The West Wilts Magazine - November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 // ISSUE 99

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MAGAZINE

The Festival of light WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO LONGLEAT’S SPECTACULAR LIGHT SHOW!

FESTIVE FEASTS

EAT WELL THIS CHRISTMASTIME

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING OUR GUIDE TO GETTING GREAT GIFTS

+ LISTINGS GUIDE XMAS MARKETS, LIGHT SWITCH ONS & EVENTS & MUCH MORE

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

YOUR LOCAL VILLEROY & BOCH STOCKISTS

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN BATH

5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS t 01225 309110

&

12a Trim Street, Bath BA1 1HB t 01225 308060

www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Front Cover: The Festival of Light at Longleat

November 2017 // issue 99

W

elcome to our November edition, where we unashamedly herald the start of the festive season. Now is the time to begin thinking about present buying and food shopping (if you haven’t already) and we are ready with a bumper edition bursting full of great places to stock up.

With food so central to the festive season we guide you towards the best farm shops and delis to gather your supplies (p21). Then we follow this up with some of the best markets and events going on in the region (p41) - including information on all the local light switch on events - before then giving you some info on some of the best local retailers to head to for great decorations and gifts (p53).

And don’t forget to enter our fantastic competition to win a family ticket to Longleat’s Festival of Light! The ticket gets you entry into the park (two adults and two children) on the day to enjoy a safari and all the other benefits of the house and gardens before enjoying the fantastic lights when night falls. For all the details see page 16! Enjoy

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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 November

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events FOOD & DRINK Michelin star for Whatley Manor Food News Eat The Seasons Chinese Recipes

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18 30 32 33

FEATURES Festive Feasts Christmas Markets & Events Christmas Shopping

21 41 53

Taking great Christmas photos

60

41 HOMES & GARDENS Bathrooms at No 5 expands

62

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Sorting out your will and finances

74

HEALTH & WELLBEING The AVR Half Marathon

76

BATH RUGBY The latest from Bath Rugby

78

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Win tickets to The Festival of Light 16 Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku 80 COMMENT The Last Word

82 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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EUROPEAN OAK ENGINEERED FLOORING IN STOCK AT SYDENHAMS MAIDEN BRADLEY

KARNDEAN VINYL FLOORING AND LAMINATE FLOORING ALSO AVAILABLE PLUS...

Fencing Sheet Materials Gates External Cladding

Pine & Oak Panels Hardwoods Joinery & Treated Softwood Underlay

Tel: 01985 844771 Email: Sales.MaidenB@sydenhams.co.uk Bradley Lane, Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire BA12 7JR

www.sydenhams.co.uk

| events

local

listings NOVEMBER 2017

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

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

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: NOSTALGIA SHOW 8 November, 2pm Tickets: £13 (Concs £11) This enchanting production will warm your heart on the coldest winter’s day.

THE QUO EXPERIENCE 9 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 (Concs £18) The magic and chemistry of the Parfitt/ Rossi partnership is being continued within The Quo Experience.

BIG ‘O’ & THE TRAVELING WILBURYS 10 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 The return of the excellent tribute show to Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys.

FAST LOVE - GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE 23 November, 7.30pm Frigg, Wiltshire Music Centre

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Tickets: £22.50 A show packed with crowd pleasing anthems reliving the passion, flare, and sensitivity of George Michael.

DODGY ACOUSTIC 24 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 A series of intimate acoustic shows playing stripped back versions of classics and tracks from recent albums.

THE ARC THEATRE

BANGALORE DREAMS 10 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 Leading Indian violinist combines traditions old and new.

AN EVENING WITH CHARLIE WAITE 11 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 One of the world’s leading landscape photographers.

Trowbridge, BA14 0ES Tel: 01225 756376 arctheatre.org.uk

CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR 12 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £16 A concert for Remembrance Sunday.

ALADDIN: A TRADITIONAL FAMILY PANTOMIME 9-12 November, various times Tickets: £10 (Concs £9) Grant your friends and family a wish and see this feel good, family entertainment.

THE BLUES BAND 18 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £26 Celebrating the blues tradition in all its forms.

SPAMALOT 21–25 November, 7.30pm Tickets: from £10 A riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits and dancing nuns.

TOM POSTER: PIANO 19 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 Leading pianist returns with a dazzling programme.

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

QUARTETTO DI CREMONA 24 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 Globetrotting quartet give their WMC debut an Italian journey.

BATH PHILHARMONIA 8 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £25 Leading pianist Alexandra Dariescu joins Bath Philharmonia in a programme inspired by nature.

FRIGG 25 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 Fiery Finnish fiddle septet from cool Scandinavia.

send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

| events

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

MORGAN & WEST 11 November, 12.30pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Morgan & West return to the stage with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young and old.

GIANT 11 November, 8pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) Horribly honest clowns and cabaret acts ignite the stage in this explosive performance with live music, puppetry, poetry and movement.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CONCERT & TEA DANCE 12 November, 4pm Tickets: £10 Commemorate Remembrance Sunday at Corsham Town Hall.

NO REGRETS: BARB JUNGR SINGS CLASSIC CHANSONS 12 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) Barb Jungr stars in this stunning show, which combines influences of northern soul, jazz and opera.

enabled Peter Knight to turn his full attention to his trio Gigspanner.

MERLIN THEATRE

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

AQUARIUS (Cert: 18) 8 November, 8pm Tickets: £6.50 Retired music critic Clara is the last remaining resident in a beachfront apartment who refuses to sell.

FOLLIES: NTL 16 November, 7pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) A dazzling musical by Stephen Sondheim, performed for the first time on the National Theatre’s Olivier stage.

THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL – MET 18 November, 5.55pm Tickets: £16 (Concs £10.50) Co-commissioned by The MET and sung in English, this black comedy is based on the screenplay of Luis Buñuel’s 1962 surrealist film.

ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS 23-25 November, 7.45pm Tickets: £10 (Concs £8) Calum Grant directs a fantastically funny farce in which Francis must KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN keep it secret that he has two jobs and therefore two guvnors.

18 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (Concs £11) THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE Beautiful, varied, original songs and a 18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE warm, informal, live performance style make for a truly memorable experience. Box Office: 01985 213891 theath.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

PUB QUIZ FOR KIDS WITH PATRICK MONAHAN PRIVATE HENRY TANDEY VC 25 November, 2pm 10 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £8, Family £28 (Concs £7) This fun, family quiz is wonderful fun for Tickets: £15 (Concs £14) The story of Henry Tandey VC, the most the whole family. Age guidance 5+ decorated British Soldier of WWI. PETER KNIGHT’S GIGSPANNER A NIGHT OF BURLESQUE 29 November, 7.30pm 11 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £15 Tickets: £14 His departure from Steeleye Span has

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Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Pounds Arts

Compered by international performer Miss Cherry Bomb.

HIDDEN FIGURES (Cert PG) 22 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £5.50 Based on the incredible true story of three African-American female mathematicians as, against all odds, they rise through the ranks of NASA. PRIDE & PREJUDICE 30 November – 2 December, various times Tickets: £10 An adaptation from the novel by Heather Durbin in collaboration with Adela Forestier-Walker.

NEELD ARTS CENTRE

High Street, Chippenham SN15 3ER Tel: 01249 446699 neeld.co.uk RICHARD DIGANCE 10 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £18 Many people sing, play guitar and tell stories, but not many can also claim to have supported Steve Martin and Robin Williams or duetted with Brian May. THE WURZELS 25 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £22.50 West Country legends The Wurzels return to The Neeld in Chippenham!

WINTER EXHIBITION & SALE 18 – 25 November, 9am FREE Chippenham & District Artists winter exhibition and sale of paintings. chippenhamartists.co.uk

send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

| events

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG Tel: 01249 730459 nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless stated CHRISTMAS AT LACOCK From 30 November, 11am FREE (normal admission applies) Christmas trees, decorations, a festive trail, and Father Christmas (booking essential) are at Lacock this year.

AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS 2, 3, 9, 10 & 16 December, various times Tickets: £8 (includes one adult) Meet Father and Mother Christmas in their festive kitchen.

TOWN HALL ARTS

Trowbridge Town Hall, BA14 8EQ Tel: 01225 774306 trowbridgearts.com MORGAN & WEST: PARLOUR TRICKS 10 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £11 (Concs £9) Join this time travelling magic duo for an evening full of jaw dropping, brain bursting, gasp eliciting feats of magic.

CHURCHILL 24 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £11 (Concs £9) Pip Utton stars in a one man show looking at the life of Winston Churchill.

MRS GERRISH’S REAR WINDOW 26 November, 3pm Tickets: £11 (Concs £9) A recreation of a Hitchcock classic.

CHEESE & GRAIN

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

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY 11 November, 8pm Tickets: £18 Limehouse Lizzy keep the spirit of Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive.

JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS 25 November, 8pm

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Tickets: £20 A stand out performer of traditional folk.

MICHAEL PORTILLO 26 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 Since leaving politics Michael has been a regular on radio and TV including eight series of Great Railway Journeys.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer Street, Trowbridge villagepump.org.uk

Tickets: £2 Singers and spotlight nights. For info see the Acoustic Oak Facebook page.

BRADFORD ON AVON & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon 30 November, 6.30pm Tickets: £12 An open meeting with a demonstration

by Julia Knights with refreshments and wine included in the ticket price. Contact Helen Curtis on 01225 868535 or email helencurtis23@hotmail.co.uk

THE THREE HORSESHOES

OPEN MIC NIGHT 17 November Tickets: £3

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

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

THE BLUNDERS 10 November PUSSYCAT & THE DIRTY JOHNSONS 11 November STRANGE FOLK 12 November

JOHNS & NOWAK 28 November, 8pm FREE

DEAF HORSE 17 November

SINGAROUND 7, 14 & 21 November, 8pm FREE

EDSEL FURYS 18 November PHIL COOPER & THE SLIGHT BAND 19 November

OTHERS CORSHAM CREATIVE MARKET Springfield Community Campus, SN13 9DN 4 November, 11am-3pm FREE Over 30 local stallholders sell handmade, home produced goods. For more details email nicola-davis@live.co.uk BATH ARTISAN MARKET Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB Every 2nd & 3rd Sunday Bath’s biggest monthly gathering of independent artists, designer-makers, vintage sellers and local food producers.

ACOUSTIC OAK The Royal Oak, High St, Corsham SN13 0HF 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 November

THE LOAN SHARKS 24 November MERCY LOUNGE 25 November THE LEWIS CRAVEN BAND 26 November

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON Last Sunday of each month, 10.30am-2pm, Lamb’s Yard DEVIZES 1st Saturday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Market Place WARMINSTER 1st Friday of each month, 9am – 1pm, Central Car Park

send your listings to info@wired-publishing.co.uk

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Saving stray & unwanted dogs since 1958

image © Steve Nash

WWM044

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

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

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

✃

Our dogs are all vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, neutered and chipped, and looking for loving new homes * NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.12.17. ROAR

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary, Priory Rd, Ascot, Berks SL5 8RJ

�

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

CHEESE &GRAIN THU 2 NOV 8PM FRI 3RD NOV 8PM TUE 7TH NOV 7.30PM SAT 11TH NOV 8PM SAT 25TH NOV 8PM SUN 26TH NOV 7.30PM SAT 2ND DEC 10AM SUN 9TH DEC 8PM WED 13TH DEC 8PM MON 18TH DEC 8PM THU 21ST DEC 8PM FRI 22ND DEC 8PM SAT 23RD DEC 8PM SUN 31ST DEC 8PM SAT 13TH JAN 8PM FRI 19TH JAN 8PM SAT 26TH JAN 8PM ND

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com HAWKLORDS £16.50 ADV RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS £25 PROFESSOR ALICE ROBERTS £17.50 ADV LIMEHOUSE LIZZY £18 JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS £20 MICHAEL PORTILLO £17.50 ADV FROME RECORD FAIR FREE ADMISSION STEELEYE SPAN £22.50 ELIZA CARTHY & THE WAYWARD BAND £22 JASON MANFORD SOLD OUT RETURNS ONLY CARA DILLON £22 NEVILLE STAPLE BAND £20 THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS £15 NYE PARTY: THE UPBEAT BEATLES £20 OYE SANTANA £15 ED BYRNE £26.50 MANFRED MANN’S EARTH BAND £20 ADV

Limehouse Lizzy

Cara Dillon

Ed Byrne

| local news

roundup

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

SEE SNOW WHITE IN PANTO AT THE THEATRE ROYAL

Theatre Royal Bath is one of the most beautiful and oldest theatres in the UK and makes the perfect setting for a traditional family pantomime.

Hilarious and glamorous, Packed with comedy, slapstick, Harriet Thorpe is best singing, dancing, beautiful known for The Brittas costumes and Empire and plenty of audience Absolutely participation, Snow In this year’s show, Snow White and Fabulous on White and the Seven the Seven Dwarfs, one of the UK’s television. Her Dwarfs is set to thrill best-loved actresses Harriet Thorpe recent starring West West Country audiences (pictured) will take centre stage as End roles include as this traditional family the Wicked Queen, alongside panto Her Ladyship pantomime makes favourite Jon Monie and acclaimed in The a welcome Dame Nick Wilton (EastEnders).

Dresser, return to the Snow White is played by DevonMadame Bath stage Elise Johnson, direct from her Morrible to delight Whatsonstage award-nominated in audiences role as Anne in Half A Sixpence, Wicked, of all ages. one of the biggest West End hits of Mrs Head online recent years. The cast will also feature Lovett in for detailed seven accomplished short actors Sweeney Todd information on as the magnificent seven playing and Tanya in ticket prices, the roles of Snow White’s friends Mamma Mia. group discounts, and protectors, when the classic Her films performance times fairy-story is staged for only the include and to book or call third time ever in the Theatre Royal’s Calendar Girls the box office on illustrious pantomime history from and Ab Fab: 01225 448844.

Thursday 7th December to Sunday See Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs the Movie.

7th January.

• theatreroyal.org.uk at the Theatre Royal this Chrstmas

WARMINSTER NSPCC HOSTING CHRISTMAS FAIR IN CODFORD The Warminster and District NSPCC is hosting a fundraising Christmas Fair at Codford Village Hall on Thursday 30 November, from 10am until 3pm. There’ll be NSPCC Christmas Cakes, puddings, mince

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pies, preserves, food for the freezer for Christmas, cakes for bridge teas, bowls of indoor bulbs and NSPCC Christmas cards as well as stalls selling clothing, beauty products, jewellery, paintings, books and Stock up on puddings and pies at the fair a huge variety of gifts.

As well as all the shopping there will be coffee and a bar too, so you can do some shopping for family and friends, maybe buy a little something for yourself too and raise money for a great cause at the same time! Do remember your cheque book and/or cash as some stallholders will not have debit / credit card facilities. Find the village hall at Broadleaze on the high street in Codford.

local news |

BATH CAMERATA TO PERFORM IN BOA ENJOY CHRISTMAS Bath Camerata makes a welcome as well as music by the current Master AT LACOCK ABBEY return to historic Bradford-on-Avon to of the Queen’s Music, Judith Weir, perform in the lovely acoustic of the and by one of Britain’s best young newly refurbished Holy Trinity Church, composers, Tarik O’Regan. right next to the river Avon.

The concert takes place on Saturday The choir will sing a mixed 25 November and starts at 7.30pm. programme of music entitled ‘The Tickets are £16 for adults, £8 for under Passing of the Year’. The programme 25 and are available online or from will also include Frank Martin’s Mass Bath Box Office on 01225 463362. for Double Choir, and Ben Parry’s lively arrangement of ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’ • bathcamerata.co.uk/events

If you’re looking to escape the weekend crowds this Christmas, then make the most of the calm serenity of Lacock during the quieter week days. Admire the decorations in the cloister, home to the popular community Christmas Tree Festival, or pick up the perfect gift in the courtyard Christmas shop. New for this year, a Victorian choir will be performing in the courtyard on Thursdays and Fridays, and as always, from Thursdays to Sundays, the abbey’s Great Hall will be beautifully decorated. There’s so much to do, why not make Lacock one of your Christmas traditions?

For details and opening hours, visit the website or call 01249 730459.

© National Trust Images / Brooks Smith Creative

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Bath Camerata will be performing at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon this November

FESTIVE FUN AT HAYNES MOTOR MUSEUM The Haynes International Motor Museum is always a great place for the whole family to visit and this Christmas there’s even more to do! For the youngsters between the 2nd and the 23rd December, Christmas at Haynes is taking place around the whole Museum.

Help Santa find his missing elves and receive a fantastic reward at the end. This activity is offered at no extra cost over the normal admissions price. See website for further details and any terms and conditions.

• himm.co.uk

TROWBRIDGE CHORUS CHRISTMAS CONCERT On Saturday 9 December at 7.30 pm in The Parish Church of St. James’, Trowbridge, Graham Dalby will conduct a warming programme of festive music with an Austrian/German theme by Schubert, Brahms, Bruckner, Grüber and Bach, plus beautiful Christmas Carols with audience participation. Tickets are £10 (children go free). Call 01225 761364 for more information.

• trowbridgechoral.org.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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The Vintage Bazaar

Saturday 25th November The Corn Exchange, Devizes 9am - 3pm

thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM

AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FEATURING

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

Parking is available in front of showroom

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

local news |

Thermaglaze celebrates 30 years

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his November Thermaglaze will celebrate 30 successful years as the South West’s leading home improvement company - with over 20,000 installations completed since being established in 1987.

Since starting out as a one man operation in 1987 Thermaglaze has grown into one of the country’s largest independent home improvement companies. Recent buyouts of Yeovil-based Firmseal and Bath-based Clearglaze Windows have strengthened Thermaglaze’s foothold in the region whilst maintaining its friendly, no-pressure approach.

Thermaglaze has cemented its reputation as the number one go-to company in the area by ensuring its customers are supplied with the very best products available, fitted

by highly trained and professional installers, all backed up with industry leading warranties and a second-tonone customer support service.

Throughout November Thermaglaze will be inviting customers to come and enjoy a glass of fizz and some nibbles in its Sutton Veny showroom

to celebrate its past 30 years and to look forward to many more to come.

Everyone at Thermaglaze would like to take this opportunity to thank all of their customers for their incredible support over the years - they couldn’t have done it without you.

• thermaglaze.com

Thermaglaze will be celebrating their anniversary throughout November

The Christmas Vintage Bazaar

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his Christmas why not avoid the high street crowds and mass produced gifts and opt for beautiful antique, vintage and handmade delights instead?

decorations you can do all your Christmas shopping in one relaxed place. Their knowledgeable dealers have been busily sourcing stunning vintage goodies from here at home and from brocantes in France ready The Christmas Vintage Bazaar brings for the event, so be sure not to together the very best vintage miss it. dealers and designer/makers from As well as textiles and homewares “The Christmas you’re sure to find treasures like Vintage Bazaar brings vintage children’s books and together the very best games, toys, one of a kind jewellery, beautifully crafted handbags and vintage dealers and hats, Observer books and maps, designer/makers from just perfect if you are on the lookout for something truly special all over the country” this Christmastime. all over the country and it returns Twitter, on Instagram or at their to The Corn Exchange in Devizes Doors open at The Corn Exchange dedicated blog. on Saturday 25 November. With at 9am and the event finishes at beautiful antique gifts, vintage 3pm. For further information follow • thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com party dresses and handmade The Vintage Bazaar on Facebook, THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| scompetition wen lacol

WIN tickets to The Festival of Light at Longleat Enter our competition to win one of THREE FAMILY TICKETS to this year’s Festival of Light at Longleat this Christmastime.

The theme for this year’s festival is the ‘Magic of Storytelling’

COMPETITION

We are lucky enough to have three family tickets (admitting two adults and two children) for entry to the Festival of Light to give away. The tickets are valid for open dates between Friday 10 November – Wednesday 3 January 2018.

Tickets include entry to Longleat attractions plus the Festival of Light lanterns. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is email your answer to this easy question lufituaeb eht tahw tagnikool yb won nosaes evitsetof phil@wired-publishing.co.uk ruoy gninnalp tratS subject ...reffo no sah troseR floG dna apS ,letoH dooLongleat woB comp, and please include your name with your entry. ylno s’ti wonk ew se evitsef fo rebmun a era erehT ehT ta srehcuov tfig dna stnemtaert oot reveWROTE n s’ti tub rebTHE metpeS doowsoinfamous B ta gnineencounter ppah sthgiled WHO dnahegntheme irepmafor p sLongleat’s amtsirhC rof apS Snow White’ tuoba gnMERMAID? ikniht trats ot ylrae evitsthe eF m orf ,trowoman; seR floGvisitors & apS ,are letoH LITTLE fig sam tsirhC with fourth Festival of.stLight will peddler etato virdance P ot )0with 5.81£the ( aeSugar T nooPlum nretfA sgniht rof gnikool era uoy fI !samtsirhC be the ‘Magic of Storytelling’. invited doowyour oB ,doanswers irep evitsnow. ef ehGood t revo o d ot ylim af a roatf tthe cefdizzying rep ,gninheights iD evitseF Email nfi ot einspiration rus er’uoy ,efrom ciohtales c sihtnew lla htiW Fairy, Itddraws marvel luck! .noitsa’rtower, belec hide ynapfrom mocthe ro ytrap .reffo no sgniht taerg emos sah etatsE sihtincluding doowoB tpopular a tius ot g nihtemos of Rapunzel’ and old; stories itamrRed ofniRiding erom rHood, oF .nosThe aes Little evitsef Snow Queen, make friends with the likenoLittle Closing date for entries is 30.11.17. Entrants samtsimeet rhCtheecharming ht htiw strmust atsberover ad18. nePrize laiscasestated vitsandefis eTh“ @tas roswell er liaas methe ,etlocal isbewlegend eht tisiv Ugly Duckling, Mermaid, non-transferable. No cash alternative will be .822228 9‘Gurt 4210 Worm’ llac ro gdragon. ro.doowob Frog yadPrince, senand deW orf esu oow Bentrants ta aztonouramailing gavalistrtotxE of Somerset’s losem themselves inoH d offered.

Weo add receive an online edition of the magazine each The theme will see guests travelling Thumbelina’”s.r toadstool valley. ebmevoN ht52 ymonth. adirIfFyouowould t reprefer bmyour evdetails oNwere dr32 gro.doowob • through a mysterious world, not used in this way please state NO INFO on your entry. htiw strats radnelac evitsef ehT eno dnethe tta d luoc uoy yloutdoor evitanretlA peppered with captivating scenes Alongside remarkable ta aznagavartxE samtsirhC eht seirevraC Longleat’s samtsirhCprestigious ylimaF eht fo and characters from well-known experiences; yadsendeW morf esuoH doowoB yreve tnastately ruatsehome R enruwill blehbe S eht ni • longleat.co.uk/festival-of-light tales, evoking a sense of fantasy and Elizabethan ht52 yadirF ot rebmevoN dr32 .rebmein cetraditional D ht81 ot hEdwardian t4 morf yadnuS nostalgia amongst all ages. dressed fo ssenoihcraM ehT .rebmevoN ot ydécor. tinutroThis ppoislwhere aedi ehguests t na si sare ihT festive ot esuoH eht snepo enwodsnaL wow aer a roF characters .seitivitsef einhttheir trats On selected dates from 5th November invited to lbecome retniw dloc eht gnirud cilbup eht yaD and samimmerse tsirhC etathemselves rbelec ,rotcaf through to 3rd January 2018, the own story .ralucatceps gnippohs a rof shtnom htiw doand owoeye-opening B fo trofmoc eht ni event will see Longleat transported in an historic morf weiverp gnineve eht dnettA na sepaservants nac dna eand ngapmahc to a whimsical fairy tale land of worldaofdbutlers, stekcit ,rebmevoN dr32 no mp8-4 eht ni laem Guides esruoc-throughout eerht suoiciled imagination through a series of giant housekeepers. .tnaruatwith seR eguests nrublehS ht42 no syad gnippohs lluf rof ro ,51£ and awe-inspiring illuminated lantern the house will interact rebmevoN ht52 dna )mp7-ma01( displays. Among dazzling scenes of and each other in traditional egatnbreathing avda ekatan dluenchanting oc uoy ,yllaniF ro yad eht no 8£ stekcit ,)mp3-ma01( cherished tales, including Cinderella’s costume, .dekoob-erp fi 6£ ,syaDthe apgrand S retniinteriors.

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16 71 THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE ENIZAGAMSTLIW TSEWEHT

Y

| local news

Looking for the perfect present?

W

oolley Grange has just launched an online gift voucher shop – perfect for fuss free shopping this Christmas.

From spa memberships to afternoon teas, spa days to overnight stays, there’s something for everyone.

The ‘Mum and Me Christmas Gift treat’ is particularly inviting. For £40 you can take your mum to enjoy a hand and arm massage and a file and polish, followed by a chat over tea or coffee and cake by the fire in the beautiful old Jacobean manor house.

Or for husbands, dads, boyfriends or sons, how about a relaxing Elemis massage? A real excuse to slow down and get rid of busy-life tensions.

The Spa at Woolley Grange also has some lovely Elemis Christmas

gift packs available. Book a place on their Elemis Spa Event from 2-6pm on 2 November for 20% off all Elemis products on the day as well as a host of other offers and demonstrations. Entry includes a glass of prosecco and nibbles and costs £20 for two (redeemable against any two Elemis purchases).

To book your place call the Spa at Woolley on 01225 865979.

If you fancy combining your Christmas shopping with a bit of festive indulgence, check out Woolley’s Bath Christmas Shopping Break with a complimentary taxi to and from Bradford on Avon station to beat the traffic. Alternatively, pre-book a Festive Afternoon Tea from 23 November to 20 December and enjoy a complimentary glass of

prosecco. The perfect antidote to a hard day’s shopping!

• woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Woolley Grange is a wonderful place to be at Christmastime

Whatley awarded Michelin star cuisines, including hints of Japanese and Korean.

Executive chef Niall Keating

L

ess than a year after joining Whatley Manor near Malmesbury, executive chef Niall Keating has been awarded a Michelin star for The Dining Room, in the Michelin Guide 2018. With a culinary pedigree spanning Benu in San Francisco, Sat Bains Restaurant in Nottingham, and Kong Hans Kaelder in Copenhagen, Niall is a focused

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young professional. After settling into Whatley Manor, he launched his own style of menus in The Dining Room in February, and is thrilled that Michelin have recognised the restaurant so quickly. He has brought a fresh vigour to the entire food programme at Whatley, with a modern British cooking style that also draws on his international experience and diverse

Niall praised his kitchen and frontof-house colleagues, and enthused: “I am incredibly proud of my team’s achievements in such a short space of time - winning a Michelin star in the 2018 guide, and continuing Whatley Manor’s relationship with the most respected industry guide in the world, is testament to the non-stop focus, hard work and determination we instilled from day one.”

Why not combine a visit with Whatley’s festive shopping event (21-23 November)? Find the perfect gift and enjoy a lunch, afternoon tea or dinner too – to book just email reservations@whatleymanor.com.

• whatleymanor.com

The Cheese Shop 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LH

Retailer of fine cheese, quality delicatessen produce, gifts & hampers Taking pre-Christmas orders from 1 Nov - 9 Dec

t: 01225 920240 e: info@cheese-shop.co.uk

www.cheese-shop.co.uk

We are now taking orders for our locally reared Bronze Turkeys and Geese as well as all your Christmas favourites.

All our staff are qualified to offer an efficient, reliable and personal service, using traditional methods of butchery. tel: 01985 213052 | www.cjrobbins.co.uk 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW

food & drink | The organic veggie nut roast from Riverford

FESTIVE FEASTS

From nibbles to Christmas lunch, making sure the whole family eats well at Christmas time is important to all of us. Here are some of the best places to stock up this festive season.

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| food & drink

ALLINGTON FARM SHOP Allington Bar Farm, Allington, Chippenham SN14 6LJ At Christmas Allington is packed full of delicious Christmas goodies, premium Christmas trees and unusual gift ideas including fabulous hampers tailor made to your requirements; there are a huge range of hamper baskets ready to be filled to the brim with the goodies of your choice. There is an extensive range of locally produced goods on sale (any of which can be included) from local cheese, chutneys and biscuits, fine wines, local ales and ciders, preserves, cakes and chocolates to an entire Christmas dinner!

Orders are now being taken for Christmas in the in house butchery; home reared turkeys are naturally matured on the farm, just behind the farm shop, in large open fronted barns on deep straw bedding. Turkeys are dry plucked, hand finished and then hung for at least 7 days in cold rooms; a process that preserves the natural texture and enhances the superior flavour of the bird. As well as home reared turkeys, the butchery specialises in local free range cockerels, chickens, geese, ducks and home cooked hams, all cuts of pork, beef and lamb as well as local seasonal game, dry cured bacon and gammon joints and homemade sausages and faggots.

For a preview be sure to head over for their Festive Tasting Day on Saturday 18th November, when you can meet some of their suppliers and taste their delicious products!

01249 658112 | allingtonfarmshop.co.uk

The Cheese Shop sells top quality deli produce

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Allington is packed full of delicious Christmas goodies

THE CHEESE SHOP 5 Market Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LH The Cheese Shop, just up Market Street hill in Bradford on Avon, is a retailer of fine cheese and quality delicatessen produce including local ham, pâtés, olives, jams, chutneys, biscuits, wine, luxury chocolates, gifts, hampers and much more! Perfect treats whatever the occasion, they are also taking pre-orders for the festive season from 1 November until 9 December for your perfect cheese board at Christmas or for gift hampers for that someone special - book early to avoid disappointment! They are also open daily from 12 December through to Christmas Eve for you to pop in.

01225 920240 | cheese-shop.co.uk

CJ ROBBINS 76 Market Place, Warminster BA12 9AW CJ Robbins is a Warminster institution; having occupied its premises in the Market Place for three generations it is now owned and run by Chris Robbins. Business is thriving largely thanks to the simple principle of offering a good quality product at a reasonable price. They source many of their wares from local established micro food wholesalers, including farmers, cheese makers and egg producers,

all of whom value the small business and operate exacting welfare codes, producing free range food with complete traceability. Right now they are taking orders for locally reared Woolley Park Farm bronze turkeys and geese as well as all your usual Christmas favourites, including superb beef, ducks and cockerels, local pork and lamb as well as Sandridge Farm dry cured bacon and products.

01985 213052 | cjrobbins.co.uk

THE DELI AT CORSHAM 18 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES Sitting on the High Street, The Deli is your one stop shop for some of the finest foods in the region.

It is a licensed delicatessen and cheesemonger offering a superb selection of artisan cheeses, as well as some continental and local cold meats. As you would expect there are also many other delicatessen favourites – including delicious freshly baked pastries and quiches, a selection of olives and some awardwinning chutneys, pickles and jams.

For those with more of a sweet tooth, take a look at The Deli’s tasty cakes, biscuits and quality chocolates. You can also take home some aromatic freshly ground coffee and impressive wines. Why not request a delicious hamper, made to order? They create

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

Premium Christmas Trees on sale from Wednesday 29th November

HOME & LOCALLY REARED FRESH MEAT, POULTRY & GAME HOMEMADE SAUSAGES, BURGERS & FAGGOTS Christmas Orders Now Being Taken Join us for our Tasting Day on Saturday 18th November 10.30am-3pm; Meet our suppliers and sample their delicious produce!

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 a unique gift for Christmas or any other special occasion. Whilst you’re there, you could also stop for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich; the perfect way to sample what The Deli has to offer.

01249 716091 | thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

FAIRFIELD FARM COLLEGE SHOP, CAFE & POST OFFICE

Farleigh Road is hosting a Christmas evening menu on 15 December

FARLEIGH ROAD FARM SHOP

favourite local suppliers, homemade treats, Christmas carols and food demonstrations. There will also be plenty to try from this year’s butchers’ Christmas order form.

Recently awarded Best Local Meat at the Bath Good Food Awards, order from the butchers at Hartley and you can be sure you are getting the best quality meat from named local farms for your family and friends this Christmas. Yum!

Norton St Philip, Bath BA2 7NG Farleigh Road Farm Shop and Café offers a fantastic selection of local 01225 864948 | hartley-farm.co.uk produce and gourmet treats all made by their own inhouse chefs.

They are holding a Christmas tasting evening from 4pm-8pm on Wednesday November 22nd where you can come and try a range of seasonal products from many of our lovely suppliers and get a complementary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie too.

Wholesale Only Christmas is an exceptionally busy The instore butchery offers locally time in the hospitality industry. With sourced free range pork, lamb and venues fully booked for lunch and beef as well free range poultry and dinner sometimes 7 days a week, game in season – orders are now anything that can help save time being taken for locally reared turkeys, is more than welcome. Lovejoys grass fed geese and all your other Wholesale, who already supply many Christmas favourites. of the top local eateries in Wiltshire and beyond, are renowned for the Throughout December the awardquality of the vegetables they supply.

Fairfield is also a lovely place to visit winning café will be offering At this time of year many chefs will for young families with a new seasonal specials to help you also be delighted to hear they can dedicated play area and animals to get into the festive spirit. With a prepare that veg for you at their visit on the animal walk. For details Christmas evening menu on Friday Melksham warehouse, delivering to and updates give the shop a call or 15 December prepared by their you a wonderful product that has Find them on Facebook – search fantastic chefs - places are limited so been cleaned and prepped, ready for Fairfield Farm College Farm Shop, Post book early! the pot.

Office and Café.

01225 720006| farleighroadfarmshop.co.uk 43 High St, Dilton Marsh BA13 4DL Fairfield Farm College is an independent specialist college for young people with learning disabilities, offering flexible residential and day provision for young people aged 16 to 25 years.

They have a café offering a spacious, family-friendly area, serving coffee, teas, cold drinks, cakes and light lunches whilst the farm shop stocks everyday groceries at competitive prices, fruit and vegetables, plants, compost, cards and gifts. The café and shop are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, Saturdays from 9.30am to 4pm and Sundays from 10am to 3pm. The Post Office is also open from Monday to Saturday, offering a range of postal and banking services.

01373 866060 | ffc.ac.uk

Fairfield is a lovely place to visit with children

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"order from the butchers at Hartley and you can be sure you are getting the best quality meat from named local farms" LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE

HARTLEY FARM SHOP Winsley, BA15 2JB Festivities are well under way at Hartley Farm but the real mark of Christmas to come is their annual Christmas Market! This year it’s being held on 25 November. Expect a foodie’s festive dream with some of their

What’s more, they are proud to source their produce as locally as possible; this Christmas they are supplying their

Fairfield Farm College Post Office, Shop & Café Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00 Sat 09:30-16:00 Sun 10:00-15:00

POST OFFICE NOW OPEN! Farm Shop selling quality everyday groceries at competitive prices as well as gifts, cards, vouchers, home & locally grown plants Café offering a good selection of light lunches and snacks, cakes, teas, coffees & soft drinks

CHRISTMAS FAIR

Friday 8th December, 6-8pm Featuring craft stalls, raffle, tombola, bric a brac, refreshment, shop and café open.

Telephone: 01373 823028 / Email: info@ffc.ac.uk Fairfield Farm Trust Registered Office: Fairfield Farm, Dilton Marsh, Westbury BA13 4DL Registered in England: No. 1318397. Registered as a charity. Registered No, 273924

A charity for the advancement of education, care and employment of young people with learning disabilities

| food & drink vegetables from Bromham, potatoes from Corsham and their Brussels sprouts from near Chippenham. To find out more about their service give Lovejoys Wholesale a call.

01225 708838 | lovejoyswholesale.com

LOWDEN FARM SHOP Lowden Garden Centre, Shaw SN12 8EZ Lowden Farm Shop opened 10 years ago and to celebrate its anniversary it is expanding! The newly extended shop will accommodate a larger deli and new butchery counter, which in turn will allow them to increase their ranges of homemade produce, cheeses and their selection of locally sourced meats - all in time for festive season! The farm shop is taking Christmas orders up until 14 December.

Neston has a recently had a great new revamp Lowden has recently expanded its farm shop

Lowden is holding a Christmas Bazaar on Friday 17 (6pm to 8.30pm) and Saturday 18 November (9.30am to 4pm) where you will be able to taste their delicious produce and meet their suppliers. Lowden is a one stop destination for Christmas, they have the trees, the gifts, the drinks, the turkeys and a fabulous restaurant to relax in after your shopping.

01225 702345 | lowdengardencentre.com

NESTON FARM SHOP Atworth, SN12 8HP The newly revamped farm shop is an Aladdin’s cave of Christmas gifts and treats! The team at Neston also have a wonderful selection of hampers for the perfect foodie gift, or if you fancy something a bit more bespoke for that special person you can create your own! The Kitchen also has a rather mouth watering Christmas Party menu available for your festive gathering. Whether you are after a formal or informal celebration with friends, family or colleagues, Neston Farm Shop & Kitchen is a truly beautiful location to kick off the Christmas calendar!

01225 700881 | nestonfarmshop.co.uk

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PLANK'S FARM SHOP Lydeway, Devizes SN10 3PU Plank’s Farm Shop has gained a reputation for offering a fantastic selection of local produce and gourmet treats as well as a large range of award-winning ready meals, quiches, pies, pasties, soups, salads, cakes and desserts all made by their own in-house chefs. We also have homemade Christmas cakes, puddings and mince pies in fact everything you

need for the perfect Christmas dinner and while you are there you can pick up some great gifts for the gourmet in your life. You can choose from a wide range of baskets and gift boxes and select your own goodies from the shop and have the staff transform them into an attractive hamper while you wait.

The instore butchery offers locally sourced free range pork, lamb and beef as well free range poultry and game in season – orders are now being taken for locally reared turkeys, grass fed geese and all your other Christmas favourites.

01380 848691 | planksfarmshop.co.uk

PAXCROFT FARM SHOP Hilperton, Trowbridge BA14 6JB Edward Oatley moved his already successful farm to Paxcroft back in 1947, starting a pedigree Friesian dairy herd as well as producing over 500,000 chicks every year. In the 1960s The Oatley Family at Paxcroft Farm changed to commercial egg production and cereal farming. Since then, over 400 million eggs have been produced at Paxcroft under the best

The Deli at Corsham Licensed Delicatessen & Cheesemonger

Toby Haynes

FA M I LY B U T C H E R S

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN • Free Range Turkeys, Geese & Hams • Handmade Pies • Traditional Meats & Game • Friendly, helpful advice Bronwen & her team welcome you to visit and explore the impressive selection of delicatessen favourites including award-winning chutneys, pickles & jams.

Delicious bespoke hampers available Why not stay for a coffee or pick up a delicious filled baguette or sandwich whilst you are here?

18 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 716091 | www.thedeliatcorsham.co.uk

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

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 possible conditions, without health or environmental problems. Even though the farm has expanded to incorporate offices and workshops, today’s laying stock continues to produce over 15 million eggs a year.

They also have their own farm shop.

Small, but perfectly formed, it is the ideal place to pick up your own supply of free 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, awardwinning oils, snacks, soft drinks, sacks of locally grown potatoes and more.

just wanted to take care of the veg, their standard seasonal veg boxes are available too. Away from Christmas lunch, Riverford also stock a selection of 100% organic and handmade cheese box options and cases of organic wine and beers too. Visit the website for more information, where you even opt to treat a friend or loved one with a gift hamper!

01803 227227 | riverford.co.uk

TOBY HAYNES

32 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HD Toby Haynes traditional family butchers opened on Corsham High 01225 753060 | paxcroft.co.uk Street in late 2015. Two years on and it has established a great local reputation for selling high quality Home Delivery meat at very reasonable prices. Toby Riverford are the ultimate when Haynes endeavours to source all its it comes to getting great tasting meat from the local area, including ingredients with minimum fuss. free range chicken, traditional grass Their Christmas Dinner Boxes have finished beef and wonderful seasonal absolutely everything you need to eat game. As well as that they also make well this Christmas. They have options their own sausages and pies in-house to feed from two to eight guests, with – delicious! With expert advice from the large box containing a medium their friendly staff, you needn’t go turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, festive veg box, cranberry sauce, clementines, mince pies, Christmas pudding, Pimhill oatcakes and even a delicious Cropwell Bishop Stilton for afters! Book soon as they run out fast!

Alternatives include a delicious veggie and a beef fore rib option, or if you

RIVERFORD

"TOBY HAYNES has established a great local reputation for selling high quality meat at very reasonable prices."

Riverford has a huge range of Christmas options available

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Whitehall is a hugely popular destination over the festive season

anywhere else when looking for a great turkey this Christmas. Theirs are free range and can be bought whole, butterflied or crowned. They also have goose, duck, cockerel as well as gammon, ham, rib of beef and all your favourite Christmas trimmings too.

Call or pop in to find out more or to place your order.

01249 713253 | corshambutcher.co.uk

WHITEHALL FARM SHOP Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LZ With its Santa Grotto, ice rink and dedicated Christmas department, Whitehall Garden Centre is already a hugely popular destination over the festive season. What you may not know though is that its inhouse farm shop is also fully stocked with foodie delights too.

Visit the in house butcher at Lacock to order your turkey and be sure to celebrate in style with the range of beers, wines and liqueurs. Pick up a great range of local meats, pickles and chutneys - ideal for Boxing Day - and, for those with a sweet tooth, satisfy your cravings with your pick of their festive sweet treats and desserts. The shop also offers a great gluten free range as well as locally sourced meat and vegetables. Explore the new range of products and suppliers and add an extra sparkle to your festive season with their Gin Baubles and PopaBall Shimmers.

01249 730204 | whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

| food & drink

Christmas at The George at Dragon

T

he George & Dragon combines modern day style with bundles of country character and charm. A must for seafood lovers, it specialises in wide range of Cornish seafood delivered daily. Chalked up on blackboards above the bar, you’ll find a variety of fresh fish and shellfish. The a la carte menu offers something for meat and game lovers, and a good selection of vegetarian dishes too!

Signature dishes at this popular dining spot include Cornish lobster with garlic butter and oysters, legendary Sunday roasts and the hugely popular double baked cheese soufflé. The bar is well stocked with a regularly changing selection of local craft beers, whilst their bespoke catering service, George Goes Out, can organise any event

for you, from an intimate dinner party to a large wedding.

At Christmastime, The George, with its wooden floors, roaring fire and white linen napkins, is a wonderful perfect place to celebrate with family, friends or colleagues. For smaller groups the private dining room can hold up to 18, and if you have a bigger group, the restaurant can accommodate up to 32 people. They also have three individually designed bedrooms, which have recently been refurbished and are receiving rave reviews. Rooms start from £75.

To see the Christmas menus is available head onto the website, and prices start at £25 for 3 courses.

Alternatively, you may already be thinking about New Year. At The George & Dragon they are planning

The George & Dragon is renowned for its seafood

a right old knees up with hog roast, buffet, Ceilidh dancing, followed by disco and bonfire. Early Bird tickets are available now for just at £25 including entry and food (if booked before end of Nov), £30 thereafter.

• thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

Vaughan’s Cookery School

T

he experience at Vaughan’s Cookery School was recently described by one customer as “inspiring, creative and fun”, and a great way for any enthusiastic cook to expand their repertoire or simply spend time in the company of other foodies.

French and many more. They make great Christmas gifts – opt for a specific course or get a voucher if you’re not sure what to choose!

Youngsters aren’t forgotten either.

Mini Chefs and Young Chefs give them a good start in the kitchen early, learning a vital life skill in a friendly environment and even bringing home goodies for you to sample!

Led by Peter Vaughan, the team is made up of well-qualified, experienced chefs and teachers who are passionate about food, believing that, as food is fuel for your body, it is How about some team building or a important that, as well as looking and Christmas party with a difference? tasting good, it also does you good!

Local businesses have found the Culinary Challenges an exciting Vaughan’s has a good range of classes way to bring a team together. As for the general public including: an approved teaching centre for Basic Bread, Knife Skills, Seafood the Confederation of Tourism Special and Speedy Meals to name and Hospitality, their Professional but a few, plus some global ‘specials’ Kitchen Essentials course results such as Spanish, Indian, Moroccan, in an internationally recognised

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qualification, suitable for working in a ski chalet, yacht crew etc. or as a junior chef in a commercial kitchen.

• vaughanskitchen.co.uk Vaughan’s Cookery School has a large range of courses to choose from

d

ENJOY CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR AT

George & Dragon The

Rowde

Famous for seafood, delivered daily from Cornwall

3 COURSE CHRISTMAS MENU FROM £25 PRIVATE DINING ROOM UP TO 18 PEOPLE BMF SPECIAL BOXING DAY LUNCH Adults £35 Kids £20 (see website for details) NEW YEAR’S EVE KNEES UP with Ceilidh dancing, Hog Roast, Buffet & Disco Early bird tickets £25 for Adults for food & entry (after 30th November tickets £30) Kids go free!

High Street, Rowde, Devizes SN10 2PN • 01380 723053 •

ft

thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk • gm@thegeorgeanddragonrowde.co.uk

| food & drink

seasons eat the

I

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

f you have an allotment or grow vegetables in your garden, now is the time to give it a good tidy up, ready for the winter months ahead. If you still have potatoes in the ground, it is time they were lifted and stored

outside Corsham enabling our customers to genuinely put locally grown on their menus. We sell over 250 tonnes per year besides all the other varieties plus baking potatoes, new potatoes and the ever increasing popular sweet potatoes.

“Maris Pipers are best for roasting, red potatoes or red Roosters are best for mashing and Agria make great chips. Nadine are best if you want a waxy potato.” somewhere frost free and away from any light, to stop them going green.

The most popular potato we sell is the Maris Piper, grown for us

Maris Pipers are best for roasting, red potatoes or red Roosters (pictured) are best for mashing and Agria make great chips. Nadine are best if you want a waxy potato.

Other vegetables grown locally are

parsnips, beetroot, cabbage, leeks, celeriac, kale, swede and carrots to name a few.

Enjoy making soups at this time of year, and warming casseroles and stew.

COMPETITION TIME With many people finding themselves under time pressure at this time of year we are running a competition for a quick and easy soup recipe, using just a few ingredients. Send us your your homemade speedy soup recipe along with a photo and it will feature on this page in the coming months. Email your recipe to neil@lovejoys.co.uk.

@lovejoysuk @LovejoysLarder • lovejoyswholesale.com • lovejoyslarder.com

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recipes |

Take the

Orient Express These Chinese-style dishes are delicious and ready in mere minutes.

They come courtesy of Waitrose.

READY IN 15 MINUTES (+15 MINS MARINATING)

Fiery beef & broccoli stir-fry

✃

Serves 4 Ingredients 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tbsp light soy sauce 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 340g beef frying steak, cut into 1cm strips 2 tsp sunflower oil 1 red onion, thickly sliced 220g tenderstem broccoli, halved lengthways then cut into 6cm lengths 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 red chillies, thinly sliced 4 tbsp oyster sauce

Method In a bowl, mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce and grated ginger, then stir in the beef strips and leave to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.

stir-fry the red onion, broccoli, mushrooms and chilli for 5 minutes until tender. Return the beef and any resting juices to the wok and stir in the oyster sauce and vinegar. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until piping hot.

Scatter over the salad onions and serve with rice or noodles.

Heat a wok and stir-fry the beef for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Transfer to a clean bowl and set aside. Add the sunflower oil to the wok and

Cook’s tip Try swapping the fresh shiitake mushrooms for ½ x 300g pack frozen Cooks’ Ingredients Exotic Mushroom Medley.

1 tsp rice vinegar 4 salad onions, shredded

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| recipes

Char Siu Pork Noodles Serves 4

Simple Satay Chicken Noodles Serves 4

READY IN 25 MINUTES (+20 MINS MARINATING)

Ingredients 100ml Cooks’ Ingredients Hoisin Sauce 1 tbsp clear honey 2 tbsp rice wine 400g pork fillet 220g tenderstem broccoli spears, trimmed 1 tbsp sunflower oil 600g fresh rice noodles, cooked according to pack instructions Handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped, to serve

under cold water and set aside.

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Remove the pork slices from the char siu sauce, scraping off any excess. Set the sauce aside. Add the pork slices to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes each side until cooked through with no pink meat.

Ingredients 2 tsp sunflower oil 350g chicken mini fillets 1 Chinese leaf lettuce, cut into 2cm wide slices 300g straight to wok medium noodles 1 red onion, thinly sliced 240g Amoy Stir Fry Sauce Peanut Satay 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves 2 tbsp dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped 1 lime, cut into wedges 100g pack Waitrose Crisp & Spicy Indonesian Cracker Mix Method Heat the oil in a wok and stir-fry the chicken for 5 minutes. Add the lettuce, noodles and red onion and cook for a further 5 minutes until the lettuce has wilted and the chicken is cooked through with no pink meat.

Add the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until piping hot.

Divide between 4 plates, scatter over the coriander and peanuts and serve with the lime wedges and crackers.

READY IN 25 MINUTES

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✃

Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another minute to heat through.

Pour in the reserved sauce, bring Method to the boil and cook for 1 minute.

Mix the hoisin sauce, honey and rice Divide the cooked rice noodles wine together in a shallow dish to between 4 bowls and top with the make the char siu sauce. Cut the pork char siu pork and broccoli. Scatter into thin slices and add them to the with coriander leaves to serve. sauce, coating well. Cover and chill for 20 minutes.

Cook’s tip If you have some dry sherry in the Meanwhile, cook the broccoli in cupboard, use it instead of the rice boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes wine to make a slightly sweeter until just tender. Drain and refresh sauce.

ENJOY YOUR

Christmas Celebrations WITH US

CALL TODAY ON 01373 830350 TO BOOK

CHRISTMAS EVE

Join us for an evening of friends, family & festive fun!

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Celebrate with fantastic food & drink, with great company & fun atmosphere

01373 830350 | www.redlionwoolverton.co.uk | Bath Road, Woolverton, Somerset BA2 7QS

waitrose.com

Everyone deserves quality food

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

01225 709294 01985 848441

THE THREE

HORSESHOES

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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

Our restaurant enjoys a great reputation for its food, atmosphere and attentive staff.

We can accommodate parties up to 70 people, with a disco available on request.

Christmas Menu Available 1-29 December Lunch £22 Dinner £27 (Mon - Thurs)

ASK ABOUT OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS! Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // 01225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence since 2011

CHRISTMAS

An award-winning coaching inn, set in a historic Wiltshire market town, immediately beside the stately home and gardens of Corsham Cour t, and just 8 miles from Bath.

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS FESTIVE MENU 2 Courses £29.50 / 3 Courses £36 per person Available 27th November until 23rd December

CHRISTMAS LUNCH £80 per person NEW YEAR’S EVE £95 per person Tel: 01249 717060

2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB

themethuenarms.com

THE POPLARS

SHOP LANE, WINGFIELD, WILTSHIRE BA14 9LN

THE

Farmhouse INN

Frome Rd, Southwick Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD

Celebrate Christmas 2017

The Farmhouse Inn is a beautiful 17th century pub offering a wide variety of tasty home-cooked food & a large function room that seats up to 100 for a party!

Christmas Menu

(available from 25 November until 23 December)

3 Courses £25.95 / 2 Courses £20.95

Menu & Booking Form available on our website 01225 752426 info@poplarsinn.co.uk www.poplarsinn.co.uk

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS

Now Taking Christmas Bookings!

2 Courses from £19.25, 3 Courses from £23.75

Tel

01225 764366

email: the.farmhouse@btconnect.com

www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

We’re open from 9.30am for coffee and breakfasts

The George is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines & fantastic food from our award-winning chef Alex Venables.

THURSDAY SUPPER CLUB

CHRISTMAS MARKET

4 Courses £25. Booking Essential.

30th November All things 70s with a twist

Saturday 18th November, 10am - 2pm Over 20 stalls of local art, crafts & gifts

ITALIAN GOURMET DINNER

SUNDAY LUNCH

Friday 8th December £35pp The perfect Christmas party get together

Whole roasted chicken for 4 with all the trimmings... £40

01225 865650 | 67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

Christmas

CELEBR

ATION

MENU 2 Course s £20.95 3 Course s £24.95

For more information & to book...

Call 01373 834224

or speak to a member of the team

See our menus at www.georgeinnnsp.co.uk

THE

WESTBROOK

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU 2 courses £23.99 per person • 3 courses £27.99 per person

STARTERS

Christmas Spiced Bromham Squash Soup (v) Oak Smoked Salmon Mousse with King Prawns Duck & Orange Pâté Smoked Haddock Somerset Brie Parcel (v)

MAINS

Traditional Roast Turkey Breast 28 Day Aged Scotch Sirloin Steak Sandridge Farm Pork Fillet Prosciutto Wrapped Cod Fillet Roasted Royal Wotton Bassett rack of Lamb Spinach, Chestnut Mushroom & Sun Blush Tomato Puff Pastry Wellington (v) Fig & Cranberry Nut Roast (v)

DESSERTS

West Country Christmas Pudding Mandarin & Grand Marnier Cheesecake Lindt Milk Chocolate Gateau Apple Crumble Festive Crème Brulee Cheese and Biscuits

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY & TO BOOK! Bromham, Chippenham,Wiltshire SN15 2EE tel 01380 850418 www.westbrookbromham.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.

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Two Fish & Chips just £18.95!

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS

Christmas Party menu now available

Three Courses £24.95 Two Courses £20.95 Bar Open Mon - Sat 11am - 11pm Sun 11am - 10.30pm

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

HAM GREEN, HOLT BA14 6PY

Christmas Menu

LUNCH 2 courses £16 | 3 courses £20 DINNER 2 courses £17.95 | 3 courses £21.95 Served 1st December – 23rd December. Pre-bookings only.

Starters

Smoked salmon & dill pâté Creamy tomato & basil soup Baked Camembert

Mains

Roast turkey with all the trimmings Beef braised with red wine & cranberry Homemade nut roast Smoked haddock, salmon & cod in a creamy dill sauce

Desserts

Traditional Christmas pudding Homemade chocolate brownie Homemade coffee crème brûlée Homemade sticky toffee pudding FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE CALL 01225 782581 OR EMAIL THEOLDHAMTREE@GMAIL.COM WWW.THEOLDHAMTREE.COM

christmas |

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING From markets and fairs to light switch ons, here’s your guide to what’s happening over the festive season...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

41

| christmas The American Museum looks great at Christmas

AMERICAN MUSEUM

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November from 11am - 4.30pm the Christmas Craft Fair returns to the American Museum with a diverse range of work on offer, from ceramics and textiles to jewellery and prints.

Meet the makers themselves, discuss their techniques, and find unique Christmas gifts in a festive atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of town. Entry to the fair is £2, including access to café and shops. (Normal admission applies to Museum.)

As well as the craft fair, the American Museum makes a great destination for a Christmas party! Available from 23 November – 17 December you can get a wiggle on to a jazz age inspired Christmas and enjoy a party like no other. Party through the ages in the period rooms and discover what Americans did to let their hair down in days gone by. Amid the razzle-dazzle, fabulous flapper rag-dolls will be daringly dancing through each room – can you spot them all?

• americanmuseum.org

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BATH GUILDHALL MARKET

Whilst Bath Guildhall Market offers everything you need all under one roof throughout the year, at Christmas things really step-up and the excitement and buzz of

its annual Christmas Market is not to be missed. Extending out of the building next to the Market Café, large interlinked centrally heated marquees are erected in the car park at the rear housing an amazing array of fabulous seasonal gifts for everyone. There’s also a licensed bar serving locally brewed Abbey Ales beers and hot mulled wine, hot pies and mash with entertainment throughout the day.

This year’s Christmas Market runs for 18 days from Thursday 23 November until Sunday 10 December – entrances on Orange Grove (next to Browns and opposite Bath Abbey), Pulteney Bridge (side of The Empire) and High Street (next to The Guildhall).

The marquees are open from 10am each day until 7pm Monday – Wednesday and until 8.30pm Thursday – Saturday and Sunday until 6pm.

• bathguildhallmarket.co.uk

"THIS YEAR'S GUILDHALL CHRISTMAS IN CORSHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET time for all good boys and girls RUNS FOR 18 DAYS FROM It’s – and grown-ups too – to make THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER a festive wish and hope it comes TO SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER" true. To help that happen, Corsham

Corsham’s Christmas events are popular with the whole family

| christmas Town Council’s Wishing Tree will be open for business on Saturday 25 November, from 10am-1pm. Visit the tree in the High Street to write your wish and they’ll pop it in a Christmas bauble, hang it on the tree and then Father Christmas will pick it up next time he’s passing!

There’s no charge but there will be a collection for charity while the Wishing Tree is taking wishes.

Hope Nature Centre is hosting a Christmas Market on Sunday 26 November from 11am to 4pm.

As well as stalls offering crafts, food and drink and plenty of gift ideas there’ll also be a tombola stall, Christmas raffle and much more. The tea room and animal park will all be open too. Entry and parking is free, and should you want to have your own stall there are a few spots remaining. Email On Friday 1 December, the info@hopenaturecentre.org.uk Christmas lights go on in Corsham, for details. and Father Christmas will be • hopenaturecentre.org.uk making a special visit, along with his reindeer! The Christmas Lights Switch On features a Christmas market, entertainment, Lowden is welcoming in the festive music, fairground rides festive season with a fabulous for younger children, and lots, Christmas Bazaar, this year the lots more. The fun starts at 5pm, market will have a Moroccan twist, with the lights going on at 6pm, inspired by the amazing vibrant and there’s FREE parking (from jewel coloured souks in Marrakech.

9.30am) in the town’s car parks

LOWDEN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

so you can enjoy all Corsham has to offer before Christmas arrives in Corsham. You will also be able to park for FREE every Friday in November too – great for some Christmas shopping in Corsham’s great independent shops.

• corsham.gov.uk

HOPE NATURE CENTRE

Hope Nature Centre in Southwick is a great place to take the family. Open 7 days a week, it’s unbelievable value: costing just £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child or a family ticket (£7) gains entry for two adults and two children.

"HOPE NATURE CENTRE IS HOSTING A CHRISTMAS MARKET ON SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER FROM 11AM TO 4PM" 44

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On Friday 17 November (6pm to 8.30pm) & Saturday 18 November (9.30am to 4pm) they will be hosting a bazaar in their marquee.

Christmas at STEAM is one of the top markets in the region

Lowden’s Christmas Bazaar will have a Moroccan theme this year

It will be brimming with gifts, decorations, jewellery, stocking fillers, wreath making, floral decorations and festive food and drink tastings from their farm shop and local suppliers.

There will be Christmas songs, roasting chestnuts and fabulous Moroccan themed food, and on the Friday evening they will be kicking off the event with festive fizz and mince pies. There will also be a raffle in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

• lowdengardencentre.com

| christmas

CHRISTMAS IN MELKSHAM

The annual Christmas Fayre is back on Saturday 2 December featuring all your favourite Christmas treats and gift ideas. The Assembly Hall and Market Place will be packed with stalls, food, activities and everything Christmas, with Santa Claus in his grotto. Make sure you don’t miss the renowned Melksham Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm!

The Assembly Hall also boasts a great line up of events in the run up to Christmas including Jethro on 14 December, a Back To The 80s Christmas Party on 15 December, Jack & The Beanstalk pantomime from 19 December and Mike Smith’s Big Swing Band on Saturday 30 December. See the website for more details or to book!

longs and a wrapped gift. Sessions last around 20 minutes each and you need to pay an extra charge for this and book ahead at reception.

• steam-museum.org.uk

CHRISTMAS IN WESTBURY

Christmas in Westbury is now in its 12th year and is back with the regular and hugely popular mix of street fayre stalls, entertainment, food and Christmas Lights Switch On. And we can’t forget Father Christmas, who will be making an appearance in his grotto.

This year is packed with entertainment for all ages, from the Snow Lion (pictured right) and Naughty Christmas Tree, interactive reptile display and a competition to win a Mini! The local Rock • melkshamtown.co.uk Choir and Cley Hill Stompers will be performing on stage in the Market Place and organisers are also delighted to welcome former The sights and sounds of Christmas X Factor contestant Dave Sharp, will fill the STEAM Museum on a speed painter who will paint Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December a celebrity portrait in under 10 as over 50 specially selected artisan minutes! Westbury goes traditional market stalls mingle with the for the Lights Switch On, which many famous GWR locomotives on will be around a 20ft Christmas display. tree and will be preceded by an exciting laser light show. There is Christmas at STEAM is one of free parking in all the town centre the top Christmas markets in the car parks on the day so pop along region, with unique hand-made gift and craft items for sale – from silver jewellery and photographic prints, to wooden toys and games, goods for the home and luxury confectionery.

CHRISTMAS AT STEAM

Seasonal atmospherics include special lighting, live choir music on stage plus a Christmas Café. To complete the festive magic, Santa will be at the Museum on both days with his Santa’s Storytime sessions which include sing-a-

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THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

"CHRISTMAS IN WESTBURY IS NOW IN ITS 12TH YEAR AND IS BACK WITH THE REGULAR AND POPULAR MIX OF STREET FAYRE STALLS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON. "

See the Snow Lion in Westbury

and really make the most of it with hot chestnuts, hog roast, gluhwein and Christmassy fun from 11am.

• westburytowncouncil.gov.uk

CHRISTMAS IN WARMINSTER

Saturday 25 November marks the start of Christmas in Warminster with the fabulous annual Christmas Market at the Civic Centre running from 10am until 4.30pm. The 32 stalls this year will be packed with Christmas gift ideas from toys, crafts, beauty products, jewellery, Christmas wreaths and much more.

Santa will be in his grotto with gifts for the children and there’ll be choirs to entertain visitors.

The High Street will be closed from 4pm to 7pm for the switchon, which once again is focussed around the Chapel of St Lawrence, where the town Christmas tree takes centre stage. A lantern parade led by a festive donkey will process from the Civic Centre at 6pm via Weymouth Street and the

| christmas High Street to the chapel, along with musicians, the Mayor and the Town Crier. All participants are being encouraged to wear nativity costumes.

The singing of carols at the Chapel of St Lawrence will be accompanied

by Warminster Brass Band, supported by a ‘pop-up’ Christmas choir that has been formed for the event. Onlookers will also be entertained by a short nativity play, written and performed by Warminster Community Radio.

Warminster is renowned for its wonderful Christmas lights, which will be as glorious as ever this year.

They’ll be switched on at 6.30pm by the Junior Civic Award winner,

"WARMINSTER IS RENOWNED FOR ITS WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, WHICH WILL BE AS GLORIOUS AS EVER THIS YEAR." who will be announced early in November. With free parking in the Central and Western Wiltshire Council car parks all day there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore all the shops and eating places in the town before the Christmas Lights switch-on festivities begin. Why not get Christmas wrapped up early in Warminster?!

• warminster-tc.gov.uk

NEW YEAR'S EVE AT WHITE HORSE COUNTRY PARK

You may not yet have finalised your Christmas plans but don’t forget the 31 December either!

New Year’s Eve is always a special time – this year celebrate in style at White Horse Country Park’s Glitz &

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Glamour Ball. The evening starts at 7pm with a champagne reception followed by an indulgent five course meal. Then the entertainment gets underway with a DJ spinning some great party tunes, a fun casino and a photo booth to enjoy too. The evening will draw to a close after a spectacular fireworks’ display at midnight, with carriages at 1.30am.

Tickets are selling fast and cost just £45 per person. Book your spot by calling 01373 822323 or head to the website for details.

• whitehorsecountrypark.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HUBNUB

The HUBnub Centre and Rye Bakery in Frome is hosting a Christmas Market on Saturday 16 December from 10am until 4pm. A selection of wonderful local designers, makers, artisans and food producers will be part of their first ever Christmas market, bringing original, one of a kind, handmade gifts and yummy delights for last minute presents and stocking fillers!

• hubnubcentre.com

sell out quickly and Father Christmas is only available in store for a limited time, so be sure to book in advance!

The experience includes a festive story read by Father Christmas, and guests also meet his elves and real reindeer. In addition, each child ticket includes a present they can choose themselves, and, as a reminder of your visit, guests will also receive a mini Christmas tree. The cost for the experience is £12.99 per child and £2.99 per adult. You can buy tickets for both the ice skating and the grotto experience on the website.

• whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

Melksham’s switch on is Saturday 2 December

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES XMAS LIGHT SWITCH AT WHITEHALL ONS AT A GLANCE Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock is a popular destination for families all year round and this is especially true at Christmas with their huge dedicated Christmas department, ice rink and Father Christmas Grotto Experience. Their real outdoor ice rink and ice café is open now (complete with all weather roof!) and will stay open until 7 January 2018. You can skate from only £6.99, and there are skate aids available for those who need them too. It’s a great fun festive activity to do with the whole family.

The Father Christmas Grotto Experience opens on November 18 and runs until Christmas Eve. It’s is an extremely popular attraction, tickets

Bradford on Avon Tuesday 28 November, 6pm Corsham Friday 1 December, 5-6pm Frome Friday 1 December, 5-9pm Melksham Saturday 2 December, 5pm

Trowbridge Saturday 25 November, 6pm Warminster Saturday 25 November, 4-7pm Westbury Saturday 2 December, 6.30pm

HOPE NATURE CENTRE

Christmas Market

Sunday 26th November, 11am-4pm We will have a variety of stalls, including crafts, food, sweets and plenty of gifts plus a tombola & a Christmas raffle FREE PARKING FREE ADMISSION

Pitches only £20 each. To book a stall please email: info@hopenaturecentre.org.uk

christmas |

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BUY GREAT GIFTS AND DECORATIONS LOCALLY WITH THE HELP OF THESE GREAT LOCAL RETAILERS...

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

53

| christmas

KNEES HOME & ELECTRICAL Spitfire Retail Park, Trowbridge BA14 0AZ Knees Home and Electrical, which has branches in both Trowbridge and Malmesbury, has a fantastic new range of Christmas gifts.

do the trick. Pet owners already know that Christmas is just another excuse to pamper pets even more than normal. Spoil your best friend with a new treats jar or a lovely new food bowl! If a pet lover is on your present list, they will definitely have a chuckle at a ‘Meow or Never’ or a ‘My Dog is Cuter than your Boyfriend’ mug.

Girls of all ages, from 9 to 99, will love the ‘Girl Visit the Boss’ mug in website or pop pink and gold.

‘Girl Boss’ Mug, available at Knees into Knees in Trowbridge It’s assertively and Malmesbury to see feminine and these and many more gift and great fun - perfect for a Christmas decoration ideas. stocking or a Secret Santa. Or, if • knees.co.uk you know someone who enjoys a party, how about a cocktail shaker or a set of champagne glasses? For Crockerton, Warminster BA12 8AP something more practical, try the Lakeside Garden Centre is a family prosecco or yoga tote bags. run business that has been serving gardeners in the West of England The man in your life is bound to for fifty years. The centre is based appreciate a classy leather and in Crockerton, on the outskirts of stainless steel flask - brilliant for Warminster, and benefits from a long car journeys, trips out or on beautiful position on the edge of the side of the sports field. If he a lake, ideal for taking in the view, needs a bit of help keeping tidy, even on cold wintry days. a faux leather organiser tray will

Whenever you visit Lakeside, which is open 7 days a week, you can be assured of a friendly welcome, top-quality products and knowledgeable advice for everyone from the novice to the expert. In addition to the wide range of trees, shrubs, patio plants and perennials, at this time of year you’ll also find a great selection of gift ideas, beautiful Christmas decorations, seasonal plants and, from December, premium quality Christmas trees. That, and you can enjoy the beautiful setting in the café with a warming drink and slice of homemade cake.

• fonthill-lakeside.com

"at this time of year you'll also find a great LAKESIDE GARDEN CENTRE selection of gift ideas, beautiful decorations, seasonal plants and, from December, premium quality Christmas trees"

Treat your pet to a new feeding bowl from Knees

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Lakeside Garden Centre

RIGHT ANGLE PICTURE FRAMING

20 High St, Corsham SN13 0ES A beautiful picture can really set off a room, and ensuring that it really sings is a job requiring an expert eye. Right Angle Picture Framing has been part of Corsham High Street for more than 30 years, so they’ve had a lot of experience framing a huge variety of items in many different ways. Whether you have an antique oil painting, classic album cover, sporting memorabilia, military honours or even simple family photographs, they can frame almost anything and make it look fantastic – a great gift idea for those who are impossible to buy for! In the last few years they have worked for the American Museum in Britain

RIGHT ANGLE Picture Framing

Christmas at

CHRISTMAS DISPLAY NOW OPEN!

For all types of picture framing & art materials too.

Christmas Trees, Gifts, Lights, Children’s Toys, Decorations, Wreaths, Garlands & much much more!

OPEN Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm 20 High Street, Corsham SN13 0ES

Find us at 288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge BA14 0DT trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk 01225 763927

www.rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

Also home to The Bay Tree Café, Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Debs Tye-Duck & Kalahari Kitchen

Tel 01249 716051

Serving Corsham since 1985

S.L. Corden & Sons

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

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

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN! 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE | 01985 212115 | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

| christmas & The Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock.

The experience and skills they have learnt there feeds back into the work they do for their regular customers too.

If you are keen to mount your own pictures, Right Angle also sell mount board by the sheet and moulding by the length, as well as readymade frames and art materials, so you can get really creative and make something unique for your home.

• rightanglepictureframing.co.uk

S L CORDEN & SONS

4 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Cordens is a real fixture of Warminster high street. A traditional ironmongers, the store is so much more to local residents, and currently operates 10 departments over three floors, covering: kitchenware, DIY, ironmongery, tools, electrical, gardening, camping, locks and key cutting, sugarcraft and gifts.

Trowbridge Garden Centre is renowned for its Christmas department

Cordens has a great range of gifts and decorations

"Their famous Christmas Shop is also now open for all your decoration requirements"

S L Corden & Sons

As an independent firm, they are renowned for their helpful and cheerful staff (many of whom have been in the shop between 10 and 30 years), their ability to solve problems, and being able to source unusual items quickly. Their famous Christmas Shop is also now open for all your decoration requirements, pop in and have a look, and if you are looking for gifts and stocking fillers - you won’t be disappointed with their selection.

• Search yell.com for S L Corden

TROWBRIDGE GARDEN CENTRE

288 Frome Rd, Trowbridge BA14 ODT Based on the outskirts of our county town this ever popular garden centre has a great reputation for its customer service and high quality product ranges. Their Christmas department is open now, and as usual it is packed full with everything you need to get prepped for the festive season including beautiful Christmas wreaths and garlands, indoor and

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outdoor lights, baubles and tree ornaments, decorations, picture frames, calendars, candles and oil burners, gifts, children’s toys and much more!

And don’t forget the garden! As well as winter hanging baskets, they also carry mistletoe and real Christmas wreaths, holly and ivy as well as indoor plants like poinsettias, bulbs for forcing and all your winter garden sundries. Also on site are Garden Affairs, Room to Groom, The Nail Emporium, Premium Tubs, Paul’s Double Glazing Repairs, Hair by Debs Tye-Duck and Kalahari Kitchen as well as the popular Bay Tree Café, serving breakfasts, snacks, hot meals, teas and coffees.

• trowbridgegardencentre.co.uk

TT CYCLES

Elms Cross Business Centre, Bradford On Avon BA15 2AY TT Cycles has recently expanded into new premises in the Elms Cross Business Centre (behind Sainsbury’s) in Bradford on Avon.

The new store offers everything the old shop did but even bigger and better than ever. There are more bikes, more brands, more accessories, a hugely expanded workshop and Shimano Service

B

BRADFORD ON AVON OPEN DAY...Thursday 7 December, 5pm ‘til 9pm... Drinks, Nibbles & Special Offers...

COME & FIND US IN OUR NEW STORE LOCATED BEHIND SAINSBURY’S • • • • •

MORE BIKES MORE ACCESSORIES BIGGER WORKSHOP CAR PARKING LATE NIGHT OPENING ON THURSDAYS

• • • • • •

NEW BRANDS SHIMANO SERVICE CENTRE FINANCE CYCLESCHEME E-BIKES SAME GREAT SERVICE

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| christmas Centre and even late night opening every Thursday. Whatever your dream bike, they can supply it, and staff have the expertise to help you with your decision. Should you wish to, you can even find out more about their new selection of e-bikes.

In store you’ll find a wide variety of bike brands, including Focus, Cube, Ridley, Genesis and Ridgeback, and as enthusiasts of all things on two wheels they cover all cycling disciplines, road, commuter, mountain bike, cyclo cross and kids bikes too. Their parts and accessories cover all your cycling needs, from day to day service parts up to HD cycle cameras from the likes of Go Pro. So if you are looking for the perfect gift for a cyclist, or want to pick out a first bike for your little one, this is the place to head. And coming up on Thursday 7 December is a special open

TT Cycles carries a huge range of top quality bikes and accessories

evening. Running from 5 til 9pm there’ll be drinks, nibbles and loads of special offers in store – a great excuse to pop on over!

• ttcycles.co.uk

WADSWICK COUNTRY STORE

Manor Farm, Wadswick, Corsham (SN13 0NY – Sat Nav) Wadswick Country Store is a familyowned and operated business based just outside Corsham. They sell a wide range of equipment and clothing with top brands including Dubarry, Musto, Schöffel, Barbour and Joules to name just a few. They also have an extensive collection of footwear including Fairfax & Favor TT Cycles and Le Chameau wellies. As equine

"If you are looking for the perfect gift for a cyclist, or want to pick out a first bike for your little one, this is the place to head."

Wadswick sells a wide range of country clothing and equipment and has recently opened a new shooting simulator

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specialists, Wadswick is also the place to come for protective gear – they have qualified staff on hand to fit both body protectors and safety hats correctly.

As well as clothing, at this time of year look out for wonderful gifts for the whole family (pets included!) as well as stunning accessories for the home. Alternatively, their brand new shooting simulator makes a fantastic gift for seasoned shooters, beginners and groups, with gift vouchers starting at £60. With easy parking and a café selling fresh coffee, cakes and lunches, why not head over and enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in the countryside?

• wadswick.co.uk

| christmas

Take great festive pics!

With a little guidance from Lacock Photography’s FIONA TURNBULL you can take some fantastic foodie photos this Christmas…

O

ne of the best things about Christmas is the food.

And lots of it! For most families, festive grub is at the heart of the season’s celebrations, and just thinking about munching on mince pies or carving the turkey is enough to get us into the holiday spirit! This year why not add some foodie photos to your Christmas album so you can look back at those culinary triumphs (or even the dining disasters!) for years to come. If you’ve ever attempted food photography, you may have noticed that getting that perfectly baked fruit cake to look as good as it tastes is a real challenge, and with the internet being taken over by the food blogging elite, you may feel that your cookery snaps simply don’t cut the mustard. But don’t worry! Follow this simple guide to food photography, and have your images looking mouthwateringly good in no time.

LET THERE BE LIGHT! When it comes to food photography, lighting is everything. For daytime shots, natural light is your best friend, so use surfaces near a sunny window and give your gourmet pics a festive glow. To really capture the holiday atmosphere in your evening photos, try using Christmas lights or lit candles as a backdrop.

SHOOT FROM THE BEST ANGLE Experimenting with different angles is essential; put in a little time finding that perfect perspective. Try tilting your camera, taking an overhead shot, or getting down to the same level as your culinary scene, and for a super stylish snap, have a go at the

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When it comes to food photography light is everything

flat lay technique: shooting a bird’s eye view of a carefully constructed layout. Include Christmas props in your flat lay, such as a sprig of mistletoe, to make your festive image really pack a punch!

ADD A HUMAN ELEMENT Christmas grub is all about togetherness through a shared love of food, and adding a human element will help to represent this idea. Have a go at capturing your friends and family tucking into Christmas treats, and for an ultramodern image, try only including their hands (holding cutlery or dusting a cake for example) to inject a sense of movement and energy into your festive image.

USE CHRISTMAS COLOURS Christmas provides photographers with a fab opportunity to use bags of colour; after all, less is more is not really a phrase associated with the festive season! Contrasting Christmas colours such as green and

red, and purple and gold, will make for a vibrant shot. Photographing fresh ingredients is a great way to experiment with colour; don’t be afraid to crack out the food colouring and multicoloured sprinkles to decorate your baked Christmas goodies!

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

• lacockphotography.com Experiment with different angles and add a human element if you can too

| house & home

Bathrooms at No. 5 expands One of Bradford on Avon’s most respected retailers has recently expanded into stunning new premises in Bath.

The new showroom is based in Trim Street in the centre of Bath

W

hen it comes to Bathroom innovation, quality and stunning design, Bathrooms at No 5 offers all you could possibly need all under two roofs, “Two roofs I hear you ask?” Yes, the nine year success of the boutique style showroom in Bradford on Avon has enabled the expansion of the company into a second showroom at 12a Trim Street in the heart of Bath.

Working closely with market leaders Villeroy & Boch this new state of the art showroom is now open.

The expansion enables this familyowned design-led company to showcase the newest innovations in quality bathrooms, wet rooms and cloakrooms. Once you have settled on your project design their expert in house installation team will ensure it is installed with minimum fuss and maximum care and expertise.

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This ‘go to’ venue enables you to experience the very latest from Bathrooms at No 5’s partners Villeroy & Boch, GSI, Arysto by Merlyn, Keuco, Smedbo, Geberit Aquaclean, JIS, Imperial Bathrooms and Vanity Hall.

The new store showcases even more fantastic designs and bathroom options and extends the company’s ability to offer beautiful bathrooms to residents of Bath and its surrounding area whilst continuing to offer their already renowned levels of service to the great and the good of Wiltshire.

• bathroomsatno5.co.uk

“The expansion enables this family-owned design-led company to showcase the newest innovations in quality bathrooms”

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| legal & financial

Mistletoe, Wine & Wills KATHRYN SMITH COWAP, a solicitor at Wansbroughs Solicitors in Devizes, discusses wills, inheritance tax, life insurance and future care fees.

A

s the festive period approaches and you’re busy making preparations for the big day, remember that Christmas can be a golden opportunity to sit down with your loved ones and talk about your plans for the future.

So, once the presents have been opened and lunch has been eaten, forget Trivial Pursuit and answer some of these questions...

DO YOU HAVE AN UP TO DATE WILL? Making a will is the only way to ensure that your assets will ultimately be dealt with as you would wish.

However, this is not the end of the story; it is also important to review your will regularly, particularly in the event of any changes to your family circumstances, your financial position or taxation.

Kathryn Smith Cowap

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED YOUR INHERITANCE TAX POSITION? In so far as your assets exceed £325,000 your executors may be liable for inheritance tax at 40%.

However, there is a new allowance for the family home subject to various caveats as well as a range of measures and schemes to help reduce your exposure. You may therefore wish to consider whether you could take any lifetime tax planning steps or include tax-saving devices in your will to ensure that you pass on your assets in the most tax efficient manner.

“Making a will is the only way to ensure that your assets will ultimately be dealt with as you would wish.”

IS YOUR LIFE INSURANCE IN ORDER? Life insurance is often a cost effective way of protecting your family should anything happen to you in the future.

It can also be an excellent inheritance tax saving tool. However, if your life insurance is not correctly ‘written into trust’ your family may miss the opportunity to save considerable inheritance tax.

and assist with their finances. It is also considerably cheaper, quicker and easier than the alternative, which is to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order once someone has lost mental capacity.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT FUTURE CARE FEES? While there are anti-avoidance provisions in place to prevent individuals from simply giving away their assets to avoid paying care fees, it may be possible to make use of trusts within your will to try to ensure your assets pass down to the next generation.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THE FUTURE MEDICAL CARE YOU WOULD WANT TO RECEIVE? If you want to make the decision to refuse various types of treatment in certain circumstances you can make a ‘Living Will’ which, if done properly, will be legally binding on those who treat you in the future.

Alternatively you could make a Lasting Power of Attorney to give someone else the legal authority to make health and care decisions for you if you were to become mentally unable to do so yourself.

If the answer to any of these HAVE YOU MADE A LASTING questions is no, it’s time to work on POWER OF ATTORNEY REGARDING YOUR FINANCES? your New Year’s resolutions!

Many clients find it reassuring to prepare a lasting power of attorney to ensure that if they were to lose mental capacity following an accident, due to illness or simply as they grow older, someone they trust is able to step in

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For further details visit the website, email wealth@wansbroughs.com or call 01380 733300.

• wansbroughs.com

| health & fitness

Running Time

Avon Valley Runners is one of the most popular sports clubs in the region, and one of their biggest events of the year, the AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon, takes place on Sunday 26 November. are very lucky, the possibility of jelly babies too! It is a loop course (with around 40 volunteer marshals stationed at strategic points all the way round so you don’t get lost) so starts and finishes at the same place, Station Yard, where there is a race village with parking, secure areas for bags etc and a tent selling tea, coffee and the all important homemade cakes. It is a very friendly, well organised race which still has spaces available if you would like to have a go.

A

von Valley Runners (AVR) running club was formed in 1986 and currently has over 600 members. They offer club runs from Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon and cater for runners of all abilities and experience, competing in road running and cross country running as well as multi-sport activities like triathlon. They run an incredibly popular beginner’s course in the autumn and in the spring run a 5k – 10k group for those who are wishing to progress, with an aim of completing a 10k race at the end. They also have an ever growing junior section called JAVR for youngsters.

If you feel as though you would like to have a go at running with some slightly mad but thoroughly lovely people then you can try it out for free! Your first three visits are completely free, with a small yearly subscription required after that

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Avon Valley Runners pose before a race

should you want to continue. They run from Trowbridge Rugby Club on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon on a Thursday and Sunday. All sessions start at 7pm apart from the Sunday session which is at 9.30am.

As a club they organise several road and off-road races a year and this month sees the sixth running of The AVR Wiltshire Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile (21.09km) course starts from Station Yard in Edington and makes its way out of the village through the beautiful, undulating, west Wiltshire, countryside into Steeple Ashton, through Great Hinton, Coldharbour, back through Steeple Ashton, through the hamlet of Dunge and then back to Edington. It is a challenging route with some lovely flat sections but also a few decent hills thrown in to keep you on your toes. There are three drinks stations and, if you

AVR really is an inclusive and encouraging club, whatever your level, and they have recently been recognised as the South West Regional Club of the Year by England Athletics. If you would like to have a go or would just like some more information then check out the website and if you would like to enter the AVR Half head to entrycentral.com/avrhalf • avonvalleyrunners.org.uk

AVR’s Ruth Barnes winning the Bath Half

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& ALL YOUR USUAL FAVOURITES

OUT FROM 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO GET INVOLVED CALL 01225 807775 OR EMAIL ANDY@WIRED-PUBLISHING.CO.UK

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| bath rugby

THE REAL SLAMMIN’ SAM HAS ARRIVED...

He’s only 21 years old, but Bath flanker SAM UNDERHILL looks set to take domestic and international rugby by storm this season.

A

s a former coach of All against Argentina (11 November), Sam Underhill is one of England’s brightest prospects Black legend Richie McCaw, Australia (18 November) and Samoa when it comes to making (25 November). Eddie Jones is such comparisons Bath’s Director of as fan that he picked Underhill in Rugby Todd Blackadder is well his touring squad of Argentina placed to judge the potential of last summer - and gave him his Bath’s new forward sensation Sam international debut - before he’d Underhill. After watching his debut even played for Bath. It is likely game against Northampton Saints (a that Sam will be joined in the game in which Bath were poor but England squad by Jonathan Joseph Underhill starred, making 25 tackles (although Joseph was recently in 68 minutes) he said. “Richie’s core omitted from the autumn training skill was mental toughness. I’ve not squad), Anthony Watson, Charlie seen anyone that had the cardio Ewels and possibly Tom Dunn, capacity that he had. He would whose form for Bath has brought just go all day,” said Blackadder. him into contention as a third choice “You see a lot of those traits in Sam. hooker behind Jamie George and He doesn’t stop. He just fires into Dylan Hartley. everything. He is physical, he is hard Tipuric) at Ospreys, for instance; he is - he gets up and he does it again. probably one of the best opensides Over the autumn, Bath are also in the world and probably one of the expecting to lose Taulupe Faletau, “His repeated efforts are right most skilful guys out there and I am Luke Charteris (both Wales) up there. For Sam, if he plays Francois Louw (South Africa) and never going to be that player. But I consistently, the way he played that can still learn from bits of his game.” Kahn Fotuali’I (Samoa), who will first game, then there is no reason With Francois Louw, Taulupe Faletau be missing for some or all of the why he can’t be of that ilk. No reason and Matt Garvey as his back row Anglo Welsh Cup games against at all.” mentors at Bath, Sam couldn’t be in London Irish and Leicester as well as Aviva Premiership encounters with a better place to develop his game.

Sam though, is taking nothing for London Irish and Harlequins. granted. “Some guys are really quick. Sam could well star for England I was never one of those guys. Some this autumn in the test matches • bathrugby.com guys are naturally really good with the ball. I probably wasn’t one of UPCOMING FIXTURES those guys either. I can’t catch and To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website. pass. I like tackling, it is simple as 4 November 15:00 A London Irish AWC that. I used to play No 8 but I was never the tallest guy and never TV 10 November 19:45 H Leicester Tigers AWC the fastest. I started playing seven 19 November 15:00 A London Irish AP because I was the shortest in the 25 November 12:45 H Harlequins AP back row. I don’t want to emulate somebody else’s style too much TV 2 December 14:00 A Exeter Chiefs AP because they are probably better at TV 9 December 15:15 A Toulon ERCC it than I am. Playing with Tips (Justin

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| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers GUNPOWDER PLOT WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

BONFIRE ROBERT CATESBY CATHOLIC CONSPIRATORS GUY FAWKES FIREWORKS GUNPOWDER

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WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.11.17 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: In which year did the Gunpowder Plot take place?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: MONTREAL Quiz answers: 1: Bonn 2: Fiji 3: Marrakech 4: 1995 5: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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Q2: Which Game of Thrones star is set to play Robert Catesby in a new BBC drama Gunpowder?

Q3: Which king was the group trying to assassinate?

Q4: After Guy Fawkes had been discovered, where did the other plotters go?

Q5: What first name did Guy Fawkes like to use?

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

| last word

S

Regrets...

I’ve had a few

o many people have recorded songs about regrets, the Walker Brothers, Midge Ure, Robbie Williams, Dappy, Edith Piaf etc that it must be something that occupies the mind… or perhaps it’s just songwriters looking for some material for their next single. As usual in any good debate there are two sides to the issue, the ‘No regretters’ – Robbie Williams, Edith Piaf et al – and the ‘Oh my God I can’t believe I did that I can never leave home again for the shame of it’ camp. Unfortunately, I definitely lean towards the latter.

Personally, I don’t think you can go through life saying you have no regrets, and perhaps if you can you

or hadn’t done in days and years gone by. And given my predilection for a spot of navel-gazing I have considered my own more than most.

Nowadays of course I have a loving family and a pretty good life by most people’s standards but there are things I’d definitely do differently given the chance… Am I going to tell you what they are? Nope. My wife reads this and if she ever finds out what they are I’ll definitely have some regrets!!!

SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA!

I am currently recovering from injury so am not running as much as I usually do and to be honest, after six months off, when I do run it is

“Personally, I don’t think you can go through life saying you have no regrets, and perhaps if you can you maybe should have lived a little more.” maybe should have lived a little more. You may not have any huge scale issues but there will be parts of your life you’d like to go back and edit, I can guarantee it, just ask the girl who got stuck throwing a poo out of a window on her first date recently if there are any parts of that episode she’d rather re-work! Of course, there’s nothing you can do about the past, you can’t change what you have or haven’t done but to deny your mistakes, or at least to say you are comfortable with them, and you wouldn’t change a thing is, in my opinion, utter garbage. Almost everyone - when pushed - will own up to things they wish they had

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not a pretty sight. This was brought home to me recently when walking home from the Southwick Parkrun.

A young lady ran past me and when I say ran I mean bounded… she was going quite quickly and really looked the part … her form was good and technically she was doing all the right things. The trouble is that I think I look that impressive when I am running and I evidently do not. I say ‘evidently’ because I actually have evidence of how I do look. If you run regularly and take part in races like I do you soon realise part of the ‘fun’ is the photography, the action shots of people running. Some of the resulting images are not what

you’d call complimentary. I may have done a lifetime best and felt fantastic throughout. I may have been striding along like Mo Farah would have had trouble running me down but when I look back and see the pics it looks as though someone has stolen my race number. The camera shutter has almost inevitably come down at the precsie moment that gravity has taken effect and the individual in the photograph bears no resemblance whatsoever to the way I was feeling at that particular moment in the race… In fact it looks as though this creature - as it must be described - is melting!! If the ‘wild hair and dribble’ look ever comes into fashion, look out for one of my running photos as proof of where the trend started!!

Phil Rockliffe