Wiltshire Life

Wiltshire Life is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year after serving the county since 1946. 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 offers its residents. Alongside stunning photography and topical news, Wiltshire Life has interviews with leading county figures, updates from local charities and details of social events. If you’ve just moved to the county, or lived here your entire life, why not subscribe to Wiltshire Life magazine and celebrate our glorious and lively county?

Wiltshire Life

An awfully big adventure • Georgie Green looks at how the month of September heralds a time for new beginnings and discoveries.

AROUND THE COUNTY

WILTSHIRE SCENE

A round up of the best events in September • From jolly japes with Jeeves to fairs, a fabulous clothing sale and open art studios

Sandie Webb • The chairman and founder of Chippenham Community Eco Hub shares her passion for the town, its people and the town’s football club.

David Rowlands • For 20 years David Rowlands has dedicated himself to helping asylum seekers and refugees rebuild their lives through The Harbour Project in Swindon. Gary Lawrence went to meet him.

Follow the Peacock Trail • We live in a beautiful county, a jigsaw of chalk plains, mellow pasture, wooded valleys and bustling towns and timeless hamlets. Wiltshire truly has something for everyone. Peacock Arts Trail organiser Rachael Holtom says the trail is an inspiration for the artists who take part. Here she introduces some of those who will be opening their studios this year.

Festival is a literary feast • Whatever genre of literature you like reading, this year’s Marlborough LitFest programme has something for you. With topics including history, classics, cricket, sketching, Shakespeare, walking, crime and dance music. Fran Del Mar from the festival team explains their aim is to encourage and inspire a love of books across all ages.

Answering The King’s call • When Devizes artist Clifton Powell was asked to paint a portrait for a special project commissioned by The King, he didn’t believe it was genuine but when reality kicked in, as he tells Simon Heptinstall, it was an honour and a moment in life he will treasure.

September splendour • As we head into autumn there are still plenty of places to visit through the National Garden Scheme. Why not take the opportunity to catch the change of season in the glorious private gardens listed here.

Cutting edge of farming

Every picture tells a story • In a new exhibition at Salisbury Museum a newspaper photo archive becomes a time machine, taking the viewer back through 50 years of drama, fashion and cultural change. Gary Lawrence was given a tour by the man who put it all together.

Sharing the gift of life • September 18 to 24 is Organ Donation Week and, like many transplant recipients, Lucy Ryan will give thanks for the gift that saved her life. Gary Lawrence spoke to her and her mother about it.

Organ donation

Raise a glass to Aimee • Aimee Hancock is a director of the Immersive Group, one of the county’s fastest growing independent hospitality businesses. Gary Lawrence spoke to her about its rapid rise and her part in it.

It’s a walk in the park • Our parks are free open spaces to socialise, meet new friends, kick a football or walk the dog. The county has a diverse range found in town centres and rural settings, Stephen Roberts picks his top 10.

SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD Is less more? • Head of Godolphin, Jenny Price says there are so many opportunities open to students but sometimes it is better to focus on quality...