always placed high focus on their strong customer service, providing personal ongoing advice, feedback, and technical support throughout the season. These core values have resulted in strong customer loyalty with many customers now being on their books for over 12 years.

Would you like to join them? Then call 01373 859016 to arrange one of their free, no obligation lawn assessments and quotations.

re-turfing as a last resort.” He added, “Although we provide a variety of lawn care services, we will never recommend a treatment or procedure that you don’t need.

Also each time we visit to treat your lawn we will assess its condition and appearance. We then discuss our finding with you personally or leave a note detailing anything we feel is needed, such as simply raising the mow height, or sharpening the mower blade, to giving consideration • lawntender.co.uk into having further procedures such as the lawn aerated or scarified at the appropriate time of year.

The services LawnTender offer, includes scheduled weed and feed applications, using slow release, non burn (no watering in required), commercial fertiliser and selective weed killers, along with moss control and lawn turf disease treatments.

E.J. SHANLEY & SON [TROWBRIDGE] LTD HOUSE OR GARDEN NEED A CLEAROUT THIS SPRING?

CALL US TODAY! For more information about advertising in this magazine please call

01225 807775

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

| gardens

Lakeside Garden Centre With a fantastic selection of plants, stunning setting and great range of furniture and sundries, Lakeside is a real treat for local gardeners... for the veg plot, a selection of fruit and vegetable plants including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash and even aubergine. If you prefer there is also a great range of seeds from Sutton Seeds and Thompson & Morgan.

If it’s garden furniture you need, see their new season range of outdoor furniture as well as a selection of charcoal and gas Weber barbecues - it’s starting to seem like summer already!

W

ith the recent spell of warm weather our gardens are bursting into life and with bank holidays on the way garden centres and nurseries across the country are in for a very busy few weeks. Two that promise both expertise and value are Lakeside and Fonthill Garden Centres, part of a family owned business that has been serving gardeners in the west of England for over forty years.

setting to help make a day of it too.

As the name suggests, Lakeside Garden Centre is based on the water’s edge, and no visit is complete without a stroll around the lake and a chance to meet the ducks and geese that have made their home there. The café provides a stunning spot from which to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and slice of homemade cake.

This popular on-site venue offers other homemade treats too, plus

“If it’s garden furniture you need, see their new season range of outdoor furniture as well as a selection of charcoal and gas Weber barbecues” Fonthill is in Bitton so we’ll concentrate on Lakeside, which is based at Crockerton Shopping Centre on the outskirts of Warminster. A large site, they have everything you could need for your garden and a beautiful

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soups, light bites and a full range of refreshments to cater for whatever the weather may bring!

Back in the garden centre, you can get summer bedding, trees, shrubs and,

Lakeside is situated on the A350 on the edge of the Longleat Estate.

To find out more call 01985 217413.

The centre is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-5.30pm and on Sundays from 10.30am-4.30pm.

• fonthill-lakeside.com

| events

Walk the Woodland Garden

W

Find wellbeing within the Woodland Garden at Bowood with a Mindfulness Walk – featured from Sunday 7 to Sunday 14 May.

ith the recent warm weather having brought forward the start of Bowood’s Woodland Garden season by a fortnight, do make sure to head over to this most picturesque Wiltshire landmark as soon as you possibly can!

The annual six week season is awaited eagerly for months ahead of time only to whizz by all too quickly. Bowood’s acclaimed 30-acre Woodland Garden was originally due to reopen to the public in late April but then the blooms were ahead of the game and so the season’s start was green-lighted just ahead of the Easter weekend - an unprecedented occurrence!

Bowood’s magnificent display of rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas reveal themselves in three distinct stages: the early flowering, the bluebell flush and then the appearance of the azaleas.

Not thrown off course, though, is the upcoming week of Mindfulness Walks (Sunday 7 - Sunday 14 inclusive) encouraging visitors to connect with nature, mindful of the calm and stillness within their surroundings. It has been said that gardeners and florists are among the happiest workers and so as the Woodland Garden season gets into its stride, the sense of wellbeing promoted by garden visiting will be particularly highlighted. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 8th-Sunday 14th May), the daily one-hour Mindfulness Walks within the Woodland Garden will run from 9.30am to

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Bowood’s Woodland Walk is open now

“Bowood’s magnificent display of rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas reveal themselves in three distinct stages” 10.30am, led by Linda Thomas from Malmesbury-based Mindfulminds (mindfulminds.co.uk). To book your place in advance, priced at £15 per person (with a contribution being donated from this price to the Mental Health Foundation), email houseandgardens@bowood.org or call 01249 810961.

Open daily from 11am-6pm, entrance is £8 per adult (aged 13 and over) and £7.25 per senior citizen while children 12 and under are free of charge. To visit Bowood House & Gardens on the same day, the combined ticket price is £18.50 per adult and £16 per senior citizen.

• bowood.org

Bowood’s spring Woodland Garden is unique. Originally laid out in 1854 by the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne, the Woodland Garden at features some of the earliest known hybrids in the UK. The present 9th Marquis of Lansdowne has continued the planting pursued here by his forebears. A mile from Bowood House and Gardens (between Calne and Chippenham), the Woodland Garden has its own dedicated entrance just off the A342.

| gardens

Chelsea Flower Show

The world’s most prestigious flower show returns this year from 23 - 27 May. visitors to discover new plants to transform their homes. The show runs this year from 23 - 27 May and tickets are available from the website.

• rhschelsea.seetickets.com

OTHER RHS SHOWS Malvern Spring Festival 11 – 14 May 2017

Chatsworth Flower Show 7 – 11 June 2017

W

hen it comes to garden inspiration, there are few places better than RHS Chelsea Flower Show, undoubtedly the pinnacle of the gardening calendar. Highlights this year include Professor Nigel Dunnett’s RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden with its view on planting in urban development spaces; within the Artisan Garden section is a design from 2016 winner of Best Fresh Garden, Gary Breeze, who has

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Hampton Court designed a garden which features the replica of an 800 year old boat which was discovered in the Norfolk Broads. Meanwhile, Ishihara Kazuyuki returns for his 12th year with Gosho No Niwa inspired by the Kyoto emperors of Japan, and the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí is the focus of Sarah Eberle’s Viking Cruises Garden of Inspiration.

As well as the show gardens, there are over 100 floral displays, allowing

4 - 9 July 2017

Tatton Park

19 – 23 July 2017 • rhs.org.uk/shows-events

“As well as the show gardens, there are over 100 floral displays, allowing visitors to discover new plants to transform their homes.”

NEW CAFÉ

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

NOW OPEN!

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

Fabulous new kitchens & makeovers at competitive prices Call

01225 459 559

to arrange a no obligation home visit

Customer reviews at checkatrade.com/premierkitchendoors

| house & home

Take a trip to

The Studio With nearly 15 years’ experience selling quality kitchens and bathrooms from its showroom in Frome, The Studio has become one the region’s largest independent specialists.

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B

oasting kitchen ranges from leading British manufacturers including Chippendale, Mackintosh and Symphony, The Studio showroom features traditional and Shaker-style kitchen designs but, having championed recent trends towards contemporary designs, the displays also include modern, flatfronted and high-gloss finish styles.

To complete the look of your kitchen, The Studio has recently added two new, ultra-modern worktop ranges from Minerva and Pietra to its portfolio and offers a wide range of handle options, including the latest in-line systems.

The latest appliances from leading manufacturers including Bosch and Neff – including the state-of-the-art Slide & Hide ovens featured on The Great British Bake Off can also be found on display at its showroom on Handlemaker Road in Frome.

“The Studio is well placed to help you throughout every phase and guide you through your kitchen redevelopment” The Studio is well placed to help you throughout every phase and guide you through your kitchen redevelopment and has recently employed Jonathan, its new kitchen designer, who comes with many years’ experience having worked for some of the country’s leading kitchen manufacturers. Jonathan is on hand to offer full site surveys and a consultation service to prepare you for your new kitchen, and his friendly, knowledgeable advice will ensure that you make the right decisions when embarking on your project.

The Studio carries kitchen and bathroom ranges from leading British manufacturers

For those concentrating their efforts on other rooms in the house, the

house & home | showroom also boasts displays from leading bathroom manufacturers including styles from Heritage and Pura Bathrooms.

Pura is the latest addition to The Studio’s portfolio and one of the fastest growing, most dynamic and ambitious bathroom product manufacturers in the UK. Its range includes toilets and bidets, basins and baths, furniture and showers and taps, all manufactured to the highest standards and offering value-formoney across the price range.

The mix of traditional and modern bathroom designs on offer from The Studio are complemented by recent trends towards frameless glass shower enclosures and accessories including modern, slim-line drencher shower heads, styles of which are available to view at the showroom.

So if you’re considering a new kitchen or bathroom, you can trust The Studio to design yours for the way you live. Give them a call on 01373 451600, visit the website or pop in to the showroom and speak to Jonathan for further information.

• thestudiofrome.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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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

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

Pietra

Breathe fresh life into your home with a stunning new floor or wall design from Pietra Wood & Stone.

Pietra are the UK agent for one of Europe’s foremost providers of reclaimed materials.

W

ith the dark winter days behind us, now is a great time to refresh the look of your home. Whether it’s natural stone or porcelain tiles for your family bathroom and your master en-suite, or engineered oak for your kitchen floor, Pietra in Holt is the place to visit.

Their newly extended showroom has an extensive selection of floor and wall coverings to suit all tastes and budgets. Staff are on hand to guide and reassure customers when they are looking to improve their home. What’s more, from late April they are now open until 8pm on Thursdays, making visiting the showroom easier than ever.

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Porcelain tiles like these are now superb quality and great value

sure the latest trends are represented here in West Wiltshire. We are seeing a big increase in the popularity of reclaimed flooring and wall cladding. (see above) Pietra are the UK agent for one of Europe’s foremost providers of reclaimed materials. This give us access to large stocks of reclaimed material, and combined with the latest manufacturing technology, your 200 year old reclaimed oak floor can be produced as an engineered board, suitable for modern day living.

Managing Director Stuart Faint comments, “Whilst the trend for ‘greys’ is still going strong, dark browns and warmer tones are starting to emerge again too. Porcelain tiles have also had a resurgence recently.

New technology has enabled manufacturers to be able to produce extra-large formatted tiles, and with superb quality printing it’s often difficult to tell the difference between the porcelain tile and the natural stone it is copying!” (see above)

Pietra will happily work with your architect or builder and offer advice and guidance on the suitability of products and provide information to ensure the correct installation methods are carried out. With have our own dedicated team of tradesmen, we can also install for you.”

“The “ripple” effect from London influences the rest of the country, and our Fulham showrooms are in the heart of the Interior Design hub in London. This enables Pietra to make

196 & 198 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, Fulham, SW6 2UE t: 02077 369610 e: info@pietrawoodandstone.com

Pietra Ltd The Old Filling Station, 400 Ham Green, Holt BA14 6PX t: 01225 783527/782408

• pietrawoodandstone.com

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

NEW HOLT SHOWROOM NOW OPEN NOW OPEN

UNTIL 8PM EVERY THURSDAY

Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9.00-5.30pm (until 8pm on Thursdays) Sat 9.00-5.00pm

www.pietrawoodandstone.com

Fulham Showroom 196 -198 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, London SW6 2UE

Tel 0207 610 6111

| house & home

Casa Bella Furniture For a great mix of unique, high quality furniture, look no further than Casa Bella, a store that has just celebrated its first anniversary.

A

re you looking for something a little different?

Casa Bella is a small, family run business specialising in the retail of unique, high quality, solid wood furniture and home accessories.

Now in its 12th year, the owners have built up a long-lasting relationship with a series of quality suppliers from across four continents. They are passionate about contemporary and rustic furniture and are always adding new products and designs; many of the items found in their collection are exclusive to them and have been crafted specially to provide characterful, useful items for your home.

Many of the items in the Casa Bella collection are exclusive to them

In April 2016 the company opened its first high street shop in The Gateway in Trowbridge. It’s a treasure trove of inspirational products and ideas, including an ever-evolving range of clocks, lamps, rugs, cushions and throws, along with unique ranges of reclaimed and solid wood furniture, British-made sofas in a huge range of fabrics and much, much more.

Their aim is to offer a selection of products that are at the forefront of interior fashion whilst also catering for a wide range of tastes and budgets. Every item they sell is carefully selected to ensure there is something on offer for everyone.

“many of the items found in their collection are exclusive to them and have been crafted specially to provide characterful, useful items for your home.”

when choosing from their vast product range. Finding that perfect As a proud family run business, something for your home isn’t always offering good customer service is easy, so why not pay them a visit paramount, and they have an interior instore and discover something designer instore who is always special? The shop is located opposite happy to offer help and guidance The Shires/ASDA in the centre of

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Trowbridge, a stone’s throw from the train station. They are open 7 days a week, Mondays to Saturdays from 9.30am to 5.30pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

• casabellafurniture.co.uk

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| house & home

15 years of Perfect Rooms

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This year the experts at interior design specialists Perfect Rooms are celebrating their 15th anniversary…

erfect Rooms was established by Sue Coleman some 15 years ago. Initially working from a shop on the High Street in Corsham, a few years ago Sue moved out to larger premises with ample free parking over in Gastard. From there, the business has continued to thrive. Nowadays you can pop into the showroom, which is open 6 days a week, for a cup of freshly ground coffee or Eteaket tea at their coffee shop and spend hours going through fabrics, marvelling over wallpaper and working with the team to create a great new scheme that best describes you and your family. They have remnants for you to play with, fabrics for you to feel and gifts for you to take home.

Spring is the perfect time to put a little life back into your home, what better way than with one of their new collections, like the Villa Nova Norrland Collection inspired by Hygge! (pictured)! In the Norrland collection the focus is on nature and bringing out the colours we

Villa Nova’s new collection is inspired by Hygge

“Spring is the perfect time to put a little life back into your home, what better way than with one of their new collections” find in the natural world, with muted neutrals, greens and blues featuring in Villa Nova fabrics range of patterns and plains.

If you pop by the showroom they will be more than happy to help with both inspiration and practical

advice. They can direct you to the right kind of book, guide you gently through the styling process, or take on all interior design work from start to finish.

If you haven’t already you must take a look at their website where you can find all the information you could need. For inspiration at your fingertips their blog is well worth a visit (the direct link can be found on the website homepage) and it is constantly updated with great ideas and schemes, seasonal and timeless. You can also sign up to their newsletter for fabulous (and not too frequent!) emails letting you know what’s going on and the latest seasonal trends and how to recreate them in your home.

• perfectrooms.co.uk

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| charity

WAA 100 Club

Businesses have pledged their support for Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s major fundraising appeal for its new airbase at Semington, by joining The 100 Club.

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usinesses from across the county have signed up to the charity’s 100 Club. Each business who joins The 100 Club pledges to raise £10,000 for the Airbase Appeal. The appeal is raising the remaining £1.25 million towards completing the building and equipping of the new airbase.

organiser at Lowden Garden Centre, said: “We are delighted to be on board The 100 Club. Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a very worthwhile charity and it is for anyone; my family have had cause to use it. We are planning a dinner and auction on 1 July and a Christmas Bazaar as part of our fundraising.”

Among the new 100 Club members is The Consortium, the education and care company based in Trowbridge. Cathryn Petchey, HR Director at The Consortium, said: “We have been fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance for several years – it’s a very popular charity with our staff.

We love supporting the charity because everyone realises that they, or their loved ones, could need their services at any time. We’re so pleased to be a member of The 100 Club to raise funds for the new airbase that will enable the WAA to continue to deliver its lifesaving service.”

The founding members of The 100 Club are Kingstons Estate Agents, Hartham Park, Excalibur, Coombe Castle and Goughs Solicitors.

Another new member is Lowden Garden Centre at Shaw, owned

by Jonathan and Alison Sinclair.

Christopher Scott-Moody, events

Baroness Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, spoke at the launch and urged businesses to get on board. She said: “The 100 Club campaign is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to not only support such a valuable community service as the air ambulance, but also help raise their own profile and give their own business a boost. Your support will be directly helping save peoples’ lives and we really can’t put a price on that.”

More than 60 people attended the launch of The 100 Club and they heard from patients and their

families who had benefitted from the critical care skills of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s paramedics and the speed of the charity’s state-of-the-art Bell 429 helicopter.

Pete Burch, who was airlifted by Wiltshire Air Ambulance after a serious road traffic collision on 7 March 2015 on the A30 outside Salisbury, said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is an incredible charity that saved my life. We have to help Wiltshire Air Ambulance in their goal to get their new airbase and businesses can do that by joining The 100 Club.”

Also at the launch was Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity Ambassador Shelley Rudman, the Skeleton Bobsleigh Olympian from the Pewsey Vale. Wiltshire Air Ambulance flew in and landed at the launch and guests were given tours of it and its paramedics gave demonstrations of the medical equipment they use.

Cheryl Johnson, Head of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Airbase Appeal, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who attended the launch of The 100 Club and all the businesses who have become members. By joining The 100 Club, businesses will be playing a big part in helping us to create a legacy for Wiltshire, with a custombuilt airbase that will enable us to save lives for many years to come.”

To find out more about becoming a 100 Club member, or simply to donate to this fantastic cause, head to the website.

The 100 Club launch took place at Hartham Park in Corsham

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• wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk

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Tel: 01225 571030

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Visit our independent showroom at

17 George Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8QA

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| business

Burn baby burn!

PAUL TAGENT, Director of Bath Marketing Agency, talks us through some key points crucial to the successful promotion of any business…

I

saw this quote many years ago from the marketing director at leading advertising agency, Young & Rubicam, and I have never really forgotten it. “Marketing is rather like building a darn good fire.

You need to start off slowly, gently nurturing it and not expect results immediately. With constant care and attention, the fire will grow and grow and the investment of logs rather than kindling will produce even greater results. The fire can now burn freely and produce the rewards. But beware, if it is left unattended for any length of time, you can be left trying to resurrect the ashes.”

For many organisations, marketing is viewed as some sort of magic switch – “business is slow so we need to do some quick marketing” – which can be flicked on and off during tricky times. This is not the case! Marketing is a never ending process, not an event or a kneejerk reaction to something that is happening in your market.

“For many organisations, marketing is viewed as some sort of magic switch which can be flicked on and off during tricky times. This is not the case!”

initiatives, implement new ideas and set aside time each day for marketing rather than do “marketing” one morning a month. Little and often is the key and make sure your message stays “on brand” and consistent.

After all, it is highly unlikely that your We always advise people to take baby prospects are only looking for what steps with their marketing; test new you offer at the exact time you offer it. You need to remain on radars so that your name is at the top of the list for when the prospects are looking.

To help you, most social media platforms can be automated, emarketing can be done very easily, you are very likely to be spoilt for choice with networking opportunities and print is now much cheaper than it used to be.

My advice to every business out there is to continually market their

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company even when business is booming as this lays the foundations.

Don’t fall into the trap of delaying your marketing until you’ve finished the latest project as, you will very likely raise your head at the end and wonder where the next project is coming from. Then it is too late to kick start the marketing process. The fire needs attention or it goes out!

Marketing (and sales) should be run continuously regardless of your current successes, failures or situation.

Put a plan together and use as many platforms to get your message out there!

To find out more give Paul at Bath Marketing Consultancy a call on 01225 436426.

• bathmarketingconsultancy.co.uk

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

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| bath rugby

BATH LIONS

The Lions' squad for the 2017 tour of New Zealand has been announced, but who from Bath made the touring party?

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he rumour mill on who would make the final cut for Warren Gatland’s Lions' squad has been going on for months, but on Wednesday 19 April the rumours came to an end when the official announcement was made. There were some surprises in his 41-man squad, but in the end Gatland chose a line up of 16 players from England, 12 from Wales, 11 from Ireland and two from Scotland. Of those, three come from the current Bath Rugby squad, in Taulupe Faletau, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson.

Bath will have three representatives on the Lions Tour

Wales back row Sam Warburton will captain the side, joining Martin Johnson as the only men to have led a Lions tour twice. England captain Dylan Hartley was one of the most high profile absentees, having been overlooked in favour of his England teammate Saracen’s Jamie George.

(Northampton Saints, England), Joe Marler (Harlequins, England), Jack McGrath (Leinster, Ireland), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester, Wales), Sean O'Brien (Leinster, Ireland), Peter O'Mahony (Munster, Ireland), Ken Owens (Scarlets, Wales), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins, England), CJ Stander (Munster, Ireland), Justin The tour gets underway on Saturday Tipuric (Ospreys, Wales), Billy Vunipola 3 June when the Lions play a NZ (Saracens, England), Mako Vunipola Provincial Union XV in Whangerai and (Saracens, England), Sam Warburton finishes with the third and final test (Cardiff, Wales) against the All Blacks on Saturday 8 July in Auckland.

BACKS

British & Irish Lions 2017 squad FORWARDS Rory Best (Ulster, Ireland), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, England), Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, Ireland), Jamie George (Saracens, England), Iain Henderson (Ulster, Ireland), Maro Itoje (Saracens, England), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, Wales), George Kruis (Saracens, England), Courtney Lawes

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Dan Biggar (Ospreys, Wales), Elliot Daly (Wasps, England), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets, Wales),

Owen Farrell (Saracens, England), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon, Wales), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, Ireland), Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, England), Conor Murray (Munster, Ireland), George North (Northampton Saints, Wales), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, England), Jared Payne (Ulster, Ireland), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster, Ireland), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland), Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors, England), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, England), Rhys Webb (Ospreys, Wales), Liam Williams (Scarlets, Wales), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, England)

2017 LIONS FIXTURES All games are being shown live on Sky Sports Sat 3 June

NZ Prov Union XV

Wed 7 June

Blues

Sat 10 June

Crusaders

Tues 13 June Sat 17 June

Tues 20 June Sat 24 June Tues 27 June

Chiefs 1st Test v NZ Hurricanes

Highlanders

Sat 1 July

2nd Test v NZ

Maori All Blacks

Sat 8 July

3rd Test v NZ

| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers PRIME MINISTER WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

ATTLEE BLAIR BROWN CALLAGHAN CAMERON CHAMBERLAIN CHURCHILL DOUGLAS-HOME EDEN HEATH MACMILLAN MAJOR MAY THATCHER WILSON

SUDOKU

MEDIUM

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.05.17 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: On what date is the next General Election?

Q2: Who is the only Prime Minister to be born outside The British Isles?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: JOFFREY Quiz answers: 1: Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion 2: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson 3: Lyanna Stark 4: Ours is the fury 5: House Stark

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Q3: Which MP for Bewdley was Prime Minister on three separate occasions?

Q4: Who was the last Prime Minister to be an armed forces veteran?

Q5: Who was the last non-graduate Prime Minister?

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

| last word

E

Step away from the tweezers

very now and then, as with most households, we have something to celebrate and one of the ways we might mark the specific special occasion is by going out to eat. If the celebration is along the lines of “Yay….it’s Thursday….it’s almost the weekend” you may find us queueing up in the drive-thru at Maccy D’s. If, however, it is a birthday or anniversary then we might push the boat out and actually go somewhere nice and, rather than

to Michelin starred cooking in my own kitchen with a four year old at my side asking if they can help every 30 seconds.

We were at one of these places recently. The experience started pretty well. The front of house staff were welcoming and attentive, ensuring we were comfortable, had menus, heard the specials etc etc. It was then the pretentiousness began.

Asking if we could have some water for the table proved to be a mistake as we then had to wait while the

“Asking if we could have some water for the table proved to be a mistake as we then had to wait while the young girl who sat us went through a list of about 15 waters we could choose from…

We opted for ‘tap’, which didn’t go down too well!” sit in a dodgy car park next to an overflowing bin, sit at a table, on chairs that aren’t nailed to the floor, with metal cutlery and everything!

I should start by saying I have been to a few Michelin star restaurants in my time and they have all been fantastic. Tom Kerridge’s Hand of Flowers in Marlow served up a piece of pork crackling so sublime that it actually changed the shape of my face as I ate it. No, it is not these genuine culinary masters that are going to be the subject of this month’s musings, but rather the establishments, or perhaps chefs, that think they are that good when really they are nothing more than pale imitations. Frankly, given a decent apron and a KP to shout at when things go wrong, I’d be closer

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young girl who sat us went through a list of about 15 waters (I might be exaggerating a smidge) we could choose from… We opted for ‘tap’, which didn’t go down too well! The food when it came looked lovely but gave you the impression you were paying for the space on the plate not the ‘meal’ presented on it. You could just tell that there was someone in the kitchen plating up dishes with a pair of tweezers. Here is a clue…if you need tweezers to put something on a plate it’s too small and far far too fussy. Tweezers are for stamp collectors or for people taking care of eyebrow business (don’t get me started on that - maybe next month!)

Once we had finished our ‘main course’ we decide to have a cheese board, big mistake. It took a good 15

minutes for the chap to tell us about the cheese. Not just the name but which farm it was from, the farmer’s name, the cow’s name and which udder the milk came from. I’d have been happy with some Dairylea Dunkers and a bit of Cathedral City to be honest - this is the only time in my life I have regretted wanting some cheese.

The worst was yet to come though…the bill. I am not a mean person, if something is worth the money I’ll pay for it. A Chicken Legend with BBQ Sauce is worth £3.49 of anyone’s money surely?! I can’t bring myself to tell you how much it was - it’s still too painful - suffice to say it was more than a Big Mac meal but less than a two-bedroom house… but not by much. We paid the bill, and the service charge, and left with a spring in our step - my wallet was about a pound lighter!

Phil Rockliffe