Cotswold style feb 17

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THE COTSWOLDS PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

•

FEBRUARY 2017

INTERVIEWS FASHION EVENTS INTERIORS PROPERTY BUSINESS TRAVEL SPORT

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FEBRUARY 2017

IN THIS ISSUE...

12 17

Real Life with Cotswold Farmer Steve Kincart

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

30

Loved Up

42 44 48 50 63 64

Interiors Style

Romantic properties in the Cotswolds Contrast to lift the room

Through the Garden Gate Horticultural helping hands

River Cruising Love in a slow boat

Mrs & Mr Jones Exploring the magic of Iceland

68 71 72 74 77 81 86

Hot looks for Valentines Fashion inspired from the 60s

SOCIAL SCENE: 4 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

Jeremy Corbyn in a spin

Castaway With Fashion Designer, Pearl Lowe

Tittle Tattle Gossip from around Cotswoldia

Eat the Seasons Recipes from the farm

A Valentines Terrier Finding dream love

King of Cuisine Albert Roux at The Festival

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

The Smoky Eye Feminine February

Unbelievable!

90

Stuff & Stress Trying to be romantic this month

38 In-Toto Kitchens Cheltenham Launch Party 56 NSPCC Celebration Evening

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WINTER

44 St Clements Street, Oxford OX4 1AG Tel 01865 204202

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Our range of jewellery and antiques is larger than you would imagine and if you are looking to source quality diamonds, precious stones, gold, silver or time pieces then look no further. We also have a large range of one off pieces and individually styled antique and vintage jewellery items.

www.carolynkingart.com A6450 Graduated Brilliant-cut Diamond five stone ring. Approximately 1ct of Diamond | £1850.00

A4945 Art Deco style oblong cluster ring, approximately 1.45ct of Diamond | £3995.00

A1705 Large oval Amethyst and Diamond cluster ring | £2250.00

I5185 9ct Yellow Gold 'Birds nest' earrings by Jane Watlin | £850.00

A1631 9ct Yellow Gold Citrine and Diamond flower cluster ring | £695.00 S3729 Silver heart trinket box | £85.00

B7037 9ct Yellow Gold Victorian ring | £85.00

S7325 Silver and Enamel Clown on a Unicycle | £625.00

F7140 18ct White Gold Sapphire and Diamond bracelet | £3995.00

A6487 18ct White Gold Citrine and Diamond cluster ring.

Approximately 0.41ct of Diamond | £1450.00 A6398 Old-cut Diamond ring with Brilliant-cut Diamond set shoulders | £1650.00

G6764 Brilliant-cut Diamond horse shoe pendant. Approximately 0.20ct of Diamond | £585.00

B6123 18ct Yellow Gold Star Sapphire ring by Martin White of Tetbury | £850.00

I4756 Amethyst chandelier earrings | £295.00 A6410 Pear-cut Aquamarine and Diamond halo ring with Diamond shoulders | £835.00

G6765 Brilliant-cut Diamond set heart and bale pendant. Approximately 1.08ct of Diamond | £1875.00

F6292 Brilliant-cut Diamond wave set bracelet.

Approximately 2.40ct of Diamond | £1500.00 H2372 Victorian Mourning brooch | £195.00

A6377 9ct White Gold cluster ring featuring an Amethyst with Diamond surround | £695.00

H6202 Diamond and Sapphire spray brooch | £1950.00

G6352 9ct White Gold Topaz and Diamond pendant, Art Deco style | £1150.00

X6018 Mini Carriage Clock, Brass with quartz movement | £85.00

G6316 9ct and Silver Elephant pendant with Rose-cut Diamonds | £165.00

S6247 Portuguese Silver dish with Embossed design | £225.00

B6239 Rose Quartz ring with rope edging | £85.00

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www.promenadeantiques.co.uk

SA542 Silver and Enamel Tiger | £795.00

F7142 Princess-cut Diamond set bangle.

Channel set with approximately 2ct of Diamond | £2650.00

A4230 Amethyst and Diamond cluster ring with detailed shoulders.

Approximately 0.24ct of Diamond | £995.00

I6275 13mm Cultured Tahitian Pearl with approximately 2ct of Baguette and Brilliant-cut Diamond surround | £3250.00

I5267 18ct White Gold Theo Fennell Diamond set heart studs | £1950.00

I9261 18ct White Gold Diamond fancy cluster drop earrings | £2950.00

G6773 Garnet and Seed Pearl pendant | £250.00

G6767 Diamond set heart pendant and surmount | £225.00

B7035 9ct Yellow Gold oval Cirtine ring | £85.00

G6321 18ct White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond pendant, Art Deco style | £4250.00 SA900 Silver and Resin filled swan | £695.00

I7142 Amethyst, Pearl and Diamond fly earrings | £395.00

I4741 18ct White Gold Diamond bow with Ruby drops earrings | £895.00

G5707 Pave set Diamond heart pendant | £1595.00 B6126 Mourning ring dated Birmingham 1890 | £150.00

A6372 Large Citrine and Diamond oval cluster ring. Approximately 0.50ct of Diamond | £1550.00

I5182 9ct Yellow Gold Blue John reversible earrings | £195.00

F6274 9ct Yellow Gold Turquoise bracelet | £1150.00

B6241 9ct Yellow Gold cabochon Garnet ring with rope edging | £45.00

I4901 9ct and Silver Pearl and Diamond drop earrings | £645.00

S3986 Silver pin cushion, Pig design | £145 (other animal designs also available)

S6190 Silver owl bookmark | £69.00

SA949 & SA660 Silver and Enamel Chicken and Chicks | £595.00 £85.00

We specialise in secondhand and antique watches clocks & pocket watch time pieces including a range of premier brands such as

Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Longines and many more...

WE BUY WE SELL WE PART EXCHANGE 18 The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1LR | Tel: 01242 524519 | info@promenadeantiques.co.uk

www.promenadeantiques.co.uk

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WWW.FARROW-BALL.COM

000 Editors Welcome February 2017:Layout 1

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Partner Mark Cuzner 07983 179225 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Manager Alison Jones 07971 589682 / 01242 506270 alison@live24-seven.com Production Consultant Hilary Collier hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk

Editorial Designer Nick Clark nclark@stylemagazines.co.uk

Welcome

COTSWOLD STYLE Cotswold Style: Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA Switchboard: 01242 220239 Accounts: 01384 410603 Email: office@stylemagazines.co.uk Publisher: Ray Siviter

www.cotswoldstyle.co.uk

@CotswoldStyle Twitter followers

22,614 CotswoldStyleMagazine Facebook fans

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Cotswold Style is published monthly by Live 24Seven Ltd, based at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Glos, 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.

CS

February can be an odd month; hopefully by now the ‘January blues’ have lifted, the nights are just slightly lighter though the New Year resolutions may no doubt have already succumbed into some fabulous bottles of Burgundy or delicious bars of chocolate…

For the commercially and perhaps romantically minded, many look with anticipation for the commemorative occasion of St. Valentine’s Day. You may regard 14th February as nothing except a snort of nonchalance or perhaps you are hopeful that your better half may decide to pop the question. For the singletons this may be a time that you decide to ‘un-single’ yourself and find the love of your life. With this in mind I can honestly say, that finding and maintaining true love is absolutely worth it. Even if you have been through a devastating breakup and believe you can never be happy again, keep going, as it will happen – I know, as having met my partner (through our CS Fashion Editor) the wait for this happiness has been the best thing ever. So, never give up!

In this month’s edition we are looking forward to spring with a catalogue of beautiful new homes, feminine fashion, inspirational interiors and of course looking at some exciting new destinations to travel to. As the cold hasn’t yet disappeared, Mrs & Mr Jones packed their warmest winter jackets and headed to Iceland for four days; read all about their epic tales – you will probably book to go tomorrow!

Best wishes,

Emma Logan, Editor editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 9

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HOME, FASHION & GARDEN BAZAAR 10.00 am till 4.00 pm

Open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday in the Corn Hall and Saturdays in the extension area of the hall.

A huge thank you to all the customers and stallholders who made the

2016 CORN HALL

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

such a success.

We are welcoming new stallholders to join us for 2017, the Home, Fashion & Garden Bazaar is open all year on Mondays through to Thursdays in the beautiful Corn Hall right in the centre of Cirencester.

If you have a small business and would like to showcase your products in the Corn Hall in 2017 we would love to hear from you.

Please call... or visit the

page Home, Fashion & Garden Bazaar – Corn Hall

Please call Augusta Wreay on:

07970 859703

Corn Hall and Arcade, 26 Market Place, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2NY

www.cornhallcirencester.org.uk

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Style Interview REAL LIFE

STEVE KINCART Nigel Aplin met with Steve Kincart, Cotswold farmer and owner of Burley Fields Lake Farm in Cheltenham PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGUS BETHUNE ’m never quite certain if there is really a debate as to where our food comes from. Granted that if Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall makes a new series he invariably refers to traceability but does anybody really take note?

Traceability is always the latest buzzword in food, but it has taken a long time to get here. Despite the various attempts to reconnect what we eat with where it comes from, the shocking truth is that too many schoolchildren still don’t know that chips come from potatoes or burgers (ostensibly) from cows, far less the importance of eating locally produced food. When chefs Fearnley-Whittingstall, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay killed their chickens, pigs, lambs and turkeys under the glare of the television cameras, it seemed the chattering classes had started to get the message.

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But televised slaughter on such a small scale is not enough. After all, tens of thousands of cows, lambs and pigs are killed in Britain every week to produce the beef, lamb and pork we buy every day in supermarkets, butchers’ and farmers’ markets.

I decided to visit Steve Kincart of Burley Fields Lake Farm in the lower reaches of Leckhampton Hill where they rear pigs, sheep, lamb and deer to find out what’s what.

It is not long after Christmas and that is Steve’s biggest bugbear, “People only seem to bother at Christmas when it comes to the turkey; a ritual visit out into the country to buy a ‘real’ turkey is part of the old fashioned take on Christmas.

We may not see them from one year to the next. Shopping under one roof is so convenient, convenience is more important than the quality of the food.

Small producers are at the mercy of the large retail chains.”

Like all good countrymen Steve is a man of few words but what he says is delivered in a rolling Gloucestershire burr that sits very comfortably with the hills that surround him. I wouldn’t say that he is a man that despairs of our food buying patterns, he has a stoic acceptance of it is what it is, we all have a choice.

We tour his farm and I see what I expect to see, animals reared with a respect for what they are, “Even animals have feelings” Steve remarks. Indeed his deer seem to know him very well, confidently moving towards him to take food from his hand. He has always worked with animals especially pigs. “I always wanted to do farming from a very young age. When I was at school we used to have school gardens at Naunton Park so I asked the headmaster to see if I could have pigs and chickens. Pigs are fascinating creatures, very clean with personality. I was self-taught and still learning. I started doing work for the Ministry of Agriculture and attended Hartpury Agricultural College. I bought a little land and gradually started adding more pigs, sheep, chickens, goats and deer and the farm shop has been going for about ten years.”

I had not expected to see anything different from well-farmed animals in natural surroundings and I didn’t. The real issue comes when animals leave the farm and here Steve is somewhat illuminating, “The journey to, during and leaving the abattoir is where problems occur. We have a short journey to the abattoir but some animals, >>> COTSWOLD COTSWOLDSTYLE STYLEFEBRUARY JANUARY 2017 13

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Style Interview

especially in Scotland, can travel huge distances. Animals become stressed and clearly this affects the quality of the meat. We make sure our stock are slaughtered early in the morning and more importantly we are exacting in making sure the animals that go in are the same animals that come out.”

Now this is new to me as Steve explains, “Abattoirs deal in many animals and mass production is exactly what the term suggests; what goes in is not necessarily the same animal that comes out. Meat is boxed on an industrial scale and arrives already packaged at all the major supermarkets and many butchers.

Two pork chops are not necessarily from the same pig or two chicken legs from the same chicken. Processed meat can come from a myriad of animals from numerous countries.”

14 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

It also appears that butchers are not quite the butchers we all think we know and love, “Unless it’s a top quality butcher, butchers are not, well, butchers.

When did you last see a side of meat hang in a butchers shop? They are not taught how to properly butcher an animal because most meat arrives packaged. Do they know where it comes from or can be traced to the same animal? No. Mark, my full time butcher, often gives informal tuition to supermarket butchers who just do not know how to cut and chop properly.”

Public consciousness of battery farmed chickens is now clichéd but Steve is wary of pigs coming in from Europe, “Pigs used to be battery farmed in this country, chained in pens where the noise was deafening. That process was stopped some time ago but the equipment sold

to mainland Europe. Pig farming in Spain is big business but I’m not sure about their methods. Much of this country’s pork is imported.”

Steve is very proud of his Mangaliza pigs, a pig breed that once traded alongside gold on the Hungarian stock from where they originate via Curly Coated Lincolns. To the untrained eye they could easily be mistaken for sheep, for these woolly creatures are covered in a thick, course coat making them well equipped to deal with extreme weather.

The pigs are slow growing, which gives the meat its unique ruby red colour and sweet taste, pork for the connoisseur.

Steve’s sausage’s, by the way, vary every week with new flavours ranging from wild garlic picked from the forest on the farm to spicy chilli, mushroom, stilton, leek, rosemary and thyme, beef, lamb and mint, venison and wild boar.

At varying times during Steve’s tour of the farm he will delve into his paraphernalia and magically entice the livestock with his ‘magic mix’. Dr Doolittle like, his animals actually talk to him, “It’s laced with chocolate” he tells me, “It gives a very special flavour to the meat.”

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“I do (find it tough) but I wouldn’t do anything else, I’ve been with my partner, Pam, for twenty nine years and we’ve never been on holiday.”

As our immune system becomes increasingly resistant to the use of antibiotics, so it is in meat producing.

“Chickens are ‘blanket’ treated in mass food production”, Steve tells me and “I only use antibiotics to treat specific problems, restorative rather than preventative. The more chemicals that an animal consumes, the more it will affect the meat.”

Consumer organisations have indeed concluded that the threat to public health from the overuse of antibiotics in food animals is real and growing.

Humans are at risk both due to potential presence of superbugs in meat and poultry and to the general migration of superbugs into the environment, where they can transmit their genetic immunity to antibiotics to other bacteria, including bacteria that make people sick.

Numerous health organisations, including the American Medical

Association and the World Health Organization, agree and have called for significant reductions in the use of antibiotics for animal food production.

Of all Steve’s animals the most I’m fascinated by is his goats. While the UK may have embraced goats’ cheese, we seem less keen on the meat. It has a reputation for tasting gamey (it isn’t – in fact it actually tastes a lot like beef) and we are convinced that it will be tough and stringy (not if you treat it properly).

Yet in India, southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia – most of the rest of the world, in fact – goat meat has always been popular.

Goat meat has fewer calories than beef, pork, lamb or even chicken, since it is a very lean meat and it’s also high in potassium and has twice as much iron as beef. In some countries, including Korea and the Philippines, goat meat is

considered something of an aphrodisiac.

In Jamaica, “mannish water”, a goat soup that seems to contain everything except the bleat, is served to bridegrooms on their wedding night.

Ultimately life is not easy for the small producer and I have no doubt that Steve finds it tough, “I do but I wouldn’t do anything else, I’ve been with my partner, Pam, for twenty nine years and we’ve never been on holiday.”

I think the saddest thing is that we clearly don’t appreciate the small producer enough treating them as an annual purchase like a Christmas tree.

Of course, ultimately we will pay a price when another food scare, pertaining to mass produced meat, hits the headlines.

We’ll avoid it for a few months and then go back to the way we were.

For more information on Steve and his farm visit: www.burleyfieldslake.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 15

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PROPERTY

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Beyond yo Beyond your ur e expectations xpectations www.hamptons.co.uk w ww.hamptons.co.uk

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COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 21

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UNLOCK THE DOOR R TO YOUR N NEW HOME E WITH HELP ELP TO BUY Y Help to Buy can help you step onto o the property ladder and makes es moving much more affordable. able.

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These se stunning apartments enjoy an unrivalled location, just a short hort distance from the town centre ntre and close ose to a variety of entertainment. ent. There is plenty to do and see in the local area and you will be Reading nearby. well connected to a number of largee towns and cities, with Oxford, d, R eading and London London all nearby arby.

2 bedroom apartments from £249,000 000 Just £199,2 £199,200 200 with Help to Buy* now now! w!

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Help tto o Buy is av available ailable on the e pur purchase chase of yyour our primary residence residence up tto o the vvalue alue of £600,000. YYou ou must must fund a minimum off 80% of the purchase purchase pric price. e. The Go Government’s vernment’s loan loan will need to to be repaid repaid property is sold or after after 25 yyears ears i.e. up to to 20% of the properties properties total total sale sale price. price. During the fir st five five years years of owning ownin ng your your home, you you will not pay any interest interest on the he Government’s Government’s loan loan and when the property first you will pay a management fee fee of £1 per month. In the sixth yyear, ear, you you will be charged charged a fee fee of 1.75% of the loan’s loan s value value and this t increases annually annually with inflation, calculated calculated d by RPI (Retail (Retail Price Price Inde x) you increases Index) You will also require require adequate adequate funds to to cover cover legal legal costs costs and moving moving g fees. fees. To To be eligible, eligible, you you must must meet the criteria criteria a set down down by this Government Government scheme, details details of which are are available available from from plus 1%. You the Cr est Nicholson Sal es Adv visor. The amount of deposit rrequired equired may vvary ary depending d rules and the llender ender ffor or the mortgage financ e. If you you are are in any doubt bt about this scheme please please Crest Sales Advisor. on the scheme rules finance. advice. Cr esst Nicholson does not pr ovide mortgages and cannot cannot a give any financial advic e. External External and Show Sho how Home photography. photography. Pricing correct correct on 20.01.17.

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Style Hot Property

Prestbury Road, Cheltenham

Guide price ÂŁ595,000

Setting the scene: Forming part of an classic period terrace along a wide tree lined road.

Why we love it: An attractive Grade II listed town house with rendered elevations relieved by sash hung windows. The light and bright accommodation is based on a sitting room to the front with a pretty fireplace, kitchen/dining room to the rear with utility room, WC and access to the garden. On the first floor there lies the master bedroom with a traditional fireplace and sash windows to the front of the house. A further guest bedroom and family bathroom complete the first floor. The second floor is much the same with two good sized bedrooms and a shower room with store. The house features an array of period features throughout; to include traditional fireplaces, ceiling cornicing and sash hung windows. To the lower ground floor there is a self-contained one bedroom apartment with fitted kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. Separate access and a store complete the apartment which offers rental potential or an annexe to the main house. To the rear of the house is a generous town garden with a mixture of mature shrubs and plants. There is also parking on the back lane to the property and public parking on Prestbury Road. harry.bethell@knightfrank.com | Knight Frank, 123 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW | 01242 246959 24 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Style Hot Property

Imperial Square, Cheltenham

Guide price ÂŁ650,000

Setting the scene: An exceptional 2nd floor apartment, forming part of a Regency style terrace, overlooking the colourful Imperial Gardens.

Why we love it: The apartment offers immaculate and spacious accommodation which benefits from many period style features, including sash windows and attractive coving. From an elegant entrance hall double doors open into the spacious living room with three sash windows which overlook Imperial Gardens. The sitting dining room leads through to the modern kitchen. The kitchen has plenty of units and a range of integral appliances. To the rear of the apartment are three double bedrooms. The master bedroom has built-in wardrobes, dressing table and a modern en suite with walk in shower.

Bedroom 2 also offers built-in wardrobes and the 3rd double bedroom is currently used as a spacious office. All three bedrooms have plantation window shutters. There is a very smart shower room off the reception hall, along with a large storage cupboard. There is secure underground parking, well-tended communal gardens and a lift which services all floors. hayley.wilks@knightfrank.com | Knight Frank, 123 Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW | 01242 246959 COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 25

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Style Hot Property

The Podium, Cheltenham

Prices from: ÂŁ195,000 Leasehold

Setting the scene: This fabulous development comprises 10, one and two bedroom apartments with generous terraced garden or balcony and a second phase of duplex penthouses due for the Summer. With over 50% now sold, theses flats have been extremely desirable.

Why we love it: The location of this development is superb being walking distance to the best areas for restaurants, bars and shopping, Montpellier, The Suffolks and Bath Road. Plus having secure underground parking and outside space is a rarity in the centre of town.

Details: Hamptons | Cheltenham | Tel: 01242 639414 | cheltenham@hamptons-int.com 26 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

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olidavisphotography.co.uk

Leckhampton, Cheltenham

Guide price ÂŁ499,950

Setting the scene: A unique, extended family property that offers large rooms throughout and must be viewed to appreciate its scale. Situated in the heart of Leckhampton it is moments from Leckhampton Primary school and sits within catchment of Bournside School & Sixth Form Centre.

Why we love it: This five bedroom property consists of extended front, side and rear elevations. The entrance hall is spacious and laid with large tiles which flow through to the rear of the property. The living room looks to the front whilst across the hallway within a large extension sits what is currently being used as a fifth bedroom. This versatile room would also be suitable as a study or perhaps a treatment room for anyone whom wishes to operate such a business from home.

The rear of the property opens up to a wonderfully presented open plan kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is equipped with a Neff counter top five ring gas hob with a separate Neff oven and grill, an integrated fridge and a dish washer. You will find plenty of storage and counter top space. Set into the corner of the kitchen is a superb dining area furnished with a large diner styled booth. The kitchen also boasts a beautiful extension. A tall pitched ceiling exposes this room to natural light through three skylights. A rear wall of floor to ceiling windows with French doors along with an additional door set off to the 28 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

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side give this room an air of openness and access to the well maintained south facing rear garden. A wood burning fire sits in the corner and spotlights dot the ceiling. Furthermore, a Sonos sound system has been installed to this superb space that serves as the focal point of this property. A large utility room is set off to the side with an additional rear door that opens to the patio. Further kitchen units line the wall opposite and set within, space for two large fridge freezer units. A large double shower room can be found beyond the utility and is set beneath a tall pitched roof ceiling. This shower room compliments the downstairs bedroom perfectly. The first floor offers four large double bedrooms.

The master bedroom sits across the stairs and benefits not only from size, but wonderful tall ceilings and dual aspects.

The family bathroom is tastefully decorated and features stone tiles, a reclaimed wooden window sill and ledge, a large shower bath with toilet and round sink unit which is set within the wall. To the front of the property the driveway is block paved and offers space for two vehicles. A side gate offers access to a lovely garden that has a raised grass lawn and an extensive patio that flows from one side of the property to the other providing plenty of space for entertaining. This property's location is perfectly placed for Leckhampton's popular primary school and is within catchment of Bournside School & Sixth Form Centre. It is close to local shops set within the Leckhampton community and is a pleasant stroll to the hustle and bustle of the Bath Road and the town centre beyond. This property has been thoughtfully extended without compromise and offers space and flexibility depending on your living requirements. Viewing is highly recommended. EPC–C. M.E And You Estate Agents | 01242 584007 COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 29

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T H E C OT S WO L D C O L L E C T I O N

BY SPITFIRE BESPOKE HOMES

CHARACTERFUL COTSWOLD HOMES Spitfire’s Cotswold Collection offers bespoke developments of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in three attractive market towns and villages. Built in the timeless Cotswold Vernacular, the high specification of all the homes includes traditional stone and architectural detailing, bespoke hand-painted kitchens, Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware and Porcelanosa tiling.

ALL HOMES BENEFIT FROM SPITFIRE’S SIGNATURE SPECIFICATION BESPOKE HAND PAINTED KITCHENS / VILLEROY AND BOCH SANITARYWARE / PORCELANOSA TILING / OAK VENEER INTERNAL DOORS HARDWOOD FRAMED WARDROBES IN PAINT FINISH / WOOD BURNING STOVES / TRADITIONAL STONE AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING DATA AND HD CABLING UNDERFLOOR HEATING TO GROUND FLOOR / PAINTED TIMBER FRAMED WINDOWS

BROADWAY • STOW - ON - THE - WOLD • CHIPPING CAMPDEN Request your copy of RESIDENCE, the magazine of the Spitfire Cotswold Collection.

Contact our Selling Agents KNIGHT FRANK on 01789 206967 CGI is indicative only. Internal photography of Showhome.

WWW.SPITFIREPG.CO.UK

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The Cotswold Collection An Introduction to The Cotswold Collection by Spitfire Bespoke Homes The award-winning residential developer, Spitfire Bespoke Homes, has created an idyllic group of five developments popularly known as The Cotswold Collection. This collection is born from a passion to offer stunning new homes that complement the ethos of desirable locations in Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, Broadway and Fairford.

The Cotswolds is an area that draws on young professionals, families, downsizers and retirees alike, both locally and those relocating. The area also attracts investors looking for ‘buy-to-let’ and holiday rental properties. This region is perfectly placed for commuting - located approximately 90 minutes from London by train and with excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40 for Bristol, the Midlands and the South. There is also wide appeal for those wishing to enjoy the slower pace of semi-rural living, and equally for those who seek the stylist boutiques and restaurants that offer a metropolitan ambience in the countryside.

Leading property consultancy Knight Frank’s research shows that 52% of buyers in the Cotswolds are drawn from London, 20% from the South West and 10% are international buyers.

Those that live locally to the developments have keenly watched the sites evolve, waiting for the high-quality developments to near completion. Local to Stow-on-the-Wold, Michael and Yvonne Baker purchased at Crossways, moving in before Christmas: “We are both very pleased with the purchase of our home at Crossways having chosen the development because of the specification Spitfire offer and deliver, and because of the proximity to the town centre. From first seeing the show home and the quality of the product, having regular site visits,

“It’s extremely rare to find new-build properties of this standard in such an historic location, among cherished local landmarks...” and being able to personally choose our fixtures and finishes from kitchen style to tiles, we have been very pleased with the processes involved. Having moved in during the cold winter months, our house has been lovely and warm owing to the under floor heating and well insulated lofts.”

With all of the developments in the Cotswold Collection now launched, now is the time to visit the show homes and speak with the agents involved as interest has remained very high since first launching. Spitfire’s vision is for the homes on these developments to be created with individual personalities, built with traditional, locally sourced materials and finished to the highest specification so that they reflect the character and ambience of the Cotswolds. Furthermore, they reflect the inherent picturesque charm of England’s largest designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The simple but traditional external architectural form meets a more contemporary signature specification internally. Kitchens that have been individually designed for Spitfire Bespoke Homes with quartz work surfaces and Siemens appliances. Designer Villeroy &

Boch sanitary ware complemented by Porcelanosa tiling, underfloor heating, wood burning stoves, engineered oak flooring in the entrance hall, oak veneer doors, chrome fittings and the latest wiring for in-built technology all form part of the standard specification.

Mark Johnson, Partner from selling agent Knight Frank, comments: “It’s extremely rare to find new-build properties of this standard in such an historic location, among cherished local landmarks. Unlike typical housebuilders, Spitfire considers each of its developments individually, taking full advantage of the properties’ settings and the desires of the local market. Spitfire effortlessly blends old and new, creating homes that seamlessly fit their surroundings, while also demonstrating a very modern flair that makes them truly unique”.

Contact: Knight Frank LLP – Harriet Dickson, 01789 206 967, harriet.dickson@knightfrank.com

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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE SPECIAL

Loved-up properties of the month...

It’s February and love is in the air. Generally speaking, the Cotswolds are considered a pretty romantic area – a recent survey undertaken by The Telegraph named the Cotswolds as the fourth most romantic area in the UK. Amanda MacCaw has picked out some places and properties that will make your heart properly flutter – and not just because of the price!

Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh...

Montpellier House, Suffolk Square, Cheltenham Starring Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Palmer and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the long running TV romcom Butterflies was set in Cheltenham. Locations included Hatherley Park, Bournside Road and Montpellier.

Feel the ‘70s Butterflies vibe at this Grade II Listed building that stands proud on Suffolk Square, just two streets back from back from Montpellier Terrace and Montpellier Gardens. The apartment is on the ground floor, overlooking the bowling green to the front. The proportions are fabulous with high ceilings and triple sash windows. There are two double bedrooms, two shower rooms, allocated parking, and communal garden areas.

£650,000 (share of freehold), Savills, 01242 548000 / www.savills.co.uk

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Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day...

Brookside Cottage, Shottery, Stratford upon Avon Shakespeare’s sonnets are not only some of our most romantic poems, they are also said to be the most widely-read in English literature. Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway, his bride-to-be, at her cottage in Shottery, Stratford, so it really doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

This two bedroom Grade II Listed cottage in Shottery’s Church Lane more than lives up to its location. There’s character and history in abundance, and a beautiful cottage garden.

Offers over £675,000 Fine & Country, 01789 332600 / www.fineandcountry.com

Lucky Catherine the last stayed alive...

North Street, Winchcombe The Saxon town of Winchcombe’s Sudeley Castle has been described as ‘the most romantic castle in England’, with its 1,200 acres of beautiful grounds and ten award-winning gardens. Katherine Parr, the last (and arguably the most fortunate) of Henry VIIIs six wives lived and died at the castle, where she still remains today, entombed in the beautiful 15th Century church.

Located in Winchcombe’s North Street, just a brief stroll from Sudeley Castle, is a classic Cotswold townhouse. Behind its period façade lies a charming four bedroom property with a very contemporary open plan feel. There’s a 26’ sitting room with wood burning stove, striking living room with sliding glazed doors to the deck and south west facing, part walled garden.

There’s off road parking too.

£575,000 Freehold. Adams Estate Agent, 01242 603601 / www.adamsestateagents.com

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Pride and Prejudice...

Sydney Place, Bath Much debate surrounds which of Jane Austen’s novels is her most romantic. Aficionados will have good reasons for their choice, but whether you’re inclined towards Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Northanger Abbey, or any of her other books, Austen fans will be excited by the idea of a home in the same street as she once lived.

Jane Austen is perhaps the best known and best loved of Bath's many famous residents and visitors. For several years, the Austen family lived at Sydney Place, which offered easy access to Sydney Gardens with its regular social galas. The many delights of Bath were possibly something of a distraction from Austen’s writing, but her knowledge of the city was used in two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both of which are largely set in Bath.

Currently on the market is an impressive apartment in a Sydney Place Grade I Listed property, overlooking Sydney Gardens. Having been the former ballroom to Queen Charlotte in the early 1800s, the flat requires considerate and sympathetic refurbishment. Situated on the first floor of the house, and reached by a beautiful spiral cantilevered stone staircase from the communal hall, the apartment is historically and architecturally fascinating, and would make an exceptional project.

£660,000, Hamptons International, 01225 220216 / www.hamptons.co.uk

Love in a Cold Climate...

High Gables, Bourton-on-the-Hill Five of the six Mitford sisters lived at the Victorian Gothic Mansion, Batsford Park, in the early 1900s.

All the sisters were remarkable in very different ways. Nancy was the famous novelist who wrote two great love stories, Love in a Cold Climate, and The Pursuit of Love.

Today, you can stroll around Batsford Arboretum’s 56 acres of botanical garden and home to one of the largest private tree collections in the country. There’s romance here in every season. Evidence of landscaping by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, grandfather to the Mitford sisters, can still be seen in the grounds.

There’s a lovely off-road route from the Arboretum to Bourton-on-the-Hill, where you will find High Gables, a substantial six bedroom house, set in 0.75 acres of grounds, with views across the adjoining countryside.

£1.25m, Knight Frank, 01451 888046 / www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Letter Box Cottage, Hidcote Boyce Dating from the 18th Century, this Grade II Listed two bedroom thatched cottage with leaded lights is a lovely village home with oodles of period charm and character including exposed beams, flagstone floors, and an inglenook and stone fireplace. It’s surrounded by beautiful rolling Cotswold countryside.

Incurable romantics, for whom all this quaintness isn’t quite enough, will be delighted that the cottage is less than a mile from both Hidcote Manor Gardens and Kiftsgate Court Gardens.

Hidcote Manor Gardens comprises of a series of small gardens, each with its own distinct personality. Water features, pools, long avenues flanked by old scented roses, the white garden, the wild area adjacent to countryside…. exploring Hidcote is one of life’s great romantic pastimes.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens are utterly beautiful in every respect, but it is the exceptional rose that is so remarkable.

Believed to be the largest rose in England, Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’ smothers three trees in its spreading white blooms, and is a very splendid sight. (Red roses are available too!)

Oh my love is like a red red rose...

Offers in the region of £450,000 Mark Annett & Company, 01386 841662 / www.markannett.com

Amanda is a freelance PR and copywriter offering a friendly and collaborative service in the Cotswolds. www.wildmaccaw.co.uk She can be contacted on 01386 700068 / 07977 238175 / amanda@wildmaccaw.co.uk

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It’s more than a look Discovering the crafts of Neptune as it opens in Cheltenham For those who are yet to discover Neptune, theirs is a world of beautifully hand-crafted furniture, textiles and accessories for the home and garden.

Design wise, they’re perhaps most known for kitchens with their heirloom-worthy dressers not far behind. But it’s their approach to design that also helps to set them apart from the rest. Every Neptune product tells the tale of incredible thought and detail, because they want them to be better than you ever expected.

It’s not all about looks. It’s just as much about the way a product works; things that you may never see, but which elevate a design into that special something that you just couldn’t ever be without.

Back to looks, their signature style is British. Refined, simple, sturdy and with an almost obsessive attention to detail.

And they’re certainly most respected for their commitment to craft and quality.

Never will you find chipboard in a Neptune piece, nor will you see MDF, ever. Put simply, they make things they’re proud of, and want you to be too. Classic, timeless elegance is what they strive for, but in a way that makes it adaptable to any style of interior. A Neptune design can look just as beautiful in a traditional country cottage as it can in a more contemporary city apartment. They believe that the true mark of a classic is one that can translate to any setting. You just know that it will look good.

We’re big fans of Neptune at Cotswold Style, and for reasons outside of their utterly beautiful collections. It comes down to how they do business.

They’re a British-born brand whose founders still sit at the heart of the business. They’re involved in the designs from the moment they’re imagined and they know about every good and bad review, because they care. They’re all about putting the customer first. Take their Lifetime Guarantee on their kitchens as an example. Provided you have it installed by one of their certified fitters, Neptune pledge to look after you and your kitchen for life so you can relax and know that should anything ever go

wrong, they’ve got your back.

If you’re sitting up in your seat, if your interest has been piqued, you’ll be glad to learn that Neptune has announced that it will be opening one of its extraordinary stores in Cheltenham. Located just off the high street on North Place, Neptune Cheltenham sees the impressive restoration of the grade II listed Parrot pub. It’s stone-fronted with sash windows and the original metal porch intact so makes quite an impression. And inside there’s an open staircase that exposes all three floors. All four of Neptune’s kitchens (Chichester, Suffolk, Henley and Limehouse) are displayed throughout the store, as well as a very carefully considered selection of its other collections, from dining tables and beds to textiles and paint. It’s the perfect place to become acquainted with one of our absolute favourite British interiors brands.

Neptune Cheltenham opens on 2nd February 2017. For the first month of its opening, guests will receive a £50 voucher for every £500 spent in-store. To find out more, visit Neptune.com.

Neptune Cheltenham, 4 North Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4DW

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

in-toto Kitchens Cheltenham Celebrates its Grand Opening with a MasterChef Experience Dishes were prepared throughout the day by MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards, with the Mayor of Cheltenham in attendance throughout the hugely successful afternoon celebrations. To find out more about in-toto’s stunning kitchens visit www.intoto.co.uk or call 01242 573275.

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Carpet Emporium is truly a family business run by Don D’Ambrosio along with his wife Mary and cousin John who have successfully built up a carpet business with a ‘difference’.

We are not your normal carpet business with just lots of pattern books or samples to choose from, we actually probably stock more carpet rolls and large room sized remnants than other carpet business in Gloucestershire.

When people think of a carpet remnant they think of a small piece suitable for a small bedroom, but the remnants we stock are big enough to carpet several rooms.

the difference is...

WHY CARPET REMNANTS? We also stock full rolls which will carpet a complete house. Many of these offer our customers a discount of up to 50% off normal retail prices. All remnants are perfect we do not sell factory seconds. We offer budget priced remnants to top quality 80% Wool Twist and 100% Wool Berbers, we also have many wool carpets that are now mothproof.

If you cannot find what you are looking for in our extensive stock selection of over 250 rolls, we also have over 500 samples of carpets and rugs from all leading carpet manufactures in the UK and Europe.

RUGS We also carry a huge range of rugs all from stock from bargain priced polypropylenes to 100% Wool Natural, plains and patterned. Many of the rugs stocked are discontinued lines which represent a big saving on normal prices.

VINYLS Over 250 designs and styles of top quality vinyls available, from marble, wood, tile effect and many contemporary designs.

DIVAN BEDS & MATTRESSES We have a large selection of different quality mattresses from budget priced open coil, to high quality 3000 pocket sprung, and also superb quality natural latex options. All beds and mattresses can be delivered direct from stock.

WHY PURCHASE FROM CARPET EMPORIUM Carpet Emporium aim to make your carpet buying experience as easy as possible, we offer a measuring and planning service free of charge. We have experienced carpet fitters which we can fully recommend or we can deliver carpets direct to your premises for your own fitter to install. We have been providing flooring and rugs in the Cheltenham area for over 35 years.

Customer satisfaction is crucial to our business and we will always endeavour to bring our customer the best service and most competitive prices we possibly can.

01242 22 88 55

Give us a try before you buy we GUARANTEE value for money!

16-28 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HA Open 9am-5pm Tues, Weds, Fri & Sat LATE NIGHT OPENING THURSDAYS – 9am-6.30pm

carpetemporium@hotmail.com | www.carpetemporium.co.uk

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George Smith Kilim Signature Standard Arm Sofa, £9,931 and George Smith Baby Buttoned Drum, £1,848, available from www,georgesmith.co.uk

INTERIORS STYLE

Right: Concrete Wallpaper, £199 from Design Vintage

Compiled and written by Caroline Berry As with any successful painting - the best interiors have a level of contrast which give rooms the lift that makes them look special. The exposed stonework is particularly good with the kilim covered sofa by George Smith, but an injection of texture, colour or tone will have the same effect as it gives the kilim something solid to play against.

It is a move away from co-ordination towards accumulation, which has soul.

Caroline Berry is a well established Interior Designer. Her portfolio includes country houses, town houses, contemporary and listed buildings. She studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths and still paints and makes sculpture. Email: caroline@carolineberry.co.uk

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Below: Dark Walnut Coffee Scoop by Luke Hope, £60, www.reste.co.uk

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Above: Phantom Linen Rectangular Cushion, £45 from designvintage.co.uk Left: Indigo and Hemp Basket, £32 from designvintage.co.uk

Below: Vintage Zemmour Flat Weave Kilim, £325, www.marbleandmint.co.uk

Above: Flummery Cabinet by Loaf £895 from Loaf.com

Above: Giant Concrete Planters £80 - 95 from designvintage.co.uk

All items on this page can be supplied by caroline@carolineberry.co.uk

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Through the Garden Gate With the new year well underway, our gardening guru, Camilla Bassett-Smith, takes a look at why horticultural helping hands are so important... ardening is good for us all, there can be no doubt about that. There are certain times however that it can become a life changer, providing feasts to the senses beyond belief.

You may be familiar with the Cheltenham based charity WellChild, helping sick children and their families across the UK. Well let me introduce you to their horticultural arm (or should that be stem?). WellChild Helping Hands is a national programme providing teams of corporate volunteers into the homes of families with children or young people with complex conditions and care needs to deliver garden makeovers. With over 270 completed projects so far, like a tomato on Tomorite, they continue to grow from strength to strength.

Here in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, one young man and his family are tantamount to that success. Ciaran, now aged 11, has Down's Syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a

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progressive muscle-weakening condition.

Being in a wheelchair, his parents were keen for him to be able to access the whole of their garden, not only the raised patio area outside the house, as had previously been the case. Their dream was for Ciaran to help dig and plant and enjoy a variety of sensory stimulations.

Enter Helping Hands and a team of volunteers from St James’ Place for a two day makeover.

Having worked on many garden makeovers for television output, I know that you are spoilt for choice once it comes to selecting plants which offer a supernova explosion for your senses.

Top of the list has to be lavender. A brush of your bottom as you pass by emits the most glorious scent – favourites of mine for a five star nasal experience include ‘Royal Velvet’ and ‘Pacific Blue’. So as volunteers added these purple gems to Ciaran’s garden, they also looked to other herbs including

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“The end result was a space in which the family have shared many valuable moments, playing and planting and just enjoying their outside time together.” rosemary and mint which were placed in raised beds either side of the new retained gravel path allowing full wheelchair access down the full length of the garden. Now you may think mint is mint, but trust me, it’s made as many liaisons as Casanova, offering chocolate mint, pineapple mint, ginger mint, grapefruit mint, lime mint, basil mint, lemon mint and more! Interested to find out more, then the website of South Gloucestershire’s Jekka McVicar is a real eye opener. (Or nose opener, but that doesn’t sound as pleasant!).

The team decided to add a ‘destination deck’ at the end of the garden with more raised beds and a solar powered water feature. Solar power has come on in leaps and bounds recently, I was astounded at the strength of solar spotlights purchased from The Solar Centre for a garden we worked on for Channel 4’s ‘Inside Out Homes’ last year – eco energy at its best. So with the trickling water adding excitement for the ears, the beds were planted with grasses

and bamboo to provide a relaxing rippling and rustling as the breeze passes through.

A pergola was erected on the path, giving the opportunity for the family to hang ‘face tickling items’ from the structure – an experience which Ciaran loves! A honeysuckle was planted which will climb away spreading its scent over all around. As a rule of thumb it always makes sense to plant fragrant plants by paths or structures such as benches or your back door for maximum impact. Even in the winter, plant Sarcococca confusa or Lonicera x purpusii near the house for frosty sweetness.

The final touch was a play bench on the patio, with removable trays – perfect for water or sand or even compost when dabbling with some dirt for a bit of planting. My perfect type of play!

The end result was a space in which the family have shared many valuable moments, playing and planting and just enjoying their outside time together.

If you’d like to offer your support to WellChild and head out for an evening full of gardening inspiration, I’m delighted to be chairing ‘Spring into Gardening’ at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester on April 6th from 6.45pm.

There’ll be live demonstrations from green-fingered garden designers, Tatham and Durr and tips on how to design an award winning garden from Chelsea gold-medallist Olivia Kirk. Plus there’s a chance to win tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in a special auction in aid of WellChild.

Early bird tickets are available until February 6th at £8, there after tickets will cost £10 per person, a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles are included. For tickets, please visit: www.wellchild.org.uk/events See you there!

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RIVER CRUISING LOVE ABOARD A SLOW BOAT Self-professed adventuress and Travel Writer Lucy Garbutt samples two unique and spectacular river journeys here can be nothing more romantic than a journey cruising through the heart of a country and simply relaxing for a few days as your floating hotel gracefully wends its way between inextricably linked cities, towns and rural communities. By traversing a county’s waterways on a timeless river you travel far from the madding crowd and experience the changing landscapes, local culture and sacred rituals of a place from a luxurious vantage point.

A new standard of river cruising has emerged offering guests a taste of genuine five star luxury and high levels of sophistication, with spacious boats designed as small-scale ships with fewer passengers, large bedroom suites,

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The sun deck aboard the Nile Adventurer

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The celestial suite aboard the Yangtze Explorer

gourmet cuisine, on-board spas, pools, yoga and excellent lectures to name but a few!

Part of our honeymoon was spent exploring China with perhaps the most memorable journey a cruise unlike any other along the mystic Yangtze River. The Yangtze is known as the symbolic lifeline of China and cuts through the country, dividing it into north and south. This mighty river with its numerous tributaries provides a great transportation network through the heart of some of the most scenic and fascinating parts of China. Our journey was tranquil and unhurried and we watched the world go by from the comfort of our deck and occasionally

stopped to disembark and explore interesting places along the way. At one such village we went ashore and set off on a fascinating sightseeing cycle ride to explore the local area, stopping for lunch and even traversing a tributary of the Yangtze aboard a floating bamboo raft with our bicycles suspended against flimsy rails.

Perhaps my all-time favourite trip was

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Style Travel You will be steered into soul-stirring landscapes and enjoy extraordinary adventures, authentic experiences and refined yet relaxed elegance all while the on-board team surround you in the warmest hospitality.

through part of Egypt by boat along the Nile. The Nile is the world’s longest river and a cruise on it is simply the most relaxing and enjoyable way to discover the true source of Egypt’s fabled history and the reason for it becoming one of the world’s earliest, greatest civilisations. Whilst gliding along between Luxor and Aswan we saw some of Egypt’s magnificent temples as well as a myriad of birdlife

and seven thousand years of fascinating heritage and culture, which has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The deck is the perfect spot for relaxing while taking in the scenery, but the best part was hopping ashore accompanied by our fascinating Egyptologist, who guided us on what had to be one of the world’s most spectacular sightseeing experiences. We explored the Valley of the Kings and River cruising is the ultimate way to spend lazy days watching the world go by as you glide between bustling ports, floating markets, ancient temples and into pristine wilderness inaccessible to most

temples such as Karnak, Luxor, Edfu and Abu Simbel with our supersonic guide to bring the history alive. The greatest joy was retreating back on board our luxurious floating hotel, mentally and physically exhausted, to cool down, be pampered, wined and dined and thoroughly refreshed ready for the next cultural delight.

River cruising aboard a boutique cruise boat with superlative hospitality and no crowds offers a truly sublime retreat making this a unique and spectacular way to see the world!.

If you and your loved one(s) would like to go on a river cruise The Danube, Nile, Irrawaddy, Yangtze, Amazon and Brahmaputra Rivers are amongst the world's most exciting and enigmatic waterways and a journey can be tailor-made for you by World Odyssey – for more information on anything to do with your next holiday please visit www.world-odyssey.com – follow us @World_Odyssey, become a fan on Facebook and/or call one of our travel specialists for advice on: 01905 731373.

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Somewhere for the Weekend?

Our very own Cotswoldia couple, Mrs and Mr Jones, hosts our travel section.

They thoroughly investigate destinations ideal for a little trip away revealing vital tips on a glamorous getaway and also provide the inside track to ensure the destination caters for a range of tastes and wallets. From the slickest city hangouts to peaceful boltholes, you won’t waste a moment planning your travels.

This month we visit Reykjavík and surrounding areas in Iceland When Mr Jones sat his wife down with a very nice bottle of chilled Chablis one evening, she found she couldn’t contain her excitement! A trip to Iceland! Land of explosive scenery with Geysers, majestic fjords, wild horses, puffins, whales, hot springs and of course the Northern Lights. Land of Vikings and their sagas; and a place increasingly popular to film major Hollywood blockbusters and television series’ such as Game of Thrones, Fortitude, Thor, Interstellar and Oblivion to name but a few. Not only that, but an increasing reputation for great food, bars, clubs and festivals is attracting a lot of media attention in that area too, including a well known Padstow chef who was there just days before Mrs & Mr Jones arrived. The climate put Mr Jones off, who prefers basking in sunshine drink in hand but on the premise that they visited in one of the warmer months, he was keen. Particularly when Mrs Jones pointed out the increasing number of award winning Icelandic microbreweries. So, on a mild early autumn morning their adventure began and they now look back with nothing but incredible memories, longing greedily for their next visit!

MRS & MR JONES ITINERARY DAY 1

This adventure had been a long time coming and they didn’t want to miss a thing but soon realised on a 4-day trip they were only going to get a snapshot of a country with so much to offer for everyone. They decided to base themselves in the capital city of Reykjavik, with some organised excursions all within easy reach, an ideal itinerary for those visiting the first time.

For those who prefer avoiding cities and exploring the wilderness, there is a very different Iceland. Mrs Jones became so enamoured with the country that she was soon thanking her husband profusely and telling him how much she dearly loved him.

After a pleasant, uneventful flight they arrived at Reykjavik Airport, which has a very slick and modern design with great shopping and took the Flybus (pre-book) direct to the city centre, a quick hop onto another bus dropped them right outside their hotel, The Hotel Reykjavik Centrum.

After checking in, Mrs & Mr Jones took a couple of hours to explore the city and get their bearings.

Despite being one of the smallest capitals in Europe, Reykjavik is a stunning city with a fascinating history and a multitude of events and festivals all year round. Two thirds of the 330,000 population live in the city and surrounding suburbs.

According to the Book of Icelanders, the first settlement began in 871 with the arrival of Ingolfur Arnarson. He witnessed the steam rising up from a hot spring, which prompted the name ‘Smoky Bay’ – Reykjavik.

“Game of Thrones features dragons, wars, raunchy incest, and a peaceful little country called Iceland.”

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Style Travel

Tip: Do kit yourself with a city card available from the tourist office or your hotel which allows you to travel around the city and visit all of the museums and swimming pools free of charge, as well as discounts to many places.

Mrs & Mr Jones took the opportunity to visit the Settlement Exhibition right next door to their hotel to explore some of these early days and how and why the Vikings arrived. Mr Jones reminded his wife that they too have Viking blood and should pay homage! They found this to

be well worth a visit to put one in the mood and set the scene for their trip.

They followed this by a walk through the main streets of the city out towards the harbour, taking in some breathtaking views. Mr Jones steered his wife away from the many inviting shops as they wandered over towards Harpa, Iceland’s biggest concert hall and one of the most stunning buildings the Joneses have ever seen. Looking out over the harbour and glorious mount Esjan, this hall hosts many exhibitions, plays and musical Harpa, Iceland’s biggest concert hall

events. It’s open to everyone, free and definitely worth a visit. Although they didn’t eat there, there is also a stunning restaurant on the top floor with superb views and a good reputation. Mrs Jones had to steer her husband away from the monster truck exhibition on the forecourt on the promise that they would return!

A quick pit stop to the Reykjavik Art Museum, Hafnarhus, the largest building in the city is well worth a visit if you have the time.

After a couple of hours of wandering in the glorious bright blue skies, taking in the colourful painted houses, stopping for a local beer, Mrs & Mr Jones took a taxi to one of the many restaurants which are leading the way to bringing the city a reputation for impressive, innovative and honest food using local produce: Aalto Bistro. For years, the renowned chef Sveinn Kjartansson has been showing viewers of Icelandic television how to make the most of the country's natural food sources, especially its impressive range of seafood. He was the perfect host and they really enjoyed the simply cooked food. > COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 51

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Style Travel

The Blue Lagoon

THE BLUE LAGOON

PHOTO: SALZBURG TOURISM

Their day simply got better. A short trip back to the main bus terminal, the Joneses joined a tour trip out to Iceland’s premier geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. Mrs Jones is never one to use organised tours, preferring independent travel, but as it was their first trip here and they were on limited time, Mr Jones insisted and there was no easier way.

The luxurious hour long coach trip with Reykavik Excursions took them through a desolate lava wilderness to arrive seemingly in the middle of nowhere to this very surreal spa. Yes, they had seen pictures before but nothing prepared them for the next few hours of sheer relaxed indulgence in eerily quiet surroundings and now they understand why every tourist visits this place.

The Blue Lagoon was created when superheated seawater flowing out of the Svatsengi Geothermal Power Station collected in the surrounding lava. Locals discovered that a warm dip cured skin ailments and so the public facilities opened up in the 1980s.

Upon arrival they hired robes and towels and heeded the advice to protect 52 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

their hair from the water with conditioner as the high mineral content can cause damage. The changing rooms were immaculate and after a quick shower they walked out to the lagoon.

Mrs & Mr Jones was speechless for a few moments as they watched what looked like zombies floating through the vast lakes, steam rising around them. As they entered the 37degree water, they visibly relaxed, with not a care in the world. Here they stayed until well into the evening, taking advantage of the facilities indulging in a relaxing ‘couple’ massage in a private area of the lagoon and the extensive inpool bars. There are also a couple of cafes and restaurants to dine at once showered and dressed. The coaches back to the city leave every 20-30 minutes so clock watching is unnecessary. An experience never to be forgotten.

Later that night they wandered into the main city square, for a cocktail and some street food. Food and drink in the city is on the pricey side but they learnt quickly to take advantage of cocktail ‘hours’, which seems to go on much longer than an hour in most bars.

DAY 2

After a comfortable nights sleep and a pleasant breakfast at the hotel, they snuck across the road to Te and Kaffi, a superb coffee shop founded in 1984 by an Icelandic couple with a deep love of coffee, a familiar sentiment. Mrs Jones suggested they ate there for breakfast in future once she’d witnessed some of the breakfast plates coming out.

They were collected from their hotel to go on a Golden Circle Tour, which takes you to see the best of Iceland through a day. The tour is focused on 3 sites; Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are in abundance, gurgling and exploding; Gulfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls and Pingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s most important historical events have taken place as well as being a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. They stuck to the basic tour, which was more than fulfilling, but it is possible to add in a snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier, horse riding or steam bathing. Plenty of warm clothing is recommended even in the milder months with practical footwear. It isn’t necessary to take food supplies as there are plenty of stops at

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Hallgrímskirkja Church

reasonably priced cafes serving delicious homemade dishes including Iceland’s famous nourishing lamb soup.

A truly overwhelming day was finished off perfectly by a romantic dinner at the highly recommended Matarkjallarinn.

This Food Cellar is a Grill & Cocktail bar, in a 160 year old building in the very centre of Reykjavík, a stones throw from the hotel. The food is Icelandic brasserie style, elegantly prepared by enthusiastic chefs using mostly local produce. The tuna tartare with avocado and crispy won ton and scallops with roasted cauliflower were sublime.

Of course it would have been rude not to sample a little more of the city nightlife and Mrs & Mr Jones finally wandered back to the hotel in the early hours.

DAY 3

They decided to discover more of the city on foot and after Mrs Jones had enjoyed a couple of hours of very successful shopping, they walked to Hallgrímskirkja, the Lutheran parish church, which at 73 metres high, is the largest church and also among one of

the tallest structures in Iceland.

Directly opposite is a little café, which from the outside looks a bit touristy, but actually far from it. Café Loki, with its own beer and colourful murals on the wall, reputedly serves the most honest, affordable, traditional food in the city.

Try the fish stew with potatoes, lamb soup, home made dark rye bread (left overs of which are then turned into an incredible ice cream)... and you must try fermented shark. Fortunately a shot of vodka and another local beer washed the taste away quickly, otherwise Mrs Jones

was quite certain Mr Jones would have never have spoken to her again.

THE OLD HARBOUR

The Old Harbour is currently being developed and bringing in many young dynamic businesses post financial crash.

Mrs Jones found a tempting chocolate factory and shop OnNom; a lifestyle shop ‘Farmers and Friends’, selling mostly clothes and some home interior items and a superb cheese shop. Mrs & Mr Jones decided they loved this party > COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 53

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of the city and could have spent at least a day discovering more. It is home to the city’s oldest café, Kaffivagninn, whose chef has cooked for many famous British chefs including Gordon Ramsey.

It is also home to some superb restaurants including Matur and Drykkur where the Joneses dined on their trip.

They spent a couple of hours at the Maritime Museum, home to the history of Icelandic fishing showcasing some great artefacts and photographs. Mr Jones felt a little embarrassed to be British whilst reminded of the Cod Wars and left with tail between his legs. Fortunately the Icelanders are a warm forgiving lot!

NORTHERN LIGHTS OCEAN CRUISE

The day was to be finished in style with a trip out on an Ocean liner to catch sight of the blindingly beautiful Aurora Borealis. After getting kitted out in heavy duty overalls and setting out to sea Mrs & Mr Jones were shimmering with anticipation. But it wasn’t to be. Of course the northern lights are highly weather dependent and as they sailed 54 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

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away from the coastline of Reykjavik, they were met by heavy cloud. The tour guides did their best but the cloud was too thick. They were offered a trip the following evening or their money back but despite the disappointment it is worth taking the risk. As Mr Jones rightly pointed out, it isn’t necessary to book in advance, instead check the weather and book the same day. There are many companies doing the trip so you wont be disappointed.

DAY 4

The final day was not going to end in disappointment but rather proved to be the highlight of their trip, Whale Watching. An adventure to be cherished in years to come and Mrs & Mr Jones both felt honoured to have ridden alongside not just one but several whales.

Icelandic waters cover areas from the cold Arctic Sea in the north, to the warmer North Atlantic Ocean in the south. The two mixing currents, the long summer daylight and relatively shallow waters, makes an extremely favourable feeding area for whales where it’s possible to find over 20 different

species, 8 of which are frequently seen on whale watching tours.

Once again kitted out in warm waterproof overalls hats and gloves and after straddling a giant lifeboat Mrs & Mr Jones set out. Never had they seen such stunning ocean scenes on a perfect autumnal day. The sea stood still with not a wave in sight and after just half an hour they spotted their first whales, mother and calf. It was simply incredible.

Other trips run by the many companies down by the Old Harbour will also take you to see puffins and other wildlife depending on the time of year.

The last evening, full of buzz and incredible memories for Mrs & Mr Jones was spent at the Seafood Grill, where they wined and dined in style - to which they have become so accustomed!.

GETTING THERE There are flights from most major airports in the UK to Reykavik.

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View from the Hotel Reykjavic Centrum

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS: www.visitreykjavik.is – superb site and also for city cards. Huge thanks to Heidi Einarsdottir at visit Reykjavik for all your help The Settlement Exhibition, open daily, party of the Reykjavik City Museum. www.reykjavikcitymuseum.is Aoalstraeti 16, 101 Reykjavik +354 411 6370.

The Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavik.

Several tour buses daily form Reukjavik BSI Station. www.bluelagoon.com Bus information: www.re.is

PLACES TO STAY Mrs & Mr Jones’ hotel, The Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, was in a superb location on one of the cities oldest streets and mid-priced. From the outside it maintains the beauty and charm of bygone times, inside a busy and slick no frills hotel.

There are numerous hotels very close by at varying prices and it is definitely recommend staying in this part of town if you are basing yourself in the city as The Joneses did.

But there are also some superb hotels out in the countryside or close to the

Blue Lagoon if you prefer to base yourself there. www.hotelcentrum.is Adalstraeti 16, Grjótagata, Reykjavik

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

There is no shortage in the city, be prepared for the prices though and trying the street food vendors is recommended to keep you in budget.

The restaurants mentioned were all superb and there are many more.l

Reykjavik Sightseeing Bus Tours www.citysightseeing.is Reykjavik Art Museum open daily 10am-5pm 105, Reykjavik www.artmuseum.is Iceland Guided Tours www.igtoursis +354 556 5566 Reykjavik Maritime Museum Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland open 10am-5pm Heli tours: Volcano Heli +354 647 3300.

Reykavik excursions (blue lagoon) www.re.is Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Written by Rachel Cappuccini

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Style Event

Daphne Field, Gill Millwood and Miriam Dewar Said Hansdot and Jane Horne

Jane Horne, Anna Burn and Sylvia Fraser

Lewis Clark, Blanche Duffy and Becky Smith

Chris Peak, Mayor Neil Hampson and Jane Peak

NSPCC Celebration at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel

Nigel Impey and Patrick Weaver

A celebration evening has been held by the NSPCC to say thank you to people in Gloucestershire who helped the children's charity in the past year. The event was held at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel and was attended by NSPCC staff and volunteers, the Mayors of Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewksbury, members of Gloucestershire Constabulary and corporate sponsors.

Rod Hansen and Simon Atkinson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGUS BETHUNE

John and Anne Pritchard Sue and Simon Darwall-Smith with Rosey Stonehouse and Anna Keir Mark Donachie and James Graham

Janet and Mike Barlow

Mark Robertson, Frances Lewis and Anne Robertson

Caroline Morgan and Faye Dobson Brenda Rookwood, Ted Spash, Jane Fearnley and Roger Lewis

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Sally Andrews and Jasmine Daniels

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FA S H I O N H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

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Mind, Body & Soul We discover some of the new, sensational treatments or products available in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas to recuperate your mind, body and soul.

I do like to be beside the C-Side

By Amanda MacCaw When Cowley Manor’s spa suggested I might like to try their emerginC Scientifics Organic Detox Facial, I felt they might not fully appreciate what they were up against.

Although I’m not an aficionado of such treatments, it seemed to me that a detox facial in January would be aimed at those who had overdone it a little over the festivities – a few too many late nights and a sherry or two more than usual. Not somebody who had been consistently overdoing it on a grand scale for several decades.

So I had a quick scan of their menu and said ‘yes please’ to the most heavy-duty sounding treatment they offered: the Anti Ageing Apple Stem Cell Treatment. I think it was the stem cells that convinced me – surely such things must be powerful enough to have some affect on my poor abused skin. emerginC and its organic line, Scientific Organics, are apparently featured in all the top spas in the USA and Scandinavia. In the UK, they are exclusive to C-Side – lucky us! My treatment included, among other things, a wonderfully satisfying peel-off mask that contained apple stem cells, cactus extracts and marine diatoms.

There was a head massage that was out of this world. The facial promised to deliver a ‘lifting effect’, brighter skin, improved texture and tone, and diminished

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appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Nobody actually fell over in amazement at my new youthful appearance, but several people mentioned that I was looking particularly well!

C-Side itself is a very splendid thing. It resides in a purpose-built building separate from the Cowley Manor hotel. Its piece de resistance is a fabulous outdoor pool, heated all year round. As I arrived on a misty January day, the thermometer hovering around zero, the walled pool area was shrouded in steam. But swimmers were enjoying the slightly Scandi experience, and were able to get from warm pool to warm building within a couple of paces.

There’s an indoor pool too, a gymnasium, steam room, sauna, and four treatment rooms where the emerginC treatments are available, together with therapeutic treatments by Green & Spring that use many of the natural resources found at Cowley Manor including the

natural spring waters and herbs found in the grounds.

C-side has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor pool area, as attractive as it was in gloomy January, would be perfectly delicious in the summer when it’s transformed with sun loungers and a bar.

They offer some very appealing combinations of treatments and spa use.

There’s a weekday day spa package that includes a treatment, two course lunch at their restaurant Malt, and all the C-Side facilities. And an evening spa package (available Monday – Thursday) that substitutes dinner for lunch and kicks in at 5pm.

I shall be re-visiting C-Side in the summer to build on the good work emerginC has started – and to counteract the effects of soaking up some rays by the pool and treating myself to a cocktail!

C-Side Spa: 01242 870900 c-side@cowleymanor.com www.cowleymanor.com

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Style Health

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH FITNESSGENES Being offered the opportunity to ascertain how to improve my fitness levels and health revolving around my DNA was an exciting prospect.

FitnessGenes, is an online service that unlocks your blueprint and provides you with your own unique plan to design your workouts and gives you the opportunity to look deeper into your genetics on the most personal level possible.

After registering, I was sent a barcoded bottle for a saliva sample which was returned for the company to analyse and interpret what I should be doing for my training strategy and also to give me further nutritional guidelines to follow.

I really liked the way it was broken down. I can see quickly what each gene means and if I carry it and how that will influence me. Then, if you’re like me, you can choose to look even deeper. The information provided on each gene is both interesting and useful.

FitnessGenes offers a number of different options depending how indepth you feel you would like to extend your knowledge of your own body.

The basic product: DNA analysis and Action Blueprint This is where it all starts. FitnessGenes analyses more than 40 genes related to fitness, health and nutrition and combined with your lifestyle survey data, these traits give a clear view on how your body responds to diet and exercise. You'll receive a FitnessGenes Action Blueprint, giving you a detailed breakdown of the gene results, plus clear, detailed, genetically tailored strategies for exercise, caloric intake, macro-nutrient breakdown, recovery, and much more.

Best For: People who want to know "what they're made of" and who want a clear, accurate intelligent guidance, but who do not want a day by day, week by week diet and training plan. The Analysis and Blueprint is the equivalent of giving you a MAP highlighted with start point, end point and suggested travel route with relevant points of interest.

1

into your life with an easy to follow routine. Each week consists of 3 to 5 gym days with effective fat burning and strength training exercises, 1 to 2 days of power walking for your cardio, and 1 to 2 rest days. This plan starts with full body workouts and progresses slowly to muscle group specific workouts. The number of sets increases gradually each week, as your body adapts to exercising.

The DNA Analysis and Action Blueprint are also useful for people who don't want to lift weights more than once or twice per week and who use weight training as part of a wider sports or fitness programme.

The upgraded product: Genetically Tailored Training Systems

2

The PLUS here is a Genetically Tailored Nutrition and Workout Plan lasting 4, 8, or 12 weeks tailored to your goal and customised according to your FitnessGenes Action Blueprint.

Best for: People who want a detailed day by day, week by week plan of how to achieve their fitness and body composition goals. Rather than giving you a map with the suggested route highlighted, FitnessGenes gives you a GPS device with turn by turn directions to get from Point A to Point B, telling you when to sleep, what to eat, and more detailed points of interest on your journey.

Note: The DNA Analysis/Action Blueprint is the same in all Systems. The difference in the Systems is the duration, focus, and intensity of the Training Plan you select for your goal.

FitnessGenes Starter System Perfect for newcomers to resistance training who are keen to take their first steps to a healthier lifestyle and better body composition. The 4-week Genetic Starter System builds regular exercise

FitnessGenes Fat-Loss System Male and Female Versions This assists in a more toned physique with the comprehensive 8-week Fat Loss plan incorporating resistance, cardio, circuit, and HIIT training, all tailored to your DNA. The FitnessGenes Fat Loss plan increases metabolic rate, accelerates fat loss, builds muscle definition, and improves overall fitness levels.

FitnessGenes Muscle Building System This System is ideal for people who already have a lean physique and resistance training experience and want to increase their overall muscle volume and strength. The DNA analysis and 12week Genetic Muscle-Building System will give you a unique insight into your fitness related genes, together with a structured workout plan that helps you to increase your muscle mass through periodised, progressive overload. The first six weeks of this genetically tailored plan focus on key strength exercises, preparing you for the workout splits and accessory work that targets more specific muscle groups in the last six weeks. The Muscle Building System comes with a genetically tailored Nutrition Plan providing macro-nutrient splits, advice on meal frequency, intermittent fasting, and many other aspects of muscle building nutrition.

To order your FitnessGenes DNA Analysis Kit visit: www.fitnessgenes.com/shop

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Style Hair

Laura Leigh’s Secret to BIG, BEAUTIFUL LOCKS Backcombing, beehives and Bardot – it’s likely that those in search of big, bouncy hair will have tried them all. New help is at hand thanks to Laura Leigh’s new ‘Hair Filler’ service – the A-List volumiser of choice, now available here in Cheltenham. Laura herself divulges all of the need-to-knows…

“Favoured by celebrities the world over, hair fillers are a fantastic way of achieving a noticeable yet natural volume to your hair; providing some va-va-voom in areas where your hair may not be quite as thick as you’d like.

Cropped, lobbed, layered or long- hair fillers are suitable for all types of existing styles. Whilst their chief purpose is to add an incredible bounce to your locks, they can also be used to add length (like classic extensions) or an entirely new style; helping you achieve the barnet of your dreams.

In a nutshell, hair fillers are strands of natural hair that are expertly colourmatched and bonded to your own. Unlike the classic hair extensions that some may have become a little tentative of over the years, hair fillers are applied in a finer amount in the areas you need it the most; meaning no extra tension is placed on the shaft of your hair. No thick, heavy hair pulling and damaging your own- just delicate strands expertly applied with keratin glue to give you Nadine an impressive volume high-quality natural boost that lasts for up hair expertly matched to four months. to your colour and At Laura Leigh, our Jack strand texture, and specialists Jack and get to work bonding Nadine are on hand to them to your hair to talk you through exactly what these nifty achieve the perfect look for you. Rest volume-boosters can do for you. Our assured, you needn’t be stuck to the salon appointments start with a hair and scalp chair all day… our hair filler appointments consultation, where we’ll assess the health can take as little as 1 hour, leaving you with and strength of your hair and exactly how plenty of time in the day to show off your hair fillers could benefit you, advising on big, bouncy new locks! the best style to go for. Then, we’ll source

We also know how important it is to care for your hair properly, particularly with hair fillers. With our expert aftercare, we’ll show you how to blowdry and style your vamped-up ‘do, as well as advise on the best products and treatments available to keep them in tip-top condition. If we feel hair-fillers aren’t right for you, or if there’s an underlying cause of your hair loss that we feel should be investigated further, we’ll refer you to an expert Trichologist.

So, whether it is a head-turning swish you want to achieve, or simply a little added oomph in the volume department, hair fillers are a fantastic choice no matter what your style. Come on down to the salon to discuss them with our expert team today.

To book a hair filler consultation with Laura Leigh Hair & Beauty, visit the salon at 22 Clarence Street, Cheltenham or call 01242 530598. To find out more, you can also visit www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk

For more information or to book an appointment please call the reception team, 01242 530598 or book online 24 hours a day via the website: www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk. Follow Laura Leigh Hair & Beauty COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 61

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Style Beauty

Hot looks for Valentines Beauty Writer, Catherine Shortall shows you how to get a sultry, smoky eye or those of you celebrating Valentines this year whether at home or out on the town, trying a new look is perfect for a little late winter celebration and to make the most of a slightly more dramatic make up before fresh faced spring styles come into play.

There are some excellent eye palettes on the market, alongside some incredible online tutorials helping you to achieve that perfect smoky eye look.

To start, I highly recommend an eye primer. It may seem a little unnecessary, but if you have experienced the amazing effects of a face primer then you’ll certainly appreciate the benefits of the eye version! (Ricaud.com Smoothing Eyelid Primer £5.50) This helps the eyeshadow stay in place all evening.

Accentuate the eyes with one of the excellent eye palettes out there; Naked by Urban Decay (www.urbandecay.co.uk Naked 2 Palette £38.50) carry an impressive range, as do many other brands. Use a medium smoky colour to shade from the inner eye outwards, up to the brow bone. Use the darker shade to emphasise by subtly shading in from the outwards of the eyelid to just underneath the eyelid crease. Next apply a highlighter shade just underneath the brow-bone to illuminate and frame the eye.

Whilst liquid eyeliner may cause a few concerns as to how to apply, it can be a bit tricky! The modern formulations come with excellently designed brushes for a slick application.

Try Lancôme’s Artliner (www.lancome.co.uk £21) for an expert flick across the eyelids. Choose from a number of shades to suit your style and go from dramatic or subtle depending on your mood.

F

If you’re opting for a liquid eyeliner for the top lids, then going to a dark khol liner on the bottom lids can often be a little too much for a smoky eye look. So try sticking with a nude shade to open up the eye like the little gem of an eye pencil by Charlotte Tilbury.

This nude pencil works by subtly illuminating the lower eye area by lining the inside of the lash line

(www.charlottetilbury.com Rock n Khol £19) By using the above techniques you should be able to achieve a fuss free and flawless night time smoky eye for that wow factor.

Follow me at @thecotswoldbeautyblogger on Instagram

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Shirt £220, Sportmax Code Skirt £49 both from Dickens & Jones

Feminine

FEBRUARY Compiled by Fashion Stylist Katie Colbert-Smith As we look forward to a new season, we will see a transition into brighter, more springtime colours, with florals and striped patterns making a comeback and bags turning to the more pastel route, such as pale yellow. With the arrival of the newly anticipated film, ‘Jackie’, about the life of the demur Jackie Kennedy, we can expect to see more 60s inspired tailored suits and chic dresses coming in the shops and frankly we cannot wait!

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Style Fashion Therapy London Pink Micro Bag £30

Dress £79, Label Lab, Bag £42 Therapy London, available from House of Fraser

Therapy London Pink Micro Yellow Printed Bag Therapy London £40

Pink Pleated Stepped Hem Top Therapy London £32

Star Print Pussybow Top from Therapy London £28

Therapy London Bronze Metallic Midi Skirt £35

Striped Midi Skirt Therapy London £46

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Style Fashion Monochrome Comno Jacket from New World

Therapy London Grey Knitted Polo Neck Top £49

Shirt £39 Max Mara Weekend

Linea Limited Leather Skirt £70

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Tassel pyjama Style Top from Biba £99

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Shirt £39 Dickens & Jones, Skirt £45 Therapy London, Bag £39 Dickens & Jones available from House of Fraser

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Style Views

Unbelievable!

Jezza in a Spin Sandra Paul discusses the Labour leader’s continuing antipathy with the media I think something happened to the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, over the festive period.

He has been exchanged for an automaton (did you see West World or Humans?). Unbelievable right? He has had some kind of makeover in terms of message, tone, and clothing. It was desperately needed. He spent last year being mocked for seeming weak especially during Prime Minister’s Question Time each week; he could not control his MPs who sought to knife him in the front and the back; and it was only his appeal to the grassroots Labour member that saved him as leader of the party. To the general public, however, he remained a figure of fun. No one understood what he stood for, his position on Brexit was unclear, probably deliberately so and he often turned up for work in clothes that looked like he’d slept in them.

Move forward to the second week in January 2017 and suddenly Mr Corbyn is calling a press conference and appearing on Good Morning Britain’s sofa in a bid to win popularity amongst the masses. I Love GMB. I think Piers Morgan and Suzanne Reid are a brilliant team. Piers is gobby and not afraid to voice his opinions and Suzanne is the voice of reason. For a year, they have been requesting the Labour leader’s presence on their sofa and he has refused – methinks he doesn’t like the core viewer of GMB (people like me?) and is it possible that he was a little shy of TV confrontation?

So, I was rather surprised he was actually appearing in person this week on the sofa. As you will know from reading my column, I want a credible leader for the Labour party. It is vital for democracy that we have a Government that is kept on its toes by the voters and the Opposition party and so far I think 68 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

Corbyn’s lack of leadership has been incredibly damaging for the party. His performance, however, was quite strong and I began to think the automotan’s programming was working. However, Corbyn may have brushed his hair and ironed his shirt and learned some key messages that would strike a chord with the general population but within hours he was muddling those messages and refusing to stick to them – his programming needed rebooting.

The one subject that is guaranteed to make a politician uneasy discussing is immigration. Remember when Gordon Brown was caught out calling a lady a bigot because she asked a question about immigration? It does not make you a racist if you want to talk about immigration and I understand that often other issues, such as free movement of people within the EU becomes muddied with the general immigration topic. But the Labour party have for years treated anyone who does have concerns about this with contempt. Jeremy Corbyn sought to make his position clear.

“Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle, but I don’t want that to be misinterpreted, nor do we rule it out,” he said.

Eh? The point about giving media interviews or holding press conferences is to be clear about your views and clear in the way you deliver the message. What people they hate and showed very clearly during the Brexit campaign last year, is dissembling by politicians. This one sentence by Corbyn, is just that. It doesn’t actually say anything. We are no clearer about where Labour stands on immigration or free movement of people from Europe.

Because he got himself into a twiddle he spent the remainder of the week

moaning about the media and accusing them of being biased. Not all of them, just 80%. Seriously, you would think he might have learnt something from Tony Blair on handling the media. It is pointless to complain about media coverage when your messages are not clear, are muddled and then contradicted just hours later. It means that if Jeremy Corbyn does have anything useful to say, it is unlikely to be given prominence in any media coverage because he is now the media’s whipping boy.

I think it is a shame. He is either being badly advised or is not taking any advice given. It is not enough that the Labour leader takes to the streets and stands on an upturned box to try and speak to the people. It also is not enough that his preference for communication relies on social media. Most of us over the age of 30 like our news in 3-minute sound bites and we like to watch online TV or traditional broadcasting. It is important that those who surround him in the inner sanctum brush him up, make him rehearse, and send him back on a media assault. Or find a new leader..

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@sandrapaulcoms.com

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Style Interview

Castaway COLLECTION

Enchanting fashion and interior designer, Pearl Lowe has lived a life of hedonism turned homemaking. As lead vocalist of indie avant-garde bands Power and Lodger, and also as a solo artist, Pearl spent the 90’s in a whirl of endless parties. Today, she is a major force in fashion, together with her daughter Daisy. Pearl’s latest venture sees her design an eclectic collection of luxury children’s dress-up clothing, entitled Petite. Celebrity Columnist Ellie Mainwaring caught up with Pearl ahead of London Fashion Week Where in the world would you choose to be castaway to and why?

What’s your biggest memory item?

New Zealand. I’ve never been and it looks so magical, especially as Lord of the Rings was filmed there. I’ve always been obsessed by going, but daunted by the traveling time to get there – it is just so far.

me laugh, I mean belly laugh. Peter Cook, together with Dudley Moore – you couldn’t ask for more comedic company. Imagine being with the two of them? I have no doubt we’d have such fun.

I fell in love with a fringed floor lamp at a Parisian Market. My husband (Supergrass’ Danny Goffey) said I couldn’t buy it. I went back to the lady and asked her how much it was. She said €80, so I took it. My husband was so cross with me as we were going back on the Eurostar. On the way to the station, no taxis would take us, until one let us put it out of the window. It was so embarrassing manoeuvring this heavy lamp all the way home. My husband even had to pretend it was my dead grandmother’s at security!

Danny didn’t talk to me for the whole of the journey home. Back in London we were doing up our new home, all sultry and dark, and this fringe lamp completed the look. Every time I look at it, I remember the Eurostar journey and giggle.

What is your most treasured wardrobe item?

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

What item of jewellery or accessory would you take?

The 1920’s diamond wishbone ring that was passed down to me from my Grandmother who sadly passed away.

I have two dogs, Angie and Brian. I’d take Angie, my Cavalier King Charles, because Brian smells a bit.

What animal or pet would you take?

It’s got to be an uplifting funny one like The Party with Peter Sellers. It is so old but it makes me laugh so much and I love it. Every time I put it on for the kids, we’re always in stitches.

What movie would you take?

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

A starter of Caviar. I know that sounds terrible, but I don’t have it very often because of the expense. For main course, it would have to be generous helpings of vegetarian curry and fizzy elderflower to drink.

You can take one celebrity companion, dead or alive, who will it be?

English Actor and Comedian, Peter Cook. I love a man that makes

My daughter Daisy Lowe is so amazing at choosing pieces for me. I’m obsessed with the Vampire’s Wife dress she bought me for Christmas and I wore on New Years Eve. It’s so amazing – floor length, brown, floral with a collar. So beautiful I could wear it every day.

Time travel. I would go back to the roaring 20’s. I’d be in all the opium dens with all the decadent interiors and the clothes and the fabulous parties and the people and the food.

Pearl’s luxury children’s dress up collection, Petite can be purchased from Harrods, Selfridges and online at www.pearllowe.co.uk

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Style Cotswoldia

Cotswoldia TITTLE TATTLE The adventures of Pediculus Humanus Capitis and other stories by Angela Chancellor s I have not managed to implement any of the usual New Years resolutions yet, I have decided to brush up on some Latin. Who is Pediculus Humanus Capitis you may be asking yourselves, sounds like rather a grand fellow. He is no former emperor of Rome, or indeed any grandee gladly quoted by lovers of the classics, otherwise his name might ring a vague bell. He is, in fact, a squatter on my son’s head and I may have to admit at this point that my interest in Latin is decidedly involuntary.

Despite having my suspicions, seemingly confirmed by a nitwits survey that found that 95% of infestations originate at school, I can of course not be sure whom exactly he migrated from but he came along to take up residence with about 30 of his cousins and they have been mightily busy over recent weeks spreading their seed-like brethren throughout his fertile headscape.

Our unpopular little friend may not jump or fly but he is a nippy crawler and spending more than 10 minutes in proximity to a host will give you an 85% chance of the party moving to the new venue, your head. Your new guests certainly like to party, within the first 10 hours of adult life they are ready to copulate and they like to do it often. It appears they enjoy it too, frequently remaining attached for mating for over an hour.

Following their dastardly deed of reproduction the female will merrily lay 6 to 10 eggs per day. The nits will then hatch within 7 to 10 days and add another 7 to 10 days or thereabouts and those little buggers are soon also off busily multiplying away, spreading the blight of itchiness as far as they can.

The morale of this tale is that if you find a head full of undesirable guests you have

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72 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

been a lazy toad as they will have been happily at it for at least 2 weeks if not more and believe me, unless your children board and you can somewhat pass the buck, we all know who you are and are busy nit-shaming you behind your back.

Moving swiftly on to much more pleasant subjects, although I am sure not all of you will agree but I always find a little light tittle tattle can quickly lift the spirits and so I will bring you some tales from the shoot. A very dear friend has the good fortune of working for one of the country's more esteemed shoots. She is a patient and gentle soul and it takes a considerable amount of gin to loosen that very kind tongue of hers but it is always worth the effort and the following sore head as generally, the bigger the bag the bigger the stories tend to be.

As with any big ticket item these days, there will be plenty of first time buyers, who will probably take quite some time to realise that it is not necessarily the amount you spend that shapes that reputation you so desire but more likely the utter bloody fool you look if you will insist on behaving like a complete berk.

Forget just a bit of good old fashioned consommĂŠ with an odeur de footwear, maybe a sausage roll that has seen better days and the inevitable sticky flapjack, your properly posh shoot goes all out when it comes to elevenses. Range Rovers are not only new and shiny but are fully kitted out with drop down bars to give the offerings at Claridges a run for their money. Wagyu burgers are barbequed and served with oysters, all washed down with anything vintage or featuring specks of gold. Sadly it can all be a bit lost on the new Russian money keen to assimilate, as they all got so pissed at breakfast that they can barely see the birds let alone shoot any of them.

It's not just birds of the feathered

variety that the boys in tweed are looking for on more than just the occasional weekend. Although I have been vehemently assured that these rather more exotic birds are definitely not part of the intended bag and very much frowned upon by granny but if guests conduct themselves in the most charming manner and leave an extremely generous tip, one can be quite modern about these things.

Customers come in all shapes and sizes and varying dispositions but it is most often the very aspirational ones who provide the best stories for a bit of gleeful eye rolling. When your estate is famed for a particularly challenging flight, it is rather galling when your punters complain that the birds are 'too high' and try and demand a refund for poor service, when this is what they have paid a premium for in the first place. Perhaps they should have just popped to the butchers, or easier still, ordered some from Ocado, much less than ÂŁ40+ and definitely less embarrassing and probably completely devoid of any unsightly feathers, which don't go down well with the glossier wives anyway.

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WINING

& DINING

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Eat the Seasons Rachel Cappuccini cooks what the farmers grow all me old fashioned, but I still like to see seasonal produce being used on menus and indeed in the home. Although most produce is now available all year round, there is something very satisfying about sticking to recipes, which use seasonal and where possible, local produce. A way to support local farms and businesses as well as taking advantage of fresh tasty ingredients. Certainly the two things sit together; if you shop for local produce, inevitably it will be seasonal. We are so lucky in the Cotswolds to have such an abundance of superb produce and local farmers to be proud of.

Of course these days it is possible to

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buy most things all year round. At any one time that product is seasonal somewhere in the world. However, that means the product has travelled many thousands of miles to get to our table.

Choosing seasonal and local produce where possible cuts down food miles. It should cut down the shopping bill too.

Better to buy strawberries in the summer when there is a glut than the more expensive ones flown in from afar during winter. My mother still refuses to buy anything other than English strawberries during their peak season, salivating at their sweet smell.

Lots of polls done amongst both adults and children show that most people don’t

know when certain foods are in season other than a few of the obvious ones. Sad I feel. But a chance for us parents to chat with our children at home and for those who don’t have fruit or vegetables growing in the garden, maybe worth a go if you have the space.

The winter months can feel less inspiring, but there is still a vast choice of delicious ingredients ‘in season’. In February and going into March, choose from the following fruit and vegetables: beetroot, Brussels sprouts, pak choi, Winter squashes, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chicory, artichoke, kale, leeks, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potato, shallots, swede, apples, Bramley’s, oranges, clementines, lemons, pears, pomegranate, rhubarb…

Alongside the following meats and fish: goose, grouse, guinea fowl, partridge, turkey, venison, mackerel, mussels, oysters, scallops, turbot to name but a few.

My dishes this month incorporates some of these ingredients and also make an ideal meal if you want to put together a special supper to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you prefer to add some meat or fish to the risotto, a grilled chicken breast or piece of white fish, some scallops or indeed a steak work well. Alternatively, as an added taste, some melted Cerney Goat’s cheese on the top of the risotto is delicious. I served mine simply with some locally grown broccoli tenderstem.

>>>>>>> Meet Rachel...

After moving from London to the Cotswolds to bring up her family, Rachel Cappuccini bought and ran the legendary Lamb Inn in Burford, before relocating to Cheltenham, where she set up and still runs highly acclaimed Gusto café and its catering business, now in its tenth year.

Contact Rachel Cappuccini at: rachel@gusto-deli.com; www.gustodeli.com. Follow Rachel on instram: gusto_chef

74 FEBRUARY 2017 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Style Food

Jerusalem Artichoke, Squash, Lemon & Thyme Barley Risotto Serves 4-6

Ingredients 2k butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes, 500g of which should be smaller cubes 6 Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks 6 sprigs thyme, leaves picked Salt, pepper splash olive oil 50g butter 1 x large white onion, peeled, chopped finely pinch chilli flakes 400g pearl barley, rinsed 1 L good vegetable stock 50g butter 1 lemon, zested 100g Parmesan Micro herbs, pea shoots, to garnish Method: Put the prepared squash (excluding the smaller cubes) and artichoke into an ovenproof dish with a drop of olive oil, half the thyme and seasoning. Roast at

180°C for about 20-30 mins until soft and colouring.

Meanwhile, sweat the onion in the butter in a heavy bottomed large saucepan until soft, with the rest of the thyme and the chilli flakes to give it some warmth.

In another pan, cook the barley in 800ml of stock for about 15 mins until the barley is cooked but still has some bite.

Finally, cook the smaller cubes of squash in the remaining stock along with the prepared onion until it has all softened. Blitz in a food processor to a puree and add to the rice. Then stir through the squash and artichokes, with a knob of butter, lemon zest and grated Parmesan. Garnish with micro herbs of choice or fresh pea shoots.

Spiced Clementine and Yoghurt Panna Cotta Serves 6

Ingredients 2 Clementines 90g sugar 1 ½ gelatin leaves 380ml double cream 180g plain yoghurt 5 Clementines, juice and thin skin of 4, segments of 1 2 tbsp honey 150g caster sugar 2 tsp mixed spice

Method: Thinly peel the clementines, chop the skin very finely then juice them. Mix the skin and the juice in a small pan with the sugar and boil it until the sugar dissolves.

Set aside to cool a little.

Meanwhile, put the gelatine in cold water to soften. Pour the cream and yoghurt into the pan with the clementine and sugar mix, then bring to boil while stirring continuously. Take off the heat

then squeeze the excess water from the gelatine leaves and stir into the cream.

Pour into moulds and let it cool, then transfer it to the fridge to set for a few hours.

For the syrup, mix together the clementine skin, juice, honey, sugar and

spice and boil for about 5 minutes until syrupy and thickened. Add in the segments and let it cool.

Serve the syrup on top of the set panna cottas, dividing the segments between each dessert. Delicious with some shortbread.

COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 75

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Style Local

Claire in the County A Valentines Terrier… Claire Thayers has found her dream love hristmas seems like only yesterday… the New Year resolutions already forgotten and now, as I tear off the page on my new calendar, Valentines Day looms!

Well this year, determined to find some romance, I decided to buy a dog in December, vowed to walk every day in January and then, looking fresh faced and half my size I would find my soul mate in February.

So…with February 14th looming, have I found my true love?

Well… the walking is going well, out every morning before work and having met so many lovely people I can see why having a dog is a good way of meeting new people…and I admit, I have had a chat with a few lovely chaps along the way, but I have no idea unfortunately, if they are single.

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“Dennis (yes, Dennis the Menace) is a teenage terrier who is supposed to be white but after a walk across the river meadows looks a grubby shade of brown...”

Even if they were, who am I kidding, why oh why would they notice me? It is not a pretty sight first thing, bedhead hair, no make-up, red in the face, splattered in mud and screaming for my dog as it runs off at 100 mph, ignoring me, chasing anything that flies. I have to admit, it really isn’t going to create the right impression!

It also seems that most of the single men I have met have ‘proper’ dogs – well trained gun dogs, who come to call, sit when asked and look immaculate.

Dennis (yes, Dennis the Menace) is a

teenage terrier who is supposed to be white but after a walk across the river meadows looks a grubby shade of brown and manages to know exactly when to cock his leg, or hump an innocent walkers leg – usually as I am trying to make polite conversation.

As I leave the house this evening, I have my hair brushed, lippy on, best waxed jacket and obligatory green wellies, I think I am looking ok … and as I was once told, by an ex ‘you really remind me of someone…yes…you look just like…er… Kate Winslet ….in the dark!’ So surely after 6pm, I could be in with a chance? I admit the morning walk is not the best time of day for me to meet ‘Mr Right’ as I never have the time to put the effort in at 6.30am, BUT

tonight, this could be the night!

The coat is on, pocket full of poo bags, treats for Dennis and the inevitable squeaky toy which the pet shop told me that was the secret to getting his attention when he hurtles across the field – that was a nice idea but it’s not working to date.

BUT, as I open the door, to be honest… who cares about Valentines Day, who cares about loosing weight and who cares about finding Mr Right… I have actually found true love – a little, naughty terrier called Dennis.

Claire Thayers & Associates Email: claire@clairethayers.co.uk Tel: 07870632093

COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2017 77

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Style Sport

The King of Cuisine for The Festival Racing Expert Nigel Aplin, became an Albert Roux judge for a day his being a relatively quiet month in the racing calendar I thought we would take a slight diversion and talk about food at the Cheltenham Festival, in particular that served in the upper echelons of the food chain.

I must confess to be slightly experienced in this area having enjoyed, or otherwise, catering fare served at racecourses over many years. Corporate ‘hostility’ has improved leaps and bounds over the years and has now reached epicurean proportions.

Gone are the days when the standard choice in hospitality catering was either a dried excuse for poached salmon and chicken breast that may or may not have once seen an egg. Of course, this rarely mattered as heavy consumption from the ‘free’ bar ensured a thorough drowning of any food that had actually been eaten.

The saving grace at any racecourse was the Barry Cope franchise in the ‘Champagne and Seafood’ Bar, the redoubtable Mr Cope, the perfect Mr Pollack The Fishmonger from Happy Families, offering a cornucopia of the finest fresh molluscs.

When broadcasting I revealed to a former confidence that, so empathetic he was with his trade, that he actually had webbed feet. This, in turn, landed me in hot water as there is indeed a medical and painful condition, syndactyly, which is just that.

Mr Cope was supported by two ladies who served the champagne, knew all their best customers and came from an era when position and privilege segregated the aspiring from the arrived, arriving, or those on the way. If they’d ever run an East End drinking establishment called George and The Dragon, which I think entirely possible,

T

then lord help George if he ever misbehaved.

Anyway back to the here and now and I find myself at a ‘tasting’ table, convened for the ‘great and the good’ of racecourse catering, to deliberate on the menu created by Albert Roux for the Festival.

As a callow youth of 18-years he came to the UK to spend time as a commis de cuisine in the old hierarchical environment within Nancy Astor's country home at Cliveden. He was employed as chef to Major Peter Cazalet at the family estate at Fairlawne where he was introduced to and fell in love with horseracing. Now in his eighties, he and his brother Michel are acclaimed for founding Le Gavroche, the first restaurant in the UK to gain three Michelin stars.

Monsieur Roux’s chef, Bruno, had prepared a number of dishes on which we were to judge the best, those to be served at the Festival itself. Now Albert is a man for who it is not enough to know which herd a cut of meat comes from, he needs to know the animal. In the same way, not enough to know the wine producer, he has to know the vineyard and so on and so forth.

Each dish is served in reverential silence as we watch the great man masticate, muse, occasionally munch and marvel. The palm hearts are too fresh, the cheese too harsh, the lobster exquisite, the scallops supreme and so it goes on.

Albert is very keen to serve a good French onion soup. I am sure if I had made this suggestion I would be regarded with much disdain. He clearly likes onion soup with some fine gruyere.

I myself may add a little truffle oil.

There is an interesting discussion as to whether beef be served instead of venison. Is venison too refined, do people prefer beef ?

I don’t care if beef is preferred to venison, I care what Albert thinks.

There’s a hotel near Broadway where you can ask a personal chef to prepare what you want. If you’ve got enough cash then that’s what you do. What noble rot. The Roux experience is what counts, challenging and uncompromising.

I haven’t got the £750 or so needed to dine at Roux’s fine tables at the Festival, never will have probably. I have a passion for my racing as much as my food. This initiative does wonders for the overall racing experience. Racing has always been the greatest leveller but is also the sport of Kings. If you can live like one, be my guest, or rather Monsieur Roux’s.

For details about Chez Roux at Cheltenham or The Festival visit www.cheltenham.co.uk or call the hospitality team on 01242 537 653.

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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Style Fitness

What’s Scarier than Clowns and Politicians?

How about Type 2 Diabetes!

Fitness Expert Luciano Kydd, warns of the perils of too much sugar With so many having already chucked in their New Year’s health resolutions, you know what that means? Sweets, chocolate, tasty treats and more sugar!

Most high street stores recognise that by February the diet’s over and you can see their use of clever marketing in taunting and tantalising us with prominently displayed treats conveniently packaged in small, easy to eat servings. All holidays have their peculiar food traditions, but the recent festive period perhaps wins the prize for being the most focused on sweet treats as the centre of attraction, especially for the younger members of our families. And no matter how hard you have tried to avoid it in January, you will undoubtedly by now find yourself staring down a confectionery stand before all is said and done.

Will you give in?

While one piece of chocolate won’t make or break you or your child’s health, few of us stop at just one. In fact, most of us see an occasion from Easter to our summer BBQ, as a perfectly good time to indulge in whichever kind of sweet temptations are presented to us.

But that indulgence can takes its toll and is manifesting itself more and more in the current epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes; it is called an epidemic because of the

shocking increase in new cases. In the UK it is estimated that more than one in 16 people has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed), which accounts to 3.9 million of us. Around 700 people a day are diagnosed with it, which is the equivalent of one person every two minutes.

Since 1996, the number of people with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled from 1.4 million to 3.3 million today and by 2025, it is estimated that five million people will have it.

Don’t be part of the statics.

pancreas produces. The more resistant your cells become to insulin, the more your pancreas has to make in order to have an effect.When these situations develop, you have Type 2 diabetes.have Type 2 diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Much of the food that you eat ie.

Carbohydrates (sweets are part of that category of food) are turned into glucose for your body to use as energy. After a meal, your pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps the glucose or sugar, move from your bloodstream into the cells in your body where it can be used for energy.When you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or it cannot use the insulin that it produces. The result is a build up of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream.High levels of blood sugar cause extensive damage in the body such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and even amputations. Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to die early as those without.

Prevention at hand The good news is that Type 2 diabetes is completely preventable. By adopting a healthy lifestyle starting today, you will never have to experience this lifestyle disease. And if you already have Type 2 diabetes, you can surely do something to control it naturally.The best strategies is to keep your overall bodyweight within normal range, eat a healthy diet full of whole foods and reduce your refined sugar intake sugar on a regular basis; start by including regular exercise that lasts between 30-60 minutes, 5 days per week, depending on current fitness levels.

These simple lifestyle changes are your defence too Type 2 Diabetes, if action is taken.

Where there might be a connection?

The connection between all the festive periods and Type 2 diabetes is the increase quantity of the sweet treats: the more sugar you eat, the harder your pancreas has to work to produce insulin and keep your blood sugar within a safe range. But the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin are the only cells in your body that actually wear out from use. If you overwork them, they will eventually cease to perform in a way that can keep up with the demand. Your body can also become resistant to the insulin that your

Choose future health over short-term pleasure. Enjoy one or two treats and then stop. It’s not worth the price you may have to pay later.

If you or your friends are looking to improve your overall health and fitness, why not try my FREE 1hr lose weight, get toned and look great consultation/taster session, limited spaces available so first come first serve. Ring today on (07737347854) or visit www.kyddfitness.co.uk for more info.

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How to tackle common Behaviour Problems Dog training tips from the experts at www.simplybehaviour.com he solution to most behaviour problems in dogs is simple and IF you adhere to the following.

The principle is simple- dogs repeat behaviours that are reinforced. That means that if your puppy or adult dog behaves in a certain way (that is undesirable to you), by say barking at you through the back door (when he’s outside and you’re inside), jumping up at people, or dragging you down the street on walks, all you have to do is identify what’s rewarding the unwanted behaviour. Then once you identify the reinforcer, remove it and instead reward a more appropriate behaviour such as being quiet in the case of the barking dog, sitting for the exuberant greeter, and walking on a loose leash in the case of the persistent puller.

The reinforcer is usually easy to identify. For instance, if you have a dog that barks when you put him in the garden and you usually let him in, if the barking stops as soon as he rushes in, by letting him in, you’ve rewarded him for barking, but also this has identified his barking as a way to get the desired outcome (which is letting him back in).

If you want him to be quiet outside, you’ll have to ignore his barking—which means you should probably only put him outside when you know your neighbors will not be disturbed by the noise—and then wait until he’s quiet before you let him in or reward him in some other manner. One of the things you could do here is to teach an alternative behaviour such as ringing a bell or how to open a door (be careful with this one, you may regret it) see short video & instructions below. It is important to recognise that behaviours such as these- the reason they happen, is because they work.

Personally, in this kind of situation, a dog barking to come in would be acceptable to me. However, barking might have become a problem in other areas and it is important to work out why he is doing this, is this his general

T

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response class topography for all desired outcomes?

There are often other reasons a dog will bark. For example, if your dog barks when people come to the house, it could be that he is frightened of new people.

The way you might approach this would be different to barking for attention. In the latter example, if he is scared, shouting “NO” at him will have no use to help his fear. Shouting or telling him off does not help to increase his repertoire of behaviour and actually the intention of this is probably to decrease it. So, to help him in this situation you might want to teach him a safe place, so that when people come over, he can use that to show that he wants to increase distance between him and the offending person and you can use lots of reinforcement (treats, toys etc) to help him learn positive associations in these situations.

Likewise, if your dog greets you by jumping and continues jumping on you every day even though you yell at him and push him away, then yelling and pushing away—which are both forms of attention – are actually reinforcing the behavior (the behaviour is being maintained by access to attention in fact jumping up is usually for this reason).

You’ll have to stand silently and completely stationary, like a pole or a tree, so the message that you’re ignoring

him and being completely noninteractive with him is clear. Wait until he offers a sit on his own and then pet or praise him – whichever his reaction tells you he wants – but only as long as he remains seated.

Of course the case of the persistent puller is the same. If your dog drags you down the block on leash, he’s doing so because it gets him there—wherever the end of the leash goes – faster than waiting for you. To change the behaviour you’ll have to stop dead in your tracks every time he even gets close to reaching the end of the lead. Then walk forward briskly only when he, on his own, steps back towards you so he’s on a loose leash. The key is to make the consequence black and white. Stop abruptly when his front feet get ahead of yours because that means in a second or too he’s going to be at the end of the leash and pulling. Then speed forward immediately when he steps back such that the leash hangs in a loose loop and he looks at you. Better yet, even wait until he sits and looks at you before you walk on.

Notice that, as with the sit for greetings case above, we don’t tell him what we want using commands. We let the dog figure out how the world operates on their own. Dogs care about our actions, not our words. So by focusing on our actions instead of blurting out words for our dog to ignore, we communicate in a manner that makes the message clear.

Teaching the desired behaviour beforehand In the cases described above, training will go about a million times faster if you first take a few minutes to train the behaviour you do want, such as sit quietly when you want attention or sit and look at me when you want something such as to be petted or to walk forward on leash. That way when the unruly behaviour of barking or

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Style Pets

Teaching a dog to open a door...

1. Get a lid of a jar and place it on the floor.

jumping for attention and pulling on leash to get somewhere faster doesn’t work, then your dog will be able to think of an alternate behaviour that you might want and if he has plenty of history with reinforced behaviours in his repertoire you are on to a winner!

Consistency is essential This probably all sounds so simple. But there’s some bad news and some good news. Here’s the bad news. First, you have to be extremely consistent or you may make the bad behaviour even worse.

Now the good news: you’ve probably already been inconsistent so the behavior’s not likely to get worse once you consciously try to make a change.

How can inconsistency make the behaviour worse? When animals first learn a behavior it’s easiest for them to learn if they get rewarded every time they perform it. Once they know the behavior well you can strengthen it by putting it on a variable, intermittent schedule of reinforcement where you reward the correct behavior sometimes but not others (only after the new behaviour has been mastered will you start to thin a schedule, sometimes not at all). This puts an element of gamble into the game. Now, your dog knows he’ll get a reward when he gives you the desired behaviour. He just doesn’t know which time or how long it will take, so now when he doesn’t get his way right away,

he tries harder or longer or waits for his next opportunity. So, for instance, let’s say you decide to lock him in the garden and wait his barking out but sometimes you just aren’t patient enough to wait it out, So sometimes after 5-10 minutes you finally let him in. Whereas in the past he may have given up after just several minutes of barking, now he knows that sometimes if he tries harder and barks louder, you’ll eventually let him in. Now if you want to break the cycle, you have to wait for even longer periods of time. This is not ethical for him and can be quite stressful for all involved. You are better off teaching an alternative behaviour (such as a getting him to ring a bell ring or opening the door himself). Remember, if you are not on hand, he will likely go back to barking so be careful with this one.

This factor probably means you will have to spend more time working it into your training plan but luckily, when you are consistent, you can change many of the behaviours practically overnight.

Most importantly, you must get everyone in the household on the same page, so that you make a concerted effort. Once your plan is in place and you avoid rewarding the bad behavior and only reward the good behavior every single time, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the good behavior becomes his new habit.

2. Get a handful of treats that he loves (clicker might be good here but do not worry if you have not used one before).

3. Every movement he makes toward the lid say “good boy” and (click then) give him a treat.

4. When he is successfully targeting the lid with his nose or paw (however you want to shape this) you can get some sticky tape and stick the lid to the door.

5. Using the same technique, only reward him for the higher nose pushes that actually open the door.

Changing the criteria towards the desired outcome and only rewarding the new behaviours being shaped (this is differential reinforcement of new behaviour each stage is a new criterion and we are shaping approximations to desired behaviour) 6. Then when he is able to push the door with his nose, he should be able to open the door (smaller dogs might not be strong enough to do this).

If you have a pull door, you can use the same technique, but with a tie rope or tug toy. You will be playing a game of tug and then shaping the stronger tugs & the harder pulls.

Then you can tie the tug rope to the door and shape the harder pulls until he is opening the door.

www.simplybehaviour.com

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William Gear Exhibition at The Fosse Gallery, Stow-on-the-Wold ENTERTAINMENT

SNOWDROP WEEKENDS AT COLESBOURNE ESTATE Every weekend in February Enjoy the beautiful displays of snowdrops at the Colesbourne Snowdrop Gardens, between Cheltenham and Cirencester.

For further information, call 01242 870264 www.colesbournegardens.org.uk

DOUBLE TASTY AT THE BOTTLE OF SAUCE, CHELTENHAM Every Monday At this new watering hole and eatery, enjoy a 50% discount on the pub’s legendary burgers every Monday. www.thebottleofsauce.com THE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION, NATURE IN ART, TWIGWORTH Until Sunday 12th March All the winners in the latest and the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition from

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London’s Natural History Museum.

Over 100 stunning images selected from almost 50,000 entries including intimate animal portraits to atmospheric landscapes and ground-breaking photojournalism.

Tickets: from £4.75 (under 8s free) www.natureinart.org.uk

butt its prey to death? Come and test your knowledge against Ben Garrod (the TV scientist in ‘Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur‘). With the help of TV film footage and photos of his own palaeontological dinosaur digs, he will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs - and more.

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Saturday 4th February, 2.30pm Did dinosaurs eat their own families?

Was every Tyrannosaur a fearsome carnivore? Why did Allosaurus head

Tickets: from £12.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

THE BURLESQUE SHOW AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Friday 3rd February A stunning night of sophisticated tease, wonderful comedy, magic and music featuring the UK’s finest artistes of the genre. Beautiful choreography, hilarious routines and classic comedy combine to deliver the most highly regarded production of its kind in the UK. Not recommended for under 16s.

Times and prices vary. www.everymantheatre.org.uk

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Your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds...

Travel Blogger at www.allaboardtheskylark.com WILLIAM GEAR EXHIBITION AT THE FOSSE GALLERY, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD Sunday 5th to Saturday 25th February This major exhibition of prints and other works on paper by William Gear RA (1915-1997) is held in association with London's Redfern Gallery; all the works come directly from the Gear estate and the majority of the 50 works have never been seen in public before.

William Gear became one of the pioneers in Britain to experiment with silk-screen printing. www.fossegallery.com

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Monday 6th to Saturday 11th February Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this multi award-winning West End smash hit comedy. Times and prices vary. www.everymantheatre.org.uk RORY BREMNER, PARTY POLITICAL AT PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM, CHELTENHAM Tuesday 7th February, 8pm

Valentine’s Dinner at Wesley House, Winchcombe Britain’s best-known satirical impressionist is back! With Trump, Boris and Brexit fresh in the memory, Rory’s on a mission to make sense (and nonsense) of it all. He will be joined by special surprise guests: some politicians, some comedians. Come and work out which is which! Tickets: from £22 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

FUN LEBANESE NIGHT AT FOODWORKS COOKERY SCHOOL, NEAR CHELTENHAM Wednesday 8th February, 7 to 9.30pm Guest chef Wafa will be treating Foodworks clients to a full on Lebanese experience with an explosion of Middle Eastern flavours with an array of delicious dishes, Wafa has a great fun reputation as a chef and sometimes throws in a couple of belly dance moves whilst cooking! Tickets: £58.00 includes supper and lots of fun.

Call 01242 870538 or visit the website. www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR

TASTE OF ST. VALENTINE AT THE KINGS HOTEL, CHIPPING CAMPDEN Saturday 11th to Tuesday 14th February Arrive to Champagne and canapés, then enjoy a romantic six course tasting menu in the restaurant. £65.00pp www.kingscampden.co.uk VALENTINE SPA DAY AT THE GREENWAY HOTEL, NEAR CHELTENHAM Monday 13th to Tuesday 28th February Spend a romantic spa day together with a glass of pink Prosecco, a couple’s dual treatment, a one course lunch or afternoon tea and a goody bag on departure. £190.00 per couple www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com

VALENTINE’S DINNER AT WESLEY HOUSE, WINCHCOMBE Tuesday 14th February Enjoy a five-course dinner plus coffee>>>

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t u o ab and petit fours at this cosy restaurant with rooms in Winchcombe for £65 per person.

Pre-booked tables only. www.wesleyhouse.co.uk

A PASSIONATE WOMAN AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Friday 17th to Saturday 27th February

Liza Goddard (Yes Honestly, Bergerac) stars in Kay Mellor’s (In The Club, Band of Gold) romantic comedy about a doting mum who finds it hard to accept that her son is leaving home to get married. This production opens at

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the Everyman Theatre prior to a national tour. Times and prices vary. www.everymantheatre.org.uk

PITTVILLE SUNDAYS: THE SWEET SOUND OF NEW ORLEANS AT PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM, CHELTENHAM Sunday 19th February, 3pm The formidably talented Dom Pipkin presents his solo show tracing the wonderful and colourful world of New Orleans piano, told through the stories of great players and magical times jazz, blues, the rhythm and blues, the birth of rock and roll, and the world of funk and soul. With a style developed from his love of the New Orleans piano professors and jazz greats, Dom’s show will brighten the darkest of winter afternoons. Afternoon tea and a screening of the 2013 film by Lily Keber ‘Bayou Maharajah’, exploring the life and music of New Orleans piano legend James Booker, are included.

Tickets: from £17.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk ANITA AND ME AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Tuesday 28th February to Saturday 4th March Starring Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies). From the producers of Brassed Off, Of Mice and Men and A Tale of Two Cities, Meera Syal’s hilarious coming-of-age tale comes to the Everyman Theatre following a sell-out run at Birmingham Rep and Stratford East in 2015.

Times and prices vary. www.everymantheatre.org.uk

FAMILY PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP, SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th February

Make a splash and grab your wellies during half term for the returning Puddle Jumping Championships, this time with favourite fluffy friend, Dusty Duck. There’ll be plenty of chances to practice throughout the grounds and some fun prizes on offer.

Usual admission applies www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge

GLOW SPORTS, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Monday 13th February Cheltenham Trust will be turning off the lights for two Glow Sports sessions, one for ages six to nine, the other for ages 10 to 13. Games in the dark will include table tennis, badminton, short tennis and dodgebal, all played under UV lights. Special glow equipment will be provided. Telephone 01242 528746. Tickets: £8 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY JUNIOR RUGBY CAMP, KINGS SCHOOL GLOUCESTER Monday 13h and Tuesday 14th February A two-day Rugby Camp for boys and girls aged 8 - 13. Book your place for £60 per child or £100 for two. Email marketing@gloucesterrugby.co.uk or book online.

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/rugbycamps

GLOUCESTER RUGBY /RENISHAW GIRLS OPEN DAY AT KATHERINE LADY BERKELEY SCHOOL Wednesday 15th February Gloucester Rugby are joining forces with Renishaw to bring an open day to girls aged 14 to 18 years old. The aim of the open day is to increase the

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Your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds...

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number of women and girls in rugby and engineering and to change the views of parents, women and girls towards rugby and engineering. The open day is free and places can be booked at marketing@gloucesterrugby.co.uk. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

TREASURE ISLAND AT CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Friday 17t February, 2pm The hilarious stars of CBeebies ‘SPOTBOTS’, Callum Donnelly, Richard Franks and Robin Hatcher are setting sail, so prepare yourself for a very funny, swashbuckling time on the high seas!

The audience will be taken on an amazing and memorable trip into a world of pirates, treasure and mermaids – as one of the nation’s favourite children’s novels is brought to life with a lively (and very child friendly) modern twist. Tickets: from £13 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT AT BRICKHAMPTON GOLF COMPLEX, GLOUCESTER Friday 3rd February,

7pm for 7.30pm start Raise money for the Pied Piper Appeal by entering a team of between four and six. Great prizes on the night and the entrance fee includes supper. Call 0300 422 6119 to enter or email office@piedpiperappeal.co.uk to register your team. Entry: £10 per person www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk LINC PRESENTS OPERA AT THE MANOR, MANOR BY THE LAKE NEAR CHELTENHAM Saturday 4th February, 7pm Enjoy a drinks reception and threecourse dinner ,with opera performed by Cheryl Brendish of Cornwall’s Duchy Opera Troubadours and guests.

Tickets; £50. www.lincfund.org FUNDRAISING FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST, NORTON VILLAGE HALL Friday 17th February, 11am-1pm Donations welcome for the Addington Fund. Booking advisable. www.addingtonfund.org.uk/eventtype/farmhouse-breakfast-events

CHARITY HANDBAG AUCTION, MALMAISON, CHELTENHAM Thursday 9th March, 6pm

Join us for an evening of Race Week fashion with clothes by Bodega, hats by Lisa von Hallwyl and the chance to bid for a celebrity handbag to raise money for LINC. Fizz and fashion from 6pm, auction at 7pm. Tickets: £5 www.lincfund.org

SPORT GLOUCESTER RUGBY V NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS, KINGSHOLM STADIUM Saturday 4th February, kick off 3pm Gloucester Rugby take on Newport Gwent Dragons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Tickets: from £10 for adults and £1 for juniors in advance. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY V SARACENS, KINGSHOLM STADIUM Friday 17th February, kick off 7.45pm Gloucester Rugby take on Saracens in the Aviva Premiership.

Tickets: from £15 for adults and £5 for juniors in advance. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

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This Month with Kate Justice

Stuff & Stress Kate Justice deliberates her views of romance this Valentines It can be hard to keep a relationship sparkling after 15 years and a few kids.

Years and kids... they take their toll on romance.

But this month we do get the chance for a bit of a revival. I know we shouldn't have to hang it on a peg – we should bring spontaneity into life and need no excuse or require no reason to show affection to each other.

And blah blah.

When roughly 10% of life is taken up with looking for odd socks and every single morning you find yourself searching endlessly for a pen, despite having bought 300 of the damn things at Office World last month.... romantic spontaneity can be hard to come by.

And what if one of you snores? Oh. My. God. This can feel like the end of the world at 3am on a Monday, when the alarm is due to go off at 6 so you can transfer the school uniforms from the washer to the dryer because you forgot about them till midnight on Sunday.

When you have this going round in your brain, along with the fact you definitely must wear make-up to work because of the VERY IMPORTANT MEETING that you also need a good night's sleep

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for, someone snoring next to you opens up the chance you'll commit murder before dawn.

I've heard more than once that the secret to a happy marriage is separate houses. (Hilarious isn't it?). Apparently, if you can't afford separate houses, then separate bedrooms will also do wonders to keep a marriage alive. And if you can't afford separate bedrooms, then you absolutely must have separate bathrooms - or else you're doomed.

I definitely don't have the key to a perfect relationship but I'm sceptical as to how much reality is constituted in a marriage by people who don't actually live together! In fact Husband and I live quite well together when left to our own devices. We went away on our own last month – the first time we've had more than one night without the kids for a decade and a half. Yes, I had to deal with the snoring ALL night as there was no spare room to creep out to bleary eyed at 3am... but... with no work the next day, I just stayed in bed longer and caught up on my hours that way.

It made me realise that it's society, not each other that creates arguments and divides us. Society... as well as STUFF.

We have to go to work, to buy stuff. If we get short of sleep, having to go to work creates stress and if there's snoring involved, then it's easy to blame the snorer for the stress. Then... the Stuff we buy gets in a mess because there's never enough time to put it away properly, because of going to work. So we've gone to work to buy Stuff that then causes stress.... and so on.

Without jobs and Stuff, Husband and I rub along very well thank you. We obviously can't be on holiday forever though, so work and Stuff return to our lives as well as the occasional night in the spare room as respite.

What St Valentine's Day can do, that you might never get round to without that peg, is give you a reminder to take a few hours to forget about the mess and the jobs. Take yourself out of reality and a little bit out of society too and make the most of being in a couple.

Good luck trying – but remember it'll probably all be back to normal by the 15th, so it might be worth the effort.

If you would like to share your stories with Kate Justice, please email the Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

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