Cotswold Style April 2015

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INTERVIEWS | EVENTS | FASHION | BEAUTY | PROPERTY | BUSINESS | TRAVEL | SPORT

The

COMPETITION WIN TICKETS TO SEE

RAYMOND BLANC AT THE RHS MALVERN SPRING FESTIVAL

April 2015

Cotswolds visits London • Entertainment • Hotels • Spas • Designers • Drinking • Eating

REAL LIFE WE CHAT TO FORMER ENGLAND CRICKETER

MARK ALLEYNE

London Fashion Week AW15 collections REVEALED

SWINGING

IN THE STICKS £2.50

Eavesdropping on Whispering Angels

WESTMINSTER IN THE COTSWOLDS One month to the General Election

TAKE A TRIP TO A TIMELESS TOWN

Medieval TEWKESBURY

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8 ROTUNDA TERRACE, MONTPELLIER STREET, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL50 1SW TEL: 01242 523331 - STORES NATIONWIDE - andsotobed.co.uk

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Contents

84 129 86 100

73 APRIL 2015

CONTENTS 10 Out and About

46 Visit London

86 London Fashion Week

Your guide to the very best events happening in and around the Cotswolds this month

Cotswold Style hits Regents Street for shopping and fun

The Autumn / Winter collections for 2015

57 A Building Transforms

102 Westminster in the Cotswolds Our MP’s get set for the upcoming elections

Meet Mark Alleyne MBE

Kelly James starts the transformation of a Cheltenham building

19 Hot Property

58 Through the Garden Gate

We review The Westbury, Mayfair

We feature some of the most beautiful properties that are for sale or to let in and around the Cotswolds

Camilla Bassett-Smith takes a trip to a garden that is simply out of this world

116 Cricket Season Is Open

16 Real Life

111 R&R

The revival of cricket clubs in the county

66 A Traveller’s Playground 34 Medieval Tewkesbury

Lucy Garbutt has travelled to Bolivia

121 Racing Nigel Aplin

69 Castaway Collection

Racing pundit Nigel Aplin, reflects on Cheltenham and looks to Aintree

Ellie Mainwaring chats with fashion visionary Jane Lewis

123 Swinging in the Sticks

Take a stroll around this historic town

The county’s secret pastime

71 Cotswolds Culture Susan Blanchfield says… Music Matters

127 Unbelievable Will the TV debates make you decide?

83 Put the Swoosh back in your Hair

127 COMPETITION

Laura Leigh Hairdressing reconditions Winter hair

Win tickets to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 5

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J U I CE FRESHLY SQUEEZED - THE LATEST FROM THE TEAMS AT JUICE

BIG UP CHELTENHAM! Team Cheltenham are delighted to see themselves on a rather large billboard near the train station in Cheltenham. We absolutely love it and hope you do too! Don’t forget to send us some pics if you see it!

MORE GREAT FEEDBACK! We have loved reading the wonderful feedback from our candidates recently: ‘My name is Lauren and I would like to say how wonderful the Juice team are - so very kind and helpful with such a pleasant nature. The Juice team really made me feel comfortable and at ease when we met to finalise a temporary job. I haven’t met anyone like them in a long time and they are a real credit to the company which is why I will be sticking with Juice Recruitment. I shall be recommending the agency to many people.’

STEPHANIE JOINS JUICE CHELTENHAM All at Juice are delighted to welcome Stephanie to the Cheltenham team.

Having gained extensive recruitment experience, within the local market, we are excited to welcome Stephanie at an exciting period of growth and development for Juice Cheltenham.

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Vicky, Emma and Carys had a great night at the Cardiff Life Awards in March. The event was held at Cardiff City Hall, a beautiful venue and the evening was full of fun, entertainment and some wonderful companies who were recognised for their amazing achievements. Juice are very excited about the plans for 2015!!!

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www.juicerecruitment.com

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Welcome Senior Partner Paul Bates 01242 220239 paul@stylemagazines.co.uk Partner Mark Cuzner 07917 821577 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk Business Development Manager Ian McRorie 07917 175919 ian@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Executive Alastair McClare 01242 220239 ali@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Executive Bethany Lynch 07807 126214 bethany.lynch@stylemagazines.co.uk Office Manager Carley O’Dea 01242 220239 office@stylemagazines.co.uk Production Consultant Hilary Collier 01242 220239 hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk Editorial Designer Nick Clark 01242 220239 nclark@stylemagazines.co.uk

Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA Switchboard: 01242 220239; Fax: 01242 257019; Email: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk or advertising@stylemagazines.co.uk Publisher: Paul Bates; Distribution: Pineapple Media, 172 Northern Parade, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 9LT. Merchandising services: Patrick Farrelly.

@CotswoldStyle Twitter followers

21,945 CotswoldStyleMagazine Facebook fans

EDITOR’S FOREWORD am delighted to welcome you to our special London supplement in this April’s issue of Cotswold Style.

London is a city where so many of us visit. Be it for work, a short break or where we actually live. Cotswold Style has a vast number of London based subscribers so here is a little something different for you all to read to give you some inspiration to visit Regent Street and rediscover the ‘West End’ of our great Capital.

Cotswold Style was accredited for London Fashion Week covering the AW15 season and fashion photographer, Stef Calleja-Gera was there to shoot the styles that will be seen later this year. We have eight pages of super-fashion, which are suitably stylish for the Cotswolds.

For the third year running, Cotswold Style is the media sponsor for Cheltenham Fashion Week. Creative Director of CFW, Sam Bawden, talks to us this month about her plans for the events taking place in November.

For those keeping their feet firmly within the region, then Tewkesbury, a town that has previously been blighted by floods, makes a strong call to visit. Our special Tewkesbury feature showcases the wealth of history in the town and offers an array of great, local artisan shops and eating establishments. It boasts festivals and events all year round for the whole family to enjoy.

April is the start of the cricket season and we met with former England allrounder, Mark Alleyne, who is our Real Life feature this month. Gloucestershire has an abundance of leading clubs that facilitate players of all ages and most offer a tremendous social atmosphere for the non-player. This month we discover some local cricket clubs and announce new ones who will be playing this summer.

In this edition leading Cheltenham hair stylist, Laura Leigh, talks about ways to get ones hair back into condition in the aftermath of winter and Amy Hickey trends us into spring make-up with Grace Parry offering some styling advice for the in-between season.

We are becoming a little more adventurous in this magazine and whilst appreciating stunning interiors, getting to grips with music or traveling to far-flung corners of the earth, there is a shadier side of the Cotswolds oblivious to so many but giving pleasure to others. Our new writer Jo Jo Schofield has delved into the world of ‘swinging’. It’s big business and happening in our area!

Hey, ho back to normality – I would love to hear your thoughts on the ever changing Cotswold Style, so please don’t hesitate to drop me an email.

With my best wishes,

I

Emma Logan Emma Logan, Editor editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

5,267 Cover image: Clothing by Goat Fashion

Cotswold Style is published monthly by Cotswold Style Ltd, based at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Cotswold Style will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 1756-6673.

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 9

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t u o ab ENTERTAINMENT

WOLD GALLERIES SPRING EXHIBITION Sunday 29th March to the end of April

Wold Galleries are marking their 10th anniversary in Moreton-in-Marsh. The Spring Exhibition celebrates ‘ten of the best’ with artwork from long-standing contributors to the gallery, alongside exciting contemporary work from brand new exhibitors. The show will include oils, watercolours, pastels, mixed media pieces, hand-finished glassware and individual ceramic pieces, which are both practical and decorative. www.woldgalleries.com MILTON JONES AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Wednesday 15th April, 7.30pm King of the one-liners Milton Jones – yes him with the loud shirts and messy hair from Mock The Week (BBC Two), Live At The Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One) – is back with his brand new show ‘Milton Jones and the Temple of Daft’ – no doom, just copious amounts of laughter and nonsense! Tickets £25.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk ‘LOW CARB HIGH VEG’ COOKERY COURSE AT FOODWORKS Thursday 16th April, 7 to 9pm The modern diet is a riddle with simple carbohydrates that break down as sugar and create excess weight and bloating.

In this course at Foodworks Cookery School at Colesbourne Park, near Cheltenham, we will use a range of

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vegetables to create dishes that are low in carbohydrates but high in flavour, vegetables and protein. £47 including supper and glass of wine www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk

RUSSIAN EVOLUTION ART EXHIBITION AT THE PARAGON GALLERY Friday 17th April to Saturday 2nd May Following their highly successful 2014 Russian show, Cheltenham’s Paragon Gallery will be exhibiting the work of ten Russian painters. Contemporary Russian painting has grown enormously in popularity in the west and in Britain in particular, with its once highly idiosyncratic attributes bending to western tastes. www.paragongallery.co.uk

SARAH MCQUAID AT DAGLINGWORTH VILLAGE HALL

Saturday 18th April, 8pm Sarah McQuaid’s voice has been likened to malt whiskey and melted chocolate.

A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship; in her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.

Tickets: £12 including a free drink from our Licensed Bar dvh.events@btinternet.com or 07754 728044 REBECCA AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE Monday 20th to Saturday 25th April Kneehigh Theatre presents a spellbinding new production of Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece, which conjures Cornish romance and theatrical magic. Tickets from £15 www.everymantheatre.org.uk

‘30-MINUTE FAMILY MEALS’ COOKERY COURSE AT FOODWORKS Wednesday 22nd April, 7 to 9pm Tired of reproducing the same family meals, time and time again? Join us for a

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com fantastic evening learning how to cook imaginatively for the family... they’ll thank you for it! Takes place at Foodworks Cookery School at Colesbourne Park, near Cheltenham. £47 including supper and glass of wine www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk

MARCHESI DI FRESCOBALDI WINE DINNER AT THE KINGS HEAD, CIRENCESTER Thursday 23rd April The Frescobaldi family own over 1,000 hectares of vineyards. Hosted by the Kings Head Hotel Sommelier, Alan Holmes, you will be joined by the Frescobaldi family’s export director, Giuseppe Pariani, who has spent his whole life in the Tuscan wine business.

Giving full insight into the different regions and its wines, Giuseppe will also give diners a fascinating look at Tuscany’s turbulent past. £80 per person including four-course dinner with matching wines. Maximum of 16 places. Call 01285 700900 or email sales@kingshead-hotel.co.uk to book PORT ISAAC’S FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Friday 24th April, 7.30pm

Be prepared to have your ears blown off as Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends return for a night of belting Cornish shanties and joyful folk songs. And fisherman’s friends they truly are – each member of this unique group are, or have been, fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards in Port Isaac. There’s no gang leader, no choirmaster and no holds barred in the mighty, brawny chorale of the Fisherman’s Friends.

Tickets £23 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR

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www.montpellierwinebar.com TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE Monday 27th April to Saturday 2nd May Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel comes to the Everyman in a “terrific retelling [which] makes dramatic gold” (The Times).

Tickets from £15 www.everymantheatre.org.uk PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Monday 27th April, 7.30pm

Paul Merton, one of the UK’s bestloved comedians, and his world renowned Impro Chums: Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster, return once again with their unique comedy show, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, their own finely honed improvisational skills and an almost manic compulsion to show off!

Tickets £22.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk CHEESE CLUB NETWORKING AT THE DAFFODIL Tuesday 28th April, midday to 3pm Our monthly Cheese Club offers the perfect opportunity to get together and have lunch with local professionals in a relaxed environment. Tickets: £20 www.thedaffodil.com

CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Wednesday 29th April to Saturday 2nd May Jamie Cullum returns as Guest Director, and there’s so much to choose from: Alice Zawadski, Nina Ferro, Andrea Motis and The Sugar Sisters to name a few. The Daffodil’s late night Speakeasy

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Your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Sara Chardin takes you back to the roaring 20s on Saturday 2nd May. You can also catch the best up-and-coming talent on the Free Stage throughout the festival in Montpellier Gardens. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

FAMILY FUNTASTIC COUNTRYTASTIC Thursday 9th April Taking place at The Three Counties Showground, Countrytastic is an action packed, hands-on event with food, farming and countryside at its core this Easter holiday. Keep the kids entertained all day with free indoor and outdoor activities, entertainment and their favourite countryside creatures.

Children can learn about birds and how they can aid farming and agriculture, and about the conservation of field margins, game management and habitats. Tickets £6 (3s and under go free) www.threecounties.co.uk/countrytastic TWEEDY’S HOUSE OF FUN AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Wednesday 8th April, 2.30pm

Everybody’s favourite clown, Tweedy, has just moved into a new house, but if he’s going to be allowed to stay he needs to impress the grumpy landlord (Wink Taylor, as seen on the Mini CITV Sooty Show). Fortunately for Tweedy, living next door are the friendly and mischievous Theo the Mouse and Wendy. Packed full of fun and laughter, this new show is a perfect Easter matinee for families and all ages.

Tickets from £9 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

FUNTASTIC COUNTRYTASTIC Thursday 9th April Taking place at The Three Counties Showground, Countrytastic is an action packed, hands-on event with food, farming and countryside at its core this Easter holiday. Keep the kids entertained all day with free indoor and outdoor activities, entertainment and their favourite countryside creatures.

Children can learn about birds and how they can aid farming and agriculture, and about the conservation of field margins, game management and habitats. Tickets £6 (3s and under go free) www.threecounties.co.uk/countrytastic LIVE LAMBING AT ADAM HENSON’S COTSWOLD FARM PARK Until Sunday 12th April Come and meet the new arrivals or perhaps witness a newborn lamb’s very first moments. Lambing takes place in the demonstration barn until mid April.

Normal admission fees apply www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk BEASTLY BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES WORKSHOP, TEWKESBURY Saturday 25th April Choose from a selection of acrylic shaped bug and butterfly wind chimes.

Children can decorate using special glass pens, glitter glue and sequins.

Drop into Tewkesbury Heritage & Visitor Centre between 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm.

Price from £3.95 per item www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/heritage

CHARITY LINC LUNCH CLUB AT THE MAYFLOWER CHINESE RESTAURANT IN CHELTENHAM Friday 10th April Two courses for £15 including a

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t u o ab donation to LINC. Everyone welcome.

Book by email louise.adkins@glos.nhs.uk or visit www.lincfund.org PRESCOTT BIKE FESTIVAL Sunday 12th April The 5th annual Prescott Bike Festival, at Prescott Hill Climb, is promising to be their best yet. The organisers tell us they want to bring you things you can’t normally see, things you can’t normally do, including Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell, a host of trade stands, Dealer Zone, entertainment, great food and live music. A fantastic line up of riders includes four times World Superbike Champion, Carl Fogarty; three times British Superbike Champion, John Reynolds, and a host of other famous names from the motorcycling world.

All proceeds go to the Blood Bike Charities. Tickets available from www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk AUCTION OF PROMISES IN SUPPORT OF THE PIP AND JIM’S BIG APPEAL AT ST PHILIP AND ST JAMES’ CHURCH IN LECKHAMPTON Saturday 25th April 2015 from 7pm Enjoy a performance by The Ukulele Orchestra, delicious hot buffet, fine wine and take part in an Auction of Promises filled with surprises. The evening is being held to raise vital funds to urgently repair the church.

There is no charge, but donations on the night in support of the ‘Pip and Jim’s Big Appeal’ would be very welcome. To attend, please RSVP to Natalie Norman 01242 573508 or appeal@pipandjims.org.uk HIGHNAM COURT SPRING BULB PREVIEW Sunday 29th April, 11am-4pm Raising money for the Pied Piper Charity. Homemade refreshments, free parking, landscaped gardens to explore. Dogs allowed on leads. £5 entrance fee on the gate (children free). www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk

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RAISE A WEDGE FOR WINSTON’S WISH Thursday 14th May

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

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if purchased before 6.30pm the Thursday before the game. Don’t miss out – book your tickets now.

Visit: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CAMP Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th April Dig out your boots and tighten your studs as Gloucester Rugby’s Junior Camps return this April. Located at Drybrook RFC, the 2-day camp is available for all juniors aged between 8 and 13 years old and costs just £60.

Book at:

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/community

The Winston’s Wish annual charity golf day will take place in May at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex, Gloucester. Enter your team of four for £200. This includes a challenging round of golf and competitions with prizes, carvery buffet, charity raffle and auction. To register your team or for more information, call 01242 515157 or email: community@winstonswish.org.uk

SPORT GLOUCESTER RUGBY BUSINESS BREAKFAST Wednesday 1st April, 8am to 9.30am Mix and mingle with over 100 local businesses before being seated for a full English breakfast, followed be a short presentation by Gloucester Rugby’s head of strength and conditioning, Paddy Anson.

Tickets: £18 Book at: gloucesterrugby.co.uk

GLOUCESTER RUGBY v CONNACHT Friday 3rd April Kick off 7.45pm Gloucester Rugby take on Connacht in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Ticket prices start from just £15 for adults and £6 for juniors

GLOUCESTER RUGBY GIRLS ONLY CAMP Friday 10th April Join Gloucester Rugby on the first girls’ only rugby camp due to take place over the Easter break for 11 to 16 year olds. Located at Cheltenham Tigers RFC, the 1-day camp is just £25. Book at:

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/community

ANDOVERSFORD RACES Sunday 12th April, gates open 11am A great day out for all the family, the first race starts at 2pm. Enjoy the thrill of the races with six point-to-point steeplechases and pony racing.

There will be trade stands, a licenced bar, bookmakers and children’s activities. Tickets: £8 advance (£10 on the day) www.andoversfordraces.co.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY v NEWCASTLE FALCONS Saturday 25th April Kick off 3pm Gloucester Rugby take on Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership.

Ticket prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors if purchased before 6.30pm the Thursday before the game. Or buy a full paying adult in the JS Stand or Mira Showers Bronze and bring up to 3 juniors for free.

Book now!

Visit: gloucesterrugby.co.uk

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REAL LIFE

Mark Alleyne MBE Emma Logan met Mark Alleyne, the cricketing all-rounder who played for England and Gloucestershire and is now Head Coach for the MCC and President of the Professional Cricketers Association nother dismal English performance at the ICC Cricket World Cup and the national team have returned home at the same pace as our footballers did in their last World Cup campaign.

With April being the start of the cricket season, I thought it was time to chat with Mark Alleyne, the hugely popular former Gloucestershire cricketer and coach about the state of play in Britain’s summer sport.

Mark began by saying, “Test Cricket is very healthy in England and most grounds sell out within the first 3 days but outside of the country things are not so pretty, which means one-day, we could be short of opponents and we may end up having to play against the England Lions!

The trend for the shorter version of the game has taken off at a rapid rate outside of England which supporters find more palatable. The world is not looking good when you see home series’ played in major cricketing nations such as India, Australia and South Africa not attracting great crowds. This was portrayed to me when so few people came to see the final Test match for iconic South African cricketer Jacques Kallis – having such a dismal attendance is an insight to where Test Cricket is going on the international arena and England aren’t really addressing the problem - typically being stubborn.”

The IPL (Indian Premier League), a T20 format of the game has seen unprecedented popularity on the subcontinent. So could we be thinking about launching our own English Premier League version here?

Mark said, “I don’t think an EPL will happen. Not for any logical reason as we had the opportunity before but it was resisted and if we give into it, people will think it’ll sell out Test Cricket - England will hang on to Test Cricket as long as possible even though it’s not

A

16 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

commercially very viable. Ultimately, less Test Cricket will be played and the limited overs cricket will have to pay for it - but it will survive. Players can now reach 100 Tests in such a short space of time, which suggests we are currently playing too much.”

I asked Mark whether youth cricket is in a growth period and he said that even though the numbers aren’t surging, it is still growing steadily. “The competition nowadays is other sports which are accessible to everyone. Potential cricketers are being taken out of the game and now playing what used to be called minority sports such as snow boarding. Competition though is as fierce as it has ever been and even if cricket isn’t expanding with a huge influx of numbers, the ECB are keeping it attractive to the youth especially with the introduction of the National Club Youth U19 T20 tournament, which starts this year. Counties are far more clued up in youth cricket and being more proactive promoting the game through local cricket clubs.”

Cricketers used to come from certain schools active in cricket but now it’s easier finding good players by attacking through clubs to make it more inclusive so everyone has a pathway to the game. I asked if enough is being done in the State system?

Mark said, “The short answer is there is always more we can do to encourage but the Chance To Shine programme has now gone from primary to secondary schools and the MCC is looking to support this with its Foundation Hubs to enhance elite coaching, to strive for bigger and better things.”

There is always a danger that children can be demoralized in the sport. They may have a great club or school season, head off to District or County trials but then rapidly lose interest if they have a bad day and don’t get selected and

subsequently lose interest. So should selection not be done more on recommendations from clubs than attending a trial day, which can leave many children deeply disappointed?

“Cricket depends on a network of coaches in the area but the problem is they don’t have the scouting capabilities,” said Mark. “The downside is, the more popular the game becomes, the more disappointed children will be if they are not selected. Don’t let one knock-back stop you playing the game. If you’re not in the County or District side, stick with your club and see what you can do next year. Stuart Broad (England’s opening bowler), only developed his skills at 17, so he’s a perfect example.”

Many people with children participating on the club scene do wonder if is there too much pushiness from parents. One can see parents sucking up to coaches so could there be nepotism in the selection process? Mark says, “I haven’t seen too much of this – most parents’ motivation is they just want the best for their children, they don’t see it any more cynically than that.” As a coach he doesn’t mind awkward questions from parents but says other coaches must also be honest and parents must be prepared for answers they may not like. Sometimes it’s luck and other times the attitude of a child that may see success but parents should also be more realistic how good their children actually are.

There are a lot of good coaches in Gloucestershire but what are the MCC coaches doing? Is it just a commercial venture or are they scouting.

Marks said, “Yes it is commercial when we are running sessions in the holidays though there is a criteria the children should have played before and we’re not generally scouting, however, if we see a good talent we’d be crazy not to identify them. We do have the MCC Young

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Real Life

“IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT IT CAN HAPPEN BUT PRE-MEDITATED TAKES THE SPIRIT OUT OF THE GAME. BANTER IS FUN, SLEDGING ISN’T.” Cricketers from the ages of 17-21 which is the last step before becoming fully professional; it’s like a finishing school for cricketers and we stay in touch with them and can place them in the right county to fulfill their dreams.”

There are now 30 MCC Foundation Hubs throughout country and the idea is to give mainly State school children an opportunity and access to elite coaching.

The hubs work in relationship with cricket clubs and schools who nominate children, which is similar to District nomination. A group of about 20 are finally selected to receive elite cricket coaching free of charge. It’s available to any school that wishes to join throughout the whole of the Gloucestershire region.

Cricketers are hugely influential on children; we often see players having fun off the field but it’s the deterioration of behaviour on the field, which is causing raised eyebrows especially now that professional cricketers are able to ‘challenge’ an umpire’s decision. In the past, as in rugby, what the umpire said was final but players can now question this. Sadly children watching have started

to emulate, so the school teacher is now being ‘challenged’ by their pupil.

This is no more apparent when the viewing public, have to witness the obsessive appealing that comes through in the game. Unfortunately, one sees this transcending the ranks from the top flight down. Mark says, “This is a really important point. When I was playing professional cricket, it wasn’t as bad as portrayed but in my one year as an amateur afterwards, it was rife, as the players thought that’s how it is and it’s an uncomfortable place to be in.”

Marks said, “The game could descend into football-type behaviour if we’re not careful, where umpires have no status on the game and people keep challenging them. An example for me as a cricketer is when we warmed up, we played a game of football - they were a really good bunch of guys but then they changed personality as that’s the expected way of football. If we’re not careful people will think this kind of behaviour will be acceptable in cricket.” He continued, “Banter is fun but sledging, especially at school boy level shouldn’t be tolerated. If

they plan what they’re going to say it is totally unacceptable as its pre-mediated.

In the heat of the moment it can happen but pre-meditated takes the spirit out of the game. Banter is fun, sledging isn’t.”

There are plenty of inspirational characters in the current England squad and none more so that Moen Ali, a devout Muslim born in Birmingham who is an inspiration to attracting cricketers from minority backgrounds. I asked Mark whether individuals like himself and Moen have helped breakdown social barriers? He said, “We look up to people at the top of the game and Moen is seen as someone who has rapidly become a central part of the team. Individuals from minority backgrounds don’t now arrive at a trial thinking they ‘can’t do it’ or ‘won’t make it’ because of their faith or colour.

Moen (who plays for Worcestershire), arrived at the county as a batsman but is now a key bowler in the England set-up, as Worcestershire helped him develop his off-spin and they’ve done wonders – he’s a smart cricketer and he’s kept the faith.”

So what of Girls cricket, which is in a very exciting, place at the moment? From little participation to rapid growth in such a short space of time and the England Women’s team have won more trophies than their male counterparts in recent years! The MCC has led this growth for the past 8 years and the ECB have now awarded Women’s cricketers their first professional contracts. Club teams are all encouraged to have a girls section, making it easier for them to just turn up and join a club rather than relying on schools to integrate it, though a number of schools are now dropping rounders for cricket as the coordination skills are similar. Mark says, “The fundamentals are there and it’s a game both sexes can play together, especially at junior level. There are plenty of female cricket teams and pathways are in place to county level and hopefully the England squad.” He continued, “It’s become less of an issue fielding mixed teams, just because teams are now picking the best players irrespective of gender.”

We have an exciting summer of Test Cricket ahead of us when England takes on Australia in another Ashes series.

Though, after the way the ODI team played in the World Cup, let’s hope we have a strong enough team to regain the most important trophy in the cricketing world! Win or lose, the beautiful game of cricket sounds like it’s in a good place for future generations to come.

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 17

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Property Style Over the following pages we feature some of the fantastic properties that are on sale or to be let in the Cotswolds

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call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk david evans director in

ALDERTON

£1,295,000

The manor house is a beauTiful manor sTeeped in hisTory wiTh a classic medieval fronTage wiTh conTrasTing georgian rear façade.

The spacious and beautifully proportioned accommodation is set over three floors comprising reception hall drawing room sitting room Kitchen/breakfast room bedroom suite with en suite guest suite with en suite Three further bedrooms family bathroom garage heated swimming pool gardens of circa 2 acres.

NORTON

£1,200,000

a beauTiful, conTemporary deTached home in The hearT of a charming village. driwood is an exquisite home built with stylish living in mind with great onus placed on bringing the outside in. This substantial property occupies a prominent position in the village. The accommodation briefly comprises grand reception hall magnificent Kitchen/breakfast room family room drawing room five bedrooms Three bath/shower rooms stunning gardens views off road parking garage.

specialisTs in prime properTy

visit: 115 The promenade, cheltenham, gl50 1nw

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call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk david evans director in

HALES ROAD

£895,000

A beAutiful And imposing fAmily home on A sought After roAd. st heliers is beautifully presented detached Victorian Villa sited within walking distance to town. the spacious and elegant accommodation is set over three floors with basement storage rooms. reception hall drawing room dining room family/play room study/library Kitchen/breakfast room Conservatory bedroom suite with en suite five further bedrooms family bathroom generous flat gardens off road parking for several Cars.

LANSDOWN PARADE

£1,000,000

A beAutiful exAmple of A mAgnifiCent town house oVerlooKing douro green in this populAr pArAde of elegAnt homes. the beautifully presented accommodation is set over four floors, reflecting a wonderful synergy between period charm and the modern requirements ideal for stylish living double drawing room sitting room magnificent kitchen/ breakfast room dining room tV/snug room study master suite with en suite three further bedrooms family bathroom pretty gardens and off road parking.

speCiAlists in prime property

visit: 115 the promenade, Cheltenham, gl50 1nw

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Beyond yyour Beyond our eexpectations xpectations www.hamptons.co.uk w ww.hamptons.co.uk

Bredon, Bre don, G Gloucestershire loucestershire A ssuperb uperb Gr Grade ade IIII L Listed isted fformer ormer C Cider ider Ho House use d dating ating b back acck tto o 11700 700 set set in in this this desirable desirable Spacious accommodation, vvillage. illage. S pacious ac commodation, a large large detached detached two two storey storey outbuilding/stables outbuilding/stables with with potential p otential to to convert convert (subject (subject to to relevant relevant consents), consents), generous geneerous gravelled gravelled driveway driveway and and newly gardens with ne wly llandscaped andscaped llawned awned g ardens w ith ssummerhouse. ummerhouse.

Guide G uide Price Price ÂŁ795,000 ÂŁ795,000 t t t t t t

Hamptons Cheltenham Hamptons Cheltenham Sales 01242 639414 Lettings.

S ales 0 1242 6 39414 | L ettings. 01242 01242 639416 639416

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Cheltenham, C heltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire An eelegant An legant Gr Grade ade IIII llisted isted R Regency egency terrace terrace residence residence with with well-presented well-presented accommodation arranged over and useful house ac commodation mainly mainly a rranged o ver 3 ffloors loors a nd a u seful coach coach h ouse tto o tthe he rear rear which bee cconverted an annexe/garage necessary w hich ccould ould b onverted iinto nto a na nnexe/garage eetc tc subject subject tto o the the ne cessar y planning planning permissions. p ermissions.

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ELDERSFIELD

£600,000

Occupying a truly delightful rural location with marvellous open views is this four bedroom barn conversion with a southerly facing aspect overlooking its attractive landscaped gardens and paddock, in all about 2.1 acres. Its beautifully presented accommodation offers a wealth of character features and comprises an entrance hall, a spacious living room with wood burner, a kitchen/breakfast room, a utility/boot room, four bedrooms with the master sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom with bedroom two, an en-suite shower room and a family bathroom. Private driveway with access via an electronically operated gate, parking for several vehicles, a summerhouse, a low maintenance mature courtyard garden leading to a lawned garden and a fenced enclosure with a two bay open equestrian shelter leading to the paddock. D

CHELTENHAM

£572,500

A substantial period town house with a garden flat and off road parking within easy walking distance of Pittville Park and the town centre. This stylish property offers a wealth of character features including fireplaces, ceiling mouldings and joinery and the principal house comprises an entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, a wonderful fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility, four bedrooms, an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom and a luxurious family bathroom. In addition the garden flat offers a modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, living room, bathroom and a double bedroom with an en-suite shower room.

CHARLTON KINGS

£650,000

An extended five bedroom detached house in a splendid tucked away location backing on to St Edward's School. Its accommodation is offered in good decorative order and comprises dining room, a fitted kitchen with an arch leading to the breakfast room with a sitting area, utility room, a conservatory, five bedrooms including a large master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom, a family bathroom and a shower room. Further benefits include gas central heating, double glazing, impressive gardens, parking for several vehicles and a garage with an electronically operated up and over door. EPC: D.

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LECKHAMPTON HILL

£950,000

Located in a wonderfully elevated spot with delightful grounds in the region of 2.3 acres including a former paddock is this five bedroom detached family house with a wealth of character features. Its accommodation comprises an entrance porch with a cloaks cupboard, a generous hall, downstairs cloakroom, living room with an impressive stone fireplace, sun room, dining room, family room, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility, walk-in pantry, five bedrooms, the master with an en-suite bathroom, and a further bathroom. The views from this fine property are a joy to behold and other benefits include great potential provided by the large boarded attic space with windows, gas central heating, a wonderful mix of outside space with enchanting wooded areas and cultivated landscaped gardens, garaging and parking for numerous vehicles. E

Customer Charter You can expect the following from us: total honesty realism frequent communication transparency ethical behaviour at all times a never-ending determination to get results

CHARLTON KINGS

£1,000,000

A luxurious family residence with versatile accommodation over two floors that offers up to six bedrooms. The sheer spaciousness of this fine property with high ceilings asks to be explored and on the ground floor comprises a generous hall, a quite remarkable kitchen/breakfast room that flows effortlessly into a dining room, a utility room, a cloakroom, a large living room with a shared log burner, three bedrooms, an impressive family room that could be used as a guest bedroom, and a bathroom. Above there is a splendid galleried landing with a study area, the master bedroom with a dressing room, an en-suite bathroom and double doors to a balcony with hillside views, and a further bedroom or study. Parking for numerous vehicles, a double garage and an impressive rear garden. C.

We will not: raise false expectations behave unethically or encourage others to do so

Nigel Errington-Smith

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TEL: 01684 298222

WWW.CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK

EMAIL: ENQ@CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK BROCKERIDGE COTTAGE, TWYNING

£639,950 A rare opportunity to acquire a tastefully extended 4 bedroom detached Victorian cottage, in a delightful village location.

Set in gardens and grounds of approximately a 1/3 rd of an acre, (south facing) corner plot, with detached double garage and extensive parking etc. In addition to this property comes a detached Annex, offering flexible living space/accommodation for family and guests. The dwellings enjoy a wealth of character which have been enhanced and complimented, with features added over the years, taking advantage of the comforts demanded by modern day living. These features include exposed beams, original Victorian oven and several fireplaces, oil fired central heating, adequate power points and lighting throughout. The property is located within a relatively level plot with mature trees and hedging to give it a good degree of privacy, within a short walk of the village amenities.

THE THATCH, WESTMANCOTE

£799,950 A rare opportunity to acquire a Thatched “Grade II listed” tastefully extended detached country cottage with origins dating back to at least the 17th century with a separate detached double garage with office/study/play room over.

All set in beautifully landscaped gardens enjoying “year round” appeal with ample parking and garaging. The dwellings enjoy a wealth of character which have been enhanced and complimented with features added over the years taking advantage of the comforts demanded by modern day living. These features include exposed beams, exposed stone walls and fireplaces, oak doors, African slate flooring, stone mullion windows, gas central heating, bespoke kitchen with feature gas AGA. The property is located at the foot of Bredon Hill in the beautiful hamlet of Westmancote. On a sizeable plot with mature trees and Conifer/Beech hedging to give it a good degree of privacy. Within a short drive from the village of Bredon for local amenities.

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TEL: 01684 298222

WWW.CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK

EMAIL: ENQ@CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK PERINS, TWYNING

£539,950 Well secluded within it’s own grounds on a generous level plot in a mature village location.

This tastefully presented family home has been enhanced by the present owners improving and extending the property to take full advantage of the south facing garden.

Contemporary design has been woven with a homely feel providing bright, spacious and flexible living space. The accommodation briefly comprises entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, 4 bedrooms, 2 en suites and 2 bathrooms. A large double garage with utility area and further benefits include PVCu double glazing and central heating, Oak finished doors.

THE RED HOUSE, BREDON

£725,000

A unique opportunity to acquire a brick built Grade II listed period detached family house in the sought after village of Bredon. Quietly tucked away in Back Lane and yet ideal for the village centre and all its amenities.

With origins dating back to the 18th century this wonderfully spacious property is spread over 3 floors. The dwellings enjoy a wealth of character which have been enhanced and complimented with features added over the years taking advantage of the comforts demanded by modern day living. These features include exposed beams, feature fireplaces, gas central heating and some double glazing, ample parking. The Red House comes with an annex, known as The Coach House, which is completely self contained via a covered passageway from the main house. Above the annex is a self contained Studio/Flat with its own external access. The property would be perfect accommodation for a multi generation family or can be used in a number of different ways subject to any necessary planning permissions.

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Evesham Road Cheltenham Setting the scene: Situated on the Evesham Road close to both Cheltenham Racecourse and Pittville Park and only a mile from Cheltenham High street is this 4 double bedroom detached family home with attractive gardens, garage and parking.

Why we love it: Rosehill Lodge is built in brick with part rendered elevations under a pitched tiled roof. The house sits centrally within its plot with private gardens to both front and back. Inside the accommodation is immaculately maintained and provides an excellent balance of living space and bedrooms. On the ground floor there is a generous sitting room with French doors to the garden and an attractive fireplace. Glazed double doors lead from here into the dining room which when open make an excellent entertaining space. A lovely kitchen/breakfast room is situated towards the rear of the house, fitted with a light and bright modern kitchen with integral appliances. A further pair of French doors are set within the bay window area and provide direct access to the rear garden from the breakfast area.Immediately off the kitchen there is a further reception room ideal as a playroom or family room which also benefits from a pair of French doors to the front garden. A cloakroom and utility room complete the ground floor accommodation.

From the first floor galleried landing there is a master bedroom with dressing area and ensuite bathroom, three further double bedrooms and a family bathroom with separate bath and shower. Outside, the tarmac drive provides parking for several cars and leads to the double garage. The attractive gardens are laid mostly to lawn and patio terrace and have an array of mature trees, shrubs and planted borders. EPC rating D Guide Price: ÂŁ695,000 knightfrank.co.uk/Cheltenham nick.chivers@knightfrank.com 01242 246959 30 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Hot Property

Cirencester Road, Cheltenham Setting the Scene: A charming home with a lovely history and The Vicarage for the district from soon after it was built until 1937. Situated in an excellent catchment for local schools and amenities as well as being within comfortable strolling distance through Cox’s meadow to the facilities on the Bath Road and in the town centre.

Why we love it: A fine Victorian family home, with very attractive proportions and some lovely features with working fireplaces in the sitting room and dining room and the spacious room sizes. On the first floor are three double bedrooms served by a shower room and bathroom and there is a 15’ cellar that provides excellent storage.

Attached to the kitchen is a useful outhouse and a 29’ tandem garage to the rear of the garden with access onto Moorend Road provides covered parking. The garden is a delightful area with paved patio, sunny and shaded lawn, well stocked borders and raised beds. High fenced boundaries ensure excellent privacy and a pretty garden path leads to the rear and to a lockable door to the garage. EPC Rating E. Knight Frank, Cheltenham Guide Price: £475,000 harry.bethell@knightfrank.com 01242 246959

MARKET COMMENT

T

HE later part of 2014 was relatively uneventful in the housing market with stock levels remaining low despite interest from a good number of quality buyers. The new year brought with it refreshed confidence with an underlying feeling of economic improvement and the likelihood of long term low interest rates. As a result the market started to pick up significantly and from late January figures indicate that new property coming to the market was far greater than the historic seasonal averages.

The Cheltenham office of Knight Frank have agreed

sales on over £11m worth of property in the last 3 weeks alone.

So if you are thinking of selling this year the message is to act now and get your property on the market as soon as you reasonably can. With a general election looming in May and the uncertainty that this can bring there really is no time like the present.

For free confidential residential property advice please contact the office on 01242 246959 COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 31

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Hot Property

Queen Anne Cottage Setting the scene: A beautiful home forming part of an elegant street scene overlooking a village green. This exquisite residence offers a semi-rural lifestyle with the convenience of Cheltenham a mere 3 miles away.

Why we love it: The elegantly proportioned accommodation is set over three floors comprising: Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, master suite with en suite, three bedrooms, bathroom, beautiful walled garden, off road parking.

Price: ÂŁ795,000; Details: Kingsley Evans, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 222292 wisemanj@kingsleyevans.co.uk; www.kingsleyevans.co.uk 32 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Hot Property

Thirlestaine Park, Cheltenham Setting the scene: Beautifully renovated by Beechcroft, this elegant three bedroom detached period house is located on the periphery of Thirlestaine Park, a fabulous development of apartments and houses with access to private parkland and secure parking.

Why we love it: The Gate House has all the advantages of living in a character property that has been beautifully renovated on a secure development located within a fabulous parkland style setting, all within close proximity of Montpellier and the Bath Road.

Prices from ÂŁ395,000 Freehold Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 639414 cheltenham@hamptons-int.com COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 33

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PHOTO: JO WARD

000 Tewkesbury Feature April 15:Layout 1

Take a trip to...

Anna Sanders, Tewkesbury’s Tourism Marketing Officer takes us on a tour of this lovely town

MEDIEVAL TEWKESBURY History, Alleyways and a time to go Boating Tewkesbury is an ancient settlement at the meeting of the Rivers Severn and Avon.

Here, you will see one of the best medieval townscapes in England with its fine half-timbered buildings, overhanging upperstoreys and narrow alleyways.

The beautiful Norman Abbey, built in the early 12th century, dominates the town and in 1471, the fields to the south saw the penultimate and decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses leading the house of York to power. Today, the battle is reenacted at the internationally renowned Medieval Festival in July.

In the past, mustard making (Shakespeare’s Falstaff has the line “Wit as thick as Tewkesbury Mustard”), brewing and malting, pin making and the framework knitting of stockings were at one time major industries. Visitors today can enjoy medieval streets and a picturesque riverside setting. A stroll down charming Church Street can take you back to a bygone age when half-timbered houses were crammed into any available space and Tewkesbury’s famous alleyways came into existence. Around 30 delightful alleyways still remain open today and take you on a journey of discovery by linking the main streets to the river and beyond.

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Tewkesbury has something to offer everyone from great local food dining in many of the cafes, bistros or pubs and excellent shopping at a range of independent shops. The rivers can be enjoyed by all, be it a leisurely stroll along the banks, a fish and chip lunch watching the wildlife, or a relaxing cruise watching the world go by.

Out and About in Tewkesbury...

Tewkesbury’s Heritage Centre: A superbly restored 17th century building is home to this innovative heritage centre in the heart of Tewkesbury. A wander through this charming building will take you from Tewkesbury’s earliest settlers, through the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution and into the present day.

Open: All year round. Free Entry T: 01684 855040 www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/heritage

The Old Baptist Chapel & Court: This is another little gem hidden away down one of Tewkesbury’s lovely alleyways. The chapel started life in the 15th century as a three bay hall house and was later adapted for worship.

Open: Groups by appointment, Court

open all year round.

T: 01684 297174 www.johnmooremuseum.org

Tewkesbury Abbey: Founded in 1087 by Benedictine monks, this is one of the most beautiful Norman Abbeys and second largest parish church in the country. It houses a fine collection of medieval tombs and monuments, as well as many stained glass windows including the 14th century choir windows and stunning modern glass.

Open: All year round T: 01684 850959 The John Moore Museum and Merchant’s House: A countryside collection displayed to honour the prophetic writings on nature conservation of the late John Moore, a local writer and naturalist. The museum is housed in an historic 15th century timber framed building. Nearby, you can also enjoy the Merchant’s House which is beautifully restored to show the construction of a late medieval shop and home.

Open: April – October and Saturdays and school holidays in winter T: 01684 297174 www.johnmooremuseum.org Tewkesbury Museum: A museum of the local history and daily life of

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Towns: Tewkesbury

Meet a few companies from the town...

Written and edited by Alex Pates-Cook

THE BELL HOTEL

Tewkesbury, exhibited in a splendid Tudor house. Collections range from early Roman and the Battle of Tewkesbury to Antarctic exploration and the traditional Mop Fair.

Open: All year round, with free entry.

T: 01684 292901 www.tewkesburymuseum.org Tewkesbury Boat Trips: Take a 25 minute trip along the river and see beautiful countryside and wildlife. Regular trips between April and September T: 07772881382 The Roses Theatre: Tewkesbury’s town theatre shows a great range of performances throughout the year. Catch films, plays, music, comedy and more all in this independent theatre.

Open: All year round T: 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org

Events & Festivals

Tewkesbury has some fantastic events and festivals taking place this spring and summer. These range from a fabulous Food & Drink Festival to the Medieval Festival which is one of the largest battle re-enactments in the country.

Children’s Stained Glass Craft Workshop 9th April Get crafty and have fun this Easter!

Create a stunning glass effect decoration using pre-cut templates, attach cellophane sheets and create a beautiful stained glass window finished with jewels and glitter.

Visit anytime between 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm, drop in.

Tewkesbury Visitor Information Centre Contact: 01684 855040 www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/heritage >

With a rich historical heritage, The Bell Hotel which is situated in the very heart of Tewkesbury, opposite the town’s iconic Abbey, dates back as far as the late 16th or early 17th century when it was rebuilt as an inn after the dissolution of the monasteries.

Today, the beautiful timber-framed hotel and restaurant offers guests a warm and inviting atmosphere, attentive service and unique and cosy en-suite rooms, complete with a delicious menu, fine wines and traditional ales.

With easy access from junction nine of the M5, along with its excellent location for exploring Tewkesbury’s medieval streets and beautiful Abbey, The Bell in is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Tel: 01684 293293

CGT LETTINGS In 2002 when Cheltenham and Gloucester Residential Lettings grew, it seemed like a natural choice to extend the business to Tewkesbury, forming Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury Lettings, otherwise known as CGT Lettings.

Managed by Anne Horton, the property rental portfolio has grown dramatically to over 300 units, and with new housing developments taking place in the area it is set to grow again.

As proud members of ARLA (The Association of Residential Lettings Agents) who promote the very highest standards in residential lettings and property management, landlords and tenants choosing to work with us can be assured that they are working with a fully bonded and regularly audited company, with all staff being ARLA trained and qualified.

Working with Anne and her friendly and reliable team, potential tenants are treated to the highest standards of customer service, with 98 percent of CGT Lettings tenants rating their experience as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. www.cgtlettings.co.uk

and ensuring the net was cast wide to attract the right buyers for their vendors. This was quickly identified by the Guild of Professional Estate Agents who invited them to become the areas exclusive members. Conveniently located in the centre of town, Chess Moves promote themselves under the tagline “your friendly local independent estate agent” on their official website.

Their services have garnered much attention due to them staying ahead of the game taking advantage of modern technology with the integration of internet TV and mobile apps etc. This has helped to gain positive feedback from local customers, with reviews laying such praise as “Very friendly and helpful staff!!” and “Friendly and helpful at all times.” Which has led them to be shortlisted for an award in the national ESTAS a recognized industry accolade based on customer feedback. This intimate approach to dealing with customers appears to be the key to their popularity with both buyers and customers in Tewkesbury and its surrounding areas.

Tel: 01684 298222.

EASTERN THAI RESTAURANT ROYAL OAK PUB, BREDON Bredon is a stunning Cotswolds village on the border of Tewkesbury and situated on the main road in the heart of the village is the Royal Oak Pub, offering delicious, fresh Thai cuisine.

The food is available to eat either in-house or for take-away and the Thai chef is fully experienced in preparing authentic delights including a wide selection of starters from Gold Dipping Prawns and Chicken Sesame Toasts to a selection of Tom Yum Soups.

Main courses are feasts of delight with Green, Red, Jungle, Penang and Massaman curries with your favourite selection of meats or vegetables or one can choose from an extensive choice of stir fries using cashew nuts, ginger and soya bean, garlic and pepper or Thai basil leaves and chilli sauces. There are a number of chef specials, using Sea Bass for some eclectic dishes.

Tel: 01684 772616

CHESS MOVES

GUPSHILL MANOR

Chess Moves Estate Agents have been based in Tewkesbury since 2001 and they quickly established themselves providing a professional, innovative and friendly service focused on showing property in its best light

Originally built in 1431 as a functioning family manor house, Gupshill Manor is steeped in history, from bloody battles to destructive fires, the manor house has a truly captivating past. After being built on the site of an >

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Kevin Mace Quality Butchers

Suppliers of the finest British meats to the retail and catering trade Try our homemade Sausages, Burgers, Faggots and Home Cured Bacon We also sell fresh Bread and Pies from the Vale of Evesham Take a look at our hot counter with our famous hot Pork baps

Your friendly local independent estate agent With a strong national presence

“Tewkesbury’s exclusive members of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents promoting trust and confidence, don’t just take our word for it, check out the customer reviews and feedback to be found on Google and Referenceline”.

We also provide invaluable local “three counties” knowledge and links to info whilst searching for the ideal property for sale, which, with over 30 years as an experienced, professional Estate Agent, we know you will find useful.

Tel. 01684 295002

TEL: 01684 298222

WWW.CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK

EMAIL: ENQ@CHESS-MOVES.CO.UK

Darren, Hattie, Kevin, Reece & Vikki

TEWKESBURY COOKSHOP For your everyday essentials, and that something special too...

'Pinnygirls

of London'

103 High Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5JZ

t: 01684 296444 Explore the shop on Google Street View!

info@tewkesburycookshop.co.uk | www.tewkesburycookshop.co.uk 36 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Towns: Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury Vintage Fair 11th April - 10.00am to 4.30pm, George Watson Memorial Hall Enjoy a nostalgic treat with a celebration of everything vintage at Tewkesbury's Vintage Fair. Soak up the nostalgia in an old music hall setting. While you're in Tewkesbury make sure you leave some time to follow the Vintage & Antiques Trail along Barton Street & Church Street. Admission: Free www.tewkesburyvintagefair.co.uk

Tewkesbury Farmer’s & Craft Market 11th April, 2nd Saturday of every month Feb - Dec 2015 The Tewkesbury Farmers & Craft Market has a great mix of local produce from farmers, growers and food producers plus a wonderful collection of local arts and crafts.

Abbey Lawns Car Park, Tewkesbury, 9am to 1.30pm T: 01684 855040

Beastly Bugs And Butterflies 25th April - Join our children’s craft workshop and make flying creations for the garden.

Choose from a selection of acrylic shaped bug and butterfly wind chimes, then let your imagination flow decorating them using special glass pens, finishing with lots of glitter glue and sequins to complete your very own masterpiece.

Visit anytime between 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm, drop in.

Tewkesbury Visitor Information Centre Contact: 01684 855040 www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/heritage Tewkesbury’s Big Weekend 2nd & 3rd May - Festival Weekend A fun packed weekend in Tewkesbury including riverside activities, stalls, children’s fairground rides, music and entertainment. www.TewkesburyBigWeekend.co.uk

Tewkesbury Model Steam Rally 27th - 28th June, Tewkesbury Rugby Football Club The annual rally of the Model Steam Road Vehicle Society takes place in Tewkesbury >

earlier house, known as Globes Hall, Gupshill Manor became a thriving part of the local community, and in 1471 was at the very centre of one of the last and bloodiest battles of the Ware of the Roses, known as the Battle of Tewkesbury, which later led to the rise of Edward, the Duke of York to the throne.

Originally double the size of the building that stands today, Gupshill Manor was severely damaged by two fires that swept through it in the late 17th and early 19th centuries, leaving half the building missing.

Prior to becoming a public drinking house in the early 1950s, the manor underwent a range of refurbishments and style changes, ready for its opening.

Today Gupshill Manor is one of Gloucestershire’s leading pubs, offering a range of beers, ales and wines, a delicious menu of dishes, and a relaxed and informal service – perfect for a family meal, a quick bite to eat, or even a function or event. www.gupshillmanor.com

J.W. JENNINGS J.W. Jennings is one of only a handful of businesses that specialises specifically in dealing and repairing handmade oriental rugs and carpets based outside of London.

This fact alone makes theirs a unique service definitely worth consideration if you are in the market for a more specialist item to enhance your home. However, if this quality alone isn’t enough to set them aside from potential competition, Jennings also boasts an attitude that endorses going above and beyond in the service of the customer.

This philosophy includes a ‘try before you buy’ policy, which allows you as the customer to test a selection of rugs in the confines of your own home before purchase, as explained on their website: “Anything you choose should last a lifetime and we want you to be completely confident before you buy what will become a lifelong treasure.”

Tel: 01684 292033

KEVIN MACE BUTCHERS Kevin Mace Quality Butchers is a Butcher shop that deals in the freshest produce including various high quality meats, poultry, game, home cured bacon as well as homemade sausages, burgers faggots. A fine selection of bread, cheeses and pies are also available for purchase at Kevin Mace Butchers.

A Tewkesbury native, Kevin opened his butcher shop on Barton Street earlier this

year following up a successful 25 years of running his first shop in Evesham that he established in 1990. Kevin’s thriving involvement in this field of work also boasts making it as a finalist in young butcher of the year and being a qualified meat inspector as well as obtaining a Distinction in Meat Technology at the Smithfield College in London. This level of expertise should leave customers assured that the quality of produce from Kevin Mace Quality Butchers is set to the highest possible standard and has the potential to be at the core of any home cooked meal.

Tel: 07787 523685

L&L INSTALLATIONS Established in 1981, and founded by John and David Lannen, L&L Installations offers a complete double glazing and conservatory service for Tewkesbury, Gloucester and the surrounding areas, including a free consultancy and quotation service.

Always focused on John and David’s philosophy of “customer first”, providing exceptional customer service remains a key part of the service L&L Installations provides, with both the day to day operations and the long term company development focused on quality and service.

Based in Tewkesbury, L&L manufacture and install a range of conservatories, orangeries, doors, windows, secondary glazing and roofline products, all of which are under L&L’s unique ‘energyLOCK’ brand, giving maximum energy efficiency for greener living.

As well as offering their own range of PVCu products, which are designed, manufactured and installed by L&L, the company also offers a select range of aluminum and timber items, all of which are sourced from high quality manufacturers to ensure that they meet L&L’s high customer service standards. www.ll-installations.co.uk

NEWMAN CARPETS & FLOORING LTD A family run business established in 1991 located in the centre of town, Newman Carpets & Flooring Ltd holds the mantle of being Tewkesbury’s largest and longest established independent carpet and flooring retailer. Part of such success and longevity should be attributed to the wide variety of high quality services that the business makes available to those looking to refurbish or replace the floors in their home.

The extensive selection of services offered to their customers, range from carpeting >

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The

BERKELEY ARMS V{âÜv{ fàÜxxà? gxã~xáuâÜç

SUNDAY ROASTS ONLY £7.95 (12-8pm) choice of meats and homeade Yorkshire Puddings (Veggie option available)

REAL ALES – REAL FOOD – REAL PUB CHILDRENS MENU OAP’S SPECIALS ONLY £5.95 with FREE tea and coffee EXCELLENT HOMECOOKED FOOD AND OUR RENOWNED TASTY PIES, STEAK & KIDNEY, STEAK & ALE, CHICKEN & MUSHROOM

(Served daily 11-3pm, 6-8.30pm) LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY EVENING OPEN MIC NIGHT LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH RESIDENT BAND ‘THE FUTURE SET’ LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

COME & DISCOVER TEWKESBURY, CYCLISTS WELCOME, WE HAVE A SECURE BIKE LOCKUP HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, FUNCTION OR EVENT IN OUR 12 CENTURY TYTHE BARN – FREE HIRE!

Tel: 01684 290555 Mobile: 07931 692227

DOG FRIENDLY PUB

d wne t O y il n Fam pende tre e Ind en Cen d Gar

Brown’s Garden Restaurant serving Breakfasts, Lunches, afternoon Teas, Cakes and Treats Sunday Roasts – booking advised Vegetarian & other dietary requirements catered for Children welcome Fully licenced and air conditioned

Worcester Road, Tewkesbury, Glos, GL20 6EB Open: Mon-Sat 9am – 5.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm 01684 293103 www.tewkesburygardencentre.com

MAKE SUMMER IN THE GARDEN EVEN BETTER GREAT RANGE OF GARDEN FURNITURE AND BBQ’S BY WEBER + LOTS OF MONEY SAVING OFFERS AVAILABLE IN STORE! 38 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

FREE WI-FI FREE & Ample parking Cyclists & Walkers Welcome Parties – 24hr Notice Private Hire available

01684 299996 info@brownsgarden restaurant.co.uk

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Tewkesbury Feature to vinyl as well as commercial, domestic and Karndean flooring. They pride themselves on being able to offer sub-floor preparation work such as latex and damp proofing and the fitting of solid/engineered wooden flooring and stone tiles.

Newman Carpets and Flooring make their services available to anyone living in select areas across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, including Tewkesbury, Malvern, Cheltenham, Gloucester and even as far as Bristol www.newmancarpetsandflooring.co.uk

SHERDONS GOLF CENTRE over two days. The engines are run across the site and through the town giving a great opportunity to see these amazing machines in action. www.msrvs.co.uk Tewkesbury Food & Drink Festival Tewkesbury Abbey, 27th – 28th June Food and drink takes centre stage in Tewkesbury Abbey this June for the welcome back to Tewkesbury’s annual Food and Drink Festival. www.visittewkesbury.gov.uk

LAKEFEST - Croft Farm Waterpark 7th, 8th 9th August Croft Farm Waterpark Family friendly festival with live music, local food and drink. Extensive line up of artists on three stages. Camping, camper van and caravan pitches available plus chalets, tipis and cabins. Full festival details, camping information and online ticket purchase at www.lakefest.co.uk

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival 11th & 12th July The Battle Of Tewkesbury took place on 4th May 1471 and was the final battle in the War Of The Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Prince Edward was killed either during or just after the battle and is now buried in Tewkesbury Abbey.

The Battle Of Tewkesbury is now fought every year with cannons firing, swords clashing and soldiers marching. Thousands of re-enactors and medieval enthusiasts from all around the world visit Tewkesbury as part of the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. The battleground is filled with knights in armour, warriors and townsfolk in medieval dress. Many sleep in traditional tents and cook over open fires eating typical medieval food.

The Tewkesbury Medieval Festival is >

Sherdons Golf Centre situated just outside Tewkesbury is fast becoming one of the most notable golf centres in the area.

Already boasting a mature 9 Hole golf course, a modern and spacious clubhouse, as well as a 26 Bay Floodlit Driving Range, new owner and P.G.A Professional Richard Ballard has plans to add to these facilities.

The planned introduction of a new Pro Shop, short game area, simulator and a state of the art trackman studio for custom fitting and lessons are all on the horizon, things at Sherdons are definitely on the up.

Already available at Sherdons are a range of flexible and corporate membership schemes, as well as junior and adult coaching sessions available 7 days a week.

Sherdons is open to members and nonmembers, whether it is to play golf or enjoy a home cooked meal in their clubhouse. www.sherdons.co.uk

which will be better for people shopping in the town.” www.tewkesburycookshop.co.uk

TEWKESBURY GARDEN CENTRE Located on the outskirts of town, Tewkesbury Garden Centre is an independent, family run business, complete with its own on-site restaurant, florist and fruit and veg shop.

With an array of high quality plants to choose from, along with all the best garden tools, plant pots, seeds, bulbs, water features and garden ornaments, Tewkesbury Garden Centre is an ideal day out for any first time or budding gardener, complete with items to suit every taste and budget.

On-site eatery, Brown’s Garden Restaurant offers visitors a range of teas, coffees, home-made cakes, desserts, and lunches to choose from, including its famously delicious ‘Specials Board’ & Sunday roasts.

Design for Flowers, the garden centre’s on-site florist sells a range of gifts and floral bouquets, as well as offering their services for wedding flowers and other celebrations.

If flower arranging (or your thinking of doing your own wedding flowers or flower arrangements) is your thing, then our Wholesale flower department run by Russell Banks, can be the answer to quality and quantities of beautiful blooms.

Tel: 01684 296680

THE BERKELEY ARMS TEWKESBURY COOKSHOP Spring is finally here, and Tewkesbury Cookshop are celebrating the sunshine as a new stockist of Pinnygirls of London textiles.

Pinnygirls make a range of unique designer, high-quality aprons and matching oven gloves in beautiful packaging, already being promoted by TV chef Tonia Buxton, who will soon be appearing alongside well-known baker Paul Hollywood in 'Paul's Family Feast'. They are also stocking the new Whisky Wedge, and other innovative products.

The popular kitchenware shop was bought by local couple James and Helen Townsend in September last year. They have been busy restocking, improving the interior look of the shop, and expanding the range of products available. “Our first six months have gone really well,” James said, “so now we're looking ahead to the summer months and making sure we have some great products in the shop - particularly now Tewkesbury's parking charges are lowering,

Situated just off Tewkesbury Cross, this beautiful 15th century pub is full of architectural heritage; at the rear of the pub is a barn, which is believed to be the town’s oldest non-ecclesiastical building with many of its roof supports made from the timbers of old ships. The barn currently serves as a pub dining room and meeting room.

A menu of delicious, wallet-friendly food is served daily, except on Mondays, along with a range of beers, ales, ciders, wines and spirits that are also available.

Rumoured to have its very own resident ghost, the Berkeley Arms has become known for its haunted happenings and unexplained events, along with its yummy food and relaxing atmosphere, and of course its Sunday night music events.

Tel: 01684 290555

THE ROSES THEATRE The Roses is the cultural heart of Tewkesbury and provides some form of entertainment, >

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H IGH Q UALITY W INDOWS & D OORS I N S TA L L E D W I T H

Care

We specialise in the careful installation of made-to-measure windows and doors in a range of materials & styles that add quality while complimenting your home or restoration.

Casement & Sash windows Patio doors & Folding doors Entrance & French doors Conservatories & Orangeries Secondary Glazing Full 10 Year Guarantee Free Yearly Maintenance Check NEW FOR 2015

Garden Rooms

0 80 0 59 29 46

sales@ll-installations.co.uk

www.ll- ins t allat ions . c o. uk Head Office/Showroom Red Lane Tewkesbury Glos GL20 5BQ

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Towns: Tewkesbury

Anne Horton is the Branch Manager of Tewkesbury’s CGT Office which is based at 3 Church Street “on the Cross”.

Anne has been with CGT Le&ngs for over 10 years during which %me the business has grown tremendously.

She is a licenced member of the Associa%on of Residen%al Le&ng Agents (MARLA) guaranteeing clients and customers a professional service. Anne also gained the NAEA Technical Award in Residen%al Le&ngs and Management.

Anne has lived for many years in Tewkesbury and has an in-depth knowledge of the area enabling her to offer Landlords and Tenants the benefit of her knowledge and exper%se. Anne employs local staff who also have that all important local knowledge.

Her aim is to provide excellent customer service along with a posi%ve experience for both Landlord and Tenant.

When she’s not working Anne’s interests include walking, reading and breeding springer spaniels.

If you are a landlord or tenant and would like some expert help and advice Anne can be contacted on 01684 850350 or

anne.horton@cgtle ngs.co.uk

be it a live event or a film, virtually every day of the year.

Those unfamiliar with Tewkesbury and The Roses are always surprised that a relatively small town has so much in the way of entertainment. With up to 200 live events, 350 film screenings, dozens of workshops and one of the best pantomimes in the region taking place at the venue every year, there is always something to do and see at The Roses.

And that’s just the surface - the theatre also has a nationally renowned outreach department that works with thousands of people across the community, from art therapy sessions with victims of domestic violence to weekly dance and drama classes for young people.

This year The Roses will become even more prominent in the heart of the town, as it undertakes a refurbishment that will see its facilities vastly improved. The schedule of work, which will be completed over the summer, will see a lift installed, the toilet facilities improved, a downstairs coffee bar added, the foyer enlarged and redecoration throughout the front of house areas. www.rosestheatre.org,

VALKYRIE CHAUFFEURS Valkyrie Chauffeurs is a premium vehicle service offering private transportation for airport and port transfers, corporate bookings, decorated car for weddings, special occasions and anywhere else you may need to go. Using a beautiful, long wheelbase version of the Mercedes S-Class, one is ensured plenty of space in the car to sit back, relax and leave the stress of driving behind.

Valkyrie Chauffeurs adds a modern twist to these services by including some necessities and luxuries to the experience: • In-car Wi-Fi • Apple iPad • Noise cancelling headphones • Premium bottled water • USB power point for electronic equipment • Selection of sweets and mints • Travel blankets available upon request • Loyalty discount card • Complimentary umbrella on rainy days www.valkyriechauffeurs.co.uk

the largest free medieval enactment and fayre in Europe.

Traditional medieval entertainment is provided by jugglers, musicians, dancers and jesters. The Medieval Market is full of stall holders selling everything from musical instruments to medieval style pots and pans. It’s a great family day out and an insight into living history. www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival 23rd August, 11am – 5pm, Tewkesbury School A great day out for all the family – tea, cakes, BBQ, bar, entertainment plus 100 trade and retail stands. Over 400 cars and bikes attend the festival every year. Plenty of free parking on site for visitors.

Entry £5, under 12’s are free www.Tewkesburycvf.org Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre: for up to date events call 01684 855040 www.visittewkesbury.info

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NEWMAN CARPET & FLOORING LTD

Commercial & Domestic Flooring Specialists

Est 1991

Tewkesbury’s largest & longest established independent carpet & flooring retailer Friendly & professional service Karndean Quality carpets & vinyls All budgets Home selection service All aspects of flooring work undertaken

y& ualit g q r o F tin rt fit expe

Te l : 0 1 6 8 4 2 7 5 6 2 4 9 7 a C h u r c h S t , Te w k e s b u r y G L 2 0 5 R S

CALL NOW FOR

10%

OFF YOUR FIRST BOOKING

07852 613545

THE PREMIERE CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

AIRPORT TRANSFERS, CORPORATE BOOKINGS, WEDDINGS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS MERCEDES S CLASS, LONG WHEELBASE IN-CAR WI-FI APPLE IPAD PREMIUM BOTTLED WATER USB POWER POINT’S TRAVEL BLANKETS NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES SELECTION OF SWEETS & MINTS

ENQUIRIES@VALKYRIECHAUFFEURS.CO.UK

great food – fantastic service – sensibly priced

Open all day, everyday.

Need a party or function venue? Don’t want to pay the earth?

We will be pleased to help you...

Cream teas also served in the afternoon Breakfast served – Monday to Friday 9am – 11.45am Saturday and Sunday 10am – 11.45am

Wedding receptions Birthday celebrations Christenings

Corporate parties Product launches And so much more!

Lunch served from 12pm to 6pm Dinner served – Monday to Thursday 6pm - 9pm Friday and Saturday 6pm - 9.30pm | Sunday 12pm to 8pm 42 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

Gloucester Road | Tewkesbury | Gloucestershire GL20 5SG

01684 292 278 | info@gupshillmanor.com

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Most stock now

ONLINE jenningsrugs.co.uk

Jennings of Tewkesbury Connoisseurs of oriental rugs and carpets A family business with more than 50 years as specialists in hand made oriental rugs and carpets... ...so come and see our exquisite selection for yourself.

01684 292 033 www.jenningsrugs.co.uk 10 Church St, Tewkesbury GL20 5PA Open 9am – 5:30pm Monday to Saturday

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!

OFFER o e ple

p Ever y 2 in get g in in d until fo F od £5 OF il 2015 r th 30 Ap the offer mention ng) (Please orderi before

Restaurant Opening Times Monday, Wednesday to Sunday Lunch: 12.00pm – 2.30pm | Dinner: 5.30pm – 11.00pm

Take away collection get 10% off Delivery service within 3 miles radius, Minimum £20 Pub now open all day everyday from 12.00pm ‘till late (Fri & Sat) Good local real ales, enjoy by a real open fire The Royal Oak Pub Main Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury, GL20 7LW

44 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

01684 772616 www.royaloakbredon.co.uk

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It’s time to re-visit LONDON Cotswold Style Editor, Emma Logan and Fashion Editor, Yvette Brentnall found themselves in REGENT STREET… The Mile of Style. lenty of Cotswoldians regularly visit London and whilst many of our readers are based fulltime in the capital, how often do we venture ‘up west’ and spend considerable time in one of the most prestigious streets in England?

Completed in 1825, Regent Street was the first shopping street in the world, predating the Champs Elysees and Fifth Avenue. Located at the heart of the West End near the many galleries of Mayfair and St James’s, 50,000 square feet of new gallery space with Sadie Coles, Hauser & Wirth and Blain\Southern and with the Royal Academy, Christie’s and Sotheby’s on its doorstep, the street is an area rich in heritage, whilst offering high quality office, residential and retail space coupled with unrivalled transport links and nearby green space.

After checking in at the convenient and very trendy Westbury Hotel (reviewed in R&R this month), we knew it was time to get rid of our lovely chaps. So what could be more suitable than sending a pair of ‘Baggies’ supporters, KB & NB to a boys afternoon at Café Football, a new establishment that has opened close to the site of the Olympic Park which will be home to West Ham United and British Athletics by 2016

P

46 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

A 25-minute, direct tube trip on the Central Line from Regent Street and a short walk through Stratford’s Westfield Shopping Centre will find you in former England footballers, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs’ latest venture (quelle surprise, footballers turning bar owners?) Cynicism aside, they have created a fixated sportsbar, an ideal destination for some Dad ‘n son time. The ‘Baggies’ were warmly greeted by Liz Reece the General

Manager and dived into a Red Devil cocktail. This is no greasy spoon café they reported back, that one would associate with the horsemeat pies circulating Old Trafford. It’s contemporary with the added bonus of large in-built screens clad across one wall. The menus are designed around the beautiful game and cooked up by head chef Gionvann Affard. They kicked-off with a pre-match warm up of sweet cured chilli, racks of ribs, Chorizo with potato and aioli and scrumptious chicken wings - a huge plentiful array of man food!

Onto the Terrace, they decided between fans’ favourites such as Karren Brady’s pie mash and liquor, Nev’s Noodle Pot or The ’66 – a fantastic burger (without the bun) with bacon and blue cheese. A huge beer and wine selection from all parts of

the footballing world (and thankfully if heaven forbid us girls had to visit, a decent Champagne selection), is on the menu before an array of school treats such as Jaffa Cake made from blood orange jelly, a Vimto trifle or scoops of delicious icecream from the restaurant’s own parlour. The ‘Baggies’ conclusion is that Café Football, is a football loving Dad’s escape and serves comfort food with style and finesse.

Café Football, Westfield Stratford City, London E20 (020 8702 2590) With them thankfully gone, we were whisked off to discover our own kind of sophistication and none more so than in the hidden food quarter of Heddon Street, where we started with a sumptuous lunch at the French inspired restaurant Aubaine. (www.aubaine.co.uk) Aubaine is a true blend of cosmopolitan style and French cuisine.

Combining the elegance of a Parisian salon with the relaxed ambience of a Provençal bistro Aubaine serves both simplicity and style. Superb food, urban yet rustic interiors and personable service give Aubaine an air of relaxed sophistication and an aura of chic.

Evolving from the quest to find perfect French bread in London, Aubaine still holds true to its philosophy of simple luxury: “simplicité c'est beauté”.

We then trotted down to St. James’ to visit the So SPA within the Sofitel hotel, (www.sofitelstjames.com) the perfect place to escape the hustle of the city, offering the latest French cosmetology. Enjoying a couple of luxuriating, mini treatments we were particularly thrilled to discover a range of products we certainly haven’t yet seen in the Cotswolds, Cinq Mondes.

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Escape Beautifully scented, the skincare was some of the loveliest we have tried in a long-time.

With batteries recharged it was time to head to the vast catalogue of shops within the Regent Street area. It wasn’t all top designer stuff either; we spent a good hour pouring over the stock in Zara (when is Gloucestershire going to get its own version?), Wolford is still the premier place for a sneaky pair of stockings, we looked in on Hackett, the very on-trend stylish menswear shop, checked out Cheltenham’s own Super Dry flagship store, oh and one couldn't leave without visiting personal favourite (of the Fashion Editor), Vivienne Westwood - well it is practically next door to The Westbury. Just heaven, fashion fix completed!

So it was with bags laden, we treated ourselves to a sneaky cocktail and decadent caramel éclair in the bohemian, woodland styled bar at Sketch, a venue which has been frequented on past occasions and only a short crawl from the hotel but alas no time to stop long, as we had been invited for an evening Champagne reception at designer boutique, Goat.

Goat

Goat clothes are a firm favourite of style queen Victoria Beckham and our very own royal, the Duchess of Cambridge. We feel the design of classic dresses, luxurious knits, straight leg trousers and A-Line wimple coats would be very popular amongst the stylish Cotswold set; hence why we have used one of their pieces as this month’s front cover image.

It's elegant cuts and designs are perfect for weddings, Ascot, polo; any lovely occasion, with beautiful classic tailoring and an understated yet contemporary twist. The clothes are very lady like and one can picture Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly in many of them. On speaking with the Creative Director Jane Lewis, she said this season’s look of 60s tailoring had been her inspiration. Jane said she would like the brand to be recognised a little more outside of the Home Counties and

this is design is well worth cupboard space. (www.goatfashion.com) By now the chaps had returned from their footballing adventure in as buoyant a mood as we, so we decided it was time for some fun altogether. We headed off to Piccadilly and behind the Café Royal you will find a place called Brasserie Zedel in

Brasserie Zedel

Sherwood Street. Heading down a sweeping staircase takes you into a 1920s Art Deco era and there you will discover a real little gem in Crazy Coqs Cabaret. An intimate venue, this is a unique place to enjoy drinks and live jazz and cabaret performances. There is different entertainment 7 nights a week. (www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs) The wonderful thing about London being a major European city, is the need not to have to rush-out for dinner by 8pm or ‘the kitchen will be closed’. So we sauntered off to dinner at the Hawksmoor situated in Air Street. It was rather alarming when the four of us were instantly recognised by one of our waiters, ‘from seeing you at 131 in Cheltenham’ but at least that shows the venues are as stylish in our own small town as the glamour-puss restaurants of the West End! In yet another Art Deco room (it’s obviously all the rage in London), overlooking Regent Street, the menu at the Hawksmoor is equally weighted between steak and seafood. They have teamed up with Mitch Tonks, the chef and owner of one of the best seafood restaurants in the country, to mastermind the fishy side of things, not least by ensuring that the restaurant receives the freshest produce possible straight from Brixham market in Devon. Like the steaks, most of the seafood is simply cooked over

Hawksmoor

real charcoal (they have a specialist highpressure steamer to cook their native lobsters which results, they reckon, in the best lobsters in London). So is this a steakhouse serving the best fish in London? We all certainly thought so. The menu is unpretentious but diverse and we all agreed the Hawksmoor was a massive high on our list of places to eat. It was roaring with atmosphere even at 10pm as we tucked into our delicious food and the steaks were exceptional as was the sticky toffee pudding. (www.thehawksmoor.com) We were meant to finish our evening with an ABF (Absolutely Bxxxxy Final), sojourn in the Ice Bar but thankfully by this time it was closed to a private party or more likely, it was our slight swagger towards the entrance that made them tell us it was closed!

The head was a tad delicate on waking so whilst we were scheduled for our breakfast pit stop back in our favourite eating food quarter of Heddon Street at Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen, not being a particular fan of a couple of his venues eaten at before, one was apprehensive this would be when the reviews were going to go down-hill, especially with a good old London hangover intact. We were disappointed; this restaurant was ravishingly good!

Breakfast is breakfast but not here and it started well with pure and sweet, strong coffees. Of course the chaps were totally happy with their good Old English and they raved about the quality, tasty bacon.

Our healthier choice was truly delicious; avocado wedges on pumpernickel, poached egg and a mustard mayonnaise – authentic good grub. (www.gordonramsay.com/heddon-street) So it came to the end of what was a truly, tremendous visit especially when we realised it has it all, in one complete area.

If you haven’t been for a while, it’s time to revisit Regent Street, for a tour of restaurants, bars, spas and some of the best fashion houses in the country.

The only disappointment will be, the tedious train journey back to the Cotswolds on the worst rail-line service in England - and why do trains still have to sit at Gloucester station for half an hour before moving to Cheltenham?

For more information regarding what’s happening in Regent Street, download the highly advanced Regent Street App or visit online at: www.regentstreetonline.com

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 47

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000 Collier Bristow April 15:Layout 1

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Fashion

COTSWOLDS DESIGNER

OPENS IN LONDON Frederick Collier Bristow showcases his stunning new London collection Collier Bristow London is a new brand of clothing for men and women, which reflects the heart and soul of Britain’s famous cosmopolitan city. A diverse collection, there is something for everyone, from artists and musicians to bankers and lawyers; each design named after the London street from which it was inspired. Developing classic designs with a modern twist, Collier Bristow has combined elegancy and style to create a selection for Londoners to be proud of.

However this is a brand the Cotswolds has plenty to associate with from style to personality. Founder and Creative Director, Frederick Collier Bristow, grew

up in the heart of the Cotswolds in the picturesque village of Frampton Mansell.

Having attended Cheltenham College he embarked on a professional rugby career taking him from Sale Sharks to stints in South Africa, France and Italy.

It is clear to see from the clothes this is a well travelled and cultured man who puts a huge emphasis on quality, whether a t-shirt or cashmere cape. Luxury items

include blazers crafted from Ermenegildo Zegna cashmere, to dresses tailor-made in London from Jakob Schlaepfer Lace.

London and the Cotswolds have had an incredible past but set for an even more exciting future, we feel Collier Bristow will be heavily involved in both.

Make sure you’re part of it and visit www.collierbristow.com

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 49

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Star of Indian Summers opens Room 101 Craig Parkinson, star of Channel 4’s new drama ‘Indian Summers’, topped the exclusiv e list of VIP’s attending the official launch party of Room 101, owned by Carolyn Lacy.

The post launch after party continue d at club lounge and bar Ange Noir, where cele brations went on into the night.

Photography by Angus Bethune

50 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Interiors

Where has all the COLOUR gone?

Clive Burling agonises over the lacklustre use of colours in your home Spring is here, most definitely my favourite time of the year. The sap is rising and the days are getting longer. Shrubs and trees are in bud, the cherry blossom is out, as are the daffodils, tulips and bluebells. Colour is everywhere again.

Not in our homes though.

When it comes to interiors, it seems the world is beige! Or grey! Where have all the colours gone?

It really struck me on the latest painting course I ran in March. Attendees were offered a choice of our 12 colours with which to paint their pieces on the day. Four chose grey, three ‘Cotswold Stone’ (i.e. beige) and two decided on white. The fabulous blues, vibrant greens, stunning red and beautiful coral didn’t get a second glance.

Why, I asked myself, do we go to such lengths to brighten up our gardens in any way we can but do just the opposite inside our homes?

Surely there must be an explanation. Why are we afraid to use bold colours? What is it that makes us want to ‘play safe’, keep everything low key? It can’t just be ‘fashion’.

In his book ‘Chromophobia’ the artist David Batchelor argues that it is caused by our fear of colour, inherent in the Western Culture. ‘Good taste’, he argues, belongs to white, while colour is the preserve of ‘outsiders’.

The notion that colour is bound up with the fate of Western culture sounds odd, and not very likely. But this is what I want to argue: that colour has been the object of extreme prejudice in Western culture. For the most part, this prejudice has remained unchecked and passed unnoticed. And yet it is a prejudice that is so all embracing and generalized that, at one time or another, it has enrolled just about every other prejudice in its service. If its object were a furry animal, it would be protected by international law. But its object is, it is said, almost nothing, even though it is at the same time a part of almost everything and exists almost everywhere. It is, I believe, no exaggeration to say that, in the West, since Antiquity, colour has been systematically marginalized, reviled, diminished and degraded. Generations of philosophers, artists, art historians and cultural

theorists of one stripe or another have kept this prejudice alive, warm, fed and groomed. As with all prejudices, its manifest form, its loathing, masks a fear: a fear of contamination and corruption by something that is unknown or appears unknowable. This loathing of colour, this fear of corruption through colour, needs a name: chromophobia.

Chromophobia manifests itself in the many and varied attempts to purge colour from culture, to devalue colour, to diminish its significance, to deny its complexity. More specifically: this purging of colour is usually accomplished in one of two ways. In the first, colour is made out to be the property of some ‘foreign’ body - usually the feminine, the oriental, the primitive, the infantile, the vulgar or the pathological. In the second, colour is relegated to the realm of the superficial, the supplementary, the inessential or the cosmetic. In one, colour is regarded as alien and therefore dangerous; in the other, it is perceived merely as a secondary quality of experience, and thus unworthy of serious consideration. Colour is dangerous, or it is trivial, or it is both?

David Batchelor, excerpt from Chromophobia, London: Reaktion, 2000, p. 22-23.

When I mentioned to my girlfriend that ‘Chromophobia’ had also been made into a film, she quickly replied, “presumably they made it in black and white!”

So, next time you are out count how many grey front doors you see. I rest my case.

To put some colour back into your home, call me on 07788257914 or email clive.burling@gmail.com

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 55

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Interiors

A Building Transforms!

Interior Designer Kelly James talks through the process of an interiors transformation in a historic building in Cheltenham that’s also going through it’s own transformation PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHADOWPLAY

This month’s article is showing the initial stages of an interior design project rather than just the photography of the completed space. Next month’s article will show how the project has progressed.

I am currently working on an exciting Interior’s project for Third Floor Design based in Cheltenham.

They are a multi-disciplinary agency focusing all their efforts on Brand, Design and Digital. Their expertise in all three fields allows them to help clients at any point in their business lifecycle – whether they are looking to Launch, Grow or Change. Due to expansion they are relocating and owner James Cowdale has employed Shadowplay Design to plan an interior to provide his team with a creative environment to work from and deliver creative solutions for their clients.

Third Floor Design has chosen Formal House to be their new home.

Built around 1880 the building has had different owners and different uses over the years - it has housed Morgan cars and it was Barnby Bendall Removers and Shippers. Cantay then owned the

building until 1999 when Formal Investments became the new owners and the building named Formal House, then provided self storage units and ‘pockets’ snooker club for many years, however the building is now under going a development to provide office space.

The building is being restored to the highest standard and keeping as many original features as possible. Watching the unit change over the last few months has been intriguing; waiting to see what the building has been hiding, brick work,

stunning windows and large steel doors are being exposed. The space we are designing was once 4 smaller separate offices and has now been knocked through in to one large open plan studio.

The renovated space will offer Third Floor Design stripped wooden floors, exposed brick walls, surface mounted galvanised electric’s and large wooden doorways. An industrial warehouse feel will provide them with a relaxed and creative place where to work.

We have worked closely with Third Floor Design to build many inspirational ideas and choosing materials that will work within the industrial style of the building and planning a design to budget. Some of the materials we plan to include are large metal pendant lights that have been shipped from Europe to be restored, wood and metal working pods, corrugated metal, some of the original pool table slates are being made into hot desk work stations and a few fabrics to soften client areas.

Shadowplay Design’s approach is very practical, we’d prefer to be involved in a project right form the start, offering simple but invaluable advice such as lighting options or looking at floor plans to check they work well for the use it’s intended for. Simple yet practical advice can save time and money.

Next months article will show the development of Third Floor Designs new home.

If you have any questions please contact Kelly on 01242 253700.

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 57

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Through the Garden Gate...

This month Cotswold Style has focused on the London area and so our Cheltenham based media horticulturalist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, took a trip 150 miles East to a garden that is simply out of this world… ullingstone Castle in Eynsford: only 20 miles out of London but buckle your seatbelt, find that tin of boiled sweets for the journey and prepare for this trip around the globe as we tick more countries off your horticultural passport that you thought was possible!

Home to plant hunter and gardening TV presenter, Tom Hart Dyke, this estate has been in the same family for over 500 years and is where you find The World Garden of Plants, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Before I’ve had time to pop a candle on a cupcake, I’m transported into the most delicious garden gateau – all lovingly mixed together and containing the best possible horticultural ingredients.

This garden has its roots in a story of unbelievable drama and daring. Tom and his friend were kidnapped in 2000 while

L

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hunting for orchids in Columbia and were held in captivity for 9 months. How on earth they survived the ordeal, I will never know, I’m sure I couldn’t have done – although a few days without my makeup on may have led any captors to set me free! The plans for The World Garden were sketched by Tom during this time and on his return home, he started work to convert the walled garden into what has become the most amazing collection of over 8000 plants, set out in beds representing the country of origin. Be prepared to see things you’ve never seen before – this garden will open up your eyes and scintillate your senses like no other!

Sculpture also abounds within the redbrick walls, with pineapples and totem poles conversing across the continents.

Lullingstone was one of the very first places in the UK to receive a Wollemi pine – famously discovered in 1994 in

Australia and still a special plant today.

Of course Tom, as a plant hunter, is responsible for bringing back many of the plants you see on site and the estate boasts a national collection of Eucalyptus, many of which he collected from seed on his travels; seed which has also been planted at RHS Wisley & Kew Gardens. Back to Lullingstone though, where the Eucalyptus Silver Princess was the first ever to flower in the UK back in 2006!

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Gardening

In fact if this corner of Kent was The Olympics, then Lullingstone would be constantly gold, as yet another first is about to triumph – this time in the ‘Hot & Spikey House’, an area created to house a giant collection of cacti, succulents and bromeliads – is there a name for a group of cacti I wonder? A cacophony of cacti? A constellation of cacti? Anyway, I waffle, back to the imminent prizewinner. Its name is Puya gilmartiniae and it has a flower bud to rival Seymour in ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’! It is in fact almost rocket like, awaiting its launch, taking its time planning a floral attack. When it finally bursts out of its confines, it’s believed it will be the first Puya gilmartiniae to flower in this country.

Over in The Cloud Garden – another undercover area created to house plants from warm temperate climes, the acacias

are enticing the bees inside with their narcotic nectar and the giant dandelions stand tall in defiance of any rabbit that dare approach.

New for 2015, you’ll find the distorted mirror garden, hours of fun and reflective revelry. A particular favourite of mine was the ‘make me look 5 inches thinner and take me back to my twenties’ effect – must get one for my bedroom.

An orchid meadow has also been planted up with native British species which are settling into their new home well and will establish over the next 2 to 3 years.

As I travel past the regal Fritillaria imperialis I reach the monkey puzzles from Chile & Argentina – these have an

effect on me that almost nobody else can have (but often wish they could) – they silence me! Not just due to their architectural beauty but due to my belief that it is unlucky to talk when passing a monkey puzzle – is this a Gloucestershire saying or have I made it up? One thing is certain, monkey puzzle aside, the wonders of The World Garden are definitely capable of rendering you speechless.

The World Garden of Plants at Lullingstone Castle is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 4th April and is one vital voyage for 2015.

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 59

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Garden – Garden Room – Room

Garden Outdoor living Extend your home into the garden this summer with some new outdoor furniture. You will be spoilt for choice at Holloways — what a selection of attractive, stylish and practical outdoor furniture! Deep sofas and comfortable sun loungers, contemporary outdoor dining furniture and vintage-look, or modern, sun beds made from weatherproof wicker.

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Holloways - for your home Proudly supporting British manufacturers, you will enjoy the collection of British-made sofas, many exclusive to Holloways, and the stunning dining furniture — all designed for casual modern living. Their knowledgeable sales team of interior designers will help you choose fabrics, or match an upholstered sofa with a metal coffee table, or an oak dining table with Lloyd Loom chairs. “Your choices make our job more interesting!” they said. Whiteglove home delivery is also part of their personal service.

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CRAIG DERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

My Diary

Mandy Hall greets the chicks this Easter

I

PHOTO: ROB WHEATMAN

feel that since my writing journey began for Cotswold Style, I’ve not given my feathery friends on the farm as much attention as our other animals. As it is Easter this month it seems apt to tell you a bit more about our rare breed chickens.

If you’re a season ticket holder at the Farm Park, then you’ll know all about our Touch Barn; this is where you can come and meet, cuddle and feed some of our friendly animals. The chicks are without doubt a firm favourite.

Throughout the season we always have baby chicks, just 1 or 2 days old for you to hold. They love to feel safe in your warm hands and they will fall straight to sleep, they’re truly adorable.

We ensure we always have a constant supply of hatching eggs for you to see by collecting fertilised eggs from all of our chickens each morning. The eggs are cleaned and put in the incubators, which are also on display in the Touch Barn, so that we can let our visitors experience the speedy development from egg to chick. It only takes 21 days! I still find this astonishing. Ducklings take 28 days to hatch, so they have just one more week to develop inside the egg. This fast pace continues until they are mature.

We have many rare breeds of chickens and ducks on the farm and three new additions have arrived this year to add to our forever-growing collection; the Silver Sussex, the Marsh Daisy and the Derbyshire Redcap. I love their quirky names and you’ll have to have a look out for them on the farm this season.

They remind me of the chickens you would see wandering around the idyllic farm setting on my favourite TV show ‘The Darling Buds of May’. One of my nicknames is ‘Ma Larkin’, after the

BURGER RECIPE

farmer’s wife on the show; it was given to me as I love to cook. This month is British Beef Week and being the total foodie that I am, obsessed with good local and seasonal produce, I thought I’d ask the Farm Park’s amazing Catering Manager, Rob, to share one of our favourite in-house recipes.... it is of course for our famous burgers. I have managed to twist his arm into revealing the secret recipe for his burger sauce as well! It’s so delicious that you may not want to tell anyone else about it.

Shhhhhhhhhh.

The Cotswold Farm Park is open every day from 10.30am. For more information visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk To be up to date with all the latest Farm Park news, follow Mandy on Twitter @mandyfarmpark

Ingredients • 1 diced onion • 1 clove of garlic • 1/4 bunch flat leaf parsley • 1 spoon Dijon mustard • 1 spoon tomato ketchup • 1 tbsp breadcrumbs and 1 egg to bind • 640g Gloucester beef mince • Salt and pepper to taste Method Finely chop the onion and sweat off in a saucepan and leave to cool. Combine all the ingredients and shape into burgers (160g is a nice size). Compact well and they will colour nicely and retain their juiciness. Grill or BBQ them as fast as you can to get some colour and cook all the way through.

Alternatively, pop them in the oven for 30 minutes.

Burger Sauce Ingredients • 4 tbsp tomato ketchup • 4 tbsp salad cream • 1 tbsp chopped capers • 1 tbsp chopped cornichons (French gherkins!)

• 1/2 a red onion, finely diced.

Combine all ingredients.

Tomatoes, sliced onions, lettuce, cheese, bacon and of course, a good quality bap, can all be added.

It’s incredibly important to support all our local farmers throughout the UK as they have such a tough job, so maybe for a change just pop to your local greengrocer and butcher to source all the ingredients for your burgers? Get in touch on Twitter and let me know how yours taste (@mandyfarmpark)…

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 65

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BOLIVIA

A TRAVELLER’S PLAYGROUND nown as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia boasts the highest capital city, the highest navigable lake and the largest salt pan in the world. Bolivia is also the most indigenous country in South America, having the highest number of pure Native Americans who have not only preserved their native languages but much of their traditional way of life.

La Paz is the self-proclaimed capital of Bolivia and is breathtaking in its beauty and altitude. At over 3,500 metres in height and sprawling across a swooping basin which measures 1,000 metres, its scale quite literally takes your breath away.

A fantastic way to appreciate the magnitude of this spectacular city is to ride on the Teleferico. I was mesmerised by the vast panoramic views from a ‘bird’s eye view’ above the clouds and seemed to float above the huge canyons and Mount Illimani, the three crested volcano which oversees the city.

La Paz is a colourful and vibrant city rich with a number of beautiful 19th Century Baroque churches, museums of artefacts from the pre-Conquest era and colourful markets with Aymara women selling an extraordinary variety of handicrafts. The Witches’ Market in the centre of the city sells charms, lotions, potions, souvenirs and bizarre objects, offering a fascinating insight into such a diverse culture.

If you can tear yourself away from La Paz, heading west you will find that the second best place to start a journey through Bolivia is Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Incan Empire and the world’s highest navigable lake. This is the most sacred lake in the Andes and its deep blue waters are held in mythical awe by the people who still inhabit the area today. The floating reed Uros islands are remarkable and we hiked to the sacred stone of the Puma, where Incan kings made sacrifices to the sun god.

However, the pinnacle of Bolivia’s fantastical natural beauty and isolated pristine wilderness is the Andean Altiplano

K

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Self-professed adventuress Lucy Garbutt explores remote, landlocked Bolivia in the heart of South America The High Altiplano is a land of ice, fire, wind and salt where the scenery is surreal with jagged snow capped volcanoes reflected in the lakes of many colours

Salar de Uyuni is the largest and highest salt lake in the world and offers some of South America's most extraordinary scenery and isolated pristine wilderness

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Travel

Llama on the Languna Colorando

Lake Titicaca’s Uros Indians have lived on the remarkable floating reed islands for hundreds of years

and the surreal landscape of the Salar de Uyuni salt flat which was formed 40,000 years ago after the evaporation of a giant prehistoric lake. Strange hexagonal shapes remain encrusted in the salt and ten metre high giant cacti offer a truly other-worldly experience. Beyond is a world of bizarre rock formations, snow-tipped volcanoes and sparkling soda lakes of dizzying shades of jade and red, filled with flocks of pink flamingos.

The North Yungus Road - better known as 'The Death Road', linking La Paz to the Amazon Basin once again took our breath

A view of La Paz from The Valle de la Luna, with its extraordinary spire rock formations jutting out of the mountainside

away in every sense. The magnificent views were extraordinary and sheer drops were heart stopping as the bus’s ‘fuselage’ lurched over cliff edges traversing high altitude passes, through cloud forests of hair-pin bends and with much hissing and grinding of metal on metal we plummeted at speed narrowly missing other road users.

On my last trip I only just scratched the surface… this country is a giant treasure trove of gems waiting to be marvelled at and I can’t wait to do so when I next adventure there!

If you would like to go to Bolivia, Peru and/or Chile a journey can be tailormade for you by World Odyssey – for more information on anything to do with South America or anywhere else on the planet, please visit www.world-odyssey.com – follow us @World_Odyssey, like us on Facebook and/or call one of our travel specialists for advice on: 01905 731373.

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‘SPRING EVENT’ NOW ON

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Coffee Break

ASTAWAY Jane Lewis is the visionary behind Goat Fashion, a brand now synonymous with understated luxury. The label began life as a cashmere range for the fashion cognoscenti and today has amassed an enviable following of style icons including Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, Lana del Rey and The Duchess of Cambridge to name but a few.

Ellie Mainwaring caught up with the working mum of three in a spare moment between school runs and fashion weeks Where in the world would you choose to be castaway to and why?

Australia. It’s somewhere I have always wanted to go but haven’t yet been. I would love to sail around the Great Barrier Reef, discovering amazing islands, taking in the sights of the local wildlife and eventually be castaway on some remote but beautiful island.

Jo Malone’s Lime Blossom. I love that it is sweet without being sickly and I have worn it forever. Over the years, it has slowly become my signature scent and so it would be a real comfort to me whilst away from home.

What fragrance would you take?

What item of jewellery or accessory would you take?

My Carolina Bucci ring that my three children bought me for Mother’s Day this year. I have hankered after it for such a long time and it was such a lovely gift and a real surprise to receive it. I am very sentimental, so that fact that they bought it for me makes it even more special than if I had bought it for myself.

You can take the entire works of one musician to your desert island - who would it be?

Being a castaway would really give me time to get to grips with a whole body of music so I would take Mendelssohn. It’s the sort of music that develops every time you listen to it, so I would have time to get to know his music really well. It would educate me each time I listened.

“I am very sentimental, so that fact that they bought it for me makes it even more special than if I had bought it for myself.”

A chicken. Mainly for eggs, as food may be scarce as a castaway! And I’m sure a chicken could be good company.

What pet would you take?

Name one possession you would take and one to leave behind for a loved one.

I would take a pack of cards to play and I suppose I am leaving behind all my other possessions for the loved ones I am leaving behind - as well as all my love and cuddles for my family.

Heliocare sunscreen factor 50, as I wouldn’t want to get burnt. It’s ultrasmooth to apply and anti-ageing.

What would be your luxury item?

What would be your last supper before departing for your desert island?

It’s my last meal so I would have all my favourite food – For main course, it would have to be Salmon Teriyaki with rice and for pudding it would be Apple Pie, although I know it doesn’t really go! www.goatfashion.com

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hand-made

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Our showroom provides the perfect environment to see the beautiful products on display, and talk to us about your home. Do come and visit us!

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TEL: 01285 653 999 www.timberwindows.com

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Culture

Cotswolds Culture Columnist Susan Blanchfield inspires us to become cultural in the Cotswolds and this month she connects our brains into music

MUSIC MATTERS

Music is the best legal high. It’s official. It connects with us at an evolutionary level, triggering activity in the part of your brain that releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. We are wired to anticipate rhythm and melody; our daily lives are determined by rhythm and accompanied by the bass beat of our hearts, which is why we are so influenced by it. Even the normally conservative United Nations recognised the pulling power of music at this year’s International Happiness Day where the UN secretary General explained that: ‘listening to music is one of the contributing factors to aid our long term happiness ... on this day we are using the universal language of music to show solidarity with the millions of people around the world’.

When you listen to music, much more is happening in your body than simple auditory processing. The language our brains associate with music creates emotions and there's no doubt that a few bars of your favourite tune can instantly put you in a good mood. It’s why you turn up the volume when you hear a song from your past, particularly when you haven’t heard it in a long time; your brain is producing happy memories. Optimistic hits aside, what about ‘heaven knows I’m miserable now?’ Well, melancholic music might just save you from sadness; it’s a welldocumented fact that music is good for our health. Research proves that music of a more moody nature can actually lift spirits, trigger nostalgia and lead to a serotonin rush; the naturally occurring regulator of negative emotion and mood swings.

It is virtually impossible not to listen to music. Modern life allows us to plug into it whenever we want and we are used to hearing it everywhere; a fact not lost on the marketing mafia. Wondering why you felt inclined to ask for the wine list at the bar instead of ordering your usual cheap house vino last night? That’ll be the backdrop of classical music, causing you to feel a little flush and inclined to spend upwards. Just as Edith Piaf boosts the sales of French plonk in supermarket wine aisles

Gregory Porter

Rumer

so too does the pace of music regulate your spending. Watch out for the slow stuff in your department store or food hall; it’s designed to lull you into a sort of soporific spending stupor. They have ways of making you splurge these marketing people.

As well as giving us the feel good factor, music connects us to one another, which is why large groups of people gather together to listen to concerts - often in spite of individual differences in musical preferences. A girlfriend for example tolerates my commitment to the Balearic beat but when she begins to mutter darkly about ‘music without words’, I know it is time to change the tempo. Luckily our shared nostalgia for dubious 70’s disco is enough to reestablish our connection (no one else can bear to listen) and smooth out any ongoing musical friendship militancy.

And there is good news for those of us who live with judgmental, eye rolling offspring. All manner of music induced shady parental behaviour has the potential to be loftily explained away with a little science speak. In trouble with the teens for indulging in a spot of cringe inducing dad dancing?

Blame it on the boogie. Middle aged crowd surfing? Dopamine rush dear. Undignified bawling at the opera? It was the serotonin spark darling…

You get the point.

Serotonin and dopamine rushes are up for grabs over the next month in Gloucestershire beginning with the International Festival of

Jazz, which kicks off in Cheltenham on April 29th. Director Ian George has complied an eclectic programme; where else would you find the winning combo of drumming afro beat king Tony Allen, Rumer and Jamie Cullum guesting with Jazz Funk band Madeski Martin and Wood and superstar Gregory Porter? And the legendary ex guitarist of Dr Feelgood, Wilko Johnson, returns to the stage after beating a diagnosis of terminal cancer, thanks to the intervention and support of Gloucestershire’s own indomitable cancer specialist and jazz aficionado Charlie Chan. The festival is also heavy on free outdoor events for families making it a go to venue for the bank holiday weekend.

Cheltenham’s Festival of Performing Arts provides our fringe piece from 7th May combining music and dance in an ever impressive and evolving format. On 9th May, Gloucester Cathedral plays host to notable Classical guitarist Michael Durant, one of the most exciting and innovative guitarists of his generation who will perform as part of his World Cathedral tour. In Cirencester, the International Organ Festival presents a packed programme running from 18th April and on the 16th May, historic Tewksbury Abbey showcases the international acclaimed Birmingham City Choir.

It is spring and in the spirit of happiness, connecting people and creating a few collective legal highs, Gloucestershire is where it is. United Nations take note.

Susan Blanchfield is a Patron and Trustee of Cheltenham Festivals; she is a postgraduate doctoral researcher at the University of Gloucestershire and has a life long passion for the Arts in Education. Please contact Susan at: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 71

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Gardens

THE EXPERTS IN LANDSCAPING

Cotswold Estates & Gardens celebrate 50 years

Previously known as Cotswold Estate Services, Joe W Watson founded the company in 1965 and his son Joe Watson (Jnr) took over in 1992.

Having originally been in the Forestry industry, Joe (Snr) set up Cotswold Estate Services to meet the evolving demand for other expertise such as construction and maintenance of hard and soft landscaping. He is still the Company Chairman and is seen in the office most days.

In 1992 Joe’s son took over the day-today running of the company bringing its equipment up to date and introducing modern working methods. They have a committed team of 19 staff all of whom are highly trained and skilled – this being evident in the work that they produce. As well as their in-house designs they have built gardens for top designers including Robert Myers Associates, TRees Associates, London based Del Buono Gazerwitz and RHS Malvern’s own resident Festival Theatre compere and garden celebrity James Alexander-Sinclair.

In 2009 the company’s name was changed to Cotswold Estates and Gardens to enable it to reflect the more varied types of landscape work that it now undertakes from intimate courtyards to large country houses. Services include full

design facility from planning to implementation, construction and maintenance, hard and soft landscaping, water features, natural swimming ponds, water sustainability and environmental projects.

To commemorate their 50th birthday the team is building a main show garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival in May. Renowned for it’s top medal-winning

show gardens, RHS Malvern Spring Festival is the perfect place for the Cotswold based landscape and design company to celebrate this landmark achievement.

Joe Watson, Managing Director of Cotswold Estates and Gardens said: “It has been a couple of years since we built a garden at an RHS show but we thought what better way to celebrate our golden

anniversary than designing and building our own show garden? We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone and we would like to thank the continued loyalty of our clients and the dedication of our team.”

Their garden ‘The Cotswold Way’ is a contemporary design by in-house designer, Amy Perkins and has been inspired by the local Cotswold scenery and architecture. The garden has structure with agricultural buildings, timber cladding and Cotswold dry stone walls but also has fluidity in the water and in the form of the curved walls and sinuous fence-line, creating a sense of movement through the garden. The Cotswold Way is designed to be a metaphor for the company’s journey through the changing trends and economic cycles over its 50 year history.

Joe and the Cotswold Estates team will commence build on 13th April and the gardens will then be judged by the RHS on Wednesday May 6, the day before the RHS Malvern Spring Festival opens to the public.

For more information about Cotswold Estates & Gardens please visit www.estatesandgardens.co.uk or call 01285 654766.

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 73

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A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

Health

Knee Replacement Surgery Mr Harminder Gosal, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who practices at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, writes about the knee replacement procedure Since 2003 all hip and knee replacement procedures carried out in England and Wales have been recorded onto the National Joint Registry. The numbers have steadily increased. The latest figures for 2013 show that 91,703 total knee replacements were carried out compared to 89,945 hips.

Knee replacements are carried out to relieve pain and help mobility. As we get older, general wear and tear in joints increases. The main cause for knee joint replacement is as a result of osteoarthritis (OA). As a result of OA, joints become painful and stiff, limiting mobility. There are many ways of managing these symptoms including exercise, physiotherapy and pain relieving medication. The decision to carry out knee replacement is made jointly between the patient and the surgeon when the symptoms cannot be managed by these no-operative measures.

It is possible to carry out a partial (medial, lateral or patello-femoral) or total knee replacement depending on the symptoms and x-ray findings. The surgery is tailored to the individual. It is major surgery and carries some risks, such as thrombosis, infection, stiffness and wear. The wear is very slow and gradual and normally a knee replacement should last between 10 to 15 years. It is possible to carry out revision surgery if necessary.

Usually patients are in hospital for 4 to 5 days. Surgery is carried out under spinal or general anaesthetic. The type of anaesthetic used is decided between the patient, surgeon and the anaesthetist. After the operation, patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk with the help of the physiotherapists either that day or the following. A padded bandage dressing is applied to the knee immediately after surgery. The dressing is reduced at around 48 hours and an x-ray is carried out afterwards to check the position of the implants.

Mr Harminder Gosal

To minimize the risks of thrombosis, patients are usually given some blood thinning injections for 10 days (taught to self administer on discharge) and calf or foot pumps to improve circulation whilst the patient is immobile in bed. To try and minimize the risk of infection antibiotics are given in the operating theatre just before the start of surgery and for 2 or 3 doses afterwards depending on the type of drug used. This varies, as some people are allergic to certain types of antibiotics.

Patients are usually discharged when they are able to walk with sticks, manage stairs and do simple day-to-day tasks.

They are given pain-relieving medication on discharge. As an outpatient they will have some physiotherapy and be reviewed in clinic few weeks later. The wound usually takes between 10 to 14 days to heal.

Initially as activity increases the knee can be sore but with appropriate medication and gentle exercise, recovery proceeds smoothly. It is

advised that patients should not drive for 6 weeks post knee replacement as their reaction times are slowed particularly for emergency stops.

The knee joint symptoms continue to improve for up to 12 months. A check xray is recommended at the 12 month stage. Prosthesis monitoring is also recommended over the longer term.

Knee replacement gives good symptomatic relief for between 10 to 15 years depending on age and demand.

To book an appointment to see Mr Gosal please call 01242 246552 or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/cheltenham hospital or www.gosalkneeclinic.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 77

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Beauty

SHOWER YOURSELF WITH BEAUTY THIS SPRING....

Amy Hickey’s step-by-step makeup guide to the ‘contouring’ craze < Exfoliate Hydrate > You have endured the last few months of cold, wind, rain, frost and central heating. Your skin is desperate for a spruce up. The weather is perking up and so should you. Here are my three simple steps to wipe away that dull lethargic feeling to freshen up and improve the look of your skin to compliment the improving weather.

I love these exfoliating pads by Radical, a quick wipe over the face and neck and you’re blessed with brighter more radiant skin.

< Tan Tanning your face can help you look healthier by warming your skin tone.

This also enhances the whites of your eyes and makes your teeth look whiter. Some good facial tanning products also contain antioxidants along with other beneficial ingredients. I love Dr Gross Tanning wipes.

These miracle pads exfoliate, treat and tan!

Get with the trend -

CONTOUR Not everyone is blessed with Kim Kardashian’s make-up artist or quite frankly has the time to be beautified for hours before sunrise. Whether you are a make-up savvy princess or a lipstick and go kind of girl, there’s no getting away from the contouring craze. Promising to enhance all your best features and disguise your least, you can’t help being intrigued by this new phenomenon.

There is a fine line between getting this right and getting this so very wrong.... To the right and below is a guide to help you along the way with suggestions of my favourite palettes, products and tools to take you in the right direction. It’s all about application, brushes and practice. Have fun!

AMY’S 10 STEP GUIDE TO PERFECT CONTOURING...

Step 1: Cleanse and moisturise your face and neck, apply a primer of your choice.

Step 2: Use a brush or your fingers to apply foundation all over your face. Be sure to blend foundation down your jawline and slightly onto your neck. I love these brushes from EVE LOM.

The way to a more youthful and plump skin is hydration.

Using the correct products and of course drinking plenty of water can reduce wrinkles with some fine lines disappearing altogether.

Highlight Diamond

Heart

Oblong

Oval

Rectangular

Round

Square

Triangle

Bronzer

Step 3: Mix a bit of your lighter concealer with your foundation – use a brush to apply this colour to your t-zone. (This is above and between your eyebrows, along your nose, cheekbones, under eyes, center of your upper lip and middle of your chin.) Also use a brush to draw a thin line of this lighter mix above your jawline.

lower part of your cheekbones and on the sides of your nose.

Step 4: Now, use a sponge, your fingers or a brush to blend the makeup. Be sure there are no lines along the highlight areas – all blended!

Step 8: Add some blush to give your cheeks a rosy glow.

Step 5: Time to start creating those contours! Add the darker foundation (or bronzer), around your hairline, along the

Step 10: Smile you’re contoured. If you feel you need more guidance check out online tutorials or book in for a make up lesson.

Step 6: Blend, blend and blend! I love this new latex free blending sponge.

Step 7: Add an all-over lightweight powder to set the makeup and give an even matte finish.

Step 9: Follow with your regular eye makeup and lip routine.

T: 07733 237767 E: amyhickey.com@gmail.com Twitter: @amy_hickey Facebook.com/amyhickeycom

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 81

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Call the salon for more information or to book

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Hair

Swish your hair into Spring

Laura Leigh Hairdressing offers tips on how to improve the condition of your hair

Even with the world’s best cut, colour and style, hair that’s unhealthy will appear thin, brittle and lifeless. To keep your hair looking its best, you have to make sure it’s healthy. Here are some tips for improving the condition so you can look and feel beautiful this spring...

1

5

Avoid home dyes and chemical treatments

Use a wide toothed comb to undo tangles gently.

Never allow your comb or brush to rip through your hair and never brush your hair when it’s wet.

Don’t over-wash your hair

Washing your hair every day can strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and dull. After you wash, allow enough time for natural oils to replenish, giving you a natural sheen. Depending on your hair, this can mean waiting one or two days, or even weeks before you shampoo again.

If you’re used to shampooing every day, your hair has probably been overproducing oil to compensate. When you cut down on the frequency of your shampoos, your hair will probably feel very greasy at first. You can wear it up as you wait for its natural balance to be restored. There are also shampoos available that are specifically created for oily hair with sensitised ends. Try Kerastase Specifique Bain divalent, a daily balancing shampoo for hair with oily roots and sensitized ends. Available in-salon for £17.50 .

2

4

Be gentle when you comb and brush

Be careful with heat

Heat styling, including blow drying, curling and straightening, breaks the chemical bonds in your hair and makes it susceptible to damage. Let your hair air-dry when possible and only curl or straighten when it’s absolutely necessary.

Always use a heat protectant before heat styling. Try Kerastase Ciment Thermique from their resistance range. It instantly resurfaces weakened and damaged lock to transform the look of the hair fibre. The hair is protected against further breakage, it features a thermo-protective care to protect from heat and it makes blowdrying easier and faster. Available in-salon for £20.50

3

Use deep conditioning treatments

Deep conditioning treatments will help heal damaged hair. Make them part of your routine. The frequency will depend on the texture of your hair and the degree of hair damage. Be careful not to keep treatments on too long or apply them too often, or they will make your hair flat and greasy. Always use a treatment that has been specifically prescribed for your hair type by your stylist. Complimentary hair and scalp consultations are available at Laura Leigh.

Please call to book and our kerastase ambassadors will be happy to advise.

We have recently launched the finest hair care ritual created by Kerastase: Chronologiste, featuring absynne, a prodigious oceanic molecule, and vital concentrate pearls inspired by caviar. The hair looks revitalised with shine, softness and bounce. This treatment is available insalon for £30.00.

When you do have permanent treatments such as a colour or a permanent wave, leave these services to a professional, so you can be sure chemicals aren’t left on too long and there aren’t any accidents that need correcting with even more harsh treatments.

Always have an allergy test prior to any technical service.

6

Make sure your diet is a healthy one

7

Relax

Beautiful hair comes from within.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re cutting calories in order to lose weight, take care that you’re not missing out on important nutrients.

Stress and lack of sleep can contribute to dull hair and hair loss.

While some stress is unavoidable, you should try to minimize it as much as you can. Find a stress reduction technique that works for you, such as exercising, listening to music or taking a long walk. You can use a long deep conditioning session as an opportunity to relax and meditate.

Laura Leigh Hairdressing, Lower Ground Floor, 105 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW, Tel: 01242 530598; www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk

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Mind, Body & Soul We discover some of the new, sensational treatments or products available in the Cotswolds, to recuperate your mind, body and soul The Montpellier Chapter, House Spa, Cheltenham – Claire Thayers ‘Bliss….’ After a stressful day at work, delayed on the M5 and every traffic light red, I eventually arrived at The Montpellier Chapter House Spa, albeit five minutes late.

I was so looking forward to this facial treatment…I NEVER spoil myself so what a wonderful start to the weekend.

Booked in on a Friday at 5.30pm, so easy to find and to have parking right outside – perfect!

Just walking in through the front door, the stress started to drop away. A beautifully simple reception, obligatory relaxing music and dim lighting I met with my therapist, Sophie who was very professional but so friendly. She explained the benefits of the facial using REN products. A British brand, using natural ingredients and made in the heart of Devon – good to hear when you have sensitive skin like me!

The bed was like no other, so comfortable and even raised the feet slightly, and I started to worry I would fall asleep and start snoring….

The hour flew by but felt like ten minutes! Bespoke for my needs, Sophie explained the benefits of each product, from the exfoliation, to the toning, fruity facemask to the lip cream... She gave the most amazing facial massage to ‘help boost the skin’s natural processes of protection, repair and renewal’ and the hot cloths applied during the session, was just heavenly.

I forgot about the wrinkles and the spots and just let her work her magic – and at the end when I looked in the mirror I was amazed at the results – not often I am lost for words! I just wish I had a friend with me to see the before and after. I even sat in the car, light on, to see if it still looked good in the rear view mirror (good test for crows feet) and my wrinkles had gone and my skin looked radiant.

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The Montpellier Chapter Spa

Thank you Sophie, thank you Chapter House – I will be back – in fact I have already booked in for my Cornish friends to visit after Easter!

The Montpellier Chapter Hotel Spa Bayshill Road Cheltenham GL50 3AS Tel: 01242 527788 www.montpellierchapterhotel.com The Vaulted Spa at The King’s Head Hotel, Cirencester – Emma Logan Lubatti Pure Luxury Indulgence – OMG, who could turn down discovering such a wonderful sounding spa session?

Recently opened in the newly

refurbished King’s Head Hotel in the heart of Cirencester, the Vaulted Spa is seriously quirky, being situated in the renovated underground area of the hotel.

I met with the lovely Kelly who was performing my treatment who showed me where to change into a big fluffy gown before being led to my former cellar which is now an abundance of luxury with innovative features.

The focus of the treatment is to completely relax and cleanse the mind and body – it’s a top-to-toe procedure being swathed in the Lubatti brand that was first used in the 1920s by the great beauties of the time; Vivien Leigh and

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Health

The King’s Head Hotel Spa

A nice feature at the Vaulted Spa is one does not then have to get up and go straight back to reality, which is frankly the last thing you should be doing in these circumstances! I was taken to a heavenly chill-out area with squashy daybeds, magazines and cool drinks and if you still feel you need more, then it is essential to book some extra time wallowing in the new giant hot-tub or taking a sauna, steam bath and experience shower for optimum ‘me’ time.

The King’s Head Hotel Spa 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR T 01285 700900 www.kingshead-hotel.co.uk Ava Gardner.. Ones starts by having warmed oil poured onto ones back for a heavenly deep tissue massage (as requested), working the entire area and around my neck and shoulders. On turning over, the indulgence continues with a deep cleanse of the eyes and lips.

This was a necessity to get rid of the hangover of Racing Festival week and I could feel those magnums of champas being drained away! An indulgent facial massage working into the front of the shoulders is essential for the relaxation element – this is to drift you off into the unconscious to ensure you receive maximum impact.

Finally I was treated to a Lubatti Caramel Body Polish of the décolleté, hands and feet and again these areas are massaged into oblivion for an 80-minute treatment of heaven.

Personal Training with Luciano Kydd, London & Cheltenham – Harriet Oakes Since having children my weight has fluctuated up and down considerably over the years. What has been of the most concern though is the endless effort in trying to destroy my muffin top and those deeply unattractive, thigh bulging, saddle-bags that have refused to budge. I have run, swum, walked the entire Cotswold Way, Spun the Tour de France route, Zumba’d to East Africa whilst of course trying the Joanna Lumley diet of eating nothing but white wine and lettuce leaves. Yes, I am one of those who’ll do anything and I mean anything, to lose fat.

So 6 months ago, in my mid-40s, I decided to just give up. Not the exercise per se but having an ‘Elle’ body at 50.

And then something happened – the Editor of this magazine put me onto someone who can only be described as Personal Trainer Extraordinaire!

Luciano Kydd is a hunk of a former British Army officer who trains individuals based in Cheltenham and London and will no doubt go to each end of the Cotswolds if you can book him. In fact, he will even travel to train you if you are going on holiday or having to work for a few months in Sierra Leone or wherever you have to go - you will want to keep him - his method of personal training is utterly unique.

After a really thorough assessment (and yes it is pages long but this man is no fool and needs to completely understand your lifestyle; so I did confess to living in a Majestic Wine Warehouse home with a Willy Wonka chocolate factory in my larder), he gets to work sorting you out. Mind, Body and Soul is what he is all about. For my ‘mind’ he destroyed my negative demons that I could never look how I wanted to, for my ‘body’ he actually converted a rather tubby middle-aged woman into someone with a slender and very toned physique and for my ‘soul’ he has given me utter self-belief not just in my physical appearance but in my confidence to achieve whatever I need to, even if it is just coping with a night of homework, cooking and being the perfect wife.

Luciano Kydd, Body Transformation Coach based in Cheltenham and London Email: kyddfitness@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07737347854 COTSWOLD STYLE MARCH 2015 85

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London Fashion Week Cotswold Style’s Fashion Photographer, Stefanie Calleja-Gera was given unprecedented access to this spring’s London Fashion Week, to showcase to the Cotswolds the Autumn/Winter 2015 collections and trends WWW.SCG-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM As a photographer and self-confessed fashion addict, I can't think of anything more exciting than immersing oneself in the buzz of models, designers, press, buyers and celebrities that you encounter as you walk across the cobbles at Somerset House for this prestigious time in the fashion world’s calendar.

This year, I was delighted to have the opportunity to attend, representing Cotswold Style Magazine.

The AW15 collections offered up by the industry’s elite and aspiring designers, promised to be choc-full of bold, fresh directions, eccentric street fashions, alongside retro revisits (the reason I never throw any of my clothes away!). LFW did not disappoint.

The Seventies is well and truly back en vogue; faux furs, intricate patterned numbers, flares, bold military style, smooth suede and soft velvet, featured heavily. Some designers such as Vivienne Westwood's "Red Label" for example, have drawn inspiration from the Old West, featuring fringing and ponchos galore.

A fashionista worth their salt is never too far from their trusty leather jacket and a quick glance round the faces at LFW showed the biker trend still going strong. Celebs such as Alexa Chung demonstrate perfectly how to wear this style, combining macho with feminine.

Colours included the obligatory autumnal greens and oranges punctuated by vibrant reds, as displayed by DAKS and Jasper Conran's "red leaves" themed catwalk. If you're looking for something a little softer, Holly Fulton's ‘oh-sopretty’ in pink styles will pep you up on a grey day.

Already pining for more runway action, we can’t wait to see what the next season has in store...

The Catwalks...

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London Fashion Week DAKS

JASPER CONRAN

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BORA AKSU

HOLLY FULTON

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London Fashion Week JEAN PIERRE BRAGANZA

SIBLING

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The Showrooms ...

The designer showrooms offered up new and existing talent throughout the vast and meandering halls of Somerset House. I was enchanted by the intricate, yet powerful pieces of up and coming Rein, London, who celebrate the female form and design for stars such as Lady Gaga & Cheryl Vestudfhdj.

I fell in love with delicate handcarved rose quartz and amethyst jewellery by Alice Cicolini. Les 100 Ciels offer a stunning cashmere collection, with yarns sourced from a goat farm in Inner Mongolia, while Fifi Chachinil's luxe French Lingerie is to die for. In the accessories showroom, New Ultra Group presented their innovative clutch bags and Williams of Leominster showcased their unique handbags along with ‘Garden of Eden’, inspired footwear designs by Kult Domini.

FIFI CHACHNIL

WILLIAMS HANDBAGS

ALICE CICOLINI

KIRSTY WARD

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London Fashion Week

KULT DOMINI

NEW ULTRA GROUP

REIN ZOE SHERWOOD

LES 100 CIELS

JACQUELINE CULLEN

TERMITE EYEWEAR

NOEL STEWART COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 91

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Street Fashion...

Celebrity spotting included the ever on-trend Laura Whitmore, stunning Amber Le Bon in Spring Summer casuals, and of course, fashion week wouldn't be complete without queen of the catwalk, Naomi Campbell.

Photography by www.scg-photography.com

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London Fashion Week

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Fashion

Grace&Glamour Transitional styling for spring Spring is officially in the air and I for one couldn’t be happier. It’s now time to forget about the uncomfortable layers and unflattering shapes that go hand in hand with winter and take a step closer to summer with our style choices ith spring comes the amazing style that we all know and love but being in Britain it’s safer to stick with options a little more transitional-friendly for now. Some of my favourite fashion finds of all time have been at this time of year, purely because classic style always comes first. It’s too early for full trends and those from winter are long gone, so here are the best style options to start wearing now.

First up, this amazing striped number from Warehouse. I instantly fell in love with the shape; so don’t expect to stop me wandering around in this beauty. The stripes are perfect for this time of year and you’ll even be able to carry it through to summer. I’m already envisioning it with strappy heels and a big old hat!

There’s just something about jackets at spring that I love.

I’ve never been all that fond of winter coats, so I guess you can say I like the idea of going with something more statement that doesn’t have to serve a purpose practically, it’s just more for style and show.

This Whistles pinstriped number is just what I’m talking about. It’s classic and

W

Warehouse

Whistles

chic. I already know it would work on a whole lot of people and not to mention with a range of looks, especially with the double-breasted cut. This one is French definitely on my Connection wishlist.

Jumpsuits are great to work into a transitional wardrobe for both spring and autumn.

I’ve recently fallen for the all white look. There’s something so statement about them and this jumpsuit by French Connection would be the perfect way to achieve it. The cut is very statement with strong shoulder straps and a missing back. Perhaps a jacket might be needed for now and wouldn’t the Whistles number be perfect?

I’m not shy of stripes but I’m sure you’ve noticed that by now. I love how this maxi by Oasis has Oasis varying styles and it’s even in one of my favourite colour palettes. You can never go wrong with a bit of a nautical feel at this time of year and it

Reiss

would be the ideal travel accompaniment for summer holidays too.

It may not be all that warm but if you’ve an occasion coming up, then you’ll forget all about the breeze when you see this Reiss dress. It’s perfect for daytimes when the weather warms up but for now, wouldn’t it look great with killer heels for an evening? This could even be my favourite of them all!

So now that you’ve seen my transitional edit, what will you be wearing for spring?

Grace @graceoliviap www.dorothyandolive.com

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 95

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Fashion

CHELTENHAM FASHION WEEK Sam Bawden, Creative Director of Cheltenham Fashion Week, brings the international catwalk back to Cheltenham this autumn Cheltenham Fashion Week is set to return to the town this November 23rd – 28th 2015, with an exciting programme of events designed to inspire, educate and promote local talent as well as bringing an eclectic selection of established and up and coming fashion designers to Cheltenham.

We are thrilled to be able to once again work with our favourite magazine, Cotswold Style who is our official Media Sponsor.

Our team is still working on various aspects of the week and plans will be unveiled nearer the time. However, we can reveal certain aspects of our project, which we are very excited about.

This year we are raising funds for the Isabella Blow Foundation (www.isabellablow foundation.com), which seeks to honour the memory of Isabella Blow by supporting aspiring art and fashion students. In addition, this facilitates further research in the fields of depression and mental health.

We are thrilled to be able to announce that illustrious hat designer Philip Treacy, is our Patron for 2015. He was one of Isabella’s closest friends and one of the many talented people that she discovered and mentored, along with Alexander McQueen. Philip is excited to be working with us to raise awareness and funds for this project.

PHOTO: KEVIN DAVIES

Phillip Treacy

One of the biggest events that will take place is our Fashion Exhibition ‘Fearless’ at the Wilson Gallery, which is dedicated to the memory of Isabella and her huge influence in the fashion world. Gone but not forgotten ... her lasting legacy is of discovering new and exciting designers, reflected by the mixture of work that we will showcase, both old and new.

This will be an incredible opportunity for our

young designers to exhibit their creations alongside prestigious works by worldrenowned artists and be part of this wonderful tribute to Isabella Blow. Fashion crosses many mediums and we aim to show this within the exhibition with work representing millinery, photography, dressmaking, accessories, sculpture, literature…all influenced and under the vast umbrella of ‘fashion'!

Making a return appearance to CFW this year will be the iconic Cheltenham Fashion Week Giant Shoe, redesigned by the artist Jane Baker to capture the theme of the exhibition and influenced by the lady herself.

Catwalk events will include our very popular Educational Show at Gloucestershire College where students of all ages, from 6 to 18 will showcase their creations and be adjudicated by a panel of respected fashion judges.

Additional venues this year include Cowley Manor, Ange Noir and 131 amongst others.

Due to popular demand, our Model School will once again return and this year we will be opening it up to the public! So if you are an aspiring model or even perhaps feeling in need of a confidence and image boost, then this is a wonderful day including Burlesque performances, body confidence talks, styling tips, musical interpretation and tutorials.

Young people are once again a driving force for our project and we will be running a programme of career talks designed to providing ideas and tips on how to enter the fashion industry. Fashion is a very popular career choice, highly competitive and with 77 different careers within, there is bound to be some way of being involved, depending on your talents and skills sets. We hope to be able to help young people find their niche and explore their strengths in some way either by

attending an event or working alongside us as part of our hardworking team.

Guests of CFW over the past 2 years have included Caryn Franklin, Detmar Blow, William Steggle, Fashion Foie Gras, Selina Blow, George Davies, Van Morrison, Elizabeth Hurley, Sarah Curan, Lucy Choi to name but a few.

During the week we have approximately 2000 visitors attend our events. We are still a relatively young project, yet one that has gained respect and a reputation within a very short period and this is down to our creative vision and thirst for finding and showcasing talent throughout the UK. The Daily Telegraph previously described our fashion week as ‘one of the best fashion events to attend’.

Sponsorship and funding is a very important part and if your company would like to be included in our prestigious group of sponsors for CFW, then please contact Creative Director e: sam@cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk.

Sponsorship starts at £300 and there are countless opportunities to promote your products and/or services to our fashionable audiences.

The team at CFW works very hard all year round to source and find new talent to bring to Cheltenham. If you would like to join our team of volunteers please email sam@cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk. There are also opportunities to join the team, including sponsorship, marketing, event organisation, social media, blogging, modelling and backstage - many of our volunteers have gone onto exciting careers after working with us.

All details will be posted on our website and social media channels so please sign up to be kept informed. www.cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk www.facebook.com/cheltenhamfashionweek www.twitter.com/CheltFashionWk

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 97

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GROWING

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES

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The heart of the Cotswolds Situated on the spectacular Cotswold Park Estate, Laura-Jayne Roberts talks to the owners of Cotswold Park Barns, Simon and LJ Hanbury, about their stunning new family business…

Rushing up the picturesque driveway, swerving the odd pheasant on route, little did I know I would be driving back through the rolling Cotswold hills, having mentally booked both my 30th birthday and Hen Weekend in a truly idyllic venue. Think of a beautiful view you have once seen, think of luxury accommodation you have once stayed in, times both these by a zillion and even then you will not come close to what Cotswold Park Barns has to offer both families and corporate groups. The word ‘stunning’ does not quite do it justice.

Very much a case of new from old, the Barns have been created on the family estate from the original dairy buildings’ belonging to Cotswold Park House, now lived in by Simon and LJ Hanbury. With only the sheep for neighbours, privacy and exclusivity are paramount, as when booking Cotswold Park Barns for your event you are reserving the entire property as a sole booking. The 10 beautiful bedrooms will sleep up to 20 adults, although if more guests wish to join for supper, the large dining room is able to seat up to 26.

Simon said: “Visitors love the fact it's a classic Cotswoldian estate, set in beautiful Cotswold countryside and that it’s private and peaceful. Our guests love the personal touch we offer and the fact we are here in a hands-on capacity is a really important factor in making people feel welcome and at home.”

Since opening the Barns in September 2014, the feedback has been impressive, with corporate groups rebooking and family reservations being set in the diary for months in advance. “We've had some major corporate clients visit us in our short time of being open - Microsoft, Greene King, Brewin Dolphin,” explains Simon. “All these top-end clients bring pressures as they expect the 5* service they’re used to, whether that be in terms of accommodation, facilities, service or food, but we more than live up to expectations.”

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Much of Simon and LJ’s thought process behind the design of the Barns was to ensure they are able to accommodate corporate groups looking for a suitable working environment, whilst also being able to have privacy and freedom. Many of the communal spaces have been created to allow meetings, workshops and breakout set - ups.

“The venue is hugely conducive to corporate off-sites, in both atmosphere and facilities,” said Simon. “We have a designated meeting room available, but find equally that corporate clients like to hold meetings in the fabulous dining or sitting rooms.”

With a wealth of knowledge in the events industry (over 18 years) the corporate market is one the passionate duo is specifically looking to expand into, and can work with clients to create a truly bespoke event or stay. They are able to change room layouts, bring in extra items and incorporate a vast range of activities.

You name it; they can pretty much provide it, meaning the event is always flawless.

“We are completely flexible and can tailor any stay around a client’s needs,” described Simon. “From wine tasting and

picnics to murder mysteries and archery, one thing is for sure guests will never be bored. Whether it’s a fully catered trip with plenty of activities, to a simple selfcatering hire of the property, we can adapt everything.”

Simon and LJ definitely fill a gap in the market for this type of corporate facility in the Cotswolds. As Simon explained: “Many companies will often have to travel huge distances to attend corporate offsites and so for them to be able to offer a first class venue on their doorstep is not only really useful to local businesses but financially more sensible.”

The accommodation and facilities really do offer themselves to the corporate market. In the Dairy is a stunning reception/sitting room for a whole group to be together that can be converted into a conference room seating up to 60 people. There is a

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Business mezzanine that is perfect as a workshop area and also a purpose built boardroom.

The impressive Courtyard area is fully equipped for outside dining, BBQs or just relaxing and taking in the beautiful views.

Advantageous is the fact the Barns are only 10 minutes from both Cirencester and Cheltenham, while London is just 80 minutes from Kemble station and 1 hour 45 minutes by car, which means Cotswold Park Barns is the perfect location for a company or social event.

The passion and pride that Simon and LJ have for the business is truly heartwarming.

Speaking in regards to the design of the Barns, they said: hotel and came down to “We had a clear plan from the breakfast delighted as start with what we wanted to they had a great nights do and project managed the sleep.” building process. We feel proud Although wishing to that we created the design Simon Hanbury expand more in the ourselves, realised of course corporate market the through our wonderful Barns have numerous builders, A.C. Nurdens from uses. Simon explained: Malmesbury, and our architect, “As well as a great place to James Slater & Co from stay while attending any of Cirencester. They really stuck the amazing local events to our ideas, which makes us that the Cotswolds proud in what we have provide, we offer sporting achieved, considering we had breaks. We are located no previous experience in within easy distance of development. We have tried to many of Gloucestershire’s retain the aesthetics of the old LJ Hanbury finest shooting estates, barn from the outside, and we are perfect for these groups,” including the huge green barn doors specified Simon. “We also have a great which, after some restoration work, look relationship with Ian Coley Shooting fantastic.

“The whole farm is run off biomass, and School with both Ian himself and local shoots happy to let their guests stay with we also have an eco-friendly wood us, which speaks volumes about what burning hot tub. The biomass boiler runs we offer.” off woodchip, which we feel adds to our In addition to shooting, all these are just desired business model.” a stone’s throw away; The Cotswold Every little detail has been taken into Water Park, Rectory Farm Equestrian account, not just in the design of the Centre, the Foodworks Cookery School, building but the entire experience for Far Peak Climbing Centre and Cirencester guests. Sarah Barr, who owns A Country Polo Club, while for those seeking Home Interiors in Rodmarton has done tranquility, there are numerous beautiful an amazing job with soft furnishings and walks. “The estate encompasses 196 as LJ explained: “Even the bed linen went acres of land, a lot is woodland meaning it through meticulous testing before the is perfect for long walks. In fact clients correct design and make was chosen. from Microsoft, whilst on one of their offThere's nothing worse than going away sites, took our own dogs for a walk!” and not being able to sleep so we tried exclaimed LJ. hard and succeeded in making the beds Catering options can also be flexible to comfortable. We have had clients who claimed they can never sleep properly in a suit the specific needs of each booking.

Guests can look after themselves and bring their own supplies, or they may wish to have an online food order delivered.

Another option is for the caterers to create meals and put them in the deep freeze. Alternatively bed and breakfast or half board with breakfast and dinner cooked every day may be desired.

Simon highlighted: “Another priority is food. We really want to ensure that when guests book our caterers that they are fed well and get the highest quality. You can only function well if you sleep and eat well, so those are our two main priorities. One of our local caterers, Mary-Rose Weston, is just fantastic and receives standing ovations from all our guests!”

Discussing your bespoke event requirements and visiting is key because pictures just don’t do this hidden gem justice and once you proceed up the main driveway leaving the world behind, you will be itching to make a reservation.

Simon said: “We welcome any potential clients to come and have a look for themselves and have a chat with us over coffee to see what we can do for them.

We are really passionate about the barns and want to share it.”

Combine all this with the care and personal touch for their guests experiences, means that not only in Cotswold Park Barns do you have an idyllic and stunning venue but a truly unique client experience I feel you would be hard pressed to ever find anywhere else.

For more information go to www.cotswoldparkbarns.co.uk

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WESTMINSTER IN THE COTSWOLDS With so many political issues affecting the Cotswolds and the General Election now only two months away, Emma Logan has asked the county’s MPs to inform Cotswold Style readers what they have been doing to represent their constituencies both locally and from Westminster

Neil Carmichael

NEIL CARMICHAEL, MP FOR STROUD One of the key characteristics of the Valleys and Vale is the predominance of rural communities. Like many representative organisations such as the Countryside Alliance, I am keen to promote policies and commitments to ensure the future of these communities.

One of the great joys of representing such a beautiful part of England is to experience at first hand the rich variety and history of our villages and hamlets.

To be sure our communities flourish, several things need to be achieved. First, is to extend super broadband access to all homes and businesses. By the end of this year, around 90% of properties will be able to benefit from super broadband with the remaining 10% enjoying no less than 2mgbs. By 2017 with a further £20 million spent to top off the £75 million already committed, super broadband should be universal.

We need to have a fairer mechanism for the funding of our local schools. The current formulae based system is weighted 102 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

Neil Carmichael

against rural areas and is being reviewed and soon reconstructed. In the shortterm, my colleagues and I have secured a £9.6 million boost for Gloucestershire coupled to additional capital expenditure.

When I was elected in 2010, I pledged to defend all of our existing Post Offices.

To my mind, Labour’s closure programme – 8 were closed before 2010 – was utter nonsense. I am pleased to say many Post Offices have also been modernised including Hardwicke, Cainscross, Amberley amongst others and soon, Painswick will also get a new Post Office.

Many communities benefit from having local pubs. They are often essential social hubs and much part of the fabric of rural life, so I am delighted we have so many

award winning and popular pubs. The Salutation in Ham recently won the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s “Pub of the Year” and the Red Lion in Arlingham has won CAMRA’s “Gloucester Rural Pub of the Year”.

Local produce is increasingly, a part of our shopping experience. To make sure customers feel confident about purchasing meat, from April, all pork, lamb, poultry and beef must show the country where it was reared and slaughtered. A feasibility study is underway to see if similar rules could be applied to dairy products.

Contact Neil at neil.carmichael.mp@parliament.uk or his constituency office on 01453 751 572

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Politics

Laurence Robertson

LAURENCE ROBERTSON, MP FOR TEWKESBURY Last week’s budget included measures to help businesses, savers and people who work hard, as well as providing protections for those who cannot. It was designed to keep the UK moving in the right direction when so many countries in the world, especially in Europe, are going the wrong way.

In the same week, there was good news again on the jobs front. Almost two million jobs have been created since the last election and unemployment fell again.

Youth unemployment is also down.

Interest rates are low, which helps mortgage payers and businesses and inflation is very low, which helps everyone, especially those on fixed and limited incomes.

As we approach the General Election, all these things are important. Many people might well think, well, this isn’t right and that isn’t right but General Elections are really about the bigger picture and the economy in this country is going in the right direction. Only with a strong economy can we continue to invest in public services such as hospitals, schools, care services and our police.

For me, then, the question will be, do we want to keep the UK moving in the right direction or do we want to take a step backwards? I’m hoping that the answer will be to keep moving forwards! www.laurencerobertsonmp.com GEOFFREY CLIFTON-BROWN, MP FOR COTSWOLDS In the last month I have been taking up all sorts of issues however, perhaps the most important this month, was the House of Commons debate I led on planning, which is incredibly sensitive in the Cotswolds. I raised a series of important issues during the debate. These included

the need to give greater protection to AONBs and ensuring that equal weight is given in the NPPF to environmental and social concerns as is currently given to economic concerns.

I addressed the issue of infrastructure requirements and the need to ensure that any necessary infrastructure is in place before a new development is completed.

For example I raised the case of the proposed development of 2,350 dwellings in Chesterton and the fact that a new sewer would be required and the impact of new developments in Moreton-inMarsh on the main road bridge where two HGVs already cannot cross at the same time. The Minister confirmed, “The provision of timely and robust infrastructure is vital to delivering sustainable development”. He went on to confirm that there are provisions for local authorities to deliver that infrastructure.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

I also suggested to the Planning Minister, that a mandatory mentoring scheme be developed for councils that have not yet had their local plan adopted.

The Minister promised to consider it further.

Last year I wrote to all parish and town councils urging them to consider drawing up neighbourhood plans. They give local communities a much greater say over the planning process in their area and where there is a neighbourhood plan in place, the community retains 25 per cent of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

There had been concern that with no local plan in place, neighbourhood plans would simply be ignored and so only a limited number of communities created them. However Brandon Lewis MP, the Planning Minister, was very clear during the debate that even if no local plan is in place, a “made” neighbourhood plan can provide some certainty as to what development will take place. The Minister

agreed to write to all leaders of all planning authorities about the importance of neighbourhood plans. www.geoffreycliftonbrown.co.uk

Richard Graham

RICHARD GRAHAM, MP FOR GLOUCESTER I was delighted to launch the BLACKFRIARS MASTERPLAN last month, with a £135m re-development to include former prison & riverside housing.

For over 30 years the area of Blackfriars, between the Docks and the city centre, has been a challenge Gloucester has consistently failed. It's big and complex and this time will succeed, with City and County Councils working closely together.

The former prison has been bought from the Ministry of Justice by Heritage specialist City & Country Residential and several other developers are already in discussions. In essence the County Council and the police will stay and that ugly wing will be re-clad. Space has been reserved for a new Justice Centre I hope becomes possible under the new government and the University is committed to housing many students in Blackfriars.

Demolition of unneeded Gloucester City Council buildings will take place this year, using Government funds via the LEP that I helped win. And there will be lots of consultation about more detailed ideas on the road system, a bigger new tree lined pedestrian walk by the river and new and attractive homes. Finally Gloucester will get a Blackfriars worthy of the great old priory. www.richardgraham.org

(Regrettably yet again at the time of going to print and despite requests, Cotswold Style has not heard back from the office of Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham)

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 103

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Sherbornes Solicitors LLP 104 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Style Event

Charles Russell Speechleys host chocolate tasting event The Litigation team at Charles Ruse ll Speechleys invited customers to join them for a Chocolate tasting at Hotel Du Vin. Hosted by professional chocolatier Ben Axford he was able to give guidance on the many flavours and aromas to look out for in chocolate from around the world.

Photography by Angus Bethune

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Food & Drink

Pretty pink frills of Spring Shelle Duffin creates some luscious Rhubarb Custards Nature can be rather bizarre don’t you think? This past month we’ve woken to crisp, clear mornings of exquisite sunshine, lighting a halo of beauty across The Cotswolds. However, instead of bringing the warmth its glow suggests, these dawns have delivered a bitterly cold breeze sending goose bumps across our skin – a chilly reminder winter is still in our midst and the woollies are to remain out. I crave the day I am able to wear a bikini to a hot sandy beach instead of a gruelling trip to the gym’s swimming pool – summer seems a lifetime away, not to mention a British one! Believe it or not though, spring is in bloom – the snowbells are flourishing,

new-born lambs snuggle up to their mothers to shelter away from the freezing climes and nature offers up another batch of its seasonal gifts.

To bring some colour into the climatic gloom, I’ve chosen rhubarb for this month’s recipe. I am sure you are all well acquainted with the phrase, “you learn something new every day”, but did you know that even though we use rhubarb in desserts and therefore automatically assume it’s a fruit, it is in fact a vegetable (a little like the tomato, but the other way around). It’s interesting how we use fruit in

desserts and vegetables in savoury dishes and automatically assume ‘they are what they say on the tin’.

Rhubarb may model pretty pink frills, however it’s not to everyone’s taste, without a little sweetening, it can be rather bitter. However, don't give up on this little gem as not only does it yield some fantastic flavours when cooked well, it also bears some wonderful nutritional properties that shouldn't be ignored. My recipe this month is a fun and alternative take on one of my favourite sweets; it’s truly scrumptious and makes for a brilliant pudding on a sunny Spring (if not brisk!) evening.

rhubarb syrup - topped with champagne, it makes the perfect spring cocktail).

• Meanwhile, gently heat the cream, milk, vanilla pod and the salt in a pan, though do not boil. Remove from the heat and set to one side, allowing the vanilla pod to infuse for 15 minutes. Return the cream mixture to the heat and heat back up, though again, do not boil..

• In a heatproof bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together until they turn a pale colour and the consistency thickens.

Remove the cream mixture from the heat and add the chocolate pieces and stir until they’ve dissolved.

• Gradually pour in the cream mixture and

whisk. Pass through a sieve to remove the vanilla pods and any rogue lumps (Cook’s note: clean off the vanilla pod and add it to a jar of sugar for flavouring). Pour the custard mixture onto the rhubarb, filling near to the top and cover with foil.

• Carefully place the ramekins in an ovenproof dish/roasting tin and fill with boiling water until it reaches the halfway point on each ramekin.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes until has set. Put to one side to cool and then chill for two hours or overnight.

• Before serving, finish off by topping each custard pot with grated chocolate and serve with ginger biscuits.

Rhubarb Custards Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the rhubarb 400g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 3cm pieces 80g caster sugar For the custard 250ml single cream 175ml whole milk 2 vanilla pods 150g white chocolate 3 yolks 25g caster sugar Pinch of salt For serving 50g white chocolate Ginger biscuits Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C • Put the rhubarb into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with the sugar. Cover in a layer of foil and place in the oven for 20 minutes until the rhubarb is tender. Turn the oven down to 170°C. • Carefully spoon the rhubarb out of the dish and divide between the four ramekins (Cook’s note: don’t get rid of the

For more recipe ideas, reviews and articles, check out my blog – myboiledeggsandsoldiers@blogspot.com; or follow me on Twitter – @Shelle_Duffin, Instagram – shelleduffin, Pinterest – shelleduffin COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 109

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Fantastic panoramic views over Painswick Valley

Freshly cooked food and local real ales make a visit to The Edgemoor Inn a real treat...

The Edgemoor offers an impressive selection of home-cooked dishes, including many vegetarian and fresh fish options, along with homemade favourites and grills.

The lounge bar, has a light and modern feel which extends to the whole property. Outside on the patio area is a perfect place for a snack or quiet drink whilst admiring the panoramic views over Painswick and its glorious countryside.

The Edgemoor Inn offers the very best in traditional Cotswold pub and restaurant dining, warm welcome in delightful surroundings with well-presented homecooked food. This is a combination that’s hard to beat.

The Edgemoor Inn Edge, near Stroud, Gloucester GL6 6ND

Call us today

01452 813 576

www.edgemoor-inn.com

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Interview

R&R A monthly column exploring the perfect location to clear your head and spend quality time with the ‘lovely one’ in your life This month Emma Logan & Yvette Brentnall (with chaps in tow!) review The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair, London If you want to rub shoulders with royalty, former Presidents (from Gorbachev to Sarkozy), rock stars or leading fashion designers, The Westbury, just off Regent Street in the heart of London’s West End, is the destination to go.

Situated on Bond Street, The Westbury is a stone’s throw from the most exclusive fashion and boutique district and minutes to all the cultural treasures London has to offer.

Its origins date back to 1927 when the first Westbury opened in New York by the polo playing Phipps family and in 1955 when The Westbury London opened, it was the first five star American hotel in London and one of the finest in Mayfair. After being taken over at the end of the 90s, a multi-million pound refurbishment was spent on all its rooms and suites with the inclusion of a new state-of-the-art 800sq m venue, The Westbury Gallery ideal for a glamorous event.

On stepping into The Westbury you sense a feeling of unrivalled luxury, elegance and sophisticated charm. Each room is a testament to classic chic and contemporary elegance with a mix of opulent textures and cool natural marbles.

The hotel boasts a number of restaurants but its flagship is the Alyn Williams at The Westbury. As Head Chef of the two Michelin starred ‘Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley’, Alyn has brought his unique style to Mayfair and recent accolades include National Chef of the Year in 2012. He produces his own distinctive, modern European cooking with a meticulous but friendly service. The main dining room seats 45 guests, there is a private dining room for 16 and the Wine Salon, which takes 8 guests is surrounded by some of the world’s finest wines.

In addition The Westbury has the Tsukiji Sushi Restaurant, a perfect fusion of Japanese Cuisine and Brasserie Chavot, run by Eric Chavot, renowned

The Polo Bar

for having retained two Michelin stars for ten years of his career. He has created a classic French-style brasserie with ingredients sourced far across Britain and from rural French artisan producers, whilst handpicking suppliers for crab from the West Country, langoustine from the Outer Hebrides, venison from Ireland and lamb from the Pyrenees.

Socially it all happens in The Polo Bar at The Westbury. The staff are famous for their attentiveness and we certainly found a great friend in our legendary barman Tom. The bar is a haven of glamorous couples, City power-brokers, beautiful individuals and gives you the excitement of being in a cosmopolitan whirl whilst also being able to sit-back and people watch to your world’s content.

It’s the kind of place, which reminds you of being young, carefree and very, very cool – even if you never were!

The bedrooms are really rather lovely but it’s different to going away in the Cotswolds when you yearn for a fabulous room where to wallow and spend considerable downtime - when in London the hub of excitement is all around, be it

in the street or at a fabulous bar or restaurant so one tends not to gravitate to sleep as you do in the country. They are though, extremely good rooms with all the mod cons you need but perhaps most essentially, the beds are fantastic. Deep, nourishing and so whatever state you are in when it’s bedtime – you are ensured to have a damn good night’s sleep. Ones only criticism is that even in the local country pub, you’ll get a kettle in the room for a quick brew but not here.

Breakfast in bed is included though, so one mustn’t get too pedantic!

If you’re heading to London, you won’t stay in a more central or lovely spot.

Literally a few minutes from Regents Street tube, a ten-quid taxi ride from Paddington station, a cool and very funky ambience, the greatest shops and restaurants on your doorstep … what more could you ask for.

The Westbury Mayfair Bond Street London W1S 2YF Tel: 020 7629 7755 www.westburymayfair.com

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 111

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The Warmest Welcome in the Cotswolds

The Old Stocks Inn, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1AF 01451 830 666 oldstocksinn.com info@oldstocksinn.com

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Pets

Perfect Puppy Parents Animal advice from our friends at Vets on the Park So you’ve decided to get a puppy. You’ve researched and chosen the best breed for your lifestyle and found the perfect breeder. So what do you need to do to make sure you are the perfect parents your new puppy deserves?

Just as when you have a baby you are advised to attend ante-natal classes, at Vets on the Park we strongly recommend our new puppy owners attend our free “Puppy Parenting” evenings. It is far, far better to be well prepared and properly equipped for the new arrival – after all you wouldn’t consider having a baby without purchasing a cot, so you shouldn’t really bring a new puppy into your home without all the correct equipment and information.

At our “Puppy Parenting” evenings we discuss what to expect over the weeks ahead. If your puppy is very young, say under 8 weeks, you will have to wait some 4-5 weeks before they can go outside into the big wide world. This can

be a surprisingly stressful time as your puppy grows and becomes more and more energetic. Being prepared for this makes everything much easier for you and your puppy.

We will give you a list of the basic equipment you will need in advance of the puppy arriving home. This includes: • A puppy crate • Food and water bowls • A soft blanket • Safe toys • The right diet (although many breeders will provide a bag of food to make sure you don’t change the diet suddenly) • An ‘Adaptil’ plug-in and spray can really help the puppy make the transition from leaving mum to learning to be alone. Having this in the house 1-2 days before the puppy arrives can make bed time much less stressful for everyone in the family. See www.adaptil.com/uk for some great videos and further advice.

We also recommend that all new puppies are brought to see one of our

veterinary surgeons as soon as possible after you bring them home. Some of our clients even come to us directly on their way home from the breeder. This allows us to give your new puppy a full top to toe health check and make sure your puppy doesn’t have any health issues that you have not been warned about. It is surprising how often we find hernias or heart murmurs that have not been mentioned before. This is also a great chance to give you a 4 week free insurance policy which buys you time to research the market and so you get exactly the right policy for you.

For more advice or information please call Vets on the Park on 01242 517199 or email us at nurses@vetsonthepark.co.uk www.vetsonthepark.co.uk

for your pets in your life - your vet for life

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 113

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Fitness Tips

Time to get lifting...

Fitness Expert Luciano Kydd discusses why females should embrace lifting weights As a female have you encountered any of these problems and wondered what you could do to improve it?

• Can’t walk for more than 50 meters with shopping bags in each arm without your arms feeling like they are about to drop off?

• Struggling to lift your hand luggage overhead when travelling?

• Having to wait for your partner to do most of the physical tasks when not at home or out?

• Ever had to or have concern about defending yourself if the need arose?

• Find it very difficult to lift your kids up for more than 5mins without feeling physically exhausted?

• Still don’t have the body you desire, having tried countless diets whilst doing as much cardio as possible?

These are just some of the reasons why you should embark upon and embrace a training program of lifting weight a few times a week.

HERE ARE THE FACTS: You will actually lose body fat The truth is, strength training helps reduce body fat and increase lean bodyweight.

These changes may result in a slight increase in overall bodyweight, since lean body mass weighs more than fat. However, by increasing your lean muscle mass, over time you will also increase your metabolism which means that almost all the calories that you consume, through

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eating the right foods, will be used to nourish your body and muscles and there will be less chance of the body storing excess food as fat. In addition, your body will continue to burn calories for hours after your training even when you are not exercising. This is the one of the reasons why you don’t get that lean and toned figure after spending countless hours on a treadmill week in week out; you are basically not building any muscle but actually getting weaker overtime as well!

You will get physically stronger over time Increasing your strength will make you far less dependent upon others for assistance in daily living. Day to day chores will be easier; lifting the kids, carrying groceries and moving the sofa, will no longer push you to the max. When your strength is increased, things like daily tasks and routine exercise will be far less likely to cause injury and seem less demanding.

Some research studies have concluded that even moderate weight training can increase a woman's strength by 30 to 50 percent, think about that, ladies?

The dreaded myth “I do not want to be bulky or manly” Fear not ladies. From an experience stand point this is one of the main reasons why women shy away from not embracing weight training. But from a scientific point you will not bulk up or get as big and muscular as men because of the hormonal balance in a woman’s body is so

different. Testosterone is a major factor in muscle growth which is largely what makes men increase muscle mass compared to females plus typically, women’s natural testosterone levels are 10 – 30% or lower of those of men. Instead the hormone that is equivalent to testosterone in a woman’s body is oestrogen. Oestrogen helps women develop the curvy shape and typically the presence of oestrogen is not known to result in a gain in size from weight training. On average, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy. This is one of the main reasons why as a female you will not end up with huge muscles mass you see on men but instead with the correct weight training programme, it will help you develop muscle tone and definition with the loss of body fat, a win-win situation!

So in conclusion - weight/strength training will give you a greater chance of losing unwanted body fat and having a leaner and sexier physique. It will increase your metabolism and burn more calories, even on the days when not training. It will greatly improve your posture, helping you to look and feel more confident.

Written by Luciano Kydd Body Transformation Coach based in Cheltenham and London Email: kyddfitness@hotmail.co.uk Telephone:07737347854 Vacancies are open for individuals looking to improve their overall body composition.

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Sport

THE DIRTIEST WHITES IN THE COUNTY Former Cheltenham Town FC Captain, Shane Duff, digs out his kit to head into cricket season So April is here, the flowers are blooming and the nations cricketers are foraging through their garages to dig out their cricket bats and pads. The local cricketer like me stashes away their whites during winter months and only fancies sticking them back on when the sun comes out.

The problem when pulling them out is you notice all the problems with them.

For many years now I have looked at my spikes in pre-season that are laden with rips in the leather and thought, ‘I must invest in a new pair this year’. I have the same thought about the protective clothing you wear when batting. As my talent is at such a high level, I ‘obviously’ spend many hours wearing this clothing and with this has consequences, the material gets very sweaty indeed. So the first few weeks in the season pass and I haven’t been to the shop. I justify this by thinking that the ground is still a little muddy as it is late April and I don’t want to dirty my brand new white cricket spikes, the inner garments are still going strong.

My spikes embarrass my teammates but I

secretly quite like that. The opposition see me go out and think I don’t have a clue how to hold a bat, as I must have borrowed some old gear off a teammate. Sometimes it creates a bit of an ‘edge’ out in the middle that I like, a ‘me vs. you’ mentality; a competitive feeling that certainly appeals to me as a sportsman.

The season goes on, the weather picks up and there I am, still donning the brown ripped shoes and rather smelly ‘padman’ shorts. The more stick I get off my teammates, the more stubborn I become. I just reply with something along the lines of ‘they still do the job, so until they stop I will stick with them’. Inside I definitely look at myself thinking that some new gear would make me look the part and that I would never have gone out onto a professional football pitch with muddy boots on, so why would I now … surely I have standards to keep? I find myself getting into August with only weeks of cricket left and there is obviously no point in buying some new gear then is

there? I may as well just get to the end of the season and put them in the bin, that way it will force me to buy some new shoes and shorts at the start of the following year.

I play my last game, drive home and throw the bag straight in the garage obviously in a rush to head out to celebrate ending the season … and yes the ripped spikes and smelly shorts are still in the bag! If I am on the ball, I will go and grab the whites and get them in the wash the following morning, if not it will be April before I see them again … where the same cycle will have a re-run.

Tweet me at @duffo16

www.shaneduffsoccer.co.uk Twitter: @shaneduffsoccer Facebook.com/ SOCCER shaneduffsoccer Gloucestershire’s

SCHOOL

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completely motoring

COTSWOLD STYLE APRIL 2015 115

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CRICKET SEASON OPENS IN THE COTSWOLDS Emma Logan met with Luke Sellers from the Gloucestershire Cricket Board to discuss a major revival of cricket in the county’s clubs he 2015 cricket season is nearly here and to greet the first signs of summer, new teams, junior sections and first class facilities are springing up across the Cotswolds.

At a time when a recent ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), survey showed a worrying drop in playing figures nationally, a number of clubs - from Moreton-inMarsh in the north to Cirencester in the south - are fighting back.

Steve Silk, chief executive of the Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB), which oversees all recreational cricket in the county said: “This year we have heard from a number of clubs that haven’t been in contact before, wanting advice on everything from starting junior teams to getting grants for new equipment.”

“It is great to see Cotswold clubs developing on and off the pitch. The future of both junior and senior cricket in this part of the county looks very bright.”

For a list of all clubs in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds go to www.gloucestershirecricketboard.com/clu b-development.

Below are a few Cotswold clubs to look out for in 2015:

T

TETBURY CC In 2014 Tetbury CC achieved an unprecedented treble, with their first team, second XI and Sunday side all winning their respective leagues.

Remarkably nine of the first XI and around half of the second team came through Tetbury’s youth section and grew up playing together.

But this production line of talent ceased in 2011 when, due to falling numbers, the junior section eventually folded.

The club’s success last year has prompted a re-think and with the help of the GCB, Tetbury is reforming its youth set-up, starting with an under 11 team.

Four members of the club have taken their coaching qualifications and the GCB 116 APRIL 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

is providing cricket sessions in local primary schools through the Chance to Shine scheme.

For more information please contact Ryan Walker or Mike Baverstock at: tetburycricketclub@gmail.com

BOURTON VALE CC Anybody with a desire to participate or watch cricket at all levels is welcome at Rissington Rd in Bourton on the Water, just over the road from Birdland.

Ladies, juniors starting at U8s and senior level players of all abilities will be vital to the continuing success of the club.

Over the course of the next 3 years the ambitious committee will be renovating the Clubhouse, building relationships with local businesses and extending participation in the community. If any local business is looking to improve their own public awareness and share the club’s brand values you are very welcome to make contact. Emergency repairs to the clubhouse, scoreboard and storage sheds are underway, so by May they are ready to face the summer season during which there will be a Ladies, Juniors or Senior match everyday.

Contact: Kevin Langley, Chairman Tel: 07802 251203 or Kevlangley@btinternet.com

NORTHLEACH CC Two years after folding due to lack of numbers Northleach CC are back in business.

The club will compete in the CDCA Second Division this season after playing a series of friendlies last year.

Captain Tony Gardner said: “Northleach is such a beautiful place to play or watch cricket, with the church overlooking the ground, it just seemed like a real waste. Other sides

always used to like playing us and I think a lot of people will be pleased to see us back.”

Tony has gathered together a mixture of old players and new faces but is keen to bolster the club’s ranks.

The club are training at Cirencester Leisure Centre on Sundays from 5pm-6pm. If you are interested in joining email Tony at: tangotone@hotmail.co.uk

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Sport NORTH COTSWOLDS YOUNG CRICKETERS AND MORETONIN-MARSH Two prominent clubs in Cotswold cricket past and present, have joined forces to create a bright future.

North Cotswold Young Cricketers (NCYC) – a vibrant junior club that was based at Blockley CC – has moved to Moreton-in-Marsh CC to breathe new life into the club.

As well as providing a new home, Moreton – which hosted Gloucestershire CCC 1st XI matches for many years, is also offering support with additional coaches and managers.

Andrew Sunderland from NCYC says the move will also offer more children in the town the opportunity to play cricket.

He said: “Moreton has easy links from all parts of the town and the surrounding villages. The ground also has masses of room to allow us to coach children in a safe environment. We hope this will help boost our numbers and allow both clubs to keep growing.”

NCYC – who will retain their own name – run teams at five age groups including a team in the inaugural Gloucestershire NatWest Under 19 T20 league.

Training will take place on Friday nights from 6.30pm-8pm from midApril. For more information email: andrew.sunderland@btinternet.com

COTSWOLD WOMEN’S LEAGUE It isn’t just the men’s and boy’s teams that are thriving in the Cotswolds the women’s game has also taken off.

Now entering its third season, the Cotswold District Cricket Association (CDCA) Women’s League has gone from strength to strength.

Last year around 150 women took part in the competition, which now boasts seven teams – Langford, Cirencester, Slaughters, Fairford, Charlton Kings, Poulton and Bourton Vale - and has its own sponsor – Moore Allen and Innocent estate agents. Initially played in a six-a-side format, the 2015 league will be 20 overs per side with 11 players in each team.

The remarkable thing is that the vast majority of the women taking part had never played before.

The competition was formed in 2013 by Louise Findlay-Wilson of Langford CC. Louise used to watch husband Stephen and their three sons play but decided to do something for the other “cricket mums” and “cricket widows” out there.

Louise says it has been particularly popular with women over 30 who she feels are neglected by other team sports.

She says that other reasons behind the league’s success have been that matches aren’t limited to a set day and are played in a social atmosphere.

For more information please contact Louise louise@energypr.co.uk or 01993823011.

CIRENCESTER CC One club that has been particularly busy preparing for the new season is Cirencester CC. The club has recently invested more than £125,000 in improving its facilities including new changing rooms, showers and toilets.

As well as raising a substantial amount of money themselves the club received a grant of £100,000 from the ECB and support from its landlords, the Bathurst Estate.

Chairman Nick Price said: “The new facilities are superb and will make a huge difference for both players and supporters.”

Cirencester – who runs more than 20 teams across its seniors and juniors aren’t done yet. They are already planning the next phase of development which would see them extend the bar and kitchen area.

To enquire about senior cricket at Cirencester contact Gareth Williams on 07974949530. For women and girls cricket ring Tony Wood on 07584201993.

LECHLADE CC The club currently playing the highest level of club cricket in the Cotswolds is Lechlade CC. In 2015 they will compete in the West of England Premier League’s (WEPL) Premier Two, the second highest division

in the West and the best in their 129 year history.

This will be the club’s first year at this level following a remarkable three years that has seen them win two promotions, two CDCA T20 titles and a Gloucestershire County Cup. Lechlade’s success is in large part down to the passion and drive of former chairman Paul Rowley who sadly passed away last September.

The larger than life character known universally as ‘Rolls’ transformed the club off and on the pitch, including raising £27,000 for state-of-the-art nets and setting up a junior section.

For more information ring club coach Luke Sellers on 07866882601.

CHIPPING CAMPDEN Chipping Campden has launched its first ever Junior section.

The Campden Colts kick off on April 18 with a family open day from 12pm4pm at the ground.

The club is hoping to start an U11s to play friendlies in 2015 with the hope of growing the number of teams in the future.

Working with the GCB, Chipping Campden are running assemblies in local primary schools and are planning a Facebook and leafleting campaign. A number of members are also undertaking a coaching course.

Simon Powell, Campden Colts secretary said: “We felt that there wasn’t a lot of sport for young people in Chipping Campden and the surrounding villages so we wanted to do something about it.”

The Colts first training session will take place on May 1 from 6pm-8pm.

For more information email Simon at: juniors@campdencricket.co.uk NATWEST UNDER 19 T20 Five of the Cotswold’s clubs have signed up to the inaugural Gloucestershire NatWest Under 19 T20 league.

The competition features all the razzamatazz of the professional T20 game with coloured clothing, pink balls, music and points awarded for the best match-day experience.

Cirencester, Poulton, North Cotswold Young Cricketers are among the 20 teams taking part in the tournament, which will have its final at the Bristol County Ground.

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Fitness

It’s bootcamp time …

Laura-Jayne Roberts talks to Ramsay Sawi of Ramsay PT and reveals why they are one of the best personal training company’s in Gloucestershire Running up the steps to the Ramsay PT studio I had no idea that an hour later I would be literally skipping down them potentially having made a decision that would change my life. I know it sounds dramatic but I feel I have to get it out there at the start.

Whether you are looking for more curves, less curves, bigger arms or a trimmer waist, Ramsay PT will help you turn the body you have into the body you want. Heard it all before? Well I thought I had, until I met ex-military trainer, Ramsay, and his team, with their knowledge, expertise and absolutely amazing success stories to boot, which told me otherwise.

In fact the word ‘boot’ is actually quite fitting, as in addition to one-to-one sessions, Boot Camps are one of the amazing packages this unique personal training company offers. “The main aim of Boot Camp is weight loss and improving fitness,” says Ramsay. “Not only do members receive training and nutrition advice but I look at their complete lifestyle; diet, hormones, stress levels, sleeping patterns and sugar addiction. Everyone is given meal plans. I’m very strict and make clients take pictures of all meals and text them to me!”

The success stories are amazing, take Sian Beard who has lost 42lb so far on her

weight loss and fitness journey. Sian said: “Ramsey taught me about correct nutrition and training. After the first eight weeks I had lost 21lbs!”

Ramsay’s passion for helping clients to achieve their goals is insurmountable, clearly seen in the aftercare and support he provides seven days a week. The beaming smiles and friendliness of the staff would put even the most apprehensive of exerciser at ease. The studio is very welcoming - a motivational yet relaxing environment to work out in, plus more of a private setting, ideal for those who don’t like a commercial set up.

Members at Ramsay PT are like one big family, Ramsay explains: “Clients make friends and they come to the gym and train as a group, using it at no additional charge. I also do a free running club on

Sundays and on the website there is a members area and forum where they can chat between each other and share recipe ideas, giving them support.”

Ramsay PT is specific. Everyone has an individual level in which to monitor and progress with. Regularly people report they reach a plateau in their training and weight loss, unable to go any further, and this is where Ramsay PT takes it one step further. “I have introduced resistance classes to take people’s fitness to the next level where they will also receive more in depth sports nutrition thus allowing them to get past that sticking point and go further, keeping with their lifestyle change.” Plus that’s not all, Ramsay PT also has a Sports Therapy Clinic providing Sports Massage and Osteopathy.

Having opened in September 2013 and quickly growing in popularity, with one class having turned into now 11 per week, Ramsay said: “I would love to grow the business and expand to help more people, and eventually move to bigger premises.” For now, I would settle for a smaller waist.

For more information and to book go to www.ramsaypt.co.uk

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Sport

The Grand National Betlive Radio’s expert racing pundit Nigel Aplin, reflects on Cheltenham before heading to Aintree he Colonel can be cantankerous and curmudgeonly.

Sitting in his favourite armchair, ruddy face made ruddier by crackling log light and tawny old cognac, hazy in the fine mist of an Upmann, he challenged me to differ.

He had just asserted that the Cheltenham Festival was not the Festival of yore.

Of course, The Colonel remembers the days of the wooden stand when real fires were lit every day, the middle of the course was practically empty and ‘Ladies’, were women who had their only day’s racing at Royal Ascot on ‘The Thursday’.

In other ways he was right.

Trainers are rationalising the quality of the horses they send to Cheltenham, assessing the likelihood of reaching the frame over running merely for the Cheltenham kudos. Training horses is as expensive as ever and prize money in England is relatively less than in Ireland and France, a fact voiced, by of all people, Willie Mullins before Cheltenham. This year’s Supreme Novice was a much smaller field and not the flocking field we are used to.

In addition The Aintree Festival, a few weeks later, is competing in prize money and opportunity for non-Cheltenham type

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horses. It is now considered perfectly acceptable to miss Cheltenham for Aintree.

Never has Cheltenham seen the dominance of one trainer as The Sartorial Trilby, Willie Mullins. He is so supreme in his native land that other trainers are trying to make ends meet, as it is harder for them to compete against him in the Group races.

The 2015 Cheltenham National Hunt Festival produced a record-breaking £200 million in betting turnover.

However, these turf exploits mask the simple fact that horseracing is losing its overall appeal in wagering terms. Late last year, Ladbrokes reported that football had finally overtaken horseracing as the number-one sport in overall betting volume terms and that trend looks likely to continue. Horse racing has to try harder to ensure it competes fiercely for the leisure pound.

Granted Cheltenham with its excellent new facilities is flying the flag and this year’s festival was as good as ever. The Colonel has seen dramatic changes in those attending The Festival but that can only be good for the sport. Racing, though, has got to be mindful to those younger that are just starting to relish the sport. Racing’s future is their tomorrow.

I remember my first memory of a Gold Cup winner, the last novice to win before Coneygree this year. I was very fortunate to have a Gym mistress who was also a lady jockey, quite a novelty in those days.

I sneaked out of class to join her in the gym to witness the race, oh for those days of the good old Gym Mistress!

And so to The Grand National.

If AP McCoy rides Shutthefrontdoor, it has been predicted that he could start as the shortest-priced favourite of all time since Red Rum was sent off at 7/2 in 1975 when chasing a hat trick of victories was beaten into second by L’Escargot.

Despite the Crabbie’s Grand National’s public reputation as being a lottery (which if you weren’t already aware was aptly the name of the first winner back in 1839), the fact that two-thirds of the last 24 winners were sent off in the first eight in the betting would suggest it is not as impossible as many believe.

The Colonel and I have conferred and offer you Rocky Creek, Spring Heeled and Godsmejudge.

Toodle Pip! Nigel Aplin, formally head of broadcast for William Hill, is founder of www.betliveradio.com, which features a daily digest of betting banter.

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Uncovered Cotswolds

Swinging in the Sticks Jo Jo Schofield has been eavesdropping on some whispering angels he Cotswolds is a truly stunning part of the country with many beautiful villages, miles and miles of countryside and of course our very own little army of whispering angels...AKA the gossips.

It is not unusual to have droves of these whispering angels weaving in and out of our close knit communities, busy picking up hundreds of tit-bits of gossip to send flying around the countryside keeping those hungry imaginations busy!

But as we all know it’s best to take these little whispering updates with a pinch of salt as many of these tasty morsels are hugely embellished and exaggerated for effect. However, we still like to be kept in the know, as no one likes the thought of missing out and having a cheeky little chuckle at someone else’s expense.

I tend not to pay too much notice to what I hear as it is the usual suspects getting up to no good with whomever.

But on this particular occasion I could not help but prick up my ears and take note.

The whispering angels are going into overdrive discussing if our beautiful county is indeed, fast becoming THE place for swinging parties creating a flourishing and popular social scene.

Digging a little deeper and putting out the feelers to folk that I have heard enjoy a bit of the weekend swinging (or the odd wife swap), my first point of call was a friend called James who is a regular on the Cheltenham swinging scene. James was very helpful putting me in the picture of how he has seen swinging activity go into over drive during the last few years.

He is invited on a regular basis by straight, gay and bi, married and nonmarried couples, to partake in a ‘swinging session’.

It seems gone are the days where you have to gingerly approach people in bars and gently try to work out if it would be appropriate to ask them if they would care to join you for a spot of post-pub activity. As with everything, the times have moved on and there are now tailormade websites that allow you to hand pick you’re swinging partners ... it is as simple as a click of the mouse. You don’t

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“IT SEEMS GONE ARE THE DAYS WHERE YOU HAVE TO GINGERLY APPROACH PEOPLE IN BARS AND GENTLY TRY TO WORK OUT IF IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO ASK THEM IF THEY WOULD CARE TO JOIN YOU FOR A SPOT OF POST-PUB ACTIVITY.” even need to leave your armchair to arrange group sessions of swinging delight.

Another friend of mine managed to arrange a group swinging session with four new partners in his lunch break, needless to say he finished bang on 5pm and disappeared off home with a cheeky little grin. I decided to visit and review these online websites myself - I was surprised to see just how mainstream this once taboo subject has become; it seems the Cotswolds really is a hotbed of swinging activity.

Even I have been unwittingly invited for a spot of post-pub swinging!

I was sitting in one of the lovely bars in Montpellier, Cheltenham with a few friends drinking cocktails, having a wellearned giggle and generally causing mischief. A sweet young couple that was

very friendly and polite and must have only been in their early 20s popped over and introduced themselves to us. As the night went on, we were all having a lovely time and towards the end of the evening this sweet couple invited me to join them after we had finished at the bar. I presumed that they were extending a dinner invitation to one of the neighbouring restaurants, after all those cocktails a curry was badly needed!

However, the young couple soon corrected me and explained what they had planned for the rest of the evening none of which included curry. I politely declined and wished them the best of luck with their search for an additional member to complete their swinging ambitions. Unfortunately for the wideeyed and excited couple I do not share any of my toys!

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Claire in the County

Local

Claire Thayers bemoans the plight of the working Mum

nother sleepless night, ‘what should we have for supper tomorrow? Have we got enough loo paper? Where did I put the swimming kit? Is the dog up to date with its vaccinations? Did I remember to put the rabbit in its hutch this evening? Why didn’t I iron my shirt as have important meeting in the morning? How long will it take me to get there? When will I get back? Who can pick the kids up? OMG, I HAVENT EVEN RUN THROUGH MY PRESENTATION!’ I remember one such night, so restless; eventually the ‘ex’ woke up… ‘What ARE you worrying about?’ So I reeled off the 100 and 1 things I had to do the following day and he was so helpful – he said…wait for it…

“When you get up in the morning you should simply put your suit on and concentrate on your meeting… I don’t know why you worry so.”

Helpful!! (Now you know why he’s the ‘ex’).

This is my observation – we want it all – we want to be the perfect ‘partner’, we want to be a domestic Delia, we want to be saucy in-between the sheets, we want to be wonderful at work AND we want to be a marvellous mum… but guess what… WE CANNOT DO IT ALL. Looking back, I had it all; the husband, lovely house, horses, obligatory terrier, a career, two gorgeous girls… but it just seems a blur now. All I remember is the stress – trying to juggle it all and the joke of it all is that we had two incomes and what was all that stress about? A new car… bigger house… nice holiday…

What really matters – memories.

It saddens me now when I look through the photographs – I wish I had been brave enough to get off the hamster wheel… what was I trying to prove?

I do laugh when I hear the girls talking about the trauma of their lunch boxes – all the other children had delicious tempting treats… mine… a slightly black banana (well I had to put one piece of

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“It saddens me now when I look through the photographs – I wish I had been brave enough to get off the hamster wheel… what was I trying to prove?”

fruit in to make me feel better; one of their ‘five a day’ but in truth, it was never eaten and always chucked), a two finger Kit Kat (well it was a chocolate treat and I needed chocolate in the cupboard and besides, who can get fat on a two finger Kit Kat?) a slightly soggy sarnie in cling film (as it was inevitably made the night before and the filling seeped into the bread – so pleasant), a little pot of fromage frais (which usually leaked), ALL beautifully presented in a slightly yellowed Tupperware box that had been my mother’s, and should have been thrown away, well, years ago.

No wonder they are both traumatised I officially apologise in print to them both – sorry Luci and sorry Emily for the utter humiliation of it all.

I was so stressed, poor Emily on her first day at school, at the tender of age of five, was strapped in her seat in the back of my company Volvo, and I was late, always late, wanting to take her in myself and what did I do? Pulled across the road, RIGHT OUTSIDE the school with teachers watching and had a head on accident with a new MG. Great impression… police arrived to see smashed up cars, screaming child, traumatised mother with mascara running down her face, an angry MG

driver and a very confused Headmaster.

And then there was turning up with child in school uniform to realise the school had an ‘inset day’.

Being the last mother to turn up to see ones child sat on step; too late to hold their hand for their ‘routine vaccination’; missing the nativity play because of an important meeting… the list is endless.

Always juggling… and it is all over in the blink of an eye – we are told it a hundred times ‘make the most of your babies, they will be leaving home in an instant’.

AND GUESS WHAT… IT’S TRUE! So hold on to this little mantra – ‘She spent her life in such of wealth and found herself a slave She spent her wealth in such of health and found herself a grave’ Enjoy every precious minute… Now I’m just off to look at universities as the last one flies the nest.

The future – no idea… I will probably be found alone, surrounded in Kit Kat papers, size of a house, nibbled at by numerous cats, face down in a bucket of wine.

Claire Thayers & Associates, Corporate Social Responsibility, South West www.clairethayers.co.uk

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Views

Columnist Sandra Paul asks whether your voting intention will be by the televised debates? have been involved in politics in some shape or form for decades and I can’t ignore the excitement building in me as we count down the days before the General Election.

However, working closely with politicians does make you extremely cynical, and though they may start their journey into politics with worthy intentions, as Marx said, ‘power corrupts’, and come the time of a General Election, all power is in the hands of the spindoctors of all parties.

Just look at the daily good news we have been receiving… minimum wage UP, tax on savings SCRAPPED. Isn’t it amazing how all parties save their best news to just before an election?

As I’m writing, a big bugbear amongst media and many voters is the Prime Minister’s refusal to conduct more than one TV debate. He has even been accused of running scared.

If there is more than one TV debate, we are the ones who should be scared. Let’s face it; Nick Clegg’s performances during the last election’s TV debates won him his

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seat in the Government as Deputy Prime Minister! Unbelievable! He is a slick TV performer in a way that Ed Milliband just can’t compete with – as is David Cameron.

Both have been media trained within an inch of their lives – instead of answering whoever asked the question, they answered to the camera i.e. to me! And the millions of viewers who are watching.

That doesn’t mean we should vote for them because they perform well in front of a camera. Is it fair that the TV performer wins the day rather than the substance of the party?

Can voters see through the stunts? I once worked for a Cabinet Minister (I’m not revealing the sex or the party!) and one task I was given included carrying the Minister’s shoes to the Houses of Parliament… while the Minister walked there in trainers, followed and photographed by the press corp. The national news the next day headlined with “Minister Walks”. I kid you not. The pre-election message to the voters that day was Government saving tax-payers’ money by walking – and yet only when

the cameras are on.

Ed Milliband is being criticized right now for ‘Kitchen-gate’ – it was his spindoctor’s crass attempt to depict the Labour leader as a ‘normal’ bloke sipping tea in the kitchen with his wife. Except as we discover, it isn’t the only kitchen in his five-storey house. Poor Milliband. Losing already on the media-front because of his image.

Nigel Farage is a spin-doctor’s dream because it is easy to knock everyone else’s policies. However, can you really see UKIP forming part of a coalition government? This is where the danger of TV sound bites and media photo-calls down the pub can cause real problems. If we vote based on a TV debate (who is Nick Clegg again?) we can’t blame anyone else but ourselves.

Sandra Paul has been in the communications industry for over twenty years working for Prime Ministers, Presidents and CEOs. Sandra lives and works in Cheltenham. Contact her on sandra@lococomms.com

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Competition

WIN tickets to see

PHOTO: JONATHAN BUCKLEY

Raymond Blanc at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival Outstanding Chef Raymond Blanc is headlining at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival which will take place from 7 – 10 May at the Three Counties Showground.

To celebrate his appearance, Cotswold Style is delighted to have teamed up with this RHS festival to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show alongside a signed copy of his new book Kew on a Plate, which accompanies his BBC2 series.

2015 heralds the 30th anniversary of RHS Malvern, making it the oldest regional RHS show after RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A bevy of gardening and food royalty will be appearing alongside Raymond. BBC Gardeners’ World’s Carol Klein and Joe Swift, Great British Allotment Challenge’s Jim Buttress and The One Show’s Christine Walkden, alongside CBBC Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins and CBeebies star Ben Faulks as Mr Bloom are just a few of the top names set to be in attendance.

To enter, simply email your contact details to editor@stylemagazines.co.uk.

The competition closes on 25 April 2015.

For more information about RHS Malvern, call 01684 230128 or visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk

TERMS & CONDITIONS • The prize is one pair of tickets to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival and a signed copy of Raymond Blanc’s Kew on a Plate.

• Each person can claim only one prize.

• The tickets are valued for one day only. Either Thursday 7 May, Friday 8 May, Saturday 9 May or Sunday 10 May. • Any additional costs including travel expenses, hospitality and refreshments at the Three Counties showground are not included within the prize.

• The competition is open to those who are 18 years or over and who are residents of the UK. Employees and immediate families of The Three Counties Agricultural Society, Style magazines and anyone professionally connected with the prize draw are not eligible to take part.

• The prize cannot be redeemed for its monetary value.

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This Month with Kate Justice

All those things still to do Kate Justice gets to grip with writing lists to help clear her day ne of the tasks on my list of ‘Things to do Today’, is Write Column. So… when I’ve got to the end of this page, I can tick that item off. There are a LOT of items on my list, some of which have been on the list for many years. I may even die before they actually get done.

In fact, my ‘Things to do Today’ list is really more of a ‘Things that need to be done AT SOME POINT’ Advisory Notice. I put time sensitive and immediate tasks on it too, so that I can have the satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that goes with being able to cross the odd thing off.

At one time, I had several lists – which makes a lot of sense. There’s the domestic versus work divide tasks, with imminent deadlines versus things to be accomplished that week, or monthly food shopping versus items required by the children or pets… etc etc. I even had a ‘Master List’ which detailed all the sublists.

Lists are very therapeutic – I sometimes feel so overwhelmed by everything I’ve got to do, I cannot bear the thought of beginning any tasks. This of course means more procrastination, more time lapsed with the tasks still un-done, hence even more urgency to do them, which of

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course means I can bear it even less.

BUT. Putting them on a list means they’re practically half done, doesn’t it?

Part of my total and utter lack of enthusiasm (at best) and genuine belief that I’d rather return to Uni and write a 10 thousand word dissertation than do the ironing (at worst), is the slightly panicky feeling of chaos that goes with having things to do wherever you turn. I can’t start because there’s no ORDER. And this is where the list comes in. Being on it means the chore has not been forgotten and will therefore obviously get done eventually. Ironically it’s this action that allows me to not actually do it.

So… I tend to live in a kind of ‘keeping my head above water’ state, much of the time. I will get round to doing the laundry when there is not a clean sock anywhere in the entire house… and when the fridge looks like it should belong to Old Mother Hubbard, I’ll drag myself out to the supermarket (and end up spending about £300, so long has it been since I was last there). I’ll even mow the lawn… when we can’t see the picnic table any more.

The list is such beautiful therapy that it immediately removes the urgent need to tick anything off it.

The best items to go on the list though,

are those that have in fact, already been done. Along with Write Column, I also have Book Dentist Appointment on there. But, this item is proudly ticked off because I did it this morning on the way back from the school run – just as it popped into my head. I then arrived home, wrote it on the list and crossed it off. While I’m at it… Take Children To School might as well go on there and be crossed off as well.

The list is very long… and at the top is Finish Ironing, which is really only urgent if all our clothing items are required RIGHT NOW. But the fact that it’s on there enables me to cope much better with the leaning tower of crinkly clothes that lives on the side in the utility room.

It’s on the list, so it’s dealt with.

Anyway, clearly I don’t permanently procrastinate about every single chore or job… look, we’re at the end of the page!

Write Column is about to be completed.

But celebrating crossing off Cook Dinner, Eat Dinner and Go To Bed later, might deserve a little less celebration.

If you would like to share your stories about your pets with Kate Justice, please email the Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

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Elegance is an attitude

Kate Winslet

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