April 2012

Cotswold Style

001 Front cover April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:52

Page 1

Facebook fans: 4,245; Twitter followers: 20,146

April 2012

THE FACE OF SCOTTISH WIDOWS:

HAYLEY HUNT

WIN TICKETS TO

THE CHELTENHAM DESIGN FESTIVAL

20 PAGE

WEDDING £2.50

SPECIAL

CS

KATE & WILLS ONE YEAR ON

SEE THE LATEST FROM COTSWOLD STYLE TV VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.COTSWOLDSTYLE.CO.UK

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:27

Page 2

:H DOO KDYH RXU LQVSLUDWLRQV IRU ZDQWLQJ D KRW WXE UHOLHYLQJ DFKHV DQG SDLQV HQWHUWDLQLQJ IULHQGV DQG IDPLO\ RU FDWFKLQJ D TXLHW PRPHQW ZLWK RXU SDUWQHU DW WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ EXW P\ KRW WXE GHVLUHV FDQ·W EH QDLOHG GRZQ , QHHG P\ KRW WXE IRU DOO WKHVH WKLQJV

:KDW DERXW \RX"

7R UHTXHVW D EURFKXUH RU IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO XV RQ RU HPDLO VDOHV#WKHVSD NOLQJSRROFRPSDQ\ FR XN TXRWLQJ ¶0DUTXLV 6W\OH· WR UHFHLYH GHWDLOV RI RXU H[FOXVLYH VSHFLDO RIIHU

8QLW D /HFNKDPSWRQ ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH _ /HFNKDPSWRQ 5RDG /HFNKDPSWRQ _ &KHOWHQKDP _ *ORXFHVWHUVKLUH _ */ 2$/ 3KRQH _ (PDLO VDOHV#WKHVSD NOLQJSRROFRPSDQ\ FR XN :HE ZZZ WKHVSD NOLQJSRROFRPSDQ\ FR XN

2 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:27

Page 3

0DNH VWD\LQJ DW KRPH IXQ

0DUTXLV 6SDV 6KRZURRP 7KH (SLF

7KH :LVK

6L]H

PP [ PP

6L]H

PP [ PP

+HLJKW

PP

+HLJKW

PP

'U\ :HLJKW NJ

'U\ :HLJKW NJ

)XOO :HLJKW NJ

)XOO :HLJKW NJ

/LWUHV

/LWUHV

6HDWLQJ

6HDWLQJ

7RWDO MHWV

7RWDO MHWV

7KH 6SLULW

7KH 0LUDJH

6L]H

PP [ PP

6L]H

PP [ PP

+HLJKW

PP

+HLJKW

PP

'U\ :HLJKW NJ

'U\ :HLJKW NJ

)XOO :HLJKW NJ

)XOO :HLJKW NJ

/LWUHV

/LWUHV

6HDWLQJ

6HDWLQJ

7RWDO MHWV

7RWDO MHWV

7KH 5HQGH]YRXV 6L]H

PP [ PP

+HLJKW

PP

'U\ :HLJKW NJ )XOO :HLJKW NJ /LWUHV

6HDWLQJ

7RWDO MHWV

6ZLPPLQJ 3RROV 6SDV +RW 7XEV %DUEHTXHV 2XWGRRU $FFHVVRULHV 7KH 6SD NOLQJ 3RRO &RPSDQ\ /WG 8QLW D /HFNKDPSWRQ ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH /HFNKDPSWRQ 5RDG /HFNKDPSWRQ &KHOWHQKDP *ORXFHVWHUVKLUH */ 2$/ 3KRQH

)D[

(PDLO VDOHV#WKHVSD NOLQJSRROFRPSDQ\ FR XN

:HE ZZZ WKHVSD NOLQJSRROFRPSDQ\ FR XN APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 3

000 Contents April 12:Layout 1

24/03/2012

16:30

Page 4

24

129

April

inside your issue...

119

10 Out and About

45 Property

83 Gardening

Our guide to this month’s events

We take a look at the hottest properties on the market this month

Camilla Bassett-Smith reminds us of the beauty of tulips this spring

69 Changing lives

85 Sudeley Castle

We talk to the committee members behind the hugely successful themed balls raising money for the National Star College

Head Gardener Jon Hodder ponders the dawn of spring at Sudeley

19 Competition WIN 10 pairs of tickets to the very first Cheltenham Design Festival this month

21 Charity of the month This month we highlight the fantastic work at Cobalt

22 Real Life Local girl Hayley Hunt is the iconic face of Scottish Widows. Eric Barton went to meet her

24 Wedding Special Celebrating the first anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge we profile others celebrating first anniversaries and bring you expert tips on planning your wedding and honeymoon as well as inspiration from our real weddings

4 COTSWOLD STYLE

71 Luna

94 Fashion Simply gorgeous spring fashion

Eric Barton talks to Space Designers Dustin Wise and Michele Pemberton

101 Spring Feva

75 Beautiful flooring

104 Country chic

We talk to Sam Grunfeld about choosing the right flooring for your home

Stunning tailored jackets by Suit the Country

77 Country comment

Imperial Hearing gives their advice on the latest technology

79 Homestyle Obsidian brings us the best storage solutions for your kitchen

This season’s hottest looks from Feva

107 Health

109 Hair doctor Bridal hair with Laura Leigh APRIL 2012

000 Contents April 12:Layout 1

24/03/2012

16:30

Page 5

22

104

69

111 Dear Doctor

133 Glosse Posse Spy

Dr Vicky Blackburn from the Nuffield answers your family health questions

Navigating your way around the social scene in the Cotswolds

115 Cotswold Style TV

135 A rural retreat

With the arrival of our very own television channel, we talk to presenter Eric Barton about its cutting edge style

Treat yourself to a special offer at the sumptuous Broadway Hotel

119 Women in Business

Ali Nightingale visis Hatton Court Hotel, Gloucester

We talk to Young Broker of the Year for 2011, Hannah Bell from Jelf

121 Customer loyalty Relationship bank Handelsbanken explains its continuing growth

123-125 Legal advice 127 Financial advice 129 Cotswold Cricket Museum We talk to Andy Collier about his unique business idea APRIL 2012

137 Restaurant review

Style events 92 Ladies Day at The Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse 117 The Jazz Festival Launch Party 118 The Daffodil Cheese Club

143-145 Recipes

120 Chamber of Commerce host Budget debate

151 Niall Foster

131 Soho Bar opens in Montpellier

Heart presenter Niall Foster reflects on the anniversary of Wills and Kate

147 The Suffolk Kitchen preview evening

153 Creating opportunities We chart the progress of the cyclists raising money for the charity PROPS

157-167 Motoring 162 Columnist Kate Justice

92

COTSWOLD STYLE 5

Sebastian Sellers Jan 12 v2:Layout 1

6 COTSWOLD STYLE

21/03/2012

17:29

Page 6

APRIL 2012

Sebastian Sellers Jan 12 v2:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:29

Page 7

Showrooms open all week and Saturday morning or other times by appointment

SEBASTIAN SELLERS Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Bookcases and furniture for all rooms Individually designed and handmade in our own workshops Using the very best materials and timber from sustainable woodlands Full project management if required

At Sebastian Sellers we still oer a no fee, no obligation, design service for your project 1-3 Old Coalyard Farm Industrial Estate West End, Northleach, GL54 3HE Tel: 01451 861864 Fax: 01451 861865 info@sebastiansellers.co.uk www.sebastiansellers.co.uk APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 7

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:55

Page 8

A touch of Rio de Janeiro at Feva...

With beautifully sculpted dresses in luxury fabrics and seductive Brazilian prints, Isabel de Pedro’s new season collection at Feva speaks for itself.

Joined by stunning new pieces from many other leading designers, Feva’s spring fashion offers elegant style for all occasions. Come and see for yourself...

Day D ay & Oc Occasion casion Wear Wearr Amazing Amazing W Woman, oman, Bl Blanc anc Nat Nature, ure, CCharli, harli, Didier Didier P Parakian, arakian, Di Diva va CCatwalk, atwalk, In Ingenue, genue, Isabel Isabel de P Pedro, edro, Jo Jonny nny Q Jeans, Jeans, Kali Kali Orea, Orea, Mado, Mado, M Marianne arianne VVanderwilt, anderwilt, P Penny enny Bl Black, ack, Roberto R oberto Naldi, SSave ave tthe he Quee Queen. n.

Evening Evening & Prom Prom Wear Wearr Bernshaw, Bernshaw, Catwalk Catwalk CCollection, ollection, FFaviana, aviana, Forever Forever Unique, Unique, Jovani, Jovani, LM LM CCollection, ollection, Mignon, M ignon, P Precious recious FFormals, ormals, Sc Scala. ala.

Footwear Footwearr & Accessories Accessories Aftershock, Aftershoc h k, Bibi, Bibi, Joc Jocasi, asi, M Mary ary FFrances, rances, Owen O Ow en Barry, Barry, P Pranella, ranella, VVidorreta. idorreta.

8 COTSWOLD STYLE

Opening Openi ng Hours Monday 5.30pm M onday – SSaturday: aturday: 9.30am 9.30am – 5.

30pm Bank Holidays: 11.30am 4.30pm SSundays undays and B ank Holid ays:: 11.

11 30am – 4.

4 30pm

20 Re Regent egentt St Street, reet, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gloucest tershirre, GL50 1HE 01242 222 222998 998 ww www.fevadesigns.com ww.fevadesigns.com ffeva eva ccheltenham heltenham

fevacheltenham @ @fevacheltenham APRIL 2012

009 Editor's Welcome APRIL 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

Senior Partner Paul Bates 01242 220239 paul@stylemagazines.co.uk

Partner Mark Cuzner 07917 821577 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk

Account Manager Anthony Robinson 07917 175919 anthony@stylemagazines.co.uk

Account Manager Melanie Hall 07875 340840 salesteam@stylemagazines.co.uk Customer Services Executive Carley O’Dea

01242 220239

office@stylemagazines.co.uk Production Consultant Hilary Collier 01242 220239 hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk

Features Writer Eric Barton 01242 220239

Business Development Manager Sarah Prankerd 07970 228228 sprankerd@stylemagazines.co.uk Photographer Spencer McPherson 07773 374316 spencer@allintheimage.co.uk Photographer Rob Wheatman 07533 368571 wheatman@me.com Photographer Yasmin Hussain 07976 666046 yased1@yahoo.com

Photographer Phil Stevens 07875 739995 phil@allintheimage.co.uk

15:54

Page 9

welcome

editor’s foreword A

pril brings with it the dawn of spring, a season of new beginnings. The nights are lighter and there’s more activities we can enjoy outside, especially here in the Cotswolds with so many events to enjoy.

This time last year we witnessed the fairytale wedding of the royal golden couple Prince William and Kate Middleton as well as the making of a Princess, who has taken to her royal duties with grace and style. The royal couple are well loved in the Cotswolds and we have enjoyed rubbing shoulders with such high profile royals at our county’s polo matches and events such as last month’s Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. In celebration of Kate and Wills’ one year anniversary we bring you our Wedding Special including tips from the experts on planning your wedding and we hear from a local couple and a business who are also celebrating one year anniversaries.

With the very first Cheltenham Design Festival launching this month, we bring you our exclusive competition to win 10 pairs of tickets to this exciting event. be sure to enter so you don’t miss out!

Cotswold Style’s very own television channel is making a big impact locally and we interview the presenter and journalist Eric Barton who is excited about the future for Cotswold Style TV. Visit our website www.cotswoldstyle.co.uk to watch our latest footage and interact with us on Facebook and Twitter to let us know what you think.

Cotswold Style has also launched its very first App, to give you, our readers, the chance to read your favourite magazine ‘on the go’! Enjoy this month’s magazine.

Eve Holmes, Editor, editor@stylemagazines.co.uk www.facebook.com/ CotswoldStyleMagazine

Follow me at @CotsStyleEditor

Cotswold Style

Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA. Switchboard: 01242 220239; Fax: 01242 257019; Email: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk or advertising@stylemagazines.co.uk.

Publisher: Paul Bates; Distribution: Pineapple Media, 172 Northern Parade, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 9LT. Merchandising services: Patrick Farrelly.

Cover image: Sugar Candy. Spring fashion from All In The Image, www.allintheimage.co.uk. See the full fashion shoot on pages 94-97. Plus more fashion on pages 101 and 104-105.

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

APRIL 2012

CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 9

000 out and about April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

ut about

14:23

Page 10

In association with

with Cotswold Style

ENTERTAINMENT

CHELTENHAM DESIGN FESTIVAL April Cheltenham’s first annual design festival is bringing creative thinkers together to debate and explore design that implores our lives www.cheltenhamdesignfestival.com

NEW LOBSTER LUNCH AT MONTY’S Throughout the Spring and Summer months Monty’s will be serving up a new lobster lunch. Half a lobster tail and claw served in its shell, cooked with garlic, parsley and lemon butter, with a lemon hollandaise sauce, triple cooked fries and an asparagus, cherry tomato and rocket salad together with a chilled glass of Prosecco for just £15.00.

Call 01242 227678 or book a table on line www.montysbraz.co.uk ESSENCE OF IRELAND Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th April

Described by the Irish World as “Entirely unique” and “Highly Recommended”, the critically acclaimed Essence of Ireland is taking theatres by storm. Whether you are looking to experience this sensational show for the first time, or returning for the fifth, Essence of Ireland is not to be missed! www.everymantheatre.org.uk

CEDARS HEALTH & BEAUTY CENTRE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE Offers available throughout April 2012 Treat your feet. A FREE file and varnish on toes with each relaxing reflexology treatment. By treating the feet, the whole body benefits! Reflexology stimulates reflex points allowing energy to flow freely around the body to promote good health. Look younger and fresher Cedars is offering a £20 trial introduction to the

10 COTSWOLD STYLE

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com

www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

CACI non–surgical face–lift, an intensive treatment which tightens and tones sagging muscles whilst smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Upgrade to a full facial CACI treatment for only £40 (saving £18) which will leave you feeling gorgeous and skin confident. www.cedarshealth–beauty.co.uk THE PATESIAN PLAYERS PRESENT A NEW ADAPTATION OF HENRIK IBSEN’S “HEDDA GABLER” WINCHCOMBE SCHOOL Tuesday 10th April Parabola Arts Centre Wednesday 11th April Sacred Hearts Church, Charlton Kings – Friday 13th April Whittington Village Hall Sunday 15th April Pate’s Grammar School – Wednesday Wednesday 18th April 7:30pm start at each venue Tickets: £10 or £5 concession www.facebook.com/PPlayers

ELIS JAMES – DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME? Saturday 7th April With a sell–out run at last year’s Edinburgh Park to boast of, up and coming comedian Elis James is appearing at the Cheltenham Town Hall this April and this is definitely one not to miss. A chance encounter with a celebrity, an accident at a wedding and the good old–fashioned drunkenness of others make this a show to remember.

JOE BROWN Sunday 15th April Rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown along with his five piece band including his son and record producer Pete Brown will be on stage providing the audience with timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery. This show at the Town Hall is not to be missed! 7.30pm.

Tickets: From £20.50 8pm Tickets: £12 (£10 Concessions) www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

BROADWAY AND BEYOND Saturday 7th April Broadway and Beyond is a thrilling and entertaining mix of music and wit from the most popular musicals of the twentieth and twenty–first centuries.

This will set your feet tapping, your heart singing and leave you wanting more... Tickets £14 – £22 plus booking fee. www.everymantheatre.org.uk CHELTENHAM CONCERT SERIES – ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Thursday 12th April

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by the remarkable pianist Freddy Kempf, who first played with the RPO aged eight. Engaged in one of his newest projects, Kempf plays as well as directs Beethoven’s greatest piano concertos. Tickets: From £10. 7.30pm www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR APRIL 2012

000 out and about April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:23

Page 11

In association with

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com LANGUEDOC WINE DINNER AT HOTEL DU VIN WITH STEPHANIE DONDAIN FROM CHATEAU CABEZAC Tuesday 15th May Chateau Cabezac is situated in the Languedoc region, more precisely in the Minervois. It has been established for over 10 years consolidating its reputation as a producer of high quality wines. The wines are produced on the basis of Culture Raisonnée of the vines with maximum emphasis on the character of the varieties and of the terroir. You will have the chance of tasting a wide range of wines including highly rated top cuvées such as “Grand Cuvée Belveze” and “Cuvée Arthur”. Wine are matched with a menu created by our Head Chef Paul Motram. 7 pm. To book, contact events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com or 01242 588 450, £75 per person.

Payment will be taken at the time of the reservation.

LOIRE VALLEY WINE DINNER AT HOTEL DU VIN Tuesday 17th April Dinner with Guillemette de Couesnongle from Langlois–Chateau and Christopher Papis from Mentzendorf. It was a winemaker called Edouard Langlois that founded this family company in the Loire region in the north of France in 1912. With the investment from a successful company like Bollinger, Langlois–Chateau is now making wines that concentrate more on expressing the terroir. The evening will showcase a wide range of wines from this producer from Sancerre and Saumur Champigny to the famous and deliciously sweet Coteaux du Layon.

These will be accompanied by some typical dishes from the Loire Valley prepared by our Head Chef, Paul Motram. 7pm. To book, contact events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com or 01242 588 450, £75 per person.

Payment will be taken at the time of the reservation.

THE MISSY MALONE AND FRIENDS BURLESQUE REVUE Saturday 21st April The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue will be returning to its APRIL 2012

your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea Cheltenham home, The Playhouse, for a ONE date only (two shows 7pm & 9.30pm) on Saturday 21st April 2012.

Native Scot and now adopted Cheltonian, Missy Malone has become an international success over the last seven years! A heady cocktail of 1950’s bombshell and classic rock chick. An accomplished and sort after performer on the UK burlesque scene who has performed internationally and graced the cover of several publications and campaigns.

Missy also produces “The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue” which now proudly tours theatres around the UK in conjunction with Cheltenham based “Beyond Eternity Productions”. To get tickets call box office on – 01242 522852 or for more information please visit www.missymaloneandfriends.com ITALIAN WINE TASTING AT HOTEL DU VIN Wednesday 25th April

If you’re a complete wine novice and would love to find out more join us at our Italian wine tasting on Wednesday 25 April. Learn the basics about wine tasting, and discover the multitudes of grape varieties that Italy offers. Taste six

wines in a relaxed and informal setting with Head Sommelier Roberto Zanca.

6pm. To book, contact events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com or 01242 588 450, £15 per person.

Payment must be taken at the time of the reservation.

SALLY MORGAN – PSYCHIC TOWN HALL SALLY ON THE ROAD Friday 27th April Sally Morgan returns to the Town Hall.

Sally now brings her amazing abilities and her tremendous personality to the stage with a unique theatrical experience, which is both hugely entertaining and enlightening. Tickets: From £22 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

EXHIBITION OF NEW PAINTINGS BY INTERNATIONAL ARTIST SUE TOWNSEND Saturday 28th April – Monday 7th May This is an exceptional exhibition of work done over the last year by Sue Townsend. It includes a new venture of wildlife painting of birds which have been inspired by her visits to Slimbridge and her regular observations of the feeding station in her garden in Tetbury.

The collection includes some paintings of threatened birds in this country including the Starling and Song Thrush.

10.30 am to 5 pm. Backyard Gallery Contact Details: Sue Townsend Tel 01666 505301. Email: sjart08@tiscali.co.uk

‘PAIRINGS II – CONVERSATIONS & COLLABORATIONS’ Saturday28th April – Sunday 27th May Exhibition/ Symposium and linked talks and workshops. Curated by international textile artist Alice Kettle and SIT artistic director Lizzi Walton. Museum in the Park, Stratford Park Stroud GL5 4AF. Saturday May 5th Linking to the exhibition is a major Symposium where a panel of artists, academics and writers will consider and explore how they have been inspired to create by collaborating. Chaired by artist–curator Alice Kettle. 9.00am – 5.00pm. Stroud College, Stratford Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AH www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.u

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR COTSWOLD STYLE 11

000 out and about April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

ut about FAMILY

LITTLE PRINCESS – LIVE ON STAGE Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th April Come and join in the celebration with Little Princess in the theatrical premiere of the hit children’s book and favourite TV character. Tickets £9 – £36 plus booking fee. www.everymantheatre.org.uk TITANIC THE MUSICAL Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st April

To commemorate the centenary of the sinking and the Savoyards own 50th anniversary, the society are proud to present the multi–Tony award winning musical TITANIC. The story tells of the launching, the collision with the iceberg, and the sinking is played out against the background of the rigid class–distinctions of the Edwardian Age. Tickets £10 – £20 plus booking fee. www.everymantheatre.org.uk

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Monday 23rd – Saturday 28th April Christopher Timothy stars as Otto Frank in this extraordinary documented tale of the hopes, frustrations and day to day experiences of her life from 1942 to 1944. Tickets £10 – £25 plus booking fee. www.everymantheatre.org.uk ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Thursday 26th April One of the BBC’s most popular shows starts filming its new series in the Cheltenham Town Hall so bring your antiques along for a valuation. People with large items can send details in advance to Antiques Roadshow, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or

12 12 COTSWOLD COTSWOLD STYLE STYLE

14:23

Page 12

In association with

with Cotswold Style

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com email antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk 9.30am – 4.30pm Free Entry www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

LAKEFEST Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May A great festival experience at Croft Farm Waterpark in Tewkesbury. Featuring acts such as the Levellers, Reef, Dodgy, Toploader and many more! With street entertainers present, Sangers Stage Show, ‘Market Area and more, this is guaranteed to be a fantastic days www.lakefest.co.uk

CHARITY

SHOPPING LUNCHEON IN AID OF MAGGIES Friday 20th April From 11am – 3pm– Designer Designer Clothing, Jewellery and Giftwares sale in the beautiful setting of the Montpellier Chapter Hotel.

Montpellier Chapter will also be offering a £12 luncheon menu including a welcome drink. Come and support a fantastic cause whilst adding some gems to your wardrobe! Lunch reservation spaces are limited on the day, please call Montpellier Chapter restaurant directly on 01242 266708 to book your table’ For further information, email Kat@beards.co.uk

MAYOR OF CHELTENHAM’S CHARITY ABSEIL Sunday 22nd April Take part in this exhilarating 160ft high abseil from Cheltenham’s iconic Eagle Tower and raise money for the Mayor of Cheltenham’s Charities. Whether taking part on your own as a personal challenge, or with a group of friends, you are guaranteed to have an experience you’ll never forget! Register today as places are limited!

To register or for more information call 01242 775144 / 263852 or email mayorabseil@gmail.com.

LINC LUNCH CLUB AT BISTROT COCO Friday 4th May The May LINC Lunch Club is at Bistrot Coco. Please also note that an extra £1 per person will be charged when you

book. This is to cover the service tip to the restaurant staff and save collecting it up on the day. Thanks. 12.30 for 1pm.

Tickets £14.00 per person and are available from the LINC Office tel: 08454 224422 or email LINC@glos.nhs.uk

CHARITY CAR BOOT AT SUDELEY CASTLE IN SUPPORT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHELTENHAM NORTH Sunday 13th May Proceeds from this event will go towards Midlands Air Ambulance, Robocap Prostate Cancer Appeal and Rotary Charities. A rare opportunity to sell/buy quality surplus goods – antiques, household furnishings, books, clothes, garden, tools, sports, motor, music, collectables, jewellery, toys and bric–a– brac. Strictly private sellers – cars only, no vans. Cost: Sellers £15 per car in advance, £20 per car on the day. Public Entry – Adults £1.50 per person, Under 12 years free. Hours: 9.30am – 1.30pm Set up for sellers 8.00am – 9.30am.

Application form for sellers available from: Roger Champness 01242 676734 or email rjc@passingcloud.co.uk GLOUCESTERSHIRE MOTORSHOW 2012 Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June In aid of Pied Piper Appeal and Cruse Bereavement. All the top motor dealers will be attending, a classic car display, classic car pre–auction, cookery demonstration, (used clothes) fashion show, entertainment for the children, and an opportunity to view the splendid gardens of Highnam Court. Entry is £7 adults, £3 children. Family ticket available (2 adults, 2 children) £15.

10am until 5pm both days. www.highnamcourt.co.uk

3 COUNTIES CYCLE RIDE Sunday 10th June Starting and finishing at Tewkesbury Rugby Club. A choice of 64km or 32km route. Entry fee: In advance £10 per adult £5 under 16, on the day £15 per adult £6 under 16. Registration and sponsor forms can be downloaded from the website or are available from the LINC Office. www.lincfund.org

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE FEBRUARY BAR APRIL 2010 2012

000 out and about April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:24

Page 13

In association with

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com

SPORTING EVENTS

COMEDY NIGHT HOSTED BY NIK HILL Thursday 5th April Kingsholm Stadium 7PM. The Comedy Club will introduce 5 handpicked comedians from across the UK. Tickets start from just £6 call 0871 871 8781 option 2 or visit: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/tickets to book yours

FAMILY FUN DAY Sponsored by Stagecoach Cheltenham Town v Barnet Friday 6th April 3pm Kick Off. Abbey Business Stadium Family entertainment from 1pm visit www.ctfc.com for details

GLOUCESTER RUGBY GOLF DAY Thursday 12th April Brickhampton Court Golf Complex Prices start from just £250 for a team of 4 or £300 for a team of 3 plus a Gloucester Rugby player. Price includes 18 holes of golf, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival and 2 course evening meal.

Too book your place email clarereader@gloucesterrugby.co.uk

GLOUCESTER RUGBY VS NEWCASTLE FALCONS Saturday 14th April Kingsholm Stadium 3PM Prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. Book your ticket by visiting www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk or contacting the ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

THE APRIL MEETING AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th April www.cheltenham.co.uk SPORTING NIGHT Wednesday 18th April The Hatherley Manor Hotel with play host to a Sporting Night with guest speaker, Brian Moore, former British Lion and England Rugby International and Garry Marshall. Reception – 7pm, Dinner – 8pm, Carriages – 11.45 pm.

Black Tie. £49.50 + vat. www.southernsportingclubs.co.uk FEBRUARY APRIL 20122010

your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea GLOUCESTER RUGBY VS SALE SHARKS Saturday 21st April Kingsholm Stadium 3PM Prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. Book your ticket by visiting: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk or contacting the ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

THE LUNCH Wednesday 2nd May The Lunch brings together some of the fantastic businesses in the county, to create an environment where people can make new contacts and learn from other successful women. Kingsholm Stadium 12–2.30PM. To book your place email angelaedwards@gloucesterrugby.co.uk HUNTER CHASE EVENING AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Wednesday 2nd May www.cheltenham.co.uk

COMEDY NIGHT HOSTED BY NIK WOOD Thursday 3rd May Kingsholm Stadium 7pm The Comedy Club will introduce 5 handpicked comedians from across the UK. Tickets start from just £6 call 0871 871 8781 option 2 or visit: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/tickets to book yours.

END OF SEASON AWARDS DINNER Thursday 10th May

The event will include Champagne reception, four course meal, guest MC and Speaker, Review of season and annual awards, match action and highlights footage, memorabilia auction and raffle and two Gloucester Rugby players per table. Prices are £100 per person inclusive of VAT or a table of 10 for £1000 inclusive of VAT. Kingsholm Stadium. To book your places email clarereader@gloucesterrugby.co.uk

GROW is a Gloucestershire charity helping to improve the lives of local people who are disadvantaged in some way, or who feel excluded from society. We work with all ages, from young children to the elderly.

Our fund-raising events are very popular, and often new people join us and forge great friendships. So come with friends, or on your own – either way, you will be made to feel very comfortable.

Here are our upcoming events.

Everyone is welcome. All tickets can be booked at www.growglos.org/events HOBNAILS INN, TEWKESBURY April 17th Built in 1280, this historic inn provides lots of atmosphere and character in which to enjoy its superb food and great service – but watch out for Harry, the resident ghost!

GOLF DAY AT LILLEY BROOK GOLF CLUB 1st June The Cotswold Hills are a marvellous backdrop to this mature golf course, and you can expect a great day’s golf. We are looking for sponsors for this day, which is likely to be very popular, so if you are interested in sponsoring any part of the day, or in playing, please email golf@growglos.org All those involved in Grow would like to thank you all for your continued support and look forward to seeing you, and new friends soon.

For more details please visit Grow website at: www.growglos.org

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR COTSWOLD COTSWOLD STYLE STYLE 13 13

000 out and about April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

ut about

14:24

Page 14

In association with

with Cotswold Style JAZZ AT THE DAFFODIL Tuesday 1st May An exclusive, one-off fundraising night for The Amy Winehouse Foundation, hosted by Mitch Winehouse. Tickets for the event are very limited and cost £100 each. To book please contact The Daffodil on: 01242 700 055. eat@thedaffodil.com.

Wednesday 2nd May Opening of Cheltenham’s illustrious Jazz Festival and The Daffodil will be hosting some headline acts throughout the week. One of the country’s leading jazz vocalists, Jacqui Dankworth, daughter of Dame Cleo Lane, will be the first

PEPE GARDEN FURNITURE We have 40 complimentary tickets to THE SPRING GRAND SALE at Sudeley Castle Show

April Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th to giveaway. The first 40 to email social@pepegarden.co.uk www.pepegarden.co.uk Office 01386 833211

ADAM TATOW of www.cotswoldkeeperphotography.com

Open 18th -24th April. 10am till 6pm.

Adam was born and raised near stratford on Avon. For the past nine years he has been working as a head Game Keeper near Guiting power.

Adam, 42, has always been interested in photography and is now taking the opportunity to show people some of the wildlife he sees each day while at work in the beautiful cotswold countryside.

Adams prints and cards have become increasingly popular in the last couple of years, available at such places as Lapstones near Chipping Campden and Timothys at Moreton in Marsh. Adam will be part of an exhibition ‘Art in the Cotswolds’ at Lower Slaughter gallery next to the Washbourne Hotel along with a group of prominent local artists Art in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter,

14 COTSWOLD STYLE

‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com

BEST OF BRITISH OVER THE EASTER BANK HOLIDAY From Friday 6 April to Monday 9 April (inclusive) Montpellier Wine Bar will be embracing fresh British produce with a special fresh fish menu. To celebrate Easter, treat yourself to our Easter THE APRIL MEETING 18th and 19th April Following on from the exhilarating Cheltenham Festival, the Wine Bar will be open from 10am for preracing brunch. After an amazing day up at the racecourse, join us for post-racing drinks and dinner to celebrate!

NATIONAL BREAD WEEK 16th - 19th April Celebrate the humble loaf with home made speciality breads at the wine bar. Freshly made on the premises every day, the Wine Bar will expand their usual offering with a selection of sandwiches and accompaniments to whet your appetite and tickle your taste buds.

is an eclectic mixture of art and craft by local artists. Confirmed artists are Caz Hart with her beautiful jewellery and stunning photography; Shepherd with her lovely unusual pottery; Cathryn Lucy Bellew will be presenting her comical animal portraits and landscapes; Caroline Green with her colourful pastel paintings; Adam Tatlow with his wildlife photography; Priscilla Peace with her watercolours; Derek Hancock with intricate woodturned bowls and pots; Charmaine Williamson with her bright and vibrant paintings and prints; Gill Carrick with her wonderful stained glass panels and jewellery; Elizabeth Chalmers with local scenes in watercolour and Jill Jarvis with her handmade cards and textural paintings.

SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG! Now that the days are longer and the sun is shining, take advantage of the south facing terrace at the Wine Bar. Alfresco lazy grazing with a bottle of champagne, glass of wine or cold beer is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely lunch or end a busy day at work.

For further information regarding the above and to be the first to hear about news and events at the Wine Bar, sign up for e-news via their website: www.montpellierwinebar.com, like them on facebook: facebook.com/montpellierwineba r and follow them on Twitter: @MontpellierWine

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR APRIL 2012

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:31

Page 15

Granite that fits over your existing worktop

Before

Fits on top of y our existing work to ps

Heat, scratch and stain resistant Lifetime material warranty No maintenance (unlike slab granite) Fitted by our own local installers 60 different colours We supply and fit sinks, taps, hobs, ovens

After

FREE SINK T&Cs apply

Book a FREE, no obligation, home consultation with our product consultants & we’ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen.

Call now 08453 199 875

At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to fit your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we fit directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces.

Bristol Showroom 91 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4JP Showroom open: Mon-Fri 10-5pm Sat 10-4pm Closed Sundays & Bank holidays.

Factory Showroom (Off Feeder Rd) 4a Barton Hill Trading Estate, Bristol, BS5 9RD Showroom open: Mon-Fri 8-4.30pm Closed Weekends & Bank holidays.

Bath Showroom 2 Walcot Buildings, London Road (A4), Bath, BA1 6AD Showroom open: Tue-Fri 10-5pm Sat 10-4pm Closed Sundays, Mondays & Bank holidays.

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/bristol

F I T T E D I N A D AY · B E AU T I F U L F O R L I F E

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:33

Page 16

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:34

Page 17

An exhaustive history of felony and misdemeanor in the Forest’s former prison!

Located at the gateway to the south of the Royal Forest of Dean, is Littledean Jail, a former house of correction, courthouse and police station, now privately owned and is home to the infamous ‘Crime through Time’ collection.

Once you enter the jail, through where the old court house once stood, you’ll come face to face with an extraordinary Aladdin’s Cave of curiosities. This eclectic private collection touches on a great many sad, disturbing, quirky and at times taboo subject matters - so be warned!

It’s an intriguing collection which includes many rare and historically significant exhibit items including the hangman’s noose that was used on the man they couldn’t hang - John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee. Also on display is the skull of the last man in Britain to be gibbeted, then hung, drawn and quartered!

As you wander through the jail you’ll find wall to wall galleries of authentic and vintage signed photographs and ephemera from some of the world’s most notorious villains and criminals, and iconic celebrity figures slated and brought to heal by the tabloid newspapers.

There are strange looking creatures on show too, including the products of Victorian taxidermy that were exhibited in this era. They include a six-legged piglet, a kitten with five legs, a three-eyed puppy with two mouths, an eight-legged lamb with one head and four ears and a ten foot long man-eating crocodile, and various other beasts of the jungle too.

The Jail is also home to the largest single collection of Quadrophenia memorabilia in the world and includes the Vespa GS-Rally scooter that Sting (who played ‘Ace Face’) rode in the famous 1978 cult film, which was highly regarded as being one of the greatest British films of all times.

Released in 1979, Quadrophenia is still to this day highly regarded as being one of the greatest British films of all time, and has a massive cult following worldwide.

This controversial film, when originally released was panned by critics for its sex, bad language, violence, profanity and drug use throughout the film, which at the time were fairly uncommon in film (unlike today’s Film and TV industry that seemingly appear to revel and rely upon using as much sex, violence, drug use and bad language).

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 17

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:24

Page 18

Hand Tied Bouquets made to order Wedding Flowers Floral Tributes Corporate Flower Arrangements Delivery Service

Fresh flowers delivered to your door.

Montpellier Flowers have a wealth of experience in all aspects of the floristry business, from cutting-edge contemporary design to traditional elegance.

Please call us on 01242 517777 for orders and enquiries

Or alternatively, visit our shop in the heart of Montpellier, Cheltenham for personal service and advice. Our address is: 5 Montpellier St, Cheltenham, GL50 1SX

18 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Cheltenham Design competition April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:45

Page 19

competition

WIN 10 pairs of tickets to the

Cheltenham Design Festival

Join great creative thinkers at the very first Cheltenham Design Festival from April 20th-22nd...

The Cheltenham Design Festival takes place at the Parabola Arts Centre from April 20th-22nd and will show how creative thinking has a huge and positive impact on all our lives. All the speakers – engineers, designers and inventors – are renowned for the impact of their forward thinking. Come along and witness creativity and innovation in action.

Ones to watch…

Frank Stephenson, Design Director at McLaren, reveals how the Formula 1 giant is taking its technology from the racetrack to our roads.

Gav Strange, a digital designer at Aardman shares an insider’s view of working at the world-famous animation studio. Matthew Humphries, Chief Designer at the Morgan Motor Company, discusses how the company has combined heritage and innovation in its 3 Wheeler car.

Oli Christie of Neon Play gathers some big names from the mobile gaming industry to show where the future of digital

gaming lies. The Science Museum’s Inventor-in-Residence Mark Chapman shows you how to develop a good idea all the way to the bank.

Tony Parraman of the Bloodhound SSC Project reveals how this super sonic car is designed to travel at 1,000mph!

To see the full line up and events visit www.cheltenhamdesignfestival.com

COMPETITION Ten lucky Cotswold Style readers will each win a pair of tickets to a Cheltenham Design Festival event of their choice. To enter our competition just answer this easy question: At what speed is the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car designed to travel at?

To enter, email the answer to Cotswold Style at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk before midnight on April 14th 2012.

Please note, all prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to offer the winner their second choice in the unlikely event their first choice is not available.

‘I WANT TO TRY AND ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER SOME FORM OF CREATIVE FUTURE’ Sir John Hegarty, President of the 2012 Festival

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 19

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:20

Page 20

000 Charity of the Month April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:48

Page 21

imaging for life

charity of the month

This month, we take a look at the wide range of benefits delivered by the medical diagnostic imaging charity Cobalt...

What is the charity’s ethos?

It’s all about the patients. We aim to provide the very best diagnosis for people when it’s needed most. Many patients come to us with suspected cancer and other life-limiting conditions. We see them at what is often an extremely difficult time and have tried to create a supportive, caring environment where they can feel as comfortable and confident as possible. Cobalt was the first clinic to receive ISAS accreditation commending our patient care but we always listen to our patients comments and aim to improve further.

What are the charity’s challenges for 2012?

Cancer Awareness and Prevention. We run a Cancer Prevention and Education Service to raise awareness amongst the public, of symptoms and how best to reduce or prevent the risk of developing cancer. Concluding our current Heart, Mind & Body Scanner Appeal with the delivery of the new High Definition CT scanner to Cheltenham General Hospital.

Promoting the research and education work we do at our imaging centre using PET/CT. Supporting the local and wider NHS particularly with mobile MRI scanners, ensuring patients get the very best imaging technology close to home and family.

Please tell us about your latest fundraising efforts?

The start of 2012 is proving that our supporters and the wider community really understand what we are doing and want to see Cobalt continue to succeed.

The response to the Cobalt Heart, Mind & Body Scanner Appeal for a new High Definition CT scanner at Cheltenham General Hospital continues to be fantastic. Last year we had more donations, both large and small, from local people who understand the dramatic difference this equipment will make to the diagnosis and treatment of over 12,000 people annually. So far we have raised £890,000*. When the scanner is up and running it will revolutionise the way APRIL 2012

cancers, heart conditions and traumatic injuries are diagnosed. Many people know us for our small change collection scheme ‘Pot Your Pennies’. Later this year we will be adding a new twist to an old favourite.

Working together with Cheltenham-based leisure clothing company Weird Fish we are signing up to The Pennies Foundation – allowing online credit and debit card users to add small ‘penny’ donations to Cobalt along with their shopping payments. Every year our work benefits from several generous donations left by people in their wills. April sees our second ‘Make a Will Month’ and many Gloucestershire solicitors have joined us, providing a will writing service for free and asking people to make a donation to Cobalt for their time and perhaps think about leaving a gift to charity when they die.

We have been successful attracting increasing funding from local companies and trusts and we are hopeful this will be extended to our research and education work. We also raise a small amount of money by making use of the imaging equipment for private patients when it is available. We offer imaging and reporting at very competitive prices and we also run a series of ‘one-stop clinics’ for anyone suffering with joint problems; with a referral from your GP or other medical professional, we are able to offer a consultation, imaging, a diagnosis and treatment plan usually in under three hours, instead of three separate visits to

hospital! We boast an impressive selection of top-of-the-range equipment including an open mri scanner for people who may suffer from claustrophobia or need more room for their scan.

How can people support the charity?

Although national figures show that volunteering levels are largely flat we have more volunteers now than ever before.

Volunteering is a great way to support us.

From Cobalt challenge events to coffee mornings, cake baking to wearing blue; hundreds of people, Cobalt staff included, help our fundraising efforts every year. If you would like to get involved call our Community Fundraiser Mary Peterson 01242 535920 and chat through your ideas. We are always happy to help and support you. Of course we receive many donations for our charitable work. There are many ways to donate visit www.cobalthealth.co.uk and visit the fundraising pages for more information. CS You can visit us online at www.cobalthealth.co.uk, follow us at www.facebook.com/cobaltsupporters or twitter (@cobaltimaging). Or contact us at Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham GL53 7AS, telephone 01242 535922.

COTSWOLD STYLE 21

000 Hayley Hunt interview April 12:Layout 1

Style interview

go on, climb a tree

23/03/2012

13:51

Page 22

Eric Barton meets up with the face of Scottish Widows, Hayley Hunt. Photograph Rob Wheatman

Hayley as the iconic Scottish Widow.

22 COTSWOLD STYLE

Scottish Widows have been supplying financial advice from their Edinburgh offices since 1815. Imagine my delight when I find out that this venerable institution has a direct connection with The Cotswolds.

The stunningly beautiful (and now iconic) face of Scottish Widows is local lass Hayley Hunt. We’re slated to meet in her sister’s boutique, Coco Bee in Montpellier, Cheltenham. It’s a meeting that I’m both relishing and slightly reticent of. Will she be charming or a complete diva? Like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube after consuming a bottle of red wine, some models can be difficult. However it’s quickly apparent that Hayley won’t be fitting into this category at all. She is charm personified with a natural warmth, beauty and friendliness that beggars belief.

Born in Stow-on-the-Wold and schooled locally, she was only 16 years old when she was spotted in the crowd by a modelling agency at the BBC Clothes Show in Birmingham. While still studying she landed her first major job at 17, modelling for Virgin sportswear and lingerie. After completing three A-levels in English Literature, Graphic Design and Fine Art in Oxford, she upped sticks and moved up to London, signing with the world-famous Storm Agency who handle Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova, Cindy Crawford and Lily Cole.

There’s an obvious passion and affection in her tone when you mention The Cotswolds.

“I have very fond memories of growing up here. When I was a kid I used to climb trees a lot. I guess I was a bit of a ‘tomboy’ really.”

Hayley has been ‘the face’ of Scottish Widows now for over seven years. It’s a face and a look that’s now ingrained with that brand. I wanted to know where the famous black cloak is, only to be told that

it’s safely locked up in an Edinburgh museum and only released for TV shoots and adverts.

I am however very happy to report that we do have an exclusive with this interview, as this is the very first time Hayley Hunt has been photographed in The Cotswolds. As we sit chatting in Coco Bee, it’s crystal clear that she’s very proud of her sister Stevee’s achievements.

“I try to support her whenever I can, I’m so impressed and proud with what she’s achieved here at the boutique,” says Hayley.

I wanted to get some advice for aspiring young models and Hayley Hunt fixes me with a stoical smile and ladles out this little gem.

“Finish school, get your qualifications and then think about modelling as a career.”

Stern stuff indeed, but when you think that Hayley in now 28 and knows only too well that there is a lot of competition out there. Modelling, it seems, is a very competitive environment. I’m tempted to push her towards coming back to The Cotswolds for good.

“I would love to move back to one of the Cotswold villages for good…it’s where my heart is,” she says.

That powerful link to The Cotswolds remains unbroken to this day, as her family still own and run The Lamb Inn at Shipton under Wychwood.

Married to a fireman and with two children, Hayley Hunt seems to be one of the most contented people I’ve met in ages. There’s a true balance there which I suppose is due to her upbringing; solid, sure-footed and well grounded… except of course when she’s climbing trees. CS www.hayley-hunt.com www.cocobeeboutique.com www.scottishwidows.co.uk

APRIL 2012

000 Hayley Hunt interview April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:52

Page 23

WWW.WHEATMANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Style interview

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 23

000 First anniversaries April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:54

Page 24

ONE YEAR ON

Photograph by Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

first anniversaries

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate their first wedding anniversary this month, we take a moment to congratulate their year as a newly married couple as well as talk to a local newlywed and business about their first anniversaries...

On April 29th 2011 all eyes were on the Royal family’s golden couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton as they graced the world audience with a magical Royal wedding.

The televised fairytale wedding attracted the biggest tv audience of the year as the couple said their vows to each other at Westminster Abbey. A year on and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have never left the media spotlight, due to the world’s fascination with the couple as well as their flawless performance as a royal couple.

As the newest member of the royal family Kate has become a fashion icon for millions of women around the world with her effortless beauty and polished style.

The couple are reported to have ranked at the top of internet searches last year as the public clamoured to find out more about the royal wedding.

The couple are well loved in the Cotswolds and for many years the Duke has supported local events and attended polo matches at our top polo clubs. More recently the Duchess has been spotted enjoying The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, so we have watched the couple with affection in their first year of marriage.

24 COTSWOLD STYLE

While William is busy with his full time RAF job the Duchess has embraced her duty to carry out royal engagements and she has accepted honorary positions as patron to four charities, Action on Addiction, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, The Art Room and the National Portrait Gallery. The patronage of such a high profile patron will give a huge boost to the charities and their own publicity.

Not only has Kate charmed the crowds at her public engagements she has made her husband proud by giving a flawless performance at her first speech appearing at ease and oozing confidence.

With the world mesmerised by every move this royal couple makes, it is obvious that they have captured our hearts.

In celebration of the Duke and Duchess’ first wedding anniversary we asked a local couple how they have enjoyed their first year of marriage and we find out how the first year of business has been for one Cotswold fashion designer.

Over the following pages we bring you advice from the experts about planning your wedding and inspiration from simply stunning ‘real weddings’ from the Cotswolds’ talented photographers.

FIRST BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY

Jane Saunders is celebrating an exciting year of business after designing and manufacturing her very first product as a fashion designer.

Already a boutique owner for four years, running Monday Boutique in Cirencester, Jane had an enviable list of contacts and years of experience in the fashion industry before designing her first piece of clothing, The Body, a unique garment used for essential layering of clothes.

“I saw a gap in the market for something new so I invested a lot of time researching manufacturers who could produce the garment I wanted,” says Jane.

“It had to be soft to the touch and not ride up while worn.”

It is this ‘non-ride up’ feature that makes The Body a unique layering garment, making it easy to wear and an essential in most wardrobes.

Her confidence in the product along with tremendous support from partner APRIL 2012

000 First anniversaries April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:55

Page 25

first anniversaries

FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

www.fabody.com

APRIL 2012

Photograph by Mike Charity

Gareth Francis resulted in Jane manufacturing her product and designing the packaging and website, with the help of talented designer Steve Smith of Wilderspin Marketing.

“You only have one go in life so I thought I would give it a go,” says Jane. “It gives me a huge buzz to see orders come through and I take great satisfaction in boxing the garment up to send to my customers.”

Jane travelled many miles to find the right manufacturer and finally settled on a reputable firm who could produce the garment she wanted. (“They are also the manufacturers of the best selling bra in the USA, so my garment is in good company!”)

Jane is hopeful that the garment will become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, due to its versatility as outerwear or underwear as well as providing invisible support thanks to its seamless design.

“This year has been an incredible journey so far and I’m looking forward to the future.

Ultimately I would love to design more garments and create my very own range of seamless lingerie.”

Newlyweds Gemma and Ben Newman got married in April last year at St Gregory’s Catholic Church in Cheltenham, followed by an evening reception at Hatherley Manor Hotel.

They are celebrating their first anniversary with a meal at their reception venue then going away for a few nights of camping in Cornwall.

“Our first year of marriage has been brilliant although busy! We have purchased and renovated a house in Gloucester which meant that we had to live with my parents for three months which can be a challenge for any married couple!”

On Valentine’s Day this year Prince William was reported to have sent flowers and a card to his wife despite being 7,000 miles away on a six-week tour of duty in the Falklands.

“Ben says that he is a ‘daily romantic’ and tells me this often! On February 14th he bought me flowers, a vase and a soft toy. We spent the day painting our newly renovated house.”

With the world watching the royal couple with eager anticipation about news of a pregnancy, Gemma admits that her and Ben have discussed the future and would hope to start a family in the next two years.

Gemma admits that she is a Royalist and has admired the way that Kate and Wills have carried out their royal engagements while finding time to enjoy their first year of marriage.

“I think that they have done an excellent job in the last year. I like the way that William supported Kate a great deal on her first few outings and he seemed protective of her. They both look comfortable and happy and I think they portray a happy marriage.” CS Top: Photograph by Mark Bradford; www.markbradfordphotography.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 25

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

26 COTSWOLD STYLE

15:33

Page 26

APRIL 2012

000 weddings All in Image Blacker 2012:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:59

Page 27

weddings

Claire and Mark Blacker were married at The Town Hall, Woodstock and held their reception at the ultra-chic venue of The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock.

Photography by All In The Image, www.allintheimage.co.uk

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 27

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

11:54

Page 28

individual style

The White Rose Camperdene House, High Street, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AT. Tel: 01386 848802; www.thewhiterosebridal.co.uk

Mode Lapstone, Westington Hill, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6EG. Tel: 01386 841123; www.modehair.co.uk All in the Image Photographers Spencer McPherson & Philip Stevens www.allintheimage.co.uk

Tel: 01386 832120; Make-up artist Sophie Everett; all dresses and jewellery supplied by The White Rose.

28 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:31

Page 29

ftÇwÜt Wxx

Cotswold Bride has been created to ensure you enjoy the experience of searching for your outfit and always feel special and relaxed.

We’re dedicated to making your time with us special and making sure that on your big day you look and feel fantastic.

Beautiful wedding lingerie, swimwear and nightwear 3 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham, GL50 1SD

01242 238427

Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm www.sandradee.co.uk | Email: shop@sandradee.co.uk Follow us on Facebook

APRIL 20121

and at SandraDeeblog.co.uk

You’ll be welcomed with a glass of Champagne or fruit juice and we’ll guide you through the fabulous dresses and accessories we have available for you.

07515 162828 www.cotswoldbride.com info@cotswoldbride.com

COTSWOLD STYLE 29

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:42

Page 30

Cotswolds Vintage Party Hire

uç gÜ|v|t cÜ|Çvx

Vintage crockery, luxury bunting, tiered cake stands, candelabras, parasols and much more.

Sourcing and making bespoke items too.

www.CotswoldsVintagePartyHire.co.uk contact Tricia on 07977449433

30

COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 The White Room April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:01

Page 31

The White Room’s royal wedding

weddings

After the triumph of dressing Zara Phillips for her chic royal wedding, bridal boutique The White Room is now celebrating after being nominated for the Best New Bridal Retailer of 2012...

‘WE COULDN’T BELIEVE IT WHEN ZARA CALLED AND ASKED IF SHE COULD COME AND VISIT THE BOUTIQUE’

APRIL 2012

Nearly one year on from the other royal wedding of 2011 boutique life keeps getting better and better for the owners of The White Room with yet more recognition in the form of an industry award nomination for ‘Best New Bridal Retailer 2012’.

When friends and business partners Lesley Higgins and Rachel Partridge decided to call Zara Phillips following the announcement of her engagement to Mike Tindall, they never thought it would lead to anything.

“We left a message on her answering machine explaining that we didn’t expect her to buy her wedding dress from us but invited her to bring some friends and have a fitting so that she could get an idea of what she might like.”

Zara returned their call and it was the beginning of The White Room being involved in one of the royal weddings of 2011. Not a bad start for a business that had been open less than a year.

“We couldn’t believe it when she called and asked if she could come and visit the boutique.”

The White Room offers made-tomeasure and couture dresses. Their collection has a strong tailored and classic look with renowned designers including Royal Couturier Stewart Parvin, Ritva Westenius, Jesus Peiro, Augusta Jones, Stephanie Allin and Caroline Castigliano.

Initially The White Room worked with Zara to understand the look she wanted and then enlisted Stewart’s expertise to work with them to transform their ideas

into couture that reflected Zara’s contemporary style and flair while remaining timelessly chic. Stewart Parvin made regular journeys to the Minchinhampton boutique to meet Zara for her fittings and the result was seen around the world.

Lesley and Rachel both went to The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to help dress Zara for the wedding, though, as you would expect from a discreet service, they demur to offer much detail about the great day.

“It was such an experience, something we never dreamed would happen. It was a huge privilege and honour to be invited

by Zara to Edinburgh and be so involved on her big day.”

Rachel and Lesley identified three essential ingredients to make their business truly stand out - incredible tailored and classic dresses by key designers, an outstanding service and making it an occasion.

That is why they only allow one bridal apportionment in the bridal suit at a time with a whole two hours to relax and enjoy trying dresses in the wonderful mirrored catwalk room. Champagne fittings allow brides to share the experience with as many of their family and friends as they want. CS If you would like to also like to enjoy this royal experience please contact Rachel & Lesley at The White Room on 01453 883048 or visit their website www.thewhiteroomuk.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 31

Project1:Layout 1

24/03/2012

13:53

Page 32

Thinking of a marquee wedding? Then look no further...

Marquee Vision Ltd | Forest Edge House | Choppingknife Lane | Marlborough | Wiltshire SN8 2AT Tel: 01793 769213 | Tel: 01793 769213 | Email: info@marquee-vision.co.uk

www.marquee-vision.co.uk

32 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Marquee Vision April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:02

Page 33

weddings

express your style

A marquee wedding can be as individual as you are and adds a personal touch to your special day. We asked marquee expert Rob Halstead from Marquee Vision about creating the perfect marquee wedding...

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and should reflect your individual personality and style. A marquee wedding is the perfect way to create a unique wedding, giving you the flexibility to create your own theme and have it at your desired location.

“A marquee wedding can give couples the chance to add their personal touch with fewer constraints than other venues parties can often go on until 4am at a marquee wedding!” says Rob, who with business partner Andrew Goodman, draws on over 10 years of personal experience to create the perfect wedding for clients.

When looking for a marquee supplier Rob recommends that couples look for a company that can give a personal touch and above all pay attention to the quality of equipment.

“Couples should be able to see a company’s work up and finished so they have confidence in the supplier’s service.

Value for money is important; we clean and replace our equipment to keep it to the highest standards.

“Couples should also bear in mind who is going to be installing their marquee.

Here we do not take on more than three weddings a week so that at least one of the business owners is on site keeping the level of quality high.”

APRIL 2012

Rob has some top tips for couples thinking of having a marquee wedding.

“Choose the right site that provides the best views, access and parking for guests.

Also think about how level the ground is and whether it is well drained.

“The size of the marquee is another important factor. A marquee should not be too small that tables and guests are squashed together. Similarly a marquee that is too large can sometimes lack the intimacy the occasion requires.”

A major advantage of a marquee wedding is the ability to add that personal touch.

“We see too many run-of-the-mill marquees that have no character. Whether it is special lining, lighting, furniture, bars or dance floors we can help select certain styles that will make your day one that is individual and remembered by all.”

Layout is also very important and exits and entrances must be kept clear for safety as well as easy access for guests, the band, caterers and bar staff.

“It is important to work with a supplier who has the right contacts. We have an extensive contact book for reliable caterers, generators and many more.”

Rob and Andrew pride themselves on going over and above for their clients and have gone to great lengths to achieve the perfect atmosphere for the bride and groom.

“For some couples the ideal wedding marquee is modern and glitzy with starlight ceilings, LED bars and acrylic dance floors. Others may want to achieve a more country feel so we can provide more traditional marquees with pleated lining, coconut matting, hay bales, bunting and standard wooden dance floors. Sometimes couples may go for something totally different like a Moroccan theme where a separate company comes in to decorate our marquee. We like to work with our clients to achieve their perfect day.

“Couples have a lot to think about with marquee design and the look they want to achieve given their budget. Sometimes it is tempting to cut back on the flooring but I would advise them to think about the quality of the ground and how easy it is for ladies in high heels.

“Personally I also think it is important to keep the marquee clean, crisp and light inside and let the table decorations do the talking.”

It is credit to Rob and Andrew that most of their work comes from repeat bookings and personal recommendations.

“We are a young and vibrant company who come up with lots of ideas during the consultation process. We can give couples advice on how to make their space, site and budget work for them to achieve their perfect wedding day. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 33

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:01

Page 34

BIRTSMORTON COURT WORCESTERSHIRE

Da_S`UW W S`V daeWffWe [` fZWW5afia^Ve <RXU < RXU R VSHFLDO G GD\ D\ DW DW D VSHFLDO SULFH

The Medieval Moated Manor House 01684 833 888 WWW.BIRTSMORTONCOURT.COM

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

'RUP\\ +RXVH Z 'RUP ZHpUH HpUH SH S SHUIHFW HUIHFW IIRU RU ZHGGLQJV Z 2IIHU 2II IHHU DSSOLHV DSSOLH O V WWRR RU PRUH PRUH GD\WLPH GDD\\WLP PH JXHVWV JXHVWV

'RUP\ +RXVH +RW +RWHO HO _ :LOOHUVH\ :LOOHUVH\ +LOO +LO + OO _ %U %URDGZD\ RDGZD\ _ :RUFHVWHUVKLUH :R _ :5 /)

Dream Weddings at

Blenheim Palace

Situated in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and set within 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and exquisite formal gardens, Blenheim Palace provides the picture-perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams.

From civil ceremonies in the elegant Orangery, to grand celebrations in the Long Library, or more intimate gatherings in the Marlborough Room, Blenheim Palace provides a variety of unique and charming surroundings to suit your individual needs.

The Blenheim Palace hospitality team is committed to help you plan your special day to perfection, and our catering team will provide delicious menus that are fresh, innovative and reflect the seasons.

Only 8 miles from Oxford and 11/2 hours from London

For more information contact Blenheim Palace Hospitality Email: sales@blenheimhospitality.com Tel: 01993 813874 Visit: www.blenheimpalace.com 34

COTSWOLD STYLE

Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Palace APRIL 2012

000 weddings All in Image Dyer April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:05

Page 35

weddings

Nicholas and Nichole O'Connor were married at Leckhampton Church and held their reception at Middle Stanley Farm, Gretton.

Photography by All In The Image, www.allintheimage.co.uk

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 35

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:37

Page 36

Callanetics The Unique Body Toning Program

Tone up and lose inches in record time Improve core strength

Suitable for all ages and abilities

Ideal addition to any fitness regime

New for Spring 2012 - Cardiocallanetics - a fusion of ballet and yoga designed to burn fat and improve muscle tone.

Coming in June 2012 - Piloxing - an interdisciplinary class incorporating standing pilates, boxing and dance for a high powered cardiovascular workout thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full of fun.

36 COTSWOLD STYLE

Personal Training available at the venue of your choice Group classes currently running at Cotswolds Health and Fitness, Bourton-on-the-Water Bridal packages available

For more information or to book a place please contact Lucy on 07811 186 235 or visit www.windrushcallanetics.co.uk APRIL 2012

000 weddings Nikki kirk April 2012:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:10

Page 37

weddings

Davinia Steele and Joseph Gazzard were married on December 30th at the Grange Hotel, Bristol. The international couple met in Sydney, and Joe proposed in Kings Park, Perth WA. Vinny then moved from New Zealand to Tetbury to be with Joe, where they started a family. The two boys played a big part in the big day as ring bearers and mini ushers! The coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big day was at the Grange Hotel, and even the rain couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampen the day - we just put welly boots on! The wedding cake represented the UK and NZ featuring a Kiwi Bird and a British Bulldog on the top (made by Zoe Laugharne).

Photography by Nikki Kirk Photography, www.nikkikirkphotography.com

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 37

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:24

Page 38

corporate parties | private functions | society soirée

Lynne O’Farrell co-ordinator

Gloucestershire’s independent menswear hire company

M 07934 367951 T 01242 526061

lynne@cheltenhamclique.co.uk cheltenhamclique.co.uk

www.tuxedo-junction.co.uk 01452 380066

Westgate Retail Park, Gloucester

“ Nikki has a real eye for capturing completely unique shots and the pictures she took at our wedding all have a sprinkling of her ‘fairy dust’...!”

Melissa and Stuart Specialising in wedding and portrait photography Nikki creates a beautiful and personal record for you to treasure, capturing the magic of the occasion through her unique photographic style.

Telephone: 01242 252716 or 07836 286857 email: nikki@nikkikirkphotography.com

Visit www.nikkikirkphotography.com 38

COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 weddings Rob Wheatman April 2012:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:13

Page 39

weddings

Claire Barnett and Scott Thorley were married at the newly refurbished Eastington Hall, Stroud. Dressed in pastel blues the bridesmaids followed Claire and her father down the sweeping staircase, to the wedding room, where personal vows were exchanged in front of close family and friends. Speeches were done before the wedding breakfast, and as such gave time to capture some special moments with the bride and groom.

Photography by Rob Wheatman, www.wheatmanphotography.co.uk

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 39

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:35

Page 40

4FDMVEFE CFBDIFT PG HPMEFO TBOE 5IBJ NBTTBHFT BU B SPPȈPQ TQB TJQQJOH DIBNQBHOF JO B SPTF QFUBM CBUI BOE B NFBM PO B QSJWBUF CFBDI (FU TQFDJBM FYUSB DPOUFOU XJUI UIF "VSBTNB -JUF BQQ CZ QPJOUJOH ZPVS EFWJDF UP UIJT JNBHF

3FRVFTUFE CZ +PBOOB

$SBȈFE CZ 0NBO

Ǹ̌ˊʝ

~ 11 *OEJB

"M 8BIB BU 4IBOHSJ -B OJHIUT SPPN CSFBLGBTU 4BWF VQ UP ~ ˺lǰ Ɵˊͬ˺ʋlj

Ǹ̌ˊʝ

~ 11 .BMEJWFT Ǹ̌ˊʝ ~ 11

5BK 5PVS OJHIUT SPPN CSFBLGBTU 4BWF VQ UP ~ ˺lǰ Ɵˊͬ˺ʋlj

.BBGVTIJWBSV OJHIUT BMM JODMVTJWF 4BWF VQ UP ~ ˺lǰ Ɵˊͬ˺ʋlj

'PS FYQFSU BEWJDF BOE UP CPPL WJTJU 5IF 1SPNFOBEF $IFMUFOIBN PS DBMM $OO SULFHV DUH IURP SULFHV SHU SHUVRQ EDVHG RQ WZR DGXOWV VKDULQJ D URRP ZLWK HFRQRP\ ƁLJKWV IURP +HDWKURZ RU *DWZLFN RQ VHOHFWHG GHSDUWXUHV 6DYLQJV IHDWXUHG DUH SHU FRXSOH DJDLQVW ZZZ NXRQL FR XN DQG EURFKXUHG DLUOLQH $OO KROLGD\ RſHUV IHDWXUHG DUH FRUUHFW DW WLPH RI SULQW DQG DUH VXEMHFW WR DYDLODELOLW\ DQG FKDQJH 0D\ LQFOXGH ERQXV QLJKWV DQG RWKHU RſHUV WKDW PD\ KDYH EHHQ SURPRWHG SUHYLRXVO\ 9LVLW ZZZ NXRQL FR XN IRU PRUH GHWDLOV DQG ERRNLQJ FRQGLWLRQV

40 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Kuoni April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:15

Page 41

weddings

ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS We asked the UK’s best honeymoon company Kuoni for their recommendations in 2012 for indulgent destinations for a romantic honeymoon...

Our favourite honeymoon this month is…

Exclusive to Kuoni guests, Maafushivaru in the Maldives is a small, intimate island perfect for honeymoons. With an authentic Maldivian vibe, this 4.5 star retreat combines sand floors with funky twists such as Fat Boy hammocks around the amazing infinity pool and has just been voted one of the Top All Inclusive Resorts in Asia at TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2012.

Start your day with a yoga class; snorkel along the house reef; or indulge at the over-water spa while gazing out at the lagoon. Try delicious dishes at the buffet – the all-inclusive option is fantastic value – or dine à la carte on the jetty. For the ultimate desert island fantasy, hop in a boat to the uninhabited sister island, Lonubo, for a candlelit dinner for two, created by your own personal chef. Pre-book this experience APRIL 2012

and you can stay the night on this private island hideaway, too!

Kuoni’s Honeymoon Gift List Are you looking for an alternative to the classic gift list? The Kuoni Gift List is a personal way for guests to contribute to your honeymoon or overseas wedding.

It’s free, simple to set-up and easy for guests to make payments, plus we’ll send you Kuoni Gift List announcement cards to send out with your invites. The hard work is taken care of! We also offer personalised Kuoni Gift Cards, which your guests can purchase from Kuoni Cheltenham or one of Kuoni’s 21 travel stores across the UK.

About Kuoni: The UK’s Best Honeymoon Company Since 1906, Kuoni has been travelling the world, seeking out indulgent escapes, romantic hideaways and perfect locations

to tie-the-knot. They have won awards including Best Honeymoon Company at Perfect Wedding magazine’s 2011 awards and Star Wedding and Honeymoon Operator at the 2010 Travel Bulletin Awards. Pick up the Honeymoons and Weddings 2012 brochure inside our chic Kuoni Cheltenham store and you’ll discover incredible destinations and experiences – from stunning over-water villas in the Maldives and thrilling safaris in Kenya, to unforgettable tours around Latin America. We also have heavenly retreats all over the world that are exclusive to Kuoni guests in the UK. Kuoni’s friendly Personal Travel Experts will tailor-make your perfect wedding or honeymoon while you relax with a glass of Champagne. CS Visit Kuoni Cheltenham at 50-50a The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL50 1LY or call 01242 261116.

COTSWOLD STYLE 41

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:28

Page 42

F r e e Co n s u l t a t i o n s W r i n kl e T r e a t me n t s D e r m a l Fi l l e r s M e d ica l S kin P e e ls Mi c r o d e r m a b r a s i o n

All t r eat men ts and f oll ow up b y

Al is o n Ta y lo r

Reg is te r ed N ur s e

BEAUTY & HAIR BY REBECCA Rebecca has had her own business for 18yrs. She covers all aspects of hair & beauty at her home based salon. Rebecca is also mobile for hairdressing and weddings.

From your first meeting with Rebecca she’ll aim to reproduce your wedding hairstyle chosen previously, and come up with a natural make-up emphasising your eyes for your photo’s. Rebecca times the hair/make-up for each person in the bridal party, and works out when she needs to arrive at the venue whether at a house, castle, or hotel.

www.beautyandhairbyrebecca.co.uk

For more information ring Rebecca on 01452 616634 Or look at her website and see a variety of her work.

Email: becky-patt@blueyonder.co.uk

Alison Taylor

BABTAC, CIBTAC, IBS, SILHOUETTE DERMALIFT, CITY & GUILDS NVQ LEVEL 2 (HAIR), SIENNA X SPRAY TAN

Medical Cosmetics

5 Berkeley Mews, 29 High St, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1DY Tel: 01242 234707 info@skindetox.co.uk

www.skindetox.co.uk

Make your special day extra special Casino Tables Side Stalls

Candy Buffets Giant Games

Bouncy Castles Rodeo Bull

We also specialise in:

Chair covers and sashes

Table runners and swags Balloon displays

Starlight backdrops

Glassware centre pieces Available for weddings, private parties and corporate fun days.

Please contact Dale Corry on 01242 235273 and quote ‘Style’

www.allaboutfunuk.com 42

COTSWOLD STYLE

jxww|Çz

For the ultimate in memories…

COTSWOLD

VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY

We have over 20 years experience of capturing the finest memories from your big day.

We offer free consultations and cover the entire Cotswold area.

For more information please call us on 01453 757980 www.cotswoldweddingvideo.co.uk

APRIL 2012

000 Bridal Makeup April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:17

Page 43

weddings

Beautiful brides

MAKE-UP WITH SOPHIE CHAMINGS

If you’re doing your bridal make-up yourself, then take a look at these top five tips from Bridal Make-Up Artist Sophie Chamings...

TIP 4 If you’re prone to shiny skin, keep a powder nearby at all times to blot shine as and when you need to.

Recommended: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus; Foundation £19.50.

TIP 1 Bases and primers used before your make-up will ensure your look is flawless and lasts all day.

Recommended: Skin – Laura Mercier Foundation Primer £28; Eyes - Laura Mercier Eye Basics £20.50; Lips - Guerlain Kiss Kiss Lip Lift £22.

Tip 5 Don’t forget your eyebrows! Well defined (but natural) brows make all the difference to a finished looking make-up, framing the face, widening the eyes and looking great in photographs.

Recommended: Rimmel Eyebrow Pencils £2.99. CS

TIP 2 Always wear blusher, applying it to the apples of your cheeks for a fresh, radiant look.

Recommended: Warm skin tones: Bourjois Little Round; Pot Blusher (Rose Amber) £7.49; Cool Skin tones: Nars Blush (Oasis) £21.

TIP 3 To get rid of dark circles around your eyes, don’t use a light reflective concealer as you will have white circles in your photographs. Instead, use your foundation or a liquid concealer that doesn’t reflect the light.

APRIL 2012

Recommended: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stayin-Place Concealer £19.

For more expert make-up tips, visit Sophie’s blog at www.sophiechamings.co.uk or Follow Sophie Chamings on Facebook. Sophie telephone 07734 994783.

Make-up in all pictures by Sophie Chamings.

COTSWOLD STYLE 43

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:19

Page 44

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

16:10

Page 45

hot property

move in style Over the following pages we feature some of the fantastic properties that are on sale or to let in the Cotswolds...

Sponsored by

Speed | Innovation | Excellence

01452 657950 www.thomaslegalgroup.co.uk

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

46 COTSWOLD STYLE

11:46

Page 46

APRIL 2012

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

APRIL 2012

11:46

Page 47

COTSWOLD STYLE 47

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:45

Page 48

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:46

Page 49

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

50 COTSWOLD STYLE

18:19

Page 50

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:20

Page 51

ERSHIRE RCEST WO

W AR W IC K E IR SH

EVESHAM

CHIPPING CAMPDEN

ASHCHURCH

MORETON-IN-MARSH

TEWKESBURY WINCHCOMBE GUITING POWER STOW-ONTHE-WOLD

CHELTENHAM SHIPTON

HAZLETON

BOURTON-ONTHE-WATER

NORTHLEACH

CRANHAM

CHIPPING NORTON

OXF OR D SH IR E

UPTON ST. LEONARDS

BURFORD PAINSWICK SHEEPSCOMBE FRAMPTON

CHEDWORTH

BISLEY

STONEHOUSE

STROUD CIRENCESTER

There is something undeniably special about a village, which strikes a chord in everyone.

Read Maurice recognises the unique appeal of a village property and has established a dedicated service to cater for these special properties.

If you are selling or thinking of selling your village property then please contact us.

You will be assured of a friendly professional reception.

48 Andover Road, Tivoli, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2TL T: 01242 241122 | E: post@readmaurice.co.uk | www.readmaurice.co.uk

Project1:Layout 1

25/03/2012

52 COTSWOLD STYLE

08:33

Page 52

APRIL 2012

Hamptons April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:58

Page 53

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

The Park, Cheltenham

A spacious duplex apartment located on the upper floors (with lift access) of this most attractive Regency style Villa constructed in 2004. The property offers well designed accommodation finished to a high specification.

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 222909 email@hamptons-int.com

Guide Price £520,000 • 3 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • Sitting/dining room • Study • Kitchen • Secure parking

It’s Important To Make Time For The Things You Love.

At Hamptons International we know your move is important to you and so our knowledge, expertise of the local market and personal service can take the strain out of moving.

Leaving you free to relax, safe in the knowledge that everything’s being taken care of.

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 53

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:01

Page 54

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Broadway, Worcestershire £1800pcm Situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway, this is a well presented five bedroom detached Cotswold stone modern house boasting many fine features including a double garage, spacious kitchen, attractive living room, study, dining area, and snug area, with French doors leading out to garden which is laid to lawn.

Gretton, Gloucestershire £1500pcm

Eastington, Gloucestershire £1425pcm

Painswick, Gloucestershire £5995pcm

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 263559 email@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 263559 email@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 263559 email@hamptons-int.com

This well presented property has been extended by the landlord and offers well laid out accommodation with far reaching countryside views. The property comprises porch, sitting room with wood burner, dining room, kitchen/breakfasting room, study and much more.

A beautiful and picturesque Cotswold stone cottage finished to a very high standard, set in the popular village of Gretton. The accommodation is arranged over 3 floors and retains masses of character to include flagstone floors and exposed beams.

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 263559 email@hamptons-int.com

A stunning Cotswold Manor House, situated in the heart of Painswick with views over the Slad valley surrounded by beautiful gardens. This property boasts many period features combined with sumptuous furnishings while the kitchen has been modernised to a high standard.

Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . International . Property Finance . Auctions . Sales . Lettings . New Homes . Property

Finance . Auctions . Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . Property Finance . Auctions . Conveyancing . Sales . Lettings Land . New Homes . International . Property Finance . Conveyancing . Sales . Lettings . Land . New Homes . International

54 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:53

Page 55

open opening p ning g our doorss to the th he cotsw woldss... cotswolds...

With over 1,400 pers With personally sonally inspected pr properties operties and over 3 million visitors sitors to our awar d wi nning award winning website last year we e have now launched our collection in the Cotswolds. swolds. T o see how we w can To help or for a fr ee app praisal please call one e of our free appraisal experienced pr operty managers on 01237 7 426267 property or email owners@ho @holidaycottages.co.uk uk owners@holidaycottages.co.uk

holidaycottages.co.uk holidayc cottages.c co.uk APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 55

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:11

Page 56

in association with

Â&#x2021; $Q H[WHQVLYH SURSHUW\ VHW ZLWKLQ D +HFWDUH $FUH SORW Â&#x2021; ([LVWLQJ DFFRPPRGDWLRQ H[WHQGLQJ WR DSSUR[LPDWHO\ P IW

Â&#x2021; 3ODQQLQJ 3HUPLVVLRQ WR H[WHQG WKH SURSHUW\ Â&#x2021; 'HYHORSPHQW SRWHQWLDO VXEMHFW WR WKH QHFHVVDU\ SODQQLQJ FRQVHQWV

Â&#x2021; 0LFNOHWRQ LV KRPH WR WKH SXGGLQJ FOXE DW WKH 7KUHH :D\V +RWHO DQG KDV WZR RWKHU SXEV D 3RVW 2I¿FH *UHHQJURFHUV &RQYHQLHQFH 6WRUH DQG D %XWFKHUV Â&#x2021; 6FKRROV ± 0LFNOHWRQ 3ULPDU\ 6FKRRO DQG LQ FDWFKPHQW DUHD IRU &KLSSLQJ &DPSGHQ $FDGHP\ DQG 6L[WK )RUP Â&#x2021; 9HU\ JRRG WUDQVSRUW OLQNV ± 0DLQ OLQH /RQGRQ WUDLQV IURP +RQH\ERXUQH DQG 0RUHWRQ RQ 0DUVK Â&#x2021; /RFDO $LUSRUW %LUPLQJKDP DQG JRRG ORFDO URDG OLQNV WR 2[IRUG %LUPLQJKDP &KHOWHQKDP DQG Cirencester

Conifers Walk, Mickleton, Chipping Campden Price: £699,000 Substantial Cotswold Property with full planning to extend further

56 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:11

Page 57

7 ( VDOHV#UXUDODQGUHJDO FRP ZZZ UXUDODQGUHJDO FRP

6ZLQGRQ /DQH &KHOWHQKDP 3ULFH Â&#x2026; ,GHDO (TXHVWULDQ 3URSHUW\ 7KLV H[WUHPHO\ ZHOO SUHVHQWHG IRXU EHGURRP GHWDFKHG KRXVH RIIHUV D ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ DORQJ ZLWK DFUHV RI ODQG DQG RXWEXLOGLQJV VXLWDEOH IRU SULYDWH HTXHVWULDQ XVH DQG LV MXVW D PLQXWH ZDON IURP &KHOWHQKDP 5DFHFRXUVH ZLWK JRRG DFFHVV WR ORFDO VFKRROV VXSHUPDUNHWV SDUNV 3LWWYLOOH 3XPS 5RRPV DQG WKH 0 PRWRUZD\ :H ZRXOG VWURQJO\ UHFRPPHQG DQ HDUO\ YLHZLQJ WR DSSUHFLDWH DOO WKDW LV RQ RIIHU DORQJ ZLWK VRPH VSHFWDFXODU YLHZV RI 7KH 0DOYHUQ +LOOV DQG RWKHU VXUURXQGLQJ ODQGVFDSHV

SPRING 2012 PROPERTY AUCTION

:H DUH GHOLJKWHG WR DQQRXQFH WKDW ZH DUH QRZ ZHOFRPLQJ HQWULHV IRU RXU IRUWKFRPLQJ 6SULQJ 3URSHUW\ $XFWLRQ /RWV DOUHDG\ HQWHUHG LQFOXGH Â&#x2021; $*5,&8/785$/ %8,/',1* $1' /$1' Â&#x2021; $*5,&8/785$/ /$1' :H DUH VWLOO WDNLQJ LQVWUXFWLRQV VR SOHDVH FRQWDFW XV WR DUUDQJH D IUHH PDUNHW DSSUDLVDO :H DUH ORRNLQJ IRU Â&#x2021; $JULFXOWXUDO ODQG DQG EXLOGLQJV Â&#x2021; (TXHVWULDQ ODQG SURSHUW\ Â&#x2021; 3URSHUWLHV IRU UHQRYDWLRQ

Â&#x2021; 8QXVXDO 3URSHUWLHV Â&#x2021; 6PDOO KROGLQJV Â&#x2021; %XLOGLQJ SORWV DQG $PHQLW\ /DQG

6HOOLQJ \RXU SURSHUW\ LV RQH RI WKH PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW DQG FKDOOHQJLQJ SURVSHFWV \RX ZLOO IDFH $W 5XUDO DQG 5HJDO ZH KDYH GHYHORSHG DQ DSSURDFK LQ DVVRFLDWLRQ ZLWK %DWHPDQ 1RUWK WKDW JLYHV \RX D SURIHVVLRQDO DQG SODQQHG H[SHULHQFH :H WDNH JUHDW SULGH DQG FDUH LQ WKH ZD\ WKDW ZH PDUNHW RXU FOLHQW¶V SURSHUWLHV ,I \RX WKLQN \RX KDYH D SURSHUW\ ZKLFK LV VXLWDEOH IRU DXFWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW XV QRZ

7 ( VDOHV#UXUDODQGUHJDO FRP ZZZ UXUDODQGUHJDO FRP 7$9,672&. +286( 52'1(< 52$' &+(/7(1+$0 */ +; APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 57

Tayler and Fletcher April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:04

Page 58

UPPER DOWDESWELL

A fine detached Cotswold Stone House offering potential for further extension and improvement set in a superb location on the edge of a rural hamlet with fine views.

Reception hall, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 integral garages, attached glass house, parking, formal gardens and grounds. In all about half to three quarters of an acre.

Guide Price ÂŁ650,000

Bourton-on-the-Water Office 01451 820913

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

A substantial Detached Village House set close to the heart of the village yet with a superb southerly outlook over fields and countryside.

Hall, Sitting room, study, cloakroom, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility. master bedroom suite with bathroom and dressing rooms, 3 further bedrooms, bathroom. garage, parking, gardens.

Guide Price ÂŁ585,000

Bourton-on-the-Water Office 01451 820913

Tayler and Fletcher April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:05

Page 59

BROADWELL A traditional Grade II Listed Cotswold Cottage lending itself to complete modernisation and situated in a delightful village. One of several lots to be sold by Public Auction on 25th April.

Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, bathroom, two bedrooms, cloakroom, rear garden, two garages.

Guide Price £275,000 – £300,000

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

A spacious detached Four Bedroom House offering flexible family accommodation with rear garden and garage situated on the outskirts of the village.

Hall, Kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, sitting room, dining room, snug, large conservatory, office, study/landing, master bedroom suite, ground floor bedroom and shower room, 2 further bedrooms, bathroom. Garage, parking, large garden. In all about 0.38 of an acre.

Guide Price £575,000

Bourton-on-the-Water Office 01451 820913

000 property knight frank April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:47

Page 60

hot property

Lower Stanley Nr Gretton Setting the scene: Stanley Meadows is situated in Lower Stanley, a small hamlet located adjacent to Gretton at the foot of the Cotswold Hills.

Why we love it: Set in an idyllic position at the end of a long private drive, Stanley Meadows is a recently constructed family home which enjoys direct access to the adjacent stable yard consisting of 6 loose boxes, wash box, manege, lorry parking various stores and post and railed paddocks.

Set back behind a carriage driveway, the house itself is arranged over two floors and currently offers wonderfully light, contemporary and wellproportioned family accommodation.

Accommodation comprises reception hall, open plan kitchen/dining/family room with utility room off, which has access to the garden. The large drawing room has double doors leading out to a lovely south west facing terrace. A study and cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation. On the second floor is the master bedroom suite, guest suite, a third bedroom with shower room, one further bedroom and a generous family bathroom. In all the accommodation is approximately 2,005 sq.ft. The rear of the house and the gardens face south west and look directly over the paddocks to the Cotswolds just beyond. Adjacent to the house is the garaging, workshops and behind this, the stable yard.

In all about 10 acres.

Guide Price: ÂŁ925,000 Tom.banwell@knightfrank.com www.knightfrank.com/che110279

60 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 property knight frank April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:48

Page 61

hot property

Puddle Barn Apperley Setting the scene: A stunning barn conversion situated in a peaceful semi-rural location on the edge of the village of Apperley.

Why we love it: Puddle Barn is a stunning family home which has been the subject of a programme of substantial improvement and extension and now offers light and bright accommodation with an array of character features to include exposed beams, vaulted ceilings and full length picture windows. The kitchen/breakfast room has a 3 door Aga along with a range of quality appliances and double doors leading to the garden. Alongside the kitchen there is a laundry room. At the other end of the barn is the drawing room with wood burning stove. Double doors lead from the drawing room into the formal dining room, with high vaulted ceiling and French doors to the garden. There is a sitting room which is a cosy less formal room. A cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation. On the first floor there is a master bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms, a small single bedroom and a generous family bathroom with double shower and separate bath. The detached cottage has spacious living accommodation and combines a kitchen/dining/sitting room with two sets of French doors. There is a study or 2nd bedroom and a cloakroom, whilst on the 1st floor there is a bedroom with en suite bathroom. The gravelled drive provides access to the double garage and ample parking. Outside is a formal garden, two paddocks, two loose boxes and a tack room.

Guide ÂŁ795,000 Nick.chivers@knightfrank.co.uk www.knightfrank.com/che120025

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 61

000 Property Savills April 12:Layout 1

22/03/2012

11:49

Page 62

hot property

Glenthorpe Cheltenham Setting the scene: Glenthorpe is a beautifully spacious, Edwardian semidetached house believed to have been built in about 1910. The current owners have restored the property retaining much of the original charm and character.

Why we love it: The accommodation is arranged over three floors and includes two reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, utility room and boot room on the ground floor with a master bedroom suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor. On the second floor there are two further bedrooms and a cloakroom with the potential to create a further bedroom and bathroom. Outside to the front of the property there is a driveway providing parking for several cars with a private and enclosed garden to the rear.

Guide Price: ÂŁ795,000 Details: Savills, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 548 000 www.savills.co.uk

62 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Property Savills April 12:Layout 1

22/03/2012

11:50

Page 63

hot property

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 63

000 Property Read Maurice April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:22

Page 64

hot property

Tivoli Cheltenham Setting the scene: A delightful period town house located within this sought-after area close to Montpellier, Leckhampton and The Suffolks. The property has been extended at the rear to both the ground and first floor adding to its individual nature, character and charm.

Why we love it: The accommodation is arranged over several floors and has a cottage feel with its returning staircases and split-level rooms. To the ground floor is an entrance hall, double sitting room and a ‘L’ shaped kitchen/breakfast room with views of and double doors leading into the rear garden. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, the master being split-level with a dressing room and a family bathroom which can be accessed from a half landing or the main bedroom. To the lower ground floor is an inner hall, study room, shower room and a sitting/bedroom with a door and external staircase leading up to pavement level. The rear garden is enclosed and widens out to the bottom. Internally the house has a lot of individual charm and character with fire places, wooden and tiled flooring and original features.

Guide Price: £370,000; Details: Read Maurice; Tel: 01242 241122; www.readmaurice.co.uk

64 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Property Read Maurice April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:22

Page 65

hot property

Pavilion Gardens, The Park Cheltenham Setting the scene: Set in a delightful, well-maintained development this modern three bedroom apartment is located in the sought-after area known as The Park. The development by Laing Homes offers a mixture of luxury apartments and town houses and is within walking distance of the Bath Road and Montpellier.

Why we love it: The property is on the first floor and offers a triple-aspect sitting room overlooking the well-kept garden and grounds. The kitchen is well fitted with modern units and appliances and has room for a small breakfast table.

Towards the end of the wide entrance hall are found three bedrooms the master bedroom having an en suite shower room. The principal bathroom is fitted with a white contemporary four piece suite. The apartment is double-glazed has gas-fired central heating and private parking in the undercroft together with a useful outside store room.

Guide Price: ÂŁ365,000 Details: Read Maurice Tel: 01242 241122 www.readmaurice.co.uk APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 65

000 Property Hamptons April 12:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:24

Page 66

hot property

Christchurch Cheltenham Setting the scene: A superior, 2 bedroom raised ground floor apartment with private entrance, front garden and garage.

Why we love it: This light and spacious apartment offers period elegance with an impressive finish. It offers contemporary living and could also make a good look up and leave.

Guide Price: ÂŁ405,000 Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 222909 www.hamptons-int.com

66 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

25/03/2012

APRIL 2012

08:31

Page 67

COTSWOLD STYLE 67

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:29

Page 68

Cotswolds

01452 657950 London

02071 010300

The no 1 choice for your next house move

If you instruct us to act for you on your sale or purchase during April mention the Cotswold Style Easter Chick â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and get 10% off your legal fees!

info@thomaslegalgroup.com

68 COTSWOLD STYLE

www.thomaslegalgroup.com APRIL 2012

000 Star Ball April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:21

Page 69

charity

changing lives

The National Star Foundation hosts one of the largest annual themed balls in Cheltenham. Next month it is throwing its fourth themed ball, the Ming Dynasty Ball which offers a night of fun and entertainment with a serious fundraising mission behind it, raising money for the National Star College.

Fundraisers Amanda Toner and Rosie McCabe are passionate about raising money for the National Star College, and their annual glitzy themed balls are becoming a regular in the Cotswolds’ social calendar.

Next month will see the fourth annual ball arranged by the committee members, Amanda, Rosie and Charlie Ellison from Coutts whose hugely successful balls have helped raise significant funds for the National Star College.

“Whilst raising money for the college is our primary objective, we want the events to be fun and entertaining,” says Amanda.

And they seem to have done a great job so far, with increased funds raised year on year. Themes over the three years have included a Bollywood Ball, Moulin Rouge and last year was The Golden Age of Hollywood which raised £40,000 for the charity.

“Our aim this year is to reach £50,000 and it is fantastic that people are returning year after year because they have enjoyed the event so much.”

This year’s theme is the Ming Dynasty and invites guests to experience the magic of the Orient.

“We pay a lot of attention to detail, such as decor and food to make the night memorable as well as arranging incredible auction prizes. This year we have secured our prize ‘Loose Women for the Day’ which will include a chauffeur driven journey to London to the Loose Women studios for a backstage tour. After meeting Lisa Maxwell (who donated the prize) the winners will watch the live show being filmed and join the cast backstage for a coffee.

“We really try to make the prizes APRIL 2012

National Star Foundation Committee Members Rosie McCabe, Charlie Ellison and Amanda Toner.

something different and they are all unique experiences that money can’t buy.”

This year’s Ming Dynasty Ball is supported by Cotswold Style as media sponsor. The funds raised will allow the existing buildings at the college to be adapted to accommodate the specialist equipment needed to help the young students.

“The National Star College supports students with complex physical and learning disabilities and gives them the confidence to achieve their potential.

“Young people come to the centre with a range of conditions, some with disabilities from birth but others are because of sporting or traffic accidents.

We really are very lucky to have such a centre in the Cotswolds and we need to treasure it,” says Rosie.

“The centre helps students to learn everyday things from getting on a bus to finding employment, empowering them to make a difference in their own lives.”

Amanda and Rosie admit that their secret to their successful balls is the delicious food (catered by Relish in

Cirencester), great entertainment and the innovative theme which creates the fun element of dressing for the occasion.

“Raising money for a local charity is particularly satisfying for us, but also for the people donating because they can see first hand where the money is going and who it is benefitting,” says Amanda.

“We invite student representatives to the ball so that guests can hear first hand how their donations help change the lives of these young people.”

Last year’s ball attracted 365 guests and the committee is hoping to beat that this year with the biggest guest list yet.

“It will be a fun night, but we always remember why we are doing it, to raise money to enable people to realise their potential,” says Amanda. CS The Ming Dynasty Ball is held on May 12th 2012, at the National Star College.

Tickets are £80. Dress code Oriental glamour or black tie. To book tickets contact Laura Brookes, 01242 524478 or email lbrookes@natstar.ac.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 69

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:31

Page 70

000 L'Una Design April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:27

Page 71

DESIGNED FOR LIFE

interview

Eric Barton meets Space Designers Dustin Wise and Michele Pemberton.

I just love things that are well designed; cars, gadgets or just a sharp pair of pants will do the trick. It’s all about feeling good in your own skin or environment.

We spend more time in our own homes than we do anywhere else, so improving or changing that space can be a real epiphany.

Dustin Wise from Cheltenham company L’una Design has spent over 17 years at the retail end of the interior design business, with almost 85 per cent of that time spent in design alone. As we sit chatting in the Montpellier Chapter Hotel, Cheltenham it’s immediately apparent that Dustin Wise has a real deep passion for interior design. In fact it transpires that both he and his partner Michele started the business only last August and this is the first time they’ve put their necks above the publicity parapet.

It’s true that good guidance is worth heeding, especially when it comes to interior design. Just think of all those nightmare houses we’ve all been in. Dustin comments: “Clients are happy to listen and pay for good advice. There’s a point where the family ergonomics have to change. The children have grown up and the parents either need more space or want to improve their environment.”

Dustin and Michele should have real handle on this as they’ve got five children between them.

“Circumstances for many families change and they either want to extend or re- model their homes… that’s where we come in.”

I’m always intrigued by the next phase in the design world. Is the new black really just the old black or is it masquerading as tartan? Dustin Wise calmly administers a panacea.

“Modern run-of-the-mill design is dull and far too conformist. At L’una Design we always strive to provide our clients with a chic, timeless and contemporary look.

APRIL 2012

We’re constantly travelling throughout Europe to source the best materials and the most unique, original designs. Europe is completely centric to everything that’s happening in the interiors world.

This is a couple who are clearly steeped neck - high in all things design. Cut them in half and I think you’d find sample books, colour charts and drawings.

“At L’una Design we’re in the business of not only enhancing lifestyles, but also adding value to homes,” says Dustin.

In my meagre experience, making small amounts of change is easy, making bigger improvements can very daunting and that’s where Dustin and Michele can really help.

In an ideal world they’ll spend a good amount of time with you (and in your home) to fully understand which direction you want to take.

“We take all the strain and pain away from any work that needs doing. We’ll source the furniture, carpets and floor coverings, together with designing the rooms and organising all the planning and building work. It’s a total project

management service,” says Dustin.

Some projects can take anything from three weeks to three months depending on the size of the job. Michele and Dustin make it very clear to me that no job is too big or too small. Whether it’s just sourcing a beautiful piece of furniture or re-designing the kitchen or entire house, they don’t have limits.

“It’s probably noteworthy to say that price should never supersede design,” says Dustin.

Horizons are sizzling bright for the L’una Design partnership as they’re planning to completely re-design their own house to showcase their talents. I’m told it’ll be a nirvana of fresh ideas, beautiful elegant designs and a creative use of space to inspire the mind. Dustin signs off by saying: “It’ll be a place where clients can visit for a cup of coffee to see how interior design dreams can be realised.”

Can’t wait, count me in.CS Tel: 07891 610214; www.lunadesign.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 71

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:33

Page 72

Jennings of Tewkesbury specialise in the finest oriental rugs and carpets The magic and the mystery of the Orient; its art, culture and ancient history are all captured in the enduring beauty and hand-woven craftsmanship of traditional Oriental rugs and carpets.

As a family business we have specialised in offering the finest hand-made Oriental rugs and carpets for more than 50 years.

We travel far and wide to find the best examples and carefully select individual rugs and carpets from established weavers who use vegetabledyed hand-spun wool or the finest silk.

Telephone: 01684 292 033

With our wide knowledge and expertise we offer a very high level of personal service to our customers.

So, come and see our exquisite selection for yourself.

Our period Tudor shop is only a stone’s throw from Tewkesbury Abbey. We’ll be delighted to see you.

www.jenningsrugs.co.uk

J W Jennings 10 Church Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5PA

72 COTSWOLD STYLE

© J W Jennings 2011

APRIL 2012

000 Homestyle Yorke Construction Sponsor page:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:35

Page 73

homestyle

styling your home Over the following pages we showcase stylish interiors and everything you need to turn your house into a home...

Sponsored by

www.yorkeconstruction.co.uk

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:37

Page 74

000 Flintstone Flooring April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:29

Page 75

interiors

beautiful flooring

Flintstone Flooring is an experienced family business importing the highest quality stone and wood flooring at affordable prices. Here, we talk to Owner Sam Grunfeld...

The kitchen is most often the heart of all social activities in the home, from cooking dinner every night for family to entertaining friends at a party. So the flooring needs to be durable enough to withstand constant use.

Sam Grunfeld from Flintstone Flooring is an importer of high quality stone flooring from Europe and the Middle East and knows how important it is for customers to get the right kitchen flooring for their home.

“Kitchens these days are not just for cooking in, they are one of the main living rooms of the house. Also there is a trend for open plan living so the amount of traffic going through a kitchen these days is a lot more,” says Sam. Flintstone Flooring imports Premium A Grade stone and deals directly with the importers to ensure consistency and quality with every product rigorously and personally selected for its quality and reliability.

“All of the stones are hand checked for faults and only the highest quality tiles are selected.”

Flintstone Flooring prides itself on offering its stone floors at fiercely competitive prices and because they are dealing with the importers and operating through their online shop they are able to keep costs to a minimum.

“A lot of our business is done through our website where it is possbile to browse the different stones as well as request samples,” says Sam. APRIL 2012

Samples are charged at £1 which is refunded when an order is placed.

“We offer a free delivery within 25 miles of Cirencester using our own vehicles and pallet trucks. If the delivery is more than 25 miles we can easily use our pallet distribution companies to deliver the flooring for a small cost.

Flintstone Flooring is founded on a ‘no frills’ approach but what you get is the highest quality stone at a very affordable price.”

Flintstone Flooring offers its customers a large selection of Limestone, Travertine, Slate and Wood flooring. Online they also sell accessories such as tile and floor adhesive, sealing and cleaning products.

“We pride ourselves on never compromising on quality and we are confident that the quality of our stone is often superior to others,” says Sam. For 2012 Flintstone Flooring plans to extend its range of flooring with new products sourced direct from the quarries and forecasts a period of growth for the business by expanding its distribution nationwide.

“We currently supply flooring all over the Cotswolds, London and the South West of England but we would like to expand this area by creating more outlets all over the UK,” says Sam. So for the highest quality stone flooring at rock bottom prices, it’s a business that’s not to be missed. CS www.flintstoneflooring.com

COTSWOLD STYLE 75

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:39

Page 76

The Kitchen Workshop

Superb, affordable kitchens

Why not visit us and choose a great new look for your kitchen All products made in our Cheltenham factory with units delivered pre-assembled to save you time and money!

Unit 5 | King Alfred Way | Battledown Trading Estate | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 6QP

Telephone 01242 526960 www.cheltenhamkitchenworkshop.co.uk

76 COTSWOLD STYLE

KITCHENS AT FACTORY PRICES OPEN Mondays-Fridays 8.30am-5pm Saturdays 9am-3pm APRIL 2012

000 Andrew Drake April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:31

Page 77

comment

SITTING PRETTY

Continuing our series of comment pieces, Andrew Drake takes us to the heart of ‘his’ countryside...

It is almost impossible for a small boy to sit and watch the world go by without the need to fidget or poke at something.

We can probably all remember our teachers at infant school shouting ‘sit still’ - I know that I can.

At best I believe that maintaining absolute stillness is a skill developed with age but it is one that some people never master. So what, you may be wondering?

What it so special about not moving?

Let me enlighten you.

Nature is an unforgiving teacher and the survival of much of our local fauna is dependent upon who blinks first.

Animals learn at a very early age that being motionless is the best camouflage in the wild and that twitchers and fidgeters soon pay the ultimate price.

Indeed Mother Nature quickly taught me what my infant school teacher tried so hard to, and as a result I have often been chanced upon by mammals absolutely horrified to find that what they judged to be an enormous bush, was in fact a hulking great gamekeeper, holding his breath!

The reality is that deer, foxes, badgers and all manner of birdlife will happily ignore you and consider you to be no threat as long as they are up wind of you APRIL 2012

- and you don’t move. You may be imagining that in most of these encounters in which the clever, unmoving gamekeeper fools the unsuspecting wildlife the next events are a very large bang followed by a thud.

Not the case. As any naturalist will tell you, observing wildlife in its own environment is the key to understanding its nature, and its role in nature understanding that is crucial to the success of game keeping.

A few years ago, after a great deal of agonising over the decision, we switched from releasing adolescent pheasant poults to ex-laying birds.

Ex-layers were, at the time, an unknown quantity to me – hence the agonising – and as a young keeper you are exposed to many stories of mass kills and empty release pens and a myriad of other dangers that stalk young pheasants.

As a result, my imagination ran wild with all the disasters and massacres that might befall my unsuspecting birds but it didn’t take long to realise that my fears were unfounded.

I spent the first two days silently observing my pens in an irregular rotation and I could see that, unlike poults, ex-layers have seen it all before.

What’s more, rather than being full of the energy and impetuosity of youth, after an intensive few months in the laying pens most are ready for a good rest. All the keeper needs to do is ensure that they are provisioned for as if in a 5 Star hotel and all will be well.

However, control of predators is paramount in the lead up to release, and many hours must be sacrificed to ensure the birds have the right start. And this is where the ability to sit still is crucial if the wily gamekeeper is to get the best of fantastic Mr Fox. Clearly foxes around a release pen are a disaster waiting to happen and must be dealt with – but, that’s not to say that foxes need to be eradicated. Foxes do not exist on a diet of game birds alone, nor are they simply vicious pests. In fact, they are fascinating creatures that do an excellent job of controlling many other animals that are a much greater nuisance.

Mice, rats and rabbits make up a large part of Old Charlie’s diet, as do slugs, worms, and all manner of insect life.

How do I know this? Because I have spent many hours sitting still watching foxes.

Luckily in my case some lessons did stick: ‘SIT STILL, DRAKE!’ CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 77

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:41

Page 78

Our award winning team offer a bespoke design service, covering everything from site visits to final presentations. We have designers and experts on hand to offer you the best advice in the business.

Our team travel over the world to make sure we are in line with the latest trends in product and style, enabling us to deliver highly creative

obsidian

yet practical solutions in a constantly changing market.

Obsidian offer a very special product and this is why we have worked with some of the best designers and architects in the country. We work with the customer and client to get the result and finish they desire.

I M A G I N E K I T C H E N S | B AT H R O O M S | M O D E R N | T R A D I T I O N A L | S T Y L E | F U N C T I O N

41- 47 Fairview Rd Cheltenham Glos GL52 2EJ Tel: 01242 237241 Email: info@obsidian.ws www.obsidian.ws Open 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.30pm Weekdays 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.00pm Saturdays

78 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Obsidian April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:33

Page 79

interiors

SMART STORAGE Obsidian Showroom Manager Gary Moores reveals his solutions for clever storage in the kitchen...

The Le Mans pull out storage shelf is a clever use of corners and can also be used in a taller euro height unit giving plenty of useable storage for some of the heavier appliances that clutter worktops.

A clever system that makes the drawer space flexible by spacing out your food items in a grid system that can be changed according to your requirements.

High glass sides to the deep drawers make storing pans easier. Nothing sticks out of the sides and the glass makes the units feel light and airy

The Larder pull out has been around for a long time now, but is still a very popular choice. There are many options on the market, but a good quality option will allow good gliding motion even when fully laden.

APRIL 2012

All items supplied by Pronorm, of which Obsidian will be dedicated suppliers.

Obsidian, 41-47 Fairview Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Tel: 01242 237241 or email info@obsidian.ws. www.obsidian.ws

No more back aching moves to find out what is hidden in the depths of the units, just turn the carousel round to see everything. When you have finished the doors close themselves with just a push of the unit.

COTSWOLD STYLE 79

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:45

Page 80

We stock timeless, elegant, unique and affordable furniture and lifestyle products for you, for your home and for your garden.

Why not come and visit us at either of our Cirencestr stores or view many of our products on our website.

4 Swan Yard, West Market Place & 8 The Old Post Office, Castle Street (Opening 31st March 2012)

Store Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Telephone No. 01285 651522

Email: info@foryouandyourhome.co.uk

www.foryouandyourhome.co.uk

80 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

12:51

Page 81

CHALFORD INTERIORS

Kitchens Bathrooms

Chalford Ind.Est. Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 8NT T: 01453 732620 F: 01453 884776 E: interiors@chalfordbuilding.co.uk

Our obsessive attention to detail has kept us at the top of our game for over 40 years...

Any Exterior Body Panel Repaired and Painted (i.e. Bonnets, Doors, Wings, Roofs etc.)

Bumper Scuffs

All Over Body Polish

Leather Seat Repairs

Interior Trim Repairs Mouldings Full Valet

Wing Mirrors

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Dash Repairs

Plastic Trim Repairs Colour Coding

Paintless Dent Removal

Car Decals & Detailing Supplied and Fitted APRIL 2012

Contact Dale or Shaun on:

07973 934 727 / 07816 630 474

Unit 2 Hempstead Lane, Gloucester GL2 5JA

COTSWOLD STYLE 81

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:47

Page 82

An elegant orangery...

... a place for all seasons Spa Conservatory Company have been designing and building bespoke Garden Rooms, Conservatories and Orangeries for over 25 years and we are proud to have built a strong reputation for offering quality and functional yet attractive space solutions.

Please call 0800 002 9368 to discuss your requirements. www.spaconservatory.co.uk SPA CONSERVATORY COMPANY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BLOOMS GARDEN CENTRE EVESHAM ROAD CHELTENHAM GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL50 4SJ ESTABLISHED IN 1985. THE FIRST CONSERVATORY COMPANY IN THE COTSWOLDS TO QUALIFY FOR THE GOVERNMENT ENDORSED STANDARD, TRUST MARK.

82 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

tantalising tulips

000 Gardening Camilla April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:35

Page 83

gardening

Gloucestershire Horticulturalist Camilla Bassett-Smith has a Chelsea Gold Medal and was part of the production team for BBC Gardeners’ World. Here she celebrates a bulb with a history as rich as the spectrum of colours it produces…

Central Asia is the homeland of the tulip, but it has travelled far and wide. Before these bulbous perennials arrived in The Netherlands, they were working their magic in the 1500s in Turkey where they were prized as symbols of wealth. Sultans often wore the flowers in their turbans and seeing this it is believed Europeans coined the name ‘tulip’ after the Persian word for turban: tulipan.

The first Tulip Festivals probably took place in Turkey, but these days you need head no further than Dyrham Park in Chippenham or Barnsley House in Cirencester for a display worthy of celebration!

It is believed that the tulip was first introduced to Europe in 1554, sent to Vienna from the Ottoman Empire.

Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius is credited with planting his collection on Dutch soil from whence stemmed a nation’s obsession.

Having travelled from Cheltenham to see the gardens at Keukenhof and marvelled at the huge displays of tulips planted since the middle of the 20th Century, it is not hard to see why the Dutch fell in love.

With the peak of tulip mania arriving in 1636-37, bulbs would change hands for the same price as houses and traders would meet regularly as prices continued APRIL 2012

WITH CAMILLA BASSETT-SMITH to soar. Those who could not afford to trade in the commodity would collect art and ceramics of the flowers. Such artwork is much prized today.

As with all booms, there must be a bust and this came in 1637, where prices fell and the heights of obsession ended. A time in history often referred to as the first example of an ‘economic bubble’.

However, forward wind to London in 1835 and a gardener in Chelsea was in possession of a single bulb priced at 200 guineas, illustrating that the love for tulips never really ceased.

The prized multi-coloured streaked flowers, often seen in the period watercolours, were found to be the result of a virus known as ‘tulip breaking virus’ which created the startling vivid effects.

There are only a few varieties of older, truly "broken" tulips still in existence today; those that illustrate similar characteristics are the result of breeding rather than the virus.

With 15 different groups, no other spring flower provides quite the variety of colour and forms from yellows to reds to pinks to purples, from doubles to parrots

to small to tall. A fantastic cut flower, praised by many including Sarah Raven ,and Anna Pavord, whose book ‘The Tulip’ is a must have read.

Tulips like a warm, sunny spot and love to be baked over the summer as this mirrors their natural habitat. Good drainage is also essential. Don’t plant in October but wait until November or December, as the colder weather will reduce the chance of picking up tulip fire blight which favours warm, damp conditions.

Your bulbs will not necessarily flower every year, the process of flowering is pretty exhausting for them and they need time to build up strength. To ensure a good display, it is better to purchase fresh bulbs every autumn.

The tulip is the flower associated with the 11th wedding anniversary, and so a suitable celebration bouquet for any Cotswolds couples married in 2001! I love any of the green flamed viridiflora bulbs such as ‘Greenland’ or the recently introduced ‘Night Rider’ which boasts an eye-catching recipe of green, crimson and purple. But surely the tulip to favour in 2012 is ‘Olympic Flame’: golden petals with swirls of fire to herald the arrival of the Olympic torch as it passes through Gloucestershire at the end of next month. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 83

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

84 COTSWOLD STYLE

18:49

Page 84

APRIL 2012

000 Gardens Sudeley April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:37

Page 85

SIGNS OF SPRING

gardening

Head Gardener at Sudeley Castle, Jon Hodder, explains the dawn of spring at Sudeley...

WITH JON HODDER Sudeley Castle reopens for the 2012 season on the 1st April.

Check the website for full details of Queen Katherine Parr Quincentenary Festival which includes Tudor Family Fun Days, literary and historical talks and events, or call 01242 602308.

Sudeley Castle Gardeners can be seen on their Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/ SudeleyCastleGardeners www.sudeleycastle.co.uk APRIL 2012

April. Who can think of this month, and not feel the wish to be in a woodland full of nodding bluebells; the warm sun bringing welcome comfort to all living things?

Spring is here, and if you listen carefully it is almost possible to hear it underway.

Certainly the birds are in good voice and many have begun to start nesting. For their sake, if you have any un-trimmed hedges let them be, until the later part of the year.

With the sad loss of Sudeley’s Great Walnut the jackdaws at the castle have been noisily jostling for nesting spots this year. I watched a few pairs alight with obvious confusion on the broken tree and wondered where they might raise this year’s brood and how many previous generations had known the Old Thing as home?

They flew with purpose toward the Castle chimneys. The sweep may have to earn his money this season!

In the soil some way below where the roots had been, we discovered some sizeable blocks of stone. After some consideration it was decided that they must have been discarded as unsuitable when the castle was originally constructed.

They carry no mason marks. They do not possess any finely carved working. They do however have as much of a part in the story of the place as the finest tapestry, or most ornate plasterwork. They embody the subtlety of the commonplace and represent the beginning of Sudeley, moving us somehow closer to the hands that wrought this magnificent Castle over

500 years ago. They will be on display with other more ornate pieces of masonry near the Dungeons.

The nesting birds are not the only signs of spring: all around the Castle there is new life. As we welcome our first visitors of the year, the parkland surrounding the gardens will be filling with young lambs, fresh as a daisy from the lambing sheds.

Who, but the hardest of hearts, cannot raise a smile when they see the carefree and energetic gambolling of the long legged, short backed youngsters? I have often considered that all young living things have a similarity. The ease of movement and obvious unfettered joy is no less well expressed by a lamb than by children at play.

This young time of the year is the very embodiment of the new... and the renewed. Leaves are unfurling, in a rush to provide sugars for the season’s growth.

Bulbs are all around, as fresh as if they had never glimpsed the sun before. That is how we should see them.

Take a moment to study one or two.

Get down to their level and examine their transient wonder. These plants seldom have great scent, but some of them have a brilliance that is in scale with our welcome of their arrival.

The year will pass again all too quickly and suddenly Spring will be lost in the fullness of leafy Summer. Take the time to celebrate the season. Breathe in the fresh air and wonder how it was that winter could have even begun to hold us in its lifeless grip. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 85

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

86 COTSWOLD STYLE

15:46

Page 86

APRIL 2012

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:02

Page 87

U|v~รก

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:03

Page 88

of Montpellier

The best in fine & bespoke jewellery

Visit us at No 5 Montpellier Walk Cheltenham GL50 1SD 01242 524 738

88 COTSWOLD STYLE

www.bicksofmontpellier.co.uk APRIL 2012

000 Fashion Sponsor page:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:26

Page 89

fashion

fashion style over the following pages we highlight the latest fashion trends...

Sponsored by

www.blushes.co.uk 01242 226644 | 01285 656091 | 01452 528342

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

12:58

Page 90

)ORULVWU\ 9LQWDJH &KLQD +LUH Specialising in weddings, events, house dressing, and more /RFDO ĹşRULVW VSHFLDOLVLQJ LQ ZHGGLQJ DQG HYHQW GHVLJQ KLUH RI FDQGHODEUDV URVH WUHHV WRSLDU\ WUHHV DQG YLQWDJH WDEOH ZHDU The Flower Girls believe that detail is everything, from the bloom to the containers, to the VXUURXQGLQJV WKDW ĹşRZHUV DUH SODFHG LQ )URP YLQWDJH VW\OH WR PRGHUQ SLHFHV ZH ZLOO PDNH \RXU ZHGGLQJ ĹşRZHUV FRPSOHWHO\ XQLTXH :H DUH DOVR QRZ VWRFNLVWV RI 7DONLQJ 7DEOHV VWRFNLQJ YLQWDJH QDSNLQV YLQWDJH FDNH VWDQGV YLQWDJH GRLOLHV DQG PRUH

Birmingham to Tenerife from ÂŁ76 per person rtn Gatwick to Barcelona from ÂŁ93 per person rtn Birmingham to Venice from ÂŁ96 per person rtn Birmingham to Dalaman, Turkey from ÂŁ155 per person rtn Gatwick to Greek Islands from ÂŁ159 per person rtn Birmingham to Orlando from ÂŁ260 per person rtn

Look out for our free baggage and inďŹ&#x201A;ight meal oďŹ&#x20AC;ers. Prices include all taxes and airport charges.

Charter Flights acts as a retail agent for ATOL holders and also sells ďŹ&#x201A;ights under its own ATOL number 2740. All ďŹ&#x201A;ight prices correct as at March 2012

W ZZZ WKH ĹşRZHU JLUOV FR XN ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP WKHĹşRZHUJLUOV

0208 714 0011

The home of cheap air fares for 25 years

Celebrating a further 10 years in business Encore sells pre-owned contemporary designer labels for both men and women.

Clothes, shoes and handbags at realistic prices.

Shop open from 10-5 Monday to Saturday Clothes accepted; please see website for details.

19 BLACKJACK STREET, CIRENCESTER, GL7 2AE (Next to Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop) t: 01285 885223 e:info@encorecirencester.co.uk www.encore-cirencester.co.uk 90

COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:51

Page 91

=@O up to

all day every day

Classic casserole with added taste

Cookware from ÂŁ18

gloucesterquays.co.uk

Outlet stock is subject to availability. Prices stated have been provided by respective retailer and represent lowest prices for a category of product as at 8 March 2012.

000 Ladies Day April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:41

Page 92

Ladies Day

Ladies Day at The Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse

It was wall to wall glitz and glamour as catwalk meets racing on Ladies Day at The Festival, Cheltenham Racecourse.

Ladies dressed to impress at the spectacular event, the biggest four days

in the Cotswoldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jump Racing calendar.

Photography by Lex Beckett

92 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Ladies Day April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:43

Page 93

Ladies Day

Cotswold Styleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition winner, Sue Kelso-Ryan, dressed in designer Kelly Thorne clothes. Picture Frozen Vision.

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 93

000 Fashion All in the Image April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:46

Page 94

fashion

SUGAR CANDY Photography Spencer McPherson & Philip Stevens of www.allinthemage.co.uk

Dress – Oky Coky Flower/Lace – Me-Me-Me, Winchcombe, tel: 01242 604411; Shoes – Sophie Scarrott available at Keith Scarrott Shoes, www.keithscarrott.co.uk; Two Rings and Necklace – Beards, Cheltenham, www.beards.co.uk; Turquoise Handbag – Osprey London in Gloucester Quays, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk, www.ospreylondon.com; Pink Wig – Wonderland Wigs, www.wonderlandwigs.co.uk

94 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Fashion All in the Image April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:47

Page 95

fashion

Dress – white lace Oky Coky – Me-Me-Me, tel: 01242 604411; Blue Tusk Bracelet & Ring – Beards, Cheltenham, www.beards.co.uk; Socks – Different colours available – Topshop; Yellow Shoes – Sophie Scarrott available at Keith Scarrott Shoes, www.keithscarrott.co.uk; Easter Flower Basket Designed by Kelly from Winchcombe Flowers, www.winchcombeflowers.co.uk; Blue Wig – Wonderland Wigs, www.wonderlandwigs.co.uk APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 95

000 Fashion All in the Image April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:47

Page 96

fashion

Dress – Twenty8Twelve available at Boutique 3; Cardigan – D&G Grey with lace detail – Boutique 3, Cheltenham, Tel: 01242 519 452; Gold necklace and bracelet – Beards, www.beards.co.uk; Flower Headband – stylist’s own; Blue Wig – Wonderland Wigs, www.wonderlandwigs.co.uk

96 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Fashion All in the Image April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:48

Page 97

fashion

Photography - Phil Stevens & Spencer McPherson of www.allintheimage.co.uk; Stylist - Lola Royle www.roylefashionista.com; Hair & Make Up - Sophie Everett www.sophieeverett.com

Dress – CoCo Bee Boutique, www.cocobeeboutique.com; Purple Bug Scarf – Osprey London in Gloucester Quays, www.gloucesterquays.co.uk; Pearl Brooch – Avala Boutique, www.avalaboutique.co.uk; Ring Beards, www.beards.co.uk; Cardigan – Pink ACNA Cardigan – Boutique 3, Tel: 01242 519 452; Purple ballet pumps – Keith Scarrott, www.keithscarrott.co.uk; Wicker basket and chicks – stylist’s own; Purple Wig – Wonderland Wigs, www.wonderlandwigs.co.uk APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 97

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

11:57

Page 98

Beards Cognac Ring Fine Cognac and White Diamonds, set in 18ct white and rose gold

JEWELLED Featuring only the finest of cognac and white diamonds set in five exquisite bars of 18ct rose and white gold, this beautiful ring is the perfect pool-side accessory this summer.

We can’t help get you in perfect bikini physique, but with this gorgeous gem on your finger, we are certain no one will notice anything else.

Beards. Dazzling you since 1804.

70 Promenade · Cheltenham · Gloucestershire · GL50 1NA · +44(0)1242 516238 Mayfair · London · +44 (0)20 7042 9997 (By appointment only)

www.beards.co.uk

98 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:49

Page 99

colour cut style

A 25% discount on your first visit with a senior stylist A fantastic hair cut

A truly indulgent experience Stunning colours Luxury products A relaxing massage Sumptuous, contemporary surroundings Delicious refreshments Wi-Fi enabled Salon

%RRN D IUHH FRQVXOWDWLRQ

ZZZ PRQGRKDLU FRP 5RWXQGD 7HUUDFH 0RQWSHOOLHU &KHOWHQKDP */ 6:

h~íÜäÉÉå läÇãÉ~Ççï CIDESCO ITEC M BABTAC

At Gorgeous-hair we seek to pamper our clients; however, the most important thing is that you leave feeling completely gorgeous – happy with your experience and your hair. The salon is a member of the Fellowship of British Hairdressers, having been awarded a gold star, and aims to live up the Fellowship motto “Strength through quality”.

NOW RECRUITING

9 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AB

01242 250 303

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive information on all our latest promotions.

www.gorgeous-hairdressing.co.uk

APRIL 2012

Celebrating 25 years experience in the art of Beauty Therapy

CALDERWOOD HOUSE 7 MONTPELLIER PARADE GL50 1UA

226142

WAXING/FACIALS/ELECTROLYSIS

www.kathleenoldmeadow.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 99

Project1:Layout 1

25/03/2012

08:41

Page 100

Acne

D&G

2ND Day Emu

Graham & Spencer Joseph

Lexington

Love Moschino

Twenty8twelve Velvet Vince

7 for all mankind

Jewellery, shoes and accessories

Boutique 3 3 The Courtyard, Montpellier St. Cheltenham GL50 1SR

Tel: 01242 519452

100 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Fashion Feva April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:52

Page 101

SPRING FEVA

Make the most of your individual style with this season’s hottest looks from Feva...

fashion

Kali Orea-tunic dress with tie shoulder £175.

Precious Formals aqua sequin evening dress £320.

Kali Orea-tunic dress £220.

All available at Feva Designs, 20 Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HE. Tel: 01242 222998 www.fevadesigns.com APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 101

000 Blushes April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:39

Page 102

beauty

SALONS OF DISTINCTION We talked to Darrell & Mark Blake to find out a little more about Blushes and its continuing success story...

Obviously we never forget what Blushes salons are all about - giving our clients in all our three Blushes salons beautiful hair that suits the individual. We never ever forget that ‘you are only as good as your last haircut’ and our success is 100 per cent down to the skills of our team but there are a few other elements going on behind the scenes to make our salons unique.

All our team members in Blushes Cheltenham Gloucester and Cirencester pride themselves on ‘uniqueness’; but what exactly makes Blushes ‘unique’?

I think its a combination of many things says owner Darrell Blake, first and foremost remembering we are; in simple terms just a group of hair salons hoping to keep all our clients happy in the knowledge that all the time they keep coming to Blushes they should always leave with great looking hair. But there are a few other elements to our business.

Happy loyal team members – a lot of our stylists and receptionists have been with us since the very start back in the

102 COTSWOLD STYLE

1980s and the fact that the clients know that they will recognise the same team is important. Today when there’s so much choice around to feel that your stylist really knows you and you will be greeted by a friendly face is important.

Keeping on top of what’s new is really important which is why we’ve invested heavily in a brand called Pureology; without wanting to bore you too much with the science of hair products we have found that this new range is quite literally ground breaking.

My brother and partner Mark Blake is a good test! He gives all new products to his wife to trial and she can be pretty unforgiving sometimes! But in the case of Pureology she said ‘I’d actually pay for this’; praise indeed! In a nutshell, and not wanting to sound like an advert Pureology can literally transform an average hair condition into luscious, shiny and responsive hair (meaning it actually does what you want it to do!)

Blushes also feel it’s important to be right where the action is fashion wise –

hence why one of their stylists, Simon Izzard is based in London styling hair last month for GQ, Stella, Red Magazine, Wallpaper and many other super-fashionable titles.

“It’s important to me that clients know that we’re not just about Cheltenham Gloucester and Cirencester – we see trends emerging and styling hair on those kind of magazines you get to see trends before they land on the street,” said Darrell.

Other ‘unique’ features about Blushes is obviously the strong link to Michelle Blake – who travels globally for L’Oreal lecturing on emerging trends and how to adapt them to your client. Michelle is an expert on exactly why certain hair cuts and colours suit the individual; her basic theories are all based on the Cool/Warm theory, eye colour, face shape, lifestyle but that’s just the start. There are and many other factors! Next month sees the launch of Blushes ‘Hair Pods’ which are unique stand-alone pods where the client can discuss all these elements with a fully APRIL 2012

000 Blushes April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:40

Page 103

beauty

trained expert and go into a little more depth about looking their very best in an effortless Blushes way.

As if that’s not enough – Blushes co-founder Mark Blake is halfway through his two year training course in Trichology at London’s ‘Institute of Trichologists’. The extensive training and subsequent qualification will mean that Mark will bring another ‘expert’ strand to the Blushes brand. Mark’s vision is to make hair science and Trichology more accessible.

“I’m pretty excited about bringing this new hair science concept to Blushes; there’s so much that can be done to limit hair loss and I’ve already gained a APRIL 2012

thorough understanding of the many reasons behind female hair loss and how in some cases the condition can be reversed, the training covers so much Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology, Nutrition, Analysing Blood tests, hair mineral analysis, indepth hair science and much more.”

Watch this space for details of a Mark Blake Hair Science clinic coming to a Blushes salon near you.

Most months at Blushes see a few glitzy events – this spring the creative team have been picked against literally hundreds of salon groups to produce a stunning creative display for the national L’Oreal Colour Trophy tour as well as

reaching the regional final themselves (Liz Talbot from Blushes Cirencester is competing). There’s also an exclusive Men’s photoshoot happening (watch out for next month’s exclusive preview) and the team are also producing the hair for Cheltenham’s FAB event (a new and innovative Spring event combining Fashion and Beauty).

Not being complacent, keeping ahead and not forgetting we’re this successful because our clients love the way Blushes make their hair look is how we stay at the top of our game. CS www.blushes.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 103

000 Fashion Suit the City April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:54

Page 104

fashion .

e s

Escape to the country with these stunning made to measure and bespoke tailored tweeds from Suit the Country, www.suitthecountry.com; Photography Rob Wheatman, www.wheatman photography.com Location: Corse Lawn Hotel, tel: 01452 780771, www.corselawn.com; Models: Gloucester Rugby player Freddie Burns, Gloucester Rugby Academy Coach, Mark Cornwell www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk; Director Suit the City, Sallie Belton www.suitthecity.com tel: 01242 807110, Features Editor, Polo Magazine Charley Larcombe; Sophie Chamings - Make-up Artist bridal, editorial, fashion, lessons www.sophiechamings.co.uk

Charley wears Bespoke Boucle Wool Jacket Suit the Country.

COUNTRY CHIC

Sallie wears Holland & Sherry, Sherry Tweed Jacket Suit the Country. s

Freddie wears Holland & Sherry Harris Tweed Jacket - Suit the Country. Made to Measure Cotton Shirt Suit the City.

104 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Fashion Suit the City April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:55

Page 105

fashion

Charley wears Breanish Tweed Waistcoat and Skirt – Suit the Country and Made to Measure Cotton Stretch Blouse – Suit the City.

Freddie wears Holland & Sherry Harris Tweed Jacket and Traditional British Tweed Plus 4’s Suit the Country. Sallie wears Bespoke Tweed Jacket and Skirt Suit - Suit the Country.

Mark wears Traditional British Tweed Jacket and Made to Measure Cotton Chinos - both Suit the Country. Made to Measure Cotton Shirt - Suit the City.

Sallie wears Holland & Sherry, Sherry Tweed Jacket and Holland & Sherry Harris Tweed Made to Measure Ladies Plus 4’s- Suit the Country.

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 105

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:55

Page 106

The contact lens for your ear.

As featured on

BBC Radio 2

Invisible. Effortless. 24/7.

One in three people over the age of 70 and one in six over the age of 50 suffer from hearing loss to some degree and should be wearing hearing aids, that’s over 10 million people. But despite being a significant health issue only 1.4 million people actually wear a hearing aid and enjoy the benefits of better hearing. Many people just put up with hearing difficulties because they don’t want to be seen wearing a hearing aid. They miss out on conversations and special moments like hearing birdsong or a child’s conversation.

Their family and friends can become frustrated as they have to repeat themselves time and again, or turn up the television volume until it is unbearable for others in the room. Ageing has its down sides, but hearing need not be one of them as there is such a wealth of solutions available.

LLyric Lyric,, from Phonak, is the next generation of hearing aid; designed to be worn 24/7 for up to four months, it is placed neatly inside your ear canal and is completely invisible from the outside. Tiny, effortless and unnoticeable, Lyric works with your ear’s natural anatomy to deliver a purer sound quality and reduce background noise. Already a huge hit in the United States, this breakthrough hearing aid is

106 COTSWOLD STYLE

now only available from Imperial Hearing in Cheltenham.

Imperial Hearing are independent hearing specialists. Sam Rossiter, the Director knows how much a little help can change life for the better, r “Hearing loss can be a gradual process, not sudden so it can be very difficult for the individual to realise what is happening and how it affects them, their family and lifestyle. Lyric gives back those sounds that have been missing for so long and that's when they realise how much better they are now hearing. They don't realise what they have lost, until they get it back.” For example, the latest technology from Phonak is a revolution. Imagine not having to think about or even see your hearing aid, not having to take it out to shower, r to exercise, to talk on the phone or even to sleep, and not having to worry about changing the battery - ever!

Imperial Hearing is a family run organization, and is now in its third generation. As a genuinely independent company, we are widely accepted to be one of the most technologically advanced Hearing Centres, not only in the county but countrywide.

Just like a regular visit to the dentist is essential, a visit to your local audiologist is probably the best thing you could do all year.

Don’t get left out of the conversation!

The initial consultation is risk free and with no obligation, so why not arrange an appointment today and speak to one of our highly qualified staff. You’ll find us at No.1, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL501QB. www.imperialhearing.com

To book a RISK FREE T consultation with Imperial Hearing, call 01242 524 711

REDEFINING THE CLARITY OF SOUND

APRIL 2012

000 Imperial Hearing April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

help with your hearing 14:57

Page 107

business

If you are going to spend a lot of money on hearing aids, spend it wisely …the hearing aid is only the tip of the iceberg says Imperial Hearing...

It is staggering to think that 1 in 3 of us over the age of 70 and 1 in 6 over the age of 50 should wear hearing aids.

Statistics from the Action Against Hearing loss show that there are over 10 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss and only 1.4 million people have hearing aids that they use regularly. So why is this?

Hearing (or lack of it and its related help) is a topic that has been controversial for many years and will no doubt continue to grab headlines as the level of technology continues to rise as do the horror stories of people spending their hard-earned money on hearing aids that spend their life in a drawer and not ears.

We were recently invited to join Sam Rossiter, Director of independent hearing aid specialists based in Cheltenham, along with his colleagues at Imperial Hearing to discover what is actually involved when someone decides that they are going to take the leap of faith into the private market for help with their hearing.

When asked why Imperial Hearing was still an independent company after nearly 60 years, Sam said “We do not feel that it is right to tie ourselves to any makes or manufacturers exclusively as you cannot be truly unbiased as to the best advice for a patient at that point.

What we want to do is offer an honest, independent consultation for the absolute benefit of the hearing aid user.

“Most of our patients come to us as a result of a recommendation either from their friends, family or possibly indirectly via their doctor or consultant” says Sam. “We try desperately not to do big marketing campaigns or offer great ‘too good to be true’ deals. I find patients are APRIL 2012

far more relaxed if they have found their own way to us and that is a much better starting point for them.”

The level of technology now available in this little known corner of the health care market is remarkable and Sam kindly demonstrated what is possible with linking hearing aids directly to televisions, telephones, music systems and much more.

“The NHS do a wonderful job with the resources they have, but for a lot of people now, they want to be able to live in this world of technology and not be hindered by their hearing loss, so now they can,” Sam explained.

However, with technology at this level, the next obvious question was about servicing and maintenance.

“If you are going spend a lot of money on hearing aids, spend it wisely!

Do your research when looking at private hearing aid suppliers, the hearing aid is only the tip of the iceberg. How you are looked after is key, service is everything!”

Sam is the Vice President of AIHHP (Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals – www.aihhp.org) and is passionate about how to help those with hearing difficulties find the best help first, instead of being let down by a smart marketing promise and a company that is interested in their own profits. CS Imperial Hearing has recently received a Centre of Excellence status, 5 Star Premium Partner accreditation and been invited to be one of only 18 nationwide Lyric approved centres in the UK. To find out more about your hearing, technology or Imperial Hearing visit www.imperialhearing.com

COTSWOLD STYLE 107

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:09

Page 108

Get an i n s t a n t l i f t and f i r m i n g o f t h e s k i n with the ‘c e l e b r i t i e s ’

The age-defying

Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion is

favourite treatment

now available in

Cheltenham!

‘After one appointment the skin looks and feels as if it has had years knocked off’ - Cosmopolitan Online, August 2011

‘It works, and lasts a long time’ - Easy Living, Sept 2011 ‘Oxygen-infused super serum to give an instant firmer, smoother, Botox-free effect’ - GQ, May 2011

Call or email Dr. Zulia Frost for more information

Tel: 01242 210966

drzulia@a-listaesthetics.com www.intraceuticals.com

108 COTSWOLD STYLE

Gift Vouche rs Available

SPRI NG O FF ER £ 25 O F F

your treatment only with this advert APRIL 2012

000 Laura Leigh April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

14:58

Page 109

hair doctor

BRIDAL PACKAGES: We have developed four packages which have been created to provide the bride with the flexibility she needs, peace of mind and pure indulgence.

Classic package - In Salon Includes: The bride’s in-salon trial and consultation, over a glass of champagne.

Hair for the bride on the day of the wedding. Prices from £180.

Silver package - In Salon Includes: The bride’s in-salon trial and consultation over a glass of champagne.

Hair on the day for the bride, mother of the bride, with complimentary champagne. Prices from £220.

ROARING TWENTIES

Take inspiration from the glamorous 1920s for your wedding day, says Laura Leigh Hairdressing...

Gold package - In Salon Includes: The bride’s in-salon trial and consultation over a glass of champagne.

Hair on the day for the bride, mother of the bride and two bridesmaids with complimentary champagne. Prices from £300 (plus an extra £40 per additional person).

Diamond package Includes: The bride’s in-salon trial and consultation over a glass of champagne, then we come to you for the big day.

Prices from £100 call out fee, plus £200 for the bride’s hair on the day (trial and consultation included), and an additional £100 for every subsequent hour thereafter.

A FEW TIPS FOR OUR BRIDES: 1. Collect pictures of hairstyles and colours that you like, not necessarily just from bridal magazines.

2. Take photos of the dress and let us know if you are following a theme.

3. Leading up to the wedding give your hair some TLC and a break from excessive heat styling. We recommend a course of conditioning treatments.

4. Bring along any accessories to the hair trial session that you might want to use on the big day, such as a tiara or veil.

Picture above: Hair by Laura Leigh; make-up by Sophie Everett; hair peice made by Gillian Million; photography

by Robin Bradshaw.

APRIL 2012

Grab a cocktail and slip into your dancing shoes. Fashion conscious brides for 2012 should be taking inspiration from the glamorous jazz age of the 1920s. The 1920’s is an era that celebrates fashion and the art of getting dressed up!

The revival of twenties fashion is all over the catwalks this season from collections at Gucci, to Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, jenny Packham and many more. Films such as the artist and the remake of The Great Gatsby have also influenced this trend and it’s about to be seen everywhere.

Brides should be wearing their hair in

low side buns with a deep side parting.

The finish needs to be super smooth and shiny, and the must-have accessories for your hair are crystal embellished combs or hairbands. If you prefer a softer look, forget the flowers and opt for white feathers.

If you prefer to wear your hair down, the must-have look is the vintage Hollywood wave. This is a fab look and is perfect for any length; it’s a great style for brides with shorter hair. Just put in a low side parting and accessorise with drop stone statement earrings.

Call Laura Leigh on 01242 530598 for a free consultation for your wedding hair. CS

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

COTSWOLD STYLE 109

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

110 COTSWOLD STYLE

15:53

Page 110

APRIL 2012

000 Dr Vicky April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:01

Page 111

DEAR DOCTOR

health

Dr Vicky Blackburn has been a GP in Gloucestershire for 15 years. She is also a mother-of-three children (including twins). She is a frequent contributor to magazines, and has a regular phone-in on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. She has a specialist interest in women’s health, family medicine, pregnancy and parenting problems...

April is here, and if last year is anything to go by, hopefully sunny days! Last year April had better weather than August!

It never ceases to amaze me how much difference good weather makes to how we feel: it is noticeable amongst my family, staff and patients. At the Practice, we notice a lull in Monday’s appointment demand when the weekend has been warm and sunny. I’m sure that this is not coincidence. Most illnesses which cause pain or discomfort are known to improve in good weather.

This, ‘psychological improvement’ can be demonstrated in the lab. Pain is caused by the stimulation of a pain receptor via a chemical called a nerve transmitter. There are shared nerve transmitters which trigger pain and depression. Low mood has been shown to lower our pain threshold. Thus happy moods, because of good weather, raises our pain threshold. There is also good evidence that inflammatory conditions, particularly joint problems, feel better in the heat. The heat seems to ‘calm down’ the inflammatory reaction.

I also think that there are practical reasons. When the weather is good we fill our days: long walks, pottering in the garden, meeting and seeing friends. All of these activities distract us from our lives, our woes and our aches and pains.

Whatever the reason, it is nice to have a quiet start to the week. So I shall make the best of it and take a coffee-break in the sunshine!

Q: Dear Vicky, I suffer from recurrent boils in my bikini area.

When they get bad I go and see my GP who gives me antibiotics and they get better. With the summer coming I would like to have these under control (I have a beach holiday planned), and wonder if there is anything I can do to prevent theses boils coming in the first place.

APRIL 2012

WITH DR VICKY BLACKBURN A: Thanks for your question. These boils, in the pubic area/axilla (armpits), are called follicular cysts. Hairs in these regions grow from hair follicles (sacs) which also produce an oily substance called sebum. When these hair follicles get blocked, the sacs become enlarged, and filled with sebum, they become infected- like small abscesses. Antibiotics clear up the infection, but there are ways that you can prevent them. Try and avoid underwear which rubs the pubic hair area, and try and wear cotton underwear. If you can avoid shaving that area it makes a big difference- the ‘cut’ hair can block the follicles by becoming ‘in-growing’. Try using creams that deplete hair, or laser/ waxing. These cause less trauma to the hair follicles, and thus they are less likely to block.

It may be worth using a ‘mild’ antiperspirant too, as arm-pit follicles can be inflamed by strong chemicals. If you suffer with recurrent or persistent infections ask your GP for a diabetes check, as these type of infections are commoner in people with diabetes.

Q: Dear Vicky, I wonder if I have a wheat allergy? Whenever I eat lots of bread my stomach swells and I feel bloated. I also notice it makes me constipated. Can I be tested for wheat allergy?

A: Thanks for the question. You are confusing an allergy with an intolerance.

Allergy involves an immune response and can be severe or life threatening. For example, you touch or ingest peanuts and you get an extreme immune response- red rash/swelling/difficulty breathing etc. An allergy can lead to

anaphylaxis. An intolerance usually refers to a ‘difficulty digesting’. Classically people have certain foods which they feel they cannot ‘properly digest’. This can cause bloating and intermittent diarrhoea or constipation. Sometimes the bloating causes pain. The most common food intolerances are to wheat or dairy. When you have foods which affect the bowel in this way it can be called ‘irritable bowel syndrome’ or IBS. Treatment involves excluding the trigger foods, and altering your diet. Sometimes you can be prescribed ‘anti-bowel spasm’ medication which helps. Occasionally, with wheat, an individual develops an antibody to a digesting chemical and this is called Coeliac disease. It is unusual, but your GP can arrange a blood test to exclude this condition if basic diet modification does not improve your symptoms. Remember if you have recurrent abdominal pain, are losing blood in or with your stool, or are losing weight, see your GP sooner rather than later, as these symptoms may indicate bowel cancer. CS

If you have any health questions for Dr Vicky Blackburn please contact her c/o The Editor, editor@stylemagazines.co.uk Dr Vicky Blackburn MBBS DRCOG DFFP runs a private GP service on Saturday mornings at Nuffield Hospital Cheltenham. To make an appointment please call 01452 770070. For further information please contact Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital on 01242 246552, email cheltenham.enquiries@nuffieldhealt h.com or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/chelten hamhospital

COTSWOLD STYLE 111

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

18:57

Page 112

000 Business Intro page April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:53

Page 113

business

business style In this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business style we talk to our regular contributors from Brunsdons, Paul James, Rickerbys. We talk to Hannah Bell from Jelf who last year was awarded the high accolade of Young Broker of the Year for the Midlands region. Swedish bank Handelsbanken is enjoying a rapid growth and we discuss this with Di Pitts. We speak to Brian Morman from Brunsdons who explains the impact of the retail distribution review.

Sponsored by

SPECIALISTS IN BUSINESS IT SUPPOR T

S E V E R N S I D E S O F T W A R E LT D , T H E W H I T E H O U S E , N O .

PA R K , Q U E D G E L E Y, G L O U C E S T E R , G L 2

MARCH 2012

2A Q .

3 W H E AT S T O N E C O U R T, W AT E R W E L L S B U S I N E S S 01452 720250; W W W . S S L - U K . N E T

TEL:

COTSWOLD STYLE 113

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

114 COTSWOLD STYLE

17:51

Page 114

APRIL 2012

000 Cotswold STyle TV:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:03

Page 115

broadcasting

COTSWOLD STYLE TV

A new TV channel has arrived and it’s bringing affordable broadcasting to local business in a unique edgy style...

If you haven’t checked out Cotswold Style TV yet, then you should!

Presented by former BBC presenter and journalist Eric Barton, Cotswold Style TV is a pioneering new channel, delivering important business messages in a unique way.

“It’s a format that has never been tried before, delivering clear and concise business messages within a comedic framework,” says Eric, who was a BBC Continuity Announcer for eight years.

“We were very keen to develop a format that has a completely original delivery; the comedy grabs your attention and then delivers important business information.

It’s video that people will want to watch.”

The edgy format has been well received

by Cotswold businesses who have already appeared on Cotswold Style TV, including Beards, Coutts, Brunsdon and Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet.

“The format is humorous and edgy while delivering business messages with the gravitas that they deserve. Combined with the magazine it is a powerful marketing tool and stretches business messages beyond the magazine,” says Eric, who is also experienced at stand-up comedy, giving him the unique skillset to APRIL 2012

deliver the quirky video that Cotswold Style TV is becoming known for.

Eric writes the script and presents each episode, keeping to a very strict storyboard that he has created to ensure that filming is concise, keeping costs down to a minimum for customers.

“Businesses may have been put off trying television marketing in the past because of the cost, but Cotswold Style TV offers a phenomenal package, with fiming and editing all within an incredibly affordable price,” says Eric.

Prices start at £295 and businesses also receive a copy of their interview which they can post onto their own website, Facebook or YouTube for further exposure.

“I enjoy delivering a positive business message, especially in the more difficult economic climate we’ve experienced and I’m pleased to report that it’s not all doom and gloom! I’m talking first hand to business leaders in the Cotswolds and they are very positive about the future.

Business in the Cotswolds seems to be particularly buoyant.”

Eric is skilled at bringing out the best messages from his interviewees, sharing his BBC training and years of experience

to coach people before going on camera.

“Cotswold Style TV delivers a very informative snapshot of what is happening in local business.

“And we’re at all the best events, of course, giving our audience a flavour of what’s going on in the Cotswolds. In the next few months we’ll be covering the second and hugely popular Gloucester Quays Food Festival, which Cotswold Style will be supporting. Everyone has really embraced the channel.”

Cotswold Style TV is planning its next visits to Cirencester, Cheltenham and Stroud to give a flavour of business in these thriving towns.

Behind the camera, up-and-coming film maker Lex Beckett, is the other half of the creative team, delivering fast paced, quick fire TV. “I love the varied nature of filming with Cotswold Style TV. It is great to be delivering important business messages in a creative way.”

So, with so much more to come, you’ll be missing out if you don’t watch Cotswold Style TV! Watch this space. CS Watch the latest from Cotswold Style TV on www.cotswoldstyle.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 115

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:10

Page 116

Looking for more sales in 2012?

We’ll show you how to grow your business using social media at our Cheltenham Masterclasses We run regular workshops on: Facebook – Twitter – Linkedin – Google+

Call Kevin at White Search 01242 545201 for more info and booking

116 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Social Jazz Festival April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

17:45

Page 117

style event

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk Drinks with Cheltenham Jazz Festival at Hotel Du Vin

Cheltenham Jazz Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship team held their preFestival drinks reception at Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham. Over 90 guests attended the event which was aimed at celebrating the ongoing relationship with Barclays and thanking Hotel du Vin for an increase in support for 2012 as they will bring the Hotel du Vin style to the Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitality Lounge.

Photography by Spencer McPherson

Abi Evans and

Lawson Willett

Chris Browne an

d Keith Dunne

John Wals, Mark McGregor and Matthew Langley

Phil Stapleton and Donna Rennet

Lisa Garrett, Ian Barr and Ilke Bingel

Lizzi Phillip-Sorensen and Arlene McGlynn

Martin McWilliam and David Hall

Dominic Collier and Chris Pearson

Nigel Brown and Deborah Drew

Roman Cooper, Jane WIlliams and David Goodall

Anthony and Rowenna Poeton with Ruth Dooley APRIL 2012

Ian George and Mark Campbell

COTSWOLD STYLE 117

000 Social Cheese Club April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:01

style event

Page 118

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

The Daffodil Cheese Club

The Daffodilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly Cheese Club kicked off from midday in the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mezzanine circle bar. This monthly networking event gives professionals and foodies the chance to get together and relax while tasting some of the finest artisan cheeses they can source matched with interesting wines, beers and liqueurs.

Photography by Mike Charity

John Lomer and Jules

Sarah Hayfield

Claire Clift, Sam Smith and Jenni Birrrell

Bryony Leatherbarrow, Paul Dodd and Richard Lupson-Darnell

kley and Leanda Bic

Adrian Oldman, John Field, Chris Thomas, Mark Wood and Chris Agius

Colin Hall-Tomkin, Oliver Fitzpatrick and Angie Glanville

Sharon Hooton, Sharon Foote, Brenda and Arash Noori

Jane Royle and

Eve Slater

Sam Bawden, Nina Dewinter, Ian Grieves and Bernadette Curtis

Emma Kent, Lisa Garrett, Suzy Hillier and Laura Edwards

Guests prepare for the lunch

Mark Goldrick, Alasdair Carroll, Richard Street, Claire Street, Karen Organ, Martyn Thomas and Simon Ho

118 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

a personal service

000 Jelf Hannah Bell April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:07

Page 119

women in business

Hannah Bell, Account Executive for Private Clients at Jelf, strives to deliver the best service to her clients, and last year was awarded the high accolade of Young Broker of the Year for the Midlands region. Here she talks to Eve Holmes...

Hannah Bell loves her job and it shows.

Her passion for delivering the very best service to her clients is evident in everything she does. An insurance broker for high net worth individuals at Jelf, Hannah makes it her mission to know all her 100 clients intimately so she can deliver the right insurance products to correctly cover their unique lifestyles.

It seems Hannah has always had a financially savvy head on her shoulders even from an early age. At 18, when most young students are thinking of university, Hannah was cautious about the consequential debt that a higher education usually brings. With her string of A grades from Hanley Castle High School, Upton, Hannah had a place at Cardiff University to read History, but decided on starting work and pursuing a career earlier in life than most.

“I saw a position with Clarke Roxburgh (which later became Jelf) in Malvern and decided to go straight to work.”

Keen to gain the relevant qualifications for the job and accelerate her career, Hannah took it upon herself to take the necessary exams with the Chartered Institute of Insurance.

“As a result of my experiences Jelf then started an apprenticeship scheme, taking students straight from school and training them for a career within the company,” says Hannah, who has now been with Jelf for nine years.

A perfect role model for other students keen to take the same route, Hannah has already been instrumental in attracting apprentices to the company by talking to school students to promote the scheme.

As one of the youngest Account Executives in the business Hannah is certainly a high achiever. Last year she was named Broker of the Year for the West Midlands region, an accolade awarded by BIBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association).

“It was an honour to win the award and it is credit to Jelf who have given me continued support and training to achieve such an accolade.”

As an Account Executive for Private APRIL 2012

Clients Hannah prides herself on delivering the very best service, going over and above to get to know her clients.

“It is only by knowing my clients’ lifestyle intimately that I can deliver the right service and recommend the right products to make sure they are fully insured.”

Hannah visits her clients at home to take a detailed inventory of personal possessions including jewellery, art collections, designer clothes, personal artefacts as well as holiday homes and cars.

Hannah is keen to emphasise that her job isn’t about hard sales, it’s about giving her clients an honest account of their insurance needs. Her reputation for integrity and honesty has gained her the respect of her clients and colleagues alike.

“If people are severely under-insured then the insurance companies are within their rights to turn a claim down because the person hasn’t put enough money into the pot over the period of their policy. In these cases it is the equivalent of not having any insurance at all.”

Hannah remembers the floods of 2007 which saw the highest number of claims in a year. The success story to come out of the tragic loss of homes and possessions is that Jelf clients worked closely with clients and insurers to facilitate the swift and fair settlement of claims.

“It is our mission to make sure that

claims are settled as quickly as possible. If clients have personal items that have been ruined or stolen, we put them in touch with the right businesses to purchase an equivalent item with the insurance money.”

Hannah has excelled throughout her career at Jelf and her achievements have been recognised with a place in the company’s internal Sales Academy, an intensive year long training programme.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and will give me a whole new skillset. One of the challenges we’ve already been set is to raise £15,000 for charity this year so we have some events planned to reach our target.”

Hannah’s passion for her job is obvious and her enthusiasm for giving her clients the best service is all the reward she needs.

“I want to be the best in the business at what I do,” says Hannah. “Jelf has been such a supportive company and there are plenty of good opportunities within the business.”

When asked who has been the biggest inspiration in her life, Hannah admits it is her father, a teacher.

“My Dad has always been my biggest role model, he inspires me the most and has a say in all of my big decisions. Both my parents have been very supportive, even when I decided at 18 not to go to university! But I’ve never looked back.” CS

Sponsored by Jelf Women in Business is sponsored

by Jelf, Westmoreland House, 80-86 Bath Road, Cheltenham.

To find out more please contact Hannah Bell Dip CII, Account Executive - Private Clients.

BIBA Young Broker of the Year 2011. Regional Winner (West Midlands) and National Finalist Tel: 07545 207350; Email: hannah.bell@jelfgroup.com or visit www.jelfgroup.com

COTSWOLD STYLE 119

000 Social Chamber of Commerce Budget Debate April 12:Layout 1

style event

Photography by Yasmin Hussain

Ruth Dooley

David Anderson

13:42

Page 120

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Budget Debate at Cheltenham FC

Suzanne Hall-Gibbins brought together a selection of local business and public sector leaders at the Business Centre at Cheltenham Football Club to discuss and debate the initial reactions to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget announcements.

Everyone was given an opportunity to give their opinions and to discuss the radical and rar reaching changes made

by Chancellor George Osborne.

24/03/2012

Fiona Fawcett an

ibbins

d Bev Hawes

Suzanne Hall-G

Ian Hood and Adam Lloyd

Sarah Daly and David Pierce

Chris Pockett

Kevin Aherne

Frawes RFoden

Joe Graham

Mike Mellor

Marie Carter

Peter D. H. Jubb

Stephen Collins (Bank of England) and Paul Bates

Rob Hopkins

Stewart Baikie and Scott Lawrence

120 COTSWOLD STYLE

Martyn Smith, Suzanne Hall-Gibbins, Kevin Aherne and Ian Johnstone APRIL 2012

000 Handelsbanken April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:34

Page 121

business

local customer focus drives growth With an encouraging start to the year, Swedish bank Handelsbanken is enjoying a rapid growth thanks to its unique style of relationship banking securing its position among Europe’s strongest banks. We talk to Di Pitts, Branch Manager of the Cheltenham branch...

Handelsbanken, the relationship bank with a branch in Bath Road, Cheltenham, has credited another successful year of growth to the loyalty of its local branch customers.

The 140-year-old bank has published its annual results for 2011 (available at www.handelsbanken.co.uk). They reveal a 31 per cent increase in lending to UK individual and corporate customers, taking total UK lending to just over GBP 8.5 billion.

In addition, customer deposits increased by 44 per cent, partly reflecting the bank’s reputation for strength and stability, with financial information provider Bloomberg last year rating Handelsbanken the world’s second strongest bank. (Bloomberg, May 2011).

Run by a team of four experienced local bankers, the Cheltenham branch is one of 119 British branches, stretching from Perth in Scotland to Portsmouth on the South Coast. (At year end 2011, 104 Handelsbanken branches had been officially opened in the UK. A further 15 branches have been announced and will open in the near future.) Handelsbanken puts this continuing growth, including 21 APRIL 2012

new branches opened in 2011, down to a clear, long-term focus on customer satisfaction, prudent banking and cost efficiency.

Di Pitts, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken’s Cheltenham branch commented: “With the Bank’s focus being on providing first class service to both Corporate & Individual Clients this has contributed to a strong set of results in a challenging financial market.

“Locally we are growing our business by offering true Relationship Banking via our decentralised model”.

Due to its continual focus on local, personal service, the relationship bank was recently rated top for customer satisfaction

and loyalty for the third year running, in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers (www.epsi-rating.com). Worldwide, Handelsbanken has around 750 branches in 22 countries, employing over 11,000 staff.

Anders Bouvin, Handelsbanken’s UK Chief Executive, comments: “We are building a British bank for the long term, and our success rests squarely on developing strong and lasting customer relationships.”

Handelsbanken’s group annual financial results reaffirm the bank’s exceptionally strong capital and liquidity positions, and its consistently low credit loss ratios. These and other factors have earned the Swedish bank amongst the highest credit ratings of any international bank. (Handelsbanken is rated Aa2 and Stable by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch; Feb 2012). CS Businesses and individuals can contact Handelsbanken’s Cheltenham branch by calling 01242 224533 or by visiting Westmoreland House, 80-86 Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7JT. www.handelsbanken.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 121

000 Harrison Clark April 12:Layout 1

22/03/2012

16:43

Page 122

Local | National | International

At your service...

Services for you Family & Divorce Children Co-habitation Divorce Domestic Violence Prenuptial Agreements

Wills, Trusts & Probate Bereavement Care of the Elderly Tax Planning Trusts Wills

Other Services Insolvency Litigation Residential Property

Services for your business Departments Corporate Commercial Commercial Litigation Commercial Property Construction & Engineering Debt Recovery Employment

Cheltenham T: 01242 269198 F: 01242 584195

Hereford T: 01432 267928 F: 01989 565961

Sectors Renewables Banking Insolvency Rural Land & Business Charities Intellectual Property Sports Education IT & Telecoms Healthcare Notary Public Services Planning & Environmental Islamic Finance Logistics Start-Up Businesses Partnerships

Ross-on-Wye T: 01989 562377 F: 01989 565961

Worcester T: 01905 612001 F: 01905 744899

Our Membership

info@harrison窶田lark.co.uk www.harrison窶田lark.co.uk

Our Directories

Our Quality

000 Harrison Clark April 12:Layout 1

22/03/2012

16:43

Page 123

FAMILY LAW Q&A

should I hire a private detective?

Barbara Jordan, partner at Harrison Clark, answers your Family Law legal questions...

Q

I am getting divorced. My husband runs his own business and is telling his solicitor and all of our friends that his overseas business is doing extremely badly. I am quite sure that this is entirely untrue and this apparent downturn in my husband’s business appears to have occurred, very conveniently, at the same time as my having left him and started divorce proceedings. Although my husband is starving me and my children of any realistic income he himself appears to be doing very well and is going on holiday, entertaining his new girlfriend, living comfortably and giving my children cash in quite large amounts whenever he sees them. How can I ensure that the Courts understand that my husband has money even though he says that he does not?

A

The truth is that this is a difficult issue. It is certainly the case that the divorce courts look at sudden reductions in a husband’s income with some scepticism, most particularly if that husband is self employed and the collapse in family fortunes coincides with divorce proceedings. However, the Judge’s scepticism is not enough to ensure that you have a fair settlement. I would draw to your

APRIL 2012

attention the following facts: 1. Unusually the courts’ role in divorce is to a degree inquisitorial.

So a Judge in a divorce court must be satisfied that he has all the information that he needs in relation to your husband’s finances to produce a fair solution.

2. Your husband, of course, owes the court an absolute duty to give full details of his finances truthfully.

3. Over quite a long period of time, in fact going back to 1955, the courts have shown themselves quite prepared to draw inferences that a husband has more money than he admits to if the wife can produce evidence that the husband is either attempting to camouflage his assets or in cases where the wife can show that the husband’s lifestyle is such that it could not be enjoyed if the financial circumstances that the husband claimed to be facing were in fact as he describes.

In your case you need to be able to show that it would be entirely reasonable for a court to draw the inference that your husband had access to more money than he admits to be referring to clear evidence that he is living beyond his admitted means. This might involve instructing a private detective to follow him. Alternatively it might involve insisting on disclosure in

relation to holidays he has taken or credit card statements.

The more evidence you can produce to the court in relation to the lifestyle that your husband is living the more likely you are to persuade a Judge to draw the inference that your husband has a larger income than he admits to.

Lastly, you should of course consider whether, if your husband is so reluctant to make regular payments to you and your children, whether it might be preferable to try and obtain a settlement which gives you more capital than might otherwise be the case in exchange for reduced or nominal spousal maintenance for yourself. CS For further information contact: Barbara Jordan, Harrison Clark Solicitors incorporating Jordans, Kings House, 127 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW. Tel: 01242 269198; bjordan@harrison-clark.co.uk www.harrison-clark-jordans.co.uk No liability is accepted for the advice and information in this article in respect of individual matters. If you would like to make an appointment with Mrs Jordan a free initial consulation can be arranged by telephoning 01242 269198.

COTSWOLD STYLE 123

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:00

Page 124

Over 120 Classes a week

ol ming Po

Swim

oom Steam R owerSauna & :- TRX, P a re A g ch Bag le Trainin and VIPR & Pun Free Sty s ettlebell ccess plates, K ternet a in e e fr , area Lounge

124 COTSWOLD STYLE

Free member events every month

APRIL 2012

000 Rickerbys April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:10

Page 125

legal advice

the power to make your final decision Phillipa Bruce-Kerr from Rickerbys discusses your right to die.

WITH PHILLIPA BRUCE-KERR For further information on this issue please contact Phillipa Bruce-Kerr, partner in Rickerbys’ private client team, please email Phillipa.brucekerr@rickerbys.com or call 01242 246430.

APRIL 2012

Last week Mr Justice Charles allowed Tony Nicklinson’s application asking the Court to proceed a further step along the judicial route. Mr Nicklinson wishes the Court to consider whether it would be lawful for his doctors to end his life.

The Court has not at this stage agreed or specified what the doctors may do, but has allowed the matter to proceed to a full hearing.

The issue has raised concern among a variety of individuals and campaigning groups. Some MP’s object because they think only Parliament can effectively agree to extend the present law.

Campaigners who wish to allow the vulnerable and disabled more control over their life, and the time and manner of their death have views. Those who hold all life sacrosanct are aghast. In between there are docotors who are genuinely worried about where this may lead in terms of requests from the vulnerable and their families.

One commentator observed that she thought the application was unncessary, as Mr Nicklinson could put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions, which are also known as Living Wills. These documents can ensure that should serious medical intervention be required in future, unnecessary steps to prolong life could be avoided. These do not, however, address the question which appears important to Mr Nicklinson - when he reaches a point where he no longer

wishes to live (even if there is no health crisis attached) can he ask his doctors to end his life?

Perhaps the most significant question lies not with the future, but with the past. Mr Nicklinson is reported as being of the view that had he known that the emergency treatment he received would result in his locked in syndrome, he would not have wanted the life sustaining treatment. If he had been asked about the terms of an Advance Direction, or a Health and Welfare LPA while healthy, before the stroke occurred, would he have directed that no active interventions should be given? All intervention and life sustaining treatment carries with it risks - the doctors treating him at the time would not have known whether he would make a full recovery. The interventions might have allowed him a full or substantially full recovery. Would he have been prepared to give instructions before the event without knowing what the outcome would be?

It is this sort of very real practical question that ought to be addressed while preparing an Advance Direction.

As for MP’s objecting on the grounds that only Parliament has the right to extend the law as Mr Nicklinson wishes surely a more measured response is called for. It seems inappropriate that such sensitive issues should be the subject of political expediency and party policitics. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 125

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

126 COTSWOLD STYLE

15:17

Page 126

APRIL 2012

000 Brunsdons April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:13

our financial future Page 127

finance

Independent Financial Adviser Brian Morman explains the impact the Retail Distribution Review will have on consumers.

AWARDED ‘BEST NEW FIRM’ AT STANDARD LIFE’S ‘FORWARD THINKING CONFERENCE’

WITH BRIAN MORMAN Brian Morman ACII ABIBA Dip PFS is an Independent Financial Adviser and Managing Partner / Director of Brunsdon LLP, CEO of Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd, the insurance and financial services intermediary established in 1932, and Chairman of Cotswold Asset Management Ltd. Brunsdon LLP and Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd. are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority(FSA) The FSA does not regulate tax planning. Tel. 01452 623 623. brian.morman@brunsdon.co.uk www.brunsdon.co.uk www.cotswoldassetmanagement .co.uk APRIL 2012

Mention the words ‘Retail Distribution Review (RDR)’ to the average person in the street and you’ll probably be met with a blank stare or simple indifference. But the truth is, the Financial Services Authority’s RDR initiative, which is now swiftly moving towards implementation, is arguably the biggest overhaul of financial regulation for decades. Make no mistake – it will have a huge impact on you as a financial consumer from here on in. And for financial advisers it will be a massive wake-up and shake-up call for those whose business models do not come up to scratch.

The purpose of RDR is simple enough.

It aims to move professional standards and competency in the advice market to a whole new level. That means more transparency, a fair charging system and higher qualifications. It will apply to every adviser across the retail investment market, including IFAs, wealth managers, stockbrokers, banks and all providers of financial products. And it all has to happen from 31 December this year!

The most significant change, and the one that most clients will pick up on initially, will be the move to fee-based remuneration for IFAs. That’s right. From 31 December, the old, often maligned commission payments will go out the window. I guess for many, this will be the first time you’ve had to pay a fee directly for financial advice. But this is where the transparency comes in. You will be able to grasp exactly what you are being charged, what you are getting for your money and you’ll have the option of comparing the proposition with that of other advisers.

Comparing apples with apples, if you like.

In reality, that’s no different to what you’d expect when consulting a solicitor or accountant.

The other significant aspect of RDR is the requirement for IFAs to achieve a higher minimum standard of qualification

before they are allowed to dispense advice.

The bar has been set at the equivalent to a first year degree.

There is a widely-held view that RDR will lead to a mass exodus of advisers from the scene because many are unable or unwilling to comply with the new regulations. It will after all be a huge shift in business model which some IFAs will find too difficult to manage or even contemplate.

My personal take on RDR is that the adviser market will shrink, but that those who remain will be far more professional and geared towards the needs of the 21st century consumer. Advice will inevitably come to be regarded as ‘aspirational.’ By that I mean advisers will increasingly move to a financial planning rather than a product recommending, role. From now on they are more likely to offer a comprehensive plan which will track your life changes and developments in your personal circumstances. There will be a greater emphasis on ‘wrap’ platform and quality asset management solutions.

At Brunsdon, we are fully prepared for RDR and in fact have been working towards it since well before the FSA launched the initiative way back in 2006. In our view, RDR is an extension of the principles of Treating Customers Fairly, which we have always firmly embraced.

Most of our advisers hold the necessary qualifications or better, we offer an awardwinning Portfolio Management Wrap Platform and of course, our associated company, Cotswold Asset Management provides an exciting, volatility-managed investment option for discerning investors.

I believe RDR will elevate the status of independent advice. The words ‘Retail Distribution Review’ may still make eyes glaze over, but consumers will soon come to recognise that for their money they will receive a high quality, trustworthy and professional service. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 127

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:55

Page 128

COTSWOLD CRICKET MUSEUM

BREWERY YARD, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD GL54 1AA

Opening Friday 6th April 2012

A fascinating display of cricket items covering the complete history of cricket from its early days to the present – including blazers, caps, bats, photographs, paintings, china, letters, tv showing rare footage and much more...

g{x ZÜtvx

Where you can also enjoy coffee, tea and cakes etc. and FREE Wi-Fi in

TEA & COFFEE LOUNGE

Displaying the stunning artwork of

CHRISTINA PIERCE Cricket Artist

CCM

128 COTSWOLD STYLE

Supporting The Bunbury’s Cricket charity For all enquiries call Andy Collier on 07768 840906

APRIL 2012

000 Cotswold Cricket Museum April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:14

Page 129

a great day out

business

Businessman Andy Collier has twinned his passion for cricket with afternoon tea, and created the very first Cotswold Cricket Museum, the only one of its kind in the world. Photograph Mike Charity The Cotswolds are world renowned for their superb tea rooms and visitors flock to our chocolate box villages to sample afternoon tea in simply stunning Cotswold countryside. So for businessman Andy Collier, setting up a tea room in beautiful Stow-on-the-Wold was an easy decision and it looks to be an exciting new business thanks to Andy’s intriguing twist.

Andy has been collecting cricket memorabilia for over 20 years and has built up a fascinating collection; so fascinating in fact that he decided to create the Cotswold Cricket Museum to show off his cricket memorabilia dating from 1840 to the present day.

“I have thousands of pieces from blazers, caps and bats to paintings, china and historic letters,” says Andy, an electrician by trade.

“I have thousands of pieces of cricket memorabilia, and the idea for the museum came after purchasing my latest painting. I thought it was a shame that no one else was able to enjoy my collection apart from myself and my family.”

In a eureka moment, Andy thought of the idea for the Cotswold Cricket Museum where he could display his unique collection, pairing it with a tea and coffee lounge which will be run by his wife Marian. The museum will also be displaying the stunning artwork of Cricket Artist Christina Pierce.

“We moved to Stow from Guildford and it has been a complete change of lifestyle. It has been fantastic and everyone has been so welcoming. It feels like we’ve lived here forever.”

One of Andy’s prized possessions is a blazer worn by Eddie Paynter (donated by the Paynter family) which he purchased at a collector’s auction.

“I also have letters from the 1800s from the daughters of Alfred Mynn, one APRIL 2012

of the greatest cricketers of all time. His injuries from cricket led to the invention of leg guards after his leg was nearly amputated from severe bruising.”

The Cotswold Cricket Museum will hold its Grand Opening on April 6, a high profile event with celebrity guests and filmed by Sky TV. “We’re delighted to be in such a

wonderful part of the world and we hope that the museum will bring a lot of joy and interest to the people who visit, as well as enjoying a lovely afternoon tea!” CS

The Cotswold Cricket Museum, Brewery Yard, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AA. Tel: 07768 840906.

COTSWOLD STYLE 129

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

11:46

Page 130

Cheltenham’s most exci ng new bar

VIP

15% Plus an

inf

and restaurant

CARD

o

h s o S t a ff o event l ive socia

xclus all our e a on to

Invit

Also 15% off our Restaurants with the VIP Card including:

Indian Voojan | Thai Brasserie India Lounge | Masala Bites Indian Brasserie

ly for a p p a o T go to: D R .com A r e i l l VIP C e tp

mon

bar o h o s o@

FREE fizz on your birthday and lots and lots of other benefits 01242 510999

130 COTSWOLD STYLE

www.sohobarmontpellier.com APRIL 2012

000 Social Soho Bar April 12:Layout 1

24/03/2012

13:47

Page 131

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Soho Bar opens in Montpellier

The new NY style contemporary wine bar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Soho Barâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opened its doors in Montpellier and welcomed hundreds of guests to raise their complimentary champagne to salute a welcome edition to the Cheltenham eating and drinking scene. The atmosphere was as cool and chilled as the music and three partners.

Photography by Yasmin Hussain

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 131

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:11

Page 132

Sunday Special

All You You Can Eat £12.95

>PUULY VM [OL )LZ[ )YP[PZO *\YY` PU [OL L :V\[O > >LZ[ LZ[ L

6\[Z[HUKPUN -VVK *VTIPULK >P[O .Y L :LY]PJL LH[ .YLH[

Conferences Confer ences Even Events nts Special Occasions

For rreservations eservations a and nd take away service telephone us on 01242 0 226 300 today Spice Lodge, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, Gloucestershir Gloucestershire cestershire GL50 1TY

www.spicelodge.com www .spic celodge.com

VɈ ^P[O [OPZ (K]LY[

132 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Glosse Posse April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:16

Page 133

on the welcome wagon

society

Glosse Posse Spy - G.P.S. - navigating your way round the social scene of the Cotswolds...

Half of the Cotswolds now seem to be in lock down after a particularly social swirl of a March. It’s like the coming of another New Year once the Festival is over as everyone reaches for the Berocca and the broccoli and puts aside the continuous pints of Guinness and the mindset that it’s OK to reach for alcohol at 10am whilst listening to the Morning Line repeats.

Call me old and boring, but this GPS actually quite likes it when detox time hits. With April being prime deadline month, it’s imperative that I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed for the office. I can no longer pretend that I can party like I’m 19 – although I try my damned hardest to.

However, no sooner have I turned my back on a Sancerre-fuelled social life, then the polo season starts. My day job is Features Editor of The Polo Magazine, a sort of ‘Tatler’ of the polo world (www.thepolomagazine.com) and April is the month when it all kicks off again. The polo Clubs are teeming with life once more. Ponies are looking fit and healthy and the players even more so.

When Jilly Cooper penned her classic, Polo – and let’s be honest the Bible to most teenage girls – its by-line was ‘a legend of fair women and brave men’.

Now I’m not sure about the fair women – we all seem to wear ripped jeans, sloppy alpagatas and our brunette tresses flowing freely rather than pristine dresses and equally pristine blonde hair – but the players are indeed brave.

Anyone using a bamboo cane to hit a plastic sphere the size of a cricket ball whilst galloping at 30mph has to have a APRIL 2012

WITH CHARLEY LARCOMBE

Sergey Petrov Shutterstock.com

touch of a Homer hero about them.

There are idols such as Luke Tomlinson, the England polo captain but most commonly known to the general public as one of the warriors who stormed the House of Commons during the Countryside March, and ex-Gloucester rugby man turned polo professional, Tom Beim (who will hate me for mentioning him). Brave on the pitch and off.

Because everyone has been at the four corners of the world, following the sport and the sunshine, April marks the time when they return to English soil. April also indicates prime gossip time as we haven’t seen each other for about six months and there’s much mischief to be

had and heard about. Gossip flows much better with a beer in hand so check out the Tunnel at Coates or the Bell at Sapperton for Cirencester cronies or the Cat and Custard at Shipton Moyne for the Beaufort beauties and a stare at Prince Harry.

Naturally I’m a little biased, but I really don’t think there is anything better than an afternoon with friends, sitting in the sunshine, sipping drinks and then watching the speed and thrill of a fast and furious sport. April may be a little short on sunshine, but even watery rays count so grab your divot-stomping shoes and head out to polo.

Looks like I’m very quickly stepping off the wagon, only to reach for a welcome drink.

CO-ORDINATES FOR THE CALENDAR Throw in to the polo season In Glos’, we’re fortunate to have two of the country’s best Clubs, so sneak along to Cirencester Park or Beaufort to get a slice of the polo action. A social membership to Cirencester is only a few readies for the whole summer and includes getting your car and your homies in. Pimms is extra...

Don’t be shy Missy Malone, one of the UK’s best burlesque acts is coming to Cheltenham Playhouse on the 21st of April. Don’t be prudish – reach for those feathers! Call 01242 522852. CS Follow me on Twitter: @CharleyLarcombe Read my blog: stilettosinthesticks.blogspot.com

COTSWOLD STYLE 133

PR

21/03/2012

ESS STOP P

0 £12.5RSALLS

S

* TTE IN TA SSERIE A R B

S

P TO

17:12

Page 134

R S T O P P RE

TWO SES COUR

S ES

PRESS STO P

Project6:Layout 1

Your New Cotswold Destination

OP PRESS S ST

introducing the

new Broadway Hotel!

Open Now! The all new Country Bar and Tattersalls Brasserie. Come and see for yourself!

Fizz Day, flat day all day Friday!

Prosecco - White Wine - Red Wine £12.50 bottle The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7AA Telephone: 01386 852401 Email: info@broadwayhotel.info

www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk *Two courses for £12.50 served in Tattersalls Brasserie from 12noon to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

000 Broadway Hotel April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:18

Page 135

a rural retreat

Celebrating the re-opening of The Broadway Hotel, guests can now enjoy this stunning hideaway at a special discounted rate until May. Following the complete refurbishment of The Broadway Hotel, guests can now enjoy this stunning hideaway for a special rate until the end of May; an offer too good to refuse.

The refurbishment includes an extension and the creation of a stunning contemporary bar and brasserie, with an additional glass-roofed atrium, called Tattersalls. The former bar with its characterful inglenook fireplace is now a cosy and comfortable snug, where afternoon tea and evening drinks are served.

The refurbishment of the ground floor follows on from the renovation of the guest rooms, which took place in 2010.

In the 16th century, The Broadway Hotel was a rural retreat for the Abbots of Pershore and the building is infused with history. The half-timber, halfstone exterior houses the bar with its doubleheight ceilings and minstrels’ gallery, and guests can stay in the original 16th century Abbot’s bedroom. The hotel’s location, overlooking one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful village greens, APRIL 2012

is idyllic. On a warm summer’s evening, guests can sit on the front terrace and soak up the beauty of Broadway, before enjoying an intimate candlelit dinner in the brasserie.

In winter, guests like to linger over an afternoon cream tea sitting beside one of the open log fires. All of the guest rooms are beautifully furnished and well

equipped to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Often described as ‘The Jewel in the Cotswolds’, there is plenty for visitors to do in Broadway, with its many art galleries, cafés, cloths and gift shops, and its cultural highlights (Snowshill Manor, Broadway Tower and Gordon Russell Museum).

This year, additional attractions include: The 500th anniversary of the birth of Catherine Parr being celebrated at nearby Sudeley Castle from April; The 400th anniversary of Robert Dover’s Olympicks on 1 June; The Broadway Arts Festival (9 to 17 June); The Olympic torch coming through on 1 July; a branch of the Ashmolean Museum set to open in the autumn. CS To celebrate the re-opening of The Broadway Hotel, a special rate of £99 per night for two people sharing a double room is being offered until May 31, Sunday to Thursday, including a full English breakfast and VAT. For more details and to book, visit the website www.cotswold-innshotels.co.uk.

COTSWOLD STYLE 135

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:58

Page 136

WINE BAR

Montpellier Wine Bar, Bayshill Lodge, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SY

Telephone: +44 (0)1242 527774 Fax: +44 (0)1242 221099 Email: enquiries@montpellierwinebar.com

www.montpellierwinebar.com

136 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Hatton Court Review April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:20

Page 137

review

artistic flair Ali Nightingale enjoy a delectable dinner at the Tara Restaurant, Hatton Court Hotel...

Hatton Court, Upton Hill Gloucester GL4 8DE. Tel: 01452 617412. www.hatton-court.co.uk APRIL 2012

I have no idea why the Tara Restaurant has not been on my radar until now, but my parents had eaten there recently and given a good report. The food seemed interesting and Hatton Court is in an attractive location; I was intrigued and booked a table for a midweek dinner.

At first glance, the menu seemed traditional and trustworthy. The first plus point in my notebook – I could happily have eaten anything listed, not one single option that didn’t tickle my taste buds.

That led me to the correct conclusion that the Chef and I were on the same wavelength.

Mr N and I have an annoying habit of choosing the same item, but for reviewing purposes I like to ring the changes. This also gives me a valid excuse to steal food from his plate in the name of research. I opted for the set 3-course tariff at £25 and my husband was given approval to order from the individually priced menu.

When our first courses arrived, they were pretty as a picture, contemporary food art presented on black slate tiles. I had Arbroath Smokie Pâté with sour beetroot, soft cooked quails eggs and caper berries which was as good as I have eaten in award winning restaurants. The combination of flavours was nigh on perfect, and enhanced by the clever addition of fennel pollen. Mr N was presented with hot and cold starter of Seared Smoked Salmon, with Avocado, a little salad made of Anya potatoes and a Horseradish dressing. He polished it off before I could steal a mere morsel, but concluded that it was delicious.

My braised Bavette of Beef was a clever use of flank steak, and so tender that you

could cut it with a spoon. I applaud the use of this tasty cut; the French love it, which is all the recommendation I need.

This was served with a rather architectural parsnip wrapped with a ham crisp and pointing skywards. It actually resembled the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai - very artistic indeed. The superstar on the plate however was an excellent sauce, which gave everything else a wonderfully deep and rich flavor. My husband chose Sea Bass in a Lobster broth, which was decoratively dressed with a couple of beady eyed crustaceans which unfortunately defeated his manual dexterity, and he never got to dig into the sweet flesh within. The Sea Bass was enough to keep him happy, and yet again my efforts in double taste testing were foiled.

Puddings were attractive and tasty. I chose a trio of lemon temptations; a creamy posset, a good sharp tart and an acidic sorbet. Mr N’s Crème Brulee with rhubarb, accompanied by a tuile biscuit, was also pronounced to be very good indeed.

Pleasingly, the atmosphere is that of a restaurant, not of a hotel dining room.

Service was efficient, and did not impose on our privacy. Overall, The Tara sits very comfortably in between traditional and contemporary dining, which is ideal for a destination restaurant with a diverse clientele.

Verdict: A pleasing dining experience.

Chef Phil Clench has skill and imagination. Deserving of local support and serious consideration for a lovely meal out, serving delicious food with artistic flair. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 137

Project1:Layout 1

25/03/2012

138 COTSWOLD STYLE

08:50

Page 138

APRIL 2012

Daffodil Edit April 12:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:12

Page 139

all that jazz The Daffodil has announced it is hosting some spectacular events at its stunning venue over Jazz Festival week; the first being Tuesday 1st May, with an exclusive, one-off fundraising night for The Amy Winehouse Foundation, hosted by Mitch Winehouse, father of world superstar Amy, who died so tragically in July last year, aged just 27.

Amy Winehouse’s death left not only her family and close friends heartbroken but had a huge impact on people all over the world. Amy’s family launched the Amy Winehouse Foundation on what would have been her 28th birthday. The Foundation has been set up in Amy’s memory to support charitable activities in both the UK and abroad that provide help, support or care for young people, especially those who are in need, by reason of ill health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation concert will be a first in Cheltenham and promises to be a dazzling evening.

Tattinger Champagne and canapés will be served, followed by a delectable four course dinner. Throughout the evening, renowned singer Mitch Winehouse will be performing classic rat-pack hits, with The Daffodil’s House Band headed by Alex Steele. In addition, there will be an exclusive auction with all proceeds going to support The Amy Winehouse Foundation. Tickets for the event are very limited and cost £100 each.

To book please contact The Daffodil on: 01242 700 055. Email: eat@thedaffodil.com. Wednesday 2nd May is the opening of Cheltenham’s illustrious Jazz Festival and The Daffodil will be hosting some headline acts APRIL 2012

throughout the week. One of the country’s leading jazz vocalists, Jacqui Dankworth, daughter of Dame Cleo Lane, will be the first performer in an intimate duo alongside her husband Charlie Wood on piano.

From 10.30pm-12pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, The Daffodil will be hosting late night jazz. This will be the perfect opportunity to end your evening with stylish cocktails and cool, live jazz in such opulent surroundings.

Thursday 3 May, will be an eclectic evening of guitar led, flamenco inspired sounds with TG Collective; Friday 4th May, Zara McFarlane will be producing soulful classic jazz standards, alongside her own originals and on Saturday 5th May, for one night only, get your dancing shoes on and be transported back to the prohibition era of 1920s and 30s America with The Rabbit Foot Spasm Band. A delicious cocktail will be served on arrival with the event starting at 10.30pm going through to 3am.

All concerts (except The Speakeasy), include a cocktail on arrival and a mouth-watering three course dinner for an indulgent evening of jazz delights.

Tickets are available for the Jazz Festival events at The Daffodil at: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com Box Office: 0844 880 8094 CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 139

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:22

Page 140

+,$)" ) /(( , . '' ) *,*/"# ,&

'' ) *,*/"# ,& +,*0$ - .# -. $) #*. ' *((* .$*) ) - ,0$ '* . %/-. . ) ($)/. - !,*( # '. )# ( ) - . $) + ,&' ) % ). .* .# 1*,' ! (*/- , */,-

! *$) /- .#$- -. , !*, .#, )$"#. , & $) '/ $)" '/) # $) # /!*,. $)$)" **( *) -. , /) 2 3, *!! ,$)" .# .#$, )$"#. . *! .# )*,( ' , . 1# ) 2*/ ,,$0 *) )2 . .1 ) #/,- 2 .# ) /) 2 .# +,$'

" !

' , . .# / $' 1$.# /- /,$)" !*/, )$"#. , & $) '/ $)" *.-1*' , ( . !*, .1* *) .# 2 *! 2*/, #*$ # .#$, )$"#. 1$'' *(+'$( ). ,2 1# ) 2*/ ,,$0 *) )2 . .1 ) #/,- 2 -. 2 ) / - 2 .# /)

! !

"

'' ) *,*/"# ,& */.# ( * # '. )# ( '*/ -. ,-#$, 111 '' ) *,*/"#+ ,& *(

*,' , 0 ' 1 , - #*' , )$. $)" *( $)"

*/).,2 */- *. ' $)" + *. '

A Member of

"

140 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:08

Page 141

I love my food to be locally sourced, But I want the finest wine the world has to offer. That’s why

I think. Therefore I du Vin.

Think quintessential British style. Elegant and unpretentious. Combine this with great spirit, wit, an unquestionable devotion to wine, and you have captured the essence of Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham. Now picture a trademark bistro serving simple dishes created from the finest produce Gloucestershire has to offer. Thinking of dining out? Think du Vin.

Complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival.

When you book a table on a Friday or Saturday before 7:30pm or after 9pm.

Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AQ Please quote ‘Cotswold Style’ when booking

01242 588 450 info.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com

Société du Vin

Get exclusive dining offers from Hotel du Vin & Bistro delivered to your inbox or smartphone.

Register www.hotelduvin.com/societe

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:11

Page 142

Cheltenham Regency Hotel

Wedding Services at the Cheltenham Regency Hotel

The BEST WESTERN Cheltenham Regency Hotel is ideal if you are looking for Cheltenham or Gloucestershire based Wedding venue. Whether it's a small family affair or a grand social occasion, we feel that Cheltenham Regency Hotel is an ideal Cheltenham or Gloucestershire based Wedding venue.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

A red carpet welcome for the bride and groom.

Dedicated Wedding Coordinator.

Consultation with our head chef to tailor your wedding menu to your requirements.

Silver cake stand and knife.

Preferential accommodation rates for your wedding Guests.

OPTIONAL

A member of the hotel management team to act as master of ceremonies.

Upgrade on table linen in a rainbow of colours.

A drinks package and advice on the wine list.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Balloons, Chair covers, Chocolate Fountains.

Evening barbecues, hog roast and much, much more...

Your wedding coordinator can also advise or arrange the following additional services at your request: Evening entertainment, bands and discos.

Flower arrangements to match your colour requirements.

Photographers.

Call 01452 713 226 or email info@cheltenhamregency.co.uk to book a convenient time to come and explore the many options we can offer you over a glass of champagne.

Gloucester Road, Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0ST info@cheltenhamregency.co.uk www.cheltenhamregency.co.uk

000 Recipe Ali Nightingale April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:22

Page 143

recipe with Ali Nightingale

Cod w ith Blac Olive D k ressing

Writin g consta about food f nt crea or Cot sw tiv with a body s e cooking f old Style, an renzy, haped d in a Easter I fo lik E choco g gs you see e one of tho und myself lat in se whilst e shops. I h the window huge luxur y taste te ad take o f fanc s n to cha nge. S ting cream b my eye off y o, un th diet fo od be setting myse s, and some e ball delicio lf a ch t lower hing h alle us’ ca ad whilst lorie meals t I have been nge of ‘can hat tem whittli d a bbling ng awa pt my In my with ya ta just th newfound s t my waistlin ste buds ek pir e took m ind of food it of health . y eatin e forty I fancy g, fledge somet d hing y at the mom fish is ears to ent. It for los fish aficiona beco do a t tim I think e and not ju nd I am now me a fully and sim what I love st saving fis making up h for F most a p r supper licity in wh ich I c bout fish, is iday. . I am an pre the sp also dis and ha eed pare ve c can be subsequen arding my fo a quick tly disc o a good d snob Ser ves ov often s f 4 urprisin riend to the ered that fro bery I ngred b z Aldi fr ients ozen S gly inexpens usy cook, an en fish 200g x iv ea Bas d Howe bla s fillet e (three che is v e r , s 2 e w 00ml x ck olives a r so my e s t fishy o have Good £2.99 for tw for A bun good olive o f F Marin ch il e Stew fering this m riday to thin o).

Chives radishes, sli ardship onth is k abou caught ced for gar t Cod. Counc Cod in 4 x co nish I choo il (MS choice an atte d se C) . m Salt an fillets, abou this ele However alm pt to be eth certified line t 150-1 d ic g o 75g ea Splash pepper cookin ant dressing st any fish w al about my ch o , ju f whit g time il e wine as this st rememb l work with fillet. e recipe r Metho is spec to adjust th This m d: e if ic e to a ch a l is alm P uree th is eleg unky ost eff ant an ortle oven t e olives and d made o 220 ratatou stylish. I usu ss, and the C (20 oil. Set asid and ally end ille conscio us, jus or a salad. I ser ve with a result w wrap individ 0 for fan ov e. Preheat th ine, un en) t use a dressin f e ually in little le you are die freshly g. foil wit , season the To ser til cooked; t t ss of t f h ish a his ve s he bla ck oliv radish , plate the fis will take ab plash of wh es an ite e oil o h and garnis ut 15 minut Drizzle d chives. h with e w ith the slic s. separa ed ted, lik the blended e a vin aigrett oil. (this will e). CS have

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 143

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:18

Page 144

####

S u n d ay L u n ch f e at u r i n g tr ad it ion al roa st s.

A re a l t re a t fro m jus t £ 1 9 . 9 5 p er p er s o n .

On the B4035 near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6NS. Telephone: 01386 593 555 gm.charingworthmanor@classiclodges.co.uk

A secret Cotswold treasure: for a few days away, an award winning meal for two or a wedding celebration Whatever the occasion, this romantic 14th century manor house provides the perfect setting. The hotel blends old world charm with every modern comfort and has wonderful old oak beams, roaring log fires and a wealth of antique furniture and tapestries. Outside there is a traditional Cotswold garden with panoramic views over five counties.

For short breaks The hotel is close to many wonderful National Trust properties and Stratford upon Avon is within easy reach. We also have a leisure club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium.

Throu ghou t Apr il: dinner, bed and breakfast from £149 per room per night including a wickedly delicious cream tea

For weddings There can be few more romantic places in which to make a commitment to the one you love! Our distinctive suites are licensed for civil ceremonies and are perfect for large parties and smaller, more intimate celebrations. The gardens make a wonderful setting for your wedding pictures and there is plenty of room for a marquee. Truly, a wedding celebration at Charingworth Manor is an occasion filled with magical moments. The web site has more details.

We still have weekend wedding availability in 2012 and there are extra special offers on winter and midweek weddings.

For wining and dining Charingworth Manor is well known for its superb cuisine and has been rosetted by the AA. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner every day and don’t forget to enjoy a light bite or a magnificent cream tea on the Terrace when the weather is mild!

Offers are subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers

Gou rme t Din ne r: April 6, May 4, June 1 and the first Friday of every month.

Champagne reception followed by five sumptuous courses. £55 per person.

Stay over for just £85 per room for two including the Classic breakfast.

You’ll find more offers at www.classiclodges.co.uk/charingworthmanor

000 Recipe Shelle Duffin April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:24

Page 145

recipe with Shelle Duffin

a swee t celeb

ration

With le n time to t drawing to a swift congra much a sought tulate yourse nd welcome -after s lves on d close of you kil , it m w of tem ho’ve unfor l of resistanc astering the ’s tunate e! And ptation ly , reme discret f mber - stumbled o or those ion! nto th the art Come ep of con fession ath taking April 6th, it pleasu is w ill be t re decade ime to nt and in consumin c e lebra g in one th ing…c dulgent. Fo all things en te by r a riching ke! me, th A cele , is can only m spong bration simp e y bake an ly is n’t a ds Georg e’s day weetness. W celebration withou both f ith Eas dig ou allin t th tt te baking hose cake tin g in April, r Sunday and is w . s and in S h Ici dulge at better tim t As a c in e h to F ng: a il d li , I was ttle ho Grand illing/ metau m Fr be take a, and at the ght the art o 2 5 0g crea osting: f bakin n light time th ly g of cre 100g m m cheese aming ; having to m is was not so by my a and me as wanted 100g b scopone utter to do w folding the ter the vital t thing to as an a 600g ic echniq mixtur as lick dult ue e, w in the 1 tsp c g sugar Howe , arguably by bowl. As a hen all I in v namon c instead er, home-b far the best hild and ev aking is en bit! it shou n’t me mouth ld be f Metho an un -w d: into th atering arom - filling the t to be daun G rease a t e kitch in h a o s g u , and se w en for wa Sieve a nd line two shing u (bribing th luring the w ith cir ll ho em p) for exa In a se dry ingredie cular cake tin nts tog parate mple, . And if any with cake in le family s – 8in the th eth bo cooked the sug s e , do no terror of th ing goes mil xchange ar, bea wl, beat the er, except th by 2ins. d t filling e e t o in e ly g f il c sugar. gs, gra g cont . Fold ake wro and icin ear - if in doubt; sinking once ng, g! sultana in the dry in inuously. Gr dually addin cover it g a gr ’s s. d up wit Carro mixtur DO NOT o edients, add ually mix in h extra t Cake e even t the car verwo he ly rk Serves ro minute s – do into the tins. the mixture t and 10-12 n’t .P Ingre throug B di h cook open the o ake @ 160’C ut the v in 450g s ents e s k n for 45 g e u ( w test a ntil a er t elf 3 tsp b -raising flou cooked hrough the m fter 40mins t least ¾ wa r ic y b ). id 2½ tsp arbonate of and pla Leave to co dle, if it co y running mes ou soda ol befo cing o baking n a coo t clean re rem 3 tsp c butter, powde , it ov in lin c r 1 tsp s namon whisk innamon an g tray. Mean ing from the ’s d icing alt until th while, sugar w beat th tin e mixt 6 eggs cream u e – beat c it r h e h e c an omes t en 350g g thick – ese until it ogethe electric ’s ranula y a o ll u r . Wh inco may ted sug 300ml be care ar ve ful not have to inc rporated. W isk in the hisk un r 3 tsp v getable oil e Once t o a se the overdo the cak an til whisk it o e 3tbsp illa essence r s power h p e as coo read h lse it w Cointr but a le il lf d l , g the filli ea place f o 400g g second ng on lat side runny rated c u h a lf t h on do ar ec 100g s of the ultanas rot icing o top. Finish o ake before p wn, n top. la ff by s preadin cing the For m g the r or est @She e recipes and lleDuf t ip s, fo fi Food Writer n or Facebo llow me on T ok – S /Cook helle D witter . uffin –

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 145

21/03/2012

19:20

Page 146

N OP OW EN

Project1:Layout 1

Inspired by the best of British produce The

Suffolk Kitchen is a new restaurant now open in The Suffolks area of Cheltenham

To reserve a table please call 01242

237057 or email dine@thesuffolkkitchen.co.uk

Opening times: Tues to Sat | Dinner 6.30pm to 10pm | Fri to Sun | Brunch and Lunch 10am to 3pm

The Suffolk Kitchen | 8 Suffolk Parade | Cheltenham | GL50 2AB | 01242 237057

146 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Social Suffolk Kitchen April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:09

Page 147

style event

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk Preview evening at The Suffolk Kitchen

The owners of the Suffolk Kitchen in Cheltenham invited friends, family and local business people to enjoy champagne and canapĂŠs at their preview evening, ahead of their official opening in The Suffolks.

Photography by Rob Wheatman

Ryan and Jane Woodley

wner) and Simon Davies (o ore Gareth Blackm

Emma and Claire Dowse

Angie Petkovic, Emma Logan and Helen Wheeler

Rachael and Dan Frost

Phil Hounman, Marlene Hounman, Suzi Hounman-Brooker APRIL 2012

Michelle Beech and Tracey Lovett

Steve and Jane Faulkner

Andy Deacon, Clemantine Rainy-Brown, Lella Dey

Andrew Jackson and Jennie Bore

Clare Summers and Richard Taylor

Roberta Jesson, Simon Davies and Susan Blanchfield

Andy and Hannah Edwards

Heather and Dino Houtris, Lella and Mike Dey

David Street and Tony Neilan

Liz Smith, Gary Bullock and Sarah Donnan

COTSWOLD STYLE 147

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:23

Page 148

- .0#-

! . ! V - 7 -.

8 .

0 + . #! 0 0 -- V 0 -!##! 0 .

- .0 2- !0 8 0 -##

. V ! 8 ! .

#7 - V #2 .0 - V Ô o

å¤|yÔ ÏÏ Ô åå w w w. t h e w h a r f h o u s e. c o. u k

Restaurant

¬Á xÍÄ wÁ 0 j 8 ?Áw ÖÄj Ý Mj ÖÄja w Á Í j ¬Á Í ? a ÁjÄÍ Á?Í w Í j jÁjw Áa ? a ÖWjÄÍjÁ ? ? ±

148 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:23

Page 149

Discover Three Rosette Dining The 88 Way

Cotswolds88 Hotel & Restaurant 17 Boutique Bedrooms 3 AA Rosette Fine Dining Restaurant Kemps Lane - Painswick - Gloucestershire - GL6 6YB 01452 813688 - reservations@cotswolds88hotel.com www.cotswolds88hotel.com

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:25

Page 150

Scratch on your car?

Save this number in your mobile:

07557 678884 Text a picture to us for a free estimate, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that simple! or email a picture to: cheltenhamcars@aol.com (Insurance Estimates, please call 01242 584321 - Free Courtesy Car Available - 3 year guarantee)

01242 584321 www.cheltenhamcars.co.uk

150 COTSWOLD STYLE

Find us on Facebook and Twitter and receive the latest news and offers!

@cheltenhamcars

cheltenham cars

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

25/03/2012

APRIL 2012

08:54

Page 151

COTSWOLD STYLE 151

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:14

Page 152

creating opportunities

000 Charity Props April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:41

Page 153

charity focus

Over the next few months we will chart the progress of a group of intrepid cyclists who are embarking on a 500 mile bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux in June for the local charity PROPS.

PROPS: Our unique inclusive organisation works tirelessly in our community to create opportunities ranging from vocational enterprise, health related fitness and our ground breaking partnership with Adalines Social Farm Project (Tetbury). Here, students with severe learning difficulties learn tradition farm craft and explore marketing at first hand. The Bristol to Bordeaux Cycle Challenge is instrumental in funding these initiatives.

One of the joys of cycling in the Cotswolds is that, by and large, the terrain is pretty flat. Not Holland flat perhaps, but it’s certainly possible to construct a route which is mercifully short on the uphill stuff.

However, head towards Stroud and the ‘Golden Valleys’ as they are known, and you will find some serious climbing, the perfect place (apparently) to build up those leg muscles.

So it was, that with the weather improving, it was decreed that training needed to go ‘up a notch’ and last Sunday’s training ride saw us in search of ‘a beasting’.

Sport is littered with clichés and cycling is no exception. ‘No pain, no gain’ is a favourite of Andy, who organises our training rides. He’s right of course, it’s a cliché after all, but it’s of little comfort as we roll towards the hills in the distance.

To add a re-worked cliché of our own,

‘What goes down, must go up’. And as we drop down from Hawkesbury Monument towards Alderley our enjoyment of the rapid decent is heavily tinged by the thought of what is to come.

Suffice to say we suffered.

Einstein says he came up with the theory of relativity whilst riding his bike. By the time we reached the top of Tresham Hill, we could barely come up with our names and addresses.

Elsewhere, preparations for the ride are continuing apace. The transport, ferries and hotels are booked.

And hopefully most of the riders have started their fundraising. CS This month the riders have been sponsored this month by Bath Rugby Community Foundation. If you would like to support visit our Just Giving site www.justgiving.com/Pedal4PROPS and follow us on Twitter @P4PCotswolds

Follow the team’s progress on Twitter (@P4PCotswolds) and Facebook. Please visit their just giving site www.justgiving.com/pedal4props to help the team reach their goal of £3,600 which covers the cost of three students and their carers taking part in this year’s challenge. www.propsforward.org APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 153

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:28

Page 154

LIVE INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RETURNS TO KINGSHOLM

BARBARIANS VS IRELAND Tuesday 29th May 2012 Kick off 7.45pm

Barbarians coached by John Kirwan Barbarians players confirmed include: Iain Balshaw - Biarritz Akapusi Qera - Gloucester Rugby Shane Williams - Wales Cédric Heymans - France Stephen Jones - Wales

Mike Tindall - Gloucester Rugby Joe Rokocoko - New Zealand

Book your tickets to watch Barbarians take on Ireland Ticket prices from £15 for Adults, £12 Concessions and £5 for Juniors.

Book tickets today at: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk Call the ticket hotline on: 0871 871 8781 - option 2 * Hospitality packages available from £90 plus VAT. Call 0871 871 8781 - option 4 * for more information * Calls to this number cost 10p per minute from BT landline. Charges from other networks may vary.

000 Motoring Sponsor page:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:27

Page 155

motoring

drive in style Over the following pages we turn your dreams into reality...

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

12:15

Page 156

t 3FQBJS UP QBJOUFE QPMJTIFE BOE EJBNPOE DVU XIFFMT t 'SPN TJNQMF TDVGGT UP CBSF BMVNJOJVN SFGVSCJTINFOU t $PMPVS NBUDIJOH UP NBOVGBDUVSFS T PSJHJOBM mOJTI t "MM XPSL HVBSBOUFFE

Minor repair from £39+VAT Full face wheel repair from £50+VAT

Telephone

01684 291900 Apologies but quotations are NOT possible over the phone

www.reinventingthewheel.co.uk

156 COTSWOLD STYLE

Pothole damage & wheel straightening from £40+VAT

APRIL 2012

00 Alloy Wheels April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:44

Page 157

motoring

SHINY BOOTS

Anything in dull, scuffed boots looks grim. Think about going to a wedding in a brand new outfit and wearing muddy work boots. It’s the same thing. The very same maxim applies to cars. A scuffed or grazed set of alloys makes the car look scruffy. That’s a simple fact. You can spend £50K on a car and if the wheels look dowdy or rubbish then the car will look rubbish.

I never tire (no pun intended) of meeting fellow car enthusiasts. There’s a seam of high-octane passion that bonds us all in a common pursuit and the owner at Reinventing the Wheel is, I’m happy to report, a car aficionado.

Jeremy Shackleton just loves cars and any form of motorsport. This zeal very neatly places him to be the ideal owner spearheading a business that re-furbishes alloys wheels.

“It’s more about passion for cars than just work,” says Jeremy who was previously the boss at Broughtons in Cheltenham prior to forming the wheel repair business.

Now that does smack of a grinding commitment to quality. This is no ‘modified Malcolm’ sporting a ‘soupedup Saxo’. This business is about supplying a quality service that’s really tuned into customers’ needs.

Although a Cheltenham boy, Jeremy’s early years were spent at University in London studying French and Spanish which led him firstly to Peugeot before realising a personal dream and landing the top job at Broughtons. It’s clearly a long love affair with the automotive industry. Jeremy comments, “wheels are more aesthetic now than purely functional. Over the past years they’ve only got bigger and better.”

He’s bang spot on. All the car manufacturers go to great lengths in designing and specifying the original wheels to match the car and providing customers with a choice of up grades at the point of purchase. The business is ideally situated just off the M5 at Tewkesbury with heaps of parking. I was amazed at the tidiness of the workshop APRIL 2012

PHOTOGRAPH ROB WHEATMAN

Eric Barton meets up with Jeremy Shackleton from Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists

which I guess is in keeping with Jeremy’s modus operandi.

He further comments, “I started the business in 2005 and wanted to make sure we were situated somewhere everybody could get to easily.”

I’m intrigued to find out more about his evident commitment to service.

“Our customers want excellence, not just a ‘bob the bodger’ bargain job. We have some very discerning customers who quite rightly want things done perfectly and to a very high standard.

Nothing leaves this workshop unless I’m satisfied,” says Jeremy.

I’m refreshed to hear this kind of talk.

There’s a malaise sometimes that shrouds the car trade, which is in isolation, caused by a few ‘bargain basement bobs’ and that can be damaging to the whole trade. It looks like Jeremy Shackelton is flying the flag for quality.

“The business is growing at a steady rate and I’m making a commitment to investing in new state-of-the-art equipment and processes,” he says.

“Fifty per cent of this business is private customers and a large proportion of our work comes from personal recommendations.”

There’s also a sense that they’ll tackle any job. In fact I’m told… anything from a Fiesta to a Ferrari.

Jeremy Shackleton, like any good businessman, keeps his finger on the pulse of the UK economy and quips, “these days it’s more about repair rather than replacement.”

On a personal note Jeremy goes on to say, “I also have an abounding passion for Spain and France, their cultures and cuisine. I just love travelling to these countries to soak up the atmosphere and visit whenever I can.”

This year he’s also due to participate in the Prescott Hill Climb and is sponsoring a young 17-year-old driver in the Porsche Carrera Cup which is on ITV 4.

So if your alloy boots are a bit scruffy and you’re in need of a brush up and repair, then perhaps give Jeremy and his team the once over.

As I’ve already intimated, what’s the point in having a really nice car with horrible alloys? It’s like having caviar with chips and home brew. CS For more information: Tel: 01684 291900; www.reinventingthewheel.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 157

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:13

Page 158

I am Giulietta. If you are going to talk about me.

TEST ME.

ALFA GIULIETTA NOW AVAILABLE WITH ALFA TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission).

PERFORMANCE MultiAir engines: More performance.

Less fuel consumption. Lower emissions.

ALFA D.N.A. Unique Alfa D.N.A. driving switch with 3 driving modes – Dynamic, Natural, and All-weather to suit all conditions

ALFA TCT Dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission allowing you to make smoother gear changes without losing acceleration.

W I T H O U T H E A R T W E W O U L D B E M E R E M A C H I N E S.

BLADE PRINCESSELIZABETHWAY,CHELTENHAM GLOUCESTERSHIREGL517PA 01242283000 www.bladealfaromeo.co.uk Model shown Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT Veloce at £23,645 OTR including Ghiaccio White special paint at £490. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 26.2 – 53.3 mpg (10.8 – 5.3 I/100km); Extra Urban 48.7 – 76.3 mpg (5.8 – 3.7 I/100km); Combined 37.2 – 64.2 mpg (7.6 – 4.4 I/100km). CO 2 emissions 177 – 114 g/km.

From £189 per month with £1,500 towards your finance deposit.* Now you can afford to have a bit of fun.

When you purchase on Solutions, up to 3 years’ servicing for just £99.†

Blade Priory Road, Gloucester, GL1 2RQ Telephone: 01452 412000 www.blade.volkswagen.co.uk

Representative

0% APR

Model shown is Golf Cabriolet with metallic paint: from £199 per month. *0% APR available to customers with £1,500 deposit contribution and 2% minimum customer deposit, when ordering your car with Solutions before June 30th, 2012. £189 example based on Golf Cabriolet 1.2 TSI S; 36 month Solutions agreement, 10,000 miles per annum and with a customer deposit of £4,490, 35 payments of £189 followed by

an optional final payment of £8,130. Deposit shown may be higher than the minimum, a lower deposit will result in increased monthly payments. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. Retail sales only. †£99 servicing is available to customers when ordering their car with Solutions before June 30th, 2012. Up to 3 years’ free servicing or 30,000 miles (whichever comes sooner ). Volkswagen Finance, Freepost VWFS. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Official fuel consumption in mpg ( litre/100km) for the Golf Cabriolet range: urban 33.6 (8.4) – 54.3 (5.2 ); extra urban 52.3 (5.4) – 68.9 (4.1); combined 44.1 (6.4) – 64.2 (4.4). CO2 emissions 150 – 117g/km.

158 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

000 Motoring Audi April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:45

Page 159

motoring

a nippy city car Jim McGill test drives the new Skoda Citigo.

Take Skoda’s new city car, the sweetly-named Citigo, and the awesomely fast and powerful Bugatti Veyron. Ok, it’s not often you’ll ever see such extremes of the automotive world placed in the same sentence, but the question is: what do they have in common?

The answer is Josef Kaban. The man who styled the 987bhp, 8.0-litre, 268mph Veyron is exactly the same Slovakian gentleman who has penned the 59bhp, three-cylinder Skoda city car.

The Citigo is the smallest car Skoda has ever built and its first-ever production three-door - it’s also available in five-door form - but most importantly it’s the biggest change in the company’s history.

Why? Because this is the first time it has been able to offer a car which will appeal to any age or gender, so it’s a huge leap forward.

This is the car many people believe will change the general public’s perception of Skoda and bring in a new breed of customer.

But don’t think Skoda’s struggling in the ever-more demanding global car market: far from it. Last year it sold over 879,000 cars - up 15.3% on 2010 - so with the introduction of the Citigo, those figures are only set to improve further.

Built in Bratislava in Slovakia, alongside the near identical Volkswagen up! and the APRIL 2012

Seat Mi, the Citigo enters UK showrooms in June.

Available in three trim levels - S, SE and Elegance - there’s only one engine, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol. It is though available in a choice of two outputs, 59bhp and 73bhp.

Will there be a diesel? According to Skoda insiders, it’s a very definite ‘no’. Too expensive and thus unsaleable, are the reasons. Can’t argue with that.

Both three and five door Citigos have the same dimensions: 3560mm long, 1650mm wide and 1480mm tall. They also both offer the same class-leading 251-litre boot space, which increases to 959 litres with the rear seats folded. A similarly sized Kia Picanto, by contrast, delivers only 200 and 605 litres respectively.

Rear leg room isn’t brilliant, but it is, after all, a small city car which, essentially, will be used by one person at a time: two, probably, at most. It does come though with four seatbelts, so officially it’s a fourseater.

The compact wee cabin is well thought out and put together, plus the quality of finish rivals that of many larger, more expensive cars.

There are nice touches. There are small pockets on the edge of the front seats for a bit of extra storage, and if you’re tired of trying to catch your mobile phone as it

goes flying from its resting place in your current car, you’ll be pleased to learn the Citigo has a special holder for a mobile phone which keeps it secure.

An optional £250 pre-equipped portable navigation systems sits cleverly on the top of the dashboard. The Citigo also benefits from a hands-free Bluetooth telephone, infotainment system and on-board trip computer which all utilise the same system.

The Citigo’s 59bhp Green tech engine means there’s no road tax to pay, by dint of its low CO2 emissions of 96g/km. It will also return, according to Skoda, 68.9mpg.

Despite its size, the little engine thrives on buzzing around town. Its raspy three-pot exhaust note merely adds to the pleasure, and its nippy acceleration makes city lane-changing fun.

And don’t worry about coping with motorway traffic; even the smallest of the Citigo powerplants is capable of mixing it at 70mph.

When the car arrives in the UK, all models will have stability control (ESP) fitted as standard, and Skoda will price the five-door variant £350 above the three-door.

What price is the three-door? Skoda is staying quiet on that until closer to launch.

It’s fair to expect though that the three-door will come in around £7,500. CS

COTSWOLD STYLE 159

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

15:14

Page 160

80.7 mpg (combined) Front fog lights with cornering function APR 8.4% Representative. Retail sales only for registrations before 30th March 2012. *Payable with first payment. **Payable with optional final payment. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status and vehicle availability.

Available to over 18’s in the Cruise UK only. SEAT Finance, Freepost SEAT Finance. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time.

Zero Road Fund Licence control 92 g/km CO2 emissions Front electric windows No London charge SE Copa MP3-compatible CD player with AUX-in SEAT Ibizacongestion 1.2 TDI Ecomotive SC 15” alloy wheels Remote audio controls 42 months, 6,000 miles pa, Solutions (PCP) example Air conditioning Start/Stop system and energy recovery Cash price £11,495 Customer deposit £299 Amount of credit £11,196 Acceptance fee* £125 41 monthly payments of £199 Optional final payment £5,699 Purchase fee** £60 Total amount payable £13,905 Excess mileage (per mile) 7.2p

BLADE SEAT 209 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2RS Tel: 01452 387000

160 COTSWOLD STYLE

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:30

Page 161

IS NOW HERE.

Class leading fuel economy*

Best in Class child protection and safety assist**

Class leading emissions* Best in class ground clearance*

Seven airbags for superior all round protection

Lightest in its class*

Automatic front passenger seat airbag activation

Best in Class 5-star Euro NCAP Safety score**

Comes with complimentary Subaru ETCº aftercare

The new Subaru XV moves crossovers to the next level and promises to offer an enhanced driving experience that’s different to other crossovers. Stylish and distinctly urban, the new XV has caused a storm of its own, and not just because of its good looks. To experience the new XV for yourself call in or call us today.

THREE COUNTIES SUBARU JUNCTION 1, M50, A38, SHUTHONGER, TEWKESBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL20 6EH TELEPHONE: 01684 296999 WEB: THREECOUNTIESSUBARU.CO.UK * XV class consists of four wheel drive, 2.0 diesel equivalent versions of Audi Q3 (177ps), BMW X1 (143ps), Ford Kuga (140ps), Hyundai ix35 (136ps), Kia Sportage(136ps), Mitsubishi ASX (150ps), Nissan Qashqai (150ps), Skoda Yeti (140ps) and VW Tiguan (140ps). Please note the preceding differences in maximum power (“ps”). Figures correct at time of going to press and have been based on our competitors’ published figures. ** In its 2011 Euro NCAP test, the Subaru XV scored 86% for adult protection, 90% for child protection,64% for pedestrian protection and 86% for safety assistance generating a combined score of 326%.

Euro NCAP data taken from www.euroncap.com –13th December 2011.

Subaru XV range fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban from 32.1 (8.8) to 41.5 (6.8). Extra urban from 47.9 (5.9) to 56.5 (5.0).

Combined from 40.9 (6.9) to 50.4 (5.6). CO2 emissions from 160 to 146 (g/km).

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

162 COTSWOLD STYLE

16:02

Page 162

APRIL 2012

000 Motoring Suzuki April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:47

Page 163

motoring

throaty warble…

Eric Barton pushes the pedal in the new Suzuki Kizashi.

Unlike the emperor’s new clothes this is no apparition. It’s not Scotch mist or Lord Lucan in disguise… and like seeing a nude person run down The Promenade in Cheltenham, it’s a head turner!

The Kizashi will play a starring role in Suzuki’s plans for growth. Unlike the hatchbacks and 4x4s for which they’re known, this is their first family saloon.

It’s a real whiff of fresh air to see this car launched into the European market.

The middle ground in the battle for a slice of the family saloon business is huge. The Kizashi is already well known in some of the biggest territories in the world. It launched in Japan and the US in 2009, then Australasia in 2010 and India last year. So it’s already found its feet elsewhere.

The Kizashi does have a mean looking streak to it and delivers a sporty silhouette that promises a bit more entertainment in the handling department.

It’s a very compact number (as you’d predict from a company that’s spent so long making small cars). The car’s squat compactness is in my mind part of its visual appeal, which is nicely enhanced by wide tracks, 18-inch alloys, jutting sills and valances, twin exhaust pipes and a ducktail boot lid spoiler. Which all I may APRIL 2012

add all come as standard. Under the armour-like panels is a reinforced steel body shell and an all-independent, aluminium-rich suspension which contributes to the lightness and driving agility.

The interior of the Kizashi is delivered fully loaded. Functionality and real value for money is what this car is all about.

It’s amazing when you realise the equipment that Suzuki will give you as standard. The Kizashi at £21,995 buys a car with electrically adjusted, heated leather front seats, an eight-speaker audio system, electric windows all round, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, privacy glass, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, high-intensity headlights and seven airbags. The cabin itself is roomy enough with the driving position well sighted. The leather-trimmed primary controls are pleasant and with a nice level of tactility. A textured, soft-touch dashboard provides a quiet subtle look.

Whilst acceleration isn’t ballistic the Kizashi has good handling balance.

There’s very little understeer which is due to its grasping front end, with the rear axle responsive enough to make for some absorbing and very adaptable cornering. The 0-60mph is 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 127mph, returning

34mpg. The Kizashi’s four-wheel drive system adds its own personality into the car’s dynamic mix on wet or slippery surfaces with the i-AWD system coming into play as it juggles power towards the rear axle. In the dry, even at the limit of grip, the Kizashi’s throttle-on handling does feel very front wheel driven. The brakes are very good. Well they would be… they’re provided by Akebono, the same company that equips Japan’s 275mph bullet train.

The only available engine is a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit with 176bhp mounted crossways under the bonnet, mated to a continuously variable transmission driving all four wheels. This in effect offers a fully automatic gearbox which is switch-able to a nifty manual paddle shift. And all that for less than £22K. That’s a steal, as you’d expect to pay in excess of £30K for all that wizardry.

There’s a fine line between a nice throaty sounding note in a car engine and a downright ugly spluttering cough.

The Kizashi does produce all the right noises and at a price that won’t have you yelping. CS For more information please call Tel: 01242 224477; www.johnwilkinscars.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 163

Project2:Layout 1

22/03/2012

164 COTSWOLD STYLE

16:48

Page 164

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

19:35

Page 165

THE CHRYSLER YPSILON

BLACK

The Chrysler Ypsilon Black&Red offers a package of unique external features including: • 16” Multi-spoke alloys Front • F ront fog lamps lamp ps glass • Sun-screen gl lass • Body coloured d side skirts

RED IS HERE

While the Black&Red adds the following interior features: • Black and Red fabric seat upholstery, dashboard dashbo oard and door linings • Air conditioning con nditioning • Blue&Me Blue&M Me Bluetooth with USB and aux-in • 360 Hi-Fi Hii-Fi music – Bose® audio system. sysstem.

Starting S tarting g fr from om

only £12,750 0 CALL 01452 690 025 to arrange your test drive

Kings Cheltenham nham and Gloucester ster Ashville Business P Park, ark,, Cheltenham Road East, Sta Staverton verton GL2 9QJ

01452 690 025 w www.kings-chryslergroup.co.uk ww.kings-chryslergrou up.co.uk OFFICIAL FUEL C CONSUMPTION ONSUMPTION FIGURES FFOR OR THE C CHRYSLER HR RYSLER DEL DELTA LTA AND D CHRYSLER CHR RYSLER YPSILON YPSILON RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): /100KM): EXTRA URB URBAN AN 54.3 (5.2) – 88.3 .3 (3.2); URBAN URBAN 34.9 (8.1) 60.1 (4.7); C CO O MBINED 44.8 (6.3) 3) - 74.3 (3.8). C CO O 2 EMISSIONS IN G/KM M 146 - 97.

Model ffeatured eatured is a 1.2 Blac Black&Red k&Red at £12,750 £12,750 on the the road, road, on the the road road price price includes 12 months m months road road fund licence, first first registration registration fee fee and VAT VAT . Prices Prices correct correct at time of going to to print print (March (March 2012).

APRIL 2012

COTSWOLD STYLE 165

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

166 COTSWOLD STYLE

19:48

Page 166

APRIL 2012

000 Motoring Wessex April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

13:36

Page 167

motoring

king of the scrum Brett Deacon drives the King of the Hill...

Brett Deacon Gloucester Rugby Club No 8 Has recently taken delivery of a top of the range Nissan Navara Tekna Auto Diesel Pickup from Local Nissan Dealer for Gloucester and Cheltenham, Wessex Garages.

General Manager Matthew Cripps comments that the mix of the Professional Rugby player and the Super tough Navara truck go hand in hand.

Both Built to do the Job and give great performance.

APRIL 2012

Brett Deacon can be seen driving around the County in the top of the range Navara and will delighted to discuss the performance of his truck and give any one a fair appraisal of its drive and economy, And of course sign any autographs. That is of course when he is not on the pitch on a match day at The Kingsholm ground home of the Cherry and Whites .

Wessex garages are proud to be able to sponsor our local sportsmen; Brett has

offered to make his services available to Wessex for any launch events at the Wessex Dealerships in the County. All enquiries taken by Brett and Wessex Garages on a new Navara that lead to sales for delivery in April, May and June, Wessex Garages will donate ÂŁ250.00 per sale to Help the Heroes fund.

Get with the Pack and try out the New Navara Tekna at Wessex Garages Mercia Road Gloucester. CS www.wessexgarages.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 167

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:19

Page 168

Image by Jonathon Watkins (PhotoGlow Photography)

01242 263852

168 COTSWOLD STYLE

Eagle Tower Montpellier Drive APRIL 2012

Project6:Layout 1

21/03/2012

17:19

Page 169

Landmark office solu"ons with spectacular views over Regency Cheltenham and the Cotswolds

air-condi"oned offices with views | mee"ng rooms | car parking | coffee shop on-site management | 24/7 security & maintenance Cheltenham GL50 1TA APRIL 2012

www.eagletower.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 169

000 Kate Justice April 12:Layout 1

23/03/2012

15:49

Page 170

this month with Kate Justice

intoxicating excitement

Kate Justice delights in the excitement of this year’s Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse last month...

Living legend Kauto Star, who retired this year from main racing.

WITH KATE JUSTICE If you would like to share your thoughts on this subject with Kate Justice, please email the Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

170 COTSWOLD STYLE

I went to the Gold Cup last month. It is SO utterly brilliant to be in a place that feels like the centre of the universe while situated only ‘up the road’.

Every year, when this particular festival comes around, I am flabbergasted at how our sophisticated yet comfortable town is slammed onto the international sporting map. People from all over the world revel in the prestige and intoxicating excitement of it – and we own it.

I admit that getting there in style could be easier. Unless one is financially blessed enough to take a chopper, there is inevitably a long walk – either along the street from town/nearby parking etc… or across the grassy and sometimes muddy car parks for the racecourse itself.

But despite this pre-requisite element of countryside life, the glamour in the fashion department holds no bounds.

Sitting in queuing traffic on the way in, it adds so much to the sense of occasion to see flashy dresses, expensive coats, simply fabulous hats, too high heels and just a flash of fake tan, headed in the same direction. As an equine lover, I adore what this sort of event brings to the public. It not only puts glitz at a horse show… it also turns these majestic and gentle athletes into heroes – for the masses.

This year we witnessed one particular stand out hero retire from the main race, to booming cheers, tears and standing ovations. (Despite invariably leaving several thousand punters out of pocket).

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it. One of the favourites to win, who’s fitness was doubted until one day before the Meet began, is pulled up halfway round – but then massively celebrated for all he has achieved.

Kauto Star owes absolutely nothing to anyone. He has won a record £2,375,883.00. And is possibly the best horse Ruby Walsh has ever ridden (and that is one heck of a title). Early reports suggest he is, in fact, sound - and any retirement from competition altogether hasn’t been decided. However, he has won the Gold Cup twice already and no matter what happens next, he is clearly a living legend.

I’m not naïve enough to think all is cosy for the horses in the thoroughbred racing industry – there were tragedies to deal with at Cheltenham too, but I do take comfort from the knowledge that Kauto Star was treated absolutely like the champion and icon he is. Maybe his time at the top is over, but you can bet on his retirement being considerably more luxurious than yours or mine.

During the build-up to the Gold Cup Festival, it becomes almost impossible to avoid being swept up in the emotion of it all. Friends, who have been at Prestbury Park for many years past but perhaps due to age, health or finances make the decision to watch it on TV for now, light up and become invigorated and captivating when talking about races gone by and this year’s hot contenders.

The ‘young’, maybe heading there for the first time… save up, swap tips, buy new clothes and post pictures on facebook.

What an incredibly vast audience this event has; old and young, rich and poor… with betting, socialising, fashion and sport all rolled into celebrating our home and above all, the Horse. CS

Go to www.cheltenham.co.uk for a full list of fixtures for the rest of the racing season.

APRIL 2012

Project1:Layout 1

21/03/2012

APRIL 2012

19:51

Page 171

COTSWOLD STYLE 171

Project1:Layout 1

23/03/2012

16:31

Page 172

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOT WHERE YOU COME FROM. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHERE YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HEADING. With unrivalled local knowledge and experience, no-one understands the needs of local entrepreneurs like we do.

8S WTIEO XS E PSGEP I\TIVX GEPP SYV 'LIPXIRLEQ SJ½GI SR

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

PRIVATE BANKING

INVESTMENT PLANNING