malmesbury connections may 2011

MALMESBURY CONNECTIONS

Connecting local business with local people M

ay 2

01

1

Around 7200 delivered every month to Malmesbury and surrounding villages

Swindon Blinds

(Formerly UKBlindsdirect)

For ALL kinds of blinds!

Best prices, service and

Quality 5 year Guarantee

www.swindonblinds.co.uk

Freephone 0800 043 1655

Or 07824 336580

2 To advertise call 07919288977 or 01666 818143 or email [email protected]

HERON SUN ENERGY HEALING AND THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Inner child, relationship cord, sound, colour and chakra healing.

Exploring and deepening our experience of being.

Introductory offers available Susan Caldicott Ford 07974088776/01249 890586

[email protected]

APA ASSOCIATES

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE

HEALTH & SAFETY CHECKUP

01666 860911

07710 230231

Email: [email protected]

www.apa-associates.co.uk

RISK ASSESSMENT

BT Fault line 0800 800 151 Gas 0800 111999 Malmesbury Town Council 01666 822 143 Malmesbury Youth Centre 01666 823747 Malmesbury Activity Zone 01666 822533 Library 01666 823611

DOCTORS SURGERIES Malmesbury PCC 01666 825825 Tolsey Surgery Sherston 01666 840270 Emergency 999 Police 0845 408700

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01666 818 143 or 07919 288 977 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage, colour varia-

tion or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Malmesbury Connections does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or

transmitted in any form—electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise—without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Malmesbury Connections Printer: Jam Print

Local Information and Useful Numbers

Hello All,

Welcome to the May issue. There is so much going on this month, so be sure to check the What‘s On page at the back

for any events that may interest you. There is something for everyone, from the Family Frolic to St Leonards Church Musical Evening featuring the Bath Chorus, conducted by Grenville Jones .

The A Little About this month, features Dr Pettit from Perfectly You. For anyone with asparagus growing in the garden there is a great recipe, along with the usual cross-

word, book reviews and gardening piece. David Hendry Cars has some great new models adver-tised on page 31 alongside the motoring review for the

new C-Max.. For those of you who like Italian food and wine, don‘t miss the gastronomic tour of Italy at the Manor House in Castle

Coombe. See page nine for details.

Kind Regards Renee Tuck

3 Please mention Malmesbury Connections when responding to adverts


Isn‘t May wonderful? Not just one bank

holiday, but two! Yes, two opportunities to sit for hours on the A303 on the way to the West Country, with heavy skirmishing breaking out on the back seat, Radio Two‘s travel news

telling you every half an hour that the A303 isn‘t moving, and your dreams of arriving at the holiday cottage in time to unpack and eat a leisurely dinner, before strolling down the

village pub to start the weekend in earnest beginning to look less and less likely.

But why two such unmissable opportunities for traffic jams in the same

month? Well, 1st May has been a holiday since

time out of mind. Known to pagans ancient and modern as Beltane, it‘s one of the few

ancient festivities that can be accurately tracked down: add a few apparently supernumerary letters and it‘s the Irish Gaelic for May (the month). And various manifestations of ―maying‖ – maypoles, May garlands, May queens, May fairs,

bringing in the May – have been well-documented in England since medieval times.

Robin Hood plays were traditional in some districts, complete with Merrie Men, Maid Marian, a hobby-horse,

bowers decked with fresh greenery and wildflowers, dancing, drinking, and, as the day wore on, the inevitable outbreaks of immorality. Outlaw-related behaviour was not confined to the peasantry, either: on one occasion Henry VIII

and a group of courtiers, all dressed as the greenwood gangsters, burst in on Queen Katherine of Aragon and were generally rowdy in a Bullingdon Club sort of way. The tables were turned on another May Day when Henry himself, out a-

maying on Shooter‘s Hill, was similarly accosted by men clad all in Lincoln green and, in a mock kidnap, escorted to a rather luxurious Robin Hood‘s bower for much feasting and a (doubtless somewhat erratic) archery display.

Spring Bank Holiday, by contrast, is an almost entirely modern invention in that it was introduced only in 1971 to replace Whitsun Weekend. Whitsun, of course, falls seven weeks after Easter and was therefore a hugely movable

feast, migrating from late May to mid-June. This was much to the annoyance of tidy-minded people who liked things regular. So they changed it, and thereby killed off a centuries-old Christian feast-day. How this increases the

happiness of the nation is anybody‘s guess. But why should May be the focus of all this feasting and

merrymaking and not, say, July, when the weather is more likely to be suited to the purpose? The answer, as some old

TV gardening expert used to say – was it Percy Thrower? – lies in the soil.

To agrarian peasants down the millennia, May has always been a month of comparative idleness. The heavy

ploughing had been – or should have been – completed in April. Haymaking wouldn‘t start until June. The biggest job for May was breaking last year‘s fallow land and preparing it

for more serious ploughing later on in the year. Other than that the work was mainly maintenance, especially hedging and ditching; it was also when the cattle were turned out after winter, so milking, churning butter, and cheesemaking

all started up for the duration of summer. This, to us modern-day softies, might sound like back-

breaking labour; but it was the true horny-handed son of the soil‘s idea of nothing to do. So what better time for tippling,

wenching, carousing and generally making merrie? Beats stationary Saturday on the A303, that‘s for sure...

Time of Year - May


Foot Health Care www.foot-health-care.co.uk

Sina Ohms MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner

Home Visits

Tel: 01666 838683

Mob:07593324128

Corsham Chiropractic Clinic

Tel: 01249 716683

Corns-Nail Trimming-Verrucae-Hard Skin-

Athlete’s Foot-Ingrown Toenails-Nail Infections-

Cracked Heels (Fissures)-Nail Cutting

The Chippenham Natural Therapy Centre

Tel: 01249443390

Optimum Mobility of Malmesbury

The local specialist

•Wheelchairs •Scooters

•New & used

•Rise/recline armchairs

•Walking aids

•Household aids

Pinkney Park, Sherston

01666 840060 www.OptimumMobility.co.uk


To go or not to go, that's now the

question People in their early twenties can't defer retirement

planning if they want a reasonable lifestyle in later years. But young people today face a financial situation similar to ‗The Perfect Storm'. The elements are combining to create conditions that sink any hope for

school leavers to achieve financial independence during their lifetime.

A common problem is deciding whether to continue education beyond A-levels and face university tuition fees

and student loans or take an alternative route. Those who want to study medicine, law, engineering

etc, will have to go to university but their earning potential will enable them to repay their debts. However, with

graduates owing as much as £30,000 we should stop encouraging higher education for all and be more selective in determining who will benefit. Unless the result is a valuable degree, it is reckless to begin working life with a

massive debt resulting from study that will have little impact on eventual earnings.

Many graduates with mediocre degrees struggle to find employment. Parents who spend tens of thousands

funding university degrees should consider investing that money for their children in other more practical ways. A potential student can get a head start in life by saving instead.

We have to change the stigma attached to not attending university. The pressure and expectation of continuing education needs to be reappraised. For most young adults it's entirely possible to achieve success in life

without a degree. The difference is attitude, focus, enthusiasm and a good work ethic.

There are employers who accept the responsibility of formal career development programs and more companies

should follow suit. The employer may argue that a degree is evidence of a job applicant's intelligence, but perceptive interviewing can reveal the same. If employers think that a degree is essential, they can contribute to fees and give

time off to employees. The prospects for a successful future are as good as

ever if you plan the right course whether that be university or otherwise.

In the meantime we should campaign for companies to take a more enlightened view on recruitment and ‗hire for attitude and train for skills'.

Below are ten tips for today's school leavers who are

in doubt about taking the going-to-university default.

Think about what your skills and aims and determine the most sensible course for you. Bowing to peer pressure is not a good strategy.

Seek advice from qualified, unbiased people - not just mum and dad or family friends.

Get a job with a reputable company, regardless of size or poor pay. It's about experience, developing skills,

gaining confidence and developing a reputation. You'll move on to better things before too long.

Be an ‗extra miler'. Have a great attitude, enthusiasm and develop self discipline.

Start thinking longer term about what you want to do. Plan three to five years ahead.

Find a mentor. Most successful people attribute some

of it to another person.

Begin to set specific goals, both for your career and

life.

Stand out from the crowd, rather than being influenced by them and choose your friends and associates with care.

Finally, and I wanted to put this at the top of the list but modesty prevailed, read my book ‗Power Secrets of

the Rich and Successful' It's taken from the best university of all....the University of Life! It's a proven guide to Wealth, Health and Happiness.

David Reynolds, www.powersecrets.co.uk


April Bootcamp fully booked more dates in July


Have your business seen by customers local to you

When a recession bites, it's tempting to cut costs in advertising. However, research from the London Business School has demonstrated that companies who maintain their spend on adver-

tising are the ones that will emerge stronger when the recession is over.

Testimonial We would like to thank you for the support and help with getting our new business up and

running. Advertising in Malmesbury Connections was the best decision we made, it has brought in a lot of custom and helped us with spreading the word. In a survey, phone calls from

Malmesbury Connections readers brought in approximately 80% of new business for us. Many thanks and long may Connections go from strength to strength.

Julie Exton

Don’t be out of sight and out of mind, advertise in

Malmesbury Connections for as little as £22.50 per

month. Can you afford not to?

Call 07919288977

or email: [email protected]


& Minding Service

Sophie Francis 01666 840538 Mob: 07531057016

Very Experienced

in Dog Walking, Dog Obedience & Canine First Aid

Fully Insured & References Available Upon Request

A tailor-made service

for you and your best friend!

Lumley Garden & Pet Supplies

Stainsbridge Mill,

Gloucester Road,

Malmesbury,

Wiltshire,

SN16 0AJ

Tel: 01666 822325

E-mail: [email protected]

www.lumleypetsupplies.com

Top Leading Brands of Food & Treats

Own Label Premium Dog Food

Bowls, Toys & Accessories

Beds & Cushions

Wild Bird Food & Products inc .Live

Food

“For you and your pet’s every need.”

Delivery service Available.

Extons Removals for a personalized, hassle free removal, make

the right move and call 01666 823589 www.extonsremovals.co.uk

Extons Party Time bouncy castle hire

01666 825658 www.extonspartytime.co.uk

A'n'C Disco for hire parties, weddings

01666 825658

http://www.extonsremovals.co.uk

http://www.extonspartytime.co.uk


Awarded

Best Nursery in

the UK 2011

2nd year running!

Now open in

Cirencester


The first weeks when your child is settling into a nursery are of crucial importance to their later happiness at nursery. Extra care taken before and during this period

will minimise difficulties later on and how easily and happily they mix with others. Unhappy children result in unhappy parents - So how can you help your child settle from the start? Put your child‘s feelings first.

They have formed a strong attachment to you and need support and time to form another strong bond with the staff at the nursery. You know that they‘ll be looked after and will have fun, but they need to learn from experience that they‘re safe and that the staff will care for them. This

is why a settling in period is so important. The nursery will allocate a Key Person to help your child settle in and feel safe and confident. The settling in period is a gradual introduction of your

child to the nursery. It is also a gradual withdrawal of your presence, and these two aspects have to be care-fully and sensitively balanced. At first, the nursery is bound to be rather an overwhelming experience, particu-larly for children under 3, and for those who have not

had experience of another form of care outside the home. Your child‘s personality will also make a differ-ence: some take to the change very easily, whilst others need more care and time. At first, your child is going to need your support and

presence to be able to cope with the new experience. This is why your first visit should be short and you should not try to leave your child at all. However, you can use these visits constructively by talking with the Key Person, whose job it is to form a strong bond with

you and your child during the first visits, settling-in period and ongoing weeks and months of childcare. It is impor-tant to make sure this Key Person will be around for the duration of that early period, so ask them if they have

holiday or training leave that will take them out of the setting during the settling in period. A second Key Per-son [buddy] should be introduced as back-up, in case the primary person is taken ill. Remember that your child is used to having you with

them wherever they are. That‘s why the Key Person is crucial in helping your child feel secure when you leave. It is normally best to be open and straightforward with your child about leav-ing them. Slipping away when they are not looking can

be very distressing to a child when they find out you have gone. For the first time, you are only going to be away a short while, so tell your child and the key worker, then leave without hesitating. It is much harder for a child to deal with you leaving if you are obviously unsure and hovering.

The nursery should plan, and budget for, the time that the settling-in period will take. Most settings schedule a minimum of two inductions, during which time they can get to know you and your child, a home visit may also be offered to enable the

Manger to introduce themselves and bring parents the setting polices handbook. The Key Person can also use this time to get to know the child in their own familiar environment and plan the induction process for the child. The nursery should make you their partners.

The staff can learn just as much from you about the best way to care for your child as you‘ll learn from them about the setting‘s policy and routine. Mention anything you feel may be relevant. Throughout your child‘s stay in the setting, build on the

early partnership with staff. The staff at the nursery should take time to talk to you (about how your child is sleeping, eating and feeling) at drop-off and at the end of the day. Staff will let you know

the best way to get in touch either by phone, text or email, and explain how they‘ll communicate (through a diary or day book, for example) the events of the day with your child. Virtually all children will settle in if this guidance is fol-

lowed, and even if there are setbacks, your child will gradually get used to what is a major change in their life. You will probably find that your child reacts in some way; they may be more clingy than usual, or they may be more rejecting. Both are normal reactions, and a little

extra attention and love will help them to cope with these feelings. Tiggers @ Westonbirt also has Parent cam access so if parents are still worried then they can check in on their loved ones from home or at work for reassurance that their child really is settled and happy!

Settling Children into Nursery


Gardening: May by Pippa Greenwood

It‘s great to be joining you on a regular basis, especially when the subject is gardening! I‘ll be giving you some hints and tips for what to be doing in your own gardens, letting you know what I‘m up to in mine,

and in the process hopefully inspiring you to get out in to the garden more, enjoy everything it has to offer, and achieve some pretty impressive results yourself.

Welcome to May, one of the fastest moving

months in the gardening year. May is the month when plants just keep on and on growing and developing. New transplants, recently allowed to enjoy the ‗great outdoors‘ after an early start in a greenhouse, wait a week

or two and then POW! they‘re off, and showing you their potential. Old established garden friends, their roots well down in the soil, put on new leaves, stem growth, flower buds maybe even flowers and enjoy the fact that whilst the

weather has warmed up, they‘ve not yet been hit by growth-restricting drier conditions of summer. It‘s a month when it is hard not to feel a regular desire to grab a trowel (or perhaps a fork, spade or cultivator) and get out there and enjoy

yourself while at the same time giving the garden and its plants the TLC that‘s deserved. What better way to spend an hour or two….or perhaps even a day or two?

With the massive surge in interest in growing your own

vegetables, vegetable plants and seeds are available just about everywhere, so there are no excuses for not giving it a go. Even if time is short or space at a premium, it really is worth growing a few crops – the feeling of self-satisfaction

when you make that first harvest is just SO good....not to mention the taste of the crops themselves. At this time of year you can sow seeds of many vegetables direct into the soil or large pots of multi-purpose compost. Try your hand

at climbing French beans, dwarf French beans, runner beans, carrots, salad leaves, spinach or peas. I also adore home grown sweetcorn; this too can be sown direct now, but make sure you sow the seed in a square e.g. four rows

of four seeds, formed in to a square (it is a wind pollinated crop and this is the way to get good, well-filled cobs). It is a bit late to raise your own courgettes, squash, tomatoes or peppers from seed, but there should be plenty of young

plants available in local nurseries or garden centres – just make sure you buy a variety of tomato or pepper suitable for growing outdoors if you don‘t have a greenhouse (the label should make this clear).

It is worth spending a few minutes to check flower beds and borders, however small or large, as at this time of year they are a hive of activity. I just have masses of twiggy pea-sticks (well branched prunings will do) and have driven them

in around the edges of several herbaceous perennials. So many of these lovely plants are inclined to flop disastrously later in the year, but supported subtly now, they‘ll remain upright. As I do this I always spot a few other things that

need seeing to as well. All the lovely lush growth means

that (in my garden at least) slugs and snails are having a fantastic time devastating the tender new leaves. When I

put new plants in the ground I scatter oyster shell around the soil beneath the plants. It is readily available from local suppliers of chicken feed, and is by far the best barrier to slugs and snails that I know....and bought in this way, it

does not cost a fortune either. Early aphid (greenfly and blackfly) infestations are also likely to be building up now, and dealt with promptly they are unlikely to cause too much damage – a gentle but firm squash between finger and

thumb works a treat, or for those less partial to direct action like this, spray with a fatty-acid or soap-based spray late in the day when bees are no longer about.

With most of the gardening year ahead feeding makes

sense too. So whether you have a well-stocked compost heap, or prefer to use fertilisers from the garden centre, apply them now so that your flowers, fruits and veg have a chance to make best use of them.

Golden Rules: • Make sure that seedlings and young plants get enough

natural light. • Gradually harden off young plants before planting them

out. • In warmer areas, start to plant out more tender crops,

but protect with cloches at first. • Tomatoes in containers need regular feeding with a

liquid tomato food. • Treat yourself to some summer bedding for a

really lively terrace-container, but check the forecast carefully before planting them out.

Pippa Greenwood is a gardening writer and journalist and regular panellist on BBC

Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. Visit www.pippagreenwood. com and sign up as a ‘Friend of Pippa’ to receive a free e-book and regular updates and bulletins. Up until

early June you can also order ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ – garden ready veg plants plus weekly advice emails from Pippa.


With spring just around the corner now is a great time to start thinking

about your garden and the work which will be required in the coming year.

After the extremely harsh winter, your garden and lawns may be in a worse

condition than you would normally expect. JW Turfcare offers a friendly

and reliable service catering for your lawn and gardens needs.

Maybe you feel that you don’t have the time to mow your lawn or that you

are not happy with the appearance and condition that your grass is in.

JWTurfcare supplies a wide range of services from lawn mowing to lawn

treatments which will improve the colour, strength and growth of your

grass.

Also offering a hedge cutting and general maintenance service we can

cater for all your lawn and garden needs. So call us now and arrange your

free no obligations quote and make your garden something to be proud of

this year.

Office no: 01666824112 Mobile no: 07850125416

CAR CARE TETBURY WWW.CARCARETETBURY.COM

AUDI,VW,SEAT,SKODA SPECIALIST

PREMIER AGENT FOR

WWW.BLACKCIRCLES.COM

01666 502496

4 WHEEL

ALIGNMENT

FROM £49.99

+VAT

AIR CON

REGAS AND

BACTERIA CLEAN

£65+VAT

ECU REMAPS

POWER OR

ECONOMY

FROM £275

+VAT

http://www.carcaretetbury.com/

http://www.blackcircles.com/


KITCHENS FOR LIVING

Katherine Sorrell

What makes a good-looking, functional kitchen? Careful planning is the answer - plus a little bit of lateral thinking…

These days, kitchens aren‘t just for cooking in, or even

for eating; they‘re for socialising, doing homework, painting, reading, chatting, catching up with the accounts, watching TV or simply hanging out. So how do you go about designing a space that really works for you?

First, assess exactly what you need from the kitchen. The panel on the right will give you a good start. Next, do plenty of research – read everything about kitchens you can get your hands on, and visit every showroom within reach. It

really is the best way to establish what styles you like, and what you can afford. Then, before you get bogged down with the detail, think about the space as a whole. If your kitchen is on the small size and you‘re planning on investing

in it, it might be worth, at this stage, considering either amalgamating it with an adjacent room or extending. If that‘s not possible, can you enlarge a doorway or knock through a ‗hatch‘ to give a feeling of extra space, and better sight lines

to what‘s going on elsewhere in the house? Perhaps you can create more room by moving the washing machine into the garage or under the stairs, or by fitting a fold-down dining table? Anything you can do in which to create a

larger floor area will help. Next: layout. Plan it with the utmost care to ensure that

the room is easy to use and comfortable to be in. You don‘t want to have to walk right across the kitchen to put the

crockery away, tripping over the dog and the child practising headstands on the way. Nor do you want to have to manoeuvre around a dining table every time you need to get from the cooker to the sink. In technical terms, experts recommend a ‗work triangle‘ between the cooker, sink and

fridge (in practice, this doesn‘t always work, but aim to leave uninterrupted space between the areas you use more frequently). An island unit is great for maximising space, but needs to be well designed – within one step of the other

worktops, not so deep that you can‘t reach across it and, ideally, positioned so that the cook can see what else is going on in the room. In addition, room to cook in the way you want and enough cupboards and shelves to store

everything tidily but accessibly are vital, while even seemingly small things matter a lot, like providing an area on which to dump shopping bags before unpacking, or ensuring that the bin is close to the chopping board.

Ultimately, of course, what defines a really great kitchen is much more than a set of guidelines. Avoid fashion fads, invest in quality and do your planning but, above all, go with what feels right for you. Instinct, inspiration and imagination

are the secret ingredients in this recipe, helping create a room that‘s comfortable and functional, as well as homely, hospitable and heart-warming.

John Lewis’ Leckford kitchen features Shaker-style doors in warm

oak and a choice of four delicate painted shades. From £10,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.

Call 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.

Designing your kitchen? Ask

yourself these questions first…

• Who will use the room, how often, and how many at

a time?

• How will it be used - for semi-professional cooking, regular family meals or the occasional microwave

dinner? And what about other activities - homework, watching TV, doing the washing or ironing?

• Do you like using high-tech appliances? What wiring and plug sockets will be required? Will you keep small appliances out on worktops, or hidden in

cupboards?

• How much storage do you need, and of what type? For cupboards, do you prefer solid or glass doors, or maybe lots of open shelves? Will you have some

unfitted elements, such as a dresser or sideboard? And would you prefer built-in or free-standing appliances?

• What about worktops - wood, stainless steel, composite, stone or laminate? And flooring -

ceramic or stone, brick, rubber, wood, cork, vinyl or lino? Collect as many samples as you can, and lay them out together to give an idea of the overall effect.


www.inside-outdecorating.co.uk

WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

TRADITIONAL & WATER FED POLE SYSTEM,

CONSERVATORY ROOFS, SKY LIGHTS, GUTTERING, FASCIAS

CONTACT OLIVER FREE MOB: 07500380455 TEL: 01666826143

48 MOOR LANE CHARLTON SN16 9DR


The Beauty Corner

Facials, Massage, Spray Tanning, Waxing, Reflexology, Ear Candling, Eye Treatments,

Manicures and Pedicures.

10% Discount on your first treatment In a quiet, tranquil setting in Hullavington.

Di Thompson ITEC Tel: 01666 837 514 Mob: 07827 718827

www.beautytherapychippenham.co.uk

‘Don’t you know who I am?!’

Chris Russell

If you are in a band, were once in a band, or are in any way into bands, the chances are you‘ve seen the excellent Rob Reiner mockumentary ‗This Is Spinal Tap‘. For those who haven‘t had the pleasure, the film charts the highs and lows (but mainly lows) of a long-haired, leather-trousered rock band whose star is rather tragically fading. Musicians love Spinal Tap. It is our Bible. And we see that it is good.

The sentence ‗How Spinal Tap is this?‘ would be printed on page one of The International Touring Rock Band Phrasebook, if such a thing were ever written. Finding oneself hopelessly caught up in the midst of a Spinal Tap Moment (let‘s coin the abbreviation ‗STM‘ for convenience) is pretty much an occupational hazard for our species. Basically, if it causes acute embarrassment, exposes the fundamental absurdity of trying to act like a rockstar - or otherwise just makes you look like a twit - it‘s an STM.

One of my favourite Lightyears STMs occurred shortly before a gig we played at Wembley Stadium in Spring 2010. I had been asked by the production team what size stage we required and had responded with a lovingly-constructed diagram featuring meticulous footnotes and little pictures of all the band members. When we arrived on the pitch for our soundcheck, however, we were directed towards a tiny white podium roughly the size and shape of an upturned bath-tub. Turns out that the headline act, Right Said Fred (I know, you couldn‘t make it up), had demanded a stage of those precise dimensions and there was basically nothing we could do about it. Never mind that there‘s only two of them (and four of us) and they were using just one guitar (whilst we had a drum-kit and a piano, amongst other things). It is at times like these that the exclamation ‗Don‘t you know who I am?!‘ rises like a terrible bile in your throat. And when that happens, you know you‘re having an STM.

Last year, whilst on tour in South Africa, we turned up in Cape Town and checked into the city‘s finest hotel, The Table Bay. As we were waiting for our rooms to be prepared it was brought to our attention that, following our debut visit to the city the year before, the Table Bay had erected a ‗Lightyears stayed here‘ plaque in our honour and posi-tioned it on the Golden Seal statue in the hotel grounds. My oh my, did we milk that baby dry. We sauntered around the city with massive, smug grins all over our newly-tanned faces, telling anybody who would listen that our name was emblazoned across Cape Town‘s famous Golden Seal just a few small inches away from such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Barack Obama and the England football team. But hubris is a cruel mistress and, of course, we turned up the following year to discover that we now ‗weren‘t famous enough‘ to stay at the Table Bay and, whilst our name remained on the statue, the hotel manager had been ‗unable to accommodate us at the current time‘. What a kick in the teeth! Don‘t they know who I am?!

So please, if you ever see a lone musician in your local pub nursing a pint and looking sorry for himself, give him a

biscuit and tell him he has nice hair. He‘s probably just exhausted from years of trying to maintain the charade that he is a maverick trendsetter who lives every single day on the edge of existence.

And take it from me, that‘s extremely hard work indeed.

Chris plays piano in South London power-pop band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents, worked with Sting’s producer and starred in a T-Mobile advert. Chris is cur-rently working on his first novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at www.TheLightyears.com.


5* service with

modern equipment

24 hour

turnaround

Free delivery

and collection

Professionally

finished garments

Fully insured for

peace of mind

Drop off facility at

our local premises

The ironing service your clothing was made for

Call us to find out more

or book a collection

01666 503900

Foxley Plumbing & Heating

Oil Boiler Installation, Servicing & Repairs Oil Tank Replacement

Heating Installation & Repairs Bathroom Installations

Unvented Cylinder Systems NO JOB TOO SMALL

Tim Hibbard

Email [email protected]

(01666) 822863 or 07966462202

Minety based Glebe Healthcare are your local supplier of

Mobility, Nursing and Healthcare equipment. Everything

from household aids to daily living to hoists, wheelchairs,

scooters, stair-lifts, rise & recline and specialist chairs and beds are

available from our brand new purpose built DDA compliant

premises with ramped access and plenty of parking.

Established for over three decades our expert and experienced staff

are all qualified in demonstration, installation, service, repair,

maintenance, movement and cleaning of equipment.

As stockists for around 50 major brands, we have an unrivalled choice of

equipment and offer free trials, delivery and home assessments.

As a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association we are bound by

their code of conduct and assess your needs and requirements when

considering the suitability of any equipment.

08000 23 23 35

The Workshop, Home Farm Business Centre, Minety, Malmesbury SN16 9PL www.glebehealthcare.com


All aspects of interior & exterior decorating

to a professional high quality finish

Very competitive rates to suit your budget

Free No Obligation Quotation

Professional decorating will add value to your property and enhance your working and living environment. www.wall2walldecorating.co.uk

Tel:01793 435141 / 07800905006

A Little About Dr Pettit of Perfectly You

When did you start your business and why? I started Perfectly You in August 2009

Describe the events in your typical day. Well my 'daytime' job is a G.P which starts around half past eight with the school run, surgery from 9 until 11.30 , phone calls and paperwork until 12.30, visits from 12.30 for however long it takes, back for more phone calls, or emergencies, until evening surgery which starts about 3.30 and finishes anytime after 7pm. My Aesthetic Practice I like to do on my day off, or at the weekends, when I only see 1 or 2 clients and can give them some time.

What is your favourite local shop? Why? Tucks in Sherston- for everything you might need for supper, really good quality meat and bread, plus the flower shop over the road if you have forgotten someone's birthday!

What is your favourite local venue? Calcot manor - where you can exercise and relax

What is your all time favourite song? Stand by your Man, Tammy Winnette- my favorite karaoke track

If you didn't live here, where would you like to live and why? Swanage, by the sea, near the beach with the most fantastic coastline

I set up my own business because....... I really enjoy the very different challenge of treating people who are well!

Best thing that's happened to you recently Singing as a guest singer with the Sherston Village People at the local 70's night- what a buzz

Favourite one liner or silliest thing you've heard. This week;-my daughter Milly" Someone has stolen my swimming costume, I put it on my bedroom floor, and its gone, so it must be stolen"( it was found a short time later in the cupboard)

Your future goal? Keep General Practice a local service for everyone- bigger does not necessarily mean better, change is not always a good thing. Expand my repertoire of treatments for Perfectly You.


CHURCH of the HOLY CROSS SHERSTON CONCERT

FRIDAY 3 JUNE 2011 7.30pm MUSIC FOR AWHILE

MARGARET FAULTLESS Violin ANDREW SKIDMORE Cello FRANCES NORBURY Oboe

NICHOLAS MULROY Tenor MARTIN ENNIS Harpsichord

BACH & his CIRCLE

The programme will include arias for tenor and obligato instruments from Bach‘s secular and sacred cantatas, including

from the Hercules cantata and Phoebus & Pan. Bach sonata for violin and harpsichord, CPE Bach oboe sonata, Handel

trio sonata, a Bach solo cello suite.

Generous sponsorship by the Cecil King Memorial Foundation enables ticket sale proceeds to benefit the church

fabric fund.

Tickets £15 (to include programme and interval drinks) from: Sherston Post Office,

Mrs J Barker, Tel 01666 840469 Or Mrs H Martin, Tel 01666 840375

Music lovers are in for a real treat on June 3 in Sherston church. Margaret Faultess and Simon Whistler founded Music for

Awhile in 1996, bringing together musicians of international standing to perform Baroque music on original instruments. Since then, the ensemble has given nearly one hundred performances, sometimes expanding to form a large orchestra and it has played in venues such as Westminster Abbey, Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, and Bristol Cathedrals. Margaret Faultess is the artistic director of Music for Awhile and is co-leader of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment,

with whom she has performed at the Tetbury Festival. For the last few years she has led the orchestra at the annual performance of the Messiah in Tetbury church. She has directed the Britten-Pears Baroque, the European Union Baroque Orchestra, the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra and in 2008 was in Moscow with Vladimir Jurowski to lead the Russian National Orchestra. She is Director of Performance studies at the Cambridge university music faculty.

Nicholas Mulroy has also performed as a soloist in the Messiah in Tetbury church, in the Three Choirs festival (to out-standing reviews), at Glyndebourne and extensively overseas. For some years now, the Cecil King Memorial Foundation has sponsored Music for Awhile to give concerts of Bach in churches to raise funds for the fabrics of these buildings.


Take a look

at the

website for

photos and

information

DAN BAILEY BUILDING CONTRACTOR

EXTENSIONS

LOFT CONVERSIONS

BARN CONVERSIONS

LISTED BUILDING REFURBISHMENT

GROUNDWORKS & LANDSCAPING

NATURAL STONE WALLING

ROOFING

FACIAS & GUTTERING

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

CARPENTRY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

OFFICE: 01666 824980 MOBILE: 07788 416875

WWW.DANBAILEYBUILDING.CO.UK


Across

1 Narrow track (4)

3 Colliding (8)

9 Persecute (7)

10 Extreme disorder (5)

11 Reference book (12)

13 Mend (6)

15 Dormant (6)

17 Donation (12)

20 Picture (5)

21 Scoundrel (7)

22 Cherish (8)

23 Jewels (4)

Down

1 Trailbreakers (8)

2 Subject matter (5)

4 Wound (6)

5 Correctly (12)

6 Envisage (7)

7 Breathe noisily (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

8 Verbal explanations

(12)

12 Apertures (8)

14 Advertise (7)

16 Shade of grey (6)

18 Furious (5)

19 Rain gently (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14 15

16

17 18

19

20 21

22 23

Across: : 1 Path, 3 Clashing, 9 Oppress, 10 Chaos, 11 Encyclopedia, 13 Repair, 15 Asleep, 17 Contribution, 20 Photo, 21 Villain, 22

Treasure, 23 Gems. Down: 1 Pioneers, 2 Topic, 4 Lesion, 5 Successfully, 6 Imagine, 7 Gasp, 8 Descriptions, 12 Openings, 14 Promote, 16

Silver, 18 Irate, 19 Spit.


PERSONAL TRAINING SYSTEMS IS

DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF AN

EXCLUSIVE 1 TO 1 PERSONAL TRAINING AND POWER PLATE STUDIO LOCATED IN

BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS AT PINKNEY PARK WITH

AMPLE FREE PARKING.

PERSONAL TRAINING SYTEMS

Set in the idyllic, tranquil surroundings of Pinkney Park, Personal Training Systems is now able to offer bespoke personal training in a totally exclusive and private environment away from the

hustle and bustle of a normal gym. A place that specialises exclusively in personal training, where people can be trained in a friendly, private environment, alleviating any feelings of insecurity or intimidation, whilst at

the same time providing state of the art equipment and facilities you would normally find in a gym.

If you are stuck in a rut and need motivation, lack the know-how or even the energy to achieve your health and fitness goals on your own, then this may be the answer you‘ve been searching for! Personal training can

help you with weight loss, fitness, injury rehabilitation, strength and/or muscle gain, confidence, stress reduction and much more!

You won‘t find banks of cardio machines, sinister looking resistance equipment and the usual gym parapher-

nalia – my focus is on you and your needs, not the latest craze or piece of ‗fad‘ equipment. In fact many clients have commented that personal training with me doesn‘t feel like going to the gym at all!

But don‘t take my word for it – every personal trainer will tell you they are the best! Come and give it a go,

what have you got to lose? For more information call Ruth King on 07734 886275 or visit www.pts4u.org.uk

Be Yourself Only Better!

http://www.pts4u.org.uk


Sherston Primary School raises £350 for Comic Relief

Children from Sherston Primary School sang, joked, skipped, danced and baked cakes on Friday to raise a massive £350

for Comic Relief.

Staff and pupils all dressed up in an array of red outfits, wigs, shoes and red noses to raise funds and awareness for the Comic Relief Charity, which celebrated its 25th year

this year.

On Friday morning, the whole school joined together for a

special Comic Relief assembly, to learn about the kinds of projects supported by the Comic Relief fund. Children from every year group performed their own jokes and two year 5 pupils put on a choreographed skipping performance to

music.

In the afternoon, Headteacher Nick Bowditch organized a

water-carrying relay, to help the children understand more about the lives of children in developing countries that their

fundraising efforts would go to support.

Mr Bowditch said: ―It makes me very proud to see the whole school coming together, along with our staff, to raise money

and awareness about the Comic Relief programme. Every-one has put a real effort into today and we‘ve raised over

£350, which is a fantastic achievement. ―


14a High Street, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9AU Above A4 Stationers

Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Hydrotherm Massage,

Hopi Ear Candling, Environ Anti-aging Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye Lash Tinting, Electrolysis and

Spray Tans

‘Gift Vouchers available’

For information, please call Deborah on 01666 829056

Member of Embody Complementary Therapists Association

1. Half fill a large frying pan with water and bring to the boil. Add the asparagus spears and simmer for 3-4 minutes until

just tender. Drain well and refresh under cold running water.

2. Brush the slices of bread on both sides with some of the olive oil. Place the slices on a hot cast-iron griddle pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until just crisp and lightly charred in places. If you don‘t have a griddle pan then

simply grill the toasts.

3. Rub the cut garlic cloves all over the hot toasts (this imparts a mild garlic flavour to the toasts). Spread the goats‘

cheese over the toasts.

4. Arrange the asparagus spears on top of the cheese and add a few rocket leaves to each. Drizzle over the rest of the olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Recipe of the month

Enjoy the wonderful flavour of fresh British

asparagus with these deliciously simple topped

toasts. To make them more substantial add some

flaked smoked mackerel or ruffles of Parma ham.

12 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

6 thin slices crusty bread (such as sour dough)

6 tbsp good quality olive oil

1 large garlic clove, halved

225g (8oz) goats’ cheese

Handful of rocket leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 Ready in 20 minutes

Asparagus Bruschettas


PHYSIOTHERAPY

2 YOU

Recent surgery

Fracture

Fall

Stroke

Illness or recent

hospital discharge

Want to maintain independence

Suffer from a long-term condition

I am a qualified physiotherapist with 19

years experience. I can visit you in your own

home to assess you and provide an individual

treatment to address your needs.

For more information or to book an

appointment please call

RACHEL JACKSON

01666 860565

07546483336

We all love a handy tip or some specialist advice from

someone in the know. Here, we’ve put together seven must-have titles – with guidance on everything from domestic cleaning to how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre.

Reader’s Digest Forbidden Advice This fantastic tome of advice features pearls of wisdom from

the ‗people who know‘: doctors, dentists, solicitors, shopkeepers and more. With categories including food, health, homecare, social life and education, and featuring every topic under the sun, you won‘t want to miss a word.

Did you know that chillies can relieve arthritis? That HMRC can see what you‘re up to on eBay? And having a landline can improve your credit rating? You‘ll be amazed at what you can pick up from this great book.

Everything You Need to Know, from Kingfisher Books Every home needs a good

encyclopedia, and this one is perfect for satisfying the curiosity of young readers. With ten core topics and subjects including dinosaurs, space,

animals and the human body, this single-volume title is full of interesting facts, story boards, activities and useful web links.

Beautifully presented with over 2000 colourful illustrations, it‘s a must-have for any enquiring mind.

Auto Repair for Dummies by Deanna Sclar This collection wouldn‘t be complete without a title from this hugely-popular range of ‗how to‘ books, and if you don‘t like

calling your mechanic every time a windscreen wiper falls off or a light comes on the dashboard, this will arm you with all you need to diagnose and repair a number of problems on your own driveway. Jargon-free and easy to follow, every

car owner should own a copy.

You Can Do it: The Complete Step by Step, from B&Q

An essential item for any homeowner, this breeze-block of a book explains how to do all those jobs both inside and outside the house, from painting windows and grouting, to fixing the cat-flap. Presented with clear step-by-step images

and easy to understand instructions, this is the only book for DIY enthusiasts.

The Gardener’s Pocket Bible

by Roni Jay Can‘t remember when to trim that hedge or how deep to plant the bulbs? Want to know

how to treat greenfly without nasty pesticides? This little treasure trove is compact and concise, telling you all you need to know without requiring the removal

of wellies each time you need an answer.

The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Women by Sharon Faelten

This book may be over ten years old, but the contents remain just as effective. None of us like pill-popping for every ache and pain, and this huge collection of natural remedies provides a range of cures for a variety of niggles

and ailments - from oily skin and warts to chocoholism and anxiety.

NEW RELEASE First Aid: The Step by Step Guide for Everyone, from St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew's

Ambulance Association and British Red Cross Society Featuring the very latest advice on what to do in an emergency,

this book gives straight-forward guidance on everything from basic first aid to performing life-saving procedures. Clearly

written and presented with step-by-step images, this book will provide all you need to feel confident that you can act fast in

any situation.

Books you must own!


Ford C-MAX

If y ou want a seven-seat Ford y our

choices are about to get a lot harder

w ith the introduction of this, the new C-MAX.

Joining the Galaxy and S-MAX

in the Ford line-up last autumn w as

the replacement for the Blue Ov al‘s popular compact people carrier and it

now comes in tw o body sty les –

making your decision even harder! The spiritual successor to the

outgoing model is the larger Grand C

-MAX – this has sev en seats, sliding rear doors and a range of new

engines to tempt buy ers. The smaller

fiv e-seat C-MAX is seen by the

manufacturer as a softer option to the new Focus w hich w ill be sportier than the outgoing car

w hen it arriv es in 2011.

For this test w e focussed on the larger car which is set to account for tw o-thirds of C-MAX sales. Featuring

the maker‘s now famous kinetic design it boasts the

signature Ford grille at the front, sweeping headlights and a new piano black finish to the plastics.

To be honest, it‘s not the prettiest of cars in this

sector – which includes the VW Touran and Vauxhall

Zafira – but it‘s w hat‘s on the inside that really counts. Here it‘s w ell appointed and designed w ith real

thought. The button lay out has taken cues from mobile

phones, separating functions from the centre console and adding them to the steering w heel for intuitiv e inputs.

Inside it also has the look of the new Fiesta and Ka

w ith a swooping centre console, smart steering w heel and high quality materials.

Buy ers in this segment demand practicality – Ford

sees the C-MAX being bought mostly by families – so the

sliding rear doors w hich offer easy access to the cabin will be a real boon.

The rear seat configuration is also flex ible w ith the

centre seat of the middle bench folding aw ay into the chair behind the driv er. This is very easy to do and

creates a walkw ay to the tw o rear seats. Those rearmost

perches are only really for children as there‘s little legroom, but for emergency sev en-up trips they ‘ll do just

fine.

Potential buy ers will be pleased to hear that just

because you‘re buy ing a family car doesn‘t mean the end of driv ing enjoy ment. The C-MAX really is great to driv e –

the new electric power steering is full of feel and perfectly

w eighted and the new six -speed gearbox is far better than the outgoing unit w ith a pleasant, knotchy throw .

For a people carrier – ev en a compact one – it

handles brilliantly, with little body -roll in the bends. But the

real gem is the new 1.6-litre petrol EcoBoost powerplant.

It produces 150bhp and 240Nm of torque w hich is spread

throughout the rev range making the C-MAX ex tremely

responsiv e and a delight to driv e. Other options for under the bonnet include tw o low er

pow ered 1.6-litre petrol units and tw o TDCI diesels – a 1.6

-litre and 2.0-litre – both of w hich are excellent. Standard kit has also been improved ov er the

outgoing model w ith a host of handy ex tras throw n in. On

the most popular trim level – Zetec – buy ers get those sliding rear doors, Bluetooth handsfree, v oice control, a

handy pow ered rear hatch, alarm and parking sensors.

There‘s more good news for potential ow ners too –

residual v alues are better than the outgoing car, insurance ratings are low er and the cost of the cars hav e

been cut in comparison to the old ones. The C-MAX

range starts at £16,745 and the Grand C-MAX at £18,745. We w ere really impressed w ith the C-MAX – packed

w ith kit, comfortable and enjoy able to driv e it‘s the perfect

car for ex panding families.

By James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine

Ford Grand C-MAX

Price: £20,995

Engine: 1.6-litre EcoBoost

Power: 150bhp, 240Nm

0-60mph: 8.7s

Top Speed: 134mph

Economy: 41.5mpg

CO2: 159g/km


DAVID HENDRY CARS

White Lodge –Filands- Malmesbury

01666 824369 www.dhcars.co.uk

New Fiesta 1.4 Zetec

Nil Advance payment

All new Focus 1.6 105ps

£195 Advance payment

All new C- Max 1.6 Zetec

£395 Advance payment

New Fusion 1.4 TDCI Diesel

Nil Advance payment

√

√

√

√


Westonbirt wows with ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream-

coat’

On Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March Westonbirt School and Rose Hill Westonbirt School gave two magnificent performances of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s

‗Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,‘ receiv-ing rapturous applause and encores from two, sell-out audiences.

The show was a key highlight of the academic year and was a huge Westonbirt production, involving over 100 girls from

all years in the Senior School, as well as the Prep School, Rose Hill Westonbirt. The girls had put an enormous amount of work and commitment into the show since re-hearsals began in September. The hard work clearly paid

off and the talent shone through the sparkling perform-ances.

The key role of Joseph was performed brilliantly by Isabel

Yerburgh, with a touching rendition of ‗Close Every Door,‘ while the Narrators, Gemma Harborne and Lydia Marshall, also gave remarkable performances throughout. The part of Pharaoh was played superbly by Tobi Arawole who gave a

dynamic and memorable version of ‗Song of the King.‘ ―All the girls have worked tremendously hard and we are ex-tremely proud of them. Both shows have been a great success.‖ commented Dr Charlotte Exon, Director of Music

and Charlotte Crosbee, Head of Drama. Headmistress, Mary Henderson, was bowled over by the professionalism

of all the cast, adding ―I chal-

lenge you all to find a better school produc-tion of Joseph in

the land – let alone in the West End or on Broadway!‖

As well as the performers, the production comprised a band and a large back stage team. Scaffolding, light and sound equipment was provided by Chinnick Theatre Services, costumes by Zenneth Theatre Company and the Licence

and music by The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Music and drama are both thriving at Westonbirt School. In 2010 all the girls achieved A*s and As in their GCSE Music examinations and this term almost 20% of the whole school

entered for music practical and theory examinations, dem-onstrating the girls‘ commitment and enjoyment of the subject. The Prep School is already looking forward to its Summer Musical production, ―Scheherazade‖ by Nick

Perrin on Wednesday 29th June (2:30pm) and Thursday 30th June (5:30pm). OPEN MORNING AT WESTONBIRT SCHOOL AND ROSE HILL WESTONBIRT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Saturday, 14th May 2011: 09:30am – 12:30pm For further information please contact our Registrar, Belinda Holley, on 01666 881301, email: [email protected]

www.westonbirt.gloucs.sch.uk

THE GEORGE VETERINARY GROUP

Full 24-hour hospital centre for pets 365 days a year

Hospital staffed by dedicated small animal vets and nurses

Nurses clinic in Malmesbury

Puppy parties

Separate Equine department committed

to the health and welfare of your horse throughout Wiltshire & Gloucestershire run by specific equine vets

Also incorporating farm animal department with

Malmesbury 01666 823165 Tetbury 01666 503531 Wootton Bassett 01793 852458

www.georgevetgroup.co.uk [email protected]


t/a The Portcullis Inn Tormarton. Tel: 01454 218 263

The Major’s Retreat THE BEST VALUE COUNTRY PUB IN THE AREA

We are located just off J18 in

Tormarton, perfect for a quick pint

on your way home!

TUESDAY NIGHT IS QUIZ

NIGHT

STARTS 9PM WITH

FREE NIBBLES

CHEAPEST NIGHT OUT TO BE

FOUND ANYWHERE

Hard day in the garden?

Bring the Mrs for a refresh-

ing drink and a meal.....

It will save you washing up!

Come and enjoy our good

value meals by our log fire!

OPENING HOURS: 12 - 3PM &

6 -11PM 7 DAYS

Food: 12-2pm & 7-9.30pm

Come and meet up with

friends ....

for a quiet pint and a meal

lunch times and evenings.

A quaint Old English Real Ale pub with a friendly atmosphere

and a quaint Old English landlord happy to chat !

**** Come and experience The Major’s Retreat and support your independent pubs ****

The Old Cake House, The Dairy,

Pinkney Park, Sherston, Wiltshire. SN16 0NX

Main Office: 01666 841427

C2 Electrical MALMESBURY

RECLAMATION CO.

Suppliers of traditional building

materials. Stock items include:

Stone, bricks, roof tiles,

flagstones, timber, cast iron,

rainwater goods, doors,

garden effects etc..

Also good quality materials

purchased.

Contact:

07720 419 069

07720 419 068


Working from home Larry No-Mates by Ted Bruning

It feels like a long time since I had any colleagues. Well, it‘s four-and-a-half years, to be precise; so yes, it is quite a long time since I had any colleagues. But is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I have always maintained – and it‘s not a particularly original thought – that the pleasure you derive from your job really derives from those you work with.

Whatever you do, from the ludicrously cushy to the back-breakingly hard (but barring the wilder extremes – I‘m not talking rock-breaking in Siberia here), you soon start to take it for granted. I‘ve been a journalist for many years, and the work has always been interesting with a fair few perks, mainly in the form of subsidised travel and lavish dinners thrown in. Not so much now as when I was in the brewing trade press; but I still get the odd trip hither and yon and a few days in Brittany or Belgium now and again do relieve the monotony. It‘s work, and that‘s that.

You come to take money for granted, too, whether you‘re just making ends meet like me or raking in obscene piles of moolah like, say, a banker (boo hiss!). But rich or poor (or poor-ish, at any rate), people in my experience tend to structure their lives according to their expectations and once they‘ve settled into a means-related pattern, and always assuming a modicum of security, money becomes a secondary issue.

Colleagues, to me, are the one thing you can‘t take for granted. Some of them you‘ll hate. Some of them you‘ll love. (Taking either of these to extremes, however, is not advisable!) Some of them you‘ll gladly share a few bevvies and a good gossip with down the pub after work. Some of them, on the other hand – you only have to glimpse them in the office boozer and you‘re heading straight for the bus stop.

Of course if you have no colleagues, you have no irritants. The one with the irritating laugh. The one with the irritating cough or sneeze. The one with the irritating opinions. You have no enemies, either: Louise from marketing isn‘t constantly cosying up to the boss and plotting to subjugate your department to hers. And, of course, you have no meetings.

But you don‘t get the good ones, either. Not just the after-work pint buddy, but the bloke who knows all about cars and advises you authoritatively against buying a five-year-old Kia. The one who knows just how you like your coffee. The one who‘s recovered from the cold you‘ve just caught and can tell you exactly how long it‘s likely to last and what remedy he/she found particularly efficacious. The one whose wedding you went to, and who came to yours.

No, on balance colleagues are a good thing. Even the ones you loathe serve to make your day less grey. If you‘ve got them, if you‘re still office-bound and haven‘t yet experienced the glorious freedom that comes with working from home, cherish them. Forgive them their trespasses (within reason, that is). And if you don‘t have them, if you‘ve taken that leap into the working-from-home dark, join

something. Whether it‘s the Communist Party or the local amateur operatic society or (as in my case) the Rose & Crown Supporters‘ Club, it‘s a great comfort to know that when you‘ve turned the computer off and had your tea, you have your ration of human contact to look forward to. Because if you don‘t have colleagues, you can always have friends...

For new builds extensions

and refurbishments

visit us at: www.willowhomes.co.uk

Or mail us: [email protected]

Mobile 07787 836386


Nigel Starr Groundwork, Fencing

and Agricultural Contractor Est. 20 years

• All types of fencing

• Groundworks: Footings, underground

drainage, septic tanks etc.

• Driveways • Patios

Other work undertaken Mobile: 07976 248930

Telephone: 01666 826877

www.nigelstarr.co.uk

Extons Removals for a personalized, hassle free removal, make

the right move and call 01666 823589 www.extonsremovals.co.uk

Extons Party Time bouncy castle hire

01666 825658 www.extonspartytime.co.uk

A'n'C Disco for hire parties, weddings

01666 825658

http://www.nigelstarr.co.uk

http://www.extonsremovals.co.uk

http://www.extonspartytime.co.uk


Lea, Cleverton, Garsdon and Charlton

Conservatives present to you the....

CHARITY DANCE EVENT OF THE SUMMER FOR 18 UPS!!!!

17th June 2011

---- BOOGIE NIGHT---- VENUE: in the field opposite

WILLIS BROTHERS (between Lea and Malmesbury)

PRESENTING: BATH AND BRISTOL'S PREMIER

UNIVERSITY ROCK BAND.... “The hottest act in the South West”..swindonweb.com

CHOKER (UTUBE CHOKERCHANNEL, FACEBOOK:

BOOGIENIGHT)

Tickets £15 IN ADVANCE, £25 ON THE DOOR

to book contact Justine on 07970288512

[email protected] www.frolicweekend.co.uk k.o. 8pm. music till the early hours. Parking in the field. Pay bar till 1am.

local hotdogs & other attractions....

FAMILY FROLIC SUNDAY19th June (opposite Willis Bros.)

www.frolicweekend.co.uk

Fun for all the family! (and no need to cook sunday lunch)

Gate opens 12pm. Lamb Roast 12.30pm

Children's races start 1pm

THE FROLIC DASH FINAL 3PM

EGG THROWING AND TUG-O-WAR 4PM

Cleaning up 5pm!

Bring plenty of coins, this is a charity event! Who could forger last year's dad sprint race

featuring 5 LIVE'S ALISTAIR BRUCE-BALL, OR the Swindon vs Oaksey vs Wootton Bas-

sett vs Lea Egg throwing final "EPIC" Malmesbury Gazette and Herald.

PLEASE COME ALONG TO EITHER OF

THESE MARVELLOUS EVENTS.

I'm writing my Connections column... Well if you thought that last month was hectic, this month's

edition is accelerating hopefully like Jenson Button's racing car to victory in Australia! Are you going to watch that race, or are you, like me hoping to be outside planting? Planting? At 6 o'clock in the morning you're asking! Well yes but only

because other chores and events this weekend will leave me a small window of opportunity. The list of chores read like this: 1. Complete the re-turfing of the worn patches on the lawn. 2. Thoroughly

weed through the borders with a focus on the cleavers. 3. Hoe through the veg beds. 4. Plant some previously divided Ginularia stems in the shady raised beds around the pond. 5. Roll and mow Gabriel's football

pitch in anticipation of the invasion of some of his footy pals on Monday! 6. Feed and water the young shrubs and roses 7. Plant the few hyacinth bulbs, primulas, cyclamen and heathers that my lovely wife Laura has

decorating the house. 8. Sweep the rear patio & mulch the top border....well the list just doesn't stop! And the events read like this: 1. Watch Gabriel's Oaksey football team. 2. Siddington point to point (especially to

watch Rustic John in the open, a lovely big chestnut bred by my father and owned by John Hatherall) 3. Celebrate my father in law's birthday on Sunday afternoon at Castle Coombe Golf Course.

This weekend is going to be MAD. The outcome of it all can't be predicted, but one thing that can is that there will be

plenty of wine drunk at the golf course!! Sunday efening,. sox o'clock/,.

Wefe just got back from the gulf clob!*8. I drank too much wine with Simon and James.. hiccup, throw up! I've got to finish this column tonight. So, how was your weekend. Mine was busy. I took the horse to the match and he scored two

great goals. A brilliant header and a superb volley. That boy will go far, though he had a complaint regarding holes all over the pitch! Another repair job.. Oh and I've just finished turfing the pond. Conditions were appalling. Up to my waste

in filthy water and newts crawling up my trouser logs. I managed to plant all of the cleavers. They're tricky sticky blighters! One minute they're in, the next they are out! In out, in out, do the oaky koaky.etc. I've rolled the vegetables

and watered the patio and binned some ginularia! I've had to hoe some cyclamen that I planted yesterday. Why I planted them I can't for the life of me remember and who threw those hyacinth bulbs at Norman Thomas at the point

to point!!? I've mowed the daffodils and the prunes. I need to repair a puncture on the trampoline and go for a bounce on the bicycle with Felix.

Oh and my lovely wife Lola says that her battery is flat and her wheels need inflating. In the office I've the VAT to do and I might finish some invoicing. Oh, now my wife is asking me to bake some eggs

for the kids tea. I'll have to finish this column. See you next month, happy gardening! Lester.

Friday evening, 11pm by Lester Manners

mailto:[email protected]


WHAT’S ON

Every Monday—Malmesbury Arts Society meet at St Mary‘s Hall at 7.30pm to paint and draw. All ages welcome. (No meetings bank holidays)

Every Monday 1.00 - 3.30pm Malmesbury Physically Handicapped Club. The club is run for the benefit of physically

handicapped, and elderly, residents of Malmesbury and surrounding villages. We provide a forum where people can meet in a relaxed and friendly environment and enjoy a range of interesting speakers and recreational pursuits. Transport can

be arranged in the immediate Malmesbury area. For further info please contact 01666 824351

‗Every Monday & Thursday – Malmesbury Bridge Club meets for friendly duplicate bridge at Athelstan House, Burton Hill Primary Care Centre complex, at 7 p.m. For details or if you need a partner, contact Richard or Syd Gwyer 01453 860512

Every Wednesday—Members (aged 60 and over) meet at noon in the Wesleyan Room of the Town Hall to see friends and enjoy a 2 course lunch. Details from Helen Churchill 01666 840080

Friday 6th May– 7.30pm Westonbirt School‘s Summer Term Lecture by Charles Blackmore. Admission Free Tel.

01666880333 for more information.

Friday 6th May– 8.30pm Malmesbury River Valleys Trust—Bat and Moth evening on Conygre Mead Nature Reserve with wildlife expert Paul Darby. Cost £3 or £5 for families. Meet in Conygre Mead Car Park.

Saturday 7th May– Malmesbury Alive and Kicking event in Malmesbury Town Hall, showcasing local businesses and voluntary organizations. Contact the Town Council on 01666 822143 for details.

Saturday 7th May– Malmesbury Abbey Music Society concert. The Carducci Quartet. For tickets and information of this and further concerts please call David Barton 01249824924

Sunday 8th May– Canine Partners Bluebell Walk at Westonbirt Arboretum, 11am. Contact Gill Webb 01666822881

12th May, 16th June, 14th July -730pm- 9pm at MALMESBURY SECONDARY SCHOOL- CANTEEN AREA - regular monthly bingo sessions. Hosted by Malmesbury Home and School Association the money raised is being used to fund

another mini-bus for school use. For further details phone Margaret Lamb 01666 825617 or just turn up on the night - ALL WELCOME including children.

Saturday 14th May– 9am at Malmesbury Market Cross– Beautiful homemade cooking including cakes and

quiches supplied by residents of Lea in aid of the village hall fund.

Saturday 14th to Friday 27th May–Malmesbury Art Society exhibition of members paintings in Malmesbury Abbey

Saturday 21st May-7.30pm A Musical Evening with the Bath Chorus conducted by Grenville Jones at St Leonards

Church Minety. Tickets £10 to incl. light refreshments. Tel. Marjorie Holmes 01666860854 or Pauline Shelbourn 01666 860654

Saturday 28th May– 8am at the Market Cross—Malmesbury Garden Club Annual Plant Sale - A good variety of plants at competitive prices. Call 01666 823093 for further information

Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd May—FLOWER FESTIVAL AT ST GILES CHURCH STANTON ST QUINTIN. 9.30am, - 8.00pm There will be morning coffee and afternoon teas. 20th May 7.30- 9.00pm LOCAL TALENT CONCERT, £5 to include Wine and Nibbles. 22nd May 9.30am Family service with the Bishop of Swindon. Contact B Stark 01666 837615

Saturday 28th May at 8.00am, in The MARKET CROSS MALMESBURY THE MALMESBURY GARDEN CLUB‘S ANNUAL PLANT SALE A good variety of plants at very competitive prices. Graham Rees Tel 01666 823093

Friday 3rd June– 7.30pm Church of the Holy Cross Sherston Concert—Music for Awhile, Bach and his Circle.

Tickets £15 to incl. program and interval drinks from Sherston Post Office, Mrs J Barker 01666 840469 or Mrs H Martin 01666 840 375. In aid of the church fabric fund.

Sunday 12th June-Bowood Charity Dog Show and Summer Fair at Bowood House www.bowood.org/dogshow

Friday 17th June– Boogie Night (18 and overs) Tickets £15 in advance contact 07970288512 or see advert

Saturday 18th June-7.30pm Tenor Tim Pitman and Soprano Rebecca Robinson in concert at Malmesbury Abbey. Tickets £15 to include first drink. Contact Mary Smith 01249 890819 or 890327.

Sunday 19th June– Family Frolic 12 –5pm. See advert for details or go to www.frolicweekend.co.uk

Monday 20th June– Badminton Gardens Open Day. See page 17 for details

malmesbury connections may 2011

Documents