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

A fresh new look for the change of season • Georgie Green says the team at Wiltshire Life have been working together to give the magazine a new look and a current feel.

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AROUND THE COUNTY

A round up of the best events in October • Murder mysteries, carnivals, choristers and fairground fun.

Barney Norris • The award-winning playwright and novelist laments the loss of his favourite city literary haunts.

Laura Cumming • Mary-Vere Parr catches up with the art critic and author ahead of her appearance at the Marlborough LitFest and discovers how images of the county’s white horses drew her family to the county

A reason to sing out and Celebrate • The world-renowned BBC Singers take centre stage as the curtain rises on the 10th Celebrate Voice Festival. Founder director, Lynsey Docherty looks back on the festival’s early days, and the journey to this milestone anniversary.

Wiltshire, Wessex and Wardens • A Saxon burial, the history of Malmesbury Abbey and medieval queens will all be part of this year’s Wessex Week which takes place between Saturday October 14 and Saturday October 21 in Malmesbury. Fiona Scott looks ahead to the event.

Tales from the 15th floor • Acclaimed composer Michael Stimpson’s story, like his work is remarkable. He talks to Mary-Vere Parr from his home in the Chalke Valley where he reveals how his latest work was influenced by a life changing illness almost 50 years ago.

Empowered by the spirit of adventure • For more than 30 years the Youth Adventure Trust has been giving young people aged 11 to 16 in Wiltshire & Swindon who face challenges in their lives the opportunity to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential. Gary Lawrence found out about their work.

Game, set and perfect match • Challenging the big tennis clothing brands is a little like a club player taking on Djokovic but novice designer Laura Ward found a way of doing it and is now more than holding her own serve. She told Gary Lawrence how.

Pull on your wellies • Enjoy the turn of the season at Savernake Forest. Follow the Forestry England recommended route to see examples of Savernake’s valuable deadwood habitat, wildlife getting ready for winter, and sustainable forest management including conservation grazing.

Spook-tackular pumpkin patches • It’s that time of the year to head on down to the farm to pick your own pumpkin, spend time outdoors and discover how these seasonal favourites grow. Dare to be scared as farms also have some creepy capers planned, ideal for half-term fun. Here our local growers share what to expect this Halloween.

Looking out for lost souls • It is the time of year when our thoughts turn to stories of ghosts and legends of the supernatural. Gary Lawrence talks to someone looking for answers about the afterlife and uncovers some of Wiltshire’s less celebrated spooky sites.

Upstairs, Downstairs • The National Trust team at Avebury Manor have been delving into history with Findmypast to find and tell forgotten stories about the people who lived there at the beginning...