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

Committing to a lifetime of service • As we celebrate the landmark jubilee, Georgie Green reflects on the promise made and kept by the 21-year-old princess.

Subscribe to WILTSHIRE LIFE

Lions back on song

Free online training course for dementia carers

Blooming marvellous award

The Platinum Jubilee Early, Early Christmas Fair

Swindon’s market success

Tim Hyams • Major General (Ret’d) Tim Hyams CB OBE looks back at his first impressions of the county more than a quarter of a century ago, and why it has now become the place his family like to call home.

Bishop Stephen • The Very Reverend Stephen Lake is about to become the 79th Bishop of Salisbury. He spoke to Gary Lawrence about the journey that led him here.

Home is where the heart is for new High Sheriff • Lady Lansdowne is Wiltshire’s 175th High Sheriff and intends to be one of its busiest. She told Mary-Vere Parr that she plans to be out saying thank you to the county’s unsung heroes and supporting homeless charities amid her ceremonial duties in this Platinum Jubilee year.

Blooming valley welcome • Villagers will mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee when six fascinating gardens open their gates to the public to raise money for charity. Gary Lawrence found out more.

The past comes alive as festival returns with a bang • After Covid limited numbers last year the Chalke Valley History Festival returns in June at full throttle with some eye-opening events and attractions. Alex Hippisley-Cox shares details of this year’s event.

A peek behind the scenes

CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL

Music set in stone • Composer Howard Moody is returning home to with a new work reflecting the skill and dedication of those who built Salisbury Cathedral. Alice James reveals more about this new work and looks ahead to the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Classic combination • Acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie will finally be part of Salisbury International Arts Festival after twice being foiled by Covid. In addition to her artist in residence role she will debut a concerto written for her by jazz composer Julian Joseph. Georgie Green spoke to them both.

Soulful summer sounds • Next month international, and up-and-coming jazz artists will once again fill the manor grounds with music, Steph Brown discovers more about this year’s event.

Face to face with the greats of the past • Sculptor Martin Jennings has created stunning likenesses of great literary figures, politicians and folk heroes but some of his work has been incredibly personal. A retrospective on his glittering career is at Arundells in Salisbury this summer and Anne Holland caught up with him ahead of the event.

Witch report spells it out with a touch of magic • Eva May Nicot is a good witch who claims she can be a midwife for the soul with the help of tealeaves, palm readings and her supernatural prowess. Simon Heptinstall met up with her to discover more.

Royal welcome • As Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton is her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the county. Here she reflects her...