In this issue

YOU'LL FIND everything you need for the best Christmas ever in the December issue of Wiltshire Life, from inspiring Christmas feast recipes to great gift ideas and tips on where to shop in Devizes and Corsham. Our stunning cover shows a barn owl in falling snow and is accompanied by a cautionary tale from Dr Emily Joachim. On a jollier note, foodies can rejoice in the new Rick Stein eatery in Marlborough. We meet one of the nation's favourite TV chefs and review the lunch menu. Meanwhile, film buffs can look back over the glorious big and small screen productions that have been made in Wiltshire, and find out about two more that could be coming to a screen near you soon. There's so much more too: we review a beautiful book on the Ridgeway; meet an author who lives in a cottage once owned by Clarissa Churchill and Anthony Eden; chat with an artist, once an actress and chocolate grower who had to kill a pile of snakes when left alone in the jungle with her children; watch as Salisbury Cathedral is readied for the festivities; find out how a Trowbridge housewife spent Christmas 1946; go on a walk of discovery in Malmesbury where you'll find out about self-mortification and debauchery; meet the Three Wise Men who say there is room at the inn; and discover the origins of point-to-point (a sport for rogues). In Village Life we take a look around Heytesbury, and elsewhere put the issue of teenage homelessness under the microscope. We've got all your favourites too: Wiltshire Scene looks back at Marlborough LitFest; there's news of restoration work at Stourhead; while Last View tells the tale of the turtle dove. So why not cosy up with the Christmas issue - and a hot toddy - tonight?