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INTERVIEWS | EVENTS | FASHION | BEAUTY | PROPERTY | BUSINESS | TRAVEL | SPORT
MIND, BODY & SOUL
February 2015
Changing
The best skincare tried and tested for a frosty February
FACES
We meet forensic artist Auriole Prince
£2.50
JEWELS & SPARKLES The ultimate Valentines Day Gift Guide
LOVING BORNEO this February
Cotswold entrepreneur
Linda
Lloyd introduces
The Courthouse Manor
LOVE IS ALL AROUND... Real-life Weddings • Stunning Venues • Luxury Lingerie
THE NEW ARRIVALS! FREE Child entry to the Cotswold Farm Park for the first lambs of 2015
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Set in the heart of Cheltenham, the Spire Clinic offers a wide range of on-site procedures and consultations, with easy access to our facilities operating out of Spire South Bank Hospital in Worcester. The Clinic is located on Regent Street, just off the promenade with a multi-story car park available within a 2 minute walk. With a wide range of health services and treatments on offer, as well as private GP consultations, the Spire Clinic in Cheltenham Spa truly is the home of clinical excellence.
EXCEPTIONAL PERSONAL SERVICE At The Spire Clinic, we care for each of our patients from the moment they arrive with a personal welcome at the door and with no reception desk or formalities.
CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY As part of the nationwide group of Spire hospitals and clinics, we have access to the latest state-of-the-art technology and clinical practices. Our clinics are fitted with the finest equipment ensuring the best available treatments for our patients.
KEY CLINICS INCLUDE: Founded by Mr Rob Gornall, Mr Philip Kaloo & Mr Mark Whittaker, The Gynaecology Group brings together the expertise of experienced UK qualified and trained gynaecologists and modern, fully-equipped private hospitals in Cheltenham and Worcester. The Spire Bone & Joint Clinic provides access to an Orthopaedic service based on delivering clinical excellence; education, through which to provide the highest quality of specialist care – from initial contact with the clinic through to the completion of treatment and aftercare. With consultants Jeremy Field (Hand), Rob Gleeson (Knee) David Robinson (Shoulder) and Roger Close (Knee).
Cosmetic Surgery
Spire Cosmetic Surgery has over 25 years’ experience and a reputation for high quality clinical care. We are here to give you all the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you. Any cosmetic surgery treatment will be tailored around you, with your choice of surgeon, location and timing. Dr Andrew Dickson adopts an open, responsive and pragmatic approach to Occupational Health issues, balancing the needs of the organisation, the individual and the law, tailored to your business's specific requirements. The Spire GP Practice service includes: Access to high quality care at a time convenient to you; Appointments with locally based, professional and friendly GPs including evenings and weekends; Personal confidential service; Private prescriptions and repeat prescriptions; Medical consultations, examinations and blood tests; and Vaccinations (including travel). Referrals can be made within the clinic to consultants and physicians in all specialities.
For all enquiries please call us on:
01242 504 899 Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
5 Ormond Terrace, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HR
www.spirecliniccheltenham.co.uk E: spirecheltenhamclinic@spirehealthcare.com
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A Winter’s Sale 8 ROTUNDA TERRACE, MONTPELLIER STREET, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL50 1SW TEL: 01242 523331 - STORES NATIONWIDE - andsotobed.co.uk
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Contents
101 131
69 14
39 FEBRUARY 2015
CONTENTS 10 Out and About
87 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Your guide to the very best events happening in and around the Cotswolds this month
Hand-picked gifts for your loved one
14 Real Life
88 Mind, Body & Soul Testing facial therapies and Vaping devices
Meet Forensic Artist, Auriole Prince
92 Court Manor Hotel 17 Hot Property We feature some of the most beautiful properties that are for sale
50 50 Shades of Grey David Savill’s inspired lingerie shoot at the Greenway Spa
Linda Lloyd showcases her restored manor
111 Gloucestershire’s Growing Businesses We profile some of the county’s leading companies
127 R&R 57 Recycling your furniture Clive Burling introduces his painting days
We review Whatley Manor near Malmesbury
67 Cotswolds Culture
131 Gatcombe Horse Trials
Sue Blanchfield inspires cultural activity
The dates are announced for March
74 Love in Borneo
137 Fitness Problems?
Lucy Garbutt’s romantic destination for Valentines
Luciano Kydd answers questions from gym-goers
SOCIALSCENE 6 LINC 63 Harrison Clark 71 Bluebird 108 Jockey Club 128 Ladies Business Lunch
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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk
Champagne afternoon tea for LINC LINC Charity held a Champagne afte rnoon tea along with Festive Stalls at Highnam Court on Thursday 27th November. It helped raise lots of money for the charity as well as being a fun afternoon out. Photography by Angus Bethune
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J
U I
C
E
Recruiting IN 2015 - Think Juice! Juice - Recruiting The Best In Cheltenham!
01242 210410 123 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 1NW
www.juicerecruitment.com
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CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
THE FESTIVAL 10th – 13th MARCH 2015
CRAIC.
BOOK ONLINE NOW WWW.CHELTENHAM.CO.UK
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Welcome Senior Partner Paul Bates 01242 220239 paul@stylemagazines.co.uk Partner Mark Cuzner 07917 821577 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk Business Development Manager Ian McRorie 07917 175919 ian@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Executive Alastair McClare 01242 220239 ali@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Executive Bethany Lynch 07807 126214 bethany.lynch@stylemagazines.co.uk Office Manager Carley O’Dea 01242 220239 office@stylemagazines.co.uk Production Consultant Hilary Collier 01242 220239 hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk Editorial Designer Nick Clark 01242 220239 nclark@stylemagazines.co.uk
Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA Switchboard: 01242 220239; Fax: 01242 257019; Email: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk or advertising@stylemagazines.co.uk Publisher: Paul Bates; Distribution: Pineapple Media, 172 Northern Parade, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 9LT. Merchandising services: Patrick Farrelly.
@CotswoldStyle Twitter followers
21,802 CotswoldStyleMagazine Facebook fans
5,282
EDITOR’S FOREWORD elcome to our February edition, this month of love. Cotswold Style features an abundance of loving gestures from a Valentines Gift Guide to stunning venues where you can take your loved for some nights away. We lead with Linda Lloyd, a Cotswold based entrepreneur who has passionately restored the historic Court House Manor in Painswick, an exceptional Grade 1 listed home, into a very special property for overnight stays, events and weddings. We follow the wedding theme by showcasing real life weddings and Cotswold venues to make your dream day come true. Travel writer Lucy Garbutt has been to Borneo exploring what she believes to be the most romantic country and I would like to introduce you to our new Culture writer Sue Blanchfield, whose column is an inspirational way to cultivate the brain with events happening in the county. Sandra Paul continues to tackle ‘Unbelievable’ problems in the Cotswolds and this month despairs at the desperate state of potholes on our roads. We continue with our successful new business supplement, Growing Gloucestershire Business and focus on some leading companies showcasing their growth and plans for 2015. Our county’s MPs are preparing for the forthcoming general election and have briefed readers with what they are doing for their constituencies from Westminster though I would one month, appreciate some feedback from Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham, who seems to consistently fail in responding – not a great voting incentive for the town’s readers who are still deciding on who to vote for! Finally, our Racing expert Nigel Aplin starts the excitement for next month’s Cheltenham Racing Festival by giving readers some tips on the best trainers to look out for. Time to start studying the form!
W
Best wishes,
Emma Logan Emma Logan, Editor editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
Cover image: Linda Lloyd of Court House Manor, Painswick. Photography by www.susiemackie.com Cotswold Style is published monthly by Cotswold Style Ltd, based at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Cotswold Style will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 1756-6673.
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 9
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THE MONTPELLIER CHAPTER COOKS CLUBS – FEBRUARY EXCITING THINGS TO MAKE IN A CUP CAKE TIN Wednesday 4th February
A budding baker or keen cupcake fan, this is the Cooks Club for you! Join The Montpellier Chapter’s hotel team as they show you some great, innovative and exciting recipes to make in a cup cake tin. Watch a live demonstration from the theatre style kitchen followed by a delicious lunch of dishes prepared during the session. The event begins at 11.30AM. Tickets are priced at £15 per person including a demonstration and 2 course lunch. Booking is essential as places are limited. To book telephone 01242 527788. ELLENBOROUGH PARK’S THREE R’S SPECIAL OFFER Retreat, Relax and Recuperate with this Luxury Winter Spa Package. Retreat from the current cold snap and restore the balance of both body and mind with this Winter Spa package at luxury 16th century Cotswold hotel Ellenborough Park. From £375 per room. To book please call +44 (0) 1242 545454 or email: reservations@ellenboroughpark.com
BOOGIE NIGHTS Saturday 7th February Get ready to boogie as Rose Royce, one of the biggest R&B bands of the 70s and 80s, soul legend Alexander O’Neal
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and multi-platinum hit makers Heatwave take to the stage for a night of their greatest hits. Sing-a-long to ‘Car Wash’, ‘If You Were There Tonight’, ‘Boogie Nights’ and many more favourites in this feel-good extravaganza! 7.30pm. Tickets: £29 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
THE MONTPELLIER CHAPTER : FREE FACIAL WITH EVERY 60 MINUTE TREATMENT Throughout February Receive a free 30 minute facial with every 60 minute treatment booked in The Montpellier Chapter Spa. Choose from a sumptuous menu of tailored treatments using the all-natural REN range and receive an express facial to re-energise, rejuvenate and revitalise the skin for a radiant complexion. Signature 60 minute treatments at the Spa include the REN Bespoke massage - the ultimate in full body indulgence. All treatments are enjoyed in the tranquil haven of the hotel’s subterranean REN Spa. Bookings can be made by calling the hotel on 01242 52778 RIGOLETTO
THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET AND OPERA HOUSE Friday 13th – Saturday 14th February Verdi’s tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice. This is world class opera with an impressive cast and live orchestra. 7.45pm. Tickets from £27. www.everymantheatre.org.uk
A TASTE OF ST VALENTINE Friday 13th & 15th February Have a swooningly romantic night out at The Kings with our five course ‘Taste of Saint Valentine’ taster menu, with canapés on arrival. £45.00 per person www.kingscampden.co.uk FOLK THREE - SIX ACTS, THREE NIGHTS, ONE STAGE Friday 13th - Sunday 15th February Blending the contemporary with the traditional, Folk Three is not just your usual concert experience! With DJ Dolphin Boy performing sets
‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com throughout the weekend in the Pillar Room, a pop-up bar in the Main Hall serving drinks during the performances and some of the finest musicians on the current folk music scene – Folk Three is unmissable for both emerging and established folk music lovers. Friday: BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Chris Wood and genre blending headliners Shooglenifty. SATURDAY: One man soul band, poet and storyteller Rory McLeod and folk dynasty headliners Eliza & Martin Carthy. Sunday: The outstanding Blair Dunlop Band and Mercury Music Prize nominee headliner Seth Lakeman. Tickets: £20 per concert or £50 for all three www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk THE SUPREME FABULETTES Friday 20th February The critically acclaimed all-male female close harmony group – Miss Vicki Vivacious, Miss Portia De Fosse, Miss Silver Summers and Miss Vanilla Lush – combine slick choreography, amazing vocal harmonies, stunning outfits and signature Glee-style songs in a dazzling performance charting the rise from rags to queens of drag. You’ve never seen your favourite hits, such as ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Single Ladies’ and ‘Rolling In The Deep’, performed like this! Tickets: £20.50. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk ROUNDELAY Tuesday 24th – Saturday 28th February
(Eves: 7.45pm, matinees Thu & Sat 2pm). Roundelay (written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn) is a unique adventure in live theatre; a total of five interconnected situations of which four
SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR
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‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com will be randomly selected by the audience! Written to be played in no particular order, some scenes are connected through shared characters, some through overlapping narrative, some are sequels, which turn out to be preludes to others. A fascinating and very different theatrical experience. Tickets from £13 www.everymantheatre.org.uk
LADIES THAT LUNCH SUMMER GARDENS Tuesday 3rd March Including arrival cocktail, a talk on how to successfully prepare your garden for summer, followed by a two course lunch and wine. £22.50 per person www.kingscampden.co.uk MOTHERING SUNDAY Sunday 15th March Traditional family Sunday lunch with a mother’s day gift! £25.00 per person www.kingscampden.co.uk
Your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea low in carbohydrates but high in flavour, vegetables and protein. Learn how to use vegetables as a base to take the place of carbohydrates like rice, wraps, pasta, pizza crust and taco shells. This course will also be gluten and grain free. £47.00. 01242 870538 www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk
FAMILY JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 8th February Times vary. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s ever popular musical retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours is full of unforgettable songs, including Those Canaan Days; Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. Perfect family entertainment. Tickets from £16 www.everymantheatre.org.uk
HEALTHY YOU! ALL THE RAGE!! LOW CARB / HIGH VEG COURSE AT THE FOODWORKS Tuesday 10th February GLUTEN AND GRAIN FREE
the keys? Garlic Theatre delight children and adults with this off beat jazzy tale. Starring puppets, animation and a very highly strung monster indeed. Darlingworth Village Hall Phone: 07754 728044 E Mail: dvh.events@btinternet.com
JOE MCELDERRY THE EVOLUTION TOUR Thursday 26th February X Factor winner Joe McElderry is hitting the road with a brand new tour after the sell-out success of his 2014 nationwide tour. Joe’s sheer energy and vitality carry the show, and the audience, with a sense of elation. His unmistakable voice, easy wit and warm rapport have endeared him to all ages, from five to 95. This concert features outstanding new songs and routines that will entertain both old and new fans. 7.30pm. Tickets: £19.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
CHELTENHAM CONCERT SERIES OXFORD PHILOMUSICA Monday 2nd March This superb all-Mozart concert from the outstanding Oxford Philomusica features one of the world’s greatest pianists, Maria Joao Pires, partnered with her star pupil, Julien Brocal. 7.30pm. Tickets: from £11 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
CHARITY
The modern diet is a riddle with simple carbohydrates that break down as sugar and create excess weight and bloating. We all love pizza, pasta and rice, but sometimes we want something a bit lighter. In this case we will use a range of vegetables to create dishes that are
SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR
THERE’S A MONSTER IN MY PIANO Saturday 21st February What do you do when you hear a strange munching noise inside a piano? Call the Piano Doctor of course. He might be able to help with his bag full of ears and his collection of weird and wonderful tools. But when he looks inside the musical notes are packing their bags and running away. What are they scared of and who is hammering at
EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOW Wednesday 4th March At Cirencester Park courtesy of Countess Bathurst. Tickets are £10 and available through LINC website or by calling the office on 0300 4224422. GALA LUNCH WITH BOXING LEGEND SUGAR RAY LEONARD Friday 20th March At The Centaur Suite, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham. Tickets available online: www.vipsportsevents.co.uk
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GLOUCESTER RUGBY BUSINESS BREAKFAST Wednesday 4th February 8am – 9.30am. Gloucester Rugby's Business Breakfast is back on Wednesday 4 February. Mix and Mingle with over 100 local businesses before being seated for a full english breakfast followed be a short presentation by Gloucester Rugby's head of Strength and conditioning Paddy Anson. Tickets cost just £18. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk to book yours.
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GLOUCESTER RUGBY V HARLEQUINS Saturday 7th February Kick off 3pm. Gloucester Rugby take on Harlequins in the LV= Cup on Saturday 7 February kick off 3pm. Ticket prices start from just £10 for adults and £1 for junior if purchased before 6.30pm the Thursday before the game. Don’t miss out – book your tickets now. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com Gloucester Rugby take on London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday 21 February kick off 3pm. Ticket prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for junior if purchased before 6.30pm the Thursday before the game. Don’t miss out – book your tickets now. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
GLOUCESTER RUGBY V LONDON WELSH Saturday 21st February Kick off 3pm.
NEW FACILITY HELPS CHILDREN TO THRIVE
For the 430 pupils at Beaudesert Park School in Minchinhampton, this Spring brings extra promise. Early Summer will see the launch of a fantastic £3m performing arts centre within the school’s 30 acre grounds.
DRUMS, DANCE AND DRAMA: Pupils of all ages, from 3 – 13, are regularly involved in the performing arts, and dramatic productions, concerts and recitals of all shapes and sizes are part of daily school life. Beaudesert believes firmly that performing in front of an audience helps boost children’s confidence, and is an important part of an all-round education. Other facilities at the school include two swimming pools, two science labs, an art studio, outdoor adventure playground, Forest School and 12 acres of sports grounds. The school also offers weekly and flexi-boarding. OPEN MORNING 20TH MARCH 9.30AM - 12NOON: On 20th March the school is holding its Spring open morning, giving prospective parents and their children to meet key staff and enjoy a tour of the school. For more information or to arrange to visit on a different date please contact Theresa Yates-Round on 01453 832 072. www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk THE HORRORS OF WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH BROUGHT INTO FOCUS IN TRUE ‘BAND OF BROTHERS’ STYLE
The Falklands War in 1982 is at its peak and covert missions are under way on both Islands. Four British Special Forces men lie dead in a shallow hollow on East Falkland, three of them brutally murdered in cold blood after surrendering to their Argentine captors. Only severely wounded Royal Marine Sergeant
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Harry Glass survives. Back to full fitness, Harry Glass is given the opportunity to avenge the murders of his comrades on a black operation in Argentina alongside Captain Bill Dye of the SAS. The repercussions of not eliminating all the threats in Argentina are personal and catastrophic. This fastmoving story takes you inside the mind of a professional soldier, illustrates the bond between brothers in arms and demonstrates in graphic detail the horrors of war and its aftermath in true ‘band of brothers’ style. “Falklands Revenge” ISBN by Charles Evans is available to buy from www.amazon.com www.amazon.co.uk “A highly recommended read even women will enjoy. I couldn’t put the book down!” Emma Logan – Editor
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Change my face Emma Logan meets Auriole Prince, a Cheltenham based Forensic Artist
n 24th February 1994 a warrant was obtained to search a house in Cromwell Street, Gloucester where police found the remains of two dismembered and decapitated young women. Notorious serial murderer, Fred West claimed sole responsibility for the murders. Inexplicably, West admitted the presence of further bodies in the cellar to the police, who discovered the remains of nine individuals. Continuing in his spirit of cooperation, West revealed the whereabouts of the remains of first wife Rena, lover MacFall and daughter Charmaine, who were all buried away from the Cromwell Street house. As the case against Fred and his wife Rose developed, Rose tried increasingly to distance herself from West, claiming that she was also a victim but police were not convinced of her innocence, given the sheer number of murders which had occurred, and her participation in rapes. On December 13, 1994, West was charged on twelve counts of murder, and he was taken into custody at Winson Green Prison in Birmingham, pending trial where, on January 1, 1995, he hanged himself in his cell with knotted bed sheets. There remains a widespread belief that Fred and Rose Wests’ victims numbered far more than the 12 with which they were charged. Establishing the identities of each victim was a mammoth task and was a crucial time for the police when they dug up the remains, as they had no idea in those days whom the individuals were. In the past, police didn’t keep records of missing people, especially those aged over 18, so a pivotal moment for them was, when they came into contact with the Missing People charity, which stored names of the victims on their database. The issue of non vulnerable missing
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PHOTO: MIKE CHARITY
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Auriole Prince
person cases turning into murder victims was highlighted by the Charity and Auriole, having been inspired by the work of Missing People in the Fred West case, joined the Charity as a volunteer. She later became head of the Identification & Reconstruction Department, the role involving cross matching cases of those found dead and unidentified with missing persons cases. Working in this field provided Auriole with the opportunity to train as a forensic artist, as she already had a background in
Illustration and Photography. This highly specialised job involves reconstructing the remains of dead and decomposed bodies to try and identify who they are and also involves age progression, which is used to depict how a missing child or adult will look years later. With no courses then available in Britain, she headed to the States and trained with the FBI in Quantico and NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) in Washington and Florida as well as training with the British police.
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Real Life Aged 20 years as a smoker
Aged 20 years
Original
10 years ago, Auriole launched and heads up a company called Change My Face creating ageing software and apps which have been used in award winning campaigns. Change My Face specialises in age progression, ageing software and age progression imaging for marketing, health campaigns and the media. All the software and apps are based on the effects of lifestyle that happen on real people’s faces…and years of forensic art research and training. Change My Face is proud to have been involved in some really prestigious campaigns as well as creating images for numerous TV Programmes, Newspapers and Magazines. The ageing software has helped to drastically increase numbers of visitors to health websites and campaigns therefore getting the health messages across in an interactive and fun way. The company has worked with the Scottish Government on two big alcohol campaigns as well as the Glasgow Science Centre, several NHS departments and UK police forces to name a few. The software tends to hit the headlines and has been featured on NBC News, CNN, Sky, BBC, ITV, The Daily Mail, The Sun and The Daily Telegraph to name a few and the imaging has been used for TV programmes including Embarrassing
Bodies, Jo Frost’s Extreme Parental Guidance, Gok Wan’s Teens and Crimewatch. The software shows the effects of drinking, smoking, drugs, junk food, tanning, stress and can customise and build software from scratch. Much of the way we age is down to our genes but some external factors can also affect the way our faces age. Sunshine, alcohol, smoking and a poor diet can all accelerate the ageing process, making us look older than our years. There are the usual ageing factors that happen to all of us, such as wrinkles around the eyes, naso labial folds between the nose and mouth, age spots, uneven skin tone and sagging skin especially around the eyes and jaw line. Everyone ages individually so it’s hard to say exactly what someone will look like but looking at reference photos of family, plays a big part in ageing photos of missing persons. There is not much scientific research to show effects of lifestyle on the face as we age, but from experience we know that the following can happen: Smoking: a grey palor to the skin and increased wrinkles around the eyes and the mouth, stained teeth. Drinking: weight gain, a slight puffiness to the cheeks, broken red veins and increased wrinkles due to dehydration.
Junk food diet
Smoker
Tanning: the skin can become dry and more wrinkled, with an increased amount of brown pigment spots. High Fat and Sugar Diet: poor quality skin tone, including breakouts, weight gain and a lack lustre palor to the skin. Stress: Darker circles under the eyes, lack lustre skin, deeper wrinkles from frowning, possible weight gain or loss. Auriole is constantly continuing her research in how faces age, contributing to TV programmes and magazines as well as guest speaking at corporate events and health seminars. She is currently working on health apps for companies and health departments and serves on the council for the Medical Artists’ Association. Auriole Prince, BA MMAA RMIP Change My Face Ltd, Royal House, Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL53 8EB Tel: 01242 221 774 Mob: 07958 635 905 www.changemyface.com Missing People Charity in London (www.missingpeople.org.uk) Medical Artists’ Association (www.maa.org.uk) Auriole had two apps available on itunes and Android to download - Drinking Mirror and Smoking Time Machine. Heavy drinker
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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
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Property Style Over the following pages we feature some of the fantastic properties that are on sale or to be let in the Cotswolds
SPONSORED BY
“The Conveyancing Experts� Speed | Innovation | Excellence 01452 657950 quote@tlg.uk.com www.thomaslegalgroup.co.uk
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Beyond yyour Beyond our eexpectations xpectations www.hamptons.co.uk w ww.hamptons.co.uk
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Guide G uide P Price: rice: ÂŁ435,000 ÂŁ435,000 t t t t t t
Hamptons Cheltenham Hamptons Cheltenham Sales 01242 639414 Lettings. S ales 0 1242 6 39414 | L ettings. 01242 01242 639416 639416 22 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Thirlestaine T hirlestaine P Park, ark, C Cheltenham heltenham An o An opportunity pportunity to to p purchase urchase a newly newly constructed constructed and and beautifully beautifully finished, finished, well well proportioned bedroom balcony byy B Berkeley Offered p roportioned second second ffloor loor ttwo wo b edroom b alcony apartment apartment b erkeley Homes. Homes. O ffered ass ne new, has many a w, tthis his fflat lat h as m any eextras xtras as as well well as as the the advantage advantage of of 2 parking parking spaces, spaces, a balcony balcony and access. EPC:B a nd lift lift ac cess. E PC:B
Guide G uide P Price: rice: ÂŁ ÂŁ350,000 350,000 t t t t t t
2b bedrooms edrooms 2b bath/shower ath/shower rrooms ooms Spacious Sp acious living living Kitchen K itchen w with ith washer/dryer washer/dr yer 2p parking arking sspaces paces Communal C ommunal p parkland arkland ggardens ardens
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 23
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call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk david evans director in
WELLINGTON SQUARE, CHELTENHAM
£1,650,000
An exceptionAl GrAde 11 listed townhouse overlookinG one of cheltenhAm’s most eleGAnt squAres. wellington house is a meticulously refurbished townhouse offering wonderful synergy between the old period charm and the modern influences ideal for practical and stylish living. this exquisite home is arranged over five floors offering substantial and flexible living accommodation and further benefits om a lower ground floor two bedroom self-contained apartment or ideal as ancillary accommodation to the main house. the accommodation briefly comprises reception hall sitting room kitchen/dining room drawing room two Bedroom suites three/four further Bedrooms shower rooms Garage & off road parking store landscaped Garden.
BAYSHILL ROAD, CHELTENHAM
£1,675,000
A BeAutiful exAmple of A reGencY townhouse offerinG suBstAntiAl And impressive AccomodAtion A stunning home that epitomises cheltenham’s architecture on a sought aer parade. meticulously refurbished with great thought given to the era, this substantial home offers flexible accommodation over four floors. seven reception rooms seven Bedrooms seven Bath/shower rooms kitchen/Breakfast room kitchen to Apartment landscaped rear Garden parking to front and rear.
speciAlists in prime propertY
visit: 115 the promenade, cheltenham, Gl50 1nw
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call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk David evans Director in
HEWLETT ROAD, CHELTENHAM
£1,150,000
AN IMPOSING AND SUBSTANTIAL HOME, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE TOWN CENTRE. The beautifully presented accommodation is versatile , the principal accommodation is arranged over two floors comprising Reception Hall Drawing room Sitting room Dining Room Kitchen/Breakfast Conservatory Five bedrooms Two Bathrooms Whilst the lower ground accommodation is particularly spacious and could easily convert to a self-contained two bedroom dwelling currently utilised as an impressive Gym Media/Cinema Room Study Butlers Kitchen/Utility Beautiful gardens circa 140 Ft Garage Off road parking for numerous cars.
WHITTINGTON
£995,000
A BeAUTiFUl & pRivATe HOMe in An iDylliC SeMi-RURAl SeTTinG WiTHin BeAUTiFUl GROUnDS WiTH STABlinG AnD CiRCA 3.8 ACReS A true example of semi-rural living yet within a short drive to Cheltenham town centre. This charming home offers flexible accommodation briefly comprising Drawing Room Dining Room Sitting Room/Snug Room Kitchen/Breakfast Room Utility/Boot Room Master Suite with en Suite Guest Suite Two Further Bedrooms Family Bathroom interconnecting Self- Contained two Bedroom Annex Two Garages Office/Gym with WC Stable Block consisting of 3 loose Boxes and a tack room Ample Gardens large Gardens Fenced pony paddocks.
SpeCiAliSTS in pRiMe pROpeRTy
visit: 115 The promenade, Cheltenham, Gl50 1nW
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CHARLTON KINGS
£1,000,000
A luxuriously renovated residence in a sought after area with versatile accommodation over two floors that offers up to six bedrooms. The sheer spaciousness of this fine property with high ceilings asks to be explored and on the ground floor comprises a generous hall, a remarkable kitchen/breakfast room that flows into a dining room with a log burner , a utility, cloakroom, a large living room with a shared log burner, three bedrooms, an impressive family room that could be used as a guest bedroom, and a family bathroom. Above there is a splendid galleried landing with a study area, the master bedroom with a dressing room, an en-suite bathroom and double doors to a balcony with hillside views, and a further bedroom or study. Double garage and an impressive rear garden with a summerhouse.
BREDON
£1,100,000
A substantial detached family house with a self-contained apartment, amounting in all to about 5576 square feet, within a plot of about three quarters of an acre. Its principal accommodation comprises a large reception hall with a grand staircase, a spacious drawing room with an open fireplace and wood burner, a dining room, cloakroom, study, a kitchen/breakfast room, a garden room, with a wood burner, leading into the southerly facing rear garden, a utility and laundry, four bedrooms, two en-suite shower rooms and a bathroom. In addition the apartment, that could easily be incorporated within the main living accommodation, provides a kitchen, a living/dining room, a bedroom and a bathroom. This large residence is accessed via electronically operated gates and has two double garages, one housing a wood fired boiler and the other a leisure room.
CHURCHDOWN
£750,000
A beautifully presented five bedroom detached period house with a wealth of fine period features located along a desirable no through road within the popular village of Churchdown. Its splendid, well proportioned, accommodation is a delight to explore and comprises in brief an arched entrance porch, an entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, a bespoke modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a utility room, a downstairs cloakroom, a garden room, five bedrooms, a family bathroom and a shower room. A staircase leads from bedroom three to the working loft that is currently used by the owners as a games/hobbies area. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, attractive landscaped gardens, off road parking and a garage/workshop.
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THE PARK
£985,000
A handsome and imposing six bedroom period semi-detached family house, of approximately 3778 square feet, offering very well presented, versatile, accommodation in a prestigious residential area of Cheltenham within walking distance of local parks and Montpellier. Its accommodation could offer a self-contained apartment with a few alterations. The lower ground level currently comprises an entrance hall, a large modern fitted kitchen/dining room, a utility room, cloakroom and a double bedroom, currently used as a dining room, with an en-suite bathroom. The upper ground floor has an entrance hall, impressive drawing room, sitting room, study, a utility room and a cloakroom. Above there are a further five bedrooms, the master with an en-suite bathroom, two en-suite shower rooms and a bathroom. This fine dwelling also benefits from gas central heating, garden, parking and a double garage.
CHELTENHAM
£650,000
A fine property occupying a delightful position on a tree lined road close to good local amenities, schools, the railway station and the town centre. Its well-presented accommodation offers a wealth of character features and comprises in brief an entrance hall, living room, dining room, a fitted kitchen, downstairs study/bedroom four, a conservatory, a large four room cellar, three first floor bedrooms, the master with an en-suite shower room, and a family bathroom. There is also potential (subject to the necessary consents) to create an additional bedroom in the roof space, a staircase has already been installed. Further benefits of this imposing period property include a marvellous mature garden with a wonderful willow tree, an expanse of lawn and a vegetable patch, gas fired central heating, a driveway providing off road parking and a garage.
SOUTHAM
£575,000
An impressive four bedroom detached family home occupying a plot of just over a third of an acre and benefiting from outstanding views over countryside to the Malvern Hills beyond. Offered in very good decorative order, with a wealth of character features, its well proportioned accommodation in brief comprises of an entrance porch, reception hall with sitting area, living room, dining/family room leading into a delightful garden room/conservatory, a modern fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, four double bedrooms, a shower room and a family bathroom. There is also a useful workshop and cellar. Benefits of this fine property include gas fired central heating, double glazing, off road parking for several vehicles, a car-port, small garage and wonderfully landscaped gardens.
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A bespoke personalised service to get you the best price 98% of Asking Price Achieved!
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FREE professional film tours & photography FREE market appraisal 7 days a week EVERY viewing accompanied SPECIALIST selling advice and local knowledge PROTECTING & PROGRESSING your sale from start to finish
Call Martin Julier MNAEA 01242 898746 www.brixandmortimer.com info@brixandmortimer.com 28 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
Cheltenham
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COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 29
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Hot Property
Gotherington Setting the scene: Set on the on the edge of the well patronised and popular village of Gotherington, a beautifully presented quintessential Cotswold thatch property. Why we love it: Originally 2 cottages, this property is a pretty ‘chocolate box’ thatch home which extends to just over 2,300 sq ft. Having recently been completely modernised, extended and updated, the property now offers practical family orientated accommodation with a good balance of reception space to 5 bedrooms and 3 bath/shower rooms. Set back from the lane behind a Cotswold wall, overlooking charming gardens, the house also benefits from an enclosed private garden to the rear and views to the hills behind. Internally the property is beautifully presented retaining a number of charming character features blended in with modern finishes. In addition to off road parking, there is a double garage which offers further storage options. Guide Price: £725,000 Knight Frank Cheltenham Tom.Banwell@knightfrank.com 01242 246959 30 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Hot Property
Southam Setting the scene: Set at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment in a peaceful cul-de-sac, a recently modernised family home with flexible accommodation. Why we love it: Having recently been extended and the subject of complete modernisation; Cloud House is a wellbalanced and flexible home which enjoys a delightful south facing aspect to the rear with super views from the upper floors towards the Cotswolds and Cheltenham. The property offers well-proportioned accommodation over three floors with potential for an annex. The contemporary styled kitchen revolves around a large central island. Being open plan to a family room or breakfast area, the room is 34 feet across making it an amazing living space, even more so when the bifolding doors are opened onto the terrace. The garden to the rear is lawned surrounded by mature shrubs and trees on the one side. In addition to plenty of parking at the front, the property benefits from a small garage and workshop. Guide Price: ÂŁ699,950 Knight Frank, Cheltenham Tom.Banwell@knightfrank.com 01242 246959 COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 31
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Hot Property
32 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Hot Property
Quietways, The Highlands, Painswick Gloucestershire Setting the scene: Quietways is a well appointed property built in the late 1940’s located on the private estate of “The Highlands”. The house has received a sympathetic and beautifully designed extension by “Yiangou Architects” in 2007, which provides external symmetry and impressive revised layout. The interior finish is to a high standard throughout with features such as limestone flooring, bespoke lighting and furniture, together with high quality appliances. The house has lovely gardens that face in a south westerly direction and an impressive black limestone entertainment terrace that encapsulates the rear elevation of the house. Why we love it: Ground Floor: Quietways is accessed via double wooden doors leading to a good sized reception hall. The house has good flowing accommodation throughout with traditional drawing room, large sitting room, impressive study with bespoke fitted furniture and large kitchen, breakfast and family room with a cleverly designed semienclosed open dining room. The first floor accommodation has a large master bedroom with en-suite shower room. There is a substantial guest bedroom with vaulted ceiling, a lavish family bathroom including “Tile vision” television and “Kohler” sanitary-ware and two further good sized bedrooms. The basement features a good sized gym with feature lighting and boiler room adjacent. Parking and turning area, gardens. Guide Price: £1.15 million Details: Savills, Cheltenham, Tel: 01242 548 000 www.savills.co.uk
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 33
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Hot Property
Leckhampton, Cheltenham Setting the scene: A spectacular, contemporary home sited on this sought after road in the heart of Leckhampton. Why we love it: A beautiful example of a modern detached home designed in Period style, this stylish residence has been built with elegance and imagination resulting in an exceptional home with a contemporary influence, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining/family area, master suite with en suite, two further bedrooms, bathroom, study area, pretty landscaped gardens, garage, off road parking. Price: ÂŁ525,000; Details: Kingsley Evans, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 222292 wisemanj@kingsleyevans.co.uk; www.kingsleyevans.co.uk 34 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Hot Property
Blakeney Gloucestershire Setting the scene: A substantial Grade II listed Georgian 5 bedroom residence, backing onto fields, set up its own driveway with an adjacent 2 bedroom turreted lodge house also built in the local vernacular. In addition, there are other outbuildings in the grounds which extend to approximately 6 acres. Why we love it: t has lovely well proportioned character accommodation backing onto fields and would make a wonderful family home. The property requires refurbishment and substantial refurbishment is required to the outbuildings and swimming pool. Guide Price: ÂŁ650,000 Freehold Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 639414 cheltenham@hamptons-int.com COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 35
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s ch eo e at id sit W rs’ v eb ne ur w ow n o o
The Woodburning Stove... perfected COTSWOLD SSHOWROOM COTSWOLD HOWROOM W oolcomber H ouse, SSheep heep SStreet, treet, Woolcomber House, SStow tow o on n tthe he W Wold, old, G Gloucestershire loucestershire GL54 1A 1AA. AA. T elephone: 01451 8831 000. Telephone:
Brochure B rochure L Line: ine: 01588 650 123
www.clearviewstoves.com w ww.clearviewstoves.com 36 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Weddings
Wed in Style...
www.scg-photography.com
...the best venues, fashion and jewellery plus inspirational real life weddings
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 37
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John Titcombe Fine Jewellery
Ǥ͗ ǡ ǡ ͜ ͘ ̱ ǣ ͔͕͕͛ ͚͕͛͗͘͝͝ Ȉ Ǥ͘ ǡ ǡ ͜ ͘ ̱ ǣ ͔͕͕͛ ͕͛͗͗͛͜͝ No.39 Market Place, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2NX ~ Tel: 01285 655754
www.johntitcombe.co.uk w ww.johntitcombe.co.uk
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Real Wedding
The Wedding of Aimee Helps & Daniel Franklin On 20th September 2014, Aimee Helps and Daniel Franklin had their dream wedding at the Hare & Hounds in Westonbirt, Tetbury. The couple had hand-made all of their table decorations and it's clear to see how in love they are through the amount of effort, care and attention to detail that these two had put in; going the extra mile like this made their wedding truly unique and very special, both for them and their guests. Photography: Stefanie Calleja-Gera stef@scg-photography.com
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 39
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HORACE BARTON & SON Est 1901
www.horacebarton.co.uk
Your wedding day is the most important day of all and we like our clothing ranges to play a part. The range of styles are on offer in our shop all year, so come in at our convenience.
3 Piece Morning Suit ÂŁ60
There is no need to book an appointment for a fitting, just turn up and we will do the rest.
sales@horacebarton.co.uk
OPENING HOURS:
9am-5pm with the exception of Wednesday 9am-1pm|Closed Sunday
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5.15pm
01242 516772
12 Regent Street Cheltenham, GL50 1HE
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COWLEY MANOR COTSWOLDS Join us for our OPEN WEDDING DAY on Saturday 14th March Take a guided tour of the manor house and extensive grounds. Enjoy a glass of bubbles and some canapĂŠs whilst you see the Restaurant set for a wedding breakfast. Entry is free but please RSVP to confirm your appointment. Contact us now and let our dedicated wedding planner take care of the details on your special day. Cowley Manor |Cowley near Cheltenham | GL53 9NL +44 (0) 1242 870 900 | weddings@cowleymanor.com www.cowleymanor.com
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Arrive in style with Mollybob our 1968 VW split screen camper. We offer bespoke packages to suit your special day!
www.weddingdaywagon.co.uk www.facebook.com/weddingdaywagon Any questions contact Chris
01453 842 084 chris@weddindaywagon.co.uk
• Weddings
• Meeting space
• Family Celebrations
• Conferencing
• Events
• Private dining
The Gallery @ The Crown Inn 17 West Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NH E: thecrowncirencester@hotmail.co.uk P: 01285 653206
Posy and Pearl JEWELLERY AND BRIDAL ACCESSORIES
Donna McCahill JEWELLERY DESIGNER
WWW.POSYANDPEARL.CO.UK www.facebook.com/posyandpearl
78 DYER STREET, CIRENCESTER GL7 2PF
01285 238010 42 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
Weddings
A Cotswold Country Wedding The Green Dragon, Cockleford, a delightful Inn for a flawless wedding‌ Are you looking for a relaxed, perfect venue for your special day? With secluded terracing in the summer months for a Champagne reception or a roaring log fire for a winter wedding, we are a perfect country venue for all year round. We continually prove to be a popular retreat for those appreciating good food, fine wines and real ales. The venue is set in beautiful tranquil surroundings of the picturesque Cotswold countryside, yet only 15 minutes from Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester; serving award winning food using seasonal ingredients. We will provide you with an individual and relaxed wedding service from the start. Ensuring everything is as perfect as can be with face-to-face meetings with our co-ordinator and you’ll receive updates and cost quotes as your plans progress. To give you some background, The Green Dragon is a traditional 17th Century Inn, with the function rooms separate to the main pub. The two rooms are linked via an archway; the Long Room has exposed Cotswold stonewalls, wooden flooring and white cloth swagged beams. The secluded terrace leads off from the private bar through double doors with heaters, which are lit on cooler summer days. In autumn and winter, a log fire in the bar will keep your guests warm. We can
comfortably seat up to 70 people for a wedding breakfast and we have capacity of 100 for a buffet. The Long Room is large enough for a DJ or band and a dance floor to dance the night away. On enquiring, you will be sent a full wedding pack including a price list to which you can choose your menu and our Chef can also accommodate most dietary requirements.
As standard, the cost of room hire also includes white table linen, rectangular tables, chairs and of course waiting staff. Additional items to enhance your special day such as linen napkins or round tables can be arranged for an extra cost. For guests wanting to stay over, there are 8 en-suite comfortable rooms and a spacious bridal room for the Bride and Groom in a separate annexe with leather sofas to relax and enjoy, plus there is ample car parking for your wedding guests. The Green Dragon Inn is that perfect country venue for all year round. To speak with a member of our team, please call The Green Dragon Inn on 01242 870271 or email greendragon@buccaneer.co.uk. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have or to check availability of any dates you may have in mind. We can then arrange a meeting to discuss the finer details. www.green-dragon-inn.co.uk
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Creating Beautiful Flowers for all occasions WEDDINGS OUR SPECIALITY We cater for all styles, sizes and budgets to deliver stunning flowers for your special day. With over 25 years experience, we have the knowledge and ideas to create dreams into reality. THINKING OF DOING IT YOURSELF? Visit our wholesale department at:
www.tewkesburygardenentre.com or call Russ on:
01684 296680
russ@designforflowers.co.uk
Tewkesbury Garden Centre, Worcester Road, Mythe, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 6EB
Call 01684 290288
maria@designforflowers.co.uk
EXPERIENCE • CARE • CHOICE
Spring Marquee Viewing Weekend 7th – 8th March at The Woodlands, Sedbury Park, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 7EY To book an appointment please call 08005 424 167 or email niki@countymarquees.co.uk
www.countymarquees.co.uk 44 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Real Wedding
The Wedding of Joanne Mills & Chris Chew Joanne Mills and Chris Chew were married on 23rd August 2014 at the fabulous venue, Deer Park, Pershore. They combined their wedding date with the Groom's birthday to make a double celebration for their 80 guests. A real family affair, they had made sure there was plenty to keep everyone entertained, including bowling and a giant game of snakes & ladders. Nature also provided a spectacular sunset, which made for some stunning pictures of the newly-weds with their loved ones. Photography: Stefanie Calleja-Gera stef@scg-photography.com
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C
elebration
Whether you choose to hold an intimate ceremony or a more lavish affair, the Kings Head hotel is the perfect choice. Our celebration spaces offer you the perfect backdrop for an occasion as unique as you are.
space
Wedding Fair Sunday 8th March from 11-3pm
Create some head space.
Admission: Complimentary
KINGSHEAD-HOTEL.CO.UK 01285 700 900 events@kingshead-hotel.co.uk 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR
VIP Tours: Please call our wedding co-ordinator on 01285 700 900 to book a preferred time to discuss your requirements
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BE A PART OF OUR HISTORY
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 47
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METAL AND STONE Located in Cheltenhams Montpellier shopping district, at 7 Queens Circus, opposite St. Andrews church, you will find Metal and Stone the jewellers. Specialising in exotic gemstones and often producing unique, one off original pieces at prices that are frequently less than comparable mass produced items, the on site gold smith maintains a policy of any metal, any stone and importantly, any budget. The in house workshop, well known for its repair service also remodels exisiting jewellery, as well as making new pieces from customers specifications.
www.attheboutique.co.uk
info@theboutique.org.uk
Open Monday through to Saturday from 11am until 6pm
6 Black Jack Street, Cirencester, GL7 2AA, Tel. 01285 653513 48 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
Tel. 01242 570570 metalandstone.co
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000 David Savill Photoshoot Feb 15:Layout 1
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THE LOOK OF LUST The film release this Valentines of 50 Shades of Grey, was the inspiration for the lingerie and pool photo shoot at the Greenway Hotel & Spa. For Valentines Day it is too easy to just give cards and flowers, so we wanted to remind people being lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds, that we are surrounded by a plethora of luxury and romantic locations for short escapes. Photography: David Savill Photography www.davidsavillphotography.co.uk
50 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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Fashion
000 David Savill Photoshoot Feb 15:Layout 1
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Fashion CREDITS Photographer: David Savill Photography www.davidsavillphotography.co.uk Assistant: Victoria Ilina Make-up & Hair Styling: Monika Vrublova Clothing: Calvin Klein at House of Fraser Model: Sophie Organ Venue: The Greenway Hotel & Spa
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Pets
Fighting fleas Animal advice from our friends at Vets on the Park
Fleas are now a year round problem so just because it is cold outside does not mean those pesky creatures are a thing of the past. Central heating combined with the milder winter weather we are having has lead to an explosion of fleas yet again this year as we have experienced in previous winters. Modern flea preparations are so effective that many pet owners have forgotten what a full-blown flea infestation is like, but once started it can take up to 3 months to get under control. It is therefore important to keep up with your preventative flea treatments all year round. Luckily there is now a huge variety of different products available to suit each and every pet. ‘Spot-Ons’ work well as 54 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
long as you remember to apply them often enough (every 4-8 weeks) and provided your pet is compliant in sitting still while it is done. If your dog needs regular bathing due to getting muddy on walks or because they have skin problems then an oral tablet might be a better option. When you wash your pet you will remove all of the antiflea “Spot-On’, which sits in the fat layer on the surface of the skin. So, it’s vital to remember to re-apply the treatment about 48 hours after the bathing or getting back from the groomer. We also have combination products that treat worms as well as fleas and have a new range of long lasting flea and tick collars that are great for those people who simply do not remember to use the
products often enough, plus can remind you when the time is right with a free email or text message. So keep your home flea free this winter by making sure you are using the best and most up to date preparations. Our nurse run FREE flea and worm check ups so why not give us a call on 01242 517199. Vets on the Park Moorend Grove, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 0EX Tel: 01242 517199 www.vetsonthepark.co.uk
for your pets in your life - your vet for life
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Styling your home Over the following pages we showcase stylish interiors and everything you need to turn your house into a home...
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Live the dream. Imagine your dream kitchen...what do you see? Luxurious materials, bespoke design and the finest craftsmanship; with Bower Willis these come as standard. How about an infinite combination of styles, doors and worktops. Innovative cooking technology, stunning design features and oodles of practical storage space. And that kitchen island you’ve always wanted. Combine this with passionate attention to detail and tireless dedication of our design team and you’ve found the perfect recipe for a dream kitchen. Visit our showroom to bring your kitchen ideas to life. You’re sure to be inspired.
Come in and see us at The Coach House, 3b New Street, Shipston On Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 4EW. Call us on 01608 690 870 Visit www.bowerwillisdesigns.co.uk
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Interiors
Antiquated or Rubbish? Clive Burling introduces you to his painting days to recycle your furniture Recycling: It’s another one of those overused words these days. For most people I suppose it means having bins for this, bins for that and remembering to put them out on the street on the correct day every fortnight - a tricky task in itself! The cynical ones amongst us (surely not just me?) imagine the whole lot ending up on some huge plastic mountain, or worse still, as part of the refuse islands floating somewhere in the Atlantic. Recycling is not, however a recent thing. The antiques trade for example, has been doing it for...well, as long as there have been antiques I suppose. On my travels I see so much great quality antique and ‘vintage’ furniture for sale, often available at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent newly manufactured piece, which is usually made in China, shipped here, sold at massive mark up and destined for the tip in a few years, when it falls apart! This has always annoyed me. The option now to turn those dreary looking but well made pieces into something desirable, functional as well as fashionable, is very exciting.
Before One of the most gratifying parts of my work is seeing the ‘before and after’ effect. It’s sometimes quite difficult to imagine what something will look like after it has been painted but the look on my clients’ faces when I return with a transformed piece always gives me great satisfaction.
After This is most noticeable on my ‘painting days’. These are one-day courses where clients can bring along a piece of furniture, learn the basics of painting and finishing, have a fabulous lunch and take their finished piece home to show off to their family and friends. Once you know what’s possible there is really no limit to what can be achieved. Painting course dates for this year are March 17th, May 28th and September 17th. The day lasts from 9.30am to 3.15pm and includes all materials, coffee, homemade cakes and a delicious two-course lunch at Water Lane Farm, Selsley, near Stroud. To book a place, either call or email me. For further information: Tel: 07788 257914 Email: clive.burling@gmail.com www.waterlaneworkshops.co.uk
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Interiors
It’s all about the ‘tiles’! Interior Designer Kelly James talks about tiles and different ways to introduce them in to our homes
Fired Earth, Abby Fountains £63.68 per square metre
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHADOWPLAY
Tiles can be used for different reasons, it maybe for practical uses, decorative or even for my latest addiction – use them as coasters or trivets. Using individual tiles as coasters is a very cost effective way to introduce something new and maybe something brave? Choosing an expensive tile for your kitchen floor or whole bathroom maybe out of budget or you may have to play safe with a sensible and long lasting choice but buying only 6 or 8 would be very low budget and mean you can have the tile you desire and just use it in a different way. You could be braver with colour and shape; you could even match a style of tile with the food you are serving – Moroccan tiles for Moroccan food for example. You could just place them direct on to the table or stick felt to the bottom so they do not scratch your table. Restaurants, bars and hotels are installing tiles a lot at the moment and are very current!
Retailers are hot on interior trends so this could be a great way to make changes to your home. A couple of practical uses for tiles could be in a hallway to hide dirty footprints or a splash back behind a sink to protect the wall from water and soap. Tiles are durable and easy to clean. Tiles can be made of different materials and therefore be used for different purposes. You should always check the product you buy is suitable for the purpose they are intended e.g.: can the tile be used with under floor heating or is a floor tile too heavy to be used on a wall? Replacing tiles around a fire or hearth could transfer a fireplace. Choose a grout colour that compliments the design, it might be simply white or grey but there are a lot of colours you could use. There are so many designs to choose from and different ways in which you can introduce them in to your home. Here I have shown some of my current favourites...
Neisha Crosland Parquet Vinyl £42.95 per square metre
Mandarin Ston e lace £299.00 Florentina pe metre or £2.99 r square you could use per tile which as a coaster
Above: Walls and Floors Metro crackle glaze £34.95 per square metre Below: British Ceramic Tile £8.75 per square metre
Mandarin Ston e angolo £299.0 Florentina 0 metre or £2.99 per square used as a coas per tile if ter Mandarin Stone Geometric Cube £68.00 per square meter or £1.36 per tile, if is large enough to use as a trivet
If you have any questions please contact Kelly on 01242 253700, if you have any tile related questions we can put you in touch with our regular Tiler who is fab! COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 59
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Through the Garden Gate... This February our media horticulturalist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, takes a trip through Winchcombe, then northwards and through a rather grand garden gate house! tanway House near Toddington, seat of the Earl of Weymes & March and home to the same family for hundreds of years, glistens in the most glorious, golden ‘Guiting Yellow’ stone which lightens the dark sullen skies above as I approach. I pass through the ornate 17th century gatehouse, along the side of the imposing property, under the gaze of Magnolia grandiflora; this wise established evergreen, its leaves alive on chlorophyll and the memories of history played out under its branches like acts of a play. My own grandfather was a part of that history as a small boy, his family home being Carey’s Farm in nearby Taddington. He talks of the most glorious Christmas parties that he would attend and one day was lucky enough to sit on J.M Barrie’s
S
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knee, who frequently visited the house during summers of the 1920s. It was in fact, Peter Pan’s author that we have to thank for the cricket pavilion in Stanway, still standing to this day. The walled garden here has a touch of Tinkerbell magic to it. The enticing old wooden gate with shell motif above and wrought iron handle, just waiting to encase you in a winter parcel concealing a gift of apples and quinces and other goodies that will pass through generations. Nearby, standing proud, the newcomer in its surroundings does well to hold its head high and not cower under the old hands all around. This is the Memorial Stela, built by the current Earl in memory of his Egyptologist aunt. Like a new friend tightly holding your hand on your
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Gardening
first day at a new school, the recent everlasting water feature stands a few feet away, a trough of stone like a stately infinity pool which hints at the 18th century water gardens to be found further on in our journey. In fact, water is this property’s unique selling point, not that this home is likely to feature in the Cheltenham Standard’s Property section anytime in the next century! It was believed to be landscape architect Charles Bridgeman who was employed to create the glorious water gardens and with a 500 foot long canal, terraces, cascades and more, it would have been the talk of the town! Over the years
the features have been subject to a programme of restoration and modernisation, with the most exciting addition in 2004 being the tallest gravity fountain in the world – yes IN THE WORLD! 300 feet of perfected projection explodes from the estate like a giant Champagne bottle popping its cork; the rainbows that reflect as the water falls back to earth like streamers at the grandest of parties. With a grand party comes grand guests and these stand tall, never tire, staying awake for every moment, for Cedar makes polite cone conversation with Wellingtonia and Tulip Trees discuss the
weather with an Oriental Plane that has been at the party for around 400 years. In fact, numbers at this horticultural gathering just keep increasing with the current Lord Weymes & March planting in the region of 2000 trees in 15 years! I actually had a horticultural celebration of my own here at the Tythe Barn in the early 1990s, when I became one of the youngest winners of the Guy Charteris Silver Salver for a collection of daffodils – somewhere there is a photograph – but I will spare you the image of my teenage self – and leave you instead with the finest pictures of all, the sensational superlative Stanway. COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 61
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Country & Sporting Gifts & Interiors
See us at
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000 Social Harrison Clark Feb 15:Layout 1
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Style Event
Harrison Clark Rickerby new team launch Harrison Clark Rickerby’s invited gues ts to join them for drinks and canapÊs to celebrate the launch of their new specialist service - The Older and Vunerable Clients Services Team Photography by Rob Wheatman
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000 Cotswold Culture Feb 15:Layout 1
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Culture
Cotswolds Culture New columnist Sue Blanchfield inspires us to become cultural in the Cotswolds The term “culture,” originally meant the cultivation of the soul or mind and it has long been perceived as elitist. Thank goodness that perception is changing. Art, Music, Drama, Literature and Dance are no longer the preserve of the wealthy upper and middles – they are more accessible than ever before; more relevant, inspiring and groundbreaking. In the last week former Ballerina and Strictly star Darcy Bussell pronounced that Hip Hop had as much cultural weight as Ballet and the box was immediately ticked for buy in from a wider and more diverse audience. Ballet purists might disagree of course but that is the point; culture is constantly shifting and evolving and now we can all have a stake in it, whatever our social and educational backdrop. We can worship the old and embrace the new or mix up the two to produce something more accessible for a different audience. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for example, nailed it when, in an effort to engage younger audiences with classical music, they invited Ibiza DJ Pete Tong to perform a set with their ensemble. The inspired pairing attracted a huge (young and old), audience and reportedly sent celebrity DJ’s scrambling to their decks to mix in the electronic beat with the old classical masterpieces. Strauss in the House at Café del Mar anyone? For children, Culture is a winner. There are immense benefits to be found through the Arts for those children who are not particularly academic or athletic or who may be suffering from behavioral or mental health issues. Most will benefit from a creative outlet. For example, having a musical instrument for company, being able to focus on making a sound and playing as part of an ensemble can have a huge impact on selfconfidence and self-belief. Two things that provide life-long benefits. And so to the Cotswolds where our Cultural Calendar heaves with creativity. Gloucestershire is awash with interlopers creating a richly diverse pool of cultural contributors who think outside the box. The sheer dynamism of Gloucestershire as a cultural hub is reflected in the breadth of offerings – many of which are free - for schools, families and individuals, reflecting
the ongoing commitment of the organisers and contributors to accessibility. From the internationally acclaimed four main Cheltenham Festivals of Jazz, Science, Music and Literature; Design, Fashion, Poetry, Comedy, Ballroom & Latin Dance add to this eclectic mix. Other music festivals of Wychwood, and the Cheltenham Folk Festival stand alongside the Ukulele Festival. Add the vibrant Midsummer Fiesta to the Racing and Cricket Festivals, throw in the Food and Drink Festival and it suddenly feels like standing in a rather well stocked cultural bar. And that’s only the headline stuff. I’m fortunate enough to live bang in the centre of this cultural hub and unlike my children I have not always embraced the new and the different. The arrival of the Science Festival for example was enough to send me screaming to the Cotswold Hills, grimly clutching my Grade E GCSE Chemistry Cert. Fast-forward two years and I realise Science is not about scary white coated beards talking in code and dismantling the DNA of a million year old fossil fly. I’m now thinking that Leo (lets modernise him) Da Vinci with his Mona Lisa and diagrams of flying machines was spot on. Leo and his Renaissance mates rightly concluded 500 years ago over a few beers that there was NO divide between science and art. By eventually engaging with the Science Festival I had previously run a mile from, I now know that Fashion and Science are intertwined – yes, really – they are, think about it! Widening my cultural focus has expanded my interests and given me the confidence to slack off some of my cultural ‘duty’ stuff. No more emotionally gruelling stuff for me – I’m no longer interested in being distressed but ‘improved’ and I’m definitely with Picasso when he said Art is about dusting off everyday life… On February 13th and 14th, the lovely Cheltenham Everyman Theatre is showing Verdi’s Opera ‘Rigoletto’. Giuseppe Verdi was an astonishingly prolific composer – a sort of Pete Waterman of his time – churning out hit after popular hit and causing the Opera critic snobs to become a little sniffy. ‘Rigoletto’ is an absolute gem of a story combining love, assassins, jealousy and violence with darkly moving music. Verdi
Rigoletto at The Everyman Theatre,
Cheltenham
had a genius for creating timeless work; one of Rigoletto’s famous arias, “La Donna è Mobile”, “women are fickle”, a jaunty drinking tune, features on the game Grand Theft Auto when you steal a car belonging to the mafia. That’s great culture for you – it’s relevant even a century and a half on. Over the next few months this column will highlight a variety of up and coming events in Gloucestershire’s Cultural calendar to inspire readers to try something new. It will aim to debunk some of the myths around various cultural offerings, invite you to view /listen/experience something outside your cultural creature comfort zone and see if the experience enables you to dust off the everydayness of life. And if it doesn’t work first time, keep going until you find something that does. As the great French painter Edgar Degas said at the end of his life: ‘Ahhhh now I get it!’ Sue Blanchfield is a Patron and Trustee of Cheltenham Festivals; she is a postgraduate doctoral researcher at the University of Gloucestershire and has a life long passion for the Arts in Education. Please contact Sue at: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 67
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CRAIG DERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY
My Diary
e’re all ready to kick off another incredible year at the Cotswold Farm Park. There are lots of new facts to learn and share with our school groups and visitors, as well as many more babies to introduce you to, as and when they arrive. We’ve been working away behind the scenes whilst our doors have been closed to the public over the winter. The Touch Barn floor has been blasted with jet washers and re-painted; all the large pens have been thoroughly cleared out and disinfected; the outside activities and play areas freshened up with plenty of new bark and a lick of paint. The animals have been brought back over to their original homes, having had a small break away from their paddocks whilst we spruced the place up. We’ve missed them all terribly, so have thoroughly enjoyed preparing and fluffing up all their homes and getting them back where they belong. It amazes me every single year how much we have to do in a short amount of time but we’ve worked our way through the vast list of jobs. It’s a daunting prospect at first and we’re always working against the clock but there’s nothing more satisfying than getting the Park looking brand spanking new once more.
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PHOTO: ROB WHEATMAN
Mandy Hall and the team prepare for plenty of new arrivals…
We’ve also been attending refresher courses about machinery, chemicals and handling livestock, as well as talking to our local vet and making sure we’re all up to date with the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) industry code of practice. This is a set of guidelines we follow to ensure we can create a safe and fun day out for everyone. We reopen the gates to our visitors again on Valentine’s Day… which is very apt, as this is the exact date that the first of our nanny goats and ewes are due to give birth. We’ve staggered the due dates over eight weeks, so as not to have an influx of newborns all at the same time. It makes the lambing season more manageable for us, ensures that the ewes and their little ones have all the attention they need and of course, helps to increase our visitors chances of seeing a birth take place live in front of
their very eyes. The last of our ewes have been scanned and final preparations for our lambing shed have been completed. There are lots of cosy pens with fresh straw and heated lamps all set up and ready for our new arrivals. Huge bales of silage are stacked up and salt licks dotted about the pens to provide extra minerals for the mums. So…we’re all ready to go! I hope you manage to come and see us at some point over the next couple of months. It really is a magical time to get out into the countryside and spot all the signs of another spring on its way – it will be here before we know it! The Cotswold Farm Park will be open every day from 10.30am, February 14th – December 20th 2015. Lambing is due to take place until April 12th. For more information visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk To keep up to date with all the latest Farm Park gossip, follow Mandy on Twitter @mandyfarmpark
COTSWOLD STYLE READER OFFER
ONE FREE CHILD ENTRY Terms & Conditions: Present this voucher upon admission to claim your free child entry. Child must be accompanied by a full paying adult. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher expires 5pm on March 27th 2015.
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 69
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WE ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! Twyford Cookers of Leominster authorised AGA distributors invite you to visit our showroom to view our vast range of products.
Rayburn, Rangemaster, Falcon, Mercury, La Cornue Fe and AGA Cookshop purchase the new aga technology and we invite you to participate in a one to one cooking demonstration and recieve a free case of champagne! what more could you ask for?
Marches Trade Park, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0LX, Tel: 01568 611124 70 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
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000 Social Blue Bird Feb 15:Layout 1
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Style Event
Bluebird Ball The Annual Bluebird Ball was held on 29th November 2014 in aid of the NSPCC. The Venue was Pittville Pump Rooms and the ball was attended by children from Che ltenham College(CC), Malvern St James (MS J), Cheltenham Ladies College(CLC) and High School for Girls (HSFG) amongst man y others. The Bluebird Ball has been running for more than 60 years. ÂŁ3,600.00 was raise d in November and we hope the 2015 ball on 21st November will be an even bigger succ ess.
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DREAM ON or contact GHEELH @ KROLGD\VSOHDVH FRP Tel: 01451 810 255 or call in at 1 The High Street, Stow on the Wold.
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Coffee Break
ASTAWAY Adam Farmer is the hugely talented resident artist inking the Cotswolds at Cheltenham’s Tokyo Tattoo. With Valentine’s Day in the air, there’s no stronger way to cement one’s love than with a bespoke piece of art by the hottest team in town. Ellie Mainwaring caught up with Adam from the studio to sketch out his Castaway Collection Where in the world would you choose to be castaway to and why?
The small island of Tavarua in Fiji. It is close to the main Fijian island of Viti Levu and surrounded by coral reef, which helps create some of the world’s best surf waves and breaks. It’s a real surfers getaway and the epitome of paradise with absolutely no access to technology. I’d take a boogie board because I’m no good at surfing and tackling the waves has always been something I’ve aspired to. Plus I think if you’re going to do it, what better place to learn than a surfer’s paradise. The monster reef would also be pretty buzzing too! What accessory would you take?
You can take the entire works of one musician to your desert island - who would it be?
Everything from The Beastie Boys. They influenced me a lot in my childhood. The first white rap group of any importance, they treated rap as part of a post-punk musical underground. They’re certainly one of the most important bands of my generation. Their music is simply dope! A solar-powered Jet Ski or a hammock. Being stuck on a desert island that would be a pretty rad way of spending my time. What would be your luxury item?
I’d bring a pet monkey and would name him Alex to remind me of my shop manager here at Tokyo Tattoo. I would train him What animal or pet would you take?
to make cocktails and bring them to me in my hammock. Living the dream! Name one Wild Card possession you’d take?
I would bring my record player so I could keep listening to The Beastie Boys on vinyl.
What would be your last supper before departing for your desert island?
A big, juicy Kobe Beef Steak - cooked blue, along with a Peanut Butter and Banana Milkshake and Fries from the café under the studio, Montpellier Café.
COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 73
000 Travel Lucy Garbutt Feb 15:Layout 1
alaysian Borneo offers a fascinating combination of jungle safari and beach retreat and is the perfect romantic destination for anyone with a passion for beautiful wildlife, intriguing culture and pristine beaches. Borneo’s unique, rare flora and fauna is exquisite and the resident bird and wildlife is as intriguing as its indigenous headhunter tribes. Many species are endemic and endangered such as the Proboscis Monkeys with exorbitantly dangly red noses, the world’s smallest Sun Bear, the Sumatran rhino, Clouded leopard, Bornean Pygmy Elephants and wonderful Hornbills with their unique calls. I most hoped to see an Orang-utan and this is possible at the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, where these magnificent primates are living wild in virgin forest. Many have been rescued as orphaned babies from habitats depleted by logging or illegal hunting and are trained to survive again in the wild. We witnessed a spell-binding feeding session at hair-raisingly close range, as these adorable creatures gobbled bananas, swung from branches, dangled from ropes and ‘performed’ for us. The Niah Caves are one of Sarawak’s most impressive natural features with the Great Cave being one of the largest in the world, famed for the fascinating rock paintings and swiftlets that nest here in huge numbers. These nests are the key ingredient in birds-nest soup and we watched in awe as a collector scaled the soaring bamboo scaffolding to gather nests. Something I’m never likely to see again in my life, is the mass exodus of two million bats swarming en masse at dusk out of the Deer Cave in Mulu in search of food – it is an impressive spectacle and so, too, are the cave’s amazing stalagmites and stalactites. A most memorable part of the journey was a jungle river trip by native riverboat to visit an indigenous Iban village. We followed one of our hosts into the rainforest to see the rubber tree being bled, watch palm heart being cut and learn about the medicinal plants along the way. Following a blow pipe demonstration surrounded by eerie totem poles, we were ushered up narrow ladders to the longhouse, the ladders were then lifted to block evil spirits. I felt very privileged to have an insight into this ancient culture where we shared music, dance and lunch surrounded by ancestral head hunters’
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BORNEO LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Self-professed adventuress Lucy Garbutt finds the romance in going ‘back to nature’ to the ultimate tropical island paradise Kota kinabalu, Malasia
Longhouse in Sarawk
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Travel
“...head to the northern beaches of Sabah where palm-topped atolls emerge from the azure waters of the Sulu Sea.”
Stunning tropical beach Murut ladies in traditional costume
Orangutan in the jungle
trophies hung from the walls! Borneo boasts pristine tracts of undisturbed Centuries-old virgin jungle and we ventured deep into such an area by small plane, riverboat and four-wheel-drive to circumnavigate an area of pristine jungle by foot with an Iban tracker, eating local food, washing in streams and sleeping under the tree canopy. We saw plenty of wildlife and not one other tourist! It was quite an adventure but that’s another story. It was the climb of the tropical Mount Kinabalu which stole the show for me, witnessing from its summit the emerald jungle canopy sweeping down towards the sea. The ascent was strenuous but fascinating. En route you witness different types of vegetation - lowland forest, montane, moss and sub-alpine. Setting off along a path with steps was easy going but pretty soon the effects of the altitude were dramatic and demanded frequent breaks. At one such recuperation point we were flabbergasted as several spritely local runners sprinted past, apparently training for the Kinabalu Climbathon! After about five hours of continuous uphill progress we arrived at our destination for
the night; Laban Rata, a mountain resthouse offering basic, (unromantic!) dormitory accommodation. Reveille at 3am, we set off for the final three hour steeper ascent. Slightly daunting in the dark, it was reassuring to hold onto guide ropes fixed across the smooth granite slabs. We were well rewarded for our exertion as our arrival at the summit, Low’s Peak, coincided with the sunrise - a burning globe rising above the purple horizon casting a spine-tinglingly, beautiful golden fire on our majestic surroundings. We stood on the roof of South East Asia at 4,095m. The descent to the Park Headquarters was breathtaking as the sun continued to rise, revealing the rainforest below swathed in morning mist…very romantic indeed! Our descent was rewarded with a visit to the Poring Hot Springs where we blissfully steamed and relaxed in the soothing, hot mineral springs. Further adventure beckoned with a canopy walkway to experience yet another vista. We also explored the Mountain Gardens - home to many species of orchids, pitcher plants, birds, insects and butterflies and where some are lucky enough to witness the
Rafflesia (rotting flesh) flower in bloom. For the perfect finale to the perfect holiday, head to the northern beaches of Sabah where palm-topped atolls emerge from the azure waters of the Sulu Sea. With idyllic, glaring white sands squeaking between your toes, feasting on exotic fruit galore and spending hours snorkelling through the shallow coral gardens that fringe the islands - life doesn’t get much more romantic than that! If you would like to find your own romantic jungle lodge, rainforest river cruise or perfect beach for some worldclass diving - itineraries can be tailor-made for you by World Odyssey – for more information on anything to do with the South East Asia, or other far-flung shores on the planet, please visit www.worldodyssey.com – follow us @World_Odyssey, like us on Facebook and/or call one of our travel specialists for advice on: 01905 731373.
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For the love of the Cotswold Way ramble.
For swift, affordable hospital treatment that gets you back to the life you love. There are those things in life you want to keep on doing. But every now and then, your health might just get in the way. Life doesn’t have to stop. Just because you don’t have health insurance, it doesn’t mean you can’t have swift access to private hospital treatment. ƂÌ Õvwi ` i> Ì ] «>Þ } v À «À Û>Ìi ÌÀi>Ì i Ì > iÃ Ì ÕÃÌ >à >VViÃà L i° "ÕÀ ë Ì> i Ìi > V>ÀÀ ià ÕÌ > vast range of procedures and all are supported by continued follow-up care for as long as you need it.* "ÕÀ ÌÀi>Ì i Ì V ÃÌà >Ài ÌÀ> ë>Ài Ì > ` > i vv «>Þ i Ì V ÛiÀà > Ì i V>Ài Þ Õ½ ii`° *À Vià >Ài > à Ài >vv À`>L i than you might think and you may even be eligible to spread the cost with interest free credit.† We also promise to meet any comparable price.** So get in touch and get back to the life you love.
An invitation to meet our Consultants
Men’s health matters - All you need to know about prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, vasectomy reversal & water works À *>Ìi E À Ƃ " i i] ÃÕ Ì> Ì 1À } ÃÌÃ
01242 808988 Õvwi ` i> Ì °V ÉV i Ìi > «>Þn
Hospitals + Health Checks + Physio + Gyms
Date: Wednesday 25th February 2015 Time: 6pm - 8pm Place: Õvwi ` i> Ì i Ìi > ë Ì> ] >Ì iÀ iÞ > i] i Ìi > x£ È-9° Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. Excludes assisted conception and IVF treatments. *Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or ECTG VJCV KU ENKPKECNN[ TGSWKTGF HTQO [QWT %QPUWNVCPV HQT CU NQPI CU [QW OC[ TGSWKTG KV +H C RTQUVJGUKU KU WUGF CU RCTV QH [QWT VTGCVOGPV VJKU KU IWCTCPVGGF HQT VJG OCPWHCEVWTGToU QHƂEKCN NKHGVKOG QH that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. †Subject to UVCVWU 6GTOU CPF EQPFKVKQPU CXCKNCDNG QP TGSWGUV
0QV KPENWFKPI RTKXCVG RCVKGPV WPKVU CV 0*5 JQURKVCNU .QECN CTGC FGƂPGF CU YKVJKP OKNGU QH VJG 0WHƂGNF *GCNVJ JQURKVCN 9G YKNN OCVEJ against written quotes only. Your initial consultation and any necessary tests are paid for separately.
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Health
A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
WINTER SPORTS KNEE INJURIES Mr Harminder Gosal
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from the Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, Mr H S Gosal explains knee treatments after skiing accidents
Sports such as rugby, football and hockey are a significant cause of knee injuries as all of these activities require some sort of pivoting action, however we tend to see seasonal variations in knee injuries. A popular pursuit in winter is skiing and as it is such a strenuous sport, we see many skiing related injuries. However risks can be minimized by making sure you are fit to ski, this can be achieved by ski fitness training either with the help of a physiotherapist or a sports specific trainer. If you are unfortunate enough to sustain a knee injury whilst skiing, medical care at most ski resorts is very good and Doctors will
probably splint the injured knee and obtain an X-ray. Once home, the knee should be assessed by a ‘specialist’ in knee injuries to make a definitive diagnosis. This will involve taking a full history and assessment of the knee joint. It is not uncommon to get associated injuries. X-rays are good at looking for fractures but ‘soft tissue’ knee injuries require MRI scanning to identify the injury more precisely. Common combinations of knee injuries are the ‘terrible triad’ of anterior cruciate ligament rupture, meniscus (cartilage) tear and medial (on inner side of the knee) collateral ligament tear. After the diagnosis, a
plan can be made for rehabilitation of the knee involving physiotherapy but may require reconstructive surgery. If surgery is needed this is usually carried out using ‘keyhole’ (arthroscopic) techniques. Nuffield Health offer a “no time limits” aftercare on surgery to give you peace of mind*. We also offer fixed price packages so that you’ll never get any hidden charges. We offer all our orthopaedic patients an enhanced recovery package free of charge – this includes three months free membership at our Fitness & Wellbeing Centre in Gloucestershire including a health MOT, exercise and diet advice and your own personal recovery coach. Mr H S Gosal, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon practices at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital and runs clinics weekly on Thursday mornings. To book an appointment please contact 01242 246552 or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com/ cheltenhamhospital Subject to status. Terms and conditions available on request. *Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital. We will match against written quotes only. **Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used aspart of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. ”Clinically required” indicates where furtherintervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.
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For all your
knee problems... Glouceste Gloucestershire ershire Knee Clini Clinic c is a specialist kknee clinic for diag diagnosis gnosis and mana management agement of all knee kne ee disor disorders ders and injuries. Mr Rob G Gleeson HUK 4Y 9VNLY 9VNLY *SVZL HY L L_ _WLYPLUJLK ZWLJPH HSPZ[ RULL Z\YNLVU UZ ^OV HYL L_WLYPLUJLK ZWLJPHSPZ[ Z\YNLVUZ will asses assess ss and advise you u on the best tr treatment eattment options.
;OL VUL Z[VW RULL JSPUPJ JHU VɈLY! • Locally Performed X-rays, scans and day case surgical procedures • :OVY[ ^HP[ [PTLZ HUK ÅL_PISL HWWVPU[TLU[Z to suit you • Physiotherapy support to aid recovery • Alter G anti-gravity equipment available
Private medical insurance and self-pay options available Please call for more information:
01452 337 276 w w w. w i n f i e l d h o s p i t a l . c o . u k
Te w k e s b u r y R o a d , L o n g f o r d , G l o u c e s t e r G L 2 9 E E
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A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
Health
The best care for your bones and joints Rob Gleeson and Roger Close, Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeons based at Winfield Hospital, Gloucester speak to Cotswold Style How long have you been working as an Orthopaedic surgeon and why did you choose this area of expertise? Rob: I started working as a junior doctor in 1994 after qualifying from University College of London Medical School. I especially enjoyed working in Orthopaedics, mainly because I was able to see first hand how dramatically effective the operations my bosses were performing were. After years of training and plenty of exams, I was appointed as Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon at Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust in 2006. I’ve been working in the county since then and have developed a strong collaboration with Mr Roger Close at the Gloucestershire Knee Clinic. Roger: 25yrs. I trained as an orthopaedic surgeon from 1983-1989 in South Africa. As a junior doctor living in South Africa, I was exposed to enormous amount of trauma and sports injuries. This sparked my interest in orthopaedic surgery. The changes over the years have been amazing. Modern techniques are so precise and the results often extraordinary. Who was your most inspirational teacher? Rob: I was lucky enough to undertake a Specialist Knee Fellowship in Sydney, Australia in 2005. I enjoyed working with a world renowned knee surgeon, Dr Leo Pinczweski, looking after elite Australian sports men and women at the North Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Medicine Centre. I learnt minimally invasive keyhole surgical techniques, performed numerous ligament reconstructions on injured knees as well as osteotomies for early arthritis. I also undertook plenty of partial and total knee replacements. Roger: I have been very fortunate to have had many inspirational teachers. Not only good surgeons but ethically sound doctors. My predecessor and mentor Tim Tasker was a wonderful surgeon and the father of arthroscopic (Keyhole), knee surgery in Gloucestershire.
You are experienced in computer guided knee replacement surgery can you tell us more about this procedure? Rob: A knee replacement is a successful operation for patients with severe symptoms from an arthritic painful knee. The conventional surgical procedure involves the use of mechanical alignment tools to help accurately cut the bones before implanting the metal components. Computer guided knee replacement covers a number of different techniques all of which essentially use computer based technology to improve the accuracy of these bone cuts. One area of interest to us is the use of an MRI scan before surgery to allow me to perform a ‘virtual’ knee replacement before the actual surgery. The procedure uses specialised, patient specific cut blocks that allow the knee replacement to be ‘personalised’ to each patient. Roger: The catchphrase for computer guided is PSI – Patient Specific instrumentation i.e. The instruments for ensuring correct alignment of the knee replacement are made specifically for a patient using a scan to achieve correct size and alignment. This technique is particularly valuable in patients with complex deformities arising from their arthritis. Working at Winfield Hospital must give you a great environment to give your patients the best possible care.What do you find particularly beneficial about Winfield? Rob: At Winfield Hospital you have the time to consult patients properly and to be able to provide a truly individual, personalised service, tailored completely to patients’ needs. Winfield is a friendly, modern, clean and comfortable environment with very experienced nurses and physiotherapists. We have both worked at Winfield for many years now and it has always maintained incredibly high standards. We are confident that your level of care will be second to none! Roger: I think the great advantage of
attending Winfield Private Hospital is the individual attention one receives from the consultant, nurses and physiotherapists. While generic treatment is unavoidable in large hospitals, patients prefer to have personal contact with the same people during their treatment. Winfield certainly provides this type of service. You obviously are very busy men, so how do you relax and where do you go for the perfect meal? Rob: A good game of hockey followed by a few beers goes a long way to taking the stress out of a busy day. Trying to stay on Roger’s back wheel for one of our Cotswold rides is always a challenge but cycling is a sport that we are keen on. And finally, a Sunday roast with my wife and four children at the ‘Feathered Nest Country Inn’ at Nether Westcote. Roger: I have enjoyed sport my whole life. Initially rugby, then marathon running (my knees are OK!), triathlon and now cycling. Rob and I discuss business while trying to beat each other on bicycles! My wife and I walk to the Royal in Charlton Kings (where our Jack Russell terriers are welcome!) for a pint on Friday evenings. However, we are blessed with so many good restaurants in Gloucestershire. For further information please contact: Winfield Hospital 01452 306009 www.winfieldhospital.co.uk
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fashion style over the following pages we highlight the latest fashion trends...
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Lower Ground Floor, 105 The Promenade, GL50 1NW
01242 530 598 www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk
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Hair
Indulge yourself this Valentines... The creative team at Laura Leigh can offer a variety of fabulous up-styles, glamorous blowdries, make up and nail services to help you look and feel amazing. Each service will take less than 30 minutes, so you can make it to your hot date on time! If you really want to nail it, give your hands a luxurious treat by Leonie in the recently opened Laura Leigh Nail Bar. Using the best products such as the leading brands, O.P.I., Shellac Power Polish and VINYLUX. Prices are from £20. Complete your look with an in salon makeover by Hattie Nicholson. Hattie is a professional makeup artist who can offer her services for any special event or wedding. An in salon makeover with Hattie costs £30. We recommend a trial session for your wedding which costs £30. Hattie is available for bookings on Thursdays and Saturdays. Operating on an appointment basis, you are urged to book as far in advance as possible Appointments are limited and on a firstcome first-serve basis. Check out the website for the full list of services or for more information call 01242 530598.
Let the team at Laura Leigh Hairdressing pamper you whilst you experience a range of luxury services created by us, especially for you
BLOW-DRY BAR MENU The Laura Leigh team will recreate any look for you in just 30 minutes. Simply walk in and walk out with fashion forward, fabulous hair.
BLOW You are washed and dried in half an hour. If you have super thick or long hair, please allow extra time and an extra £10. BLOWDRY £20 | HAIR UP £25
LEARN Our expert team will teach you how to self style and blow-dry your own hair. The lesson costs £66 or a Ghd/curls lesson for £65.
SMOOTH From frizzy to smooth in 2 hours. A 3 month treatment costs £165.
PAMPER Book ahead of time to upgrade on the day for any of the following treatments: CRYSTAL GLOSS £15 | TREATMENT £15 | PROTEIN SHOT £5
Laura Leigh Hairdressing, Lower Ground Floor, 105 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW, Tel: 01242 530598; www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk
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• Award Winning • Bridal
• Editorial
• Fashion
• Catwalk • Proms
• Hen Parties
• Makeup Lessons
www.booloumakeup.co.uk | lucy@booloumakeup.co.uk Phone or Text: 07907 483056 BooLou Makeup |Professional Makeup Artist Booloumakeup
STEVE ROLFE PHOTOGRAPHY THAT UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPH TAILORED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU
07881908870
Steverolfe@aol.com
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Fashion
Grace&Glamour
Style for Love and Fun Now that we’ve broken free of the January blues and spring is somewhat in sight, it’s time to get your stylish self in gear for the month of love! Whether you’re planning a date night, girls night or anti-Valentine’s night, there’s an outfit to be planned for all… ot everyone loves Valentine’s and I haven’t quite decided yet whether I do or not but whether you love it or hate it, it’s definitely a huge part of the February calendar. Take it as a time to spend with loved ones, be it your BFF, boyfriend or family. Either way, any occasion like this calls for an outfit, so why not make it stylishly fun and treat yourself to something new from the Karen Millen High Street. For anyone heading on the all-important date night, perhaps a new dress is needed? Karen Millen has some killer styles coming in right now but this Neon Tweed Dress really caught my eye. It’s cute, girly, not too over the top and definitely doesn’t scream Valentine’s. Perfect. Just because the shops, restaurants and bars will be decked out in red, pink and hearts, doesn’t mean you have to be! If you’re thinking of spending an antiValentine’s with your girls, maybe you’ll want something a little more fierce? If so, French Connection has really got you covered. We all know they’d never let us down when it comes to a killer party dress, sequins and sass but the Gypsy French Connection
N
Moth Sequinned Dress is just something else. Perfect to keep for special occasions throughout the year, the dress really does speak for itself. H&M Sometimes a night in is just what you’re looking for but maybe your comfy casuals or even pyjamas just won’t do. H&M have the cutest selection of dresses ready for spring. With skater style skirts and shift shapes, they’re perfectly comfortable for watching a film or enjoying dinner in, yet still look great. This printed number is one of my favourites and would look great going into summer too. As Valentine’s isn’t always (thankfully), about romance, perhaps you’re planning something a little more adventurous. Okay, so I might not be the Bear Grylls of the fashion world but I do know that even ice skating, bowling or some sort of team sport isn’t done best in a dress and heels. For this, you’ll probably want to feel good and look good too and Oasis has the perfect separates. I have always been a fan and never fail to fall in love with their cute prints and even
Oasis
Joules
cuter cuts. This heart print jumper is a little Valentine’s inspired but can still be worn all year round. Whilst you’re out enjoying your adventure, you might be a little chilly - it is still February after all. I’ve added in this jersey-tweed blazer from Joules. Known for their quality and great classic designs, Joules are great for outerwear that is durable, yet won’t break the bank. So if you find yourself out for a stroll or being a little more active than just enjoying dinner, this one will be a winner for you. However you’re spending your Valentine’s this year, remember to style it up your way!
Grace @graceoliviap www.dorothyandolive.com
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Valentines
LK Bennett Red Alexia clutch, RRP £225 Outlet Price £135, at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK Ted Baker Red Moccros Purse, RRP £75 Outlet Price £50, at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK The Sophie 0.52ct D Vvs2 cushion cut diamond set in a platinum, £4300. Available from John Titcombe Fine Jewellery, 39 Market Place, Cirencester. www.johntitcombe.co.uk
French Connection cranberry embroidered dress, RRP £110 Outlet Price £66, at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK
LOVE is all around Make this Valentines Day extra special with one of these beautiful gifts The Jasmine 0.42ct F Si1 round brilliant cut diamond set within a platinum delicate halo cluster, £2650. Available from John Titcombe Fine Jewellery, 39 Market Place, Cirencester. www.johntitcombe.co.uk
Heart umbrella, £25.00. Available from @ The Boutique, Cirencester
Bourne shoes in red, £126. Available from @ The Boutique, Cirencester
Head Pieces, POA, from Posy and Pearl, 78 Dyer Street, Cirencester
Phase eight Rose Necklace, RRP £25 Outlet Price £17.50, at McArthurGlen Designer Outlets UK
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Mind, Body & Soul This February, we have had a panel of testers try the latest facial products to get us through the cold snap. We feature the best products that we felt worked (many didn’t get onto this list). We have also tried a new Vaping pipe from SpaVapes, which we hope will help smokers off the ‘tabs’ before National No Smoking Day in March. Botanifique Hydra Power Wrinkle Filler £54.00 Designed to deliver an immediate, wrinkle-filling effect, Hydra Power Wrinkle Filler blurs the signs of aging by smoothing facial skin and replenishing it with suppleness. Collagen and moisture-intensive Birch Tree Sap combine with jojoba, avocado and wheat germ oils to instantly fill fine lines and wrinkles and help erase years from your appearance, leaving your complexion looking youthful and wrinklefree. The tester said this is an excellent product and there is no need to use a primer, as make-up glided onto the skin after using the cream. www.botanifique.com Jamela Skin Care's 24k Gold Collagen Facial Masks £49.50 for a box of 5 Gold has always been revered for its beautifying benefits to the skin and Historians claim that Cleopatra slept in a gold mask at night. Jamela Skin Care's 24k Gold Collagen Facial Masks are luxurious and unique and allegedly have been proven to increase the skin's moisture saturation level by up to 92%. With the added convenience of being a one-piece gel sheet, there is no mess, mixing or cracking. You just place the cool refreshing gel mask on your face, smooth it down, and relax while the nutrients do their work for a minimum of 30 minutes, as your body temperature slowly dissolves the mask. We had seen the mask featured on a recent BBC TV programme about facials of the super-rich, so was intrigued to try. The tester said it really was 88 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
effective and put the used mask on her neck and décolletage areas afterwards and it really helped smooth out her sun lines. Available from www.jamelaskincare.com and www.amazon.co.uk Murad Intensive Age Diffusing Serum £64.00 A product to treat and repair the skin. It contains Resurrection plant proteins to restore hydration, and Clover Leaf extract (a phytoestrogen which helps keep the skin supple and elastic). Mango, Banana and Caja extract resurface the skin and boost collagen production. www.murad.co.uk Murad Age Balancing Moisture SPF30 £59.50 A product to hydrate and protect. This also uses phytoestrogens to improve elasticity, as well as Dr Murad’s own patented Murasol Antioxidant Defense which provides protection against free-radicals and supports the skin’s natural defences. www.murad.co.uk Time Bomb’s Collagen Bomb £39.00 This “detonates” on contact to visibly smooth and tighten the skin. The bomb is highly charged with micro-collagen, pervasive moisture and a barrage of antioxidant. The tester loved the smell but felt it may be better, for younger rather than middleage skin.
Time Bomb - Youth Juice Secret Oil - £38.00 Youth Juice is a revolutionary combination of oils (olive, kukui, avocado and jojoba) formulated to mimic the skin’s natural sebum that is lost with age. This ultra-fine, non-greasy blend not only quenches thirsty, ageing skin, but also creates a moisture barrier that helps to reduce the appearance of lines and crevices. The tester thought this was a superior product for her skin and will continue to use it. www.timebombco.co.uk Available at Selfridges and QVC. Kerstin Florian Correcting Rescue Crème £57.50 This rich, all-weather treatment crème strengthens the skin's capacity to withstand environmental stress. Nourishing and comforting, it revitalizes as it relieves and soothes tight, dry and flaky skin. The tester raved about this ultra-moisturizing, protective crème, which acts like a calming blanket to shield the skin from extreme climate conditions. She found the rich formula with a high concentration of fatty acids, rapidly improved hydration and enhanced her skin's ability to retain moisture. This crème came highly approved. www.kerstinflorian.co.uk MitoQ Anti-aging Serum £79.00 The product states it protects cells from increasing oxidative stress associated with age and returns skin cells to optimal function using youthful collagen and elastin production. The result: MitoQ Anti-aging Serum is an effective
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Health anti-wrinkle product that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin becomes denser, firmer and age spots fade. It makes a perfect night cream and combines well with sunscreens and moisturizers for all day skin repair and protection. Our tester was thrilled with this product and says she saw a difference in her skin within a few days and has already ordered more! www.mitoq.com Belnatur’s Only Men Range £16.99 Aftershave Comfort & £17.99 Only Men Aftershave Fluid The "Only Men" line is based on the power, strength and vital energy provided by trees like Baobab, Beech and White Willow. It suits men perfectly because it is focused on the specific needs of men’s skin. It provides a moisturising and regenerating action, firmness, flexibility, luminosity and comfort, without leaving a greasy after feel. Our tester, a gorgeous male model, who is pedantic with his skincare routine, was thoroughly impressed with the two products. So much so, he got his friends to try, many of whom have now purchased it. The packaging is masculine and is an ideal gift for a man who hasn’t yet started his own skincare routine. www.belnatur.co.uk/lines/only-men Environ Revival Masque £49.95 Environ claims that the Revival Masque works because of the unique combination of 3 acids (Asiatic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid) which work together to trigger the release of growth factors from the keratinocyte cells. This product will lighten pigmentation marks reduce lines and wrinkles making skin tighter, smoother, more radiant and younger looking. Our tester is a big fan of Environ and said she wasn’t disappointed by this deeply penetrating masque. She agrees with the company line that it is like a face-lift in a bottle. Available from independent Environ therapists and spas or visit www.iiaa.eu/revivalmasque for more information.
Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish £57.50 This brightens and adds radiance to dull, tired (and according to our tester, hungover!) skin within minutes of applying. Great if you're looking for an anti-ageing instant boost this winter. Exuviance is a dermatologist-developed skincare line and the innovative formula in the face polish contains pure professional grade crystals, pure Papaya Enzyme and 10% Glycolic Acid. It only takes one minute to use, gently stroking around your face and our tester said it left her with a glowing complexion and silky soft skin. www.effortlessskin.com Gazelli White Oil Ultimate Firming Serum £75.00 This brightens and adds radiance to dull, tired (and according to our tester, hungover!) skin within minutes of applying. Great if you're looking for an anti-ageing instant boost this winter. Exuviance is a dermatologist-developed skincare line and the innovative formula in the face polish contains pure professional grade crystals, pure Papaya Enzyme and 10% Glycolic Acid. It only takes one minute to use, gently stroking around your face and our tester said it left her with a glowing complexion and silky soft skin. www.effortlessskin.com Vaping from SpaVapes – Gideon Dawson ‘Vaping’ is very topical at the present time; figures released recently say over a million people in the UK have now given up smoking in favour of ‘Vaping’ through an array of different electronic pipes, cigarettes and fluids. Having smoked 25 cigarettes a day for 20 years, I have tried to quit half a dozen times with help from nicotine based patches and inhalers but failed. Around 6 months ago I bumped into an old friend Paul Gifford and it turned out he was the main supplier of electronic cigarettes in Gloucestershire with a company called SpaVapes. He gave me an electronic pipe with a
nice flavoured fluid and I literally gave up overnight, which I never thought I could do. For those of you unaware of Vaping, it is a nicotine delivery system using an electronic atomizer, which converts the liquid fluid into vapour that can be smoked like a normal cigarette. Unlike smoking, Vaping isn’t harmful to your health as there is no tar or harmful toxins involved when inhaling the vapour. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancer-causing (carcinogenic) compounds and 400 other toxins. These cigarette ingredients include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT. It costs roughly a tenth of the price per week to buy the fluid, than an average 20 a day smoker would spend on cigarettes. The electronic pipes/cigarettes come in many styles & designs to suit a multitude of tastes and there are many fluids that you can use, ranging in strength from 12 to 24 MGs of Nicotine. There is vast array of flavours to suit all tastes such as Custard Cream, Bubble-gum, Menthol or just a normal cigarette flavour, the choice is simply endless. Vaping is generally acceptable in public places, as there are no bio-toxins created and it’s really down to the discretion of the owners of public establishments as to whether they allow it but there is no governmental/EU legislation to say it’s banned anywhere, unlike smoking. Additionally, there are no bad smells, staining of one’s teeth or second-hand smoke when Vaping and it is a truly viable effective alternative to smoking… The MD of SpaVapes, Paul Gifford discovered the world of Vaping around 5 years ago. He was a heavy smoker at the time & realised this was a very effective way to stop, so he decided to set-up his first shop in Cheltenham. SpaVapes is now, by far, the most reputable & biggest supplier of E-Cigarettes & E-Liquids in Gloucestershire with 3 retail outlets & a web-based e-shop. www.spavapes.co.uk (with retail units in Cheltenham & Gloucester) COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 89
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Beauty
The look of LOVE Ahhh February has arrived. It’s a perfect time to fall in love with your make-up. Whatever makes you feel more confident there are a few simple tips to help you on your way to achieve the look you desire Cleanse and prep your skin with a moisturiser and primer that suits your skin type.
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Amy Hickey helps you fall in love with some new make-up Get the correct make up tools. Using good quality brushes will not only make your make- up look more flawless, you’ll find the application easier with better results.
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For the eyes, use an eyeliner finely along the roots of the top lash line which will not only help define your eyes, it makes them appear bigger and brighter whatever your age.
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Accentuate your lips with a flesh tone liner on your natural lip line. Prep with a light lip balm before finishing with a lipstick colour of your choice. A light, reflective lip colour makes your lips appear fuller and a darker colour will absorb light, making your lips look smaller.
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Blusher is to highlight your cheekbones and to bring a flush of health to your skin.
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Add a little extra fun to your look this Valentine’s Day with the following gorgeous products The Naked Palette by Urban Decay. This is a must for all make-up wearers. It’s a perfect gift even if it’s for you.
Select a base foundation or tinted moisturiser that’s most suited to your skin type. It’s important to get the colour correct. Trial three different shades across your cheek and see which one matches your skin tone the best. The right colour for you is the one that you see the least.
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When covering imperfections or blemishes use an oil free product. Under the eyes the skin is finer, so use a concealer that has a creamier texture as this helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. I love By Terry, Touch Expert.
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Apply a light finishing powder to hold your make-up all day. I love the Universal Powder by Laura Mercier.
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Laura Mercier Healthy Glow Cheek and Lip Palette is a must for glowing, contoured and loved skin. Chantecaille Save the Bees Palette is a beautiful trio of perfection for every eye colour.
For luscious lips, try Lipstick Queens, Hot Pink Sinner and Red Sinner for a funky new look. T: 07733 237767 E: amyhickey.com@gmail.com Twitter: @amy_hickey Facebook.com/amyhickeycom
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COURT HOUSE MANOR
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ourt House Manor in Painswick has been open for its first year and has excelled as a luxury wedding and private hire venue, as well as being a 5-star, concierge, boutique home. Linda Lloyd, whose family has been settled in Painswick for 10 generations, is the owner of the manor. Along with founder of the business Peter Lloyd, they met with producer Matthew John, to commission a shoot to showcase the dramatic 400 year old period property with views across the Slad valley, at its best. Linda Lloyd says, “There was a huge sense of responsibility buying this amazingly beautiful Grade 1 listed building. It has taken 6 years of very hard work, working with local businesses to restore it to its previous grandeur, which is of historical importance to the village. I am proud to be the caretaker of such a stunning and beautiful property in Painswick and am honoured, to be referred to as a ‘pickwickian’ by the older generation of the village!
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CREDITS Produced by Matthew John Venue: www.courthousemanor.co.uk Photography by Susie Mackie: www.susiemackie.com Costumes by: www.olyawallington.co.uk Make- Up by Monika Vrublova: www.monikavrublova.com Hair by Hannah Robbins www.buhairstylists.co.uk Jewellery by: www.cocoacoutureinc.com Model & sponsor: Dolly Lloyd
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The future is looking bright & beautiful Emma Logan spoke to Alex Rose, Managing Director of Beards the Jeweller of Cheltenham and London and Sophie Cudworth, Jewellery Designer for Beards Alex: You are the 6th generation in your family to work for Beards. Have you always been as passionate as your fore bearers to continue the family business? While I was at school my intention was to join the Army. I then took a Gap Year and worked for Cartier in London before studying diamonds and coloured stones in America. This is something that I found I really enjoyed and am hugely passionate about and I wouldn't want to do anything else. I always feel I have something to live up to from my mother and grandparents (and great grandparents), which pushes me to be the best I can be. In real terms we have been in a recession for many years, how have you adapted to meet the needs of your customers? We've had to work a lot harder and we've had to change the business and the way we do things. We've started creating our own jewellery in our Promenade workshops, rather than just buying and reselling as our competitors do. We put the Cheltenham workshops back in place so that we could design and manufacture our own jewellery completely in-house. We have to be competitive on price and that has meant we work really hard to ensure that we aren't as expensive as our local and online competitors. There is a large market for quality, antique watches. If one were to invest in a modern timepiece, what would you recommend which you feel would appreciate in value? Watch retail prices always seem to go up and have done for decades, so you never need to worry about insurance values. Re-sell values (second hand), are a different thing altogether and any watch will have an element of depreciation when you buy it. The trick with minimising this is to buy well and to stick with recognised manufacturers as they
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Alex
Sophie
hold their money the best. Ideally you wouldn't buy a watch as an investment, it is something to enjoy wearing and something that makes you feel good when you wear it. It is always nice to have the reassurance that what you wear will always be worth something f you ever did want to sell or part exchange it though. Are the gemstones that you use ethically sourced? Always; so is the metal we use. The metal we buy is 99% recycled and the stones only come from legitimate sources. This is something the whole company and myself are zealous about. If you purchase a stone in its source country, you may think you are getting a good deal but sadly, it is normally at someone's expense. We adhere to the Kimberley Process in sourcing conflict free stones and all of our coloured gemstone cutters have to provide us with proof that they are mining or buying rough gems ethically. As the 6th generation of the family who works for Beards, what is your future strategy to take the business forward? We have a very clear strategy for the coming year and for the medium term as well. We will to continue to design and create our own jewellery as well as growing our bespoke service as it has always been well received by everyone who has had something made or remodelled. It is something we seem to be very good at as well! On the watch side of things, we've been really selective over the brands we carry and we are lucky to have the
biggest selection for about a 40/50 mile radius. We may add one or two brands in the future but the growth seems to be coming pretty naturally – it’s just making sure we have new and exciting things to sell. I want to build Beards into a brand that everyone wants to be part of. Sophie: Many women getting engaged find it aspirational that their ring comes from Beards - do you design pieces that are affordable for all income ranges? Absolutely. The beauty of our 'Beards Bespoke' service is that if there isn’t something in our window that is suitable, we are able to source stones and create designs to suit all budgets. We've made pieces from £200 to £400,000. The majority of the pieces we create are around £1,000–£2,000 we always seem to be able to pleasantly surprise clients with price! What have been your most popular designs so far and what are you designing for this year’s collection? As most of my work is one off, there hasn’t been a ‘popular’ design as such but certainly re-mounting diamonds has been really popular. There is quite a lot of scope for what can be created and people tend to go for things such as our Galaxy Range, which can incorporate a range of stones in colour and size. We have some absolutely spectacular diamond necklaces currently in the workshop that will soon be ready for clients, so watch this space! What are your hot tips for the perfect Valentine's present? As a designer, I have to say 'be daring'. Don’t be afraid of choosing something a little different. I always find the more personal commissions suit the individual they were designed for the most. Think about the type of things she likes, the colours she wears and perhaps even consider birthstones. www.beards.co.uk
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Exclusive
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Getaway
A world away, right on the doorstep Everyone needs to get away and de-stress once in a while and a romantic few days in a remote environment can really hit the relax button. And what’s more romantic than a weekend in say…a forest? Forest Holiday Cabins have luxurious log cabins in the depths of Forest of Dean, perfect for escaping the hum drum of the daily grind and pampering your partner As part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, Forest Holiday Cabins are environmentally conscious and passionate about preserving our natural surroundings. Guests are encouraged to explore and admire the forest on foot, on horseback or on a mountain bike to discover all the natural wonders which are right on the doorstep of the cabins Located in a beautiful, real forest setting, there is a variety of activities for any lovedup couple. Mountain climbing, fishing and romantic walks are all available during your stay, or relax and lap up each other’s
company in your luxurious cabin. Heat things up in the hot tub and soothe away all those aches and pains. The activities on offer are vast, from abseiling and kayaking to bat spotting and foraging, making it a great place for adults and children alike. The Rangers and staff at Forest Holidays are always on hand to make your holiday experience a time you won’t forget. The cabins cater to all your needs from a two bedroom Copper Beech to five bedroom Golden Oak, with its own private tree house. The Silver Birch and Golden Oak cabins have outdoor decks fitted with barbeque area and hot tub. Each cabin is kitted out with everything you could ask for; a flat screen TV with WiFi and Sky, as well as a video on demand facility. Panoramic windows stretch from ceiling to the floor with clean, solar panel technology under floor heating. The kitchen is fitted with ovens, microwaves and a dishwasher so you don’t have to worry about
who’s on kitchen duty. All the utensils and crockery are ready and waiting for you, all you need to do is provide the food. The spacious bedrooms are light and airy, and the master bedroom is connected to an en suite bathroom with shower. Bed linen is provided, but you will need to bring your own towels. You can place a shopping order with local representatives to have delivered to your cabin. Indulge in a bottle of champagne, accompanied by some succulent chocolates for the ultimate romantic vibes. The local Forest Rangers are all about setting the right atmosphere for you. They will turn down your bed at night, put rose petals in your bath, provide you with massage oils and wine, or you can just order a pizza. There are plenty of surrounding restaurants if you don’t want to cook. The Saracens Head Inn, located at Symonds Yat East, is just a short walk from the site and is known for its high quality menu, using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. You can also cross the River Wye, either by the local ferry or wire pulley. Whatever your holiday fantasies, Forest Holidays has something for everyone. It’s a world away, right on your doorstep. To book cabins online go to www.forestholidays.co.uk Or call 08451308225. Open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm
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Business
Where is the leadership in expressing freedom of speech? When I first started writing this column the intention was to cover areas where employment law has failed to keep up with society. After a month of terror attacks across Europe and the inevitable knee jerk response of arming more police and seeking greater powers to intercept private communications, I write this month to highlight a paradox, and ask where the leadership is to resolve this paradox By Darren Sherborne of Sherborne Solicitors LLP he media has been full of it. Increased threats of terror attacks are reported and it’s all very worrying. However, standing back one has to conclude that as a society, we are blind and being led by the similarly blind. Where do we want to be as a society in terms of the right to express our views which might, as a consequence, offend other people or views (regardless of their religion)? On the one hand, it seems fashionable to say “Je Suis Charlie” and hold aloft our mighty pencil. The government advocate the right to offend and politicians almost all nail their colours to this free speech mast. On the other, we have endless pieces of workplace legislation banning the causing of offence to other citizens and hefty penalties for defaulters. It does appear, at least to me, that no one is standing back and actually asking what we, as a society actually want. You cannot have the right to express a view which might offend on the one hand and the obligation not to offend on the other. Is it too much to seek some leadership on the point? I have long been against political correctness and I have to say, that so is almost everyone I meet. I accept the intellectual arguments against it but cannot take the credit for such intelligent comment. Frankly I don’t like it, because it’s so unfair. Those people from ethnic minorities gain protection, as do those of a religious persuasion, foreign decent, women, the disabled and the aged. However, over weight, ginger haired, white men like myself have no protection at all; as a minority no one gives a monkey’s if we are offended. There is a serious point here. We focus so much on avoiding offence that we have
T
“IT DOES APPEAR, AT LEAST TO ME, THAT NO ONE IS STANDING BACK AND ACTUALLY ASKING WHAT WE, AS A SOCIETY ACTUALLY WANT.” forgotten to focus on encouraging people to shrug off derogatory comments a little more and look beyond the comments to the maliciousness (or lack of it), from those who make them. A colleague is a governor at a junior school and relayed a story about how he was taking part in a debate about bullying at a governors meeting. All present were keen on the measures that protected the children but no one accepted that there might be an obligation to teach the children how to shrug off stupid and usually thoughtless comments. Given children have been cruel to each other for as long as we have walked upright, surely the latter is more likely to assist those children than initiatives which simply ignore that bullying will always go on. It’s not that it’s a good thing but it is at least an acceptance that it exists. In the workplace, the law enforces a dumb respect that does not exist. No one dares challenge the position for fear of
being called “racist”, “sexist”, “bigoted” etc. Yet, outside of the workplace, all our politicians seem to throw their weight behind the same rights that are banned by parliament within the workplace. It’s a mixed message. I feel sure there is a good reason, but it is obscure to me. Let’s have some leadership, from any of the parties. Someone come off the fence and propose that one of those conflicting principles is dispensed with and give society a direction on this question that is going to grow in importance not shrink. At least that way we can all have the debate and if people wish to vote with pencils held aloft in the ballot box, or with their feet once the point is resolved because they don’t like the resolution, I might just be one of those that join them. Darren Sherborne is a Partner at Sherbornes Solicitors LLP in Cheltenham
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Since
OPEN 1541 Open Day Saturday, 14th March 2015 10.00am-12.00pm
Come and see how we nurture talent. For further details please contact the Registrar Sharon Bird: registrar@thekingsschool.co.uk
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Education
A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
Who do we think we are? Headmaster Alistair McNaughton talks about what really counts at the heart of The King’s School, Gloucester If you were to heap the prospectuses of the country’s top one hundred independent schools on a (large) table, the first thing you would be struck by would be the similarities between them. Again and again you would find yourself reading about ‘academic excellence’, the ‘width’ of each school’s extra-curricular programme and whatever that school’s size, its ‘nurturing’ focus on each individual. Even the pictures on which prospectuses depend, tend to have a certain predictability about them. Is there a picture of the First XV leaping skyward at a particularly challenging lineout? Check. A girl with a furrowed brow playing a Cello? Check. A huddle of pupils in white coats engaged in a Chemistry experiment? Check. In deciding then, on the even more important chemistry that matches a school to your own particular child, you have to go deeper than flicking through a school’s marketing material or examining the website. Visiting the schools on your radar is time-consuming but essential, whether that be going to an Open Morning or committing your child to a Taster Day when he or she can get a sense of how a day out at the school in question works and can feel.
Alistair Macnaughton
“...THE MOST IMPORTANT THING KING’S OFFERS GOES TO THE HEART OF WHAT REALLY COUNTS: AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EACH PUPIL IS RECOGNISED AND CHERISHED AS THE CHARACTER THAT HE OR SHE IS...” An education at King’s offers all that one would expect of an excellent school: a beautiful historic location (that includes daily assemblies in one of the best school Chapels in the world), exciting teaching and learning, Sport, Music and Drama that are both inclusive and outstanding… However, the most important thing King’s offers goes to the heart of what really counts: an environment in which each pupil is recognised and cherished as the character that he or she is; an environment where strengths and weaknesses and aspirations and hopes are more than just educational rhetoric. It is frequently said that King’s is a place with an ‘aura’, which those visiting for the first time almost instantly detect. Where – I am often asked – does that aura come from? There are many ingredients but
perhaps above all, it is because there is a constant encouragement for young people to thrive by discovering themselves. Why not come and see for yourself? Alistair Macnaughton Headmaster For further details or to arrange an individual tour, please contact the Registrar Sharon Bird on 01452 337337 or registar@thekingsschool.co.uk. Alternatively visit our website www.thekingsschool.co.uk
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WESTMINSTER IN THE COTSWOLDS With so many political issues affecting the Cotswolds and the General Election now only three months away, Emma Logan has asked the county’s MPs to inform Cotswold Style readers what they have been doing to represent their constituencies both locally and from Westminster
Neil Carmichael
NEIL CARMICHAEL, MP FOR STROUD Good news at the end of last year for Stroud motorists with the news that Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, gave the go ahead for at least £250 million of funding to fix the ‘missing link’ on the A417, following a campaign by Gloucestershire MPs and the County Council. The link will connect the two dual carriageway sections near Birdlip in Gloucestershire. The 3-mile section of road is the only single carriageway section on this road which links the M4 and M5 motorways. Work will begin this year to develop the scheme in the first Roads Investment Strategy, in consultation with local communities to design a scheme that takes into account the environmental sensitivities of the area. The A417 is vital to the local economy but for years the Air Balloon roundabout hasn’t been able to cope with the number of vehicles using it. This had a big impact on towns including Gloucester 106 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
and Stroud, whose local economies have suffered as businesses and motorists have both struggled with unnecessarily long journeys. It has also been the site of a number of accidents, raising safety concerns for drivers who rely on the route – so this funding is welcome. An important part of being the MP for Stroud is ensuring that local community groups and those who give up their time on a voluntary basis receive the recognition they deserve, which is why I was delighted in January to invite Russ Hillier, President of Stroud Rugby Club to 10 Downing Street to attend a “Community Champions” Reception hosted by the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Russ has been a lynchpin of the Stroud Rugby Club over many years and this was an opportunity to salute his years of service – in particular the work he has done to get young people involved in the sport. I wish all readers of Cotswold Style a romantic evening for Valentines Day! www.neilcarmichael.co.uk
Laurence Robertson
LAURENCE ROBERTSON, MP FOR TEWKESBURY Now we are motoring into the year, there is, of course, one big event taking place this year and, no, I don’t mean the General Election, big though that is – my fiancée, Annie, and I are getting married on 7th February! The ceremony will take place in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, which is the crypt in the House of Commons and we are very fortunate indeed in being allowed to use the magnificent facilities of the Palace of Westminster for this purpose. There will be no time for an immediate honeymoon, however, given that Parliament continues to sit and the General Election is just around the corner.
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Politics Annie and I have known each other for many years. We met when she was a riding instructor and was attempting to teach me to ride horses. Things moved on and she now runs my office in the House of Commons. Some people are critical of such arrangements but believe me, the electorate are well served by it and the taxpayer certainly gets value for money from her. So, whatever the rest of the year brings, if you aren’t at the wedding, I’ll look forward to catching up with you on the street somewhere as I go round with my leaflets! www.laurencerobertsonmp.com
for Telecoms and Fastershire, seeking clarification on the progress of the roll out of broadband and improving mobile phone coverage. I have asked Fastershire to be more proactive in ensuring that when improved broadband is made available in a particular area, internet companies in turn make individuals aware that they can upgrade. I also took the opportunity to raise this issue during a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament on Wednesday. You can read my contribution on my website. Another issue, which I have been raising for a long period of time, is the rail infrastructure throughout the constituency. Thanks to hard campaigning I am very pleased that both the Cotswold Line and the Swindon-Kemble line have benefited from redoubling. However there does not appear to have been an improved service on either line. Another problem is the lack of parking facilities at Kemble station, leading commuters to leave their cars in the village. I raised all of these issues in a consultation submission to Network Rail this week and I very much hope my comments were taken on board. www.geoffreycliftonbrown.co.uk
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
GEOFFREY CLIFTON-BROWN, MP FOR COTSWOLDS Just before Christmas I was pleased to launch a new defibrillator in Southrop. These are fantastic pieces of medical equipment, which can be genuinely lifesaving. I have launched defibrillators across different parts of the constituency and look forward to attending more launch events. I was also pleased to attend the official opening of the Blockley Shop on Saturday 20th December 2014. This new café and shop is a culmination of an enormous amount of dedicated heard work by the committee and the entire village. I have been involved since the initial public meeting, which showed overwhelming support for this project to proceed. This has involved a lot of dedication from all those involved to achieve what is undoubtedly a major asset for the village. Mobile phone signal and broadband coverage is a significant problem across different parts of the Cotswolds. That is why I have, this week, written to both the Hon Edward Vaizey MP, Minister of State
Richard Graham
RICHARD GRAHAM, MP FOR GLOUCESTER Most people will have no idea what happens to their residual waste, the picture shows what it looks like and is an utter disgrace. As many will know the County Council have now received the go ahead for the proposed waste to energy plant at Javelin Park to deal with the county’s waste problem. There has been some negative reaction to this decision; no-one wants to live close to a giant incinerator and emotions
can run high. But last week I read the entire 200-page report by the independent civil servant inspector tasked with the hearings and appeal. He assessed the waste to energy plant would heavily reduce landfill at the tip in Hempsted, cut out all its current methane emissions and generate about 14.5 MW of energy from the heat, while avoiding further years of fines from indecision on residual waste treatment. He concluded the benefits from this were greater than any small detrimental impact on the site and nearby listed buildings in Haresfield. His review was clear, covers the whole issue in huge depth and with sympathy. It is a meticulous report and difficult to disagree with objectively. It’s going to happen and we should welcome it. Reducing landfill, generating energy from waste and closing the tip are all very good things for Gloucester and the county as a whole. Everyone should want to see a good financial and environmental solution to a long standing problem that has been discussed for 10 years, and cost the taxpayers a small fortune in fines. www.richardgraham.org Regrettably at the time of going to print, for the fourth month running, Cotswold Style has not heard back from the office of Martin Horwood, MP for Cheltenham
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Style Event
Albert Roux unveils Festival Menu Albert Roux unveiled a stunning men u for his return to Cheltenham Racecourse last month at No. 38 The Park. The three-Michelin stared chef will be running his Chez Roux at the Racecourse duri ng the Cheltenham Festival for the second year. A host of specially invited VIP guests enjoyed a taste of the sumptious food, that will be served during the festival. Photography by Kirsty Young Photogr aphy
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For rich£ r, for poor£ r…? By Charlotte Tupper from Montpellier Asset Management There are a number of financial incentives for tying the knot. Here are 7 points to consider when getting married. 1. Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership
When gifts are given from savings, there are limits imposed by HMRC on the actual amount one can gift depending on the relationship between the person gifting and the individual receiving the gift. Gifts of up to £5,000 by each parent are free of inheritance tax, regardless of whether the parent survives seven years. Grandparents can gift £2,500 each tax free and anyone else can give up to £1,000. One should be aware that if the gift exceeds these limits, then there could be a potential tax charge. 2. Home is where the heart is
If you own a property, it is worth considering how it is owned. You can own the property as joint tenants or as tenants-in-common. In a joint tenancy, the partners own the whole property and do not have a particular share in it, while tenants-in-common each have a definite share in the property. As beneficial joint tenants, if one spouse dies then the property will automatically go to the other spouse but owning the property as tenants-in-common, means that the will dictates who gets the property, which means that the remaining spouse may not automatically inherit. It is best to seek legal advice from someone who specialises in property. https://www.gov.uk/joint-propertyownership/overview 3. Investing in your children
Sooner or later you may hear the pitter, patter of tiny feet, which means a future of childcare, schooling and even university costs. Once you have children, there are many types of savings vehicles that can be set up in their names to build up a lump sum to pay for these eventualities. Although children are taxed in the same way as adults most won’t
earn more than their allowance and therefore won’t pay any tax. Each child can, in the 2014-15 tax year, earn up to £10,000 tax-free from salary, savings or investments. Make sure you complete an HMRC R85 form to ensure any interest is paid without tax being automatically deducted. 4. Till death do us part
When one gets married any existing will you may have had is automatically revoked. It makes good sense to review it, as although people often assume their spouse will automatically inherit everything, this is not the case. Getting one drawn up is an inexpensive process and can save a lot of problems further down the line. 5. Life Assurance
Life assurance can only cost a few pounds and will mean that if the worst should happen, your spouse won’t be left high and dry. If you already have life assurance, it is well worth considering reviewing it as you now have dependants. You also may not be aware that if you haven’t got your life assurance in trust you won’t receive the proceeds straight away. We have a comprehensive range of ‘off the shelf ’ UK trusts’ and if specialist advice is required, then we can liaise with your solicitor.
6. Don’t let your marriage be taxing
If you and your spouse are living together, any transfer of an asset between you is treated as giving rise to neither a gain nor a loss to the person transferring it, therefore being free of capital gains tax. In some circumstances, it may be sensible to consider transferring income-producing assets to make the most of this allowance. It is a good idea to keep copies of contract notes and records for all assets on which CGT might eventually be due, so you can make use of your tax-free allowance. 7. Plan your pension
Sorting out your pension is probably the least exciting thing to be doing when you get married but with changes currently being made to public sector pensions and people working for longer, it’s becoming more and more important to sort out your pension at the earliest opportunity. You may want to review your pension’s nomination of wish form and add your spouse as a beneficiary. Please come in and see me, Charlotte Tupper, opposite the Town Hall at 7 Imperial Square in Cheltenham. www.montpellierasset.com Tel: 01242 530999 Email: charlotte@montpellierasset.com
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GROWING
GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES Profiling a selection of leading companies and their plans for the year ahead
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Word of mouth… Eric Barton checks out local dental care practice Arnica Fear is a strange thing. It can manifest itself in the weirdest and most irrational ways imaginable. I don t really like the idea of swimming in shark infested waters, or having a trudge around the odd ghetto or two at midnight wearing an expensive watch with a camera festooned over my neck. And just like those irrational fears that some of us have, a visit to the dentist can cause all sorts of unnecessary mental barriers. At Arnica Dental Care in Leckhampton, Cheltenham they know only too-well that this trepidation is for some patients very real and not irrational at all. Choosing the right private dental clinic is a very important decision and can be for some, a rather daunting task. We all want a dental clinic that we can trust to look after our oral health and wellbeing. It may be that you’re looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist who can give you the smile you’ve always wanted or even had in the past. You might even have that all too common irrational fear of dentists and require the skills and
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experience of a sedation dentist. Arnica Dental Care is in fact Cheltenham’s leading Dental Sedation Centre and therefore extremely well qualified and experienced to provide nervous, anxious patients with a range of sedation options including gas, air and
intravenous sedation. Arnica is very experienced at helping patients with dental phobias to fully relax and receive treatment. The early year’s story at Arnica Dental Care is one of camper vans, surfboards and a strong yearning by the owner to be one of the best in her professional field within the UK. When Dr. Ellie Ledger BDS FDSRCS (Ellie) qualified from Cardiff University in 1991 she spent her early career working in hospital dentistry, gaining a Fellowship in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1994. She arrived in Cheltenham literally with a camper van and her surfboard and promptly set about joining the casualty department of Cheltenham General Hospital gaining extensive and valuable experience in maxillofacial surgery. This in short is reconstructive dental surgery after perhaps an accident or deep trauma. Ellie is now a registered specialist in surgical dentistry and regularly accepts referrals from other dentists for complex dental surgical procedures. She has also specialised in treating nervous and
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anxious patients and is qualified to administer various sedation techniques including intravenous sedation. Ellie also places and restores implants, having completed a year-long multisystem dental implantology course at Trafford General Hospital in Manchester over 13 years ago. At Arnica Dental Care they also place Zygomatic dental implants which is a procedure that involves anchoring longer than normal dental implants in the cheek bone. The procedure is considerably less invasive than the traditional sinus lift or bone graft so therefore the patient experiences less discomfort and the whole procedure can be completed in one day. Ellie commented, ‘’ this kind of implant technique produces a permanent fix. Not many dentists are
offering this as yet. In some cases a number of patients’ thought that their condition was too far gone for implants. This not the case now. The finished look produces great looking teeth that also feel fantastic’’. She went on to say, ‘’for some of our patients it’s simply life changing’’. Ellie places and restores implants herself, from simple single-tooth replacements to large bridges and complete mouth implant rehabilitations, keeping herself up to date by attending several courses a year and is also a member of the Association of Dental Implantology UK. So you see it’s a world of professionalism coupled to talent, linked to dedication. Arnica Dental Care is a truly privately owned business. In these days of the big corporate push who wants to have their oral and dental care swallowed up by the ‘big boys’ where sometimes the focus on the individual patient might not be where it needs to be? Dr Ellie Ledger goes on to further comment, ‘’ At Arnica it’s always about striking a balance between the needs of a successful practice and being completely patient focused’’. She goes on to say, ‘’in the last six years we have got bigger and growth has been at a healthy rate. Being focused on the practice itself and the needs of our patients has been key. And the actual growth has in a sense, been by
referral which is testament to our ability’’. She also says, ‘the next three years at Arnica will be very interesting as new techniques become available and of course some expansion of the business could well be on the cards’’. Ellie finally adds, ‘I get personal joy at seeing how we can change someone’s life for the better. I’m also very heartened about being able to remove any pain that a patient may suffering from due to a dental problem’’. It’s an ‘all girl’ team at Arnica which bodes well for that ‘lighter touch’ when it comes to handling patient anxieties. It’s all about being in touch with emotions and confronting them delicately. Arnica Dental Care’s clinic is situated on the tree-lined Leckhampton Road just 15 minutes’ walk from Montpellier, 5 Minutes’ walk from the Bath Road and within easy reach by foot, car or public transport from all areas in and around Cheltenham. For further information and or a friendly chat call Arnica Dental on 01242 655 554 www.arnicadentalcare.co.uk
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“The way to succeed in business is to stay focused, be flexible in your approach and deliver on your promises.” Phil Barton
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The rolling stone… Eric Barton crunches the numbers with the JELF Insurance CEO Doing the same old thing is boring. Repetition in any sphere other than say, exercise or eating chocolate can make Jack a very dull boy. Like a shark that continually carves its way through the ocean, change and movement is not only good, but necessary for survival and the evolution of the species. And in a sense just like life and nature, a constantly evolving business model is key to both future growth and stability. The financial colossus that is Jelf was established in 1989 by its founder and deputy Chairman, Chris Jelf. Jelf's core business focuses on the provision of an extensive range of services and advice to companies. It’s a simple ethos and business offer that’s coursing through the very lifeblood of the company. Phil Barton, CEO, Jelf Insurance is a very affable Lancastrian with a financial services background going back more than 30 years. It’s a long, winding path of experience that’s made him one of the most respected professionals in his field. Prior to joining Jelf in 2003 he worked for AXA, where he was the Managing Director (IFA Sales) and Prudential, where he was Sales Director (National Accounts). Since then he has performed a number of roles including Head of Compliance, Group Commercial Director and Group Marketing Director. He was appointed CEO (Insurance) at Jelf in May 2010. Phil Barton commented, “2014 showed phenomenal growth for Jelf Insurance. We returned a 69% profit growth which was a stellar performance’’. Phil added, ‘In December 2014 we were voted National Broker of the Year which meant that we were voted the best out of 6000 brokers by the industry. That’s no mean feat and a real reflection on the high standards we have set at Jelf’’. The insurance business has over 800 staff in England and Wales with their head office in Bristol. As a full service consultancy, Jelf advises businesses across a range of services
including insurance, healthcare, employee benefits, commercial finance and financial planning. Phil went on to comment, ‘’we concentrate on understanding the risks that each client faces; building a bespoke solution that removes or manages these issues’’. In addition to their core focus on the SME market, Jelf has an increasing number of larger corporate clients. It has embraced a new regulatory environment in which the FCA oversees the general insurance, healthcare and mortgage markets. Furthermore, over the past ten years Jelf have made in excess of 40 acquisitions As part of this growth in December 2014 Jelf acquired Yorkshire based insurance brokers, Beaumonts Insurance Group Ltd. Beaumonts have offices in Leeds, Bradford, Shrewsbury and Doncaster, which will join existing Jelf Group offices in Hull, York, central Leeds and Manchester. Phil Barton said: “We were delighted that Beaumonts chose Jelf as their partner for growth. Together Jelf, The Insurance Partnership and Beaumonts have now created a new northern powerhouse stretching from Manchester to Hull’’. He added, “Jelf’s vision is to become the leading insurance broker in the UK, committed to delivering the highest levels of customer service to clients in the local communities in which we work.” Phil Barton goes on to further say, ‘’It’s all about having a strong balance sheet and a solid, well thought-out strategy of organic growth coupled with a planned path of targeted acquisitions’’. He went on to add, ‘’we are all about delivery and our clients will always come first. The business here at Jelf focuses on a simple and common way of working, together with delivering the best business solutions possible. Most of our competitors fail to achieve this’’. It’s very clear that this warm, engaging CEO is a people person who revels in both the success of the Jelf business and the clients they advise. Phil simply says, ‘’ I love working with my team and delivering results.
It’s all about keeping our promises to our clients’’. I’m keen to find out about the Jelf Cheltenham office. Phil Barton says. ‘We have offices spread throughout the UK. Cheltenham is at the very heart of our Gloucestershire operation. It’s a great place to have an office. I actually live in Cheltenham so I should know’’. Jelf intends to continue its growth strategy, driven by both organic activity and cross-selling over all divisions and by acquisitions. The acquisition activity will focus mainly on commercial insurance and healthcare, where there are attractive opportunities to create shareholder value due to the scale economies in these businesses. Phil Barton also comments, ‘the Group will continue to focus on SMEs, as well as larger corporate clients and High Net Worth individuals and may well continue to expand our footprint in England and Wales’’. He adds, ‘’Jelf’s future growth will be underpinned by the core belief that the customer must always come first. Away from work Phil is no couch potato, “I always like to do something full-on. I don’t tend to sit in a corner quietly with a good book. I like undertaking big cycling challenges, particularly for charity and I’m very keen on sport. I’m a bit of an Everton fan, so try to get to games when I can. Phil Barton closes by imparting some business wisdom, saying, ‘’the way to succeed in business is to stay focused, be flexible in your approach and deliver on your promises’’. It’s very plain to see with Phil Barton and the team at Jelf Insurance… that this is one rolling stone that won’t be gathering moss any time soon. Westmoreland House, 80-86 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7JT Tel: 01242 231000 www.jelfgroup.com
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‘Hire’ Success for Recruitment companies Lesha Chaplin-Park talks to Richard East about the growth of RE Resource Group and his diversification into other areas of the recruitment industry Having taken on various employment roles after leaving school, including the position of labourer in a builders merchant in the beautiful town of Hereford where he was raised, Richard East of Bourton-On-The-Water, was lured by the lucrative boom of the 1990’s recruitment industry where he enjoyed success working with leading agencies across Hereford. However, like all great entrepreneurs, Richard soon had a yearning to take his learned knowledge, hone it and set out alone. In 2001 he did just that, launching Re Resource Group, a recruitment agency in Cheltenham focusing on the industrial/warehousing, transport, food/agriculture and commercial sectors. “It was an obvious route for me to take at that time,” says Richard. “I had the passion and dedication to fulfill the often challenging role that is required in the recruitment industry. I had also gleaned a wealth of experience and knowledge in finding and placing the right candidates in the best roles." Combining the two,
Richard East
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along with his passion for business, provided the perfect formula to create an agency that could deliver at a time when the market was saturated with competition. Richard also practiced what he preached when it came to recruiting his own staff and in 2005 he employed a then 23-year-old James Gibb as a consultant specialising in the industrial and transport sectors. “I don't believe that I would have enjoyed such success with RE Resource Group if I wasn’t able to read people in order to place them in appropriate roles. When I met James, I realised straight away that his methodical and dedicated approach would work well with my more relaxed and creative angle.” After several years and several promotions, James became a partner and now overseas the overall running of the business including Finance and Operations for the group which today employs upward of 40 full time staff out of their 3 branches and onsite division.
Of course, no one could foresee the devastating crash of 2008, which plunged the country into a severe recession. However, RE successfully rode the storm, emerging the other side a stronger force with an even bigger presence in the Cheltenham area. “I dislike the term ‘recession proof’ as there have been many excellent companies across all industries who have, for various reasons, found themselves casualties of the downturn in the market”. Continues Richard, “I don't believe there is a magic formula that keeps a company buoyant during such a time. However, what we strived to do at RE was stay focused to our ethos of remaining efficient and cost effective, coupled with a friendly and understanding approach to building and maintaining relationships.” It is this ethos that has enabled the company to grow year on year to the point where this year it is estimated to turn over an impressive £19m and now boasts branches in Gloucestershire,
James Gibbs
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“In 2012 Richard noticed a void in the market for recruitment within the care industry and along with James and director Katie Armstrong, filled that void with the launch of Safehands Recruitment“ Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Not one to stagnate in his comfort zone, Richard is always on the look for a gap in the market relating to the recruitment industry and when he spots one, he pounces on it with the same vigour, ethos and strategy that has firmly positioned RE Resource Group in the No.1 spot for recruitment services in the area. In 2012 Richard noticed a void in the market for recruitment within the care industry and along with James and director Katie Armstrong, filled that void with the launch of Safehands Recruitment; a company specialising in the supply of temporary workers into the Healthcare industry. Appalling news items of careless workers in healthcare in recent times has highlighted the need for efficient, qualified, temporary staff, so much so that a mere 18 months after opening, the reputation of the company has grown to the point that they have recently opened their 4th branch, with more branch openings scheduled for 2015/2016.
Last year, Richard and James once again sought pastures new when they broke into the technical marketplace launching ‘Ambrose Recruitment’ with specialist recruiter Robert Dove. Ambrose is designed to provide permanent, contract and interim recruitment solutions to engineering and manufacturing companies. The job of sourcing skilled personnel for a wide range of businesses nationally was a brave move considering the ongoing lack of engineers available in the UK. “Meeting Robert was the difference between us launching Ambrose or not.” Says Richard. “Robert has a reputation in the industry for his longevity, professionalism and desire to succeed, however what sets him apart is his ability to understand what it is that attracts talented professionals to roles that comprise of executive positions to specialist industries.” The gamble has clearly paid off and since launching in autumn last year, the company has grown to such a degree
that 3 extra staff have been taken on this month to meet demand. “We are now operating on a nationwide basis sourcing graduates through to director level positions across a wide range of specialist industries including; aerospace, defence, automotive, fmcg, automation, process, general manufacturing, warehouse and distribution” says Robert Dove. “Our fast growth sends out a positive sign that the economy has finally recovered after a tough 6 years and whilst the skills shortage is a major challenge to many employers, our combined wealth of experience combined with our investment in IT and marketing, ensures we can access pools of talented professionals to fill these vacancies.” It is the investment as well as the evolution of change largely driven through advances in technology that is having a positive effect on engineering and manufacturing in the UK. This in turn has presented Ambrose with an excellent opportunity to meet the >
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challenges of the industry by working in partnership with some of the countries leading employers to fulfill their specialist recruitment needs. Listening to their clients needs has been a large part of the success for Richard and James, so when the question of training started being asked, they set up RE Training which not only complemented RE Resource Group, but filled a need for many of their clients. “We set up RE Training in 2014 to expand the services that we can offer to our customers in an ever more competitive market.” Says RIchard. “As well as legislative training, we understand that it is beneficial for businesses to offer staff training in a variety of other areas to ensure staff retention, productivity and confidence”. The company have set up a highly trained team of in-house training advisors as well as a pool of highly qualified freelance trainers for their extensive range of courses. Their bespoke training option is also an area proving successful for clients who have specific business needs. Other courses include; management, personnel, care, industrial, hospitality, social media, health & safety, first aid and food safety. Experienced trainers deliver the courses from various accreditation centres such as CIEH, HSE, Maybo, Highfields, City & Guilds and Edxcel. “We
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have listened to our clients and developed courses according to their requirements,” says Charlotte Harrison who has been instrumental in setting up RE Training with Richard and James. "Our most popular course is the Leadership and Management Level 3 – This is a fantastic course that puts the foundations in place for any business. So often we see hard workers that show initiative and intelligence being promoted to supervisors/ Team Leader/ Front Line Managers. However what we also see is that these individuals do not also automatically come with the tool kit required to be a successful manager. What this course does is gives each participant the skill set and confidence to be a successful leader." Another course proving immensely popular is the Food Safety Industry course. This course goes through food safety, hygiene and is tailored to an individuals specific work role. This takes up to 12 months to complete and can be fully funded if the participant meets the eligibility criteria. Like all of the RE Training courses, it enables a business to standardise its workforce, continue professional development and create a career path for their staff. As well as being passionate about the RE Group, Richard is also passionate about supporting a number of charities
and is Chairman of the Beavers Sports Society, which is a platform from which he raises funds each year for various causes. Richard was in fact in the top 3% of fundraisers for 2014 with the ‘Just Giving’ charity. “A good friend of mine recently lost his 5 year old son and the charity ‘Acorns’ were instrumental in making his short life so rewarding. By supporting causes such as Acorns as well as others, I feel as though I am giving something back.” So what does the future hold for Richard and his companies? “We are not a group of people who like to stand still. We have a great team and everyone in each business is passionate about growing their company and we have many plans in place to do just that. So whilst there is no doubt there will be more growth in 2015, one thing will remain the same…the good reputation and level of service that has become synonymous with the name RE Resource Group. www.reresourcegroup.co.uk
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Excellence through experience Laura-Jayne Roberts reveals how motoring enthusiasts will be taken to indulgence-filled heights by luxury brand Top Marques Events Ltd For the motoring enthusiast seeking extra thrills and excitement, accompanied with indulgence and luxury, they need look no further. Top Marques Events Ltd offer bespoke escorted car tours. Each year the Top Marques Events team of passionate motorsport experts, research and plan an exclusive selection of unique driving journeys for classic, prestige and supercar owners. Created out of a jointly held passion for first class delivery, the team’s aim is to satisfy the seasoned traveller whilst exciting the motoring novice. The thrill of driving your prestige car on the best touring roads in the UK and Europe, whilst staying at the most luxurious hotels, is a truly unforgettable experience. Senior Directors, Julien Down, Fay Merrick and Simon Layton have enjoyed many classic motoring miles and together have a proven ability to create and deliver meticulously planned, enjoyable and memorable events. Having had a lifelong passion for prestige, sports and classic cars and been involved in the classic car movement, Julien has organised shows and classic runs for many years. He said: “Top Marques Events offers the discerning motoring enthusiast the opportunity to enjoy their classic, prestige, or supercar on the open road, while enjoying the very best scenery, some of the most relaxing luxury and all in the company of likeminded companions.” Julien has held many senior positions in the Private Banking arena, spanning a career of over 30 years. Leading teams across Mayfair and the South West, Julien has developed the breadth of experience to ensure a great attention to detail. Latterly, through the creation and delivery of many UK wide, high-class events, he has ensured an enviable track record amongst his clients and colleagues. Julien continues: “Our company is aiming to achieve the very highest standards of service and guarantees a robust hotel
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selection criteria - seeking out some of the smaller, less well-known gems, as well as some opulent, larger establishments.” Working alongside Julien, Fay is proud to have successfully designed and delivered a high profile and hugely successful events programme for Lloyds Banking Group - including a three-year sponsorship of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Having grown up with an E-type Jaguar and with a passion for all things “horse power” she said: “Having done our market research, there is no-one else offering car tours at the luxury end of the market.”
Julien furthered: “Top Marques Events has been borne out of the proven ability of all three Directors to work at the highest levels in the corporate arena. This experience, gathered over a combined 100 year time frame, has enabled the three strong team to deliver a high-end, bespoke, personal service to the private client.” Covering the most beautiful landscapes in the UK and Europe, the tours can vary in length from three to eight days and are exclusive, with no more than 20 cars on each trip. Some tours include roads known for their exhilarating complexity, while others are more relaxed and focus on the scenery. Third Senior Director, Simon, has gained a wealth of experience in both Commercial and Personal banking. His relationship and networking skills deliver a service of excellence and it is this, which brings significant value to Top Marques
Events. He shares a love of cars, especially his classic 1976 Triumph Stag. Commenting on the latest release of their 2015 tours he said: “The current tours on offer have been selected to combine our love of classic and super cars, culture, luxurious accommodation and fine dining.” Julien adds: “They have been selected to offer fun, excitement and very different driving experiences. We are keen to ensure a fabulous break for everyone taking part, so as well as stunning roads, we have included gastronomic treats, special visits for the wine lover, cooking demonstrations from some of the world’s very best chefs and even the opportunity of a fabulously picturesque helicopter flight!” “We are also aiming to ensure clients have an opportunity to learn about the history of the places we visit, so will come home, having learnt more about the culture and history of the country visited,” added Fay. “Throughout my career I have been in the fortunate position of creating and delivering events both in the UK and overseas for high net worth clients. This experience helps me to know what is expected. I thoroughly enjoy ensuring that everyone has a good time and seeing all the planning and attention to detail coming to fruition.” The whole experience begins the moment a client books their place and typically includes; a comprehensive information pack containing every detail about the tour; ferry or Motorail transport booking; luxury accommodation and dining experiences at key points; on-site overnight parking; personally accompanied by Top Marques Directors, providing a point of contact every day; additional trips to local points of interest; surprise treats along the way; and two tour support vehicles. The touring season opens with a five day Champagne Tour, taking in the ever-
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Russell Harper, www.harperphotography.co.uk
Business
popular Northern France region. Top class hotels, beautiful scenery, first class food and a gathering of motoring enthusiasts, promises to kick the 2015 calendar off to a flying start. Leeds Castle in Kent is the rendezvous point on Sunday 26th April and provides a suitable taste of the experience to come! The Eurotunnel will be taken down to Epernay, across to Amboise, returning northward through Le Mans and Deauville, before hugging the coast back towards Calais, returning home on Friday 1st May. One aspect of the Top Marques Events offer is that any ’special’ car, whether that is a vintage/classic vehicle, a cherished prestige car, or a more modern supercar, is welcomed on the tours. “One thing is for certain, we aim for each tour to be allembracing and this will offer a truly interesting and enjoyable aspect for all participants. Our absolute aim is that our customers will enjoy their experience so much, they will recommend us to their friends and relatives, so that they too will be able to experience the Top Marques difference,” enthused Julien. “Drivers and navigators will enjoy some great opportunities to learn about the country being visited and sample the produce of the area.” Fellow travellers can be safe in the knowledge they are being cared for by a truly experienced team, who are passionate about being able to offer the chance to amalgamate high service levels,
premium client care, professional standards and also a large degree of fun! Julien said: “Experience has shown that car enthusiasts tend to be a fabulous bunch of people, generally with a first class sense of humour! This all helps to ensure that working in Top Marques Events provides enjoyment and satisfaction when a job is well done.” In addition to the Champagne tour in April, there is a Swiss Alps Tour in July which will include some of the most exhilarating driving roads in Europe with the route set to encounter the famous Simplon and Gotthard Passes, while the Irish Castles Tour, in late September, will leave those taking part completely enchanted from the soft light, gentle mists and almost ethereal scenery. “From our tours we give our clients the very best experience possible. One of the things I enjoy the most about working in this business is receiving the positive feedback from clients. The fact that when they return to travel with us again, they will be friends as well as clients,” confirms Simon. The team is very keen to spread its offer beyond the UK and Europe. Plans are underway to work alongside a major specialist UK car rental business, offering beautiful cars such as the iconic E type Jaguar, the much loved “Big Healey”, Jensen Interceptor, Porsches, Aston Martins and of course, classic cars such as the archetypal MGB Roadster and
Triumph Stag. Julien believes: “This move will open the doors for foreign visitors to come over to the UK and tours are currently under development to welcome such visitors for runs around the Thames Valley, Cotswolds, Lake District and of course, Scotland.” Simon added: “I am really looking forward to expanding the business to cover all types of events and tours and offer them to a world-wide market base.” While Fay said: “I would love to see Top Marques Events going "global". I can see us flying clients and their cars overseas, while also running tours for guests visiting the UK, who would like to hire a classic/super car and enjoy a tour as part of their holiday.” Excellence through experience by Top Marques Events Ltd, is set to take motoring enthusiasts and the world of luxury, by storm. Top Marques Events Ltd is also delighted to be able to support the Prince's Trust Charitable fund raising efforts. For more information on the up-coming tours please go to www.topmarquesevents.com or to speak to a member of the team, just contact on Julien@topmarquesevents.com or 07722 596112.
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Fantastic panoramic views over Painswick Valley
Freshly cooked food and local real ales make a visit to The Edgemoor Inn a real treat... The Edgemoor offers an impressive selection of home-cooked dishes, including many vegetarian and fresh fish options, along with homemade favourites and grills.
The lounge bar, has a light and modern feel which extends to the whole property. Outside on the patio area is a perfect place for a snack or quiet drink whilst admiring the panoramic views over Painswick and its glorious countryside. The Edgemoor Inn offers the very best in traditional Cotswold pub and restaurant dining, warm welcome in delightful surroundings with well-presented home-cooked food. This is a combination that’s hard to beat.
The Edgemoor Inn Edge, near Stroud, Gloucester GL6 6ND
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01452 813 576 www.edgemoor-inn.com
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Dining in Style Discover delicious recipes from our regular food writers, plus reviews of The Cotswolds’ finest restaurants...
SPONSORED BY
Kingsley Evans 115 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW
01242 222292 info@kingsleyevans.co.uk
www.kingsleyevans.co.uk
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Food & Drink
Fifty Shades of Love By SHELLE DUFFIN
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for. For couples, Valentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the companionship of the one you love, with a little help from Clintons Cards, Thornton’s, Ann Summers and florists nationwide. For all the singletons out there (and a few excitable female partners), it’s a date to the cinema with fellow single friends to watch the muchanticipated debut of what’s expected to be the raunchiest chick flick of the decade – Fifty Shades of Grey. Valentine’s Day is one particular day in the year when men woo their women (unless your name is Christian Grey), showering them with chocolates, red roses, lingerie, not forgetting the corny cards requesting to be ‘my valentine’ signed with a ‘?’, all to express their love and devotion, putting them back in the good books
until the following year. To the cynics amongst you, Valentine’s is a day that should be enjoyed by all without the need to be drawn into the commercial hype that so often surrounds it. The true meaning of Valentine’s is one small gesture that shows the one you love that you care, and for the singletons out there, don’t be disheartened – if you’re not already booked to go to the cinema, why not throw a dinner party for fellow singletons? Any excuse for a social gathering and one with a little match-making…you never know! This is a time gentlemen (and ladies), to pull out the stops – after all, the way to a lover’s heart is through the stomach, so a good meal is key to a successful Valentines. Many of us enjoy dining out in some of the brilliant restaurants The Cotswolds have to offer but why share your occasion crammed in a room with lots of other
couples? Spark off a bit of individuality mixed with a dollop of spontaneity. On this special night, atmosphere and ambiance are the key to intimacy - dimmed lights, a few flicking candles, seductive music, a good bottle of wine, are just a few touches to get you started and to set the mood but nothing expresses love and appreciation more than a home-cooked meal. Even Christian Grey could learn a thing or two here. Create the perfect dessert of indulgence, bringing a sweet and happy ending (or beginning of an end), to your night! This dessert, Mississippi Mud Pie is a childhood favourite, made by one of the great loves of my life - Grandma Duffin as a special treat on our visits. A lot of love went into this dish, as well as a lot of chocolate, both of which will prove to be a winning combination on your special night.
with butter and sprinkle the biscuit mixture – press firmly into the corners, the base and the sides, and put in the fridge for an hour • To make the filling, preheat the oven to 180°C • Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over simmering water – once melted, put to one side to cool • In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric whisk until light and creamy • Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla essence, melted chocolate and then
the cream until all the mixture has combined • Pour into the biscuit case and place in the oven for 30-40minutes until the pie has risen and is slightly firm • Put to one side to cool – the middle will sink slightly • Once cooled, whisk the cream and spread it over the middle of the pie – finish by sprinkling with the crumbled flake
Mississippi Mud Pie Serves 10
For the base: 300g bourbon biscuits 80g butter
For the filling: 150g dark chocolate 135g butter, cubed 150g soft brown sugar 150ml double cream 3 large eggs 25g cocoa powder 2tsp vanilla essence For the topping: 250ml double cream 2 chocolate flakes
Method • To make the base, melt the butter in a saucepan. Put the biscuits into a food processor and blitz into crumbs • Add the butter and blitz until thoroughly mixed • Grease a 23cm wide/4cm deep pie dish
Serving suggestion: drizzle with a little raspberry coulis and some fresh raspberries.
For more recipe ideas, reviews and articles, check out my blog – myboiledeggsandsoldiers@blogspot.com; or follow me on Twitter – @Shelle_Duffin, Instagram – shelleduffin, Pinterest – shelleduffin COTSWOLD STYLE FEBRUARY 2015 125
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2a Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HR
07807 786 944
www.lilygins.co.uk
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R&R A monthly column exploring the perfect location to clear your head and spend quality time with the ‘lovely one’ in your life This month Emma Logan reviews Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, near Malmesbury A gentle run into the South Cotswolds leads you through villages of undulating beauty, fields adorned with winter sun and hedgerows crisping under a cold frost. It was an idyllic drive for the chap KB and I, before we entered the impressive driveway leading to the grand entrance of Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa. Whatley Manor was originally built in the 18th century and formed part of an estate until 1987, when the stunning property became a hotel for the first time. The current owners, Marco and Alix Landolt first stayed at Whatley Manor whilst visiting their son who was competing at Badminton Horse Trials. The beauty of the place inspired them and when Whatley Manor came up for sale in 2000, they acquired it, painstakingly restored it and brought it back to its former glory. The manor house is a Grade 2 listed building with 12 acres of land, which have been transformed into 26 distinctive gardens, many of them based on the original 1920’s plans. The fifteen rooms and eight suites at Whatley Manor are all entirely individual in style and design with a blend of antique and contemporary furniture and art, sourced from around the world. Our suite was out of this world with views onto the gardens, a separate living area with a large Bang and Olufsen television and luxurious bathroom complete with finer touches such as candles around the bath. We warlked to the spa for our R&R time, which is a haven with its swim-in and out Hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins a Wave Dream sensory room to soothe the mind and the Aquarius treatment zone. Aquarius is recognised as a La Prairie ‘Art of Beauty’ centre and offers signature La Prairie therapies. To me the sign of an exceptional treatment (rather than what can end up as being mediocre), is how good the massage is; there are no complaints in this department. I asked my very nice therapist Kerry for the La Prairie deep tissue massage and to be firm! She
was strong and thorough and it was incredibly uplifting; just how I wanted it, pummeling away all the stress and aches. Later, we entered the charming Drawing Room to enjoy pre-dinner Champagne, cocktails and canapés served by delightful staff, many of whom have trained at Europe’s most prestigious hotels. We met with Italian wine sommelier Andrea Domenicucci who discussed our personal wine tastes while choosing from the a la carte menu. Food at Whatley Manor bursts with flavour and originality. There is a choice of two dining experiences and the style is classical French with a modern interpretation using the very best ingredients. Michelin two-starred chef, Martin Burge, oversees both restaurants with great accolade. My dinner started with the lightest goats cheese ravioli served with hazelnut sherbet, beetroot and topped with a cauliflower foam accompanied by a glass of Domaine Larue 1er Cru Vieille Vigne 2011, whilst KB went for a ‘boys’ choice of loin of local roasted hare dressed with a smoked shallot puree, confit of red cabbage and a glass of Passopisciaro 2010 Nerello Mascalese from Mount Etna, Italy. Both meals were quite delicious but the tenderness of the hare (something I would normally be reticent in trying), was a melt in the mouth moment. As part of your meal you are treated to innovative, additional courses, which don’t appear on the menu such as savoury bites to foaming soups and is accompanied by
delicious wines chosen by Andrea, which kept flowing. One of the most impressive things for both of us was that his selection was spot-on every time. He is highly knowledgable about wine and we were spoilt us with such an exquisite variety. Whilst savouring a delectable main course of roasted loin of venison with chestnuts in a peppered brandy sauce, I was treated to a La Pialade 2009 Cote du Rhone from Chateau Rayas and KB adored his Pian del Ciampolo, Sangiovese, Radda Chianti with his favourite cut of meat, pork tenderloin served with a black pudding and liquorice cassonade. I am not a pudding girl but a delightful sliver of very strong cheese, was accompanied by a La Pialade 2009 Cote du Rhone as KB tucked into a white chocolate sphere filled with the most ravishing pistachio kirsch mousse and drank a Chateau Laville 2006, from Sauternes. After the feast of the century there was nothing more we could do but stroll into our delightful suite for a blissful nights sleep. It is essential though to make sure you wake up with enough time to tuck into a full English breakfast before adorning yellow wellie boots and soft blankets provided by the manor and explore the very beautiful and calming gardens surrounding the estate. Whatley Manor runs regular events throughout the year from Ladies Lunches and Cookery Masterclasses to Sunday Jazz and Cinema Nights. On Thursday 12th March Corrigan Jewellery is hosting a day of Unique Treasures & Antique Chic from 10.30am. Tickets are £45, which includes lunch and a glass of wine. Special room rates for those attending are from £250. Please see the website for details of all events. Whatley Manor Hotel, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB Tel: 01666 822888 reservations@whatleymanor.com www.whatleymanor.com
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Style Event
Gloucestershire Big in Business Lunch Kingsholm was the venue for the Gloucestershire Big in Business Lunch hosted by TV and Sports Presenter Jill Douglas. The Lunch guest Speaker was Tim Greenway of Highfield Garden World based in Whitminster. Tim was the first Male guest speaker to be interviewd at the Ladies Lunch. The Lunch has proved so popular with well over 100 female attendees that it has been opened up to men as well. This lunch was sponsored by Tayabal-Tomlin. To book your place for the next lunch please contact angelaedwards@gloucesterrugby.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB WHEATMAN
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New Year with a trip to
Marinades Caribbean Restaurant Bar and Grill Cheltenham’s Original Caribbean Restaurant
Early Evening Menu 2 courses for £8.95 available until 8pm Tuesday to Thursday and 7.30pm on Friday.
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Gatcombe
Large International entry expected for the popular March
LAND ROVER GATCOMBE PARK HORSE TRIALS
The Land Rover Gatcombe Park Novice and Intermediate Horse Trials (Saturday-Sunday March 28th-29th), held at the home of Princess Anne near Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, is once again a key fixture for international riders as they build up their spring campaign looking for qualification results. Now in its 23rd year of running, with continuous support from Land Rover, the event takes place on a course designed by HRH The Princess Royal and her event organiser Pattie Biden, utilising a different area of the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the Festival of British Eventing in July. Starting at 9.00am on both days, dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases run
throughout. The event attracts many interesting shops, which will include the Gatcombe Collection. At various times during both days, HRH The Princess Royal will present prizes. Gatcombe Park is situated at Hampton Fields, mid-way between Minchinhampton and Avening; the event will be signposted from both directions. Spectator admission is ÂŁ6 for a car and all occupants and ÂŁ4 for a programme. For full information about directions, accommodation, course maps, timetable and all entries visit our web site www.gatcombehorsetrials.co.uk Watch out for a competition to win FREE tickets in next months edition of Cotswold Style.
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Sporting Style This month in Sporting Style we hear from regulars Shane Duff, Luciano Kydd & Nigel Aplin
SPONSORED BY
Telephone: 01242 583772 20 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QZ enquiries@tayalabalitomlin.com
www.tayabalitomlin.com
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Sport
WHO ARE THE TOP TRAINERS?
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Betlive Radio’s expert racing pundit Nigel Aplin, looks ahead at the leading trainers of The Cheltenham Festival ne of the most iconic, racy, equine book covers is Jilly Cooper’s Riders; a well-placed hand over pristine tight white jodhpurs and a thwacking, ‘let’s book the Bridal Suite, darling,’ leather crop. For so it is with those whose daily work straddles saddles, chokers, snaffles, bits and reins; Valentines will be sown aplenty, as oats in a myriad of hay worn boxes. And as it’s February with racing days prone to frost and foul weather, what better time to take a look at the pedigree of the trainers set to take the prizes at next month’s Cheltenham Festival? Nicky Henderson, trainer to Her Majesty and other well assorted bloodstock, is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history with 51 winners. With a voice well rehearsed in past celebrations and uncannily like that of Ronnie Corbett, he has won the Leading Trainer at the Festival award on nine occasions. Although he has not trained the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner since 1992, he has saddled a remarkable nine, topfour finishers in the last eight years and has a leading fancy this year, in L’ami Serge. Paul Nicholls, a former West Country jockey, has well outgrown his racing frame with 34 Cheltenham Festival victories and winner of the Leading Trainer Award on six occasions between 1999-2009. In addition to training four winners and seven places in the Gold Cup, Nicholls has also prepared as many as seven fourth-placed finishers, so 50% of his 36 runners in jumping’s blue riband have finished in the first four. If Silviniaco Conti can win the Gold Cup, Nicholls would not only join Tom Dreaper as the winning-most trainer in Gold Cup history but he would also
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“CHISELLED OUT OF THE FINEST IRISH ROCK AND THE FINEST WEARER OF A TRILBY THERE IS, WILLIE MULLINS, WITH A TOTAL OF 33 VICTORIES, IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IRISH TRAINER AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF ALL TIME.”
become the first trainer to win the race with four different horses. Also note his Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle runners, as with more luck he could easily have trained six of the last 11 winners, having also been responsible for two runners-up in addition to his four winners. Chiselled out of the finest Irish rock and the finest wearer of a trilby there is, Willie Mullins, with a total of 33 victories, is the most successful Irish trainer at the Cheltenham Festival of all time. Faugheen to win The Champion Hurdle is likely to be one of his ‘bankers’ of the meeting. Jonjo O’Neill, Master of Jackdaw’s Castle, is ever the joker for a Festival ‘touch’ and of 25 Festival successes, as many as J P McManus, whose colours
have been carried to victory on 41 occasions over these four days, owned 13. Particularly note his runners in the National Hunt Chase, Pertemps Network Final, the Festival Handicap Chase and John’s Spirit in whatever race he is
chosen to run. Local hero Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stable has registered 15 Cheltenham Festival victories. The New One is his big hope this season in his bid to go two places better, than an unfortunate third in last season’s Champion Hurdle. The definitive guide to betting at The Festival is The Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide published by Weatherbys on February 20th. For a reduced advance copy please call 01933 304776 and quote STYLE to receive £2 off the cover price of £14.95. Nigel Aplin, formally Head of broadcast for William Hill, is founder of www.betliveradio.com, which features a daily digest of betting banter.
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LIFE IN THE FAST LANE Sport, Christmas and winter weddings. All three sounds great but can you do them all and actually enjoy them, questions Shane Duff The three events are all interesting events and people who attend them generally indulge in a tipple or two to help them enjoy their time…and often too much. One thing that has changed in my life recently since retiring, is that I can now enjoy all of them if they fall within a small period of time. I can watch a variety of sports live or on the television form the comfort of my sofa, I can enjoy Christmas in any location I wish and I can attend all the winter weddings I choose to. To add to it, I can choose to do what I want to do. When professional sportsmen and women up and down the country reach Christmas, their alcohol consumption drops as their activity goes up. Public holidays provide opportunities for spectator sports to cash in on people being off work and consequently raising the workload for sports people. It is a job to be loved and enjoyed, so these small sacrifices are no big issue at all but when you retire, you can be foot loose and fancy-free. During this Christmas period alone, I indulged in far too much Prosecco, food
and board games. On one particular evening I was content supping away on some fizz and before I knew it I had sank a fair bit. The night was still young so I headed for a top-up, and met the eyes of my girlfriend Alice. ‘Why are you drinking?’
“IT IS A JOB TO BE LOVED AND ENJOYED, SO THESE SMALL SACRIFICES ARE NO BIG ISSUE AT ALL BUT WHEN YOU RETIRE, YOU CAN BE FOOT LOOSE AND FANCY-FREE. ” she asked quickly followed with ‘Nobody else is drinking’…… I paused and responded ‘I’m on my holidays’. It was a fair comment; I don’t drink much and I was enjoying relaxing at this festive time. I also had the joy of attending two weddings and they were great fun. No schedules to stick to, no alarms to set and no manager grinding me into the ground on muddy training pitches. The only pressure on me here was a best man’s speech, which luckily went without drama.
(This may not seem much but the bride involved in this wedding got the best man kicked out of her first wedding, so I think I did well!) After the Christmas period indulging, I have now turned into one of those guys whose attendance at the gym has increased since the turn of the year. I had always vowed not to be one of them, a January gym goer with a renewed motivation to get fit but here I am being exactly that. My saving grace is that it is now February and I am still attending, so I am surely not the mainstream now? Roll on March I say! I am confident in my motivation, I shall still be there come June time. Tweet me at @duffo16
www.shaneduffsoccer.co.uk Twitter: @shaneduffsoccer Facebook.com/ SOCCER shaneduffsoccer Gloucestershire’s
SCHOOL
solar powered used car dealership
completely motoring
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Chocolate, Alcohol, Celebrity Bodies… Luciano Kydd covers questions from keen gym-goer and friends Q. I love milk chocolate what other options can I use to cut down on my need for something sweet? A. Seeing that this is the time of the year where chocolate and red roses are sold in abundance, I wouldn’t deprive you of your chocolate but my advice will be to swap to an organic dark chocolate of 70% or more. This way you will automatically reduce your intake and also get your daily fix, along with all the added benefits of the antioxidants contained inside. You should also try Cocoa Nibs, which is a great way of getting your chocolate fix with many benefits being a superfood. Q. What alcoholic beverage is the least worst? A. If possible try and stay away from any alcoholic beverages while on your programme, as it can be a limiting factor in reaching your goals. It lowers testosterone in men and in women it can hinder your fight against losing belly fat, which is a common goal in training. It also increases cortisol in the body ie. your stress hormone and modifies steroid metabolism in the liver. If you have to indulge in alcohol, it’s best to drink red wine of a Spanish or Sardinian variety due to the high antioxidant levels contained in them and this can help to remove oestrogens in some individual cases. If you have to drink beer, it’s best to switch to spirits as beer causes a build up of oestrogen in our bodies. When drinking
alcohol the liver is put under a considerable amount of strain. It stops using fatty acids for fuel and switches to using alcohol instead, so it leaves any fatty acids it should have been using to be stored in adipose tissue as fat. Q. I can’t afford the gym what can I do? A. Fear not - all you need is your living room space. Find a small to medium travelling suitcase and fill it with the same amount of clothes as for a weekend break. Do the following movements: • A full body exercise like the squat thruster for 20 reps or 1 minute • Squatting exercises such as deadlift, picking up the suitcase from the floor to a standing position with legs straight, then lowering back on to the floor and repeat for 12-15 reps • Pulling exercises with the suitcase, such as bent over row for 12-15 reps • Pushing exercises - lying on your back, replicate the bench press using your suitcase doing 12-15 reps • A midsection exercise like the front plank, holding for 30 seconds • If you want more, finish off with sprinting on the spot for 20-30 seconds Do 2-3 sets of each exercise resting 45 seconds to 1 minute in-between each set. (Checkout YouTube if you are not familiar with the movements.)
Q. My girlfriend moans no matter how hard she trains she never manages to get a celebrity body; it’s starting to get a bit tedious? A. Women are regularly bombarded by the media with images of skinny celebs, which can make them feel inadequate, whilst in reality most are virtually starving themselves, with very little gym going. The thing your girlfriend needs to realise is that she need not emulate that type of look to feel happy. It may also be that she has a low self-image of herself which she may need looking into, to discover the cause on a deeper level. The other point to note is the celebrity culture requires most females to look a certain way and you should to point that out to her that she is not a celebrity BUT you can also assure her that she is a beautiful and attractive lady when not worrying about her looks. Tell her to keep up with healthy eating and training and her body will eventually morph into one that she will soon be pleased with. By Luciano Kydd – a body transformation coach, based in Cheltenham. Email: kyddfitness@hotmail.co.uk – (for 1-2-1 personal training). Tel: 07737 347854. Website: www.kyddfitness.co.uk Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ pages/Kydd-Fitness/278899372152099 Email: gloucestershirefitclub@gmail.com – (for group training)
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Kingsditch Trading
A DV E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
Kingsditch duo celebrate birthdays pril sees the fifth year in busines for the French Car Centre, a specialist repair and service garage dealing in all makes, but specialising in French cars. All staff are factory trained and in 2013 the RAC appointed them as Cheltenham's sole, RAC Approved, service and repair centre because of their committment to honest pricing, quality work and great service. Customers are encouraged to visit their web site to see what the company has to offer, see profiles of the staff and read customer comments and reviews especially from their lady customers who form over 65% of their client base.
A
The premises are easily found on Kingsditch Lane and for added convenience the company runs a free cllection and delivery service plus 10 loan cars and vans. For friendly help and advise call Paul Joiner or call in.and speak to one of the team. The French Car Centre Ltd, Kingsditch Lane, Cheltenham GL51 9PB Phone 01242 255 355 or visit: www.frenchcarrepairs.co.uk
evernside Safety Supplies Limited have just celebrated 40 years in business in Cheltenham. Starting in Albion Street at the end of 1974 and later moving into the High Street and then onto Kingsditch where they are now. The Kingsditch site allows for the warehousing of a vast range of products which are supplied all over the country as well as offices and a Trade Counter which local customers can visit to try the goods or just pick up or even browse.
S
MOT’s
The French Car Centre
Major Repairs
Kingsditch Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 9PB
Manufactures Services
01242
Brakes
An increasing amount of business is done via the website www.sevsafe.co.uk but Severnside still enjoy the personal contact with customers via the Trade Counter or by personal visits to customers. Severnside offer some exclusive lines as well as the big brands in PPE and workwear such as ATG gloves, Bolle eye protection, Scott, 3M, LH Delta Plus, Honeywell and Timberland. These include Steitz Secura safety footwear from Germany – often described by customers as ‘the most comfortable I’ve ever worn’, Top quality Workwear, Waterproofs and Corporate Identity clothing from the Scandinavian Triumvirate of Tranemo, Lyngsoe and ID and a range of products for chainsaw users featuring Francital clothing from France and Treemme boots from Italy. Sevenside Safety Supplies Malmesbury Road, Kingsditch, Cheltenham GL51 9PL 01242 525811 Email sales@sevsafe.co.uk
Severnside Safety Supplies Limited Please visit our Trade Counter in Malmesbury Road, Kingsditch, Cheltenham, GL51 9PL or our on-line shop at
www.sevsafe.co.uk
to see our range of Workwear, Corporate Clothing, Waterproofs, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Footwear, Gloves and Signs as well as specialised clothing and equipment for tree surgeons and other chainsaw users.
255355
Electronic Diagnosis
Out of hours SERVICE: 07738 731873 SALES: 07542 023571
All Makes Clutches Fitted
8.00am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 1.00pm Saturday 138 FEBRUARY 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE
01242 525811 sales@sevsafe.co.uk
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Claire in the County
Local
“IT’S VALENTINES DAY” says Claire Thayers, “ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE?”
ere we go again… marketing madness…. (I am allowed to say that, having worked in marketing for most of my life!) Valentine cards appear on our shelves, as soon as the Christmas Cards are removed and then we have to endure weeks of horrendous tacky items for sale in our supermarkets and shops – from red fluffy handcuffs (really?!) to tacky mugs…why? I really am turning into a grumpy old woman, am I not? If you are in a long-term relationship, surely you tell your loved one how cherished they are everyday by words and your caring actions? Personally I would prefer that, to a bunch of petrol station carnations bought in a panic at the end of the day on the 14th - and that has happened to me, he is still on hospital food I hasten to add! For those of us no longer in a longterm relationship, can we just bring back the fun of sending a few good oldfashioned, anonymous cards, to cheer people up? I have had so much fun in the past, sending cards, from far and distant locations to those who are feeling unloved and lonely and that included my father at the grand old age of 89! He was beside himself with excitement upon the sight of a saucy valentine with a simple
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kiss at the bottom! Where is the harm in that? I must admit though – I was naughty once, many, many years ago. I sent one to someone who was a ‘sexpest’ and wouldn’t take the hint…the best card ever – ‘The Valentine Express leaves at midnight tonight’ and then you opened it up and inside it said… ‘Be under it’ … Naughty but necessary and it seemed to work! So look upon the 14th as a day to cheer people up; be brave, send some cards to those who are lonely and down - keep the mystery and spread the love. The only problem is, when I was in a certain supermarket recently with my daughter, I was most put out that their ‘3 for 2’ offer on greetings cards did not extend to Valentine Day cards – Lucinda was very quick to point out that most sensible women of my age would not be bulk-buying such cards, and that I should ‘grow up’. Result – always love it when I manage to embarrass my children! So… this year, what are my plans for Valentines Day? The Golden Button Challenge takes place this year at Longdon Marsh, near Upton on Severn, and it is an event not to be missed, whether you are horsey or not. It is an event that is true to the tradition of point-to-points, a three-mile steeplechase and it is unique! It was
originally run at Town Street Farm, Tirley, the brainchild of David Redvers at the beginning of the millennium but after a break, this is the first one to be run over the new course. The Grand National terrifying Badminton is scary but in this race, riders race across open countryside, over natural fences and the hedges and the ditches are ENORMOUS…. There is nothing like a big jump to set the heart racing on Valentines Day (whips and spurs optional!) Many years ago I would have taken part but the days of a hard ride are long gone, so I will be happy to spectate with a gaggle of mates. Do check out the website www.goldenbutton.co.uk, or follow on Facebook. Go along, wrap up warm, pack the picnic and hip flask and enjoy the spectacle…. you can even go along to the ball that night! One can but hope that some partially sighted and grateful millionaire at the event will invite me as their partner for the party but if not, I still I intend to spend the night with some hot stuff one way or another…which in truth, probably equates to a seriously ‘hot’ curry, ‘steamy’ hot chocolate, a ‘saucy’ book and the electric blanket on… Claire Thayers & Associates, Corporate Social Responsibility, South West www.clairethayers.co.uk
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AWoman’sWork
Surtees SPEAKS... Oh, The Bores of This World! Thank god January is over; no more will I be forced to read confessions from the mundane; those who think their objectives of, “cut out alcohol/lose that stone/run a marathon” are either unusual or interesting. I’m not saying don’t do it (the majority of resolutions fail within the first 10 days anyway), just don’t lecture me on your banal intentions. Tell me you haven’t come across any of these bores in January and I’ll eat my (full-fat) hat….
The Diet Bore Just moments after stuffing in their final mini pork pie of 2014, the DB becomes an expert in calorie counting, with a passionate hatred of goose fat. They recite pages from the Dukan/Atkins/ Cambridge – or whatever diet bible they’re following this year and lecture you about their new whole grain habit and low calorie yogurt fasts. Every foodstuff is steamed or grilled within an inch of it’s life and the bores meet up with like minded disciples to discus the merits of steeping bran in water and using rocket as a substitute for butter “to moisten their wholemeal wraps”. Sadly, most dieters cave after day 10, when they walk past the take-away on their way back from a Slimming World meeting, having been ridiculed for the gain of 1lb.
The Exercise Bore Never having attempted exercise for over 8 years, the EB chooses 2015 as their year (or will it be week?) of fitness. They’ve watched more infomercials on fitbrit workouts, subscribed to Men’s Health Fitness magazine and bought the essential neon accessories. They’re experts - all that has to be done now is some actual exercise.
January 1st sees them strap on their lycra and attempt a 5k run. (The law according to Surtees Speaks notes the fitness of the candidate is in inverse proportion to the garishness of their attire: the more lurid the outfit, the more unsuitable for exercise the participant). By the end of their first warm up, they’ve strained a hamstring and limp forlornly back home, only to discover removing their hyper tights requires the kind of upper body strength they can only dream of…. The Book Club Bore What happens at Book Group, stays in Book Group (or rather cheese and wine club which is what the majority of BG’s pass for). Most members join to have a “literary” excuse to go out, chat about what kind of performance Jamie Dornan will give in 50 Shades, whilst they throw down half a bottle of Merlot and snaffle an individual Camembert. That is until the Book Group Bore joins the sect – sorry group. She suggests starting with one of the simpler classics - Dickens, Austen, Bronte? Or what about a modern text, something from Woolf? The other Book Groupers slink home feeling inadequate worried that they really ought
”SADLY, MOST DIETERS CAVE AFTER DAY 10, WHEN THEY WALK PAST THE TAKE-AWAY ON THEIR WAY BACK FROM A SLIMMING WORLD MEETING...” to be reading something more “worthy”. Little do they know that BGB is a charlatan; a failed English graduate who was ridiculed at Uni for her penchant for Katie Price autobiographies – it’s only her wooden necklace and sensible shoes which convey the impression of faux academic wisdom... So my advice? Like they say on the advert, just do it. Just don’t tell me about it…
I would love to hear from you! Please write to me, Amanda Toner (maiden name Surtees!) via editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
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Views
Columnist Sandra Paul moans on behalf of the county’s drivers he little things in life that are sent to trouble us generally include potholes, parking, queuing, the rising cost of a bottle of wine – and the usual ones: men and children. You probably think that because we are a society that has been groomed to complain – see TV advertising for ambulance chasers as point of proof – that the bodies that oversee potholes, parking, etc. must be inundated with complaints from members of the public. The reality is not quite that clear. Cotswold District Council, for example, had only 50 formal complaints last year and half of those complaints were about environmental services! Could the lack of formal moans be because of the rigmarole involved or is it we just can’t be bothered? Either way, I thought, here is a perfect gem of a business…. take up complaining on behalf of other people and charge them for the time and hassle. However, taking a straw poll across complaints from my inbox and friends, the common gripes do drive us mad but rather than complain formally, it appears we will just take our business and money elsewhere as a silent protest. Unanimously, potholes are the bane of our lives. Being reasonable, we all know that this isn’t an issue one can wave a fairy wand at and make good. However, what we are seeing is patch-up work being conducted in a seemingly haphazard way. Driving anywhere around Cheltenham, Cirencester or Gloucester, is more like a slalom course to avoid ditches that have appeared in the road – our roads look like they have experienced a seismic disaster as opposed to bit of wear and tear. Is there any logic to the lack of repair? Just circling the hole with chalk does not placate or pacify us. Is there any logic to the seemingly haphazard rota of repairs? Does anyone care enough about it to moan without a beer or glass of wine in their hands? Parking in Cheltenham – or lack of
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“DRIVING ANYWHERE AROUND CHELTENHAM, CIRENCESTER OR GLOUCESTER, IS MORE LIKE A SLALOM COURSE TO AVOID DITCHES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN THE ROAD...” free, accessible parking - is becoming a serious issue especially when it’s looked at in conjunction with one-way road systems and pedestrianisation. I remember when I first came to live here and was amazed that one could drive through the centre of town. In towns that have been pedestrianised, it is the smaller, quirkier independent retail shops that have disappeared whilst the Pound shops and larger budget supermarkets have taken that space. I am not overly confident that when Cheltenham does become fully pedestrianised it will not be at the expense of its beautiful, individual charming boutiques and shops. Rather than battle to get to the shops, we will take our pennies and spend them elsewhere. Road chaos lasted months last year
around Bath and Suffolk Roads in Cheltenham and continues this year – apparently the water and sewage repairs were not completed. The one-way system and redesign of the roads around Boots and the High Street will start soon and has there been any co-ordination? It’s unbelievable isn’t it? I would suggest if you are a driver, pack your car with essentials such as food, water, torches, blankets if you are trying to get anywhere in town over the next few months. Sandra Paul has been in the communications industry for over twenty years working for Prime Ministers, Presidents and CEOs. Sandra lives and works in Cheltenham. Contact her on sandra@lococomms.com
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This Month with Kate Justice
LOVE vs LUST Kate Justice explores the myth of love, lust and just good old-fashioned romance this Valentines et’s talk about love and romance. It is the month of St Valentine’s after all… We can tackle the New Love versus Old Love debate, the Love / Lust quandary and try to figure out if love at first sight really exists. While we’re at it, why don’t we look at the question of someone for everyone? Soul-mates – that sort of rubbish. SORRY, I mean that sort of thing. One of my best friends got engaged on New Year’s Day and is now claiming to be one of the happiest girls in the world. To be fair, she does look VERY happy and doe eyed and when you consider she’s been living with her fiancé for a year or so already, there’s clearly some longevity there. I have also recently met a couple who are still blissfully in love 30 years after they got married – just as much now as they were then, proving there must be some people who are capable of falling, then staying deeply in love. Love at first sight though…. Now this is something I absolutely don’t get. I fell in love with Tom Cruise when I first saw him and I’m still in love with him now – but if I lived with him… would it last??? (Well, I’m happy to give it a go but so far
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“I THINK IF A COUPLE ‘FALL IN LOVE’ ON SIGHT – IT’S MORE LIKELY TO BE DUE TO A POWERFUL PHYSICAL CONNECTION. SO LET’S CALL IT LUST. ” the opportunity hasn’t presented itself.) I think if a couple ‘fall in love’ on sight – it’s more likely to be due to a powerful physical connection. So let’s call it Lust. They are both massively attracted to each other and desire is very strong. In some (oh so lucky) scenarios, it turns out he’s not an idiot, she’s no bunny boiler and there might even be a mutual appreciation of the same hobbies / films / books. If she doesn’t start cooking the household pets and he remains reliable on the ‘coming home from the pub on time’ type of agreement, this relationship could have legs. This then leads said couple, to truly believe they fell in love at first sight – when in fact (in my opinion, I mean - it’s not really fact)… they fell in lust at first sight and then the love developed later. Whatever your situation though – if
you don’t hate the commercialisation of a ‘Saint’s Day’ and want to get involved, you don’t really need a romantic love interest at all. I still sometimes get St Valentine’s cards from my children and in one great year I got one from my horse. Yes I did. Another time, I found myself alone on the big day so went to the local pub for their Valentine’s Day set menu with my mum… including aphrodisiac Oysters (that’s a myth by the way) and heart shaped chocolate pudding. We love each other so why not? Can I say it was one of the best Valentine’s Celebrations either of us have had for a while? I will also add, that I can’t imagine anyone at all who absolutely hates the idea of receiving a card to mark the day… so if you admire someone from afar… take the plunge, don’t be shy and send it. Whether they ever know it was you or not… you can take joy in the knowledge you’ll have made them feel good. If you would like to share your stories about your pets with Kate Justice, please email the Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
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CELEBRATING LOVE SINCE 1804.
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