Become a member or gift a membership THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER INCLUDE: Supporting vital conservation work tackling the climate and ecological crises in Wiltshire Developing a stronger connection with nature on your doorstep A detailed Member’s Guide and map to all our Nature Reserves across Wiltshire & Swindon and a car sticker Our twice-yearly magazine Wiltshire Wildlife What’s On – a twice-yearly directory of interesting events, talks and walks near you B a r n o w Visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org/member Dl a v to find out more. id K ja e r blu e D a rin Smith Individual Membership n o m m o From £30.00 for the year, £2.50 per C month, or only 8p per day to join. Joint Membership From £36.00 for the year, £3 per month and less than 10p per day to join. Family Membership C From £48.00 for the year, £4 per h a l k m month, or just 13p per day to join. il k w ort RichardAisbitt CONTENTS September 2022 1122 1166 3300 3366 CClloovveerr SSttrroouudd MMaarrllbboorroouugghh LLiittFFeesstt RRaavviilliioouuss wwaallkkss OOppeenn ggaarrddeennss 4400 4422 6600 6644 WWiillttsshhiirree WWiillddlliiffee TTrruusstt CCoommmmuunniittyy ooppeerraa RReecciippee GGaarrddeenniinngg Staff FEATURES Editor-in-Chief/Publisher: Mark Allen REGULARS Editor: Georgie Green My Wiltshire: Granville Pictor 10 Moonraker 4 01722 717025 The Salisbury peregrine falcon specialist shares his love of the county and its wildlife [email protected] Around the County 6 Publishing Director: Jane Kennedy In conversation with Clover Stroud 12 Wiltshire Scene 8 01722 717018 Mary-Vere Parr talks to the acclaimed author about her latest heartfelt memoir Food and drink 60 [email protected] Marlborough Litfest 16 Gardening for bees 64 Circulation Director: Sally Boettcher Discover more about who is talking books at this year’s literary festival [email protected] Antiques 66 Subscription Manager: Bethany Foy Salisbury Art Trail 20 Page Design: Mary Holmes The popular art event returns to the city and beyond Advert Design: Dan Bevan SUBSCRIPTIONS Production Manager: Carolyn Allen Heritage: Apprentice thatcher 22 UK Personal rates (print) Production Director: Richard Hamshere Jake Greenfield is learning his craft under the guidance of master thatcher Ellis Butcher Quarterly Direct Debit £15.50 Managing Director: Paul Geoghegan Issues that Matter 26 Chief Executive Officer: Ben Allen Annual Direct Debit £61.00 Contributors How the increasing mental health crisis is affecting the county’s support network Annual Credit Card £64.00 Grant Berry, Sophie Butcher, Kitty Cole, Walks inspired by art 30 2yr Annual Credit Card £108.80 Clare Durham, Simon Heptinstall, Anne 3yr Annual Credit Card £144.00 Kitty Cole takes a walk across the landscapes that influenced artist Eric Ravilious Holland, Gary Lawrence, Mary-Vere Parr Subscribe online: National Gardens Scheme 36 www.magsubscriptions.com Glorious gardens to visit and take inspiration from this month Subscribe by phone: +44 (0) 1722 716997 Wiltshire Wildlife Trust 40 Part of We take a look at the positive effect nature has on our wellbeing © MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd, 2022. All rights reserved. No part of Wiltshire Life may be reproduced, Arts: Wiltshire Music Centre 42 stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form www.markallengroup.com or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, Bringing the community together for a unique opera perfomance recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the Publishing Director. Wiltshire Life is published by History: Beckhampton Stables 44 The views expressed do not necessarily represent those MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd, of the editor or Wiltshire Life. Advertisements in the The racing yard continuing to produce classic winners through the centuries Unit A Buildings 1-5, journal do not imply endorsement of the products or Dinton Business Park, Catherine Ford Rd, services advertised. Dinton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 5HZ Please read our privacy policy, by visiting SCHOOLS NOTICEBOARD http://privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will www.wiltshirelife.co.uk explain how we process, use & safeguard your data Round-up of the latest news from schools across the region 48 ISSN: 1358-0582 Printed by: Cover: Salthrop House Pensord Press Ltd, Wiltshire Life Photo: Herry Lawford Blackwood, NP12 2YA awards 58 MSeapyt e2m02b1e r 2022 WWIILLTTSSHHIIRREE LLIIFFEE 3 MMOOOONNRRAAKKEERR Highworth Cricklade At last it Malmesbury Swindon Royal really has Wootton Bassett Chippenham Calne come home Corsham Marlborough Bradford Melksham on Avon Devizes Trowbridge Georgie Green says the outstanding success of the Ludgershall Westbury Lionesses is something we can Tidworth build on here in the county. Warminster Amesbury A LONG WITH the rest of I cannot the nation, I found myself ever recall a completely caught up in the time when Mere Women’s European Football both teams Championships. As the tournament were talking Wilton Salisbury progressed the hope that as a nation we to an interviewer would once again see a bit of silverware on the pitch at the end in an English cabinet went from being a of a match, let alone with dream to a reality. I had a good old cry the losing team showing such and then thought about what we had all empathy and thanking the just witnessed. Lionesses for the effect their win will have on the womens’ game for future generations. ‘ To improve Following the England team win I thought they are not only inspirational role models I’d take a look at what is happening here in the in their respective sports of tennis and judo, county, because to be honest, I know very little but they are examples of people who give inclusivity about how girls can get involved in the sport. back to the sport that has allowed them to This is what I discovered on the Swindon reach world class level. Town Football Club website, the Swindon For both of them it started a locally, their and accessibility Town FC Community Foundation has been routes to success were not easy. In the early ’ awarded an FA Emerging Talent Centre days it took a huge amount of guts and for girls licence: ‘After a review of the current player determination to reach their levels of sport, pathway to support talented girls, over the along with support from family, friends, next two seasons the Football Association will schools. Naturally, the list is endless. be changing the structure across England. So, what can we do here in the county to Women playing with world class ability on The landscape will be changing from the support our talented young sportswomen a world class stage, families and in particular 2022/2023 season in Wiltshire with Emerging and let us not forget the boys too? young children enjoying an historic event Talent Centre’s replacing FA Advanced Why not contact Wiltshire Council they that many never thought possible. Coaching Centres.’ will let you know what is on offer at a local It was the warmth and team spirit Ashley Cornick, football development level, or simply see what is happening in on both sides in the final that was truly officer at Wiltshire County FA said: “We your town or village. It does not mean you inspirational, prompting Her Majesty The are excited to support Swindon Town FC will have to dust down your old cricket Queen to send these words to the team: Community Foundation as they continue whites or football boots. “The Championships and your performance to grow opportunities for girls in the county It could be as simple as standing on the in them have rightly won praise. However, to access elite level coaching. We will work touchline and cheering when a goal or try your success goes far beyond the trophy you together to provide a solid framework to is scored, or when a young cricketer has have so deservedly earned.” improve inclusivity and accessibility for girls hit a ball for six for the first time. The Queen continued that the team in Wiltshire who wish to reach the top of the Hearing a voice of support makes all had, “set an example that will be an game.” So things are looking up. the difference to young people in their inspiration for girls and women today, and I recently met up with Wiltshire future achievements on the playing field for future generations.” Paralympians Louise Hunt and Chris Skelley, and far beyond. WL 44 WILTSHIRE LIFE September 2022 Subscribe to magsubscriptions.com/wiltshire-life [email protected] 01722 716 997 Unearth the very best of Wiltshire Wiltshire Life is celebrating 75+ years as your county publication. Every issue has features on places to go, country living, wildlife and nature, the best spots for food and drink, homes, gardens, theatre and music, local history and more- truly encompassing the wonderful culture that Wiltshire off ers its residents. If you’ve just moved to the area, or lived here your entire life, why not subscribe to Wiltshire Life magazine and make the most of the county? Why you should subscribe? (cid:122)(cid:3)One issue a month delivered straight to your door (cid:122)(cid:3)Option to upgrade to get digital archive access (cid:122)(cid:3)Complimentary supplements including South & South West Independent School Guides, Homes & Gardens and Your Guide to Th e Best Places to Eat and Drink in Th e County From £64 a year County News • Fascinating Features • Stunning Photography THE ONLY COUNTY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED IN WILTSHIRE FOR WILTSHIRE Print Only annual subscription (£64); Digital Edition (£64); Full Membership Package (£88). Postage and packaging is free for UK orders. AROUND THE COUNTY Marathon men take on 24-hour challenge You would think that running carrying out the various village a marathon would be enough jobs. In total this totted up to an for most sporty individuals, but impressive 61,713 steps. this was not so for local Barford Their sponsored 25 village St Martin resident, Simon Lamb tasks included washing 12 cars, and his 18-year-old running painting Barford’s cemetery partner Zack Keane, who decided lychgate, and weeding, cutting, or that just running a marathon did pruning eight local gardens. Zack not cut the mustard for them. and Simon also cleared pub tables Instead, these two heroic runners and took on the job of walking upped their game and over 24 two village dogs. In total more hours ran a marathon of 26.6 miles than £1,000 was raised over the and added 25 individual 30-minute course of the 24 hours and all the village jobs along the way. funds were generously donated Their driving force for such to the Barford Community Fund a physical and mental challenge for the new children’s playground was to raise as much money as to be installed in the village later Zack Keane (maroon shirt),Simon Lamb (yellow shirt) with the support team. possible for the new children’s this year. playground in the village. Throughout the event, the total 125 games of pool were Zack went back to his job in The stats on this extreme Barford Inn remained open to played by various village residents, the Army Air Corps at Middle challenge are impressive. Over provide the two runners and their raising £250 in total. Wallop and Simon was out the 24 hours – from Saturday support teams with respite and You would think after facing the next day walking his dog morning to Sunday morning, refreshments. The pub also hosted such an exhausting challenge Otto, with not a limp in sight. Zack and Simon ran 26.6 miles, a secondary 24-hour continuous both runners would take to their Congratulations to both of them. and walked a further 10.3 miles pool playing challenge and in beds for days, but no. Young An extraordinary feat. Open days are a dead cert Scandi vibes at Th e Bell Ten Wiltshire horse racing Brian Meehan said: “We It is all change at The Bell says James, “and as we get a feel trainers will be opening are looking forward to opening at Ramsbury with a new for what’s popular, we have a their yards to the public as part Manton’s gates to welcome you management team in place and a chance to really listen to what of National Racehorse Week in to see how a busy racing yard new style of dining. Led by head our guests want.” from September 10 to 18. works. Expect to see the horses chef and general manager James Hygge will also double up as Among those showing off up close and on the gallops and Graham, they are launching a a stunning private dining space, their stables, horses and inner see how the horses are cared for new wine bar, Hygge at The Bell. with options for tasting menus workings will be Brian Meehan and the attention they are given.” Hygge pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ and some really special events at Manton, Seamus Mullins The open days will showcase is a Danish word meaning a and wine tastings. at Wilsford Stables, Neil a range of activities which varies sense of comfort and warmth Café Bella will still run Mullholland at Conkwell Lodge from yard to yard, but all will offer that brings a feeling of cosiness, during the day, and then from and Emma Lavelle at Ogbourne the chance to meet racehorses in conviviality, and of contentment August, with a view into the Maizey (pictured). training, as well as the much-loved or well-being. open kitchen, Hygge will be stable stars who have retired. “It’s a real step forward for open Thursday to Saturday Also opening its doors is us at The Bell, a wonderful evenings from 6pm. the Greatwood Charity near opportunity to offer something Marlborough, which will be new, and different in the area,” • www.thebellramsbury.com. putting on a parade of horses involved in its educational work. There will also be a demonstration of rehabilitation of an ex-racehorse and an opportunity to see them ridden. • Visits to all open days must be booked in advance, all dates, times and locations can be found at nationalracehorseweek.uk. 6 WILTSHIRE LIFE September 2022 School project celebrates diversity and cultural heritage Pupils at Lawn Manor Academy run by Nationwide and Schools The pupils then worked with spoken by students and staff, in Swindon have taken part in of Sanctuary. Through a series of Create Studios’ media team to including Konkani (a Goan a unique project to celebrate the stories by people who had either capture a series of interviews, and language), Polish, Hindi, Italian, town’s rich cultural diversity. lived in the town all their lives learned how to operate camera Spanish and Catalan. The project, called See or who migrated to Swindon, and sound equipment. William Smith, head of PHSE, Me Nationwide, was held at the students were introduced to Lawn Manor Academy has a says the experience was valuable Swindon’s Create Studios and was Swindon’s very diverse heritage. total of 35 different languages for pupils. “This was an excellent trip supporting their classwork in Humanities and Citizenship, learning about community, cultural diversity and belonging,” he says. “It also boosted their confidence in speaking in public, and listening closely to other people’s personal experiences and points of view.” The school also took part in a cultural diversity day, to celebrate the many cultures and backgrounds that make up the Lawn Manor Academy family. A group of year 10 and year 11 pupils also cooked and brought in food from cultures all around the globe, including Eastern Europe, South Asia, East Asia Lawn Manor Academy students from l-r Mahnoor, Ayesha (Head Girl), Frances, Deepika, Sujata, Michelle, Binta, Chrisel. and South-East Asia. Tidiness rewarded as best kept village winners are crowned Whiteparish, Hindon and Winner of Winners’ competition the village’s re-wilding areas. Rushall has entered almost Rushall have been crowned out of the six winning villages Medium-sized village winner every year for more than 16 years Wiltshire’s Best Kept Villages from the last two years. Hindon was said to be “an and often wins the Kennet Small competition winners. Whiteparish finally triumphed extremely attractive village to Village category. Judges felt that The annual contest, organised in the Large Village category live in, with lots of community it “had the immediate feel of a by the Campaign to Protect Rural after coming close in recent activities taking place”. Judges village which was well kept and for England (CPRE), is judged on years. Judges were impressed by said the environment appeared which the villagers cared”. They tidiness, cleanliness, presentation, the “general presentation and very well maintained and much added: “The church and church conservation and community spirit immediate look of a well-respected loved by residents. Other positive yard stood out, alongside the and earns the winners an eight- and well-maintained village”. They comments mentioned the village cricket ground, as exceptionally foot standard with mounted shield, also commented very favourably playground, the conservation well looked after and presented.” usually kept on the village green. on the Memorial Ground and area, the community shop, the Award ceremonies will be held Bratton won the Laurence Hall, including the “magnificent” war memorial, the two pubs and sequentially at the three winning Kitching Award – also called the skate park, the school area, and the High Street. villages on September 25. Stop dementia in its tracks The Alzheimer’s Society is high ridges, through woodlands, dementia support. Alzheimer’s urging people to take on the often following medieval trading. Society’s services, including the Trek26 Stonehenge challenge, to The half marathon option Dementia Connect support line, help raise funds for the charity’s will join the group in Great have been used more than six support services. Wishford and together the million times since the start of By signing up to a 13 or walkers will enjoy the fabulous the pandemic but too many 26-mile trek across the breath- views of Stonehenge, before people in Wiltshire are still taking landscape on September 3, circling south and tackling the facing dementia alone. Money seasoned hikers and beginners alike undulating chalk ridges and raised from Trek26 Stonehenge can experience the countryside quiet valleys back to Old Sarum. will help ensure that Alzheimer’s like they have never seen it before. There has never been a more Society can reach those who The marathon route starts important time for Wiltshire need it most. to the north of Salisbury, and residents to don their walking participants walk past the boots and go the distance to • Sign up or find out more at: cathedral, over water meadows, raise vital funds for life-changing alzheimers.org.uk/Trek26. September 2022 WILTSHIRE LIFE 7 WILTSHIRE SCENE Doctors’Mess Summer Formal THE GUILDHALL in Salisbury was host The Deloreons band provided the to the Doctors’ Mess Summer Formal on perfect background to dancing the night Friday July 22, with more than 120 staff in away, with Michael Bowyer MBE and his attendance from right across the hospital. wonderful team creating the stunning flower From consultants and junior doctors to the arrangements for the tables. The flowers incredible nurses, pharmacists, secretaries and were then transported back to the hospital occupational therapy team – they all came to for patients and staff to enjoy. party. It was the biggest event in years that the Dr Nicholas Hicks and Dr Sabine Coates hospital has held due to the Covid pandemic. who organised the evening, were thanked Doctor Anna Barton, respiratory consultant for their tireless contribution to the Doctors’ started off proceedings thanking everyone for Mess throughout the year, they said they felt their hard work and appreciation of how incredibly lucky to be blessed with a community difficult the past couple of years have been. that was so willing to support their event. The flowers on the Britford and Downton Wards. The Mess Committee for 2021-22 on the Guildhall steps led by president Dr. Foundation 2 doctors who were graduated early in the fight against Covid-19 in 2020. Nicholas Hicks. Y H P A R G O T O H P L L E M M A C S D VI A D S: O T O H P Medical consultants alongside the hospital’s most junior and youngest doctor in the The Respiratory consultants that led the fight against Covid having a much Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. deserved night off with some of their new junior doctors. 8 WILTSHIRE LIFE September 2022 WILTSHIRE SCENE Left: Nick Pini in the cloister. Above: Ray Gelato and his Giants. Below: Picnics in Iford Manor Gardens. Inset: Dancing in the Archery Grounds. Iford Manor’s inaugural Jazz Festival a roaring success A JUMPING, JIVING and toe-tapping weekend was had by all at idyllic Iford Manor, as William and Marianne Cartwright-Hignett hosted the venue’s inaugural Jazz Festival, curated by Claire Martin OBE. By day, the award-winning Grade 1 listed gardens were home to up-and-coming artists, many of them current or former members of Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra, who filled the grounds with glorious sounds. Guests wandered the corners of the garden, glass in hand, to peruse the summer blooms while music softly flowed on the breeze. Lunchtimes saw much loved Bristol- based pianist Rebecca Nash perform two sets with her trio in the Manor’s restaurant, as listeners indulged in a delectable three- course lunch from award-winning head chef, Matthew Briddon. By night, the valley came alive with incredible performances from world- renowned artists. On the Friday, feel-good sets from Joe Stilgoe and his highly entertaining trio got the crowd up and jiving in no time. Then the grounds buzzed on Saturday with the zest of the Godfather of swing himself, Ray Gelato and his Giants. The festival closed with a more reflective, intimate concert: a magical evening with Grammy Award- nominated guitar virtuoso Dr Martin Taylor MBE, in Harold Peto’s atmospheric cloister, romantically lit by candles. With all performances sold out over the weekend, there is definitely an appetite for the event to return next year. We’ll certainly Musician Joe Stilgoe (piano) takes to the stage on the Friday night. be watching this space. September 2022 WILTSHIRE LIFE 9