Cotswold Style
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THE FESTIVAL YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO
March 2012
INTERVIEWS, RACE TIPS, LADIES DAY STYLE GUIDE SPONSORED BY COTSWOLD ASSET MANAGEMENT
WIN TICKETS TO GATCOMBE
ADAM HENSON Passionate about British farming
£2.50 CS
WWW.COTSWOLDSTYLE.CO.UK SEE THE LATEST FROM COTSWOLD STYLE TV
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IS NOW HERE.
Class leading fuel economy*
Best in Class child protection and safety assist**
Class leading emissions* Best in class ground clearance*
Seven airbags for superior all round protection
Lightest in its class*
Automatic front passenger seat airbag activation
Best in Class 5-star Euro NCAP Safety score**
Comes with complimentary Subaru ETCº aftercare
The new Subaru XV moves crossovers to the next level and promises to offer an enhanced driving experience that’s different to other crossovers. Stylish and distinctly urban, the new XV has caused a storm of its own, and not just because of its good looks. To experience the new XV for yourself call in or call us today.
* XV class consists of four wheel drive, 2.0 diesel equivalent versions of Audi Q3 (177ps), BMW X1 (143ps), Ford Kuga (140ps), Hyundai ix35 (136ps), Kia Sportage(136ps), Mitsubishi ASX (150ps), Nissan Qashqai (150ps), Skoda Yeti (140ps) and VW Tiguan (140ps). Please note the preceding differences in maximum power (“ps”). Figures correct at time of going to press and have been based on our competitors’ published figures. ** In its 2011 Euro NCAP test, the Subaru XV scored 86% for adult protection, 90% for child protection,64% for pedestrian protection and 86% for safety assistance generating a combined score of 326%. Euro NCAP data taken from www.euroncap.com –13th December 2011.
Subaru XV range fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban from 32.1 (8.8) to 41.5 (6.8). Extra urban from 47.9 (5.9) to 56.5 (5.0). Combined from 40.9 (6.9) to 50.4 (5.6). CO2 emissions from 160 to 146 (g/km).
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Rain, sleet, snow, ice, mud, dirt. There are many surfaces where you need All-Wheel Drive grip. And the new Subaru XV’s 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating gives you added safety and peace of mind on, and off, road. What’s more, XV also has class-leading fuel economy and emissions. To experience the new XV for yourself call in or call us today.
THREE COUNTIES SUBARU JUNCTION 1, M50, A38, SHUTHONGER, TEWKESBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL20 6EH TELEPHONE: 01684 296999 WEB: THREECOUNTIESSUBARU.CO.UK Subaru XV range fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban from 32.1 (8.8) to 41.5 (6.8). Extra urban from 47.9 (5.9) to 56.5 (5.0). Combined from 40.9 (6.9) to 50.4 (5.6). CO2 emissions from 160 to 146 (g/km).
000 Contents MARCH 12:Layout 1
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20
March
115
inside your issue...
141
10 Out and About
50 Gardening
91 Grand designs
Our guide to this month’s events
Camilla Bassett-Smith explains the beauty of early spring bulbs
Eleanor O’Kane looks ahead to the launch of Cheltenham’s newest festival
53 Sudeley Castle
93 Hair doctor
Head Gardener Jon Hodder explains his preparations in the garden for the new season ahead
Advice from Laura Leigh Hairdressing
17 Charity of the month This month we highlight the essential work carried out by Ruskin Mill Trust
19 Project restoration In the anniversary year of Edward Wilson’s ill-fated trip to the South Pole, we celebrate the achievements of this great explorer
20 Real Life
54 Style’s how to... Award-winning photographer Stephen Studd shows you how to get the most of out of your pictures
As the Cotswold Farm Park re-opens this month, we speak to Adam Henson about his passion for British farming
79 Style interview
23 Racing Special
83 Homestyle
Celebrating The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, we bring you 18 exciting pages of interviews, racing tips, fashion and Jill Douglas’ style guide for standing out on Ladies Day
Best gadgets for bathrooms and kitchens with Obsidian
4 COTSWOLD STYLE
We talk to Cheltenham artist Michael Paul about his one-man exhibition
89 Niall Foster Heart’s fundraising efforts for Childline
95 Refresh your look Sam Bawden, Director of Cheltenham Fashion Week gives her expert advice for refreshing your look
99 Dear Doctor Dr Vicky Blackburn from the Nuffield, answers your questions
103 Financial advice 105 Comment Gloucester’s ecclesiastical heritage
107 Tribute We celebrate the life and business achivements of ‘larger than life character’ Nick Grunfeld MARCH 2012
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28
38
54 109 Financial advice
133 Review
111 Legal advice
Ali Nightingale eats at Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham
113 Education: interview
135 Health & Beauty
We speak to Rendcomb College Headmaster Roland Martin
115 Women in Business
Relax at Montpellier Chapter
106 Real Wedding: Lisa Wilde and Stuart Walby married at Manor by the Lake
138 Glosse Posse Spy The social scene of the Cotswolds
We talk to the Director of Beards Angela Rose about her incredible business journey
141 Mums with tums
117 Chamber of Commerce
142 Serious fitness
Fitness advice for mothers
We explore the benefits for businesses employing ‘green’ values and services
We talk to Mixed Martial Arts champion Paul Sutherland
119 Charity focus
145 Competition
We chart the progress of a group of intrepid cyclists raising money for the charity PROPS
WIN tickets to Gatcombe Spring Horse Trials
121 Cocktail page
161 Countryside comment
121-129 This month’s recipes
162 Columnist Kate Justice
MARCH 2012
Style events
114 Silver Lining Ball in aid of Sue Ryder and Maggie’s 136 Cotswold Style’s sparkling cocktail party at Hotel du Vin 146 Local businesswoman Linda Lloyd celebrates her birthday in style
149-159 Motoring 136
COTSWOLD STYLE 5
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MARCH 2012
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Showrooms open all week and Saturday morning or other times by appointment
SEBASTIAN SELLERS Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Bookcases and furniture for all rooms Individually designed and handmade in our own workshops Using the very best materials and timber from sustainable woodlands Full project management if required
At Sebastian Sellers we still oer a no fee, no obligation, design service for your project 1-3 Old Coalyard Farm Industrial Estate West End, Northleach, GL54 3HE Tel: 01451 861864 Fax: 01451 861865 info@sebastiansellers.co.uk www.sebastiansellers.co.uk MARCH 2012
COTSWOLD STYLE 7
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A CALENDAR OF MUST-SEE, MUST TASTE EVENTS AT HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO CHELTENHAM
MARCH
5
I think. Therefore I du Vin.
GEAR UP FOR GOLD CUP MONDAY 6.30PM
Hotel du Vin and Martin & Co are offering a rare opportunity to sneak a peak at the Gold Cup trophy on Monday 5th March. The evening begins at 6.30pm with an informal wine tasting and canapés. Edward Gillespie of Cheltenham Racecourse will speak about the history of Gold Cup and how to win at the big races. You will also have the opportunity to get your photo taken with a trophy in the Sinners Enclosure room.
£15.00 PER PERSON MARCH
13 16 MARCH
29
A portion of the proceeds go to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre. Spaces are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
THE FESTIVAL AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Join us during the Festival to catch the week’s races on TV. Sip on a refreshing Pimm’s or local ale alfresco at the outside bar and dine whenever suits you as food will be available all day in the courtyard and bar with dedicated menus. Now that’s a winner.
HENNESSEY COGNAC AND DESSERT EVENING MONDAY 8.00PM
The evening has been designed for both enthusiasts and budding distilled spirit aficionados. Join us for a night of history, distillation, mixology and of course the all-important tastings. A welcome drink is served at 8pm, then four different fine Champagne Hennessey Cognacs will be paired with desserts. The evening will culminate with a tasting of the exclusive Paradis Imperial.
£60.00 PER PERSON
Payment is due at the time of reservation. Tables available in the bistro for early dinner bookings.
Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AQ To book telephone 01242 588 450
events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com www.hotelduvin.com
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009 Editor's Welcome MARCH 12:Layout 1
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Senior Partner Paul Bates 01242 220239 paul@stylemagazines.co.uk
Partner Mark Cuzner 07917 821577 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk
Account Manager Anthony Robinson 07917 175919 anthony@stylemagazines.co.uk
Account Manager Melanie Hall 07875 340840 salesteam@stylemagazines.co.uk Customer Services Executive Carley O’Dea
01242 220239
office@stylemagazines.co.uk Production Consultant Hilary Collier 01242 220239 hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk
Features Writer Eric Barton 01242 220239
Fashion Editor Jane Garner 01743 271615 style@janegarner.co.uk
Photographer Spencer McPherson 07773 374316 spencer@allintheimage.co.uk Photographer Rob Wheatman 07533 368571 wheatman@me.com Photographer Yasmin Hussain 07976 666046 yased1@yahoo.com
Photographer Phil Stevens 07875 739995 phil@allintheimage.co.uk
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welcome
editor’s foreword D
uring March all eyes are on the eagerly anticipated Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (March 13th-16th), the biggest four days in the Cotswolds’ Jump Racing calendar. With hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to attend again this year, The Festival is not only one of our most prestigious and exciting racing events, it also brings a major boost to our local shops, hotels and restaurants. In celebration of this spectacular event we have dedicated 16 pages to our Racing Special featuring rider interviews, hot tips for horses to look out for over the four days of The Festival, four pages of stunning fashion and with the increasingly popular Fashion Awards on Ladies Day we asked television presenter and regular racegoer Jill Douglas to give her advice on dressing to impress the fashion scouts this year. Be sure to read our Racing Special on pages 23-47. As the Cotswold Farm Park re-opens this month (March 17th) in preparation for its 2012 season, we speak exclusively to Adam Henson about his passion for sharing the highs and lows of sheep farming with the public. With increased numbers of visitors flocking to the park, Adam reveals the park’s newest additions that continue to make it one of the best visitor attractions in the Cotswolds. Read the full interview on pages 20-21. With Mother’s Day looming this month (March 18th), we bring you fashion and fitness advice from the experts. And don’t forget to enter our competition (page 145) to be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to the fabulous Gatcombe Spring Horse Trials. It’s an issue not to be missed! Eve Holmes, Editor, editor@stylemagazines.co.uk www.facebook.com/ CotswoldStyleMagazine
Follow me at @CotsStyleEditor
Cotswold Style
Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA. Switchboard: 01242 220239; Fax: 01242 257019; Email: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk or advertising@stylemagazines.co.uk. Publisher: Paul Bates; Distribution: Pineapple Media, 172 Northern Parade, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 9LT. Merchandising services: Patrick Farrelly.
Cover image: Celebrating The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. www.shutterstock.com. Read our Racing Special on pages 23-49 featuring interviews, racing tips, Jill Douglas’ Style Guide for Ladies Day and fashion.
Cotswold Style is published monthly by Cotswold Style Ltd, based at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Cotswold Style will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 1756-6673.
MARCH 2012
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COTSWOLD STYLE 9
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GEAR UP FOR GOLD CUP AT HOTEL DU VIN CHELTENHAM Monday 5th March Hotel du Vin and Martin & Co are offering a rare opportunity to sneak a peek at the Gold Cup trophies on Monday 5 March. The evening begins at 6:30pm with an informal wine tasting and canapés. Edward Gillespie of Cheltenham Racecourse will speak about the history of Gold Cup and how to win big at the races. You will also have the opportunity to get your photo taken with the Gold Cup trophies in the Sinners Enclosure Room. Tickets are £15 with a portion of the proceeds going to Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre. To RSVP, please contact the hotel at: Events.Cheltenham@HotelduVin.com Spaces are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment. BUSINESS BREAKFAST Wednesday 7th March 8 – 9.30 am at Kingsholm Stadium. Book you place by contacting Clare Reader on 01452 872274.
JENNA MONROE AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE Thursday 8th March Jenna Monroe, American born singer/pianist returns to The Everyman following last year’s sell-out solo performance. Her newly staged program covers a range of styles, featuring the music of Fairground Attraction, Tom Lehrer, Gershwin, Sondheim & others. From the skewered to the sublime, Jenna takes us straight to the heart of the matter in ‘Love Laid Bare & Minor Obsessions’. Jenna is accompanied by pianist James D’Angelo, originally from New York, who made his jazz debut in Carnegie Hall and played extensively throughout Greenwich Village with legends such as bassist, Charles Mingus, before coming to the U.K. 8 p.m. Tickets £10.50. www.everymantheatre.org.uk / Everyman Box Office: 01242 572573 DIGITALKS CHELTENHAM Thursday 8th March Meet and learn from the digital world 8pm-10pm in D’Fly. ww.digitalks.co.uk
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In association with
with Cotswold Style
‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com DURING THE MARCH RACES STUDY THE FORM WHILST ENJOYING BRUNCH AT MONTY’S BRASSERIE, CHELTENHAM Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th March During the March Races, Monty’s will be open for brunch from 10.30am. A selection of dishes using locally sourced ingredients; eggs Benedict £10.50, Sirloin Steak £12.50, Poached Haddock £10.50 and of course a delicious full English breakfast £12.50 will be on offer. Chilled Champagne, local ale and Guiness will all be available. Brunch will be served from 10.30am. If you are entertaining clients or want somewhere that you are guaranteed high quality food, book a table on 01242 238811. Large tables will be available. www.montysbraz.co.uk
MADAMA BUTTERFLY AND LA BOHEME (PUCCINI) Monday 19th – Wednesday 21st March One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heartbreaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant - with tragic results. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. www.everymantheatre.org.uk JIMEOIN - LOVELY! Tuesday 20th March A fantastic night courtesy of a world class stand-up comedian. Join Irish/Australian Jimeoin as he presents his amazing new show for one night only. 7.30pm Town Hall. Tickets: £14.50. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk THAT’LL BE THE DAY Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th March One of the UK’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll shows returns to the stage with an all new line up, classic hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as new comedy routines! www.everymantheatre.org.uk
CEDARS 10 YEARS YOUNGER WEEK Monday 26th – Friday 30th March Cedars Health & Beauty Centre in Gloucestershire is hosting its first ever 10 years younger week with 3 fabulous offers. Trial anti-ageing treatment for £25 choose from CACI non-surgical,
Microdermabrasion or Glycolic peel FREE second mini treatment when you buy any 2 skincare products FREE Regenlite patch test and consultation. www.cedarshealth-beauty.co.uk
DOUG ALLAN’S UK SPEAKING TOUR 2012 Tuesday 27th March Multi-award winning wildlife photographer, cameraman, explorer and two-time winner of the Polar Medal Doug Allan embarks on his “talky tour” across the UK. Doug will be hosting an evening of enthralling personal recollections from his travels around the world as one of the world’s leading wildlife cameramen. From being dragged under water by a hungry walrus to being poked by a polar bear in his sleep, Doug never fails to entertain with his exciting stories, Scottish charm and warm sense of humour. PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM Tickets £15, 7:30pm At The Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham. For more info please visit www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk or 0844 576 2210
HENNESSEY COGNAC AND DESSERT EVENING, FEATURING THE EXCLUSIVE HENNESSEY PARADIS IMPERIAL Thursday 29th March The evening at Hotel du Vin Cheltenham has been designed for both enthusiasts and budding distilled spirits aficionados, join us for an evening of history, distillation, mixology and of course the all-important tastings. Four different fine Champagne Hennessey Cognacs will be paired with desserts. The evening will culminate with a tasting of the exclusive Paradis Imperial. Welcome drink served at 8 pm; £60 per guest. To RSVP, please contact the hotel at 01242 588 450 or Events. Cheltenham@HotelDuVin.com. Payment is due at the time of reservation. Tables available in the bistro for early dinner bookings. CHELTENHAM SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB Thursday 29th March Where online meets offline. Music from
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‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
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your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea
THE KING AND I Tuesday 6th – Saturday 10th March The classic story of the British governess brought to the court of Siam to tutor the King’s many children is told using one of the most beautiful scores ever written with sweeping melodies such as The March of the Siamese Children, Shall We Dance, I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello Young Lovers and the unforgettable Getting to Know You. www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Ags Connolly and Emily Davis 6pm-8pm in Pepper Crescent www.wearesocialclub.co.uk
ROY CHUBBY BROWN Friday 30th March Tickets: £20. Roy Chubby Brown is back in Cheltenham! Britain’s most outrageous comedian will provide you with an unforgettable night of jokes, banter and hilarious mickey-taking! Be part of the best night in town but be warned - if easily offended please stay away! 7.30pm Town Hall. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk BOB PARKINSON COURSES ITALIAN DAY Wednesday 18th April Made By Bob, the hottest name on the lips of Cotswold foodies’, brings his perfectly executed recipes to The Foodworks for you to learn from his magnificent menu. You will be blown away with the ideas that can be created simply without cutting any corners on quality. Samples from his cafe/delicatessen recipes and a personal touch for you to recreate and impress all. www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk
FAMILY
THE TIM VINE CHAT SHOW Monday 5th March A total sell out at the Edinburgh Festival 2011, this is a show that you should not MARCH 2012
miss! Tim Vine chats to guests plucked from the audience. It could be Martin who runs a rug shop or Lydia, a part time librarian. Who knows what’s in store! As Tim always says: “everybody has a story”. Age 14+. Tickets: £17 8pm Town Hall www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk CHELTENHAM CONCERT SERIES – THE HALLÉ Saturday 10th March
The Cheltenham Town Hall welcomes Britain’s longest-established professional symphony orchestra and their exceptional assistant conductor Andrew Gourlay. He is joined by the extraordinarily gifted Ukrainian pianist Alexander Romanovsky for Rachmaninov’s romantic and popular Second Piano Concerto. 7.30pm. Tickets: £30, £25, £10 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS Monday 12th – Saturday 17th March A classic for all the family, including some
great sing-a-long tunes! In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition - and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! www.everymantheatre.org.uk
JUBILATE CHAMBER CHOIR SINGS: J.S. BACH – MASS IN B MINOR Saturday 17th March The mass is widely regarded as one of the supreme achievements of classical music containing a variety of choral styles with the choir singing in up to 8 parts at times. Jubilate is delighted to welcome Emma Kirkby as one of the soprano soloists to perform an intimate version of this choral masterpiece. Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc has kindly agreed to sponsor the concert. 7.30pm. St Mary's Parish Church. Tickets £15.00, £12.00 (Senior citizens), £10.00 (under 25s) available in advance from Musical Instruments, Cheltenham (Tel: 01242 517635) or at the door. COUNTRY HOUSE MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH Sunday 18th March A special Mother’s Day menu created especially for the occasion. 3 course lunch in The Beaufort Dining Room, complete with Tudor fireplaces, stained glass Oriel windows and original oak panelling or in the relaxed atmosphere of The Brasserie, for a casual and informal lunch. Ellenborough Park’s comprehensive wine list includes over 500 different wines. £35.00 per person and £17.50 per child (up to the age of 12). www.ellenboroughpark.com
CINDERELLA ON ICE Wednesday 28th March – Sunday 1st April
Internationally acclaimed Russian Ice Stars are delivering a truly magical production of the well loved fairytale, Cinderella this March. This Theatre On Ice production is a must for all family. The high-speed combination of extraordinary skating and
SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR COTSWOLD STYLE 11
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CHARITY
CHARITY SPRING FAIR AT THE INN AT FOSSEBRIDGE IN AID OF THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Thursday 8th March The perfect opportunity to find something special for Mother’s Day and Easter. Once again local Gloucestershire companies will be showcasing their businesses, including adult and children’s clothing, jewellery, accessories, gifts and items for the home as well as locally made artisan preserves and marmalades. Cookery Masterclass at 11.00am with Executive Chef Matt Wardman. On the door tickets £3.50pp to include a cup of locally roasted coffee. 10.00am – 4.00pm www.fossebridgeinn.co.uk WINSTON’S WISH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY Thursday 10th May Taking place at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex, Gloucester. More information is available at: www.winstonswish.org.uk/golfday
RUN THE BRIGHTON MARATHON, WINSTON’S WISH. Sunday 15th April Winston’s Wish has guaranteed places still available for the Brighton Marathon – it’s London by the Sea! Help support bereaved children and we’ll support you every step of the way. To find out more please visit: www.winstonswish.org.uk/brightonma rathon, contact the fundraising team on 01242 515157 or email community@winstonswish.org.uk CHARITY OF GOLD CUP DAY – IN AID OF ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE TRUST AT THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL Friday 16th March A great afternoon full of fun and entertainment. Dress in your finery, watch live coverage of all the days racing and cheer your favourite horse on while indulging in a delicious lunch and afternoon tea with friends. All profits from the day will be donated to Acorns
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‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com Children’s Hospice, three local hospices providing a comprehensive network of around the clock care to children and families of children who have life limiting and life threatening conditions. Acorns fun money will need to be purchased on the day in order to take part in the fun betting and be in with a chance of winning the fantastic prizes. To book your tickets please telephone 01608 650501. www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk
SHOPPING LUNCHEON IN AID OF MAGGIES Friday 20th April From 11am - 3pm Designer Clothing, Jewellery and Giftwares sale in the beautiful setting of the Montpellier Chapter Hotel. Montpellier Chapter will also be offering a £12 luncheon menu including a welcome drink. Come and support a fantastic cause whilst adding some gems to your wardrobe! Lunch reservation spaces are limited on the day, please call Montpellier Chapter restaurant directly on 01242 266708 to book your table. For further information, email Kat@beards.co.uk LINC PRESENTS THE WONDERFUL STUART SINGERS Friday 23rd March The Stuart Singers have a wide and constantly changing repertoire which spans spirituals, theatre, sacred and secular, classical and modern. 7.30pm. Unreserved seating £10.00 each. At Pittville Pump Rooms. Tickets available from the LINC office 08454 224422 or online at www.lincfund.org RENDCOMB RUN Sunday 25th March The first-ever Rendcomb run is to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. It will be a unique opportunity to run through the grounds, fields and woodlands of the Cirencester school, much of which is rarely open to the public. The event, on Sunday, March 25, will include a 10k, 5k and 1k run. The multi-terrain route will include hills, trails and, for both the 5k and 10k event, a river crossing! The races will be chip timed. Spaces are filling up fast, with 10 March the closing date for postal entries. All proceeds from the race will go to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
www.soldierscharity.org. The ABF provide practical help to injured soldiers and their families. Visit their website www.soldierscharity.org to find out more about their excellent work. Representatives from The Soldiers’ Charity will be on hand to explain current projects. Entry will cost £20 for the 10k, £15 for the 5k, and £3 for the 1k fun run, which is suitable for all abilities. The 10k will set off at 0930, with the 5k starting at 1130. To register, go to Runners World events: www.runnersworld.co.uk or contact Sue Gilling on 01285 832337 gillings@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk
PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM PRESENTS THE WONDERFUL STUART SINGERS Friday 23 March 2012 The Stuart Singers have a wide and constantly changing repertoire which spans spirituals, theatre, sacred and secular, classical and modern. 7.30pm. Unreserved seating £10.00 each. Tickets available from the LINC office 08454 224422 or online at www.lincfund.org 3 COUNTIES CYCLE RIDE Sunday 10 June 2012 Registered Charity number: 1078183 Starting and finishing at Tewkesbury Rugby Club. A choice of 64km or 32km route. Entry fee: In advance £10 per adult £5 under 16. On the day £15 per adult £6 under 16. Registration and sponsor forms can be downloaded from the website or are available from the LINC Office. www.lincfund.org. LINC Office, Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN t 08454 224422 email linc@glos.nhs.uk CHARITY POLO DAY IN AID OF THE LEUKAEMIA & INTENSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY FUND Sunday 24 June 2012 From midday at Cirencester Park Experience the polo ponies galloping across the pitch and enjoy a day’s hospitality in the LINC marquee. Ticket price £75 includes: LINC hospitality marquee Reserved seating in grandstand Drinks reception, delicious 3 course luncheon, traditional afternoon tea. Entry and car parking. 08454 224422 LINC@glos.nhs.uk www.lincfund.org @L_I_N_C
FEBRUARY SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR MARCH 2010 2012
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In association with
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GROW is a Gloucestershire charity helping to improve the lives of local people who are disadvantaged in some way, or who feel excluded from society. We work with all ages, from young children to the elderly. Our fundraising events are very popular, and often new people join us and forge great friendships. So come with friends, or on your own – either way, you will be made to feel very comfortable. Here are our upcoming events. Everyone is welcome. All tickets can be booked at: www.growglos.org/events
THE DAFFODIL Tuesday March 6th Treat yourself to some luxury in this elegant, award-winning 1920s style Art Deco restaurant! THE WHITE HART INN, WINCHCOMBE Tuesday March 20th This 16th century inn provides delicious simple dishes from local suppliers, and with an extensive range of real ales and local ciders, plus a wine shop within the pub, you can look forward to a great dining experience.
BRASSERIE BLANC Tuesday April 3rd Pretend you’re in Paris in this typically French-style bistro, and find out why Raymond Blanc’s food has made him a famous name in the restaurant world. For more details visit Grow website at: www.growglos.org
FEBRUARY 2010 MARCH 2012
your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea HIGHNAM COURT SPRING FAIR AT HIGHNAM COURT Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April 10.30am - 5.00pm. In aid of Gloucester Cathedral, The Pied Piper Appeal and the NSPCC. www.highnamcourtspringfair.co.uk
FASHION SHOW / SALE IN AID OF H.E.A.L ROMANIA Wednesday 28th March Taking place at the Sacred Hearts Church Hall, Charlton Kings. Tickets £5 in advance, £6 on door. Doors open at 7pm with the fashion show taking place at 7.30pm. For more details and tickets please contact Megan on 01242 211412 UNIQUE CHARITY AUCTION Saturday 31st March The Exmouth Arms on Bath Road will be hosting the event which takes place on at 8pm. Local and national businesses both small and large have come together in support of this cause by offering auction lots for people to bid on. There are 15 auction lots, so far and the evening will also include live music from Cheltenham singer/guitarist John D’Ambrosio. The full list of auction lots reads includes: A day in the kitchen with a 2 Michelin star Chef, Mila Furstova, a hot air balloon flight for two, courtesy of Virgin. For more information please contact Edward on 07961 483444 or emailing edsworldtour@hotmail.com
The Cheltenham Hat Company is delighted to offer its latest showpiece designed by Gloucestershire College Student Kelsey Dykes. Fashion students at Gloucestershire College were invited to design an original, but practical fascinator, with Ladies Day at The Festival in mind. Sarah Speakman from The Cheltenham Hat Company said: “I wanted to create a one-off piece which I could have made and then hire out for The Festival in March, as well as the summer wedding season. I chose Gloucestershire College fashion
SPORTING EVENTS
THE FESTIVAL AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th March The biggest four days in the Cotswolds Calendar, featuring the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday. www.cheltenham.co.uk CHELTENHAM TOWN FC V GILLINGHAM Saturday 17th March 15:00. www.ctfc.com
THE APRIL MEETING AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th April www.cheltenham.co.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY VS. EXETER CHIEFS Saturday 24th March Kick off 3PM. Book tickets online at www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk CHELTENHAM TOWN FC V OXFORD UNITED Saturday 24th March 15:00. www.ctfc.com
BUSINESS BREAKFAST Wednesday 7th March 8 – 9.30 am at Kingsholm Stadium Book you place by contacting Clare Reader on 01452 872274 students because I knew they’d have fresh and unusual ideas.” Sarah Clark, Fashion Course leader: “This live project Sarah has offered the students bridges the gap between classroom theory and real life fashion success.” Kelsey’s designs will now be hand-made by Lesley Hennessey of LJ Designs, based in Churchdown, who will create this unique, fun and headturning piece. The fascinator will be available to hire from The Cheltenham Hat Company for around £40. For more information contact sspeakman@cheltenhamhat company.co.uk
SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR COTSWOLD COTSWOLD STYLE STYLE 13 13
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Afternoon Tea: from 2pm until 5pm Come and celebrate the great British Institution. Catering for the traditionalist with finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones to the more unconventional with Knickerbocker Glories and Dutch pancakes or Drop Scones. A children's menu is also available. WEDNESDAY ROAST: Why wait until the weekend? Every wednesday you can enjoy a traditional roast with all the trimmings. Served at lunch and dinner at £12.50 per person. A DINNER WITH SOPHIE CRANSTON: March 20th from 7pm - 10pm. An exclusive chance to meet designer Sophie Cranston, creator of top fashion label Libelula. Enjoy a Champagne reception with canapes, a three course dinner with coffee and petit fours followed by a talk about Sophie's experiences in the British Fashion Industry. Tickets £55 per person, price includes a luxury goody bag. To book please go to www.fabcheltenham.co.uk www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com
CRUSE FUNDRAISER CONCERT Friday 30 March 2012
Featuring Blue Moon Harmony Choir. 7.30 p.m. Venue: Cheltenham College Chapel. Continuing our series of successful concerts, Cruse Bereavement Care invite you to an evening of celebration and song at the beautiful Chapel at Cheltenham College. This will feature the fantastic Blue Moon Harmony Choir with a varied repertoire of modern and upbeat music. There will be a collection for Gloucestershire Cruse. Gloucestershire Cruse offers free bereavement counselling to the people of Gloucestershire with a Team of over eighty trained bereavement volunteers dealing with all types of bereavement. Funds are essential to train new volunteers and to make sure that the service offered from our office can be maintained without public money. Tickets £8 single, £15 per couple and can be obtained from the Cruse office on 01242 252518 or from Richard Levinge 01242 246416
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In association with
with Cotswold Style
‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’
www.montpellierwinebar.com
LADIES LUNCH AT THE DAFFODIL
Tuesday 6th March, 12-2pm Held on the first Tuesday of each month, Ladies Lunch provides the perfect excuse for a little selfindulgence whilst catching up with the girls over a delicious lunch. This month The Daffodil has teamed up with Cheltenham Racecourse ahead of The Gold Cup Festival to offer an exclusive discount on Ladies Day tickets. In addition ladies will be able to glimpse an exclusive peek at the coveted Gold Cup trophy itself courtesy of exclusive local jewellers Martin & Co, who will also have a selection of their fine jewellery and luxury gifts on display. There will also be a taste of high-class fashion from some renowned international fashion houses exhibited by Cousins of Cheltenham, as well as a gorgeous range of tiaras, fascinators, hats, and bridal designs from The British School of Millinery all displayed in the Circle Bar throughout Ladies Lunch.
CHEESE CLUB AT THE DAFFODIL Tuesday 28th March, 12-2:30pm Held on the last Tuesday of each month, The Daffodil Cheese Club offers a unique opportunity for business professionals and foodies alike to enjoy an informal networking lunch whilst sampling delicious local artisan cheeses and tasting fine wine. Guests meet in the Circle Bar from midday for some informal networking before descending into the restaurant for lunch and the eagerly anticipated cheeseboard! Both the Cheese Club and the Ladies Lunch are always extremely popular so please be sure to book ahead by calling 01242 700 055 or email us at eat@thedaffodil.com for further information. www.thedaffodil.com
THE FESTIVAL Tuesday 13th – 16th March Start your day with our freshly cooked champagne breakfast before heading out for a day at the races. For those of you not attending the races, come to us for a quiet lunch and watch the races on our big screen. If you fancy a flutter, the bookmaker is only a 2 minute walk away! End an exhilarating day of racing with celebratory drinks and dinner here at the wine bar. ST PATRICKS DAY Saturday 17th March
Celebrate this special day with a pint of the black stuff and indulge in one of our delicious Guinness menu specials that will be available all day. We will also be showing the last three RBS 6 Nations games on our big screen, so why not make a day of it? MOTHERING SUNDAY Sunday 18th March
Show your appreciation for everything she does for you by making a fuss of your mum this Mothering Sunday. Treat her to a meal at the wine bar and we’ll give her a complimentary glass of fizz.
SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR MARCH 2012
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F I T T E D I N A D AY · B E AU T I F U L F O R L I F E
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Have you been affected by a Brain Tumour? Hammer Out runs Support Groups in Bristol, Cheltenham, Hereford and Worcestershire.
The groups are open to anyone who has been affected by a brain tumour, whether you are a patient, a family member, a friend or a carer.
Join us for the Weekend at our Annual Patient and Carer Conference on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March 2012 At The Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Cheltenham
Listen to our professional speakers – consultants, clinicians,
scientists and nurses – who will keep us up to date with the latest developments in research, treatments and patient care
Talk with specialists in Low Grade, High Grade, Benign and Adolescent Tumours in individual discussion groups
Join us for a buffet lunch and refreshments Choose from a wide selection of workshops – art, music,
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For further information please contact us on 0845 450 1036 www.hammerout.co.uk
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Tel: 01454 414355
email: support@hammerout.co.uk MARCH 2012
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reimagining potential
charity of the month
Following on in our series of charity features, we highlight the essential work carried out by Ruskin Mill Trust, who pride themselves on improving the lifelong opportunities for people with learning disabilities throughout the UK. What is the charity’s ethos? It’s not every day that you get to hammer out a spoon at an Iron Age forge, or scout for trout on a fish farm, or blow molten hot glass at a thousand degrees centigrade. However, at a Ruskin Mill Trust centre, our students engage with these activities every day. Over 60 per cent of our students are within the autistic spectrum, most with a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. This makes it difficult for them to attend mainstream colleges. We provide inclusive learning and living activities that integrate practical activity, thinking and emotions. A rich personalised curriculum includes craftwork, land work, performing arts, communication and functional skills, transition planning and residential provision for those that need it. We believe all people have the potential for positive change and development. The Trust has centres throughout the country; Ruskin Mill College is set amongst the beautiful rolling hills and running mills of the Cotswolds, and was graded as ‘Outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted report. Glasshouse College is situated in Stourbridge’s famous Glass Quarter. Freeman College is centred in Sheffield, and Brantwood Specialist School is based in Sheffield’s calm leafy suburbs. What are the charity’s challenges for 2012? In the current economic climate it’s a difficult time for charities of all shapes and sizes, as funding is increasingly cut back and people don’t always have spare change knocking around. As an ever-expanding charity with a national range of provisions this is a huge challenge in 2012. However, we are ambitious about developing new and exciting opportunities to help young people realise their potential, goals and ambitions for the future. In September 2011, we opened Brantwood Specialist School, a registered Children’s Home in Sheffield, where our young students are MARCH 2012
absolutely loving their first year of special needs education. We have also opened a new centre in Pembrokeshire and are actively transforming a derelict farm into a thriving educational provision.
Please tell us about your latest fundraising efforts? At Ruskin Mill College in Gloucestershire, we have raised half of the funds we need to build a new Woodland Kitchen and are busy approaching match funders. This will replace a dilapidated rustic kitchen and create a warm, inviting classroom, kitchen and dining room; which will be particularly useful in the icy winter months when students and staff have been working outdoors. Also under construction is a beautiful bespoke Field Centre, from which we will launch our new MSc programme in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. Based in the middle of our Gloucestershire biodynamic farm, the centre will be a research and training hub for people keen to learn about our pioneering educational programme. We are actively approaching funders and individuals to fund the last £100K required to complete the build.
you to all of our supporters who have donated money, time and effort to our cause. We wouldn’t be able to function without such support. We welcome all new supporters with open arms whether it is giving a gift of money, pledging a gift in their will or volunteering. We are very happy to support any fundraising event by helping promote it, providing information or advice. Fundraising events range from sponsored silences to bungee jumps (or both at the same time, if that is humanly possible!). We would also warmly welcome you to visit all of our centres throughout the UK; stop for a coffee at our award winning organic cafés, browse the workspace of professional glass and steel makers and wander amongst the historic buildings and rippling millponds in the heart of the Cotswolds at Ruskin Mill. You can also support us online and receive all the latest news, updates, photos, events, competitions, discussions and much more on Facebook and Twitter (@RuskinMill). CS For more information, please visit www.rmt.org
How can people support the charity? Firstly, we would like to say a big thank
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Cheltenham’s most exci ng new bar and restaurant
Opening March 2012
www.sohobarmontpellier.com
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project restoration
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heritage
In the anniversary year of Edward Wilson’s ill-fated trip to the South Pole, we celebrate the achievements of this great expolorer and draw attention to his strong links with Cheltenham. Words and photographs Mike Charity When Edward Wilson perished 100 years ago in March 1912 with his fellow explorers during the ill-fated South Pole Expedition led by Captain Scott, his widow donated his impressive scrapbook to Cheltenham Boys College, where he was educated before entering Cambridge University to take up a career in medicine. The great explorer, who was also doctor to the expedition team, had strong links with Cheltenham. Born in the town’s Montpellier Terrace, only a few yards from the prestigious school he attended, the property today displays the classic blue plaque marking his place of birth. The family connections with the area were further cemented when his mother later moved to a farm holding known as, ‘The Crippetts’ on the town’s outskirts. When news of the tragic outcome of the Scott expedition reached the borough, the town’s elders agreed to acknowledge their famous ‘son’ with a statue in his honour, which is sited in the Promenade gardens opposite the Municipal Offices. During this year’s 100th anniversary of that formidable expedition, several occasions are being arranged in the town and throughout the country. Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery are displaying, photographs of Wilson and some of his art work as well as a number of personal items, including a large fur cold weather suit, his sealskin slippers, a honey jar and his knife and fork. Such great names as London’s Natural History Museum and The Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge are among many others, presenting anniversary occasions. Cheltenham College in particular are marking the date with the conservation of the gifted Wilson scrapbook, which after nearly a century, is suffering MARCH 2012
Book Conservator Sue Crossley organised the conservation of Edward Wilson’s original scrapbook.
somewhat from the ravages of time. The college raised over £12,000 to employ the skills of specialist book conservators, to restore the book to it’s once pristine condition. The specialists have also produced a ‘surrogate’ version of Wilson’s original giant tome, using computer digitalisation to create accurately, the 200 drawings and watercolours made by Wilson on his various journey’s throughout Britain and Europe. To find such experts the college might well have considered it necessary to journey to London, Venice or Rome, but a century later by a strange quirk of fate and just a few hundred feet from their seat of learning, the college discovered specialist book conservator, Sue Crossley, (pictured) who runs and teaches weekend bookbinding workshops in her tiny studio.
Sue’s students learn the historic craft binding skills in the ‘limp vellum’ style, using high grade goatskins and mould made papers that were common in binding during the 16th and 17th century. Sue, who’s skills have found her working at St Paul’s Cathedral, The British Library and Senate House, University of London, was given by the college the task of organising the conservation of the original scrapbook and creating a ‘surrogate’ version. This alone took her over four months labour. Said Sue, “Producing the surrogate book, I have aimed to strike a balance between recreating the original, without compromising the book’s structure. It has been an exciting project and I feel very privileged to have been involved with it”. She went on, “It’s strange that I should get the commission here in Cheltenham, because it means the town’s connection with Edward Wilson has gone a full circle – while researching and studying the original scrapbook, I found a small label at the back denoting it had been made by a bookbinder who lived over a hundred years ago in Cheltenham’s Lower High Street. That really is history repeating itself ”. CS Footnote: Scott’s team successfully reached the Pole – only to find the Norwegian expedition led by Amundsen, beat them by 33 days. On their despondent journey back to base camp, Scott and his four companions, including the expedition’s Senior Medical Officer, Cheltenham born, Dr Edward Wilson, all succumbed to the freezing conditions.
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passionate about British farming
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As the Cotswold Farm Park re-opens this month for its 2012 season, Adam Henson is thrilled to have the chance to once again show the public the highs and lows of sheep farming. Here, he chats to Eve Holmes. Photograph by Phil Stevens. Adam Henson needs no introduction. Known to millions through his regular presenting slot on BBC One’s Countryfile, and last year’s Lambing Live, Adam is thrilled that the British public are continuing to take countryside issues to their heart and tune in regularly to watch the highs and lows of life on a farm. It is a credit to Adam’s popularity since appearing on our television screens that the Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, is seeing increased numbers of visitors. The Cotswold attraction re-opens for its 2012 season, on March 17th with an even better visitor experience than before. “Visitors can look forward to exciting demonstrations where they can share in the joys of spring and see the lambs being born and help with bottle feeding all year round. Our demonstrations also include sheep shearing when the weather gets hotter and milking demonstrations with our dairy cow. “We have doubled the size of the Touch Barn which offers children and adults the chance to handle the animals and staff are always on hand to answer questions. “We have added to the visitor experience so that people without children also get great value for money. We have introduced listening posts and a new ‘Animals through History Trail’, which shows the role of agricultural animals through early history from Bronze Age through to Roman Britain,
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Viking Britain and up to the modern day.” Perched high on the Cotswold Hills, the Cotswold Farm Park is one of the region’s most popular attractions and Adam is happy to be given the chance to educate the public on farm life and rare breeds conservation. “I think that people are once again nostalgic about the countryside and they want to know more and be involved with the origins of their food. Our grandparents were very connected with the land and their food and they knew the importance of growing their own produce. There is a whole generation which has lost its way and people want to get back to the grass roots, which I think has been helped in part by celebrity chefs who are encouraging people to cook. “Visitors want to see the highs and lows of a working farm, people don’t expect it to be perfect.” Adam is passionate about sharing farming issues with the public through his television appearances and the work he does at the farm. “It is important for people to know the great quality of the food from our farmers in the UK. It is sometimes tempting for people to buy cheap imported food but then they are buying into a product which they don’t know anything about. They may be eating food that has been farmed in illegal conditions. “I want people to know the quality of British farming; there is no need for MARCH 2012
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anyone to go anywhere else for their food. I would like to see more support from the Government to create an even playing field across Europe so that British farmers can compete.” Last year marked the Farm’s 40th anniversary and the Henson family also celebrated another achievement. Adam’s father Joe, who founded the Park 40 years ago to help protect rare breeds, received an MBE for his services to conservation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. As well as setting up the first ever Farm Park in the UK, Joe was instrumental in the creation of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and began an unrivalled collection of rare breed farm animals at the Cotswold Farm Park. “It was fantastic for my father to receive this recognition. He started MARCH 2012
collecting rare breeds in the 60s and became the Chairman of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973, and we haven’t lost any British breeds since then which is an incredible achievement. It is high time that he has received the recognition he deserves.” The Cotswold Farm Park is dedicated to delivering the best of British Farming through sustainable methods. Adam and business partner Duncan Andrews also believe in farming collaboration and have set up a new joint venture farming arrangement with a neighbouring farmer to share machines and therefore spread overheads, which has helped both parties reduce their arable production costs. “I am keen to encourage farming collaboration because it is the key to survival and maintaining profitable food production in the UK.”
The Cotswold Farm Park offers an outstanding educational outdoor learning experience and visitors can benefit from Adam’s wealth of experience and knowledge. The Cotswold Farm Park has more than 50 flocks and herds of rare breed farm animals, including four breeds of pig, seven breeds of cattle and 13 different breeds of sheep. By working with other local attractions, Adam is passionate about collectively raising the profile of the ‘Cotswold brand’ to promote tourism in the area. “We are very lucky to be well supported by the local community and our visitors. Less people are travelling abroad so they are looking for local attractions and we strive to be the very best we can and make the visiting experience fantastic.” CS
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RACING
The Festival
GUIDE
In the lead up to the biggest event in the Jump Racing calendar, we bring you our exclusive guide to four days of magic at The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Sponsored by
www.cotswoldassetmanagement.co.uk
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The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse’s Communications Chief, Andy Clifton, has worked in horse racing for most of his adult life, has missed just one Festival since 1987 and has been at every day of every Festival for the last 22 years. This will be his sixth Festival working at the track, so we persuaded him to give us a horse or two to look out for on each day.
Cheltenham Racecourse Tel: 01242 513 014 Web: www.cheltenham.co.uk Twitter: @andyclifton2
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TUESDAY 13TH MARCH The Stan James Champion Hurdle is the centrepiece of the first day of The Festival and it sees the return to Cheltenham of the mercurial reigning champion Hurricane Fly. His scintillating display 12 months ago left vivid memories in the minds of racing fans, with him cruising up before the last flight of hurdles and showing a devastating turn of foot to win. Despite setbacks earlier in the season, the horse confirmed his wellbeing in the Irish Champion Hurdle shortly after Christmas and looks a worthy favourite. His current odds are very short in a race of this nature but they reflect the fact that he is by far the most likely winner. For all that Hurricane Fly looks the best horse in this race, tipping a horse at odds-on isn’t very adventurous so it may be more profitable to look at one of the other contenders for some each way value. At the current odds of around 7/1, I like Grandouet. Trained by Nicky Henderson, who knows what it takes to win this historic race, Grandouet ran well at The Festival last year, but seems to have improved enormously this season and was very impressive when winning at Cheltenham in December. If there is a chink in Hurricane Fly’s armour, he may just be the one to take advantage. The other horse that currently catches the eye on day one is Quantitativeeasing in the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase. Another Nicky Henderson horse who
won here in December, this race is a stepping stone to a John Smith’s Grand National bid, but it is one in which he has an outstanding chance. This will be Quantitativeeasing’s first run over three miles or more, but in my opinion he will improve significantly for the extra distance and if he jumps as well as he can, I confidently expect him to finish in the first four.
WEDNESDAY 14TH MARCH The RSA chase is always a big challenge for young horses being run over a stiff three miles and First Lieutenant looks just the a sort who will relish the test. A winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle at The Festival in 2010, First Lieutenant has made a pleasing start to his chasing career winning two Grade 3 chases in Ireland, and then staying on late to finish second when upped in distance on his last start. He has followed a very similar path to previous RSA winner Weapons Amnesty, who was also handled by Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup winning trainer Mouse Morris and has been aimed at this race for some time. Grands Crus, trained by David Pipe, looks an obvious danger but at the time of writing that horse may still go for the Gold Cup, so I’ll stick with First Lieutenant. The big race on day two is the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase. Finian’s Rainbow looks MARCH 2012
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The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
a fair bet at his current odds of 5/1 and is another Nicky Henderson trained horse I like. Finian’s Rainbow usually travels supremely well in his races and looks to have the best chance of anything in the race to trouble the defending champion Sizing Europe. He ran really well when just beaten in last year’s Racing Post Arkle at The Festival and I expect him to be held up to deliver his challenge fast and late this year. Indeed, although Sizing Europe may prove just too good on the day, it’s difficult to see Finian’s Rainbow finishing out of the first three and we may just see a masterclass from his jockey Barry Geraghty. THURSDAY 15TH MARCH Thursday sees the return of the Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck’s in an attempt to win his fourth Ladbrokes World Hurdle and equal the all time record for consecutive hurdle victories (with 16) at the same time. Big Buck’s is almost certainly the greatest staying hurdler of all time and if he turns up fit and well it is almost impossible to envisage defeat. Twelve months ago he was pushed by Grands Crus, however he beat him by nearly two lengths and jockey Ruby Walsh didn’t need to resort to the whip to confirm the horse’s superiority (which was lucky, as Ruby had dropped the whip jumping the final hurdle!). This year he has twice given his fans a scare, looking like he MARCH 2012
might struggle against closest rival Dynaste, a classy horse in his own right, before ultimately ruthlessly disposing of his challenge. Usually, I would offer an each way selection in a race of this nature, but on this occasion I urge you to sit back and enjoy watching the monster that is Big Buck’s beat up some very good horses. The Ryanair Chase is the other big race of the day and is the target for one of my best bets of The Festival. Noble Prince, a course and distance winner last year, looks to have been improving all season and his Irish trainer Paul Nolan is once again coming into good form in time for The Festival. Although only securing one victory in the last 12 months, Noble Prince has been campaigned over an inadequate 2 miles and I expect him to flourish again, stepped back up to the 2 miles 5 furlongs of the Ryanair Chase. He may just skip away from this competitive field if the ground is not too soft and to me he looks overpriced at current odds of 6/1. FRIDAY 16TH MARCH The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup takes centre stage on the final day of The Festival and is, for most Jump racing fans, the highlight of the entire year. The magnificent Kauto Star is running in the race for the sixth consecutive year, having won it in 2007 and 2009, and victory this year would make him the greatest
steeplechaser ever in my book. He has beaten defending champion Long Run impressively on both of his starts this season and has been brilliantly handled throughout his career by trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh. Long Run is five years younger than his great rival, but Kauto Star has seemed as good as ever this season, and I, for one, am going to keep the faith. If Burton Port comes back fit and well from a long layoff in time for The Festival he might be the each way value, but both my head and my heart say Kauto Star. The Albert Bartlett Novice hurdle over 3 miles on Friday provides the final tip of The Festival for 2012. The Michael O’Leary owned Sea Of Thunder is generously priced at 14/1. He put a very good field to the sword at The Open meeting here in November and looked like winning very easily only to fall at the final hurdle. The form of that race looks solid with the horses that looked booked for a distant 2nd and 3rd both winning since. Sea Of Thunder returned to action with a run on heavy ground and a trip that would have inconvenienced him at Lepoardstown at the end of January, finishing a creditable 5th to a very good horse in the shape of Boston Bob. He brings good course and distance form to a race in which many will lack experience of such a test on good ground and a bold show can be expected. CS
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SHOPPING AT THE FESTIVAL
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A guide to The Festival
An increasingly popular part of a visit to The Festival at Cheltenham is the Shopping Village. Here, we preview the retailers you’ll expect to see if you fancy a spot of shopping with your winnings... Woolovers. Classic and contemporary knitwear, cashmere/merino, silk/cotton and pure lambswool designs. www.woolovers.co.uk The Hat Shop. Winning Hats. Cheltenham Superstore. Cheltenham racecourse merchandise. www.cheltenhamcollection.co.uk Montana Country Collection. Exclusive hats, caps, tweed jackets and coats. Affordable quality. www.montanacountrycollection.co.uk Emphasize. Ladies fashion from sizes 8 to 26 for town and countrywear. Owen Barry Ltd. Beautiful British made leather and sheepskin bags, gloves and coats. www.owenbarry.com Elm of Burford. Schoffel, R.M. Williams, Akubra Hats, possum products and more. www.elmofburford.com Delanns Jewels. Unique gold and diamond jewellery. www.delannsjewels.com The Flying Fox. Country and sporting gifts. www.theflyingfox.co.uk Jacksons Shoes. High class men’s and ladies shoes. Conversation Pieces. Outstanding original paintings and exclusive limited edition prints. www.ascotgallery.com Hiho. Stunning hand-crafted sterling silver jewellery, gifts and homeware. www.hihosilver.co.uk Chatham Marine. One of the UK’s leading marine footwear and clothing brands. www.chatham-marine.co.uk Thomas Pink. The British Shirt Authority. www.thomaspink.com Welligogs. Waterproof breathable leather boots, tweeds, hats and accessories. www.welligogs.com Stevenson Brothers. Rocking horses made to commission. www.stevensonbros.com Equestrian Art. Original contemporary equestrian fine art. www.equestrianartuk.com Feva. Ladies Fashion. www.fevadesign.com
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Cordings. Classic country clothing. www.cordings.co.uk K C Collection. Lambskin and tweed coats, jackets, gilets, hats and accessories. Moloh. Stylish clothing for grown up girls. English women’s clothing, exclusive tailored designs. www.moloh.com Start Smart. High quality children’s clothing. www.startsmart.co.uk Joules. Hats, Fur, Tweed and accessories. www.joules.com House of Vantage. Countrywear and accessories. www.houseofvantage.com Silver Editions. Sterling silver, silverplated and leather gifts. www.silver-editions.co.uk Punchestown Racecourse. The Punchestown Festival is the sporting and social highlight of the Irish calendar. www.punchestown.com Sculpture to Wear. Makers of the finest equestrian Jewellery established 1990. www.sculpturetowear.co.uk Horse Racing Ireland. Everything you need to know about horseracing in Ireland. www.goracing.ie Martin & Co. Jewellery silverware and watches retail. www.martinandco.com Dents Fine Art. World renowned equine artists David & Adrian Dent. www.dentfineart.com Graham McCartney Millinery. Classic millinery and vintage clothing. www.silktophats.com Harriet Glen Design. Jewellery, bronze sculptures and paintings by Harriet Glen. www.hgd.co.uk Estribos Argentina. Fine traditional hats and the world’s broadest range of polo belts. www.estribos.co.uk Devon Clothing. Country clothing including suede, leather, tweed, fur, hats. Jake Eastham. Stunning photographic images. Limited edition canvases, mounted and framed prints. www.jakeeastham.co.uk The Really Wild Clothing Co. Country clothing with city style. www.reallywildclothing.co.uk
Holland Cooper Clothing. Stylish chic and practical tweed collection. www.hollandcooper.com Dubarry of Ireland. Waterproof breathable leather boots. Tweed clothing and accessories. www.dubarryboots.com Lock & Co. Ladies and gentlemen’s quality headwear. www.lockhatters.co.uk Beatrice von Tresckow Designs. Beautiful garments for beautiful people. www.beatricevontresckow.com Browne & Daughters. Tailored suits for ladies. www.browneanddaughters.com Timothy Foxx. Exceptionally eccentric clothing, tweed hotpants, jackets and accessories. www.timothyfoxx.co.uk Pashmina UK. High quality pashminas, racing ties, cufflinks and fashion ties. www.pashmina-uk.co.uk Clare Ludow. Prestigious classic clothes. Wizzer & Whitehead. Bespoke ladies and gents tweed clothing. www.wizzerandwhitehead.com Jonny Beardsall / Where The Fox Hat. Handcrafted range of hats, bags and homewares. www.wherethefoxhat.co.uk Peter Bainbridge Art. Limited edition and original horse racing images by renowned artists. Bredon Hill Shooting. Ladies and gents country outfitters. www.bredonhillshooting.co.uk Royals of Leyburn. Ladies and gents Shooting and Country Wear. www.royalsofleyburn.co.uk Katherine Hooker. Made to order ladies tweed coats and jackets from British tweed. www.katherinehooker.com Zinnia. Suede and leather pumps, boots, hats and handbags. www.zinnia-gifts.co.uk Cousins of Cheltenham. Ladies county fashions and exclusive tweed collection. Boutique above paddock. www.cousinsofcheltenham.co.uk The Oxford Shirt Company. Selection of ladies, men’s and children’s shirts. www.oxfordshirt.co.uk CS MARCH 2012
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REPRODUCED COURTESY CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
A guide to The Festival
MARCH 2012
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The Festival: interview
‘a massive privilege’
Angelica O’Brien is one of 12 jockeys selected to ride in the charity race, the St Patrick’s Derby in aid of Cancer Research UK on March 15th at The Festival. Here she talks to Cotswold Style about her riding career so far. Photograph Mike Charity Angelica O’Brien, known to her friends as Jelly, has ridden the Prestbury track twice as an amateur jockey, and this year she is thrilled to be one of the 12 jockeys selected to ride in the increasingly popular charity race on Thursday March 15th at The Festival. Over the past two years in excess of £400,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK at The Festival. The charity flat race is over one mile and five furlongs and takes place as the seventh race of the day at 5.15pm. Jelly’s life revolves around racing, and when she’s not racing herself she is assisting her husband Fergal in his first season as a professional trainer. “I started riding at the age of five years old and rode in low level competitions through my teens, eventing, show jumping and hunting with The Golden Valley. “I eventually worked in a Point To Point yard and managed to persuade my boss to give me some Pointing rides,” says Jelly. “This led to me getting my own horse, which Fergal trained and I rode about 14 winners including three in Hunter Chases, one of them being the prestigious Horse And Hound Cup at Stratford 2001. “Riding at The Cheltenham Festival is a unique experience as the atmosphere is so electric, the sheer amount of people and noise, and the fact that all the riders
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are slightly more nervous and excited than usual. “The course is amazing to ride around as it’s so big and everyone wants to win more than ever.” Jelly was selected from almost 100 applications for this year’s charity race. “It means a lot to be picked to ride in this race as it is a massive privilege to ride at The Festival. It is also superb to have the opportunity to raise money for such an important charity, Cancer Research UK. “I know people who have or who have had cancer; it is such a devastating illness and if this race were to only help one person then it would be worthwhile.” Jelly admits that there will be challenges for her riding in this year’s race. “I know how fit you have to be to ride in a race so fitness will be a challenge for me. It isn’t like riding in any other discipline, everything is compressed into a few minutes and it is very fast! Getting the pace right during the race is a challenge as the shorter distance (just over a mile-and-a-half) is new to me in a race. I feel very lucky to be riding at The Cheltenham Festival as not many people ever do!” As well as training for The Festival, Jelly assists her husband Fergal in his new venture as a fully-fledged trainer. “We have a National Hunt Racing yard, my husband Fergal is the trainer
and I help him by making lots of cups of tea and cleaning the racing tack! I also have a few point to pointers which I train, so our two daughters, Fern 6 and Daisy 4, think racing comes a poor second to bouncy castles and ice-cream! “Day to day life is at home on the yard, riding out, making sure the horses all have everything they need, doing whatever my husband tells me, and being a mum. “We have an amazing lifestyle as our hobby is our way of life and I feel very lucky every day. My riding goals for 2012 are to do everything right in the race, not get too tired and ride a half decent finish! “Our racing goals include having plenty of winners from the yard, pointers and NH horses, and maybe even attract a few more new owners as we are a new yard; this is Fergal’s first season as a professional trainer although he has been in the industry for 20 years (working with Nigel Twiston-Davies) and trained around 100 point winners. We currently have about 30 horses in training and we would like to expand.” To support Jelly O’Brien and the work of Cancer Research UK, please visit www.justgiving.com/jellyobrien
Fergal O’Brien Racing www.fergalobrienracing.co.uk MARCH 2012
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The Festival: interview ‘I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO BE RIDING AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL AS NOT MANY PEOPLE EVER DO’
MARCH 2012
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Racing: style guide
Jill’s Racing Style Guide
PHOTOGRAPH WWW.WHEATMANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK
All eyes are on the most elegantly dressed females on Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival. Here, television presenter Jill Douglas reveals her top tips for dressing well for this year’s Ladies Day Fashion Awards... In this Jubilee year, I am celebrating my own special anniversary though it is Silver, rather than Diamond. It is 25 years since I made my first trip down from the north to experience the magic of the Cheltenham Festival. And if anyone remembers the Gold Cup day of the 1987 Festival, they will quickly realise why my first piece of advice for Ladies Day is ‘Dress for the Conditions’! I had taken a day off school to travel down from Hawick with friends who had a runner in the Gold Cup. Earls Brig was bred and trained by the Hamilton family from the next-door farm in the Scottish Borders. This was his third and final run in the race, having finished third behind Forgive’N Forget in 1985. The snow began to fall in earnest as the horses were being saddled and led into the parade ring and Edward Gillespie and the stewards had to decide whether racing’s showpiece should go ahead. My abiding memory is of seeing The Queen Mother arrive on the course and step confidently from her car, dressed immaculately for the conditions with her trademark hat and matching coat, sturdy shoes and a twinkle in her eye. The race was staged after a delay, and The Thinker dealt best with the wait and conditions with Brigs a non-finisher having decided he would much rather stay in the warmth of the box! MARCH 2012
The day didn’t end in celebration but it certainly inspired me to regularly make the annual pilgrimage to Prestbury Park and it taught me that it is possible to dress for whatever the English spring weather can throw at you, and look smart. Nothing looks more ridiculous than someone dressed for a summer’s wedding at a National Hunt race meeting in March. It’s the Cheltenham Festival – not Royal Ascot! Ladies Day (March 14th) has introduced a whole new group of racing fans to the thrill of the Festival – it’s a fantastic day out and a great excuse to dress up. Book an appointment at Stuart Holmes (or salon of your choice!) and join in the fun. As I inevitably have a houseful of friends for the duration of the Festival, I always plan in advance. Fill the freezer with fantastic food from Cook on the Bath Road and choose a variety of outfits to wear each day, with options for the whole range of weather you can expect in an English spring. 1. The right footwear is a good starting place. I tend to favour boots as I often walk home after racing though nowadays that doesn’t mean a 300 mile hike up to Scotland, as I now live at the foot of Cleeve Hill. If you are planning to walk out onto the lawns then consider your heels, and the temporary walkways around the tented village can be tricky. Open toe
shoes/sandals are not appropriate at all!
2. Smart coat. Even if you intend to spend the day enjoying the racecourse’s legendary hospitality, you want to be out savouring the unique atmosphere so have options; a smart mac if rain is forecast or a wool or tweed coat will keep you toasty if temperatures drop. There are some fabulous labels doing funky new tweeds at the moment, but remember, they are very popular so try to individualise your look by avoiding a ‘top-to-toe’ outfit in the same design. 3. Hat Felt or fur – it’s March so straw is pointless. Make sure it is well anchored and won’t disappear in the wind. Not obligatory but you won’t win best-dressed without one.
4. Good tailoring is hard to beat. Layers work well as it can become very warm in the tented village or bars and hospitality suites but you need to be comfortable when you are out selecting your horses and wandering back into town to join the party après racing. I am reasonably conservative, favouring tweed, silk and cashmere but you don’t have to feel obliged to blend in with the dominant countryside colours of brown and green – if you want to make a statement, go for it! CS
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MARCH 2012
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Racing: Ladies Day Fashion Awards
What the fashion scouts are looking for at...
LADIES DAY
We at Cheltenham Fashion Week are thrilled to be the Fashion Scouts at Ladies Day at The Festival this month and will be looking for the most stylish ladies to sign up to the Fashion Awards. Here’s a few tips on what we will be looking for this year.
“
MENSWEAR DIRECTOR HIREN JOSHI “What I will be looking for is a sophisticated race-goer with a twist, not too high fashion as this is Cheltenham not the Paris catwalk. Simple lines, classic, chic, fitted to perfection with a dash of colour being so important. Someone who gets the heads turning for all the right reasons , I am not asking for much but I think Kate Middleton would get it right if she were here.”
DIRECTOR – SAM BAWDEN “For me its about individuality, femininity and really dressing to impress. I would like to see some show-stopping hats, some interesting accessories and
some sexy tailoring. It’s hard to wear heels at the races and totally unpractical I know, yet for those of you who plan to stay away from the grass I can not resist the pull of a stunning pair of designer shoes or boots and amongst the sea of tweed some colour wouldn’t go amiss either!” EDUCATION DIRECTOR SARAH CLARK “I’m looking for an outfit that is practical, comfortable, stylish, individual and on-trend. Last year it was the return of ‘vintage’ that topped the bill and impressed the judges. This year I’m hoping to see classic with a twist. The lady will require a bag and of course the
all important headgear - making accessories a must to complete the look. That’s practicalities dealt with, now here’s the twist: I’m looking out for a choice of colour palette, fabric mix, and a daring to be individual. I shall be asking where outfits were bought from and most of all trying to spot who contributed to making and creating their own outfits.”
”
FASHION CONSULTANT /JOURNALIST - SARAH HAYLEY “This is not about the label, we are looking for your unique fashion sense, coupled with killer body confidence! Remember to choose well-fitting clothes and pay attention to details!”
HOW TO ENTER: Entry into the Fashion Awards is open to all ladies who come racing on the second day of the four-day Festival. Fashion scouts will be on hand at the racecourse assisting contestants who wish to take part in any of the three fashion categories; ‘The Best Dressed lady’, ‘The lady with the Best Hat’ or ‘The lady with the Best Accessories’. Entry is free. Prizes include a short break holiday to the unique destination of Clowance Golf and Country Club Estate in Cornwall, provided by Seasons Holidays, £1,000 worth of gift vouchers to spend at boutique British ladieswear shop Moloh, £1,000 worth of gift vouchers from award winning Stuart Holmes Hair & Beauty Spa, £500 worth of gift vouchers to spend at contemporary British women’s clothing specialists Hobbs, a bespoke Hat from celebrity milliner Denise Innes and an overnight stay at the Hotel du Vin, including dinner for two in the Bistro, a night stay in a romantic junior suite, breakfast, and two 30 minute treatments in the spa. Ladies can enter the Fashion Awards competition from 10:30am to 1.30pm by simply filling out an entry form and having their picture taken. Following the live judging of the selected finalists, presentations to the winners will be made in the Winner’s Enclosure before the last race. To be fast-tracked through the entry process on the day, Ladies can pre-enter for the Fashion Awards by visiting the Ladies Day page at www.cheltenham.co.uk MARCH 2012
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style interview
nightlife INSIDER We asked Thirteen Degrees Owner Matthew Bull why the club is the centre of the social scene in Cheltenham. Photograph Mike Charity Previously known as PoNaNa, Thirteen Degrees is well established as a nightclub at the centre of the social scene in Cheltenham. Owner Matthew Bull has been at the helm for eight years, and pinpoints the purchase of the club, at the age of 24, as the ‘best decision I’ve ever made.” “I have always had a very specific concept in mind for Thirteen Degrees. I never think of it as a just a nightclub. I’m very passionate about having a venue with diverse uses and appeal, steering away from what other venues offer in the hope of being recognised as having a unique approach,” says Matthew. Thirteen Degrees has hosted film screenings with cocktails and popcorn and prides itself on being different. “Our core business is of course our ‘nightclub’ weekend operation, however we tend to do things that little bit better at Thirteen Degrees. We focus on creating a safe, fun environment with high levels of customer service. “Our clientele expect more than the standard nightclub experience. Thirteen Degrees offers a variety of individually styled areas all with their own tempo and atmosphere to suit our customer’s mood. MARCH 2012
“We have larger open spaces for breaking in the dancing shoes, as well as smaller more intimate spaces to enjoy. Our member’s lounge was created for clients wanting a more sophisticated retreat, ideal for those after-dinner drinks not particularly suited to our busier highenergy spaces.” Matthew takes pride in having a loyal team of staff who now consider themselves an integral part of the business. Thirteen Degrees is open from Thursday to Monday nights. “On Thursdays we host Shush, a monthly offering of the very best UK breakthrough singer songwriters. Other Thursdays we host our ‘Last Band Standing’ completion which gives new local bands the chance to win £1,000 worth of gigs to help launch their careers.” Friday and Saturday nights at Thirteen Degrees incorporate live acoustic artists in the member’s lounge with their resident DJs filling the dance floors until the early hours. “Duke perform every Sunday night. For those who have never seen them, their beat boxing performance is an
experience not to be missed. Students are also very important to Thirteen Degrees; hence every Monday we host ‘Fat Penguin’, a student night with a difference., offering what we do best at a lower price point to suit.” With The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse an eagerly anticipated event in this month’s calendar, Matthew anticipates a very business period at Thirteen Degrees. “Thirteen Degrees has grown to become a festival favourite amongst many of the visiting celebrities and racegoers in March. “Our blend of private drinking areas, table service and premium service spread over three floors coupled with the best bands from the region has proven a great success. From 8pm onwards this year we have Flynn Stronach, Jon D’Ambrosio and Duke performing throughout The Festival (March 13th-16th). Our resident DJs will keep the party going well past bedtime too.” CS Thirteen Degrees, 13 St Georges Road Cheltenham, GL50 3DT. info@thirteendegrees.co.uk www.thirteendegrees.co.uk
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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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MARCH 2012
a day at stud
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Racing Special
Edward Partridge is a Stud Hand at Tweenhills Farm and Stud. Here, he treats us to an insight into a day at the stud... You may have wondered whilst at Cheltenham, or any other racecourse, the route your 10/1 winner has taken to get to the track and where he or she came from in the first place. At Tweenhills Farm and Stud we essentially ‘manufacture’ racehorses to be. You have your private studs, which are usually owner-breeders. This means an owner will breed and race their own stock, and not be looking to make a business or profit out of it. Whilst here in Hartpury at Tweenhills we operate a commercial stud, the idea behind this is to make profit. It’s run just like any other business; all assets are purchased and sold in order to create larger profit margins. Then there are the stallions; Makfi is our flag bearer, and star attraction, a cover from him costs £25,000. He was victorious in one of the English Classic’s whilst racing, before being retired to stud in 2010. He is sure to be as prolific a stallion as he was a racehorse, being from a fantastic family of thoroughbreds. Mating between horses is decided through competent knowledge of the horse’s pedigrees, their relations and families, with a view to breeding an animal that will be commercially marketable. The market demands quick returns so breeding quick horses that will be able to race early in their 2 year old season is a requisite necessity when developing successful mating plans. Here’s my diary of a day’s activities on a busy commercial stud: It’s 7am and the alarm goes off. I wake from my room in the flat on the yard, feeling like a couple more minutes in bed; I’m very tired as I was up at 3am to fit in an extra cover for our in demand stallion Makfi. This season he will cover 120+ mares and placing them all into sociable daylight hours is not always a possibility. Once the morning and midnight activities have concluded, the first job of the day is to get the mares fed. It is an integral part of good breeding that they get all the correct nutrients and sustenance required. A mare is easiest to get in foal whilst gaining weight, so due care is taken into monitoring their condition on a daily MARCH 2012
basis. After they’ve had a chance to eat, we get them out of their boxes and onto one of our two walkers. Then it’s into the jeep and off around Hartpury to check and feed the barns. First call is usually the colt’s barn. The colts are a year old and in the horse world we call them yearlings; either they’ve been bought from one of the foal sales in the autumn of 2011 or they were foaled at Tweenhills last spring. I’m here to feed them and I can tell you it’s not the safest place to be when lugging their breakfast around; these fellows will wrestle each other for first munch on the grub and give little quarter to whether you’re in line of one of many flying kicks! Once they’ve settled down it’s important to have a wander amongst them looking out for nicks, bumps and cuts, sore eyes and anything else that might be ailing them. These animals are of much value, so subtle injuries or defects in their appearance can reduce their value at the sale; so being diligent and thorough in your assessment in their well-being is vital to their success in the sales ring and possibly on the racecourse! Next port of call is back towards Corse End, I’m going to feed and check the pregnant mares in barns. If everything’s looking grand in the barns then I get back in the old yute, and head to the foaling
unit, which is run by our Foaling Manager. I’m just going to drop some food off for her horses and have a glance at last night’s two arrivals – both looking exceedingly healthy. She tells me a mare that foaled the other day is ready to move out the foaling unit and go up to the stabling in Tweenhills. Once foaled a mare will spend a few days down at the unit with her baby, before joining the older foals back at Tweenhills like this one is today. Next up we’ll have the vet in. During the season the vet will be here every day to scan mares. Scanning mares consists of the vet inserting his arm into the horse via the back end, and having a feel of the womb whilst also holding an ultrasound scanner so he can get a visual of what’s occurring inside. This procedure is completed in order to maximise the chance of getting a mare in foal first time she’s covered. The day’s penultimate activity is a big tidy up of the yard. It is part of the occupation during the breeding season that the place looks immaculate with so many people coming with ‘walk in’ mares; mares that literally arrive for a cover then leave straight away. Finally we reach the end of the day, and a long trawl around the stables with the heavily filled feed barrow is the last job to complete. Working at a stud contains little of the glory you’d get working in a racing yard. We don’t send horses off to the races and welcome them back triumphantly. Our triumphs occur in the depths of sales rings, in good results for our well prepped young stock and attractive foals from successful matings. To gain such triumphs from a life in stud, you must truly appreciate the equine form. I take such pleasure in spending time with our yearling colts watching their development. The ultimate is the hope one day a foal you have handled in its first few days goes on to do amazing things. It’s what keeps you dreaming; who knows maybe one could be a Derby winner, or a Gold Cup winner. CS twitter.com/#!/ejpartridge77 www.adaysracing.blogspot.com www.tweenhillsfarmandstud.co.uk
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TWEED WITH A TWIST Photography Spencer McPherson & Philip Stevens of www.allinthemage.co.uk
Natalie wears D&G Top – Boutique 3, tel: 01242 519 452; Pink Tights – Eves Legwear, www.eveslegwear.co.uk; Leopard Print Clutch – CoCo Bee Boutique, www.cocobeeboutique.com; Tweed Trousers – Avala Boutique, www.avalaboutique.co.uk; Earrings – Beards, www.beards.co.uk; Stephen Webster Rings x 2 – Beards; Nude Shoes – Sophie Scarrott available at Keith Scarrott, www.keithscarrott.co.uk.
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fashion
Stuart wears Red Corduroy Trousers – Barrington Ayre, www.barringtonayre.co.uk; Tweed Jacket and Waistcoat – Barrington Ayre; Shirt – stylist’s own; Tweed Bow-Tie – Timothy Foxx, www.timothyfoxx.co.uk; Breitling Watch – Beards, www.beards.co.uk; Vintage Glasses supplied by Cotswold Eye Care Centre, www.cotswoldeyecare.co.uk; Vintage Burberry Trench Coat – Avala Boutique, www.avalaboutique.co.uk. MARCH 2012
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fashion
Natalie wears D&G Flower Print/Tweed Dress – Boutique 3, tel: 01242 519 452; Purple Tights – Eves Legwear, www.eveslegwear.co.uk; Shoes – Keith Scarrott, www.keithscarrott.co.uk; Earrings and rings – Beards, www.beards.co.uk; Vintage Glasses – Supplied by Cotswold Eye Care Centre, www.cotswoldeyecare.co.uk; Stuart wears Lilac Trousers – Barrington Ayre, www.barringtonayre.co.uk; Tweed Jacket – Barrington Ayre; Shirt – stylist’s own; Tweed neckerchief – Timothy Foxx, www.timothyfoxx.co.uk; Shoes – model’s own.
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fashion
Styist - Lola Royle www.lolaroyle.com Make Up Artist - Harriet Cook www.harrietcook.co.uk Hair Stylist - Luke Reynolds www.lukereynoldslondon.com Location - Buckland Manor www.bucklandmanor.com
Natalie wears Moschino Flower Printed Dress – Boutique 3, tel: 01242 519 452; Catherine Tweed Jacket – Timothy Foxx, www.timothyfoxx.co.uk; Yellow Tights – Eves Legwear, www.eveslegwear.co.uk; Navy Heels – Sophie Scarrott available at Keith Scarrott, www.keithscarrott.co.uk; Handmade Leather Handbag – Hicks & Hides, www.hickshides.com; Gold Ring - Beards, www.beards.co.uk. Stuart wears Light Blue Trousers – Barrington Ayre, www.barringtonayre.co.uk; Yellow Jumper – Barrington Ayre; Bow Tie – Timothy Foxx, www.timothyfoxx.co.uk; Leather Belt – Hicks & Hides, www.hickshides.com; Shirt – stylist’s own; Shoes – model’s own. MARCH 2012
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Racing: fashion
make a fashion statement Stacie Carroll from Dottie Chic in Cheltenham reveals her advice for looking great at the races...
‘YOU CAN BE AS BOLD AS YOU LIKE BUT ALWAYS WEAR COLOURS THAT SUIT YOUR SKIN TONE’ Dottie Chic 1st Floor Regent Arcade Cheltenham GL50 1JZ Tel: 01242 221359 www.dottiechic.co.uk MARCH 2012
What’s your advice for standing out in the fashion stakes at this year’s Races? Cheltenham Ladies Day on March 14th is a very different day to Ascot. You want to make a big fashion statement but it’s still very cold in March, so you need to be sensible and wrap up warm! When choosing an outfit it’s best to find one or two items that you absolutely adore and that are eye catching. Build a good colour scheme from there. You can be as bold as you like but always wear colours that suit your skin tone. It’s best not to over do it and run the risk of looking garish.
As it is still chilly in March, can you suggest some practical outfits that will still look stylish? I think it’s essential to wear a dress or skirt, so team this with a fabulous winter coat or jacket and opaques to keep you warm and stylish. Always choose clothes that are well fitted, which suit your shape and complement your best bits for a very classy look. What shoes would you recommend for a long day at the races? It’s fabulous to dress up with a lovely
pair of high heels, but you will be spending most of the day on your feet so you’ve got to be comfortable and know your limits! Heeled winter boots are perfect because you get that extra support and there are so many styles out there with different heel heights. For those hoping to catch the eye of the fashion scouts on Ladies Day, what one item would you recommend wearing? A great piece of headwear is the must-have item for Ladies Day and definitely a good head turner. This is the item that can be as daring and as outrageous as you like. Good looks for March time are winter style hats or fascinators styled with feathers, to give a classic country look. What vintage item would you recommend buying for a truly unique outfit? A good vintage handbag can be a perfect accessory to complement any outfit. There are lots of amazing vintage shops around and online, and you can usually pick them up at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Plus you know you won’t see it on anyone else there! CS
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CHELTENHAM’S NEWEST
CHIC BOUTIQUE
Stockists of:
IN MONTPELLIER
Saint Tropez Gia London MuuBaa Ruby & Ed Tokyo Milk DL & Co Ice London Anonymous Lemonade Jacqueline Headlam Antonio Ben Chimol Laura Felicity Sam Uhbi Butler & Wilson Tallulah Love Pinki Bags Azuni Hush Hush Coco Rose Baroque & Roll Little Mistress So-B Cream Selected Femme Ewe Style Fernando Pensato Bijoux London Interdee
A unique emporium situated over 3 floors, filled with a beautiful Spring/Summer Collection. One our specialisties are our bespoke cowhide bags, painted furniture, handmade wallpaper, beautiful jewellery, Swarovski Crystal Shoes and unique gifts for the lady who has everything. Our signature handmade bespoke cow hide bags are simply a unique gift for all occasions. Personalise your bag to make it completely individual, choose the hide and leather, lining, handles and fittings. Design your own cuffs and belts to match.
CoCo Bee Boutique | 01242 234295 6 Montpellier Avenue, Cheltenham
info@cocobeeboutique.com
twitter@Cocobeeboutique| add us on facebook:coco bee
www.cocobeeboutique.com (under construction) OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 9.30am to 5.30pm
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MARCH 2012
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jewellery
Babette Wasserman Electra ring made in sterling silver. This elegant band ring set with a constellation of cubic zirconias and a criss cross pattern is a timeless classic. £90.
ways to spend your winnings Gucci Bamboo ring in 18ct yellow gold featuring the Gucci logo engraved at the top. £1,270.
So you’ve had a few winners at The Festival at Cheltenham, congratulations! Here, we show you some super ways to spend your winnings...
Georg Jensen 18ct white gold complete Fusion 3.1 ring. Set with 23 round brilliant cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.18ct. £1,735.
Cartier Marcello Taupe Leather Tote dual handle handbag. Taupe cowhide leather and canvas with dual leather handles, zip top entry and internal pockets. £1,075.
IWC Portugese Hand Wound Steel watch is made with a highly scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass on the front. Fitted on a black alligator leather strap with a steel pin buckle. Water resistant to 30 metres. £6,500.
All available at Beards Jewellers, 70 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NA. Tel: 01242 516238. www.beards.co.uk MARCH 2012
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interview: Georgina Pearce
‘horses are my life’
Georgina Pearce started riding when she was just three-years-old and she has been in love with horses ever since. She has recently launched her own business, a unique service to help take the stress out of buying and selling horses. Photograph Ian Piper. They say that business ideas are born out of necessity and for Georgina Pearce this is exactly how her unique business idea came about. After purchasing an ex-racehorse which she intended to train for eventing, Georgina was faced with the reality that after owning him for three years she didn’t have the time required to take care of him “I was working full time to afford to keep him but as with many thoroughbreds he had his quirks and took up a considerable amount of time. “I remember having to write the advert to send to Horse and Hound and not only was this time consuming it was very emotional. Then followed the phone calls and viewings. I spent countless hours displaying the horse to people who were completely unsuitable. “I remember just wishing that there was someone to do this all for me; someone to write the advert, answer the phone enquiries and filter out the time wasters from the potential buyers. “That’s where the idea for buyingorsellingahorse.com came from.” Georgina’s passion for horses began when she was just three years old. Her and her sister would go for rides with the local riding school around the Forest of Dean. “I was so relaxed around the horses and ponies that I would often fall asleep whilst out hacking!” Georgina soon longed for her own horse and spent many happy hours helping at the riding schools, learning how to ride and learning the rules of stable management. “When I was 10 my parents said that we had shown we could take care of a pony and we could buy one with the money we have saved up. Since then we have bought many youngsters and
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produced them for hunting, eventing and showing. I have worked for a local event rider and had the honour to groom for her at Burghley International Horse Trials in 2007. “People often say that owning horses is a huge responsibility and can sometimes take over your life. For me my horses are my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. “They can be very hard work and when things go wrong or the temperature is below freezing you do tend to doubt why you are doing it. However when things go well the sense of achievement is worth every minute. The thrill of riding a horse is something I would recommend for anyone to try.” Georgina went on to study a BSc Honours Degree in Equine and Agricultural Business at the Royal Agricultural College, which gave her valuable skills for going into business. “Not only did this degree teach me about business, it also gave me confidence and allowed me to network with some incredibly influential people. I learnt about the importance of building and maintaining relationships and developing contacts, such as event riders and polo players, which have proven to be vital for my business.” Georgina admits that she did have some reservations about starting a business during a difficult economic climate, but after attending a further business course with Business Link, she says she has never looked back. “The support from the consultant was just what I needed and I was more determined than ever.” Even at the relatively young age of 26, Georgina admits that she has always had the ambition to run her own business and after launching buyingorsellingahorse, she
has received a fantastic reaction. “Everyone has said what a unique idea it is and clients have been very positive about my services. I have been attending lots of events and making people aware of my services. “Renowned for its equine influence, the Cotswolds is of course home to a number of prestigious equestrian events including the Gold Cup, Badminton International Horse Trials and two of the top polo clubs in the UK.” “Horse riding is a very popular pastime in the Cotswolds and there are many disciplines from eventing and dressage to leisure riding and hunting. This means that my business is open to a wide audience and includes finding first ponies for children to finding someone a serious competition horse. “The location of the Cotswolds have proven to be helpful as I can easily access the M4 and M5 to go and view horses from around the UK.” New for 2012, Georgina has added a unique service to her already comprehensive offering. Aimed at competitors, the new PA and Marketing service takes care of all the administration needed for entering competitions as well as everything from hospitality for sponsors and accommodation for riders. “My goal for 2012 is to push my new PA and Marketing services and to build upon my current client base. I intend to promote my buying and selling services further afield and provide these services nationally. “I also intend to develop some key relationships with other Equine Businesses including Craig Derrick Photography Ltd who offer excellent equine photography and video services at events or for use when selling horses.” It is clear that Georgina is putting her MARCH 2012
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heart and soul into providing the best service for her customers. It’s a wonder she gets any spare time to herself, but she admits that when she does she loves riding in the stunning Cirencester Park. “I am fortunate enough to live close to Cirencester Park and regularly enjoy hacking to the park for a good gallop!” MARCH 2012
Of course, The Festival at Cheltenham is this month’s hot topic of conversation and Georgina is a regular as expected. “I always attend the Festival, usually on the day of the Queen Mother Champion Chase. I have been to a number of race courses in the UK and internationally and there is nothing like Cheltenham Races.
For me it is a time to meet with old college friends and it has almost become an annual pilgrimage!” CS You can contact Georgina on tel: 07709 657401 or email: georgina@buyingorsellingahorse.com; www.buyingorsellingahorse.com
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ready, steady, go!
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gardening
Gloucestershire Horticulturalist Camilla Bassett-Smith has a Chelsea Gold Medal and was part of the production team for BBC Gardeners’ World. Here, Camilla explains the beauty of the early spring bulbs in their race towards spring... If daffodils and tulips are the main course that we have all been waiting for in spring, then chionodoxa provide an appetising and spectacular starter. These bulbous perennials are one of the earliest spring flowers, yet seem to vanish in our minds in a vat between snowdrops and the well known spring blossoms. In blue, white or pink, a carpet of blooms can easily be achieved once your bulbs have become established. Requiring light when in growth, plant under deciduous trees or shrubs for a fabulous display. A dear friend, Sue Cresswell, has her Charlton Kings garden soil filled with an almost sky reflective mass of Chionodoxa siehei which seeds freely and is the best to grow if you crave swathes of blue. This is the most common of the chionodoxa species grown in gardens and it is not hard to fall in love with any borders or banks providing a home to these multiblossomed miniature marvels. (The leaves
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WITH CAMILLA BASSETT-SMITH reach no more than 12cm in height). Chionodoxa luciliae has fewer blooms per bulb than siehei, but these flowers are slightly larger. The name allocated to this species honours Lucile, the wife of Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier. Victorian gardeners were very keen on chionodoxa and the grounds of many Cotswold estates including Sezincote are still proud to present these blooms. Native to the East Mediterranean, they make ideal rockery additions. The word chionodoxa is made up of the Greek words chion meaning snow and doxa which translates as glory. Hence the common name for these bulbs is ‘Glory-of-the-snow’. The German name for the plant (Schneeruhm) also points at its habit of appearing in the coldness of early spring. Similar to chionodoxa,
puschkinia offer another early spring bulb dwarf delight. On both, the stamens are flattened and closely clustered in the middle of the flower. Again a botanist link exists in the naming of this genus which honours Apollo Mussin-Pushkin who amongst his plant collecting, invented a new way of refining and processing platinum! Squirrels do not like these bulbs so won’t touch your horticultural shag pile carpet in hues of silver blue and dark stripes or elegant white. Both chionodoxa and puschkinia offer value for money when you look at the number of flowers per stem with puschkinia hosting up to 12 bell shaped blooms per bulb which are pretty long lasting too. So let’s be seated and enjoy the overture to the opening act of spring offered by this pair of perennials, as they pave (or carpet) the way for their close relatives the bluebells to enter centre stage in May. CS MARCH 2012
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EASTER BANK HOLIDAY
LE CREUSET VILLEROY & BOCH DENBY OUTLET PROCOOK WHITE STUFF MUSTO HELLY HANSEN
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a month of re-awakening
Head Gardener at Sudeley Castle, Jon Hodder, explains his preparations in the garden for the new season ahead...
WITH JON HODDER Sudeley Castle reopens for the 2012 season on the 1st April. Check the website for full details of Queen Katherine Parr Quincentenary Festival which includes Tudor Family Fun Days, literary and historical talks and events, or call 01242 602308. Sudeley Castle Gardeners can be seen on their Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/ SudeleyCastleGardeners MARCH 2012
January may be named after Janus, the two-faced god, bestriding as it does the change of the year, but March is often the month of true contrasts. The first warm days of spring begin to enliven everything; now the sun has the winning hand over the darkness of winter. But in an instant strong winds, grey skies and rain will remind us that the battle for fair weather and times of easy living is not yet won. For those of us who have chosen to work in the great outdoors, this month always brings a sense of hope and encouragement. The bright yellow of daffodils, and the many other plants which flower now, is a true marker of early spring and the vernal re-awakening. Here at the Castle there is a palpable sense of emergence as we leave winter behind and prepare for opening to the public for another season. Each year we go though familiar rituals of preparation and renewal, some of which began as early as last November. The Queen’s Garden is in the first stages of a phased re-planting, which will be taking place during the closed season over the next few years. The intention is to bring new vigour and interest to the garden, whilst still keeping the familiar character and charm that our visitors have come to know and expect. In other areas our work will be less obvious, though of equal importance.
Some areas, which have received high foot-traffic, have been sympathetically paved. One of the pools has had its drain replaced, a task involving digging a trench over 60 feet long and two feet deep. Some of the permanent planting in the gardens has been moved or replaced completely and extensive new planting plans have been devised and applied. This year is a particularly noteworthy one for Sudeley as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Queen Katherine Parr, who is buried in the chapel at the heart of the garden. To mark this anniversary, an invigorated planting will reflect the stately splendour of Sudeley’s rich past. A suitably sumptuous palette of restrained but regal colour will flow through the diverse areas of the gardens. Some new plants and some familiar ones will nudge and bustle for attention in the Secret Garden. New flower shapes and foliage forms will adorn the East Border, in addition to the now familiar Bananas, Cannas and Dahlias. There is much to look forward to and the sentiment at this time of year should indeed be one of expectation and hope. We gardeners might not be able to rest as we roll towards the busy times of May and June but perhaps, just for a minute, we can stop and look at the results of a winter well spent and anticipate those of the season yet to come. CS
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Style how to...
how to... PHOTOGRAPH SPRING FLOWERS Award-winning garden, plant and travel photographer Stephen Studd shows you how to get the most out of your pictures... Spring is a fantastic time of year to get outdoors with your camera as nature is bursting with so much energy and colour. A walk in the woods in springtime will reveal a myriad of wild flowers such as wild garlic and bluebells. Our gardens and parks will have plenty of subjects to photograph too. With the advent of digital photography we are all photographers, but what makes one photograph really stand out from the others? The answer to that is there is no single correct way to photograph flowers, however, certain elements do have to be taken into consideration to make a great shot. Firstly before you start, in your cameras settings, select the highest possible resolution. This will give you clearer detail in your photographs, enabling the image to be used larger without signs of bluriness or noise. TIME OF DAY is an important consideration when taking your photographs, the early bird really does catch the worm! Harsh midday sun makes most subjects look unflattering. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times of day as the light is warmer, less harsh and the colours of the plants look richer. Mornings also tend to be
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more still, flowers are hard to photograph when they are moving around too much. Windy days are the toughest to photograph flowers on unless you wish to use the blur creatively with a slower shutter speed.
WEATHER. Many people are surprised to hear that overcast days can be very beneficial for garden and flower photography. This is because clouds act as a perfect light diffuser creating even lighting and saturation without the worry of harsh highlights or shadows. If it’s a sunny day with clouds and you want some sunshine in your shot, wait until the sun first starts to appear as the light is again less harsh. CONSIDER YOUR SUBJECT before rushing to photograph it. Walk around and see what you are drawn to, see how the light plays on the flowers. Think about your composition, how is the subject going to fill the frame? Backlit flowers will always look good if the petals are transluscent as it accentuates the colours of the petals, giving off a luminesence and showing off the patterns. Don’t be afraid to try out different angles, getting down to the same height as a flower is very effective,
or look up to flowers from below them.
THE BACKGROUND of your photograph is very important as untidy, busy, cluttered backgrounds kill a shot as the viewer’s eye gets distracted away from the subject. If there are shadows use them to make the flower stand out, or move in closer to the subject. FOR CLOSE UPS I would always recommend the use of a tripod, they allow you to frame the flower perfectly and keep the image sharp. Also look at the flower to see it is free of blemishes or missing petals. If you are going to hand hold a camera, as a very general rule of thumb with a standard lens 1/60th of a second is the minimum shutter speed to use, with longer lenses such as a 200mm look around 1/250th of a second to avoid camera shake. For checking correct exposure always check your histogram not the LCD preview. Finally break the rules, experiment, have fun. Try out those new angles and backgrounds, you might be surprised with the results you obtain. When photographing wildflowers be careful not to tread on other flowers. Leave them just as you found them for insects and others to enjoy. CS
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If you would like to take your photography further join Stephen for one-day garden and flower photography workshops at Painswick Rococo Garden. Details can be found at www.stephenstuddphotography.com MARCH 2012
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hot property
move in style Over the following pages we feature some of the fantastic properties that are on sale or to let in the Cotswolds...
Sponsored by
Speed | Innovation | Excellence
01452 657950 www.thomaslegalgroup.co.uk
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Read Maurice March 12:Layout 1
Brockhampton
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ÂŁ749,950
An attractive detached Grade II listed house occupying a prominent position at the entrance to Brockhampton Park standing on a very large corner plot with ample parking and with undulating views over some of the finest views over the Cotswolds countryside.
The accommodation is traditionally configured with four bedrooms, en suite and guest bathrooms, pretty sitting room with triple aspect views and a large inviting kitchen/breakfast room with range. There is also a useful boot room and utility. Lovely grounds extend to create two gardens one with an open aspect overlooking Brockhampton Court and a private walled section. Large garage. LPG heating.
2126 sq ft / 198 sq m
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Fiddington
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ÂŁ695,000
This former period farmhouse is an impressive period property which requires updating and refurbishment but will provide an opportunity to create a substantial family home with spacious rooms, stone mullion windows and original beams in some parts of the original house.
On entering the property it is noticeable it still retains many original features. The accommodation is presently configured as 6 bedrooms with three reception rooms, spacious kitchen and many other service areas. Within the grounds is a former detached farm building presently used as garaging but could easily provide auxiliary accommodation (STP) if required.
3328 sq ft / 309 sq m
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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Christchurch, Cheltenham
Guide Price £1,500,000 • 6 bedrooms A magnificent double front detached Victorian family residence situated in one of Cheltenham’s most highly regarded residential areas. A particular feature of the property is • 3 bathrooms the large lawned rear garden stocked with roses, plum, apple and greengage trees. • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen and utility room • Cellar • Garage and parking Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 222909 email@hamptons-int.com
The Only National Agent With 5 Cotswold Offices. At Hamptons International our unrivalled coverage of the Cotswolds and access to the key London market will ensure your property is seen by the widest possible audience. Call us now to arrange a free, no obligation market appraisal.
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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Hatherley Court Road, Cheltenham
A charming detached family house situated in this very popular location. The property has been the subject of very thoughtful modernisation in recent years and now offers beautifully presented accommodation with parking and garden.
Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 222909 email@hamptons-int.com
Guide Price £625,000 • 4 bedrooms • 2 bath/shower rooms • Sitting room • Kitchen/dining room • Parking • Garden
It’s Important To Make Time For The Things You Love. At Hamptons International we know your move is important to you and so our knowledge, expertise of the local market and personal service can take the strain out of moving. Leaving you free to relax, safe in the knowledge that everything’s being taken care of. MARCH 2012
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KINGHAM
A substantial family house set in the heart of the village, enjoying flexible accommodation and uninterrupted views over the unspoilt adjoining countryside.
Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast area, sitting area, utility room, cloakroom, 6 bedrooms (2 en-suite), attic room, attic store room, double garage, parking, summer house, garden.
Guide Price £850,000
Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
An attractive Grade II listed Cotswold cottage with south facing garden situated in the heart of the town and requiring complete modernisation. Sitting room, kitchen, dining room, cellar, three bedrooms, bathroom, workshop, south facing garden. One of several lots to be sold by public auction at the The Stow Rugby Club, on 25th April 2012 at 6pm precisely, unless sold previously. Further entries invited for forthcoming auctions.
Guide Price £225,000 – £250,000
Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383
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UPPER HARFORD (NEAR BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER) A well appointed Country House together with lovely gardens, outbuildings and outstanding views. In all about 2 acres. Reception hall, cloakroom, 3 reception rooms, study, games room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, 7 bedrooms, (2 en-suite), 2 further bathrooms, double garage, outbuildings. (Further land, airstrip and hanger are available by separate negotiation, in total the property extends to approximately 66 acres).
Guide Price ÂŁ1,800,000
Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
An extremely well presented semi-detached house, with flexible living accommodation, situated in an elevated position with magnificent views over the adjoining, undulating countryside. Entrance porch, staircase hall, sitting room/dining room, kitchen, conservatory, bathroom, three bedrooms, garage, garden, views.
Guide Price ÂŁ237,500
Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383
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hot property
Cleeve Hill Cheltenham Setting the scene: Malvern View is a substantial Cotswold stone property set on the slopes of Cleeve Hill and enjoys direct access onto Cleeve Common as well as stunning far reaching views across the Severn Vale. The accommodation is over 4,600 square foot and is currently being run as a bed and breakfast. Why we love it: The property has three comfortable reception rooms, five luxury guest bedrooms with en-suites and a one bedroom self-contained annexe with separate access. The accommodation is arranged over two floors, the sitting room, dining room and the drawing room make up the main part of the ground floor each with bay windows which allows in plenty of light. A commercial kitchen can be found towards the rear of the house. Having been completely renovated by the current vendors in 2007, all of the primary reception rooms and bedrooms enjoy subtly enhanced period features and captivating views. Sitting in an elevated position overlooking gardens and parking to the front and to the rear a part terraced garden and pedestrian access to the common behind. Guide Price: ÂŁ995,000 Details: Knight Frank; Tel: 01242 246959 www.knightfrank.com/CHE110304
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hot property
Lypiatt Road Cheltenham Setting the scene: A stunning garden apartment in a fabulous converted regency villa situated in one of Cheltenham’s most sought after and stunning locations. Why we love it: Automatic iron gates open onto the carriage drive which provides secure allocated parking. Stone steps drop down to the entrance which services two apartments including apartment 1. Once inside the apartment the entrance hall runs the full width, with the living accommodation to the front and the bedrooms to the rear. The living space has been intelligently designed with a glazed wall between the entrance hall and sitting room, this creates a feeling of space and floods the hall with natural light. The living area has 3 shuttered sash windows and its open plan layout has a generous sitting area to one end, dining in the middle, and kitchen at the other end. The kitchen is fitted with a range of sleek modern units with integrated appliances, whilst an island unit fitted with an electric hob creates a natural divide between the kitchen and living area. The master bedroom is of generous proportions with a window and door to the rear courtyard and door to the well fitted en-suite bathroom . There is a second double bedroom which is served by a similarly high quality shower room. To the rear there is a small courtyard with room for table and chairs. Guide Price: £325,000 Details: Knight Frank Tel: 01242 246959 www.knightfrank.com/CHE120004
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hot property
Hinton, Oakley Road, Battledown, Cheltenham Setting the scene: Hinton is a wonderful, contemporary house which has been architect designed, to a high specification, with great imagination and flair taking advantage of its location and the stunning views towards the Malvern Hills. Why we love it: The accommodation, which is arranged over three floors, offers flexible living with the kitchen/breakfast/family room having two sets of bi-folding doors leaving to a paved terrace, ideal for al fresco dining, and beyond to the garden. The master bedroom suite is situated on the ground floor with an en suite shower room and dressing room, with bi-folding doors leading to a balcony. There are three further bedroom suites as well as a further bedroom and family bathroom. Outside the property is approached through electronic wooden gates, leading to a parking area at the front of the house for several cars. Pathways lead either side of the house to the paved terrace and the garden which is mainly laid to lawn with mature trees. Guide Price: ÂŁ1.375 million. Details: Savills, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 548 000 www.savills.co.uk
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MARCH 2012
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hot property
The Knoll Cranham Setting the scene: This is a delightful family home of a truly unique and individual nature located in an elevated position on the edge of the village with far-reaching views over a wooded valley and common land. Why we love it: The property was developed in 2002 by the present architect owners with the new house occupying the same foot print as its predecessor. A great deal of care and attention has gone into creating this exciting home which incorporates the use of low-maintenance materials. The exterior is sympathetic to its surroundings with stonecolored render, cast stone window and door surrounds and the use of Cotswold stone to both the front and rear elevations. Modern technology enables energy efficient features such as solar thermal heating system, IT networking, central vacuum and heat recovery ventilation. A warm and peaceful atmosphere has been created in this unique family home. The accommodation has been designed to give a light and airy feel with full height and roof line windows making the most of the stunning panoramic views across a beautiful wooded valley. The modern interior is enhanced with open vaulted ceilings and the use of natural materials including Green Oak. Guide Price: ÂŁ685,000; Details: Read Maurice; Tel: 01242 241122 www.readmaurice.co.uk
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hot property
Eldon Road Cheltenham Setting the scene: This outstanding family home has been enlarged to both the ground and first floor and has been beautifully decorated throughout. Why we love it: On the right of the hallway is a large double reception room that has plenty of space for both sitting and dining and a splay bay window with fitted shutters. An inner hall leads to the ground floor shower room and a modern fitted kitchen, which offers plenty of practical work space and storage. The accommodation flows on through the kitchen into a 20' conservatory with double doors and views over the rear garden. On the first floor you will find three double bedrooms one interlinking with a versatile room which could offer a 4th bedroom, study, dressing room or cot room if required. In addition there is a modern family bathroom fitted with a white suite. Outside both the front and rear gardens are exceptional providing well-stocked and tended flower and shrub beds, secluded sitting areas, lawns and gravelled beds and paths. The front garden provides off street car parking. The property is exceptionally well-presented and features gas fired central heating to radiators, double glazed windows and modern fittings throughout. A truly exceptional property. Guide Price: ÂŁ499,950; Details: Read Maurice; Tel: 01242 241122 www.readmaurice.co.uk MARCH 2012
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hot property
The Park Cheltenham Setting the scene: A spacious raised ground floor apartment in a period building with own entrance and gravel drive. Why we love it: It’s on The Park within walking distance of Montpellier and has its own private lawned garden. Price: £335,000 Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 222909. www.hamptons-int.com
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Cotswolds: 01452 657950 London: 0207 1010 300 e: info@thomaslegalgroup.com
SE U O H FOR ? E L A S ING K O LO E ON V A TO S ITOR’S IC SOL ES? FE
RACING FAN?
Thomas Legal Group - The Cotswolds Best Property Lawyers If you can answer YES to all three of the questions above then just answer the one below for free entry to our Cheltenham Races competition!
Who was the most successful Gold Cup horse of all time? A. KAUTO STAR
B. MINE’S A GUINNESS
C. GOLDEN MILLER
Send your answer via e-mail to sharon.foote@thomaslegalgroup.uk.com to be entered into the draw on Gold Cup Day. Winner gets 50% off residential conveyancing fees for selling their house. Two runners up will each receive a bottle of celebratory champagne. Got to be worth a flutter!
www.thomaslegalgroup.com
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space with style
Spa Conservatory Company have been designing and building bespoke Garden Rooms, Conservatories and Orangeries for over 25 years and we are proud to have built a strong reputation for offering quality and functional yet attractive space solutions.
Please call 0800 002 9368 to discuss your requirements. www.spaconservatory.co.uk SPA CONSERVATORY COMPANY – BLOOMS GARDEN CENTRE EVESHAM ROAD CHELTENHAM GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL50 4SJ ESTABLISHED IN 1985. THE FIRST CONSERVATORY COMPANY IN THE COTSWOLDS TO QUALIFY FOR THE GOVERNMENT ENDORSED STANDARD, TRUST MARK.
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a remarkable talent
style interview
“Come and complete the story!” That intriguing invitation comes from Cheltenham-based artist Michael Paul, whose one-man exhibition, Sideways Glances, will be showing at the Gardens Gallery in Montpellier, Cheltenham, very soon. Pip Jones gives us all the details… Who is the artist? It was around two years ago that retired architect Michael Paul, who has lived in Cheltenham for 23 years, picked up a brush and tried painting with oils for the first time. Art has been a life long passion and although (in rather stark contrast to the technical drawings he did for his work) Michael regularly did sketches and watercolours of the places he visited, he could not have predicted the remarkable talent he would uncover as he embarked upon an art access course at Stroud College. Since that time, Michael has become prolific in his painting. Using a spare bedroom as a studio, he has completed scores of canvases – the best of which are now going to be exhibited at a special five-day show entitled Sideways Glances. What is the exhibition? Sideways Glances is a collection of around 35 oil paintings, many depicting small groups of people in urban, and often visually fascinating, settings. The streets of Cheltenham, London and Edinburgh, as well as Paris and Sicily, provide backdrops to the mysterious subjects, who have been unwittingly captured in ‘freeze frame moments’. A MARCH 2012
fascinating study of the complexities of human interaction, viewers are likely to be intrigued by the characters Michael has chosen, and might even detect a little influence from the master of artistic anthropology, Edward Hopper. Why should we go? Perfect for people watchers, almost every painting has what Michael describes as ‘an unfinished narrative’. His intention is that the viewers will contribute by making their own judgements on what is really occurring – and in doing so, they will complete each story. Are these furtive glances between strangers, or sullen silences between old friends? Who is observing and who is being observed? “Not everything is spelled out,” says Michael. “Undoubtedly one person’s idea of what is going on will be quite different from another’s.”
Where and when? Sideways Glances will be opening at The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, on Friday March 30th and running until Tuesday April 3rd. The exhibition is open between 10am and 5pm each day and is free of charge. CS
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homestyle
styling your home Over the following pages we showcase stylish interiors and everything you need to turn your house into a home...
Sponsored by
www.yorkeconstruction.co.uk
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Our award winning team offer a bespoke design service, covering everything from site visits to final presentations. We have designers and experts on hand to offer you the best advice in the business. Our team travel over the world to make sure we are in line with the latest trends in product and style, enabling us to deliver highly creative
obsidian
yet practical solutions in a constantly changing market. Obsidian offer a very special product and this is why we have worked with some of the best designers and architects in the country. We work with the customer and client to get the result and finish they desire.
I M A G I N E K I T C H E N S | B AT H R O O M S | M O D E R N | T R A D I T I O N A L | S T Y L E | F U N C T I O N
41- 47 Fairview Rd Cheltenham Glos GL52 2EJ Tel: 01242 237241 Email: info@obsidian.ws www.obsidian.ws Open 9.00am – 5.30pm Weekdays 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturdays
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BEST GADGETS
interiors
Obsidian Showroom Manager Gary Moores reveals his round up of best gadgets for bathrooms and kitchens in 2012... BEST BATHROOM GADGETS Betteone Relax Bath (below) - runnerup in the 2011 Product innovation awards, the Betteone Relax Bath features a special sloping back profile, shaped like a reclining chair. Flatter and longer than back profiles of other baths, it is designed to be extra-comfortable, as well as water saving. Made of high-grade steel enamel, it is built to last and comes with a 30 year warranty. Eauzone Plus Quintesse Shower enclosure by Matki (above) - designed as a corner showering solution which is still spacious and light, the 10mm thick glass sits neatly on a five-pointed ultralow tray, or can be installed flush with the floor. It is available in a variety of sizes from 900 to 1,500mm and bespoke options are also available.
BEST KITCHEN GADGETS
Eagle Hood (above) - the new Eagle Cooker hood by Elica reflects a move towards a new design of downdraft hoods. In use, the hood rises up and curves forwards over the hob, when not in use, only a slim light panel behind the worktop remains visible. With the growing trend for open-plan living and home entertaining, the need for quality extraction has never been so high.
Gentle (above) - gentle by name and gentle by nature. The recently launched brassware collection from Dornbracht features easy-on-the-hand, tactile form with smooth lines and rounded shape. Designed by architect Matteo Thun, it is one of the most affordable product ranges every launched by the brand, giving outstanding quality at a reasonable price.
Elio Hot & Cold Water dispenser by Dornbracht (below) - this super stylish Hot Water tap is available as just Hot, or Hot and Chilled water. Available in two finishes, Polished Chrome and Platinum Matt. It has a pressurised hot water tank that fits under the sink and delivers Hot water to a temperature of 93 degrees. It can be placed by the main kitchen sink or with a small sink combination on an island unit. Siemens sensor hob - it features not one but two cutting-edge sensor controlled systems, which make temperature based hob-top cooking a reality. The sensors are linked to the hob’s electronics, which continually adjust the cook zone output to keep your pans at a preset temperature automatically. CS
Obsidian can be found at 41-47 Fairview Road in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01242 237241 or email info@obsidian.ws whilst the website address is www.obsidian.ws MARCH 2012
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Fireplaces | Worktops | Stone Flooring | Bathrooms & Wetrooms
Stockists of:
Montpellier Marble Ltd 800 Ashville Business Park (Behind Mercedes Benz)
STAVERTON, Glos GL2 9QJ | Telephone 01452 714800 www.montpellier.co.uk MARCH 2012
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Seed potatoes and onion sets
Wide range of summer flowering bulbs Home grown bedding Restaurant & coffee shop Gifts & cards
Tel: 01452 790550
Trioscape Garden Centre at Highleadon Newent | Gloucestershire | GL18 1HQ
We stock Charnwood, Dimplex, Dunsley, Dovre, Esse, Invicta, Jetmaster, Jotul, Morso, Scan, Stovax, Vermont Castings, Villager, Westfire, Yeoman and many more...
78-80 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2NW 01242 241164
www.warmwelcomefires.co.uk
Gas & Electric Fires | Hearths & Mantels | Multi-fuel & Woodburning Stoves | Accessories
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Jennings of Tewkesbury specialise in the finest oriental rugs and carpets The magic and the mystery of the Orient; its art, culture and ancient history are all captured in the enduring beauty and hand-woven craftsmanship of traditional Oriental rugs and carpets.
As a family business we have specialised in offering the finest hand-made Oriental rugs and carpets for more than 50 years. We travel far and wide to find the best examples and carefully select individual rugs and carpets from established weavers who use vegetabledyed hand-spun wool or the finest silk.
Telephone: 01684 292 033
With our wide knowledge and expertise we offer a very high level of personal service to our customers. So, come and see our exquisite selection for yourself. Our period Tudor shop is only a stone’s throw from Tewkesbury Abbey. We’ll be delighted to see you.
www.jenningsrugs.co.uk
J W Jennings 10 Church Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5PA
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© J W Jennings 2011
MARCH 2012
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hidden gems of the Cotswolds
all for a good cause
In his series of diaries, Heart presenter Niall Foster describes how the station is offering valuable fundraising support for Childline in this year’s Have a Heart Appeal...
Niall Foster presents Drive time daily from 16.00 – 19.00 on Heart 102.4. Available on 102.4FM, 103FM, Digital and online at heart.co.uk
MARCH 2012
March in our corner of Gloucestershire tends to be dominated by one event, The Cheltenham Festival. Whether it is the glamour and fashion of Ladies Day that catches your eye, the increased footfall and business it brings to this part of the world or the thundering hooves signifying the power and majesty of some finely tuned thoroughbreds that excites you about this event, you cannot escape the fact that one thing is present in abundance; money. Whether you’ve spent a shocking amount on a new hat or won or lost it all on a nailed on certainty, the festival is soaked in money. That is why we think is the perfect time of year to launch and hold our Have a Heart Appeal for 2012, with the ‘easy come, easy go’ attitude that surrounds the spending and making of money in this month we think some of it should be directed towards a good cause. This year, that good cause is Childline. As a station that promotes fun, feelgood family values we are delighted to be supporting a charity that does invaluable work with children in this county. The aim of the appeal this year is to provide funds that enable more councillors to be trained so that more phone calls in to the charity can be answered effectively, leading to more children who may feel they have nowhere else to turn getting help. It may surprise you to learn that not all calls in to Childline are currently answered. By the end of this year the charity anticipate that they will
receive 700,000 calls, and one in three of those calls will go unanswered. This is what our appeal this year will help to rectify. As it is a children’s charity we are supporting this year the theme is ‘be a kid for a kid’. We are asking people to relive their childhood years, having some fun in the process and raising money at the same time. Warren from Heart Breakfast has returned to his years as the class clown and managed to get himself in to the Guinness book of world records for the appeal, as the man to tell the most jokes in one minute. Thankfully for Warren the record didn’t specify that the jokes had to be funny! Our fantastic listeners are, of course, at the heart of what we will achieve in this appeal and I have already spoken to some who will wear school uniform to work for a day, bake cakes to sell to friends and colleagues, and host quizzes and school discos in aid of the appeal. I will be lacing up the running shoes once again to run the Forest of Dean half marathon and it has been suggested I could embrace the theme by doing it in school P.E. kit. Let’s hope I remember it, as I don’t fancy running through the forest in vest and pants! If you wish to get involved in this year’s appeal, details and a fundraising pack can be found on heart.co.uk and if you do all ready have plans to hold and event I would love to give it a mention for you on Heart Drivetime. I can be e-mailed via the website. CS
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Cheltenham Design Festival
grand designs Eleanor O’Kane looks ahead to the launch of Cheltenham’s newest festival in April.
‘THE CHELTENHAM DESIGN FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE AT THE PARABOLA ARTS CENTRE AND THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHERE YOUR INTERESTS LIE’
MARCH 2012
The launch of Cheltenham’s newest festival is drawing closer, bringing creative thinkers to the town between April 20th-22nd for three days packed with events that celebrate good design in many forms. The Cheltenham Design Festival takes place at the Parabola Arts Centre and there’s something for everyone, no matter where your interests lie. Friday April 20th is devoted to design and education, giving students a unique opportunity to discover what it’s really like to work in the creative industry today. Some of the most exciting and influential people in design will be presenting their ideas and it’s an exciting opportunity to see creative thinking in action. Inspiring figures such as transport design Paul Priestman will be talking about his projects; Priestman’s recent Moving Platforms concept could revolutionise the future of transport while his design for the Mercury high-speed train is seen as Britain’s answer to the bullet train. Travelling from Denmark, Simon Kavanagh from the ideas school The KaosPilots will explain how creative thinking is used to solve global problems. It promised to be an inspirational day and a great start to the Festival. On Saturday April 21st, the emphasis shifts to how design affects our lives. Top garden and landscape designer Dan Pearson starts the day with a talk about his work in public spaces. Pearson has designed five award-winning gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show and has written columns for newspapers such as The Times and The Observer; this is a treat for anyone interested in landscape design, or just wants to hear more about the work of the highly respected garden designer. Throughout the day, the events will focus on different ways that design enhances our wellbeing and improves our
future. Sustainability will be addressed in an event with the inventor Ed Douglas Miller, the eco-architect Craig White and Professor Daniella Tilbury, Director of Sustainability at the University of Gloucestershire. Miller founded his company Remarkable in 1996, and recycles waste products into usable goods such as pens, rulers and notepads. The evening sees the president of the festival, Sir John Hegarty, taking part in a discussion entitled Who’s designing the future? which will look at how creativity can help us move forwards in this difficult economic time. Sunday April 22nd is a day for inventors of all ages and a chance to see design in action. To get your morning off to a brisk start, come along and hear about The Bloodhound Project, whose aim is to build a car that travels at 1,000 miles per hour. There will be a simulator on hand as well as a children’s workshop where the Jenson Buttons and Lewis Hamiltons of tomorrow can create their own race cars. Motoring fans will also want to catch two separate talks by designers at McLaren and the Morgan Motor Company. Those interested in developing their own inventions shouldn’t miss Mark Champkins, Inventor in Residence at the Science Museum and successful Dragons’ Den candidate, as he gives advice on developing a good idea while parents who think their kids spend too much time playing games on their phones should take them along to the talk on the future of mobile games, where they can get tips on turning their hobby into a real career! Creative thinking changes lives; find out how it can change yours at the Cheltenham Design Festival in April. CS www.cheltenhamdesignfestival.com
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Get an i n s t a n t l i f t and f i r m i n g o f t h e s k i n with the ‘c e l e b r i t i e s ’
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Call or email Dr. Zulia Frost for more information
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000 Laura Leigh March 12:Layout 1
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hair doctor
A RAINBOW REBELLION
The world’s your stage with colour this spring/summer says Laura Leigh Hairdressing...
STYLE INSIDER
The 1950s period is a strong influence for this season’s fashion; hairstyles are going to be more groomed than they have been recently. Short and sleek bobs will look sophisticated and sweet with cropped cardigans and chinos. High buns will also be making an appearance, wear with pastel shades, denim and blazers. Polished ponytails hanging loose and low are on trend. To get the look, draw hair from a centre parting into a low pony tail, tying low down and leaving fullness in the crown. The key to this working is healthy-looking hair. A cascade of shiny, glossy waves is so hot for spring; keep it sleek this season, less texture and more glamour! Groomed is in!
Laura Leigh Hairdressing, Lower Ground Floor, 105 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW, Tel: 01242 530598; www.lauraleighhairdressing.co.uk
MARCH 2012
Have fun with your hair colour this spring with celebrity and catwalk inspirations. Eye catching colours are set to be bigger than ever for spring/ summer 2012. An ideal look for futuristic fanatics, pink, red and violet accent colours are making a huge impact on the red carpet and on the high street. Rose coloured hues are a firm favourite for spring/summer 2012, hair colour is inspired by a whole palette of sugary sweet pastels. Creamy blondes look great with pink whilst ashy blondes suit violet or blue shades. Brunettes and red heads should opt for purples and orange tones. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katy Perry are all experimental with their colour and have inspired designers on the 2012 catwalks. Brightly coloured hair is a good way of rebelling against the doom and gloom of the recession and a fabulous way of expressing your individuality. There are plenty of ways to add a statement splash of colour without being too garish! Hidden panels of fun colour give versatility and different looks for day and night. By placing a bright panel underneath the top section you can
reveal your flashes of colour coming through when the hair moves. The dip dye look is still very much on trend and is very versatile. A really good home care regime will undoubtedly keep colour looking fresher for longer and we can suggest a bespoke range for you to use at home. CS
DON’T MISS OUT - investigate how colour can enhance your style! Visit Laura Leigh Hairdressing for an on-trend pastel toner, prices from £26 or for a more permanent effect you could go for flashes of colour prices from £65. We can give you a more accurate quote after a complimentary in-salon consultation.
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A 25% discount on your first visit with a senior stylist
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A truly indulgent experience Stunning colours Luxury products
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At Gorgeous-hair we seek to pamper our clients; however, the most important thing is that you leave feeling completely gorgeous – happy with your experience and your hair. The salon is a member of the Fellowship of British Hairdressers, having been awarded a gold star, and aims to live up the Fellowship motto “Strength through quality”.
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Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive information on all our latest promotions.
www.gorgeous-hairdressing.co.uk
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refresh your look
Mother’s Day
With Mother’s Day approaching (March 18th) Sam Bawden, Director of Cheltenham Fashion Week urges mothers everywhere to pamper themselves with the key trends this season... When thinking about my spring wardrobe I know I must ignore my first inclination to rush around the shops like an excited headless chicken, adrenaline pumping through my veins, buying various items that take my fancy at the time. I don’t usually have a plan at all. Practicality never enters my mind, I’m ashamed to admit I have experienced many festivals in stilettos and only last year bought my first pair of wellies. And not even Hunter ones… As I get older too, as well as in years, I add more roles to my life. On an average day I change roles about seven times. Mother to professional to dog-walker to cleaner to cook to wife to lover. And most roles demand a totally different look. It therefore makes sense to me, (not my bank manager or husband) that I need a lot of clothes full stop. I dream of the easiness of a capsule wardrobe but for me, the whole shopping experience where I can try new trends and reinvent myself again is just too tempting to resist. We are really lucky to have some wonderful independent boutiques in Cheltenham and they all contribute to making our town a unique place to shop so please support them! This week I had the pleasure of visiting them all. Key trends this spring: FABULOUS FLORALS Florals will of course be everywhere. I’m not a huge floral fan but if I was going to partake I personally would avoid anything too fussy or busy. I am a huge fan of local designers Kelly Thorne and their spring collection is a fabulous fusion of floral prints, appliquéd details, body hugging pencil skirts, cigarette pants and stretch lace dresses all in beautiful and opulent colours. I also popped into CoCo Bee Boutique; who knew there were three floors of cute separates, accessories and MARCH 2012
‘Fabulous florals will of course be everywhere’ jewellery, and all very affordable too?
PASTELS As someone who loves bright colours it is a surprise to me how much I am enjoying the pastel palettes that are all over the catwalks this spring. Again for me, I would prefer to mix the sweetness of the colours with a tougher edge, like adding black strappy stilettos or a leather jacket to a pretty dress, or a pastel sweet blouse with a leather pencil skirt. Vinegar Hill has a sophisticated collection this spring and I had to highlight this pretty dress for anyone who has a spring special occasion to attend.
unless you want to look like something from a kids TV show. Feva has some divine florals and prints on offer in their upstairs boutique, definitely for the woman who is no shrinking violet and who wants to be noticed. Don’t forget some brightly coloured jeans, after one pair you will never look back I promise and Keith Scarrott have some adorable spring brogues. I want all colours please. PRINTS I love prints! The vibrancy of them and the confidence they give make them this season’s must-have in my opinion. Oversize florals, geometric shapes, parrot prints, futuristic prints, abstract art, digital imaging, techno colours; personally I love the cosmic prints that are around at the moment. Team with something simple like a t-shirt or simple trousers. Olive are perfect for the woman who wants something a little more quirky, vintage looking and affordable. Right now they have a wide array of prints on offer in cute and sophisticated patterns. Foundation has some wonderful spring brights on offer, including fresh looking nautical stripes, pretty floral dresses and simple but chic dresses that will go from day to night seamlessly. CS Follow Cheltenham Fashion Week on twitter.com/CheltFashionWk; www.facebook.com/cheltenham fashionweek; www.cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk
BRIGHTS I have always been a fan of bright colours, and my favourite orange blouse from two years ago is still going strong. If you want to look chic then stick with one colour but never do more than three
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colour cut style
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Rapid access to treatment at Nuffield Health. Your local hospital, recognised by BUPA™ and other major insurers. Whether you’re insured or just want to pay for yourself, ask your GP for a referal to Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital. For more information please call our friendly team on 01242 246552 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/cheltenhamhospital Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL51 6SY
Don’t just go private, go personal
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DEAR DOCTOR
000 Dr Vicky MARCH 12:Layout 1
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health
Dr Vicky Blackburn has been a GP in Gloucestershire for 15 years. She is also a mother-of-three children (including twins). She is a frequent contributor to magazines, and has a regular phone-in on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. She has a specialist interest in women’s health, family medicine, pregnancy and parenting problems... Dear readers, with March comes lighter mornings, spring bulbs to cheer us up, and Mother’s Day! As a mother-of-three my expectations for Mothering Sunday have adapted considerably over the years! These days, my requests are simple. All I ask for now, is a lie-in and ‘everybody to be nice to each-other!’ To my family’s credit I usually get both with a bunch of tulips and a card or two! A real treat for me is not to go near the cooker, so if you are struggling for ideas to treat any Mum you know, cook her lunch (beans on toast will do!) The current generation of mothers has a very different experience of motherhood than our mothers did. No doubt that their mothering experience was also different from their mother’s before. The job description is not fixed and now includes being provider, nurturer, carer, counsellor, head chef, sous chef, housekeeper, chauffeur and general caretaker! I also seem to be finance director and social secretary too. I am also a law maker and security consultant (good cop and bad cop!) I have received no formal training for any of these roles, and the hours are relentless. There is no time off for sickness or annual leave! If you read this job description in a job advert no-one would apply! Yet most women strive for motherhood, not for the tasks and the huge responsibility, not for the wage (!) or the status. They just want to be a ‘Mum’, and perhaps receive a lie-in on Mothering Sunday.
Q: My daughter is 10 months old and will only be with me! If I leave her at all (even just to pop upstairs), she screams and cries. I can’t leave her with my husband, and he now thinks that she doesn’t like him. She was a gorgeous smiley baby and we made sure that we took her out and met lots of people when she was small. She attends nursery three days per MARCH 2012
WITH DR VICKY BLACKBURN week, and staff there say she is delightful. What are we doing wrong?! A: The answer is that you are unlikely to have done anything wrong. The fact that your daughter has been well socialised at an early stage is to your credit, as it is often difficult to get out and about when babies are small. She will be that ‘gorgeous smiley’, and sociable child again, this is merely a stage she is going through. At about nine months of age children go through a phase of what is called separation anxiety. Experts believe that it is at this point that children learn that their parents exist outside of their world.. that is, they learn that when you are not with them, that you exist elsewhere. This means that they learn to ‘miss’ you. Like any separation it is more apparent with a child’s main carer (usually Mum). As a result of ‘missing you’ they try the only way that they know, to get you back with them. They cry until you return. Whilst this technique works they will continue to do it. So by returning promptly and ‘giving in’ to her cries, you are actually reinforcing this behaviour. At Nursery they tend not to ‘indulge’ this type of behaviour, and they will distract your daughter just after drop-off. Try and do the same. Reassure your husband that he is not ‘hated’, just not ‘missed as much as you!’. Continue to leave her, advise who you leave her with to distract her for the critical ‘drop-off ’ period, and reassure them that this phase will pass. Q: When I became a mother I thought that my mother, being the only grandmother to my son, would
help more? I am jealous of my friends whose children are often looked after by their grandparents. My mother never helps me. Am I right to feel so resentful? A: There is no ‘right’ way to feel, and I am sorry that you are ‘unlucky’ with your mother’s support. You do not say in your letter if you had a good relationship with your mother before you had children. Having children often create barriers between the strongest relationships. If you want more support from your mother, then you must be honest with her, and ask her why she does not feel able to help more. Have you ever (directly) asked her for help? Sometimes Grannies do not want to be seen to be meddling, or indeed, they may lack confidence with small children. You need to talk through such issues with her. Also do not forget that she may feel ‘pushed away’ by your new baby and it may be that you would both benefit from some mother-daughter time (without babe). It might be a good excuse for a night out, and worth the effort, long-term. CS If you have any health questions for Dr Vicky Blackburn please contact her c/o The Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
Dr Vicky Blackburn MBBS DRCOG DFFP runs a private GP service on Saturday mornings at Nuffield Hospital Cheltenham. To make an appointment please call 07810 002 446. For further information please contact Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital on 01242 246542, email enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com or visit www.nuffieldhealth.com
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business
business style In this month’s business style we talk to our regular contributors from Brewin Dolphin and Brunsdons, Paul James, Rickerbys and The Chamber of Commerce. We pay tribute to local businessman Nick Grunfeld, here, we honour his life and achievements. Roland Martin taking Rendcomb College to new heights as Headmaster. Director of Beards, Angela Rose talks to Eve Holmes about her incredible business journey.
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business
Privatisation was worth it for investors Brewin Dolphin Regional Director Alex Barrell looks at how investors benefited from UK privatisations and looks ahead to further sell-offs likely in the future... Twenty five years after the ‘Tell Sid’ campaign, we look at how investors faired in the early UK privatisations. With the fragile state of the Government’s coffers today, further sell-offs look likely, with possible candidates including the Tote and the Royal Mail. In 1984, the privatisation of BT, a state owned business, paved the way for privatisations around the globe. More than two million people participated; keen to buy the shares at the discounted price of 130p. The success of BT created a wave of sell-offs that presented opportunities for investors. Yet how profitable were these issues to the investors that backed them? An analysis of the most well known privatisations since flotation shows that the privatisation portfolio outperformed the benchmark FTSE 100 - in some cases doubling it - for most of the same period. Returns are calculated assuming a buy and hold strategy and are based on a capital return basis, which excludes dividends. Holdings have been adjusted for corporate actions and merger and takeover activity. The returns assume shareholders held on to shares in demerged companies, and took all rights issues in cash. Where a takeover has occurred, returns include the cash value MARCH 2012
WITH ALEX BARRELL for the bid. The average annual yield on the FTSE 100 over the past 25 years has been 3.8%. (Source: Brewin Dolphin). In the majority of cases returns are impressive with significant out-performances. Investments in six of the nine privatisations out-performed the FTSE 100, which delivered an average yield of only 3.3 per cent. The most profitable privatisation is British Gas, which was memorably sold to ‘Sid’ in 1986. Strong management has assisted in transforming British Gas into a global integrated Oil & Gas company and investors have reaped the rewards. Many of the privatised UK electricity, gas and water companies also performed well and have since been taken over by larger European utilities. Investments in Severn Trent, Powergen and National Power would all have outperformed the market. The worst faring funnily enough was the first, BT - now worth 190p although original investors would have benefited from the spin-off of O2 in November 2001 - increasing their share price by £2 per share back then. Investors would have underperformed the market had they participated in the
British Airways float in 1987. However, poor relative performance would have been made worse by the below market dividend yield. The stiff competition from low budget airlines entering the market, the historically high cost base left over from their state ownership days, high staff costs and threats of strike action have also all contributed to the underperformance of BA. Looking forward, the weakness of the public finances could prompt another spell of privatisations. In 2008, the Adam Smith Institute in its report ‘Privatization – Reviving the Momentum’ estimated that the government could raise as much as £20bn from privatisation, with candidates including; the Royal Mail, Channel 4, BBC Worldwide, Scottish Water, Northern Ireland Water, and the National Air Traffic Control System. The opportunities to buy shares at a discount, the scope for rapid growth following floatation and the chance of premium takeover bids from larger firms down the line, all contribute to expectation of profits. CS For more information please contact Alex Barrell on 01242 577677 or email alex.barrell@brewin.co.uk www.brewin.co.uk/cheltenham
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our Christian heritage
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comment
Leader of the Gloucester City Council Paul James highlights Gloucester’s rich tapestry of ecclesiastical heritage...
To contact Paul, visit www.pauljames.org.uk or follow him on Twitter @cllrpauljames. MARCH 2012
When people talk about churches in Gloucester, people’s minds immediately turn to our Cathedral – with good reason. Its stunning Norman architecture and 900year history make it one of the finest in Europe. Having one king crowned here (Henry III) and another buried (Edward II), not to mention holding the forerunner to Parliament and the ordering of the Domesday Book are just a few chapters of its rich story. However, Gloucester’s ecclesiastical heritage is far from limited to our Cathedral. St Mary de Lode, which sits in the shadow of the Cathedral in Archdeacon Street is Gloucester’s oldest parish church. It is also believed to be the burial place of Lucius, who was a king of Britain. In 1643, it was used as a prison for 10 days to hold royalist soldiers captured at Highnam in the Civil War. The church is still in active use today. Just around the corner in Westgate Street, opposite the Folk Museum, is St Nicholas Church. Parts of the church date back to the 12th century and its spire at one time was 200 feet tall – although it is now shorter, having taken a direct hit from royalist artillery during the Siege of Gloucester. It is only in occasional use today for concerts and the like – but can be viewed by arrangement with the Folk Museum. Its owners, the Churches Conservation Trust, are actively exploring future uses for the building. Any ideas would be gratefully received. Completing the Civil War connection is St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street, which was used as an ammunition factory and store during the Siege and for the last couple of years has hosted the Gloucester Day service, which celebrates its lifting. There has, in fact, been a church on the site since 1140, although little of the current building dates back quite that far. The Nave includes a pulpit where the famous evangelist George Whitfield preached his first sermon in 1736. The
font was used to baptise Whitfield and Robert Raikes, founder of the Sunday School movement, who is buried beneath the floor of the south chapel. Also buried at the church are Jemmy Wood, the ‘Gloucester Miser’ and inspiration for Dickens’ ‘Scrooge’, and John and Joan Cooke, who founded the Crypt School (my old school) adjacent to the church in 1539. A project is currently underway, led by the Diocese of Gloucester, to create a centre of spirituality for a new generation of children and families. The project will cost around £2 million and take a number of years to deliver. A little further up the street is St Michael’s Tower, located on the city’s historic Cross. The 15th century tower was part of St Michael the Archangel’s church, whose nave and chancel originally extended 80 feet to the east. The rest of the church was cleared in 1956, but the tower remains as a heritage centre run by Gloucester’s Civic Trust. The Trust plans to bring back the ‘curfew bell’, which was rung to signal the times that householders were permitted to use their hearths – to guard against the danger of fire when the buildings were largely timber-built. The bell continued to be used until the Second World War. In Northgate Street, St John’s Church sits on the left hand side. A church has been on this site since 931, when it was founded by the Saxon King Athelston, the favourite grandson of Alfred the Great. Both George Whitfield and John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, preached here. The church remains in active use today. These are just a few examples of our Christian heritage. The priories of Llanthony Secunda, Blackfriars and Greyfriars are each worthy chapters in themselves. So whether you are of the Christian faith, of another or of none, all of these places are well worth a visit. CS
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weddings
Lisa Wilde and Stuart Walby Stuart Walby from the local band ‘The Chip Shop Boys’, married Lisa Wilde owner of Francesco Group at Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham. They met two years ago and Stuart romantically proposed to Lisa at her Ceroc dance class in front of 120 people. Best man was Stuart’s brother Mark and flower girl was his neice Maddie. Everyone sung and danced the night away and had a fantastic time. The happy couple honeymooned on a cruise around the United Arab Emirates. Photography Tom Barton www.tombartonphotography.com
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a larger than life character
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tribute: Nick Grunfeld
Parlour Farm’s founder Nick Grunfeld was known to everyone who knew him as a larger than life character. He sadly died from cancer last year at the age of 48. Here, we honour his life and achievements including his greatest business coup, being awarded the exclusive rights to design, produce and sell The Woodlands Collection for the National Trust. Nick Grunfeld was the founder and owner of Cirencester-based Parlour Farm, a family business which has built up an enviable reputation in the Cotswolds for the highest quality bespoke kitchens and furniture. Nick, known to friends and family as Nicky, was a larger than life character with a genuine interest in people. Spending much of his early working life in the City, Nick moved to the Cotswolds over 20 years ago where he thrived, enjoying the rural life and creating a home and family as well as building what was to become a significant local business. Nick was devoted to his family and was renowned for his generosity and kindness. “In the early days of the business, Nick forged links with other local companies, and many of these business relationships survived to become some of the strongest friendships away from the world of business” says Nick’s wife Naomi. Renowned for his drive and passion, Nick never liked to stand still, and it was his formidable character and determination that propelled the company forward, constantly evolving the business and products as well as providing staff with support, training and development. It is a credit to Nick’s dedication and drive that saw him achieving his latest and biggest business coup, gaining the exclusive rights to design and sell The National Trust Kitchen Collection. “This was a major coup for Nick,” says Naomi. “And it was typical of the way Nick pushed himself, constantly striving for better. “This was his way of expressing himself, working on new designs, looking for the very best quality and finding the best ethically sourced European materials that were in line with the National Trust ethos.” MARCH 2012
Nick thrived on the prestige and challenge of working with the National Trust and it gave him the opportunity to promote Parlour Farm to a wider audience. The first kitchen in the National Trust collection was launched in February, named ‘The National Trust Woodlands Collection’, in memory of Nick, who sadly
passed away before seeing the finished product. Nick’s family home is called ‘Woodlands’. The Woodlands Collection includes six designs, each made as a limited edition run of just 100 bespoke kitchens. The kitchens boast stunning British-built cabinetry by Parlour Farm’s Master Cabinetmaker John Bekerleg and personally designed by the company’s Senior Designer Jess Redfern. “Nick always had time for those that needed it,” says Naomi. “He enjoyed good company, food and wine and great conversation. “Nick embraced all of life and never did anything by halves. He was always good at everything he put his hand to.” Nick enjoyed being at the helm of a prominent business and will be always be remembered for his honour and integrity. Parlour Farm will continue to be a treasure within the Cotswolds and the lasting legacy of an inspirational man who put his heart and soul into creating an exciting and successful business. CS
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beat the deadline
finance
Independent Financial Adviser Brian Morman explains how to make the most of your tax allowances before the end of the tax year.
AWARDED ‘BEST NEW FIRM’ AT STANDARD LIFE’S ‘FORWARD THINKING CONFERENCE’
WITH BRIAN MORMAN Brian Morman ACII ABIBA Dip PFS is an Independent Financial Adviser and Managing Partner of Brunsdon LLP and CEO of Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd, the insurance and financial services intermediary established in 1932. Brunsdon LLP and Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd. are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority(FSA) The FSA does not regulate tax planning. Tel: 01452 623 623 brian.morman@brunsdon.co.uk www.brunsdon.co.uk MARCH 2012
Forget for a moment the Euro-crisis and what is happening in the financial markets. There’s very little you or I can do but watch and see what happens. What we can do however is make sure that with April 5th fast approaching our own personal tax year-end financial affairs are in order. The Government doesn’t give much away, so we should take full advantage of the taxsaving concessions that it does allow. You’ve probably guessed that I’m going to mention Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) first, because they are still some of the most convenient and popular taxsaving vehicles out there. All interest is free of Income and Capital Gains Tax, with no future liability. Individuals can invest up to £10,680 in this current tax year. (That’s £21,360 for a couple, obviously.) If you miss out on your allowance it cannot be used retrospectively. If you snooze, you lose, as they say! Give some thought to your pension contributions. You can pay an annual maximum of £50,000 into your pension and claim tax relief at your highest rate on the contribution. And you can also carry forward any unused contribution from the previous three tax years (up to the maximum of £50,000 per year) as long as you have a pension in the current year. This could prove very useful if you have acquired a sum of money, for example, through the sale of a property or an inheritance. And don’t forget your Capital Gains tax-free allowance of £10,600. CGT is payable on the increase in value of possessions (e.g. a second home) during the time you have owned them, and is due when you dispose of them. You could also consider transferring income-producing assets, such as building society and deposit-based accounts, to a spouse that is either not working or is in a lower tax
bracket. Such a transfer of assets does not attract CGT and it could mean that any income is charged at your spouse’s rate rather than yours. Consider potential Inheritance Tax issues. Gifts of up to £3,000 per year are allowed to individuals such as children or grandchildren, which of course takes the money out of your estate. Although not directly related to the end of the tax year, it goes without saying that in the current market of low interest rates and share prices, you should make sure that your savings are invested wisely. ‘Pound cost averaging’ is a rather fanciful term for what is in fact a canny investment strategy, and describes how you can build up a capital sum by investing a fixed amount of money in an investment vehicle on a regular (usually monthly) basis. This means that when prices are high your monthly contribution may buy fewer shares, but when prices are low, your investment buys more shares, or fund units. To some extent that takes the worry out of investment decision making. You do not need to panic when the price falls because you will be buying more of your chosen investment. It also instils a useful discipline by creating a savings habit! Whether you are looking to make the most of your allowances before the end of the tax year, or wish to explore investment choices, as always I advise you to speak to your financial adviser. At Brunsdon we can advise on viable financial solutions to suit your circumstances and investment strategy with options that can include active fund management which provides a high degree of insulation against volatility in the markets. As always, I have to point out that investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than the amount invested. CS
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legal advice
French tax changes
If you own property in France it is very important to check that your property is held in the most efficient way says Sabina Fortescue from Rickerbys.
WITH SABINA FORTESCUE For further details, please contact Sabina Fortescue on 01242 224422 or please email Sabina.Fortescue@rickerbys.com MARCH 2012
Last summer the French Government introduced a wide range of measures that can directly impact UK nationals owning property in France, whether personally, in a trust or through the commonly adopted French property holding company (or ‘SCI’). First, a legal loophole to avoid French Wealth Tax has been closed. Wealth Tax is a French tax on the net capital value of an individual’s assets above certain thresholds. It is payable annually. Until last year, UK individuals purchasing property in France would commonly purchase the property through an SCI. The UK individual would lend the purchase price to the SCI. The SCI would then purchase the French property. The debt owed by the SCI to the UK individual reduced the value of the French property in the SCI below the relevant Wealth Tax threshold. From January 1st 2012, a debt owed by a SCI to a non-French resident individual will not be deductible for Wealth Tax purposes. Bank loans continue to be deductible. Secondly, new rules about the taxation of trusts with French connections could see UK trustees in deep water with the French tax authorities. From the beginning of this year, UK trustees either holding assets in France or with a French resident beneficiary or a
French resident settlor (the person creating the trust) are required to file an annual declaration of trust assets in France. French resident beneficiaries may be subject to French Wealth Tax on trust assets held for them any where in the world. UK trustees may face financial penalties if French resident beneficiaries have not made the necessary Wealth Tax report in their personal tax return and if the trustees themselves have not made the requisite annual declaration of trust assets. There were a number of other measures introduced by the French Government last year. “If you have a connection with France either through the ownership of a property or through involvement in a Trust, it is very important to understand the wide-reaching implications of these changes,” says Sabina Fortescue, Private Client specialist at Rickerbys LLP Solicitors. “You should take advice now, to ensure that any necessary changes are made. Failure to do so could cost a great deal. Although Rickerbys cannot advise on French tax law, we work closely with clients’ French tax and other advisers to ensure that UK clients owning French assets are doing so in the most efficient way from both the French and the UK perspective and are aware of their French tax obligations.” CS
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“
“ Amber. Aged 14.
there’s something about Rendcomb...
We encourage all our girls to keep an open mind - to question, to reflect and to learn. And we’d like to invite you to take the same approach in assessing whether the opportunities we offer match the aspirations you have for your daughter. Come and see what really lies behind our name and our academic reputation - we think you’ll be surprised.
www.cheltladiescollege.org 01242 520691 enquiries@cheltladiescollege.org
we get the balance just right... www.rendcombcollege.org.uk Tel. 01285 831 213 Email. info@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 7HA 112
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education
‘a privilege to return’
Roland Martin is relishing the chance to take Rendcomb College to new heights as Headmaster, returning to the school that gave him the opportunities to succeed...
Roland with wife Kerri, and children Jude and Jemima.
Rendcomb College, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 7HA. Tel: 01285 831213; www.rendcombcollege.org.uk MARCH 2012
As a former scholar at Rendcomb College, Headmaster Roland Martin feels privileged to return to the school that gave him a grounded start in life, and is looking ahead to take the school to new heights. “Rendcomb gave me both the skills and confidence to achieve and attain in my career. It is an honour to come back to the school that set me on my way in life,” says Roland, who took on the role of Headmaster last year. Founded by Noel Wills in 1920 with the vision to provide a broad-ranging education within a friendly atmosphere, Rendcomb still has the incredible support from the Wills family which provides educational and financial support true to the Founder’s wishes and intentions. Sitting on a hillside overlooking the River Churn, Rendcomb College is surrounded by some of the most interesting and attractive Cotswold country, and this backdrop forms part of the uplifting experiences that Rendcomb teachers and Governors want for its pupils. “The beautiful setting provides students with a genuinely uplifting background to enjoy their day to day lives.” Rendcomb is a co-educational day and boarding school from nursery age through to sixth form. Dispelling any perceptions of a Victorian-style boarding school, Roland is keen to emphasise that Rendcomb strives to provide a warm, safe and nurturing environment for its pupils. As a former House Master at Eton, Roland is familiar
with the pastoral role that is so vital at a boarding school. “As well as providing an excellent education for our pupils, there is a certain amount of parenting that is needed from staff at such an important time in a child’s development. “Rendcomb provides a very supportive and family-centred environment and even though I’ve moved from a pastoral role to a leadership and management role as Headmaster, I value the time I spend with my students and I try to speak to pupils on a daily basis. As well as my fortnightly meetings with the Head Girl and Head Boy, I sit with pupils at lunchtime to listen to their thoughts and challenges.” Roland admits to being inspired by his pupils’ openness and honesty when communicating their thoughts. “The pupils are very open and are encouragingly interested by wider concerns and world issues. They ask for mentoring about fundraising and leadership strategies which will help them in turn, to mentor the younger pupils. “Rendcomb pupils are extremely well rounded and confident which is tempered by a modesty that sets them apart. With a fantastic educational framework we hope to provide our students with skills that will help them to succeed in life and business. “Going forward, we want to put a huge emphasis on celebrating our pupils’ achievements and build on the superb foundations already in place.” Rendcomb is a school to watch! CS
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style event
See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk
Silver Lining Ball in aid of Sue Ryder and Maggie’s
As a continuation of her promise to her dear friend Marianne Bayston, who was cared for by Sue Ryder at Leckhampton Care Hospice in 2007, Angela Boyce of Auto Village set out to raise money for Sue Ryder and also for Maggie’s Cancer Care. Working together with her friends, Kate Fann, Rachel Allan-Bowdery and Carol Freeman, they gathered over 200 people to celebrate Christmas. Guests enjoyed a luxurious evening, including a visit from Father Christmas, the antics of spoof waiters, a fundraising Quismas Quiz, all in sumptuous surroundings with beautiful florals, which were sponsored by Cotswold Style. Followers of Silver Lining occasions have now raised over £11,000 for local charities. Flowers were supplied by Montpellier Flowers and centrepieces created by Jeanette Bates of the Creative Flower Studio, www.thecreativeflowerstudio.com Photography by Yasmin Hussain
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stylish and exciting
women in business
Director of Beards, Angela Rose, is the fifth generation of the family to run the company and has taken the traditional jewellers to new heights. Here, she talks to Eve Holmes about her incredible journey. Photograph Phil Stevens Taking the helm of a prestigious family business which has been in existence for generations may seem a little daunting to some, but Angela Rose, Director of Beards, has taken it all in her stride and is the fifth generation of the family to run the company with her sons Alex and Olly Rose and daughter Kat. Angela entered the family business when she was just 17, working on watch repairs and administration. A short break from the business was spent taking a secretarial course in London and after marrying and moving back to Gloucestershire, Angela returned to work with her father and learned the trade. “At that time we had two shops, one was the original Waite and Sons which started in 1804 and our Promenade shop, which my grandfather bought in the 1930s. “It was a very male dominated industry and women didn’t even come in to buy jewellery for themselves,” says Angela, who diligently learnt every job in the business to earn respect from her peers and the staff who had worked loyally for her father. When it was time to take over the business, Angela was passionate about upholding the company’s traditional values of customer care and passion for design, but saw a new era where innovation would propel the company forward. In 1986 Angela was responsible for re-designing the Promenade showroom, putting her mark firmly on the business. “I already had a passion for architecture so re-designing the shop was my defining moment and a real shift from the traditional jeweller to an open, bright and airy showroom.” It was a bold move but one that paid off and took the business into a new stratosphere. Keen to evolve their designs and to bring innovative products to customers, Angela travelled to Italy and MARCH 2012
Hong Kong to source new manufacturers and designs. “Designers were then queueing up to work with us and customers were coming to us for our innovation and originality and they still are today.” Quality, beauty and distinctiveness characterise Beards’ homegrown jewellery which is manufactured in its workshops at its Promenade shop, using the finest materials including solid golds, sterling silver, platinum, coloured stones and diamonds. Angela has taken every new step in business in her stride. When asked how she has coped with building such a formidable career whilst raising four children Angela replies with genuine modesty and strength of character. “I didn’t think about it really I just got on and did it like any other working mother.” Angela credits her children with helping her to keep in touch with a younger generation of Beards customers, seeking out contemporary and unusual jewellery to offer customers something stylish and exciting. Investment in training is taken very seriously at Beards with huge efforts taken to ensure staff have excellent product knowledge. The company was recently named as an Investor in People as a result of much improved staff development and company strategy. Beards now has its first presence in London with a new showroom in Queen Street, Mayfair. “The new showroom was essential so that we could properly manage our London clients,” says Angela. Now taking a back seat to let the sixth generation of the family take over, Angela has one piece of advice. “Running the family business has been an honour, and it is essential to communicate well with each other and to listen to customers and staff. That has been my greatest business lesson.” CS
Sponsored by Jelf Women in Business is sponsored by Jelf, Westmoreland House, 80-86 Bath Road, Cheltenham. To find out more please contact Account Executive Andrea Lavis on 01242 225860. andrea.lavis@jelfgroup.com or visit www.jelfgroup.com
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sustainable business
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Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Daly, Strategic Sustainability Consultant, explains how employing ‘green’ values and services can help companies add profit to their bottom line. Here, she talks to two Chamber of Commerce members who have grown their business considerably through sustainable drivers...
Sustainability is now acknowledged as the third revolution of modern times after industrial in the 19th century and IT in the 20th. As we face a double-dip recession and much of Europe is in financial crisis, we know our economic overdraft has long been built on a precarious house of cards. Social inequality is causing greater gaps between the richest and poorest in society; which means we face spiralling and unsustainable demands on our social infrastructure. The environment is cracking under the pressure as we plunder three times our share of natural resources whilst replacing only a fraction. Quite simply, economic, social and environmental stability combines to create sustainability. Sustainability in business is about understanding these issues and making changes to redress the balance. These changes will make companies more resilient, competitive and profitable. They focus on adaptation strategies to create leaner, cleaner and greener entities which are responsive to the changing world; creating more value for them, their communities and the environment. According to recent research from Harvard/London Business School, based on more than 20 years of evidence, organisations that have sustainable principles at their core have on average, yielded double the profits of those going for short-term growth. Contrary to popular opinion responsible businesses are actually more successful in every metric with a better bottom line brought about by happier, healthier and more fulfilled employees and more satisfied customers. Sustainability is not just about ‘doing your bit’ with energy reduction, recycling and some charity work. It requires a major step-change in every way we go about our business. It’s about ‘creating value’ with profit that is measured in more ways than one. Sustainable businesses don’t wait for legislation - they anticipate changing markets, learn from thought leaders or become innovators MARCH 2012
WITH SARAH DALY
Mike Mellor of Space Catering Equipment and respond to issues with profitable solutions. Two such organisations in Gloucestershire, who are reaping the rewards of adapting their business strategies to sustainable drivers, are Howard Tenens and Space Catering Equipment. Howard Tenens, one of the largest family-owned logistics companies in the UK, leads its industry in environmental innovation. The award-winning company owns three million square feet of warehousing space in the UK operating from 16 locations, employing 500 staff. The logistics sector has an important role to play if the UK is to meet its European carbon reduction targets. Embarking on a sustainable course since 2003, a separate company Tenens Environmental was set up in 2008 to reduce the carbon footprint of storing and distributing customers’ products. “Within a relatively short time we have introduced a number of leading edge initiatives from alternative vehicles and fuels to sustainable warehousing,” said Eilis Cope, the group’s marketing and PR director. “Our professionalism, our passion for excellence and an uncompromising commitment to delivering both outstanding customer service and sustainable environmental performance, are the qualities that are the driving force behind everything we do.” There is no doubt of the value innovation has brought to Howard Tenens’ blue-chip client base. At a time
where every major organisation is reviewing its supply-chain, all businesses need to be ship-shape to retain existing business and win new clients. This should be the primary focus of every single organisation, however small. Mike Mellor is Managing Director of Space Catering Equipment, an ambitious company of just 24 people creating a similar impact in their sector since they started their ‘Green Footprinting’ initiative in 2008. “The motivation for us to start selling ‘greener solutions’ came through the frustration of receiving the stock answer that energy-saving equipment was ‘too expensive’. We could see clients defaulting to cheaper equipment that is much more expensive to run so we wanted to present the case by looking equally at upfront and operating costs.” Space’s pioneering approach has generated more than 20 national press articles and awards including the ‘Foodservice Footprint Award’ and ‘Best Installation’. Space kitchens can be found in places as diverse as 10 Downing Street, Mars and Paramount Pictures. “Taking a very clear eco stance has definitely increased our opportunities and our business has grown substantially in an otherwise declining market,” explained Mike. “We enjoy promoting the wider benefits and helping clients to see that they can promote a ‘responsible’ installation as part of their story too. Everyone wins!” CS Sarah Daly is a Strategic Sustainability Consultant at MyGreenEye. For more information about the Chamber of Commerce please contact Suzanne Hall-Gibbins, Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce,183 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2RN. Tel: 01242 308030; gloschamber.co.uk
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Winner of ‘Best British Curry 2011’
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supporting those with special needs
000 Charity Props March 12:Layout 1
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charity focus
Over the next few months we will chart the progress of a group of intrepid cyclists who are embarking on a 500 mile bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux in June for the local charity PROPS.
PROPS: Our unique inclusive organisation works tirelessly in our community to create opportunities ranging from vocational enterprise, health related fitness and our ground breaking partnership with Adalines Social Farm Project (Tetbury). Here, students with severe learning difficulties learn tradition farm craft and explore marketing at first hand. The Bristol to Bordeaux Cycle Challenge is instrumental in funding these initiatives.
What do a tree surgeon, a teacher, a couple of financial consultants, an artist, a gym instructor, a computer geek and the director of a pharmaceutical company have in common? Apart from their choice of the beautiful Cotswold village of Sherston as a place to live, not much, you might think. So what would make this disparate bunch come together to spend four days in June cycling the 500 miles from Bristol to Bordeaux? The answer is PROPS. PROPS (Providing Opportunities and Support) is a unique charity based in the South West which provides further education and vocational training to young people with a range of disabilities and special educational needs. Founded in 1991 by Sherston resident David Reeves, the charity is now based in
its own centre in Bristol, from where they deliver a wide range of courses in music technology, health related fitness and life skills and where the youngsters are provided with genuine hands-on work experience in their own print production company. Training for the trip to Bordeaux has already started for the intrepid riders. And it’s pretty tough going on these cold winter mornings, though the pain is eased by the wealth of beautiful cycling country on offer in the Cotswolds. The hub of operations for the riders is The Rattlebone Inn in Sherston, where much time is spent planning routes and where riders often endure lengthy re-hydration sessions after a tough training ride. CS Keep up with the Sherston peloton as we follow their progress every month in Cotswold Style to the ride in June.
Follow the team’s progress on Twitter (@P4PCotswolds) and Facebook. Please visit their just giving site www.justgiving.com/pedal4props to help the team reach their goal of £3,600 which covers the cost of three students and their carers taking part in this year’s challenge. www.propsforward.org MARCH 2012
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COCKTAIL CORNER
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in association with
Presents the cocktail of the month...
The Cheltenham Festival, the jewel in the National Hunt racing calendar, gallops into town between 13-16th March so we felt the aptly named classic ‘Turf Club’ was the perfect concoction for this month.
THE TURF CLUB
A strong tasting ‘old school’ drink which is not for the feint hearted but does make for the perfect companion to a spot of ‘Gold Cup’ gambling!
The Turf Club originated sometime toward the end of the nineteenth century when there were a large number of Gentlemen’s clubs catering for relaxation, gambling and playing the horses. These local clubs became known as Turf Clubs and spawned a house cocktail which adopted the name. There are many different versions of this martini style mix and we have chosen Harry McElhone’s original version from his 1922 book ABC of Mixing Cocktails but added a splash of Sweet Vermouth just make ‘the going’ good to soft!
The Turf Club in the mix:
• Fill a Martini glass with ice to chill down whilst you make the drink.
15ml Dry Vermouth
• Fill the shaker with lots of fresh, ‘sticky’ cubed ice and shake until the outside of the cocktail tin becomes frosted.
40ml Tanqueray Gin
15ml Sweet Vermouth
2 Bar Spoons of Maraschino Liqueur 1 Bar Spoon of La Fee Absinthe 1Dash Orange bitters
Grated Lemon to Garnish
• Measure all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
• Discard the ice in your martini glass ready for action!
• Strain the liquid from the tin into the glass, keeping back all the ice, including any ice ‘shards’
• Zest a couple of thin long strands of Lemon (or Orange if you prefer) over the top of the drink. • Sit back, relax, and savour a true classic.
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N OP OW EN
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Inspired by the best of British produce The
Suffolk Kitchen is a new restaurant now open in The Suffolks area of Cheltenham
To reserve a table please call 01242
237057 or email dine@thesuffolkkitchen.co.uk
Opening times: Tues to Sat | Dinner 6.30pm to 10pm | Fri to Sun | Brunch and Lunch 10am to 3pm
The Suffolk Kitchen | 8 Suffolk Parade | Cheltenham | GL50 2AB | 01242 237057
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000 Recipe Ali Nightingale MARCH 12:Layout 1
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recipe with Ali Nightingale
Easter bread
dolls
The re cip are inn es I love to ovative share t h ‘Food Detect and unusual, e most are t hose t ive’, I a the int nd as I hat oft er Metho rituals net. Whilst en find them enjoy playin d g re I b Hard b : char m came across searching E y scouring o a ing, I c this re instr uc il the eg gs, a cipe, w ster food o reader n tions. hich w s of C uldn’t resist Put to d then dye scalde otswo passin as just Easter as p o d ld g n , s o a it S on to and se llowing to e side. Heat er Easter bread dolls tyle. the cool u t aside n Euro are an ntil tep milk until . pe specific In a la id. Ad r g ally fro an tradition, e bo d the y and sa Know east lt, mix wl combine n as P m Croatia. in t h a r g nd half e imorsk Uskrsn w e g e ll g . Ad s, su i th e Easter Bebe, these Add th e flour and d the yeast-m gar, butter b cute ‘babies e ilk mix e rem at w smoot ’ with s ture h, soft aining flour ell. weeten are made gradua dough a greas ed dou wrapp ll is ed y, gh ed double bowl. Allo for med. Pla until a hard-b around colo , and w to ris ce the d oiled e in u r s e ize. P d doug e, c g gs. lightly If you floure unch down, overed, until h in d surfa kitche don’t mind t u rn ou ce and ng th Divide knead t onto a and ar etting a bit e d o u f en m (divide gh into 18 e or 2 minute aesthe ot in pursu essy, s. qual p dough it of tic per ieces into 3 each in fection the kid p t , ie o t s h ces, t 3 pie into 2 love co involved. Th en get pieces ces again, th hen ey will louring ) en . r C est for paintin t 5 minu over and all each g their he eg gs and o te w to Heat t faces a keep t he ove s. he nd it w Using n ill the Ea m busy for t o 3 1 90 de an afte ster ho (12-inc pieces per rnoon lidays. doll, ro grees C. h) rop in e ll in s. 2 rope Make s for t Make a ‘T’ s to 3 s 6 Ea h hape u e top o the do ster B Ingre sing w f read D di colour nstroke. Put the ‘T’ and olls 240 m ents: 1 e a d for c ooked l milk with th eg g on the ½ pac e jo c in e ntral r ka of the Then ope ro 1 large ctive yeast beaten around start plaiting behind the pes, e 55g su , e g gg ga doll’s f the eg g, crea initially wrap g. a t 55g bu r p in c in e. Pull g a ho down tt the lef od for g under ½ teas er t t s he t r t t h ip h e e po ove righ rig 450g p on salt side of ht strip over t side of th r and lain flo e eg g and the you do ur 6 hard it, as lo eg g. It does down under , and boiled n throug ng as t t ’t e 1 mor h. he ‘fac really matt he left e eg g, g gs, dyed e e r for the ’ how o P f la the eg it t eg g wa g peep and pin he remainde sh To dy s r of ch et Mix 1 he eggs: Place t the ends tog the rope be low th te the pr he doll on a ether. e eg g, colour aspoon of v ocess li ing in n inegar e d w b it C a 1 h k a o Subme n in c ver wit t rge the up of hot w d 20 drops h cling he remainde g tray, and r of foo ater in epeat r E eg g co f of th g il m g w d a a bow mplete tablesp ash the doll nd allow to e dough ball l or jar ly. sw ris o s. . golden on water. Ba ith 1 eg g b e a little. eaten w ke for brown 2 it . the do lls whe Use a mark 0 minutes or h 1 er pen n coole u to pain ntil d. CS t faces on
MARCH 2012
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The Kitchen Workshop
Superb, affordable kitchens
Why not visit us and choose a great new look for your kitchen All products made in our Cheltenham factory with units delivered pre-assembled to save you time and money!
Unit 5 | King Alfred Way | Battledown Trading Estate | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 6QP
Telephone 01242 526960 www.cheltenhamkitchenworkshop.co.uk
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KITCHENS AT FACTORY PRICES OPEN Mondays-Fridays 8.30am-5pm Saturdays 9am-3pm MARCH 2012
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####
On the B4035 near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6NS. Telephone: 01386 593 555 gm.charingworthmanor@classiclodges.co.uk
The perfect Cotswold retreat. For weddings, a few days away or an award winning meal for two Whatever the occasion, this romantic 14th century manor house provides the perfect setting. The hotel blends old world charm with every modern comfort and has wonderful old oak beams, roaring log fires and a wealth of antique furniture and tapestries. Outside there is a traditional Cotswold garden with panoramic views over five counties.
For short breaks The hotel is close to many wonderful National Trust properties and Stratford upon Avon is within easy reach. We also have a leisure club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium.
Until March 31: dinner, bed and breakfast from £145 per room per night with a bottle of Prosecco in your room on arrival
For weddings There can be few more romantic places in which to make a commitment to the one you love! Our distinctive suites are licensed for civil ceremonies and are perfect for large parties and smaller, more intimate celebrations. The gardens make a wonderful setting for your wedding pictures and there is plenty of room for a marquee. Truly, a wedding celebration at Charingworth Manor is an occasion filled with magical moments. The web site has more details.
We still have weekend wedding availability in 2012 and there are extra special offers on winter and midweek weddings.
For wining and dining Charingworth Manor is well known for its superb cuisine and has been rosetted by the AA. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day and our traditional Sunday lunch always features a fine selection of succulent roasts.
Offers are subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers
Mothering Sunday, March 18: a special lunch with a gift for every Mother. Adults £29.95 and half price for under 12s. Weekday lunches from £14.95 for two courses.
You’ll find more offers at www.classiclodges.co.uk/charingworthmanor
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000 Recipe Shelle Duffin March 12:Layout 1
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recipe with Shelle Duffin
a moth
er’s mo
ment
Havin gr season ecently spot t , it’s a remind ed the first d celebra er to m af ted da any th fodils of the ys of t Day. O a h t e n o mothe e of the only year is appro ne of the m rs relax os aching days in daily c - Moth t whilst which hores w e our be r’s e, the an startin g with d pamper th children, tak loved e e breakf fresh d ast in b m with delic over their affo io ed serv As a c dils. ed wit us meals, h il d h , it a bunc ‘creativ h of e side’ was an oppo r w I would tunity ith hom t o li e k s m how o e to th the pre ff a ank m ade cards te could nce that my y Mother h and edible g ift ha er ar Havin ve potentiall tistic skills w e, for keepin s. g recen g y beco e up r e so g me the tly though 150g k next V ood; I ala , I’ve r discovered an Go some o ealised an exc 5 0g bre maki olives, gh. ellent M to my f these chopp a dismay ed other, 250g f dcrumbs Now a , that y cards e b t u a n t c a a h dult, M ou are talente e e a test o 5 s e 0 , 0ml re crumb n’t just d ac oth n led domes whether I‘v er’s Day has tress also. Olive o d wine e acco tic com b il e , c S o a m lt m e more in teac petenc & pep plished hin per an e, of d strin ironing g me the sk if my Moth the art of Mix th g er has ills of e . Unfo t h y m s cle rt e, u the on pinenu ly trium unately in th aning, cook cceeded ts, oliv mint, orega no is in es empha p good g sis on h and the on case, cookin g and lug of , breadcrum , garlic, panc h b g e I am e o fat sid ere. For th e dow live oil and s, feta togeth tta, going has been n and season to plac e dish w is special da B r with a r in s g . Un poo e y, I’v th ith a the str e sides toget n the stuffin tie the mea First o little twist – e decided on t, lie in he g the mo f all, I would my own tak a traditiona link fo g, tie the me r, overlappin all over. a r l e thers in g t li g o s s k u e n li e idelin curely g r to ded an enli www.c Greec – see t htly. Using icate th oast lamb. gh ooksillu es: e he foll is artic in his b tening fact . My reason / s t J owing rated.c F98_I le to Jam be o roast la ok on Great ie Oliver re ing in relatio all Tuck t Stiemeat.pd om/images f / h c n m B docum e e famou b and mint ritain involv ntly unearth to meat w rosemary u ent/ho s dish sauce. ing the n e wto it d d h e r o t li h was in He rev v e the En o a e r n s o ig t d ring; li il and in of in the fact cr ealed t glish lo s g e h o a e t v h s ly c at en on a v it and then tu stick o ed it so muc ed by the G t this rn dow on 200 deg . Place in ro oat the reeks’ ur flag h, we d r asting e m n e s in t o C utes pe and 1 next to ecided r 450g 80 degrees for 30 minu tin to ‘bor it. ROAS m in C tes, – bas utes. , co row’ T Serves SHOULD servin Allow the m te with red oking for 30 g. wine in ER O 6 e F LAM Ingre t and ga Serve with p at to rest 15 dients rlic, Yo minute he last 15 B otatoe s roast rkshire s 2kg sh roasts) before ed ou ,s p from a lder of orga of tho easonal gree udding, (a m with rosema ry se n us n lo For th cal butcher, ic lamb, bon you wil lovely meat s, drizzled w t have with ed (try it e stuff a who w ju l ll h b ic g e es ra happy in to ill prep Bunch article, to kno . For mothe vy made up es of t g: are for buy I d is r w s rea cov hyme, wh stuffin 2 sprig as ‘Ref min g) s reshm ered Mother en research ding this, e ing f in 3 garli of rosemary t, oregano, n f o g t r one d S S cc chopp ay. So unday’, relax unday is als or this ed 6 slice loves, crush p o o w in tatoes so ed (wil follow hy not indulg g the rules o known d garli 100g p f pancetta, t o e f f le e d fee pu w by a ge c is in chopp inenut dding season nerous ith extra roa nt ed s s e rved to st ) h you by elping of st For m icky your c ore rec hildren ip @She ?! lleDuf es and tips, f o f in or F Food ll o w m Writer /Cook acebook – S e on Twitter helle D . uffin –
MARCH 2012
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Cheltenham Regency Hotel
Wedding Services at the Cheltenham Regency Hotel
The BEST WESTERN Cheltenham Regency Hotel is ideal if you are looking for Cheltenham or Gloucestershire based Wedding venue. Whether it's a small family affair or a grand social occasion, we feel that Cheltenham Regency Hotel is an ideal Cheltenham or Gloucestershire based Wedding venue. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
A red carpet welcome for the bride and groom. Dedicated Wedding Coordinator.
Consultation with our head chef to tailor your wedding menu to your requirements. Silver cake stand and knife.
Preferential accommodation rates for your wedding Guests. OPTIONAL
A member of the hotel management team to act as master of ceremonies.
Upgrade on table linen in a rainbow of colours. A drinks package and advice on the wine list. ALSO AVAILABLE
Balloons, Chair covers, Chocolate Fountains.
Evening barbecues, hog roast and much, much more...
Your wedding coordinator can also advise or arrange the following additional services at your request: Evening entertainment, bands and discos.
Flower arrangements to match your colour requirements. Photographers.
Call 01452 713 226 or email info@cheltenhamregency.co.uk to book a convenient time to come and explore the many options we can offer you over a glass of champagne.
Gloucester Road, Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0ST info@cheltenhamregency.co.uk www.cheltenhamregency.co.uk 128 COTSWOLD STYLE MARCH 2012
000 Recipe Caroline Abbot March 12:Layout 1
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recipe with Caroline Abbott
nanny knows best
NANN Y’S LE MON DRIZ When ZLE C I used AKE to go a Nanny nd visit , there was no my lov her on ely, thin ca 11am a ke baking da g more excit beautiful y. n in known d even if I h I would alw g than helpin ays arr ad bee where g ive nb I freshly ground was. The wo lindfold I wo around nderfu uld hav There coffee l ar we e w done p re never any as always th oma of the ere to roperly short c gre u - certa The ro inly no ts, everythin et me. u t in e g was instant help N was – ha co an bowl o ny to lift the nds washed, ffee. ut of t apron huge c h o r mixer – only e Welsh dres eam coloure n and s d a e Coron mixing r. The woode ation t easpoo n spoon. I alw was no food was so n fo ay th that did at I could de r my bigges s chose a silv t treat vour e n’t reac and th er very tr h the s We all at a c a e n lo d o w f oked f ich tin. mixtur Metho in my f o r e w d: H ard to am the arr m Nanny ily because ark 3. B eat the oven ival of we kne ’s famo to 17 a bir colour eat the butt w u would er with 0 degrees C which be a V s cakes. For m it would me thday or is almo the sug ictoria an one coffee y Mum Add th st ar to re gas san of ca a ach a mixtur e eggs one b white. me the ke, for my sis dwich, for m nd Dad ther e. y e re wou y what h (Nanny alwa one, beating ld be N ter a chocola brother a cake. ys te ap th anny’s delicio cake and for once y pens, you m used to stre em into the Today s u o u s s u s tha t lemon never le knocks start to add Nanny I will with yo drizzle ave the t no matter t o h ’s spec u n e my fav iali include Sift the the door – t eggs. It does mixture s more ties. This is a ourite and o n’t he f m n s than a e ixture. lour and bak y will have t matter who hint of ponge sandw of my o wait!) ing po wder a ic a lemo Ingred Add th nd add n drizz h which ients: e zest f t le to the h 6ozs so rom th orough cake. e lemo ft butt ly . er n 6ozs c Divide and m ast ix in floured the mixture 6ozs se er sugar betwee sandw lf raisin n ich tins 3 free g flow Bake f (7” or two greased ran er 8”) and you ca or about 40 1 teasp ge eggs min np oo out cle ush a skewe utes. The c Zest fr n baking po ak an. r into t om 1 la w he cak e is done wh rge lem der T a k e e e and it t on he comes n Lemo Squeez cakes out of n Driz e the the o caster zl 1½ oz sugar. lemon and ad ven and leav s caste e: e to S d tir until r su Juice fr When the sug the juice to 1 cool. om 1 la gar t h e c a ½ ozs a the ske k rge lem wer rig e is still warm r melts. on h t t the w hat you jab lots Cake F a i the cak will use for t y through int of holes wit Lemon lling: h he to o th e an c 2ozs b urd When d let the juic p. Pour the e cake half utter ju e t h s ic e cake e the bo 4ozs ic has co ep into the h e all over tto ing sug oled sp been d m half and ar read le oles. then p rizzled mon c lace ,o more o u f a trea n to the lemo the top half rd over , that h t you c to spre n curd as . To ould ad o Dust t n top of the make some make it even he top b of the lemon curd. utter cream cake w ith icin g suga r. CS
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000 Ellenborough Park Review March 12:Layout 1
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review: Ellenborough Park
all expectations exceeded
Ali Nightingale eats at Ellenborough Park and concludes that everything is in the best possible taste... When pondering which Cotswold restaurant to review, I was keen to try somewhere new to me. It was suggested that I try The Brasserie at Ellenborough Park. Ellenborough Parkopened in March 2011. It’s already been voted The World Travel Awards UK Leading Country House Hotel, and yet I had still not set foot in the immaculately refurbished hotel, majestically overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse. I had an incorrect perception that the restaurants might be a little rich for my pocket, but keen to try somewhere that takes customer service and food seriously, I made a reservation in the informal Brasserie. Approaching the magnificent façade, I was in awe of the stunning renovation. However,any ill-judged preconceptions of discomforting grandeur are deceiving – the moment we stepped over the threshold, the warm greeting from the professional yet relaxed and friendly staff made me feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable. The exposed stone, warm wood, heritage paintwork and leather bar stools in the Brasserie Bar create an informal ambiance. The ‘Sporting Life’ themed artwork that adorns the walls pays homage to the heritage of racing and the sporting ethic so beloved in Gloucestershire.The bar offers excellent beers, premium spirit brands and impressive wines. Delicious nibbles of homemade crisps and a simple yet sensationalantipasto of olives, peppers and pickled lemon rind were offered and gratefully devoured. Dinner in The Brasserie was a threeMARCH 2012
course affair: I opted for the excellent value set menu at £19.95 whilst Mr N ordered with a free hand. His Scallops with a Basil Pesto and Noodles recommended by the Manager was fresh and delicately flavoured as promised. My Game Terrine was substantial and delicious. I followed this with a winter appropriate Slow-Roast Duck Leg with braised red cabbage and perfect Dauphinoise Potatoes alongside, in a single-serve pan. Mr N’s Cod Cheeks with a well-balanced tartare sauce were a big hit. Needless to say we shared throughout; forks passed across the table to accompanying murmurs of “that is so good”! My husband then hit the jackpot with a memorable Orange Bread & Butter Pudding. I was slightly aggrieved
that Mr. N hogged his dessert and I was only allowed one mouthful. We especially liked the good value Klein Steenberg House Wine, unquestionably selected on the basis of quality and taste rather than price consideration. Chef David Kelman popped out of his kitchen and we talked about his passion for sourcing and showcasing local ingredients. His menu achieves this aim admirably. We then chatted to a delightful couple at an adjacent table (that’s the relaxed atmosphere of The Brasserie at work – we bonded over mutual appreciation of the Riedel wine glasses). Discerning visitors from overseas, they waxed lyrical about their Ellenborough experience.I felt rather hard done by that I had to go home at the end of the evening, desperately wanting to stay in the welcoming cocoon of Ellenborough Park. It offers delicious food, splendour without pretentiousness, and staff that you want to add to your Christmas card list. If ever they want a “Writer in Residence” I am there, ready to taste-test the entire menu. My mantrais “Never economise on luxury” but The Brasserie is agreeably affordable, especially the set menu (available Monday-Thursday).
Verdict: A relaxed and praiseworthy dining experience, living up to Ellenborough Park’s promised standards, and deserving of an appreciative, wider clientele. Special commendation to Brasserie Manager, Antonio Sanchez – an absolute superstar in cordial and professional hospitality. He effortlessly sets the tone for an enjoyable experience. CS
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relax and rejuvenate
health & beauty
Cheltenham’s best kept secret...
The Montpellier Chapter Bayshill Road, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 527788; www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com MARCH 2012
Nestled in the heart of Montpellier is one of Cheltenham’s best-kept secrets. Hidden beneath the Edwardian walls of The Montpellier Chapter Hotel in Bayshill Road lies the uber contemporary Spa. As one of the only spas in Cheltenham to boast a number of double treatment rooms, this retreat is a perfect destination for mothers and daughters to enjoy together this Mother’s Day. The American white-oak cocoon shaped treatment rooms boast a warm and luxurious ambient feel. Created by MAKE Architects, the spa has that design wow factor with a sensual relaxation pod and steam room. The Spa is run in collaboration with award-winning Aromatherapy Associates and has a bespoke selection of treatments aimed at relaxing and rejuvenating. For those who long for a deep sense of tranquillity or suffer insomnia, a Deep Sleep Massage is a must. It incorporates a deeply sedating full body massage using rich earthy essential oils of vertivert, camomile and sandalwood – all of which are renowned for their intense calming and grounding abilities. It is followed by an acupressure face and scalp massage to clear congestion and ease an overactive mind. The Spa has become famous for its Rose Hydrating Cocoon. The 50-minute treatment involves a full body exfoliation using ‘Renew Rose’ body wash and ‘Olive Pitt’ grains that leave skin feeling soft and silky. Intensive skin treatment oil is then applied to hands and feet. After a cleansing shower, ‘Rose Gel’ is applied to the full body followed by ‘Renew Rose Cream and Oil Blend.’ Guests can then relax and unwind within a soft cotton sheet wrap while
enjoying an Ayrvedic Scalp Massage. This treatment is suitable for most people including expectant and new mothers. The Spa’s signature package, Chapter and Verse, is ideal for sharing and could be the ultimate Mother’s Day gift. It incorporates nearly three hours worth of pampering and relaxation. Guests can choose how they use those hours with massages, facials and a manicure or pedicure. The flexibility of the package means guests could opt for an 80-minute Intense De-stress Muscle Massage, a 50-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy Facial and a Ginger and Black Pepper Pedicure to finish. Alternatively guests may select a Travellers Revive Massage or an Age Repair Facial or a Men’s Prescription Facial. To finish the day off in style, guests can treat their mums to Traditional Afternoon Tea served in the hotel’s restaurant. With freshly baked drop scones, Dutch pancakes, finger sandwiches, Knickerbocker Glories and towers of cakes and fancies, Afternoon Tea is the perfect addition to any day. CS In March, The Chapter & Verse Experience is half price. Was £125 per person or £225 for couples. Now £62.50 per person or £112.50 for couples.
All mums will receive a FREE Aromatherapy Associates Anti-Age Skincare Kit when spending £50 or more in the spa on March 17th or March 18th. The set includes an Instant Skin Firming Serum, Overnight Repair Mask, Rich Repair Nourishing Cream, Rich Repair Eye Cream, Fine Line Face Oil and Intensive Skin Treatment Oil. Quote ‘Mum’ upon booking. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
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Cocktails with Cotswold Style at Hotel Du Vin
Cotswold Style held its annual Cocktail Party at Hotel Du Vin, Cheltenham. Over 200 guests attended for what has been billed as ‘probably the biggest cocktail party in the Cotswolds’! Guests were entertained with live music by ‘Swing from Paris’ www.swingfromparis.com and cocktails and canapés were served throughout the evening. Photography by Mike Charity
MARCH 2012
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THE CIRCUS Glosse Posse Spy - G.P.S. - navigating your way round the social scene of the Cotswolds... A popular dream with this Glosse Posse Spy is the one where I run away to join the circus; just up sticks, pack my trunk and flee. Of course, I’m caught up in the romantic notion that I’ll look good in a corset and sequins and I’ll find a natural talent for magical things on the trapeze or as a contortionist. All the animals will live kings and the ringmaster would never crack anything more vicious than a quip one-liner. There would be tremendous excitement as our gaudy, nomadic entourage trundled towards a new location and we’d leave wonder and amazement and maybe the odd broken heart in our wake. It was during one such reverie that I clocked the date on my calendar – how quickly is this year going – and saw that March is upon us. Prepare yourselves; the real circus is coming to town. The Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival is the scene of much frantic activity and is a juggling act of truly mind-boggling proportions. The exotic visitors aren’t be-jeweled and gaudy, rather they sport rich browns and earthy greens, drink black velvet and speak in lilting brogues. It’s not corsetry and stockings that aid these gymnasts on horseback, it’s talent and bravery and quartered silks. The ringleaders or trainers circle the paddock with their trilby hats pulled over their noses and their shoulders hunched against the photographers, courting their owners rather than inspiring the press. The horses are the star acts, the grooms the jugglers and the audience are still as enraptured yet this time it’s The Racing
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WITH CHARLEY LARCOMBE
Schalke fotografie | Melissa Schalke / Shutterstock.com
Post that’s held tightly in their grip not a forgotten show-time programme. And who’s the top-billed crowd pleasers? It could either be the phenomenally successful and phenomenally funny Nicky Henderson – catch him for some ribald comments after one of his horses comes romping home in the top three again – or maybe it’s the touts with their broad accents and encouraging compliments? Cheltenham, for me is an opportunity to catch up with old friends who all flock back to the heart of National Hunt racing for the love of the sport – and for a grand old party. It’s a week of cold hands and feet in the Member’s Bar and
games of Sardines packed into either the Hollow Bottom or The Plough (raceweek parties at either of these establishments are racing lore). Just be careful that you handle your winnings and your champagne and don’t end up as the floorshow. There are dinner parties galore and much too excess – either in celebration or commiseration – and somewhere in all that carousing, I have to squeeze in a couple of working days. Yet within the week, everyone has moved on. The circus has left town. And all that is left are bet slips littering the paddocks. Roll up; roll up, folks, The Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival is here! CO-ORDINATES FOR THE CALENDAR The Cotswold Hunt Ball (March 10th) Any opportunity to don black tie and dance is gladly snapped up by many a GPS. And this is one of the really good ones on the hunt ball circuit.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival (March 13th -16th) Ideally snag an invite to one of the old school boxes near the Member’s Bar and above the trainer’s area. If not, shell out some readies – you should win them back anyway – and bag a parking space near the Tattersalls entrance for a picnic. The best view for fur envy. Point-to-Point season Don’t miss the Duke of Beaufort’s at Didmarton (March 3rd) – brilliant course, brilliant crowd – and the VWH at Siddington (24th) which undoubtedly has the best outside bar in the country and the best picnics. CS
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sporting style This month in Sporting Style we talk to Fitness Trainer Katie Brighton who gives us her expert tips on getting your figure back after having a baby. We also feature Paul Sutherland, General Manager at Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham. Now retired from competition, he is keen to inspire a new generation of MMA athletes or anyone who just wants to get seriously fit. Also, WIN two free tickets to the Gatcombe Spring Horse Trials...
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If you’re trying to get your figure back after having a baby, or a mum who is just trying to find time to exercise, Fitness Trainer Katie Brighton reveals her expert tips for finding time and ways to work out...
WITH KATIE BRIGHTON For more information and advice on exercise and diet, classes and training options contact us at Fitnesstroop/Mitrainer at www.fifittnesstroop.co.uk, tel: 07899 951851 Neil and Katie BrightonJones. ‘Mums with tums’ outdoor buggy Bootcamps starting June 2012, see website for details. Bootcamps running for all fitness levels Tuesday 6.30am, Wednesday 6pm and Saturday 10.30am. See website for more details. MARCH 2012
Well ladies it’s Mother’s Day this month and this is one celebration of the year you deserve to get spoiled. Forget Valentine’s and Easter, this is all about you and why you should be pampered and feel good about yourself. So plan a few ways to benefit and not just on the day. Being a mum is hard work and having to juggle life at home with little ones or a full time job, doesn’t leave much time for yourself. One of the most important ways to feel good about yourself is exercise. Sounds crazy I know because you’re already on the go 24-7, but believe me it will give you respite, boost energy levels, improve mood and concentration, give you more confidence and get you meeting new people. The dark days are behind us now, the weather is slowly getting better and days are longer so get yourself out and feel the benefits. If you’ve just had a baby and settled into a routine, get your six week check up from the midwife/doctor and join a class. You will tackle baby weight, post natal depression and start feeling human again. In the meantime, practice pelvic floor exercises and focus on a healthy diet and getting rest after baby is born. The best classes are park-based buggy ones where you can take your baby along in the pram and both get some fresh air. If you exercised through pregnancy you can get back to it quite quickly; if not start off nice and easy, don’t try and rush things. Remember if you are breastfeeding to leave feeding for a few hours after vigorous exercise to allow the lactic acid to move out of the breasts, otherwise you may find baby not too impressed with acidic milk which may cause colic. If you are a mum of toddlers or
school children you can plan training around nursery and school hours. Again there are plenty of classes at these times, boot camps and running clubs etc, or gather a small group of mums and get a trainer between you. That way it’s cheaper, sociable and you can organise times and locations to suit. Also if you have newborns or slightly older, you may be restricted to the house so a trainer can come to you in the comfort of your own home, which will save you time and child care worries.
Top tips to lose baby weight: • If you can breast feed that’s great as this helps the body to move fat without too much effort at the start. • Get rest, it’s just as important as exercise and means you’ll be able to put more in and in turn get more out. • Planning and habit are the most important part of any exercise routine, the rest is easy. Plan and stick to days and times which the body will get used to, helping you to keep it up. • Eat properly and plan again, you don’t want a bad diet sapping what little energy you have left. • Get your husband or partner/friend to support you. Time for yourself is priceless and will help you get back on an even keel. A lot of mums struggle to lose baby weight and often gain much more weight than expected during pregnancy. It’s important to eat a healthy diet avoiding sugary surges to boost energy levels and snacking when feeding the kids. It can be hard work motivating yourself to get back into shape so don’t try and do it alone. A trainer will help boost your confidence and show you that just when you thought you didn’t have time for yourself, you do. CS
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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion Paul Sutherland is General Manager at Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham. Now retired from competition, he is keen to inspire a new generation of MMA athletes or anyone who just wants to get seriously fit... For a top sportsman with so many martial arts titles to his name, Paul Sutherland is remarkably approachable and that is how he likes to run his gym as General Manager of Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham. As a pioneer and veteran of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) who has been in the sport for over 25 years, Paul is passionate about inspiring a new generation of MMA athletes as well as motivating anyone who wants to get seriously fit. “The gym is well equipped to meet the needs of an inspiring mixed martial artist and we cater for anyone who is serious about competing but we’re also keen to welcome anyone who wants to train for overall fitness. Martial arts is great for discipline, cardiovascular fitness, and for self defence.” The gym caters for everyone from the very young, with children’s kickboxing classes on Saturdays, to martial arts classes, body combat and fitness classes for adults through the week. The gym is fully equipped with a strength and conditioning area, fitness rig, boxing ring and 18ft cage. Paul is keen to emphasise that martial arts teaches discipline and respect and people only enter the cage if they are completely competent on technique. “It is a completely safe environment with fully qualified instructors and we encourage people to come and view the classes if they want to see how it works before signing up. We also offer one-toone sessions if people are nervous about entering a group session.” Starting his career in kickboxing at the age of 14, Paul won numerous titles before achieving a black belt in the sport.
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His triumphs also include the Cage Warriors and Ultimate Combat lightweight titles in 2003 which he describes as the highlight of his career. Since 2008 he has been an official judge for the Ultimate Fighting Championships. Now Head MMA Coach at Trojan Free Fighters, Paul is nurturing world class talent in the form of Che Mills who hopes to become a household name in UFC. Che will be fighting in Alanta on April 21st and film crews have already been to the Cheltenham gym to follow his progress. “I miss competing but now I get my satisfaction from seeing new talent come through the gym. It gives me a real buzz to train others to compete at an international level.” Paul is keen to provide fitness enthusiasts with everything they need to improve their health and fitness and emphasises that he can also provide expert nutrition advice to improve performance. For those that think that the gym is for men only, Paul is quick to point out that the club trains some female fighters and is keen to welcome more women members. “We have a women-only Body Combat class on a Tuesday and we’d love to have more women train at the club. Everyone is welcome. “It’s a very motivational environment as everyone here trains very hard. Come and have a look for yourself.” Trojan Free Fighters Cheltenham, Unit 23 Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, GL51 8PL. Tel: 07976 001161 www.trojanfreefighters.com
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competition
WIN two free tickets to the Gatcombe Spring Horse Trials
(and visit a Land Rover Experience Off Roading Centre of your choice)
THE LAND ROVER GATCOMBE SPRING HORSE TRIALS will take place over the weekend of MARCH 24/25TH, 2012 The popular Land Rover sponsored event, held annually at the home of HRH The Princess Royal Gatcombe Park, takes place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 26th March. The event features an entry of 250 on each day which includes a number of leading international riders. Starting at 9am on both days, the event will feature the dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases running throughout the event. The event attracts many interesting shops to the trade stand area, which will include the Gatcombe Collection. At various times during both days, HRH The Princess Royal will present prizes to winners in each of the various sections. Amongst the leading international status riders competing at the event will be Gatcombe based Zara Philips along with, potentially, riders from 12 other countries. Thus, giving a truly international flavour to this popular local event. MARCH 2012
This sees the event celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event takes place on a course designed by HRH the Princess Royal and her event organiser Pattie Biden. This course utilises a different area of the Gatcombe Park Estate to that used by the Festival of British Eventing which takes place in early August. Gatcombe Park is situated at Hampton Fields, mid-way between Minchinhampton and Avening; the event will be signposted from both directions. Spectator admission is £6 for a car and all occupants. For information about the event visit www.gatcombehorsetrials.co.uk
THE PRIZE: The lucky winner will receive: • Two free admission tickets; • Pass for the VIP car park; • A welcome info pack; • Lunch for two in the exclusive VIP hospitality unit; • Personal hosting through the day; • An exclusive chauffeured tour of the course in a Land Rover some time during the day; • Meet some of the leading riders and officials; • Half day for two at a Land Rover Experience Off Roading Centre of your choice. To win just answer this question: Gatcombe Park is the home of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal. Her brother Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales lives nearby at..? 1. Highbridge 2. Highworth 3. Highgrove
Please email your answer to
editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
before March 17th 2012.
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000 Social Linda Lloyd March 12:Layout 1
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Local businesswomen Linda Lloyd celebrates her birthday in style
Linda Lloyd celebrated her 50th birthday set in a marquee in the grounds of her Manor House in Painswick. Close friends, family and acquaintances came together for a three course sit down dinner. Live music was also enjoyed by the guests. Photography by Rob Wheatman
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motoring
drive in style Over the following pages we turn your dreams into reality...
Sponsored by
Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists
www.reinventingthewheel.co.uk
291900
01684 291900
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hot fizz…
Eric Barton rips the road in the new Suzuki Swift Sport. We seem to live in an age of doom and gloom. So what’s wrong with some whiz and fizz… and quite frankly a bit of fun? Like champagne corks popping on a dreary day, it’s great to have something to put some sparkle back into an otherwise dull moment. Like a little firecracker, enter stage right the new Suzuki Swift Sport. Let me say first off I absolutely loved this hot hatch; it weighs about the same as a bag of crisps and goes like the clappers. The old school model was in itself keenly priced and a fairly honed hot hatch when it was launched in 2006. Suzuki has used the same formula again but with some twists and turns to make the new Swift something quite special without losing the intrinsic values that made it so much fun in the first place. The new car is slightly larger and heavier than the old one, but manages to keep the Nautilus-style wraparound windscreen and Giugiaro-inspired window shape. The previous Swift Sport was great fun to drive, but you’ll find the new one easier to get on with. It’s like and old mate who’s grown up a bit but hasn’t lost his sense of humour. The MARCH 2012
cheeky, almost squat silhouette is there in spades which bodes well for both handling and looks. The laid-back life continues inside, because Suzuki has loaded the new Swift Sport with enough treats to keep most drivers including the junior hot hatch mob happy. You get cruise and climate controls, keyless start, privacy glass, Bluetooth and a USB socket for your MP3 player. As I roared away from John Wilkins Cars (the local Suzuki dealership in Cheltenham) I was smiling before I hit the first corner. The cabin itself looks much like a regular Swift which means it’s solid and chunky. There is however a few neat changes such as the red stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob. The figure-hugging bucket seats grip you tightly delivering that ‘rally driver’ moment. The Swift’s rev-ravenous 1.6-litre petrol engine pushes out only 134bhp, but as I said the Suzuki is light; weighing a third of a tonne less than a VW Golf GTI, so performance is very vigorous. If you keep the revs high and rip quickly through the close-ratio six-speed gearbox the Swift will hit 62mph in 8.7 seconds. It’s on the twisty Cotswold roads where the Swift really glows. I pushed the Swift
into every corner with my usual ‘no lift’ policy and there was very little body lean. This is a cracking little car that’s heaps of fun to drive. Any understeer is easily countered by feathering off the power and you’ll be returned to the straight and narrow without the need for a prayer. The brakes are strong and responsive which means you can flit across the pedals shoving the Swift around like the roadrunner on steroids. Stability control is standard which helps you point in the right direction and it’s got seven airbags in case you get the wrong side of a hedge. The extra gear has made the engine much more benign on the motorway helping to cut fuel consumption to 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions to 147g/km. So if you want to put some fizz and zap into your life without the need for some over-priced bubbles from France, then the new Suzuki Swift Sport is guaranteed to brighten up an otherwise dull day. Prices start from £13,499. CS For more information please call 01242 224477 or visit the website at www.johnwilkinscars.co.uk.
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THE FIAT 500 IS A SUPERSTAR THAT PERFORMS FOR SURPRISINGLY LITTLE.
Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge Price
£11,360
Optional Final Payment
£1,250
(inc option fee of £285)
Customer Deposit Fiat Deposit Contribution Amount of Credit
£500 £9,610
Total Amount Payable by customer
£11,511
Duration of Contract 37 months
Rate of Interest (Fixed)
36 Monthly Payments
Representative
£159
£4,537
1.72% 3% APR
WESSEX GARAGES MERCIA ROAD, GLOUCESTER, GL1 2SQ TEL: 01452 304204 WWW.WESSEXGARAGES.COM
Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe†. Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 1.2 Lounge in mpg (l/100km): Urban 49.6 (5.7); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3); Combined 58.9 (4.8). CO2 emissions 113 g/km. Terms & Conditions apply. Retail customers only. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (A charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Offer subject to status. A guarantee or indemnity may be required. Fiat Financial Services, PO Box 4465, Slough SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors to provide finance to our customers, including Fiat Financial Services. January to March 2012 offer. Fiat Deposit Contribution available on Fiat 500 models, and is only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal Low Cost. Prices correct at time of printing. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. †Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, year 2010.
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outstanding service
‘THANKS TO ALL OF OUR MUTUAL AND NEW CUSTOMERS FOR CHOOSING US AS THEIR SUPPLIER OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND PRODUCTS’
MARCH 2012
Wessex Garages and Blushes Salons have teamed up to give their customers some fantastic offers to celebrate 25 years in business... Hot off the cat walk from the team at Wessex Fiat Gloucester is the Fiat 500 Twin air. The car can be seen at Wessex Garages Gloucester or parked right outside the Blushes Salons in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester. The car looks stunning in a striking design bespoke for the Blushes salons. Wessex Garages and Blushes salons have teamed up in a joint marketing venture to promote the fantastic brands of both companies. Both the Blushes and Fiat brand are fun and funky with a great appeal and commitment to quality and excellent customer service. Wessex and Blushes are both celebrating 25 years in business. “We feel that both companies offer a great product and would like to say thanks to all of our mutual and new customers for choosing us as their supplier of outstanding service and products,” says General Manager, Matthew Cripps of Wessex Garages. We have agreed that our customer offers from our new-look Wessex website will include a 10 per cent discount voucher on any new booking made at any of the Blushes salons. All
our clients have to do is join the Wessex Premier Club free of charge to receive the Blushes offer. Daryl Blake, Director and Partner in Blushes salons sees the joint venture as something new for their clients. The salon will be able to offer all of their clients a special promotional voucher when buying any car from Wessex Garages in Gloucester. The offer includes a £250 customer cheque that can be collected from any of the Blushes salons during a visit for any hair or beauty treatments. This cheque can then be redeemed against any new or used car purchase at the Wessex dealership in Gloucester. Look out for other fantastic offers from Wessex and Blushes in the next few months. For more information on any of the above offers and companies or to book a test drive or hair and beauty appointment visit the websites below. Follow us on twitter or facebook. CS www.wessexgarages.co.uk. www.blushes.co.uk
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With £1,500 towards your finance deposit.* Why buy something like a Golf when you can easily afford a Golf? • From only £15,865. • And when you buy on Solutions, up to 3 years’ servicing for just £99. †
Solutions representative example based on 10,000 miles per annum for a Golf S 1.2 85 PS TSI 3-door. Duration
3 years
Option to purchase fee†† £60.00
35 monthly payments
£209.00
Excess mileage (per mile) 4.32p
Customer deposit
£3,065.83
Retail cash price
£15,865.00
Retailer contribution
£1,500.00
Amount of credit
£11,299.17
Acceptance fee**
£125.00
Total amount payable
£17,064.83
Optional final payment
£5,124.00
Representative APR
4.9% APR
Rate of interest
4.1% Fixed
Blade Priory Road, Gloucester, GL1 2RQ Telephone: 01452 412000 www.blade.volkswagen.co.uk
*£1,500 deposit contribution and †£99 servicing is available to customers who purchase their car with Solutions. Up to 3 years’ or 30,000 miles (whichever comes sooner ). **Payable within first payment. ††Payable with optional final payment. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. Retail sales only. Volkswagen Finance,
Official fuel consumption in mpg ( litre/100km) for the Golf range: urban 34.4 (8.2 ) – 60.1 (4.7); extra urban 55.4 (5.1) – 83.1 (3.4); combined 45.6(6.2 ) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 144 – 99g/km.
Freepost VWFS. Offer available on registrations before March 31st, 2012. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time.
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stylish and practical
motoring
Jim McGill test drives the new Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 177 SE quattro Ok, so the wild winter which many forecast didn’t arrive, much to the chagrin of tyre manufacturers who for the first time in the UK pushed sales of their winter tyres. But even as we move into spring, who knows what will happen in eight months? So it’s timely that Audi has launched its baby soft-roader, the Q3. While other 4x4s have the ability to make you feel as though you’re on the dark side of the moon as they drive past blocking out the sun, the Q3 is compact. From nose to tail it measures less than 4.4 metres, that’s almost 250mm shorter than it’s bigger brother, the Q5, and takes up even less room at the kerb than a Ford Kuga. While it’s a very stylish and practical piece of kit, don’t expect it to be a huge, cavernous people-carrier or load-lugger; it isn’t. But it is a compact premium 4×4 which has everything in its armoury to go head-to-head with Land Rover’s junior SUV, the ultra-hyped Evoque. And before we go any further, let’s talk money. The cheapest four-wheel-drive Evoque will set you back £28,600, but to get it specced anything like reasonably including adding an auto gearbox - you’ll have to add significantly to that figure which will certainly take you to around MARCH 2012
£35k. Audi, on the other hand, not only has a two-wheel-drive entry-level 138bhp 2.0TDI priced at £24,560, but it’s entry-level four-wheel-drive quattro 175bhp 2.0TDI SE has a seven-speed auto box as standard, and will set you back just £28,460. So, it’s advantage Q3. There are also five large doors and comfortable accommodation for four adults. And there are other benefits which make the Q3 the ideal companion for driving. A raised driving position makes access easy, plus you have the benefit of an elevated view of the road from behind the steering wheel. Just for good measure, side and rear visibility is also excellent; perfect for navigating the tightest of village lanes. While there is a petrol variant in the range, the diesels are expected to account for the majority of sales. The 138bhp TDi is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, and emits just 138g/km of CO2. But I concentrated on the 175bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel version. It’s no slouch; it covers the 0-62mph sprint in 8.2sec, emits 156g/km CO2 and returns 47.9mpg. So not bad at all. As I said, it comes not only with quattro technology, but also Audi’s seamless
‘Stronic’ twin clutch gearbox as standard. This high class combination, allied to Audi’s renowned expertise in the cabin, where top quality materials have been used for switchgear and upholstery, confirms the Q3 oozes premium brand desirability. Even in entry-level SE trim, the Q3 is well equipped. Aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, light and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control and 17in alloys all come as standard. If you really fancy treating yourself, step up to the S-Line spec and you add new exterior and interior styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights, plus meatier 18in alloys. Audi has got so much right with its new Q3. It simply oozes the Germanic quality you would expect; worth mentioning then, perhaps, that it’s actually built at VW Group’s Seat factory at Martorell, near Barcelona. Oh: and did I mention it shares much of what’s under its Q3 skin with VW’s Tiguan? It’s clear though that Audi has yet another hit on its hands. CS
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000 Motoring Subaru March 12:Layout 1
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motoring
grip and grin…
Eric Barton gets behind the wheel of the new Subaru XV There’s something pleasing about a lofty vista. Peering over something is never good. Much better to get the full show from a position of height. Think of the last time you were in the cinema looking at the back of someone’s ‘large hair’. Annoying and frustrating. Well the chaps at Subaru have cottoned onto the fact that height and visibility coupled to a degree of ruggedness might be a good thing. They’re right. The compact SUV market is up 34 per cent. One estimate suggests that SUV sales are growing so fast that the world will buy 20 million of them a year by 2020 and Subaru know this only too well. The new Subaru XV is a five seat family crossover that has an increased driving position, a raised ride height and all - wheel drive as standard. Brilliant. This new Subaru XV adds a dash of sporting elegance to a class where practicality, comfort and a quality are deemed to be winners. On first glance the XV does look mean enough to extol all the virtues MARCH 2012
needed for a good SUV compact cross over. It’s got a certain amount of attitude and there’s definitely a whiff of Impreza Hatch about it. Careful attention to the design of the B and C pillars and the ride height means the XV is an easy car to get in and out of, especially the rear seats. Rear legroom is also good. The levels of trim have made a huge leap in terms of design appeal and finish. The all-round visibility is excellent, courtesy of those incredibly whisper thin A-pillars. Well, what’s the point of the height if you can’t see anything? The 380 litre capacity boot is a low shape which should be ample enough for families with either an army of kids or mountains of shopping to truck around. The driving bias is geared towards grip and cornering power, which is where I grinned. There’s minimal body roll and the XV was very precise in placing itself sure-footedly in and out of the corners. It has a very pleasing and satisfying way of delivering the steering response, which again was very notable, particularly
the formidable way it resisted any amount of understeer. This is solely due to the AWD system. The six speed manual transmission was smooth and faultless through the changes. The pick of the engines is the delightfully throaty and rev hunting 2.0-litre Boxer diesel, although the throb and thrum of the 2.0-litre petrol does run a close shave to second. The 147 bhp 2.0 D XV turbo diesel has a top speed of 120mph with the 0-62mph reached in just 9.3 seconds. That’s not too shabby. The fuel usage is 50.4mpg (combined) and the ‘green brigade’ can calm down as the CO2 is a mere 146g/km. So the next time you’re jammed behind Mrs Large Perm in the cinema, just think… height really does matter! Entry prices for the Subaru XV range start at £21,295. CS For more information please call 01684 296999 or visit the website at www.threecountiessubaru.co.uk
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000 Social Montpellier Chapter March 12:Layout 1
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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk
Afternoon Tea at The Montpellier Chapter
Barry Watson, Montpellier Chapter General Manager and his team held a launch party for their new ‘Afternoon Tea’ menu. Invited guests were treated to scumptious sandwiches, scones and assorted cream cakes in the stunning dining area of the hotel. Photography by Mike Charity
eneral Manager Watson hotel G ry ar B ith w ) ( Silver Ball PR d Style) Annabel Rayer (Editor, Cotswol es m ol H ve E d an
Fabricio and Rachael Ramos with children, Daniel and Naomi
Laura Francis, Claire Carter and Faye Hatcher
Sophie O'Leary, Jessica Thomas, Hetty Ziegler and Katie Dobson
Toby and Theo enjoying teatime playtime with their mother, Georgie Nock
Jennie Bage with Finley Holmes
Sam Bawden and Nigel Hodgson with children Zach and Lili
A softy lit tea time tete a tete
Photographer Nikki Kirk with Jo and Steve Clarke of Shop Cotswolds
Tea guests
Emily Poole and Spencer McPherson
The Chef and his catering team in the kitchen
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Clare Long and Valerie Tomalin
MARCH 2012
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000 Motoring Mercedes March 12:Layout 1
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one giant leap…
motoring
Eric Barton tests the all - new Mercedes-Benz B Class Improvement can only be a good thing, unless of course it’s a rocket that explodes on the launch pad or a spacesuit that leaks. It’s a direct dichotomy of whether to do it or not… and if you’re going to do it, you need to do it right. Mercedes- Benz have taken a giant leap of faith and gone for an all out improvement with the new B Class. It’s light years ahead of the old B Class and built around a new front-wheel drive platform. This new premium compact MPV gets off the ‘pad’ to a cracking start, as it’s lower, sleeker, wider and more aerodynamic. The new ‘Pagoda’ style roof makes a significant contribution to the look and the airflow. In fact Mercedes-Benz have had a wee design nibble at the rear wheel arches too, which also helps with the aerodynamics. The interior layout is versatile and spacious, as well as maintaining Mercedes-Benz reputation for high-quality finishing. All the materials feel plush and the dashboard vents get a neat SLS AMGstyle touch. Although the wheelbase is a tad shorter, they’ve countered this by moving the rear seats back in the chassis MARCH 2012
to maintain a feeling of space. It’s a quid pro quo moment as there has to be trade-off somewhere. Rear passengers are happily accommodated as the legroom and overall space in the back is very good. The seats are all very snug and comfy. The satellite navigation and other main functions are easily controlled through a rotating dial and the Apple- iPad-style central screen. Wind and road noise is nicely muted when you’re cruising the likes of the M5 and the suspension soaks up the ‘bumps and lumps’ which seem to colonise every road in the Cotswolds. All the SE models get 16-inch wheels as standard which does help with road handling. The seven-speed automatic also comes with fast, smooth paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel and the Eco StopStart helps boost economy. The driving position in the new B Class is lower and sportier and with the dash dipping away from you there’s a real sense of space in the front. It’s a bit of a ‘Tardis’ effect (non-Dr Who fans are excused this analogy). In practical terms though you can slide the rear bench back by up to 14cm to free up more rear legroom or increase the boot from 488 to 666 litres. The
front passenger seat also flattens. Handling is very good which is aided by the new front wheel drive system. There’s not much in the way of body roll and the cornering is nicely precise. All round a really good drive. The choice of power plants includes a new 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol, which comes with 120bhp in the B180 or 154bhp in the B200. The petrol B180 version delivers 122 bhp with 0-62mph reached in 10.4 and has a top speed of 118mph. The mpg is 47.9 combined. And being on the ‘hippy’ side of the equation the CO2 gets as low as 138gm/km in the diesel engine models. So the smart money is on the B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY which returns a whopping 64.2 mpg combined. That’s quality and value motoring in anybody’s book. So you see a leap in the right direction can deliver dreams. Ask any astronaut. Prices for the Mercedes-Benz B Class range start at £21,290. CS For more information please contact 01452 698 061 or visit the website www. mercedesbenzofgloucester.co.uk
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comment
Have you got ID?
Continuing our series of comment pieces, Andrew Drake takes us to the heart of ‘his’ countryside... I am now going to lay myself open to criticism and ridicule - most probably a whole lifetime of sniggers - by starting this month with a confession. I have spoken about quarry ID in the past and often referred to the gaffer’s view that a real countryman should be able to tell the difference between an English and a French partridge. I have not only agreed with this but endorsed it fully in this publication and also on shoot days. Therefore I hang my head in shame at what I am about to confess. I was kindly invited to shoot an evening duck flight a few weeks ago on a mild Saturday evening. The company was cordial and I was soon being ushered down to a small stream that had inundated the low fields around it. As all shooting men know, on such occasions you want to make a good impression and perform admirably – preferably with verve and panache – so I was determined to make a good showing. At this point I should point out that I have never been on this type of shoot before. I have shot flighting duck on our two little ponds, but they only generally produce a few mallard per season and on many years we don’t shoot over them at all. So, despite my determination to make a good impression, I was not overly hopeful. The evening started well. As I waited patiently by a few stunted willow trees, I MARCH 2012
soon became aware of a high pitched whistling above me. The gun next to me exclaimed, (sotto voce) “Teal, teal.” I looked up and noticed that we were apparently being buzzed by a pack of incredibly small exocet missiles. I could barely keep my eyes on them as they twisted and jinxed around the trees and pond. Tentatively raising my trusty musket I aimed - more in hope than expectation - and, to my absolute amazement, brought one plummeting to earth! Oh how Diana, Goddess of Hunters, must have been smiling down upon me with pride at my great skills! My confidence soared and the thought crossed my mind that this wasn’t that difficult after all. Suddenly I couldn’t for the life of me understand what all the fuss was about. But, as hubris dictates, Diana is a cruel mistress and my downfall was just around the corner. At the instruction of one of my fellow guns, I moved position to be closer to the water’s edge. It was not yet dark enough for us to be disguised by shadow and the waiting guns were all frustrated by the lack of cover. The banks, having been broken by the weight of water passing, had made the hides unavailable and so, standing with my back to a feeder and with no other cover available, I wasn’t surprised that the
next few flights of duck seemed to veer off at the crucial point. Just as I was beginning to wonder if any duck would ever come into range, I spotted another swarm of teal heading directly towards me at supersonic speed. Surely this was the time to cement my reputation as a crack shot, and master hunter! They kept on coming and it registered somewhere in the back of my mind that they certainly had a quick wing beat and a definite similarity to something else. What could it be? Anyway, no time to think, within the blink of an eye my gun was mounted and I swung through the pack, picking out a bird in the middle of the swarm, and pulled the trigger. Just as, at the same moment, the horrible realisation dawned. Oh the shame! Over 20 years of game keeping experience and I still couldn’t recognise a covey of partridge screaming towards me. My only hope was that no one else had spotted my mistake. I had, fortunately, failed to connect with my mistaken quarry so maybe I would get away with it. Fat chance. The squelch of footsteps passing behind my position moments later gave warning that this was not to be and a voice drifted over to me in the gloom, “I thought this was a duck shoot, not a partridge drive.” I have a feeling that the spectre of that error might haunt me for quite a while. CS
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this month with Kate Justice
deep water
Kate Justice reports on the domestic trials and tribulations brought on by the cold weather...
‘HAVING DEEP WATER INSIDE YOUR HOME IS NEVER ANYTHING OTHER THAN A DISASTER’
WITH KATE JUSTICE If you would like to share your thoughts on this subject with Kate Justice, please email the Editor at editor@stylemagazines.co.uk
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You can’t deny the winter has been a mild one – we’re already talking about drought in England and it isn’t even spring yet. For me, the most enormous bonus is how the temperatures have affected our energy bills. Last year, I’m sure we got up to five star hotel prices for the electricity. The down side though, was that we were not – as it turns out – in any way prepared for the sudden cold spell last month. The back of our house froze solid. The utility room taps stopped working and even the downstairs toilet iced over. Last winter we switched on the ‘magic heated wire’ (don’t ask me what this is) in time to prevent the pipes freezing up completely, but this year, it was so much milder we just didn’t believe the frost would be that severe. Wrong. For three days, everything remained stuck – which in itself wasn’t a huge problem. However, my daughter, aged six, had some urgent cleaning to do… which was to prove rather more dramatic than she intended. Barbie needed a bath, you see. Barbie had apparently inadvertently splashed mud on her legs while out motor-biking or something… and now required washing. Libbi went to the most accessible and ‘easy to reach for a six-year-old’ sink in the house which was the downstairs cloakroom. (Still frozen). Upon discovering the cold tap was ‘broken’, my daughter turned it all the way on until it could turn no more – just to be sure. Nope – broken. So of course now, the hot tap had to be involved. But the hot tap, if you leave it running, gets hotter and hotter and is then too hot for sensitive six-year-old hands. It is
therefore always a good idea to put the plug in and run a bowl of water to prevent the temperature getting too high. Only, goodness me, that tap was broken too! Even turning and turning to fully on, made no difference – it was well and truly useless. At least it was useless then – at 7pm on the coldest day of the year so far. Not deterred, Libbi pulled up a chair to the kitchen sink and washed Barbie there. She was left on a towel to dry and we all went to bed, sleeping soundly in our ignorance. The next morning, after a slightly milder night, I came downstairs to find the dogs swimming up and down the utility room and all manner of our possessions floating merrily about. There were several bottles of cleaning products and about 20 sodden toilet rolls bobbing along and a number of vegetables submerged by the back door. I think I was most surprised, though, at the balmy temperature of the water – like a toddler’s paddling pool. Having deep water inside your home is never anything other than a disaster, but clean, fresh tap water is immensely easier to clean up than rancid, sewage filled flood water. I sort of counted my blessings and managed to remain calm. Barbie seemed unperturbed by the fuss she’d caused and Libbi said she had always intended to move on to the downstairs floors, once she’d finished cleaning her toys. Now it was going to be easy! In fact it did get the ball rolling on some spring cleaning… but I fear the bonus of the lower energy costs will now be rather outweighed by the water bill. CS MARCH 2012
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001 Front cover March 12:Layout 1
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cotswold style march 2012 volume 5 number 3