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

Make it a jolly county Christmas • Georgie Green says you don’t have to travel far from home to source the perfect Christmas gift and it makes a real difference to our local economy.

AROUND THE COUNTY

A round up of festive events in December • Pantomime favourites, carol concerts and seasonal delights

WILTSHIRE SCENE

David Ashley • There is nothing like a panto dame and for this actor/director his life long love of pantomime started as a boy in Swindon.

My Favourite…

John Challenger • Salisbury Cathedral’s assistant director of music is a passionate advocate of church music and of the magnificent 146-year-old pipe organ he spends every available minute playing. Gary Lawrence went to meet him.

Transforming healthcare with robot surgeons • A new robot has begun revolutionising the way surgeons operate on patients at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Gary Lawrence spoke to the two men whose persistence brought the technology to Wiltshire.

Captivated by life on the doorstep • Artist Georgina Potter only has to step outside her cottage door to find inspiration. Mary-Vere Parr meets an artist whose escape to the country has influenced her art.

On track with the fourth Railway Child • On December 21, 1970 a film adaptation of Edith Nesbitt’s much-loved classic book, The Railway Children was released. It instantly became a family favourite, more than 50 years later it still is. Peter Robertson meets an actor who says the film remains one of his career highlights.

The wider meaning of Christmas • Christmas at Salisbury Cathedral isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Marie Thomas from the cathedral talks to colleagues who explain more about how this time of the year involves a huge team of staff, volunteers and precision planning.

Festive welcome • Bring a bit of Christmas cheer to your home by hanging a wreath on the front door. There are plenty of opportunities to make your own this year – with a bit of help from the experts. Here are some of the workshops taking place in the county, but do check availability in advance.

Inspirational ideas • When it comes to choosing Christmas presents, support Wiltshire based businesses and keep it local. From cheeses and crackers to make-up brushes and woollen throws, fabulous gifts can be sourced here on our doorstep.

Sowing the seeds of change • Regenerative farming has become a buzzword in food and farming circles. Before the term became fashionable, agricultural adviser Todd Jex was working with clients to embrace many of its principles, as a result he recently received a prestigious Farmers Weekly award. Mary-Vere Parr went to meet with him.

A Winter Walk on Coombe Bissett Down • There are more than 70 acres of beautiful chalk grassland at Coombe Bissett Down, just south of Salisbury. It is worth a visit at any time of year for its sweeping views over the surrounding countryside, but the frost covered landscape in winter can be particularly stunning.

Discovering a wild and woolly past • Fossil hunters Nev and Sally Hollingworth stunned the scientific world when they stumbled across a...