cotswold essence march-may 2014

8/13/2019 Cotswold Essence March-May 2014

1/88

Inspiring life inthe Cotswolds

Issue 38March/April/May

THE MAGAZINE AT THE HEART OF THE COTSWOLDS

FOOD&DRINK | HEALTH&BEAUTY | HOTELS | HOMES&GARDENS | LIFESTYLE | MOTORS

www.cotswoldessence.co.ukFree

WINTICKETS TO MALVERNSPRING FESTIVALHOME ISWHERE THE

HEART ISGIVE YOURSA SPRUCE UP

WITH SOME

MONEY

SAVING

TOP TIPS

HOP ON OVER TOCIRENCESTER

THE GREAT MARCH HARE FESTIVAL GETS

SET TO TAKE OVER THE TOWN


2/88


3/88


4/88

IS there no end to this dreadful weather? Thisis usually a time of year when we start to lookhopefully towards slightly warmertemperatures and longer evenings but the way

things are going that could be a way off.If you are battening down the hatches at

the moment why not put the kettle on andhave a look at some of the inspiring ideas

weve got for when the storms finally pass.Spring cleaning and home revamps are

always foremost in our minds at this time of year with the urge to dust downthe cobwebs from the winter months and give our habitat a bit of a fresherlook.

I got some great ideas from Clare Parrack who owns Clarify Interiors whichspecialises in de-cluttering and staging your home to look its best.

Take a look at our before and after pictures of some of the properties Clare

has worked on. You wouldnt believe they were the same rooms but sometimesit has just been down to a lick of paint and a bit of re-arranging.

I will certainly be getting the paint brushes out and making a few trips tothe municipal tip any day soon.

Working when your children are young is often a bit of a wrench for mumswho often have to juggle like mad to get the best of both worlds when it comesto work and family life.

Mum of three Emma Williams took the lead for a business idea from herlittle son Harry who wanted a specific-style backpack for his birthday.

After a drawing a blank in her online search she decided to go intomanufacturing herself and the result is a youngsters dream a backpackthat looks like a jet pack. Not only does it carry all those special treasures butit can also take you anywhere your imagination desires. We have one to giveaway to one lucky reader.

If you are still looking for inspiration our interview with Sarah Naish willleave you wondering what you have been doing with your life.

Not only did she adopt five siblings and became a single mum to them butthey were also children with special needs and problems and when she wasntdoing that she was forging a path through the fostering and adoption servicetrying to improve the system for both children and prospective parents.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of our beloved local authorLaurie Lee who immortalised our beautiful Slad Valley on the edge of Stroud.

Weve got some great giveaways to celebrate the event including a case ofcider and some gorgeous gilt bound, unabridged copies of his most famousbook Cider with Rosie.

And when the poor old windswept flowers finally make it to the surface, asthey will, weve got features from Chelsea Flower Show and Malvern SpringShow with the chance to win some tickets too.

Enjoy!

AdvertisingSales ManagerDean AmosCotswold Essence Magazine74 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL2 2PW.01285 [email protected]

Advertising SalesHelen Perry 01285 [email protected] Tandy 01285 [email protected] Weaver 01285 [email protected] Gray 01285 [email protected] Shipton 01453 [email protected] Woodhouse 01453 [email protected] Green 01453 [email protected] Advertising SalesWendy McCafferty 01285 [email protected]

EditorSue Smith 01453 [email protected]

Whats OnTonia Stratford 01285 [email protected]

COTSWOLDESSENCEMagazine

Issue 38

Sue SmithEditor ~Cotswold Essence Magazine

PublisherJulia LancettEditorSue Smith

Advertising Dean AmosDesign Katie AdamsPhotographyRichard Pasco, Carl Hewlett

March - May 2014

Published quarterly by:

A Division of Newsquest Media (Southern) Limited.A Gannett Company.

58 Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP.Reg. Number 1350 England

Contributors

Cover picture by Jo Hansford Photography

EDITORS

Welcome

Sue BradleyTonia StratfordLottie KebleCaroline Peyton

Marianne SweetHayley Mortimer

Joanne CollierMegan Archer

Kate WilsonBrendan McfaddenRebecca Jones

Julie Dolphin


5/88


6/88

6 COTSWOLDESSENCE|March - 2014 www.cotswoldessence.co.uk

21, 56, 58, 68

COMPETITIONSIf theres a budding young astronaut in thehouse they will love the Harry & JacksAdventure Jet Pack backpacks completewith wristband for contacting space (ofcourse). To celebrate the 100th anniversaryof the birth of author Laurie Lee we aregiving away gorgeous gilt-edged copies ofCider with Rosie as well as a case of MatesCider for that extra bit of authenticity.

40, 41WHATS ONFrom music to plant sales, your guide towhat is going on in the Cotswolds withplaces to visit.

14, 15, 16 HOMESLooking for inspiration to freshen up yourhome for spring but the budget is tight? Itdoesn t have to cost a fortune. ClareParrack of Clarify Interiors shows you howwith some low-cost ideas to transform atired old room into a dream space.

48, 49, 50, 78, 79, 80

TRAVELThe Amazon Rainforest, one of the mostbio-diverse regions in the world teeming

with endless flora and fauna and a fewcreatures that you wouldnt want to meet inthe dark. Back home in Blighty, thetimeless and chic seaside living at The Cary

www.cotswoldessence.co.uk

ContentsIssue 38

Arms, Babbacombe offers relaxationand baked potatoes that can cost 65

but they are no ordinary bakedpotatoes.

60, 66, 84 FOODSet in a chocolate box village nearShakespeares Stratford-upon-Avon,The Fuzzy Duck is an outstandinghome-from-home pub with rooms withan abundance of creature comfortsfrom Hunter wellies and blankets tosweets and pigs ears for your four-legged companions.

FEATURES

27 PICTURE PERFECTAn unbridled passion for all thingsequestrian prompted professionalphotographer Jo Hansford to turn herattention to horses. The result is someof the most stunning pictures of horsesand their owners and the launch of anequine photography business.

30 SUPER MUMSarah Naish is not the sort of person totake no for an answer. Not only did sheadopt five siblings with additionalneeds but she has spent a career in

fostering and adoption and has becomea pioneer in her methods of dealingwith traumatised children.

32, 46 FREE WHEELINGWith the country hooked on Bradley Wiggins fever,

cycling shops have seen a surge in customerssnapping up the lycra and taking to the roads ontheir shiny new bikes. Hayley Mortimer who hadntridden a bike since she was a small child went alongto see what all the fuss was about and caught thebug. Embarrassing Bodies TV doctor Dawn Harpercan second that, she cycles around 100 miles a weekand is urging everyone to get on their bikes for avery good cause.

42STEPPING BACK IN TIMEWotton-under-Edge Heritage Centre will be markingthe centenary of the First World War through itsexhibitions in 2014 and it also has another important

anniversary to highlight.

54, 56A WAY WITH WORDSCelebrated writer Laurie Lee brings thousands ofvisitors from all over the world to the Stroud Valleysto see for themselves the immortalised Slad Valleyfrom his most famous book Cider with Rosie. Thisyear, in June we mark the 100th anniversary of hisbirth and offer our readers the chance to win a copyof Cider with Rosie from the Collectors Library.

66FANCY A COFFEELooking for a pick-me-up on a wet afternoon, lookno further than Cotswold Artisan Coffee in

Cirencester where the welcome is as warm as the hotchocolate and regulars are calling it the towns bestkept secret.

27

5860

6648


7/88


8/88


9/88

9Inspiring life in the Cotswolds

COTSWOLD

PropertiesLets talk MooreA potential increase in borrowing costs and improving house prices together with changes tolegislation and taxation may make a move out of the lettings market an attractive prospect.

YET landlords who hang on to their

portfolios look set to reap the rewards as

competition for properties remains strong and

rental values hold firm, says Paul Oughton of

Cotswold lettings agent, Moore Allen &

Innocent.

Many landlords who are worried about the

threat of inevitably higher borrowing costs

may be considering offloading properties

from their portfolio. The already announced

and potential further changes to property

taxes in the forthcoming budget and the

introduction of more and more regulation tothe residential lettings sector is also making

investors think twice about keeping their

properties.

Yet it might be worth staying in the rental

property market: the percentage of adults

renting - according to industry and

Government figures remains at its level

highest for years, and shows no signs of

reversing. Many are young people priced off

of the housing ladder, or those who have

realised they might not be able to afford to

buy the house of their dreams even with the

Government Help to Buy scheme - but they

can certainly afford to rent it.

In addition some families have stepped off

the housing ladder, either because the house

and location they desire remains financially

out of their reach or because changes to

family circumstances or lack of job security

means that a house move, with its associated

stamp duty and other costs, is simply not

justified.

As some nervous landlords choose to moveout of the property lettings market this year,

the net result will be more potential tenants

chasing fewer rental properties. In addition,

the lack of affordable mortgages and high

deposit ratios for potential first time buyers,

as well as uncertainty over future interest

rates, has meant more people stay in private

rented homes for longer. This further reduces

the supply of available rental properties, and

already, letting agents such as Moore Allen &

Innocent are predicting good support for

rental values this year for sought after

properties.

Evidence suggests that the buy-to-let market

has successfully weathered the property

downturn since 2008 and that it has retained

its appeal amongst investors willing to take a

longer term perspective. For those able to

resist the temptation of abandoning the

lettings market, the financial implications are

attractive, whether as a standalone investment

or as a diversification away from more

traditional pension planning routes.Moore Allen & Innocent have been

successfully letting and managing property

for years and our reputation speaks for itself.

The fee structure is simple and competitive

whilst our service is professional,

comprehensive and tailored to the needs of

the individual Landlord.

We are experienced in providing landlords

with all kinds of information and intelligence

about an area, either prior to buying or for

those who already own properties, and we

know how to make the most of the selling

points of a particular area or property.

Coupled with excellent local knowledge and

a personal, friendly approach, it all adds up

to a quality service and peace of mind for

you.

For further information and a no

obligation chat on letting or managing

your property, please contact Paul

Oughton and Issy McCarthy at Moore

Allen & Innocent in Cirencester on 01285

648 118 or Lorraine Kyte and Nancy

Haughton in Lechlade on 01367 253 138

or email: [email protected]


10/88


THIS family-run business, with four generations of furniture manufacture

and wholesale experience to call upon, has been successful in the three

years since opening in Frampton it is now looking to expand into otherareas.

Furniture is in the blood of the Mack family. The present owners of

FFO is John and Robert Mack. John with his father Bob Mack and

Dennis Wilson manufactured furniture at Bymacks in Dursley for 35

years. Bob Mack and his father started out as furniture makers in

London.

These days FFO sales furniture with all their experience behind them

they know exactly who makes the very best products at sensible prices.

There is a huge range of personally-selected products in the 20,000-sq ft

showroom at Frampton, from modern to traditional, bedroom, living

room and dining room plus a range of care and mobility furniture and

accessories such as pictures and mirrors.

It is the combination of top quality, value and service that has been the

cornerstone of FFOs success and Robert Mack believes there is nothing

to match it in the county.

We offer higher quality for the price, he said.

Furniture Factory Outlets is open seven days a week and can be found

at Whitminster Lane, off the Green at Frampton-on-Severn.

Great quality atsensible prices

A trip down to the canal at Frampton-on-Severn is notmost peoples first thought when considering buying a new

sofa, dining room table or bedroom suite, but those whohave discovered Furniture Factory Outlets would not dreamof going anywhere else.

A substantial and spacious Grade II listed family house withdetached ancillary accommodation. Drawing room, sittingroom, AGA kitchen with dining room, formal dining room,

billiards room, study, cellar, laundry room, cloakroom, storeroom, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower,guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower, three/four further bedrooms and two further bathrooms. Enclosedcourtyard and gardens and grounds of approx 2.3 acres toinclude a tennis court. Detached cottage with sitting room,kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms and a bathroom.Unfurnished.

Contact SEARLES Property Consultancy on07887 888686 or email [email protected]

CIRENCESTER5,650 per month(Fees apply)


11/88


12/88


13/88


JANUARY is always a busy time for the

lettings market and this year is proving to be

no exception. Demand for rented property in

the Cotswolds remains high, with plenty of

people looking for good quality homes to rent

right now.

Despite the recent introduction of phase

two of the governments Help to Buy scheme,

which is certainly helping some people buy

their own homes, we expect this demand to

remain strong. This is partly due to high

property prices, meaning even a five percent

deposit is beyond the reach of many, but its

also due to the fact many people choose to

rent because of the flexibility and

convenience it offers.

This is especially the case in Cheltenham,

where we have a strong stream of applicants

through the door eager. Regency-style houses

and conversions remain the most popular,

with three and four bedroom town houses in

high demand.

While Cheltenham can boast a significant

number of these types of property, there aresome highly desirable areas within the town

where these are most sought after. The clutch

of roads around the Montpellier and Tivoli

areas of the town centre are lined with some

fantastic Regency properties, but the most

requested area is Leckhampton to the south

of the town centre.

Close to a number of well-regarded and

high performing schools Naunton Park and

Leckhampton Primary - three and four

bedroom town houses in Leckhampton

always let very quickly, with monthly rents

averaging around 1,500. Demand can often

outstrip supply in this area meaning a buy-to-

let property here is an attractive proposition

for any aspiring landlord, while the fantastic

array of shops, cafes and restaurants on hand

at nearby Bath Road are another big draw for

would-be tenants.

Our experienced team has an unrivalled

knowledge of the lettings market in

Cheltenham and were always happy to help.

Were looking forward to another busy year!

Perry Bishop & Leaders are specialist local

letting agents, backed by the Leaders Group,the UKs largest independently owned

specialist letting group. Established by the

co-founder of the Association of Residential

Letting Agents in 1983 (ARLA), Leaders

provides financial probity and rigorous

standards in letting and property

management. Membership of ARLA,

SAFEagent and The Property Ombudsman

gives landlords and tenants complete peace of

mind.

If you are looking for a home to rent, have

a property to let or are considering buying-to-

let and would like professional advice you can

trust, please contact your local Perry Bishop

& Leaders:

Regency-style properties

are in high demandJack Turner, Perry Bishop and Leaders Cheltenham Lettings Negotiator

Cheltenham: 01242 263445

Cirencester: 01285 642550

Faringdon: 01367 244063

Nailsworth: 01453 836736

Stroud: 01453 756100

Jack Turner

COTSWOLD

Properties


14/88


Need a home makeover?

COTSWOLD

Home

AS someone who advises people on how

to declutter their homes it is interesting to

hear Clare say she doesnt particularly

promote minimalist living.

Its not about throwing everything out,

she says, more about finding the right

storage for things and letting go of

emotional attachments.

A former journalist and senior producer

at the BBC, Clare seized the opportunity

four years ago to accept a redundancy

package and change the direction of her

career.

Now in her 50s, she had always had an

interest in interior design.

My husband Martin, is always wary

about going away on business as something

inevitably changes in the house in his

absence, she laughs.

As an art and design A Level student

Clare had been heading to art college until

a teacher suggested a career in journalism.And so her path was set although today

she sees many similarities in both careers.

The editing process is the same, getting

rid of the unnecessary and communicating

ideas with people, she says.

Clare trained with TVs House Doctor,

Ann Maurice but before she could enrol on

the course, she had to provide a portfolio

of houses she had helped to transform.

Clares cousins home had been on the

market for two years and had failed to

reach its asking price.

The estate agent was due to visit to seewhat might be done to improve the interest

in the property, which is usually agent speak

for drop the price, said Clare.

So she set about helping her cousin to stage

Selling a house is sometimes an emotional business and the vendor rarely has the ability to

see their property through the eyes of a prospective buyer. Sue Smith spoke to Clare Parrackwho has built a business helping people to show their homes in the best possible light and

therefore ensuring the best possible price.


15/88


the house to make it look more

appealing to buyers. It sold very

soon afterwards for the asking

price.

That gave me the confidence

to realise I could do this, says

Clare.

She now owns Clarify Interiors

based in Eynsham, Oxfordshire

and she is also a member of the

Association of Professional

Declutterers and Organisers.

Clare offers cost-effective make-overs starting from as little as a

hundred pounds which include

imaginative, yet practical

techniques to maximise a

propertys market appeal.

A lot of her work involves

helping people to downsize.

Older people moving to

smaller properties often want to

hang on to things for the children

says Clare.

At that point we usually have

to sit down and have a frank

discussion, such as do the

children really want this? and if

they do, well give it to them now

then.

There is obviously a lot of

emotional attachment to things,

says Clare.It takes an outsider to ask do

you really use this? When did you

last use it and do you even like it?

says Clare.

Sometimes you just have to be

brutally honest.

And she adds: Its not just

making physical space by

moving out, it is letting things

go and making space in your

head.

After

After

Before

Before

Havenothing

inyourhousethatyou

donotknowtobe

useful,orbelievetobe

beautiful.

WilliamMorris,f

ounderofthe

Arts&CraftsMo

vement


16/88


Clare sees herself as a

hand-holder rather than

someone who sweeps in

and clears things out.

People often come to

me as a last resort.

Clutter can become

invisible to people who

live with it all the time,

she says.

She doesnt deal withserious hoarders .

They need careful

handling, says Clare,

and I am not qualified

to do that.

Clare says the most

important thing people

should realise when

they put their home on

the market is that they

are not selling bricks

and mortar but a

lifestyle.

Once you make the

decision to move, you

have to, at that point,

move out mentally, she

says.

Thats well in

advance of making the

physical move.

Top tips include

removing all family

photographs from the

communal areas.

Photos are a red

flag, says Clare. Theymake it so obviously

your home, and

therefore not one that a

prospective buyer can

imagine themselves in.

And she adds: You

only get one chance to

make a first impression.

Most people make a

decision within the first

five minutes of walking

through the door.

Your property

should be memorable

for the right reasons,

not because the wallsare dark purple.

Its not about

percolating coffee smells

or freshly baked bread,

says Clare.

Its about aspiration.

Buyers should be able

to see themselves living

a lifestyle that they

aspire to.

Dining rooms are

often thoroughfares

used as dumping

grounds but by simply

staging the dining table

with lovely crockery and

glasses and candles and

perhaps putting it in

front of the French

windows overlooking

the garden, people start

imagining themselves

giving dinner parties

and entertaining.

Its about feeding

the dream.

Bed linen is alsoimportant.

Unmade beds are a

turnoff, says Clare.

She advises keeping a

plump, clean duvet

Empty houses are also a no, no.

Clare always advises people to put

some furniture in place even if it is an

inflatable bed, beautifully dressed of

course.

These days she works not only with

personal clients but also with estate agents

who recommend her to sellers or call in

her expertise to help if a property is not

getting any interest.

She can help source furniture for sellers

to hire to get the right look and she has a

small stock herself including accessoriesthat she can rent out to clients.

Some clients who have been successful

in selling their properties have been so

impressed with her help in selling their

homes they sometimes ask her to advise

on their new homes too before they move

in.

Measuring the space, working out

where things will fit best and giving each

room its own identity sounds simplistic,

says Clare.

But she adds: Sometimes it just takes a

fresh pair of eyes to make all that fall into

place.For more information go to: www.

clarifyinteriors.co.uk or call Clare on

01865 594955

Before

cover and pillows in

a storage box to be

whipped onto the

existing bed before

the prospective buyers

turn up.

You want to convey

that first impression

that people get when

they enter a hotel room

the bed should look

comfortable and

inviting.

Clean, fresh, fluffy

towels are also important as is a clean,

clutter-free bathroom.

Used bathrooms are a turnoff. Again it

is the inviting, fresh, hotel look, she says.

Before

After

After


17/88


18/88


100 years and still blooming!

All eyes were on last years Chelsea Flower Show, which celebrated its 100th anniversaryin 2013. Sue Bradley looks back to how Gloucestershire made its presence felt last year

and forward to what we can expect in May. Photos by Lynn Keddie

A PRINCE, gnomes and a giant orchid

came together to make the RHS Chelsea

Flower Shows centenary an event to

remember.

Among the special events laid on to

celebrate the landmark anniversary was

the unveiling of the sculpture The Rush

of Nature, created by Marc Quinn and

cast at the Pangolin Editions foundry inChalford. This multi-coloured bronze

orchid was subsequently donated to the

RHSs Centenary appeal to help future

gardeners.

The significance of the 2013 event was

also marked by the lifting of the ban on

gnomes for one year only to raise money

for the nationwide RHS Campaign for

School Gardening.

Cotswolds-based designer and BBC

broadcaster Chris Beardshaw was the

peoples choice at the show with his very

personal gold medal-winning gardencreated for Arthritis Research UK.

Chris, who was found to have a form of

rheumatoid arthritis while he was in his

mid-teens, came up with a design that

reflected the personal journey and

emotions of somebody with the disease,

ranging from confusion and lack of

understanding following a diagnosis to a

point at which they are informed about

their symptoms and able to manage their

pain.

The three key areas of the garden

included a veiled section filled withmuted colours and a woodland canopy

that restricted any views, together with a

contemporary glass retreat . This space

related to the fog of pain familiar to

COTSWOLD

Garden

Jinny Blom, designer of the B&Q

Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden

with actress Emilia Fox and

presenter Kirstie Allsopp


19/88


those with arthritis and the

way in which it feels as

though the world is closing

in on them.

The lucid garden, a more

formal section reached by an

irregular stepping stone

path, was reminiscent of the

way that sufferers go on to

find a route to managing

their illness.Chriss idea for the

radiant area, the part of the

garden that most visitors

came to first, was to take

people back in time to gain

an understanding of how it

feels before the symptoms of

arthritis are first

experienced, with low box

hedging symbolising a sense

of security.

Theres a security that is

inevitable about beingcontained within

something, he explained.

The planting on either side

is radiant in its colour

palette, giving you the

opportunity to say this is

what life is about, and thats

how I want to live.

Chris, who was once

warned that he could be in a

wheelchair by the time he

was 19, underwent years of

tests and experiments to find

effective pain relief for hiscondition, which he now

manages through a

combination of diet and low

impact exercise.

Being in the garden or in

a beautiful landscape creates

a feeling of positivity and I

hope this garden will inspire

others with arthritis to take

control of and manage their

condition, he said.

Gardening can be used to

combat arthritis; it keepsyou mobile and active.

The 2013 Chelsea Flower

Show was particularly

memorable for Berkeley-

based designer Paul Hervey-

Brooks, who won his first

Chelsea gold with his entry

for BrandAlley in the Fresh

category.

Paul will be returning this

year with a main avenue

garden inspired by the

Italian Renaissance forBrandAlley.

Meanwhile the garden

built by Newent-based Peter

Dowle for the designer James

Basson also took gold.

Gloucestershire-based

members of the royal family

were represented in body

and spirit during the shows

press day.

Zara Phillips attended the

event to celebrate the 50th

anniversary of John Deere

lawn tractors while PrinceHarrys B&Q Sentebale

Forget-Me-Not Garden,

Chris Beardshaw with the garden he designed for

Arthritis Research UK

Zara Phillips cuts a

cake to celebrate the

50th anniversary of John

Deere Lawn Tractors

Great British Bake Off

presenter Mary Berry

Silent Witness star

Emilia Fox in the B&Q

Sentebale Forget-Me-Not

Garden

designed by Jinny Blom, won a

silver gilt medal.

The garden was created to help

raise awareness of the charity,

Sentebale, which was set up by

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in

memory of their mothers. Its

design reflected the landscape ofLesotho and the countrys

problems.

Sentebale, which means Forget-

Me-Not, supports needy and

vulnerable children in Lesotho,

many of whom are victims of

extreme poverty and Lesothos

HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The 2014 Chelsea Flower Show,

sponsored by M&G Investments, is

set to be marked by an influx of

young talent, with several

designers and exhibitors taking

part in the event for the first time.They include brothers Harry and

David Rich, Matt Keightley and

Hugo Bugg, all of whom are in

their 20s.

Key themes are set to include

the centenary of the outbreak of

the First World War, with

Birmingham City Council and

ABF The Soldiers Charity

commemorating the anniversary;

the Italian Renaissance, with Paul

Hervey-Brookes among thoseinspired by this period in history.

The charity Perennial, which

provides a lifeline to

horticulturalists and has 10

bungalows in Kings Stanley, will

be celebrating its 175th

anniversary with a garden by Jo

Thompson.

Meanwhile multi gold medal

winner Cleve West returning after

a years break to create a

contemporary take on the ancient

paradise garden for M&G.

The 2014 RHS Chelsea FlowerShow runs from May 20 to 24.

For tickets visit: http://www.rhs.

org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-

Chelsea-Flower-Show/2014


20/88


21/88


COTSWOLD

Garden

Best in showThe UKs first big gardening show of the year kicks off at Malvern in May.

Sue Bradley discovers whats in store.

A NEW chapter opens for garden lovers

this spring with the first show to be held

under the name of the RHS Malvern

Spring Festival.

The four day event, which takes place at

the Three Counties Showground from

May 8 to 11, will continue to highlight thehottest trends in garden design and

planting.

At the same time it will host a new food

festival attended by a wide variety of

producers and chefs, including James

Martin from the BBCs Saturday Kitchen.

And there will be a new series of

workshops, called Get Going, Get

Growing, at which experts such as BBC

Gardeners World presenter Carol Klein

and Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins willbe helping visitors to learn how to get the

most from their own plants.

The Malvern Spring Gardening Show,

as it was known for the past 28 years, has

gained an enviable reputation as a hotbed

for new talent.

We are delighted to be strengthening

our relationship with the RHS, as a key

event in its portfolio of shows, said chief

executive officer Ken Nottage.

The RHS leads the way when it comesto showcasing world-class garden design

and planting, so renaming the show RHS

Malvern is an honour which recognises its

reputation for show garden and floral


22/88


displays, known for their outstanding

quality and charm.

Visitors to the 2013 show were treated

to an eclectic mix of show gardens, with

themes featuring everything from The

Tour de France to Dr Who, in celebration

of the 50th anniversary of the show. There

was even a design from Ann Sharrock for

a natural burial garden, sponsored by the

Felix Dennis Estate in Stratford-upon-

Avon.

The coveted best in show title, together

with a gold medal, went to Theres a

place in the woodlandwhere East meets

West, designed by Peter Dowle and

Richard Jasper.

The design incorporated an area forcalm meditation more often associated

with Japanese gardens, but placed within a

western setting.

I was influenced by the tea gardens of

Kyoto, said Gloucestershire- based Peter.

Our design is similar to Japanese

gardens theres very little flower. We

wanted to capture the sense of absolute

serenity; just stripping it back and looking

at the key elements without the symbolism

of things such as the tea house and snow

lanterns.

Another thing from Japan was the idea

of the shakkei, or borrowed view; in this

case the magnificent Malvern Hills.

Making their Malvern debut in 2013

were Cirencester-based Andrew Jordan

and Kelly-Rose Walker with their Return

to the Med garden.

The pair took their inspiration from

travel and the visual arts and used thesethemes to come up with a design that

would transport people from an urban

setting to another place and time.

Features such as an artisan pebbled

path, a rill and spout and a colour palette

of yellow, pink, blue and lilac plants was

used to conjure memories of the

Mediterranean while a mosaic feature wall

by Stroud-based artist Robin James was

used to provide a postcard-like reminder

of previous travels.

Andrew worked in the pharmaceutical

industry for 19 years before changing

careers and setting up his own garden

design practice.

He and Kelly, who studied together at

the Garden Design School in Bristol, were

thrilled to be awarded a silver-gilt medal

for their first show garden.

My designs can be contemporary or

traditional; our Mediterranean garden is abit different from the cottage garden-style

designs Im often asked to do, said

Andrew, who used Cirencester-based

Cotswold Estates and Gardens Ltd to help


23/88


WIN! Tickets to the

RHS Malvern Spring

Festival 2014

The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is a

must see event for keen gardeners.

Cotswold Essence has three pairs of

tickets to give away for the event on

Friday, Saturday or Sunday (May 9-11).

For a chance of winning, simply answer

the simple question and send your

completed coupon to: Cotswold Essence/

Malvern Competition, 6 Lansdown,

Stroud, Glos, GL5 1BE to arrive no later

than noon on Friday, April 18, 2014

Q: How many show gardens won gold

medals last year?

A ...........................................................................

Name ...................................................................

Address................................................................

...............................................................................

Daytime tel no .................................................

#

Reposer Vos Roues by Villaggio Verde

Vistors admire the rose

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

by Pershore College

Boathouse No 9 by

Mark Eveleigh

Gardeners World

presenters Joe Swift

Carol Klein and

Monty Don in

Peter Dowlesgarden

him build Return to the Med.

With it being our first attempt we had

hoped to get a medal but didnt expect

anything like a silver-gilt, which was amazingas it was just one step away from a gold.

A record three gold medals were awarded

for show gardens in 2013, the others going to

Villaggio Verde and World Skills

International 2013, while 38 growers

exhibiting plants in the floral marquee took

home no fewer than 38 golds, despite the

tough growing conditions of the previous few

months.

Judging at Malvern is the same standard

as that at Chelsea, explained Bob Sweet

from the RHS. Malvern is a massive delight

in this particular part of May.For tickets for the RHS Malvern

Festival visit: www.threecounties.co.uk/

springgardening/


24/88


25/88


26/88


27/88


COTSWOLD

Feature

Photo finishHorses are an enduring feature of the Cotswolds. From starting-out ponies to highly-trained

thoroughbreds, they are a familiar sight in the landscape. By Julie Dolphin

EQUESTRIAN pursuits are widespread

and world-class events such as Cheltenham

Gold Cup, Badminton Horse Trials and

The Festival of British Eventing at

Gatcombe Park reinforce the regions

horsey reputation.

It was this unbridled passion for all

things equestrian that prompted

professional photographer Jo Hansford to

capture horses on camera, with a

particular focus on the bond between

animal and owner.

Jo, who has been a photographer for 20

years, said: Horses are so unique in their

shape, their majesty and beauty. Whether

its a 16 hands thoroughbred stallion or a

tiny, woolly Shetland, they all have their

own spirit and character and I had an

overwhelming desire to record that in mywork.

I also wanted to capture the incredible

love an owner has for its horse. Getting

both to work together in front of the

camera is wonderful to witness.

One of Jos most heart-warning shoots

was in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, with

dressage rider Flo Dawes and her horse

Rommy.

Flo rides for England in international

dressage competitions aimed at young

riders. Since shes been with Rommy,

shes had amazing success. They are

inseparable both on and off the

competition field but when Flo is in the

saddle Rommy is completely in his

element. This special partnership was a

joy to photograph.

But the work is not without its

challenges.

Horses are beautiful but also highly

intelligent and sensitive, reacting to

everything around them. One step in thewrong direction or a wrong angle and a

horse can go from appearing incredibly

powerful to looking like a donkey,

although Ive nothing against donkeys,

added Jo

It was thoroughbred mare Bertina that

kept Jo on her toes during a recent shoot

in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Bertina is a stunning horse but very

highly strung. There was a lot going on

during the shoot and she was well aware

of the camera, lights and people around

her. It was a real challenge just to get her

to stand still with her ears forward. It

didnt happen for more than a few seconds

at a time. In the end, we got a cracking

shot but it took patience and an

understanding of the mind and instincts of

a horse.

That said, I had an easier time with a

pony called Hercules. He was so relaxed, I

was able to use balloons in one of the

shots. Normally, they would spook out ahorse but he didnt bat an eyelid! But

whatever the nature of the horse, the

photo shoots are always fun and enjoyable

for animal and owner.


28/88

Rommy with owner Flo Dawes


29/88


This month Jo, who is already

known in the Cotswolds for

photographing some of theregions finest weddings, will

showcase her horse images at the

official launch of her equine

photography business.

The event, to be held at

Whatley Manor, near

Malmesbury, will include an

auction to raise funds for

Cotswold Riding for the Disabled

based at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Opening the event will be

dressage champion and double

paralympic gold medallist

Natasha Baker who will be joinedby 50 guests from the regions

equestrian community.

Natasha is a true champion

and inspiration to many. Im

thrilled she will be there to help

raise funds and support us on this

special journey to record these

fascinating beasts, added Jo.

www.johansfordphotography.

com

Hercules with Amelia James Bertina with

International Grand

Prix dressage rider and

trainer Lisa White

Watson in all his majestic glory


30/88


AS if that wasnt enough she has also

worked tirelessly in fostering and adoption

over the past 30 years trying to improve

the lives of disadvantaged children.

IT is hardly surprising Sarah Naish has

been nominated for the Women in

Business Awards this year.

The question really is why has it taken

so long?

With a firm handshake and a beaming

smile, Sarah guides me into one of the

meeting rooms at Fostering Together in

Stroud.

I cant believe you really adopted fivesiblings? I say, much to her amusement.

She has seen it all before. Anyone who

has had any number of children, knows

the challenges involved in being a parent.

But bringing up youngsters who havent

had the easiest start in life brings with it

another set of unique problems.

To be honest if I had really stopped to

think about it more I probably would have

thought twice, says Sarah.

But do I regret it? Not a bit. Even

knowing what I know now I still would

have gone ahead and done it.

Sarahs early career as a nursery nurse

and her training as a children and families

social worker confirmed her desire to have

a family of her own.

But when she had problems conceivingshe made the decision to adopt rather than

go down the IVF route.

I knew there were plenty of children

out there who needed love and security

and a stable home, says Sarah.My husband also worked in childrens

homes so we decided to see if we could

adopt two children.

I have always cared passionately about

trying to keep siblings together.

But there was no way I was expecting

to take on five.

Originally Sarah and her former

husband were offered three of the five

siblings as the adoption service thought

she would never cope with all of them.

We wanted to take them all but we

werent allowed so we took on three agedseven-months, two and three, all in

nappies, all pre-verabal and all with

attachment difficulties, says Sarah.

Most children who come into foster

COTSWOLD

Profile

Super Mum!Most people find first-time parenthood challenging enough but to adopt five siblings ranging in

age from seven-months to eight years is hard to imagine especially when all of them haveadditional special needs. But Sarah Naish is no ordinary woman as Sue Smith found out.


31/88


care or are put up for adoption have suffered

neglect and have difficulties forming

relationships, says Sarah.

All their senses are switched off and they are

all challenging in their own way.

And the longer they have been neglected, the

more entrenched their behaviour, she says.

I think I was very naive .

A year after taking on the first three children,

the adoption service came back to Sarah and

asked if she would take the other two siblings.She was hesitant because she had gone through

a steep learning curve with the younger three but

her husband was keen and persuaded her that

they could cope.

However, a year after taking on the older two

who were then 8 and 6, he admitted he couldnt

cope after all and gave her the ultimatum them

or me.

I am not sure where he thought I was going to

send these children back to, says Sarah.

But it definitely wasnt an option.

So she found herself a single mum of five

children all with challenging, different needs.

But there are no rose-coloured spectacles in

Sarahs world.

It was hard to keep going sometimes, she

says.

There were many days when I just didnt

know how I was going to get through the day.

The children craved routine, continuity and

possession of their own things when Sarah

adopted them.

Every mealtime had to be at the same time.

Everyone sat in the same place and had their own

cups, cutlery and plates and if anything changed

they would become very distressed.

It wasnt the way I would have chosen toparent but it was the only way, says Sarah.

It was quite rigid and I had to be strict.

Sarah says she learned from her children how

to re-parent traumatised children.

Today she is the Managing Director of

Fostering Together - a specialist fostering agency

which has just received an Outstanding grading

from Ofsted.

When the children were younger I had to fight

for absolutely everything. There was so little

support or specialist help available, she says.

At Fostering Together she has introduced a new

way of working with children who have suffered

trauma and those with profound disabilities.

There is not really any other agency doing the

specialist work we do, she says.

The ethos is to work in partnership with foster

carers, sharing the fostering tasks and supporting

the social workers in their relationships with thefamilies.

She has not only turned around the finances of

the organisations she has worked for, she

previously worked for Family Link which has now

been incorporated into Fostering Together, but

she is also considered a pioneer in the industry for

her methods in dealing with traumatised children.

In the past the focus has always been on the

child and obviously thats important too, says

Sarah.

But often parents can be made to feel like

failures if they are finding it hard to cope.

It is just as important to nurture the parents

and give them the confidence to keep going so

that kids dont get pushed around from one home

to another because parents have given up in

frustration.

But there is still a long, long way to go, says

Sarah.

In the early days there was a dearth of

knowledge for dealing with children with

problems.

Its still not perfect but we are making progress

and we have come a long way.

In a recently published report on Fostering

Together it was stated: Stakeholders confirm

that the agency is extremely well respected andregarded.

An external manager said: Our children

have made exceptional and highly unexpected

progress and if all services operated like this one

there would be a lot less unplanned endings.

In 2007 Sarah re-married and describes her

husband Ray as her reward.

Not only did I not have the time

to meet someone else but I couldnt

see anyone taking me on with my

brood, she laughs.

But Ray did. He slotted straight

into the family, took on the role of

dad and the children adore him.

The family now ranged in age

from 16 to 22.

The eldest, Rosie works with

Sarah at Fostering Together.She provides us all with very

useful perspectives and insights,

says Sarah.

Although the physical demands of

coping with young children have

lessened they have been replaced by

other, emotional needs.

Sarah has had the teenage years

to contend with, five times over, not

the easiest time for any parent and

those problems are compounded

when children have additional

problems.

But there have been plenty of

good times too over the years.

There have been some extremely

rewarding times, she says.

One of her favourite memories is

taking all five children ski-ing.

I wanted them to stand on top of

a mountain and know they had to

get to the bottom was by using their

own resources and skills.

I was ski-ing at the front and I

looked behind and saw them all

following me in perfect formation,

she says.That was pretty amazing.

And she says: Just recently we

were all having a meal out together

and it was lovely.

Everyone was getting along and

behaving beautifully.

As we walked out of the

restaurant I turned to Ray and said

I think we have cracked it.

One of Sarahs daughters has just

given birth and is loving being a

first-time mum.

I was with her when she gave

birth and it was lovely to welcome

this child into the world who wont

have the early attachment problems

that her mother had to cope with,

says Sarah.

And she adds: Finally the cycle

has been broken. And thats what

this work is all about.

Fostering Together is running a

special one day seminar at

Hawkwood College on Tuesday,

June, 17, to share its successful

therapeutic model with Adopters,Foster Carers, Social Workers and

other professionals. Telephone

0330 122 2062 for further details.

Sarah and Ray with some of the adopted

children and the newest addition to the family


32/88


33/88


COTSWOLD

Feature

Get on your bikeROAD biking has well and truly gripped

the nation since Bradley Wiggins won the

Tour de France and a gold medal in the

London Olympics and each week

hundreds of enthusiasts brave the elements

and take part in the Poulton-based bike

shops weekly rides.

So on a crisp January morning I pulledon the lycra and jumped on the saddle to

see what all the fuss is about.

Performance Cycles is nestled in the

heart of the countryside in a small

courtyard consisting of a bike shop,

clothing shop, a workshop and the fitting

room, called The Performance Lab.

Run by Andy Kirk and Andrew Wilcox,

who both have a huge passion for the sport

and have competed from a young age,

Performance Cycles is approaching an

exciting time with a move to bigger

premises.

The move will see the creation of acycling hub at a site within Cotswold

Water Park, which will include a new shop,

a bike hire centre, a race circuit and a

camping area.

Since we founded Performance Cycles

in 2009 it has gone from strength to

strength, explained Andy.

This new venue is being designed as a

cycling hub for the Cotswolds and will

attract riders from all over the region.

The morning began with a bike fitting,which included a clever motion capture

system like something from a CGI film to

record and measure me while I was riding.

From the data produced Andrew could

correct my position and adjust various

parts of the bike.

After I was comfortable the fun could

begin.

Kitted out in Performance Cycles gear

we headed out of the lab and set off on a

leisurely six-mile ride through the

countryside.

To say I was nervous is an

understatement - I am not an avid cyclistand cant remember the last time I rode a

bike.

But once I got going there was no

stopping me.

Straight away I could see why cyclists

travel from across the South West to take

part in the weekly rides with Performance

Cycles.

With its beautiful views, winding lanes

edged with drystone walls and abundance

of wildlife, the Cotswolds is a stunningdestination for a day in the saddle.

Performance Cycles also sponsors a

monthly Winter Mini-Sportive organised

by Velo Events which has seen numbers

grow to more than 150 riders over the past

three years.

They are designed to be simple and less

intense than the more formal summer

events, with mechanical back-up, free

energy products for each rider and food

and drink at the finish.

Despite the weather everyone wants to

be out on their bike in the winter and its

far easier to brave the cold, wet or icewhen youre in good company and have a

well planned route with full support, said

Andy, as we rode side by side.

Cycling in the Cotswolds is increasing in popularity every month according to PerformanceCycles Andy Kirk.By Hayley Mortimer

Andy Kirk takes Hayley Mortimer

on a short ride through the

countryside after a bike fitting


34/88


35/88


We want to get as many people cycling for the

pure joy of being on a bike as we can.

More and more people are signing up for our

rides because they are informal, but well

organised.

It is great fun and very sociable. We dont

want people to feel intimidated. The rides are

suitable for all abilities with each rider able to set

their own pace.

Despite a bit of mud, sweat and some tears

from the wind in my face I must add I wasdisappointed when my ride came to an end.

Afterwards I was asked if I would get back on

the saddle again and try one of the events and I

jumped at the chance. I think I have caught the

cycling bug.

The weekly Saturday rides start from the shop

at 9am and last for a couple of hours, covering

around 30 miles. All riders of all abilities are

welcome.

The Santini Cotswold Spring Classic Sportive

takes place on Monday, April 21, with three route

options 160km, 100km and 50km. For more

details see www.veloevents.co.uk

Performance Cycles, The Butts, Poulton,

Cirencester. Email sales@performancecycles.

co.uk or call 01285 851946.

Andy Kirk of Performance Cycles adjusts the seat

on the bike during a fitting session

The Poulton shop stocks a number of premium brands, including De Rosa, Colnago, Cervelo and Kuota


36/88


37/88


COTSWOLD

Feature

Hop on over to Cirencester

FROM March this year, Cirencester will

have experienced a transformation, with

brilliant and brightly coloured hare statues

appearing all over the town.

A drove of fibre-glass hare models will

be descending on Cirencester and the

surrounding area in just a months time as

part of the Cirencester March Hare

Festival 2014.

Communities and businesses have been

signing up since autumn last year to

sponsor one of the hares, which come in a

variety of sizes. Inspiration was taken fromsimilar festivals such as the Gromit

Unleashed trail in Bristol.

Already a couple of hares have been

appearing around town before the festival

itself has even properly taken off with

Victorian-style Mr Daniel Hare sitting

proudly in the towns shopping mall

Bishops Walk.

Festival organiser Florence Beetlestone

said the March event will provide a

wonderful opportunity for the people of

Cirencester to celebrate their town.

They can all get involved in a lovely

fun project, she said. We aim to raise

over 50,000 for the Gloucestershire

Wildlife Trust to enable them to set up a

permanent new walkway around the RiverChurn, so everyone benefits.

As the festival runs for six months it

gives everyone the chance to join in and

make it a major tourist attraction.

Already 25 sponsors have signed up for

a hare statue and many have already

started planning how to decorate their

prized model. The statues range from five

foot tall statues, to tinier models ideal for

small businesses or communities to

sponsor.

Cotswold Airport and Kingshill School

are the latest establishments to accept their

special delivery and are already busy

transforming their hares into a piece of art.

Talented Kingshill pupil Holly Elphick

beat hundreds of other students in acompetition at her school to create a

design for the hare. Her colourful and

decorative design is already being painted

onto the statue with students giving up

The Cirencester community will be celebrating a new and vibrant festival this comingMarch, one which sees a drove of hare statues all shapes, sizes and colours dotted around

town. Megan Archer went to find out what the Cirencester March Hare Festival is allabout before it arrives to take over the town next month...

Florence and

one of the

smaller hares


38/88

BPEs Clare Young and Elizabeth Saunders with one of the hares


39/88


their free time to get involved in the

community project.

The March Hare Festival is being runwith the Cirencester Community

Development Trust and funds raised from

the festival will go towards helping improve

the lives of local people, particularly

children and vulnerable adults, through the

Green Hare project.

The Green project aim is to link existing

parks and improve local nature areas

creating a network of wild walkways across

the town. The work will involve the

community and provide learning

opportunities for children and training and

support for vulnerable adults.

Chairman of the Cirencester Community

Development Trust Andy Lichnowski said

he was delighted by the enthusiastic

response the festival has received from

everyone in town.

I pay tribute to our hard

working organisers as itpromises to be a fascinating

festival creatively engaging across

the community and encouraging

more visitors and tourists to visit our

beautiful town, he said.

The hares are available to sponsor at

1,200 each for businesses or for groups

who wish to club together, 4,000 for

premium hares aimed at corporate or

principle sponsors and 200 for smaller,

life-size hare models, suitable for smaller

businesses.

For more information, or to sponsor

a hare call 01285 655646 or visit

cirencesterharefestival.org.uk.

Florence Beetlestone

and one of the five

foot hares

Painted

Harebelle


40/88


and

MARCH, APRIL & MAY 2014COTSWOLDWhatson

BRISTOLDirty Dancing. The classic story on stage is anunprecedented live experience, exploding withheart-pounding music, passionate romance

and sensationally sexy dancing. BristolHippodrome March 15-April 5. www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

CHELTENHAM

Fiddler on The Roof. Directed by Craig RevelHorwood. Paul Michael Glaser leads an all-starcast in this heart-felt and passionate musical atthe Everyman Theatre from March 4-8. 01242572573 everymantheatre.org.uk

Adam Ant.A rare opportunity to experience the80s pop stars greatest hits and exciting newmaterial live. Town Hall, April 11, 8pm. 0844 5762210 cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

Cinderella.The famous rags-to-riches fairytale ismagically brought to life by the spectacularVienna Festival Ballet. Bacon Theatre, March 29,7.30pm. 01242 258002 www.viennafestivalballet.com

Wychwood Music Festival. Three-day familyfriendly music festival with amazing music, filmand comedy, workshops for all ages, kids litfestival, markets, healing gardens, circusperformers, street theatre, real ales and greatfood. Children under 10 years go free.Cheltenham Racecourse, May 30-June 1. 01993772580. www.wychwoodfestival.com

Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Big internationalnames alongside the best of British talentperform at various venues around Cheltenham.April 30-May5. Festival Box Office 0844 880 8094.www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

CIRENCESTERGypsy Fire.This accomplished, award-winning

quartet bring their brand new show The AcousticSpectacular to the Sundial Theatre on Saturday,March 22, 7.30pm. 0844 8700 887 www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

The Ultimate Show. A stunninglybeautiful blend of music, vocals anddance brought to life by an amazingcast of 17. Sundial Theatre, April 21-23.Box office as above.

LECHLADE

Music Festival. Popular three-dayfestival, held at Riverside CountryPark, along the banks of the Thamesin Lechlade. Over 80 bands andperformers will bring quality livemusic to the event along with freefamily workshops and a burlesquerevue. This year there is alsoincreased camping, food village,funfair, real ales, stalls, and more.Children 12 and under go free. MayBank Holiday weekend, May 23-25.www.lechladefestival.co.uk

OXFORDSeven Brides for Seven Brothers.A

brand new restaged version of theclassic American Frontier dancemusical starring Sam Attwater, asAdam and Helena Blackman, asMilly. New Theatre Oxford, March10-15. atgtickets.com/oxford 0844 8713020

Dance Til Dawn. Strictly ComeDancing favourites Vincent Simoneand Flavia Cacace bring theirsensational new dance show to theNew Theatre Oxford, May 1-3. Boxoffice as above.

STROUDLloyd Cole.One of the great singer-

songwriters from the 80s who, alongwith his band The Commotions,stormed across the charts with aseries of well-written art-pop hits.Subscription Rooms, April 10, 7.30pm.01453 760900 www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk

SWINDONThe Band of the Grenadier Guards.Make your way to Swindons SteamMuseum on Friday, March 14 andyou will see The Band of theGrenadier Guards presenting a veryspecial concert with Swindon MaleVoice Choir.

The Bands 40 musicians will performmusic that inspires excitement,nostalgia and emotion, performingto the very highest standards of thisexceptional Military Band.This very special concert issupporting Combat Stress, the UKsleading military charity specialising inthe care of Veterans mental health.The concert starts at 7.30pm anddoors open at 6.45pm. Tickets 10,available from Swindon MVC TicketPoint - 01793 822495 or from theSteam Museum on 01793 466637.

Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Swan

Lake.Three beautiful Balletsperformed by The Russian StateBallet and Orchestra of Siberia,Wyvern Theatre, March 3-5. 01793524481 wyverntheatre.org.uk


41/88


BADMINTONMitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.One of the worlds most prestigious horse trialsfeaturing dressage, cross country and showjumping competition in the Duke of Beaufortsmagnificent park. A popular family day out,even for the non-equestrian with numerousside attractions and shopping village. May 7-11.01454 218375. www.badminton-horse.co.uk

BARNSLEYVillage Festival. Wonderful village gardensopen including Barnsley House and BarnsleyPark. A host of other activities including music,barbecue, maypole dancing, craft and localproduce stalls. Adult Garden Passports 7,children under 14 free. Free parking. May 17,10.30am-5. www.barnsleyvillage.co.uk

CRICKLADECharity Abseil.Thrill seekers will be able totake a leap of faith this spring in a charityevent in Cricklade. On Sunday, May 11, therewill be a charity abseil taking place inside StSampsons church on Bath Road to raisemoney for Christian charity, Christian Aid.

Participants will be able to shoot down frominside the tower into the chancel of the church.Good fitness, the ability to climb seven flights ofstairs and flexibility is what is required to takepart. It costs 15 to enter and each participantwill need to raise a minimum of 200. www.christianaid.org.uk

Cat Show,Cricklade Town Hall, High Street,April 19, open from 12.30-4pm. Pedigree andnon pedigree cats, good food/refreshments,auction, lots of stalls and raffle. www.theblackandwhitecatclub.co.uk

CHELTENHAMCheltenham Racecourse National HuntFestival(Gold Cup Week). The highlight of theJump season. The Festival epitomises andencompasses everything that is great aboutJump racing.Cheltenham racecourse, March 11-14. 0844 5793003 www.cheltenham.co.uk

CIRENCESTER

Spring Specialist plant sale: hellebores, bulbsand perennials, March 7 10am-1pm. Shrubs,climbers, herbs and ferns, April 25 10am-1pm atThe Coach House, Ampney Crucis, CirencesterGL7 5RY in aid of James Hopkins Trust. 5entrance to include coffee and brownies.

STROUDRodborough Common Kite Day.Hundreds of kite flyers from across thecountry gather on the common to help fillthe skies with kites in all shapes and sizes,from giant inflatable sea creatures to themore traditional box kite, power kite andstunt kites. Rodborough Common, April 6,10am-5pm. rodboroughkiteday.weebly.com

Grand Village Fete. Celebrating 25 years- Silver theme - with Frampton on SevernSilver Band, Sea Cadets, dog agility,Ambitions Street Dance, Morris Dancers,bungee run, bungee trampoline, fun fair,stalls and more. Brimscombe & ThruppPlaying Fields, London Road, Thrupp, May17, 10.30-5pm. www.grandvillagefete.co.uk

TETBURYAnnual Woolsack Races.Competitorsrace up and down Gumstool Hill, whichhas a 1 in 4 gradient, carrying 60lbwoolsacks. The Woolsack Races form thecentral attraction of a fund-raising daywhich includes an all-day street market, acharity auction, a village fete, streetentertainers, marching bands and more.A great day out for all the family. May 26,starting at 10am. www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk

WESTONBIRTEaster Challenge.From March 26-29(10.30am 4pm), The National Arboretumat Westonbirt hosts the Easter Challenge.Children will have the opportunity tocreate spring themed crafts includingflower sewing cards and blossom printing,and solve riddles on the family trail for asweet reward. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

CHELTENHAMGloucestershire Trade Exhibition.Experience the entrepreneurial skills ofthe future Richard Bransons and LordSugars. Students representing 20 schoolsand colleges from across the countyexhibit and sell products and servicesdeveloped through participation in theYoung Enterprise Company Programme.Pittville Pump Room, Wednesday, March19, 2-6pm. Free admission.

CIRENCESTERThe Art Show.This exhibition showing atthe New Brewery Arts Theatre in Marchwill feature the work of three local artists David Syme-Grant, Sharon Ellis andBrian Britton. The diversity of their work willgive visitors to the exhibition an excitingand eclectic mix of work to view. NewBrewery Arts, March 8-15, 9.30am-5pm.

Joint exhibition showing the work ofillustrator Shelly Perkins and textiledesigner Jan Jay,New Brewery Arts Pop-up Gallery, March 31-April 12, 10am-6pm.

STROUDStroud International Textiles Spring

Select(April 4-May 31) and Exhibition atNewark Park (April 23-June 8. NewarkPark, the National Trust property, willhave an exhibition of mixed fine craftwork from artists that include Katharine

CHELTENHAMA Midsummer Nights Dream and TheComedy of Errors. Acclaimed all maleShakespeare Company Propeller take tostage at the Everyman Theatre fromMarch 18-22, with this contrasting pair ofcomedies by William Shakespeare.everymantheatre.org.uk 01242 572573.

The Mousetrap.Agatha Christies brilliantsmash hit thriller comes to the EverymanTheatre, from April 7-12. Box office asabove.

CIRENCESTERSeann Walsh - The Lie-In King. Comedysfastest rising star Seann Walsh is returningwith an all-new show to show the worldthat hes The Lie-in King! Sundial Theatre,March 8. Doors open at 7pm. 0844 8700887 or www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

A November Day. With evocativepuppet characters, live music and anever changing set, Thingumajig Theatrepresents a timeless fable on war and themiracle of friendship when all else seemslost. Sundial Theatre, March 18, 7.30pm.Suitable for ages 10 years plus. Box officeas above.

Paul Chowdry. The Lafta funniest stand-up award winner of 2013 tackleseverything borderline within the humanphsyche. Sundial Theatre, April 11, 8pm.Box office as above.

STROUDSuggs My Life Story in Words and Music.The Madness frontman takes to the stagein a hilarious, yet moving, one man tourde force. Subscription Rooms, April 17,

8pm. 01453 760900 www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk

SWINDONBilly Pearce.One of Britains mosttalented and best-loved comedians willbring laughter to Swindon when hetreads the boards at the Wyvern Theatre,April 2, 7.30pm. 01793 524481wyverntheatre.org.uk

Peter Pan on Ice.The world famousRussian Ice Stars will take you on amagical trip to Neverland in thisspectacular adaptation of J M Barriesmagical story of the boy who never grewup. This fast moving show is packed withjumps and spins and is stunninglychoreographed a lavish spectacularfor the whole family. Wyvern Theatre, May7-11. Box office as above.

Morling, Caroline Bartlett, Matthew Harris,Ruth Dresman, Eleanor Glover among the30 plus taking part. Set in gloriouscountryside, Newark Park is a must to visitfor 2014. Also new to Select is The Wilsonin Cheltenham where work from designermakers who bring pleasure to our livesthrough good design will be on show. Asymposium with leading designers andartists, talks, workshops and exhibitionsand the Open Studio Trail promises youlots to see and enjoy.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.uk


42/88


COTSWOLD

Feature

A step back in time

IT IS 20 years since the present centre

was opened, in 1994, and there is much to

celebrate in the dedication of the teams of

volunteers who have founded it and

continued to expand its collections, and

who welcome its visitors during opening

hours and at other times by arrangement.

This is a small town, but we have got

a big history of it, says David Baird, the

museums curator.

The collections now contain several

thousand items.

When they were relatively smalleverything was on show.

But as they were growing bigger and

bigger we decided three years ago to

display just selections in themed

exhibitions, he explains.

This means that people can view the

whole exhibition in a single visit, and

come back another day to see a display on

a different theme.

We have four exhibitions a year,

changing every three months.

But all our items are always accessible

on request, if people come to us wanting

to research a particular subject.

We have photographs and objects

illustrating the history of the towns

churches and its organisations, and on itsschools including the Katherine Lady

Berkeley School, the original grammar

school which dates back to the 13th

century.

And we have connections with

inventors and other famous people.

Among these is Isaac Pitman, who

invented shorthand writing during the

time that he was headmaster of the

Church of England school.

He later moved to Bath, but his

residence in the town has been recorded

by the presence of a plaque on his former

home, now a private house, which was

erected on the centenary of his birth in

1913.

We have a large amount ofinformation on all aspects of his life, says

Mr Baird.

Dr Edward Jenner, who developed the

vaccine for smallpox, was a pupil at the

Wotton-Under-Edge Heritage Centre will be marking the centenary of the FirstWorld War in its exhibitions for 2014, and it also has another important anniversary

to highlight. By Joanne Collier

The 5th BattalionGloucestershire Regiment,Dursley Company,Marching up Long streetin Wotton in 1914


43/88


Katherine Lady Berkeley School.

When he was later living in Berkeley he

used to come back to his former home-town to

carry out vaccinations for members of the local

population following services at the Methodist

Tabernacle.

The Tabernacle also has an association with

a well-known name, that of the Rev Rowland

Hill, a Methodist preacher who founded it and

lived for a time in Wotton-Under-Edge.

An association with another man of religionis that with William Tyndale, who translated

the Bible into English.

He was born at Nibley.

He was martyred and a monument to him

stands on Nibley Knoll in North Nibley, near

Wotton-under-Edge.

The silver trowel which was used at the

ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the

monument when it was erected in 1866 is in

the centre.

Although Oscar Wilde did not live in the

town, he had a friend William Moore-Adey

who did so.This friendship resulted in references to the

name of his home-town in two of Wildes

novels.

A character in A Picture of Dorian Gray is

Lord Wotton and in The Importance of Being

Earnest Lady Bracknell when on a train

journey asks How long to get to Wotton?, this

being one of the stations on her route.

From fiction to fact, the town has links with

the Titanic, the trans-Atlantic liner the

centenary of the sinking of which was marked

in 2012.

Two people from the area were on board,

one a member of the crew.The other was a passenger who had been

upgraded to a berth on the Titanic as coal on

the ship from which he was due to sail had

been diverted to the high-profile vessel. Sadly,

neither survived.

The connection continues with the ship

itself, for the son of the landlord of the Star

Inn, which still stands near the museum,

emigrated to Prince Edward Island in the

1670s and there he founded a timber and then

a shipping business.

He named this the White Star Line after the

sign on his fathers pub, and at the time of the

disaster it was the owner of the Titanic. The

company, via various changes of hands, later

became Cunard.

One of our main aims when people come

in to see us is to point them to the many

interesting aspects of our town. says Mr Baird.

The centre is also the Tourist Information

Point, and we can offer people plenty to

provide them with interest both here and in

the nearby countryside where there are somefantastic walks.

It was Wotton-under-Edge Historical Society

that founded and still runs the centre.

The societys own history goes back to 1947;

its collections of photographs and objects grew

apace and in the early days were kept in the

homes of members and in a cupboard in the

Town Hall, Mr Baird relates.

Money was raised to provide something

more permanent, but the former cycle shed at

the library which was rented from

Gloucestershire County Council and which the

members made more substantial was quitesoon outgrown.

More fundraising followed, and more

refurbishment.

This was when the society was able to find

larger more suitable premises in the former

fire station, no longer in use following the

opening of a new building.

Since the present centre there was opened in

1994 the society has continued to make use of

its earlier home for storage.

Mr Baird pays tribute to two members who

did much to prepare the centre for its opening.

They were the late Beryl Kingham and

Mary George, who is now in her 80s.They really did spend a lot of time

preparing it and they turned the building into

a proper museum, which we are still trying to

keep up, he says.

As many as 30 volunteers share in the many

aspects of running the centre, many of whom

are able to do so because they are retired.

An important aspect is the continuing one

of fund-raising towards the many expenses

involved, and one way of doing this is by the

society being one of the various organisations

which take turns to serve teas and cake in the

Town Hall once a month.

This contributes towards the 7,000 that

is needed to run the centre each year.

The Historical Society also has a varied

programme of activities, including a series of

lectures.

Recent topics have included the life and

work of Dr Edward Jenner and the history of

Bath Abbey.

In many ways the society and the centre

make an important contribution to the life of

the town.

And they are not standing still.

We are continually being given new

items, says Mr Baird.

We have just been given another

photograph going back to the First World

War, relating to service in the Belgian army.

The four 2014 exhibitions will cover each

stage of the wartime period, from the town

just before the war broke out to the armistice

and then the erection of war memorials.

Opening times are Tuesday, Thursday

and Friday 10.30 am to 2.30 pm and 2.00

pm to 4.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am to 1.00

pm throughout the year, with a Sundayopening from 2.00 pm on to 4.00 pm from

the end of April to the end of October.

The centre can be found at The

Chipping, in Wotton-under-Edge,

telephone 01453 520541.

Heritage Centre Curator, David Baird withthe head of an entrenching tool from 1915

A traderecipe bookfrom theearly 1900s

Val Hake, HeritageCentre Chairman


44/88


45/88


46/88


COTSWOLD

Feature

FOR TV doctor Dawn Harper

cycling started as a prescription to

recover from a hit and run

accident.

That was a decade ago and nowcycling is a passion. Every year she

sets herself one cycling challenge

which has seen her saddle up for

Cardiff, Paris, Brussels and Lands

End.

This years challenge is closer to

home and closer to her heart. She

will take part in the 100km Harvey

100 Star Cycle Challenge on April

27 to raise money for National

Star.

The event is named in honour of

Dawns son Harvey who has

cerebral palsy. Forget TV success

and all the trappings that go with

it. For Dawn the true inspiration

and joy in her life is her sons

steely determination to be charge

of his own life.

While chatting to Essence,

Dawn, who hosts Channel 4s

Embarrassing Bodies, receives a

call from Harvey telling her he has

passed his driving test. Her face

lights up.

Im a better doctor and a better

person because of Harvey. Ofcourse, like every parent, I would

do anything for Harvey not to have

cerebral palsy. But he is so

incredibly positive and

determined.

Harvey attends mainstream

school. He is taking his A-levels

and plans to attend university in

the autumn.

When Dawn was asked to attend

a fundraising ball for National Star

she decided she needed come and

see the facility firsthand. I met a

student who had complex

disabilities who, thanks to eye-

recognition technology, could

control his wheelchair, ask for a

drink and have some control of his

life. It was then I fell in love with

National Star.

Harvey has true grit as do all

the students I meet at National

Star. What National Star providesthem with is the confidence, skills

and education to take control of

their lives and to make their own

decisions, to do the things the rest

of us simply take for granted.

So when the discussions started

about holding a 100km cycle

challenge through the Cotswolds

to raise money for National Star

Dawn was ready to be part of the

team.

In the past she has held the

Harvey 100 to raise money for

charity. She decided now was the

ideal time to combine it with

National Star to create something

special.

The route includes some steep

climbs at Bisley, Sapperton and

Caudle Green and takes in scenic

routes around Kemble, Chedworth,

Bibury and Cowley.

It is, she says, the perfect

challenge for anyone who wants to

shed those extra Christmas pounds

and to get fit for spring.

I am no athlete. If I can do it,anyone can. You have 16 weeks to

prepare so that you can have a

sensible training programme and

build up slowly.

Use the challenge as a

motivation to get fit. Its perfect as

you can see the goal you are trying

to reach and more importantly it

is a realistic one.

On average Dawn cycles 50-100

miles every week, trying to include

a couple of good hill rides. It is not

just about aerobic fitness she says

with a smile its about being

saddle fit. Thats a delicate way

of saying ones backside needs to

get used to the bicycle.

Want to lose a few pounds and get healthy?What does TV doctor Dawn Harper prescribe?

Words by Marianne Sweet. Pictures by Thousand Word Media

She suggests to start with short rides, between 5-10 miles,three times a week for the first month and then gradually build

up to one or two 30-35 mile ride a week. Mileage should be built

up slowly to avoid injury and to establish a good base fitness on

which to build the stamina you will need to complete the event.

Most importantly of all says Dawn is to enjoy yourself.

Theres no point doing something if you loathe it. Find what

you love to do and stick at it.

National Star is a Gloucestershire-based charity working with

people with severe disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Through the charitys support they access opportunities which

improve their life chances and enhance their quality of life.

I have seen how National Star transforms young peoples

lives. But they cant do this amazing work without community

support, says Dawn who also still works as a GP in theCotswolds.

It costs 20 to register in advance and cyclists are being asked

to raise a minimum 80 in sponsorship.

To register call National Star on 01242 524478 or email

[email protected]

Saddle up for a

cycling challenge

What are the doctors top tips for getting fit?

1. Sign up to the Harvey 100 Star Cycle Challenge and

convince a friend to do it with you. If you have someonewho is doing it with you then you urge each other on and

are more likely to stick to it.

2.Tell everyone that you are taking part. That way youcant back out. I am terribly competitive, not with others

but with myself, so when I decide I am going to do

something then nothing can stop me.

3.Be realistic in your training. You have 16 weeks toprepare so build up slowly.


47/88


48/88


My amazing

Amazon experience

AFTER flying into Iquitos, the largest city

in the world not accessible by land and

then spending two hours

cotswold essence march-may 2014

Documents