Cotswold Style November 2012

Cotswold Style Gift MONTPELLIER 12

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

ideas for

Christmas Paddy Power contender

HUNT BALL

Win a

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Laura Leigh Hairdressing

November 2012

Celebrate Christmas in

Cotswold Style’s

TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS Sponsored

by Jelf

2012

party Michael Vaughan tees off for charity

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19 16 inside your

58

S

November issue...

10 Out and About

58 12 Gift of Christmas

93 Jon Hodder

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

Look no further for your Christmas present inspiration this year

Head Gardener at Sudeley Castle comments on the month ahead

61 Hot Property

95 Camilla Bassett-Smith

16 Real Life

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

Gloucestershire horticulturalist Camilla turns her attention to the birch tree

79 Party Planning

The Heart presenter shares his advice on Christmas shopping

David Hasselhoff fancies himself as a country gent, read the exclusive interview as he visits Cheltenham

97 Niall Foster

19 Cotswold Style’s Exclusive Top Performing Women in Business 2012

Sophie Taylor’s guide to planning your very own bonfire night party

Our 34 page guide to the powerful and innovative women based here

Eric Barton reviews The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2012

56 Christmas in Montpellier

91 Dare to be different

110 Eternal Elegance

Follow our full listing of all of the Christmas dates to pop into your social diary over the next two months

David Dare, Director of Cheltenham’s White Room Images talks to Emma Roberts about his business

Step into the stylish season ahead with faux fur and feminine layering, shot on location in Cheltenham

4 COTSWOLD STYLE

87 Freshly Squeezed...

106 Forever Young Embrace mid-youth with help from Blushes and Stylist Michelle Blake

NOVEMBER 2012

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110

56

115 Street Style

147 Honest Ed

Can you spot yourself on the streets of Cheltenham this month?

Max Le Grand’s travel diaries

122 A look back at...

Mouth-watering recipes,wine tips and restaurant reviews for you

Cheltenham Fashion Week with Creative Director, Sam Bawden

125 Your chance to win...

A makeover for two at Cheltenham’s Laura Leigh Hairdressing

126 Beautiful Foundations Achieve your favourite autumnal look with inspiration from Foundation

131 Beau Amis...

A brand new beauty business

139 Surtees Speaks Meet new columnist, Amanda Toner

NOVEMBER 2012

159 Food, Glorious Food

181 Shane Duff Comment from the former Cheltenham Town Football Captain

183 Winter Fitness

60 Style events 54 Gatcombe Horse Trials 60 Michael Vaughan tees-off for The Pied Piper Appeal

Personal Trainer, Jodie Hart

89 Wine tasting at Hotel du Vin

187 Racing Style

104 Holst Birthplace Museum

Correspondent Cathryn Fry comments on Paddy Power contender Hunt Ball

194 Kate Justice...

Shares her tips for combatting the common condition that is insomnia

129 Vinegar Hill festive evening 135 Ellenborough Park 179 Pink Tie Ball at Hatherley Manor Hotel

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NOVEMBER 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 and remember with us, nothing is standard 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 NOVEMBER 2012

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SEASONS

GREETINGS G REETINGS ETINGS INGS S FROM HOTEL DU VIN

JOIN USS THIS CHRIS CHRISTMAS STMAS LUNCH FOR LU UNCH U NCH OR DINNER DINNER

24

FROM JUST £

.50 PER PERSON

MAKE YOUR BOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS NOW

01242 588 450 events.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com www.HOTELDUVIN.com

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. LOCAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

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

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

Web Editor Eve Holmes eholmes@stylemagazines.co.uk Account Manager Emma Logan 07733 112182 elogan696@btinternet.com

Business Development Manager Adam Robinson

07917 175919

adam@stylemagazines.co.uk Office Manager Carley O’Dea

01242 220239

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

Editorial Designer Nick Clark nclark@stylemagazines.co.uk Features Writer Eric Barton 01242 220239 Photographer Spencer McPherson 07773 374316 spencer@allintheimage.co.uk

Photographer Rob Wheatman 07533 368571 wheatman@me.com

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

editor’s foreword

I’m thrilled to bring you a very exciting bumper issue this month.

Sponsored by Jelf, and supported by The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Expectations, Hopson Solicitors, Tayabali Tomlin and SSL, we have featured the Cotswolds’ Top Women in Business in our fantastic 34 page supplement. These powerful and inspirational women spared the time to share the stories of their success with us, as well as informing us of their generosity in giving something back to the community.

Each of the women listed has climbed the ladder of success and many are trailblazers in their chosen field. We hope that you are inspired by these extraordinary women and we look forward to building on this list of names in 2013. Perhaps we shall see your name on the list?

As we step things up a gear and head towards Christmas, we take a stroll along the streets of Montpellier to discover the festive magic that will be on display this year. Plan your Christmas shopping away from the hustle and bustle of the high street and instead enjoy a more gentile pace of life with a whole winter wonderland of gifts and events available to you. (page 56). And to help with those tricky people you have to buy for (we all know the ones!) find your Christmas gift guide on page 58 of this month’s issue.

I was lucky enough to meet with Mr David Hasselhoff for an interview at Ellenborough Park Hotel. Just as infectious away from the cameras as he in front of them, you can read the exclusive interview on page 16.

With bonfire night just around the corner, follow Sophie Taylor’s advice to hosting a fireworks evening that goes with a bang. (page 79). And of course, we also pause to remember our fallen heroes who so bravely lost their lives during the two World Wars.

I hope that you enjoy the issue, see you next month!

Emma Roberts, Editor, editor@stylemagazines.co.uk @CotswoldStyle Twitter followers

20,323

www.facebook.com/ CotswoldStyleMagazine Facebook fans

4,376

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: Rutzou silk tunic £189, Jucca knit coat £299, Penelope Chilvers boots £395, Bill Skinner acorn & oak leaf silver bracelet £125, by Foundation (www.shopfoundation.com) -Stores in Stow-on-the-Wold & Montpellier, Cheltenham. Photographed by www.racheljonesphotography.co.uk 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.

NOVEMBER 2012

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ut about ENTERTAINMENT

BOUTIQUE DU VIN! Thursday 8th November 2012 9:00am - 3:00pm Enjoy some serious retail therapy at Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham where for “one day only” we have brought together a fabulous selection of bespoke retailers, selling a unique collection of gorgeous and delightful gifts, clothes, jewellery, home interiors and more.

Entry to the event is £5 which includes a complimentary glass of bubbly.

To book, please call Hotel du Vin on 01242 588450 www.ladiesthatlunchevents.co.uk CORINIUM CINEMA - AN EVENING FILM SHOWING OF CASABLANCA Thursday 8th November, 7pm

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and voted one of the greatest films of all time, Casablanca is set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II. An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.

Thursday 8th November Casablanca Thursday 13th December It’s a Wonderful Life Thursday 10th January Moonrise Kingdom Thursday 7th February Midnight in Paris Thursday 7th March My Week with Marilyn Cost: £5.50 adults or £4.50 concessions.

Advanced booking is recommended For more information: Tel: 01285 655611 museums@cotswold.gov.uk

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In association with

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‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com AN EVENING WITH IAN STUBBINGS FROM HOUSE OF TOWNEND Friday 9th November Cotswolds88 Hotel are delighted to hold a hunters and reds evening, seven course tasting and wine pairing evening.

This is an excellent evening where you get to taste seven amazing courses whilst being gently guided through the wines and their tasting notes by Ian Stubbings. £99 per person including canapés and Prosecco on arrival. Limited places are available and so please book early to avoid disappointment. Call 01452 813688 and book quote redsinstyle. www.cotswolds88hotel.com

BATH ART AFFAIR! Friday 9th to Monday 12th November Sculpture Trail Wander around this world heritage city taking in the sights as you follow the specially curated sculpture trail. Gallery Shows Stop off in any one of the 27 participating galleries and peruse their latest works and shows created especially for this weekend.

ARTIST TALKS On Sunday you can brush up on what it takes to build a great art collection as the Bath Galleries Group hosts a talk with Art Insight at the Holburne Museum into navigating the contemporary art market. www.bathgalleriesgroup.com REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday 11th November

Remembrance Sunday Lunch £2 donation included to Royal British Legion. £21.50 Per Person www.kingscampden.co.uk

THE HOBGOBLIN CHELTENHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL Cheltenham’s funniest festival is back, bringing more top quality stand-up to

the Town Hall, Parabola Arts Centre.

Town Hall events include…

ALEXEI SAYLE Tuesday 13th November 8pm, Tickets: £14. Test-driving new material for his first tour in 16 years, don’t miss this chance to see a comedy legend in the Pillar Room. Age 18+.

HOWLERS AT THE FESTIVAL Wednesday 14th November 8.30pm Tickets: £12 (£9 Students) With Eddy Brimson and headliner Jeff Innocent, plus support to be confirmed.

This show sold out last year so advance ticket purchase is strongly advised.

FRANKIE BOYLE – THE LAST DAYS OF SODOM Thursday 15th November 8pm Tickets: £25 Last few tickets remaining! Age 16+.

JULIAN CLARY - POSITION VACANT, APPLY WITHIN Friday 16th November 8pm Tickets: £20 (£18 Concessions) Julian’s looking for love and he’s not leaving town empty handed... Master of camp Julian Clary is scouring the land in search of love. He’s promised to leave no straight unturned. Age 16+.

FESTIVAL FINALE Saturday 17th November 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 A delectable handpicked mixed bill to bring the festival to a rousing conclusion! Starring Men In Coats, Terry Alderton, Tony Law, Debra Jane Appleby and headliner Stephen K Amos.

All compered by the comedic delight that is Boothby Graffoe. Wow! Other confirmations include Josie Long, the Boy With Tape On His Face, Henning Wehn, Robin Ince, Sarah-louise Young, Michael Legge, Abigail Collins, Monkey Poet and Desmond O’Connor.

Check www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk or www.cheltenhamcomedy.com for updates and tickets.

PIAF – THE SONGS Friday 16th November Eve Loiseau sings the songs of Edith Piaf. The show features all of her best

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR NOVEMBER 2012

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your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Carley O’Dea ‘eat well, enjoy wine, love life’

www.montpellierwinebar.com loved songs, including La Vie en Rose; Autumn Leaves and the iconic Non, Je ne regrette rien. Tickets: £16 & £18 All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA CARRY ON SWINGING Saturday 17th November

The best of Big Band music, featuring numbers by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and much more.

Tickets: £17 & £19. All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at: www.everymantheatre.org.uk WEDDING FAIR Sunday 18th November

Sudeley Castle has been described as the most romantic castle in England by The Times. Couples who dream of celebrating a fairy-tale wedding are in for a treat: Sudeley Castle’s annual Wedding includes a guided tour and free wine and canapés. The event will run from 10.30am to 4.00pm. Tickets for the event are free, but advance booking is essential. Contact Debbie Hillyard to reserve yours email: Debbie.hillyard@sudeley.org.uk or telephone 01242 609489.

NOVEMBER 2012

JAZZ BRUNCH Sunday 18th November Enjoy a lazy brunch to the soothing sounds of jazz - the perfect way to round off your weekend. Jazz from 12.00pm until 3.00pm. Brunch is served from 12.00pm until 4.00pm.

Dishes from £3.95 www.theardenhotelstratford.com

THE WOMAN IN BLACK Monday 19th – Saturday 24th November Stephen Mallatratt’s award-winning stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling gothic horror novel. Live theatre at its absolute spine-tingling best! You will be on the edge of your seat! Tickets: £10£25. All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk BURGUNDY WINE DINNER WITH VALLET FRÈRES Thursday 22nd November This six course dinner will be paired with wonderful aged burgundies. The event starts at 7.00pm and is £80.00 per person. www.hotelduvin.com

LADIES LUNCH - CHRISTMAS FLORISTRY DEMONSTRATION Thursday 22nd November Ladies Lunch - Meet The Expert!

Enjoy a two course meal with wine and coffee before learning all... from our expert florist Daisy Chain who will demonstrate wreath making and festive flower arrangements. £35.00 per person www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com

COMEDY NIGHT Friday 23rd November Doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8.30 pm. Live at Kingsholm Hosted by local boy Nik Hill, the Comedy Club will introduce 4 hand picked comedians from across the UK. Ticket prices start from just £6 in advance, £7 on the door.

Visit gloucesterrugby.co.uk or call the Gloucester Rugby ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

VINTAGE AT THE RACECOURSE Saturday 24th November A Christmas Fair featuring quality vintage

sellers, textiles, linens and lace, clothing from 20s to 70s and much, much more.

10.00am – 4pm. Admission 3pm www.cheltenham.co.uk

SALLY MORGAN Wednesday 28th November Sally Morgan returns by overwhelming public demand. Sally Morgan has taken the UK by storm! Evenings of Mediumship are not scientifically proven and are presented for education and entertainment purposes only.

Tickets: £24, £22 7.30pm www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM Throughout December This December Pittville Pump Rooms will be transformed into a magical fairytale winter wonderland, with an ice bar glistening all shiny and new for this year’s most exclusive events in the local calendar! Complete with an illuminated chill out area and the frosty sensation of the ice, Christmas at Pittville Pump Room will be a fantastic way for colleagues and friends to organise their seasonal celebrations and be part of a truly unique party experience, guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. To book your groups tickets from a few guests to a few hundred or to find out more, please call 0117 971 0320 or visit: www.hypeagency.co.uk COOKS CLUB: HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CANAPÉS. Tuesday 4th December What to be the ultimate host this Christmas? Then head to The Montpellier Chapter for a canapés workshop. You can learn from the top hotel chefs how to make sweet and savoury delights which are sure wow all your guests over the festive period.

This event costs £5 per person which can be redeemed towards a Restaurant purchase. Telephone 01242 527788 to book your place.

FAMILY

WOLD GALLERIES Sunday 4th November The November exhibition at Wold

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR COTSWOLD STYLE 11

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ut about Galleries, Moreton-in-Marsh, introduces wonderfully quirky images of the Cotswolds by Oxfordshire based artist Carolyn Tyrer. This is the first opportunity to see Carolyn’s original work on display in the Cotswolds. She is preparing a number of paintings of the local countryside, in her highly individual style. www.woldgalleries.com SING-A-LONG-A GREASE Thursday 8th November

Learn how to hand jive and sing along to all those wonderful songs from the musical which made stars of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Don’t forget to dress up! Tickets: £17 All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk JACQUI DANKWORTH & MUSICIANS Saturday 10th November

One of the UK’s leading jazz vocalists showcases her unique versatility and style. Tickets: £17 & £20. All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

JOE INGLIS Thursday 15th November Presenter. In aid of the Chairman’s charities - Gloucestershire Young Carers and the Stroke Association. Join Joe for an entertaining evening and hear about his life as a vet, author and TV presenter.

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www.montpellierwinebar.com Tickets: £7 Includes wine, nibbles and a raffle. Booking is essential. 7pm For more information: Tel: 01285 655611 Email: museums@cotswold.gov.uk SWAN LAKE & SLEEPING BEAUTY Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th November

occupations, buildings and lifestyle of the people who lived alongside each other. 2 – 4pm. Cost: £5.65 or £5 to season ticket holders. Booking is essential. For more information: Tel: 01285 655611 Email: museums@cotswold.gov.uk

CHRISTMAS FAIR IS AT THE FROGMILL HOTEL Sunday 25th November from 10am to 3pm. Entrance Fee: Adults £2.50, Children Free Lots of Stalls! Special Guest appearance by ‘Denman’ the Irish Bred Gold Cup Winning Hero! Stall Enquiries: emma@costley-white.com All Other Enquiries: Sarah.Dover@weare2020.com

Two of the most romantic and enduringly popular classical ballets performed by the Russian State Ballet.

Beautiful choreography, costumes, staging and music. A real treat!

Tickets: £20 - £30. All tickets available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at: www.everymantheatre.org.uk

WINCHCOMBE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Tuesday 4th December A traditional Cotswold Christmas Festival complete with hand bell ringers, choirs and a bustling street market is being staged in Winchcombe in December. Lining North Street will be 20 stalls laden with Christmas gifts, including everything from chocolate goodies, vintage fabrics, children’s clothes and toys, ironwork, Christmas decorations and hampers and wooden gifts.

MEDIEVAL FAMILIES – AN AFTERNOON TALK WITH TIM PORTER Thursday 22nd November This talk with guest speaker, Tim Porter, will try to evoke this vivid sense of community and explore the jobs and

Many traders will also be serving mulled wine and mince pies to customers and traditional hot roasted chestnuts will also be on offer. Father Christmas will be seeing youngsters in his grotto in Just-In in Hailes Street throughout the evening and the Isbourne Singers will be performing there at 7.45pm. Hand bell ringers will be doing their stuff from 6pm in North Street, and there will be carols and festive songs in the High Street from Winchcombe Community

BLUE MOON HARMONY CHOIR – 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Saturday 17th November Blue Moon Harmony Choir, a mixed voice choir that sings a variety of light popular songs to suit all tastes, celebrate their tenth anniversary in style at the Pump Room with a mixture of some of their favourite songs along with new material. They will be joined by Premier Brass who will perform a couple of spots during the concert. 7.30pm Tickets: £8 (£6 For Groups Of 10+) www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

FEBRUARY 2010 SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR NOVEMBER 2012

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www.montpellierwinebar.com Choir, local church choirs and Winchcombe Concert Brass. Many of the pubs and tea rooms will be providing live music. For more information on Christmas events and the Festival visit the town’s website, www.winchcombe.co.uk

THE SING-A-LONG CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN THE SUFFOLKS Wednesday 5th December There will be carol singers and a band, a few stalls, mulled wine, Father Christmas, candles, song sheets, a charity raffle and... an elf! All are welcome to come along to this sing-a-long event. 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

STROUD INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES PRESENT THE ARCHITECTURE OF CLOTH, COLOUR & SPACE Until 31st December Exhibition of work from internationally renowned textile artists Pptolemy Mann and Anna Glasbrook Stunning, beautiful new work by two textile artists and designers who both started as weavers but have taken their individual work into architecture, interior design and garden installation.

The exhibition opens at exhibition Gloucester Cathedral. Full details: www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.uk

A CHRISTMAS EVENING WITH GIFFORDS CIRCUS FILMS Tuesday 11th – Sunday 16th December Join Nell, Toti and others from the company for mince pies, mulled wine and memories from the summer and brighten a cold winter night with Giffords Circus as they relive the fun and laughter of previous shows at their Christmas film evenings. Join them at Notgrove village hall in Gloucestershire 6pm weekdays and 7.30pm at the weekend. Tickets are £13 and can be booked on 0845 459 7469

CHARITY

WINSTON’S WISH CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE ON SALE NOW! To purchase your cards please visit

www.winstonswish.org.uk/christmascards FEBRUARY NOVEMBER2010 2012

and choose from the 9 delightful new designs for 2012.

All proceeds from the sale of the cards goes to Winston’s Wish. www.winstonswish.org.uk

WISH UPON A STAR Winston’s Wish is urging sparkling Gloucestershire shoppers to add sparkling stars to the Wish Upon a Star trees in Cheltenham’s Regent Arcade from the middle of November.

Write a message on a silver star to remember a loved one or make a wish for the future to be displayed on the tree for a £1 donation. The tree will be in place until Christmas Eve. www.winstonswish.org.uk WORLD CARNIVAL MASQUERADE BALL Friday 9th November

DIWALI DINNER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN AID OF THE LEUKAEMIA AND INTENSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY FUND Thursday 15th November Includes drinks reception and spectacular festival buffet dinner at Koloshi Restaurant and Bar from 7.30pm. Tickets £25.00 per person available from LINC Office on 08454 224422 or online at www.lincfund.org

GET FIT AND RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY Saturday 24th November 2 Hour Zumbathon for The Pied Piper Appeal Charity at Gloucestershire Uni, arrive at 2:15pm. Everyone Welcome Men, Women and Children. Dance away the pounds to raise £’s for The Pied Piper Appeal. £5 Adults, £3 Children (Under 16). Refreshments are also provided. www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk

LADIES CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENING Tuesday 27th November

Gloucestershire SANDS 4th Charity Ball. Shroud yourself in mystery at Hatherley Manor Hotel. Live music from Gypsy Fire, cocktail bar, casino and much, much more. 7pm – 3am.

Tickets £40. Tickets available from Hatherley Manor. For more information call 01452 730217 or visit: www.hatherleymanor.co.uk ROTARY CLUB OF CHELTENHAM NORTH’S SECOND AND OTHER CAUSES CHRISTMAS FAIR Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th November 45 stalls selling an exciting array of gifts. Refreshments and free car parking. Children under 12 free.

Profits go to the charities.

Pittville Pump Room. 10am until 4pm.

Admission £3.00. For more information call 01242 676734

From 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The Welcombe Spa will be raising money for “The Shakespeare Hospice”, an independent local charity providing specialist palliative day care for people living in the Stratford-upon-Avon district. Members, residents and guests can enjoy an evening full of exclusive treatment and gym membership offers, special Clarins and Elemis retail offers, the chance to have a mini manicure for just £5, a charity raffle with a range of lovely prizes plus enjoy complimentary mulled wine and mince-pies. In addition various independent local retailers and crafts will be present offering a host of elegant gifts for guests to purchase for friends and family. Entry is free. To find out more and to book a place please

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call the Spa on 01789 413810 or visit the website for more information at www.menzieshotels.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Saturday 17th November Inspired and original Christmas shopping! Join Hatherop Castle School for a great day out with over 50 handpicked stall holders offering irresistible gift ideas for Christmas. Alongside gifts, will be fabulous fashion and original jewellery, heavenly homeware products, bestselling books, stationery, toys, games and clothing for children as well as the Savills’ Fine Food Hall packed with gourmet food and fine wine. Relax in our Christmas Cafe and enjoy mulled wine, delicious cakes, coffee or a light lunch. Amazing prizes are to be won in the Rudolf Raffle plus fabulous Christmas baskets worth over £100.

The festive Children’s Corner will look after the little ones while you shop.

Supervised (for a small fee) they will enjoy making advent calendars and other festive crafts. Hatherop Castle School will be helping to raise funds for Helen and Douglas House, a local charity providing hospice and palliative care for children and young adults. Visit their stall on the day for pocket money toys and games for children, gifts and beautiful jewellery. Tickets on the door: entrance fee £5.00 (50 per cent goes to Helen and Douglas House). Children under 14 are free. www.hatheropcastle.co.uk A STAR TO REMEMBER: TWO CELEBRATION SERVICES AT CHRISTMAS TIME FOR LOVED ONES WHO ARE MISSED Sunday 2nd December At Gloucester Hospital Chapel and Sunday 9th December at St Luke’s Church Cheltenham. From 3 – 3.45pm Followed by refreshments. Dedicate a Silver Star. For further information contact linc@glos.nhs.uk 08454 224422. www.lincfund.org

THE PIED PIPER APPEAL’S CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT TEWKSBURY ABBEY Wednesday 5th December 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Tickets are £5.00

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The team at BEARDS in support of CHELTENHAM FASHION WEEK

(Including FREE programme) and Children are Free. Tickets available from The Pied Piper Appeal Office - 08454 226119. Tewkesbury Abbey Shop – 01684 276655 and Peter Hickman Hair Salon. www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk CHRISTMAS BALL IN AID OF WINSTONS WISH: A CHARITY FOR BEREAVED CHILDREN Thursday 6th December Champagne Reception, 4 Course Dinner, Silent Auction, Charity Casino, Guest Speaker, Dancing. Sponsored by 7 Layer Solutions LTD. 7pm – 1am Pittville Pump Rooms. Black Tie Event.

01242 461329. Book your table now www.bombilloevents/winstonswishball info@bombilloevents.co.uk

SPORTING EVENTS

FIJI RUGBY VS GLOUCESTER RUGBY Tuesday 13th November Kick off 7.45 pm. Live at Kingsholm International rugby returns to Kingsholm when Gloucester Rugby take on Fiji Rugby. Ticket prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk or call the Gloucester Rugby ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

GLOUCESTER RUGBY VS LONDON WELSH Saturday 17th November

Kick off 4.30 pm. Live at Kingsholm Gloucester Rugby take on London Welsh in the LV=Cup. Ticket prices start form just £10 for adults and £3 for juniors. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk or call the Gloucester Rugby ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

GLOUCESTER RUGBY VS SALE SHARKS Saturday 24th November Kick off 12 pm. Live at Kingsholm Gloucester Rugby take on Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership. Ticket prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors.

Visit: www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk or call the Gloucester Rugby ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2.

Cecile Llewellyn-Bowen showcases her directorial debut. Cecile, aged 17, wrote, produced and directed a short film which was screened at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester.

Cotswold Style would like to apologise for the error in last month’s issue where Cecile’s name was unfortunately spelt incorrectly.

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR NOVEMBER 2012

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IT’S NOT WHERE YOU COME FROM. IT’S WHERE YOU’RE HEADING. With unrivalled local knowledge and experience, no-one understands the needs of local market like we do.

To speak to our expert, call Christine Wadley in Cheltenham on 01242 649775.

WEALTH STRUCTURING

PRIVATE BANKING

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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interview

A Country Hoff Swapping his iconic red trunks for head-to-toe tweed, Emma Roberts went to meet David Hasselhoff to find out what he really thinks of what the Cotswolds has to offer...

‘‘

PICTURES BY WWW.THOUSANDWORDMEDIA.COM

I arrive at Ellenborough Park Hotel feeling as though I am about to meet a man for the very first time whom I have actually met so many times before. That is the great thing about television, we invite strangers into our homes over the years and end up feeling as though we know them in some way. Knight Rider, Baywatch, Britain’s Got Talent... we all know what the star, now famous enough to be referred to as simply The Hoff, is bestknown for, but how about the man behind all of that?

David comes down from his hotel room dressed in the fabulous clothing kindly supplied by Maxine Tupper at Cotswold Country. He is even taller than I imagined him to be and he instantly engages with everyone present. Filling the room with his larger than life personality and remaining polite and courteous to those of us present, I then realise that sometimes the reality is even better than what you see on your television screen.

After the photo shoot, I sit down alone with David and his girlfriend, Hayley Roberts, to find out what brought them here. “It was my idea”, David says “Hayley’s birthday was on September 19th and I wanted to take her away for the weekend. We were a little late getting out of London as we were getting the bicycle in order, ready to take part in a triathlon to benefit the very worthy Sparks charity. It is a really interesting charity and I was asked to take part by Sir Richard Branson. Richard’s handling the swimming portion and I’m going to be doing the biking part. I’m not much of a runner, but I can still bike!” I disagree, David, the Baywatch run will always remain legendary as far as I’m concerned.

“We arrived here in Cheltenham yesterday and Hayley’s birthday present from me was to have a spa treatment and to see the Cotswolds”, David explains. I ask him what their first impressions have been of the Cotswolds. “I’ve been to

16 COTSWOLD STYLE

“IT’S LIKE THE LAND OF HARRY POTTER AND I KEEP EXPECTING TO SEE LITTLE HOBBITS AS ALL THE DOORS ARE SO LITTLE!” Gloucester before but this is our first time here in Cheltenham. It’s like the land of Harry Potter and I keep expecting to see little hobbits as all of the doors are so little! We just came from Edinburgh and didn’t think we would find anything as fantastic as that city... but we did.

“We first went biking to train a little more and then went to Cleeve Hill and dined at The Rising Sun. The people here are so different to in London and are much less aggressive and allowed us the privacy to eat... almost!” David laughs, but it is easy to see that he is no diva. As I chat to him and his girlfriend, he is a very relaxed character. There is no agent whispering into his ear and to be honest it feels as though he is a million times removed from the global star that he is... maybe that is the effect of wearing tweed for the day. It is evident that he has a lot of time for his fans and it’s funny to

watch the hotel guests wondering if that really is The Hoff wearing a tweed coat and kicking back on a couch in the same hotel as them. “The people here are just lovely and they popped over to say that they love my show. Most people talk about Britain’s Got Talent. Some people loved me on Celebrity Juice. In fact, we are good friends with Keith Lemon and his wife. I was in his latest movie and so we came here from the premiere”.

The rumours are that David and Hayley may look to invest in a property in this corner of the world and so I ask the question. “We do love it here. We went to Winchcombe and then on to Broadway.

We kept getting lost... on purpose of course!” Hayley laughs that she had hoped they would make it back to the hotel before it got dark. David says, “It was amazing though, we went on horse trails and took pictures. Life is magic here. My daughters always say that when you go out with Dad you always get lost and go on some crazy adventure. But one thing leads to another and we had a Cotswolds adventure. We drove to Stratford and wanted to sample a real old English pub so we went to The Old Thatch Tavern. It turned out that the chef ’s idol was David Hasselhoff and he made us the most amazing meal.” I can’t help laughing as David refers to himself in the third person.

“Ellenborough Park Hotel has just been insanely amazing”, David says.

“They have looked after us so well”. I ask David if the country clothes could be a new fashion move for him. “When I saw them I said these are nice... they’re cool!

I always wanted to live in a castle called Hassel Castle and now we could move to Broadway and call it Hoff Broadway! I would like to open a shop here. We think that the tourists should all come here... do people here like tourists?” I think it’s safe to say that we definitely approve of tourists like The Hoff. CS NOVEMBER 2012

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18 COTSWOLD STYLE

NOVEMBER 2012

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WOMEN Cotswold Style’s

IN BUSINESS The Cotswolds’ top performing women in business

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Suzanne Hall Gibbins TOP 10 TIPS

for Aspiring Business women

orks & Developmentanneistwms - build suppor t mech of friends / a network ppor ters / mentors / suas they can role models suppor t and help providement to you. encourage hampion.

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nt to achieve a w u yo t a h w Define goals and think about your don't ar ticle n we ambitions, ofte and then wonder what we want t it. Wri te them e why we don't g and find people ary down if necess u achieve. Give lp that can he yo ck wins though! ui yourself some q

2 COTSWOLD STYLE

Be enthusiastic about your work, projects eyou’re even the mundane o tc., Your attitude and g nes. disposi tion will makeeneral person that others w you a work with - don’t leant to ego get in the waty.the

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les in - Seek ro munity where you n/com & organizatiomonstrate your skills utside eo can de can also b ies for se e h T . s t it talen ny in char the compa his will build your rks example. Tdevelop new netwo , se confidence aden your skills ba ro and b

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nd Identify talent rsa suppor t othe those be generous tkoing to that are loo learn. develop and back.

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have achieved. You can you gracious in saying 'yes I be of that' or 'yes, I did dowas proud The use of social media that'. you to get your message can help s across, ask others to endorse yo u or write testimonials.

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Give your ...... se - women lf 'you' time and f others an can be over gen amily time have time d forget that the erous to the batte for themselves to y need to time for ries and equally recharge most impofamily as they are impor tant, Listen to r tant suppor t m often the have got friends when the echanism. boring an y say you you any md they don't see ore!

NOVEMBER 2012

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

welcome Researched and compiled

by Victoria Ryan Cheltenham based Victoria Ryan is currently in her final year, studying Journalism, Media and Communications at Cardiff University. She hopes to work in journalism after graduating next summer and we wish her the very best of luck with her chosen career.

We hope that you enjoy reading our exclusive Women in Business supplement. With a wealth of talent right on our doorstep here in the Cotswolds, we thought it wise to expose these innovative women who are making it happen for themselves and for others.

Following on from the success of last year’s supplement, we have chosen to feature some of the most powerful women in their roles as mentors and how they decided to combat any adversity that they may have faced along the way. Each and every woman’s story has served as a great motivator for me personally, and I hope that the following pages inspire you to follow your dreams.

Jessica Earl is one such woman who has never given up on her business plan, despite it taking her five years to win the investment capital that she needed, she has since opened her dream business in Cheltenham and explains to me how she had a little help from Sir Richard Branson along the way. Read her story on page 24.

I would personally like to extend a huge thank you to each and every one of the extraordinary women who have kindly taken part this year.

Editor, Emma Roberts editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2012

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

College is educating businesswomen of the future

Aged just 13, Araminta Eyre (pictured right) set off to a meeting with the aim of securing a loan to start a catering company.

Needing enough money for a food mixer and set of trays on which to bake cakes, The Cheltenham Ladies’ College pupil presented her business plan to the bank.

Perhaps predictably, her request for £250 was turned down because she was deemed ‘too young’.

Undeterred, she returned to her boarding house and raised enough money to buy the items by saving her pocket money and obtaining a loan from her parents.

Soon after, Kiss and Cake Up was born.

“When we were in LC2 (year eight) we wanted something to do on the weekends, so I started a Sunday fun club,” said Araminta, who started sixth form in September.

“As part of that we would bake cakes and I realised pretty quickly that I was quite good at it.

“So when I got into year nine, I decided that because I liked baking cakes and everybody liked eating cakes, it might be an idea to start doing it as a business.

“Everybody has birthdays and special occasions, so there is always a market for cakes.”

An initiative that began as a way to fill Sunday afternoons indoors, turned into a fledgling business.

Cooking took place in a small corner of an unused boarding house kitchen, and with help from house staff and College catering manager Sarah Parker, Araminta was able to develop her product and begin trading.

As her reputation grew, the Kiss and Cake Up stall became a mainstay at open days and other school events.

It was not long before her tasty treats were attracting orders from further afield.

“College girls and their parents got to

‘‘

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‘THE COLLEGE HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND SUPPORTIVE FROM THE START. I’M VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN.’

know about my business and started to place orders,” said the 16-year-old, who studies the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

“My brother is at Radley, so I sell a lot of cakes to parents there as well.

“The College has been very helpful and supportive from the start.

“I’m very grateful for all the encouragement I have been given.”

Araminta, whose father runs his own business as a commodity trader, will apply to university next year.

“I might do Politics, Philosophy and Economics, but I could also end up doing English, History or French,” she said.

“I’ll continue the cupcake business for as long as it remains viable and hope that means I can carry on at university, because it’s something I really enjoy doing.

“In the long run, I’d really like to run my own company for a living, but that will have to happen over time.”

Araminta’s achievements are not unusual at the College, which gives pupils organized support for entrepreneurial activities.

Her fellow sixth former Freya Pelissier works closely with industry on a fashion blog, while another group of girls is developing a new line of bespoke photograph decorations as part of the Young Enterprise scheme “We have a proud tradition of educating girls to have the confidence to start their own businesses,” said College Head of Economics Paul Ratinckx.

“An entrepreneurial spirit is fostered among the students and that results in some really impressive business ventures, some of which start as small projects in the Young Enterprise scheme.

“Our aim is to ensure girls have the confidence to back their own ideas and be innovative.

“Women have a huge role to play in the business world and the College is delighted to be part of that.” CS

NOVEMBER 2012

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‘‘

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

supported by

Financial planning

Everyone is different and whether you own your own business or are just starting out on your chosen career path, it is likely that you have unique financial goals and aspirations. There is no catch all solution for financial planning which is why people benefit from a face to face conversation – it gives you the opportunity to focus on what is really important to you.

Here Julie Jelf, a financial planner from Jelf, answers some of the most important questions facing women in the Cotswolds today.

I have come into a bit of money and rather than putting it straight into the bank I was considering investing it, where do I start?

The best place to start is to work out your budget, taking into account all your income and expenses, decide how much you are willing to put into an investment.

Don’t put everything you have in straight away – start small and see how you get on - you can always put more money in at a later date when you are more confident.

It is always a good idea to make sure that you know and understand as much about investments as you can. There is no substitute for professional advice however, the better your knowledge, the more comfortable you will be with dealing with your financial advisor and making sure you have a strong level of control over your investment portfolio.

I recently had my first child which has brought home to me how important my income is. What steps can I take to protect my family, in case I am unable to work?

There are three vital steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family: critical illness cover, income protection and, in the worst case scenario, life insurance.

Critical illness cover is something that many people don’t consider but imagine what would happen to you and your family if you were no longer able to work due to illness. Critical illness cover can ensure that you receive a lump sum in the face of defined critical illness which would be essential if you found yourself struggling with financial commitments such as your mortgage.

Income protection works along similar lines and would enable you to continue to pay your bills and support your family if you were off from work for a

“...THE BETTER YOUR KNOWLEDGE, THE MORE COMFORTABLE YOU WILL BE WITH DEALING WITH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND MAKING SURE YOU HAVE A STRONG LEVEL OF CONTROL OVER YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO”

prolonged period of time because of an illness or an accident, by providing regular, on-going payments through the period of incapacity.

Life insurance is designed to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.

By making regular contributions you would ensure that your family received a lump sum after your death hopefully, ensuring their financial security for the future.

I turned 30 a few weeks ago and don’t have a pension. However, from October 1st my boss has been contributing to a pension on my behalf. Will that be enough?

It’s certainly a start but the sooner you start making your own contributions the better. It might seem like a long way off at the moment but you really should try and save as much as you can afford during your working life to give you a lump sum when you retire and an ongoing income for the rest of your life.

People are generally living longer and if you want to be able to enjoy the benefits of retirement, adequate financial provisions really are key. CS Contact Julie Jelf on 0161 245 3655 or emailjulie.jelf@jelfgroup.com

W W W. J E L F G R O U P. CO M NOVEMBER 2012

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Alicia Carey, Chief Executive, Hawkwood College

Pam Cadbury, Partner, BPC Partners Ltd

BPC Partners is a Chartered Accountancy Practice in Cheltenham established by Pam Cadbury in 2001.

BPC is an ICAEW training firm, and in the last year has recruited an apprentice under the Government Apprenticeship Scheme and a trainee accountant. At the start of her career Pam had to work especially hard to prove she could compete in a man’s world, she says confidence and experience are the best levellers.

Success for her is happy clients, contented staff and a great working environment. Pam’s greatest achievement in business is to have helped set up a prep school which is now celebrating it’s 25th year.

Hawkwood College is an independent centre for education and training, which takes a holistic approach to education. There are twelve permanent members of staff and around 40 people that work on a casual basis. The college is keen to be as sustainable as possible and makes the most of the local community, using local, organic food and lending some of their land to Stroud Community Agriculture co-operative. Alicia states that success is being on a secure financial footing with a busy, thriving and vibrant hub of activity, great customer feedback and being supported by a team of people who feel valued. Alicia says: “I have always found it essential to ask questions when I am not clear on something, ensure I am as informed as possible before making a decision while at the same time making sure we constantly monitor and review what we offer.

Oh and most importantly try to stay calm in tricky situations!”

Anne Compton , Senior Partner, Rickerbys LLP

Rickerbys LLP is a leading firm of solicitors with offices in both Gloucestershire and the Thames Valley servicing individuals, businesses, schools and public bodies. Rickerbys turns over approximately £7.3million and employs around 100 members of staff. Anne says that the essential ingredients for success are hard work, high energy levels and a determination to succeed. Her advice: don’t get hung up on gender and be the best that you can be. Whilst the current economic climate has been her biggest challenge yet, Rickerbys continues to thrive by focusing on its strengths and providing excellent client service. Keen to be as green as possible, Rickerbys’ refurbished offices are rated BREEAM very good, office supplies are from sustainable sources and they encourage a cycle to work scheme. The business has over the past three years helped to raise £96,000 for charity through the Gloucestershire Motor Show, £22,000 for staff nominated charities and donated time to charitable activities with an estimated value of £85,000.”

Sarah Daly, Consultant, MyGreenEye Blog

Sarah is a Strategic Sustainability Consultant utilising her combined experience of 21 years as managing director of a Marketing & Management Consultancy and MD of Heath Avery Architects. Sarah writes a well-followed blog MyGreenEye.co.uk and presents internationally. In the past ten years she has reduced her average annual mileage from about 30,000 to 7,000 by mainly walking, cycling or using public transport but when she has to drive she uses a hybrid car. Sarah doesn’t think of herself as a ‘business woman’, but a business person. She’s never allowed her gender to affect what she does. Sarah started her first business aged 24 without a single penny – so it had to succeed; and it did!

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NOVEMBER 2012

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supported by Sue Davie, Chief Executive, Meningitis Trust

The Meningitis Trust, founded 26 years ago, is the oldest and largest meningitis charity in the world. The Trust focuses on supporting people affected by meningitis and receives no Government funding. The Trust employs 60 staff and has over 1000 volunteers. Sue states that she feels lucky enough not to have faced adversity in the work place and defines success in terms of beneficiaries being able to move forward, staff satisfaction and personal development. Her advice to aspiring business women is to believe in and be honest with yourself, and actively seek advice and guidance. Sue believes it is crucial to recognise the value of being part of a team. The Trust contributes to the local community in many ways including its volunteering schemes and local events.

Debra Drew, Managing Director, Fabric Architecture Limited

Fabric Architecture Limited is a company of Tensile Fabric Structure Engineering Specialists headquartered in the UK. The company has an annual turnover of £5.6m and employs 21 full time members of staff. Success to Debra is being able to be creative every day, enjoying what she does.

Her greatest achievement in business was seeing a need for being able to offer great designs at economic prices. Fabric Architecture was already delivering beautiful bespoke structures all across the UK. Debra’s goal was to come up with a way to package and market designs that she felt offered good value for money and were still design led. Nothing gives her greater satisfaction than being able to use her talents and skills to support other women in business.

Julia Everard, Director and co-owner, Saracen Care Services Ltd

Saracen Care is a doctor led care company providing specialised support for individuals with complex needs, their recent satisfaction survey requesting feedback from clients, staff and professionals scored them as being “excellent”.

To Julia success is measured in a number of ways – that her staff are happy and confident and competent to do their job; successful growth and diversification; complimentary feedback from inspections by the Care Quality Commission; maintaining and improving turnover and profit month on month; and being part of a company that she is proud to market as a Brand. Julia states that, “Establishing and maintaining a client focused approach alongside good communication to engender trust and confidence have always served me well.” Julia has also just completed a 2 year post graduate diploma in Strategic Business Management and Leadership at Gloucestershire College and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement award.

NOVEMBER 2012

Emma Gardner, Managing Director, Gardner Garages Limited

Emma is Managing Director of Gardner Garages Limited that owns and operates four petrol stations within Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Gardner Garages is one of the largest independent retailers in Gloucestershire and are rated in the Top 100 Independents in the UK. The petrol industry is predominantly a male one and Emma was only 21 when she started working with her father. She did find the industry somewhat intimidating but having a strong character and confidence in her business has overcome any adversity there may have been. She would define success as the achievement of one’s personal goals. Whether that is in money, family, happiness or work. Her greatest achievement in business is having a fantastic support network from her staff.

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Nell Gifford, Artistic Director and Producer of Giffords Circus

Clare Gerbrands, Director, Made in Stroud

Giffords Circus is a traditional 1930s style circus run by husband and wife team Nell and Toti Gifford. Touring village greens across the South West of England from May to September, Giffords Circus bases its shows around theatre and live music. Nell is a master of her profession, balancing unrivalled creative talent with strong business acumen. The idea of Giffords Circus was born in 1999 when Nell and Toti decided a mortgage and convention was not for them, so instead they started a circus . Their main focus is to bring live, affordable entertainment to village greens and they donate tickets to local charities and good causes and Nell also gives talks to local schools. They have many art, textile and stage school students who join them every year for rehearsals as interns to ‘run away with the circus’ where they become part of the family and get a taste of how much hard work the circus is.

Clare Gerbrands started Stroud farmers market, this first in its kind in Gloucestershire, in July 1999. Then a full time mum of four school age boys, Clare has gone on to develop a brand and to set up farmers markets around the county. Along with the Made in Stroud Shop, Stroud farmers market is considered to have greatly contributed to the economic revival of this traditional wool town. Now running weekly with a flea market along side, Stroud farmers market has become the most awarded in the UK. As well as running Made in Stroud, Clare works as a freelance consultant, sharing her experience with others. www.fresh-n-local.co.uk

Suzanne Hall-Gibbins , Director, Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce

Over the last year Business West has really focused on redefining the purpose and value of the company. The company has some great green credentials and is ISO 1401 rated, they aim to go one step further in terms of environmental issues and have just introduced video conferencing. Suzanne believes one of the hardest things about business and family life, is that nobody tells you how to do it! You have to find your own solutions. Suzanne believes that mentoring schemes are very valuable to the way we work, and she often seeks advice from a range of mentors on an informal basis. Business West have also just started mentoring workshops for women.

Dr Dawn Harper, Nuffield Health

Having taken a sabbatical from the Nuffield Health Centre in Cheltenham where she is a GP and ran a clinic, this year Dr Dawn has focused on her television and charity work.

Dawn has always been a keen supporter of local and national disabled children’s charities and has taken part in and organised many charity campaigns, which have raised a total of over £150,000 worth of money for local charities for disabled and disadvantaged children; such as Hop, Skip and Jump, Star College, Start4Life and local colleges in Ullenwood and Stroud. Dr Dawn believes success is to always strive for more and hopes that she is yet to attain her biggest achievement. Following a training cycle from London to Paris this year, Dawn hopes to do a larger ‘John Bishop style’ ride around the British Isles.

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supported by Simone Hindmarch-Bye, Co-founder of Commercial Group

Simone is the Co-founder of Commercial Group, one of the largest independently-owned office services companies in the UK and a pioneer in sustainability. Simone started the company with her brother Arthur Hindmarch and university friend Alastair Adams in 1991. Armed with a £20,000 investment from their father, they set up business in a small office with one phone and started knocking on doors for their first contracts. Founded The Cheltenham-based company is an innovator in its field. Commercial was the first company in its sector to become CarbonNeutral . Simone is intensely passionate about business and admits that the same discipline and determination she applies to her company stems from her hugely successful sporting career which saw her ranked seventh in the world as a former Commonwealth gold medal swimmer. Their success was, and still is, listening to customers’ needs , understanding the industry and knowing what the competition is doing.

Clare Holland, Partner, Keith Holland Optometry

Over the last year Keith Holland has focused on both ends of the age spectrum, they set up Young at Heart Thursdays, as well as specialising in clinics for children.

Clare says that working with her husband for 20 years has been both a joy and a challenge, she believes that the adversity she faced was trying to balance working life with having four children when the business was just starting out. Her biggest sense of satisfaction comes from finding the source of people’s visual problems and being able to help. They contribute to the local community, Clare says they see around three or four families a day that have come to Cheltenham especially for the clinic and then stay in the area and go shopping or out for meals.

Hannah Hughes, Jewellery Director, Beards Beards has operated as a family run business since it first started and the current owners and Directors, mother and sons, Angela, Alex Rose and Olly Rose, represent the fifth and sixth generations of the family to run the company.

Hannah joined the company in 2006 and is now a Board member. Responsible for appointing and managing workshop staff, managing all aspects of jewellery workshop, and designing and creating bespoke commissions, Hannah states that she has always chosen to look for opportunites rather than attempting to find obstacles. She defines success as “the gratitude that I receive from my clients. We really do have a lasting involvement in clients’ lives, creating pieces of jewellery they will treasure for years to come and pass on to their loved ones”. Hannah believes that the key to success is not underestimating yourself; a confident and skilled woman is an asset to any business. It is now widely accepted that a healthy gender mix produces optimum results, and so called feminine traits have been proven to have real value to a team.

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Eve Jardine-Young, Principal at Cheltenham Ladies College

Eve became the 11th Principal of Cheltenham Ladies College in September 2011, having been educated herself in the sixth form at the College some 20 years earlier. With a turnover of £23m and employing over 500 members of staff, the College achieved the strongest academic A level results in Gloucestershire this year, and has also implemented a highly successful IB programme. They have secured Green Flag status as an Eco-School and have an Environment Committee of both staff and pupils. On a personal level, Eve attributes success as being at peace with the choices that she has made within her profession. Eve believes that the key factors in making a successful businesswoman are: selfbelief, courage, clear communication, as well as honest friends and family to keep you grounded. As one of the largest employers in Cheltenham, and with over 600 boarding families the College contributes to the local economy in term-time as well as with summer schools and Eve remains passionate about links with local partners in the community.

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Barbara Jordan, Partner at Harrison Clark

Joanna Jones, CEO of Room 58 Ltd. (Adversity)

Room 58 is a successful tactical marketing agency, currently employing 18 members of staff with clients worldwide - the revenue over the next year is expected to be £1.8m. Joanna operates a paperless office, video conferencing is preferred to overseas travel and as an on and offline design agency she recognises the importance of choosing a print partner with a strong environmental policy. In 2005, Joanna was diagnosed with cancer of the eye. Within two weeks of her operation Joanna returned to work, more determined than ever. Despite cancer returning in 2007, Joanna fought it off again and in 2008 she was given the all clear. Joanna says her lesson from cancer is tenacity: success isn’t achieved via a straight path. For her, success is about the understanding of why we do what we do, rather than what we actually do.

Barbara Jordan is a Partner at Harrison Clark LLP and heads the Family Department in Cheltenham. She is a respected and highly experienced divorce and family lawyer, with a reputation for fighting hard for her clients, supporting them through the trauma of divorce, and successfully taking on difficult and challenging cases. Barbara specialises in the financial issues arising out of divorce and co-habitation disputes. During her time working in Herefordshire, Barbara gained wide experience of farming divorces, and is experienced in dealing with claims where a forensic analysis of the asset base is needed. As Barbara trained early in her career in professional negligence and civil litigation, she has continued to practice in this field, in particular in solicitors’ negligence.

Barbara has mentored a number of young lawyers during her career, and indeed has trained a number of Legal Executives and Trainee Solicitors; many of whom have gone on to experience thriving careers.

Caroline Kavanagh, Director of Planit Products

UK based company Planit Products is a leader in the manufacture of PTFE coated cookware products. The leading product is the patented toastabag®, the quick and easy way to make a toasted sandwich and one that has found its way into many a UK home. Caroline has helped the company go from strength to strength since joining it some six years ago, using her skills in sales to drive and expand the awareness and the market for the unique products. Planit Products have spent the last several years establishing and growing their range of reusable and non-reusable cookware items. Caroline and her team believe in sustained growth and remain committed to developing UK manufacturing and jobs.

Caroline Kean , Partner at Wiggin LLP

Wiggin is a niche media law firm, advising clients from ITV to Twentieth Century Fox. Caroline is a Commercial Litigator and ranked as one of the top lawyers in the UK in defamation and privacy law by Independent Directories. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1985, Caroline believes that success is not just about profit though obviously the financial security of the business matters. Real success is creating the environment that enables people to thrive and be the best at what they do. Her advice to aspiring businesswomen is to be true to themselves and not to give up.

Caroline is passionate about supporting other women returning to work, spreading the message that women can achieve their career goals while raising a family.

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supported by Patricia Kinahan, Partner, Hazlewoods

Hazlewoods is a Gloucestershire-based firm of Business Advisers and Chartered Accountants, ranked 36th in the UK. Hazlewoods is a keen supporter of local charities and has raised £7,918 this year for Cobalt. Patricia states that when she first started she was seen to be too young to be advising individuals, but dealt with this by being technically as good as she could be.

The key to success for Patricia is about setting a goal and then breaking it down into small steps in order to achieve it as well as doing something you enjoy. This advice helped her to become the first female equity partner at Hazlewoods.

Penny Manuel, SOHO Coffee Co.

Penny has built Soho Coffee Co. Ltd into a multi-million pound national coffee shop chain, expanding from a couple of shops in Cheltenham to global success.

Penny is committed to nurturing talent and has taken part in mentoring schemes alongside the University of Gloucestershire in order to share her wealth of experience with budding business women of the future. The company’s preference is to work with local partners for their products and services. Proving their green credentials, the company has worked with Business Link in order to drive green efficiencies and the company specialises in organic Fairtrade coffee.

Camilla Miles, Managing Director of Corinium Care

Corinium Care is one of the leading live-in care agencies in the UK, providing 24-hour care for frail and elderly people in their own homes. The agency, based in Nailsworth, was set up by Managing Director Camilla Miles in 1995. It won the Business of the Year Award 2011 in the Gloucestershire Media Women in Business awards. There are 17 staff at the head office in Nailsworth, 800 registered carers, and recruitment offices in South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

Turnover has more than doubled in the last six years to more than to £779,000 in 2011. Profits increased 25-fold between 2005 and 2011. Camilla says there are few barriers to success if you believe in your product, refuse to compromise on standards and take on great people who share your values.

Camilla would give the same advice to aspiring businesswomen as she’d give to aspiring businessmen: strive for excellence. With an office based in the heart of the Cotswolds, Camilla is acutely aware of the privilege of operating in a rural area and the company encourages car sharing, use local services and suppliers whenever possible and have a rigorous recycling policy.

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Shannon Mercer, Managing Director of Raging Bull

Raging Bull is a fast growing lifestyle clothing brand, with its roots firmly planted in rugby. The company is named after founder Phil Vickery, who was given his nickname after Sir Clive Woodward said that England had their ‘very own raging bull’. Phil’s ethos and values of honesty, fair play and relentless improvement are instilled very firmly in the company culture. The leisurewear company only started in 2007 with a very small team, but Shannon knew that they had to try to establish the brand rapidly. This year the company will double last year’s sales, with the biggest success of last owed to their growth within House of Fraser. To Shannon, success is achieving the goals you set for yourself. Her advice to any aspiring businesswoman is to have persistence. As she says. “I have spent my entire career to date within retail which to me is a very female friendly industry. There is always a temptation for everyone to judge other businesspeople on the way they look and as a 5ft 2” brunette I might occasionally be underestimated. It does not take long for me to rectify that!”

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Jane Neal, Founder of Care first

Di Pitts, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken

Handelsbanken is one of Sweden’s leading banks and manages a decentralised network of over 700 branches worldwide, including 110 in Great Britain. Di Pitts heads up the team at the Cheltenham office and prides herself in delivering a ‘pop in for a cuppa’ atmosphere within her office. Her team operate an open door policy and this sets the bank apart from the competition. Di joined Handelsbanken to set up the Cheltenham branch recruiting a dedicated team of commercial and personal banking managers to offer a very personal relationship with their customers. Thanks to the company’s decentralised approach, managers have the power to make decisions locally which is proving very successful for the bank in the UK. Ranking top in the national opinion poll of the UK banking sector, Handelsbanken pride themselves in offering a more traditional banking service.

Jane Neal founded Care first Employee Assistance Programmes in 1994. Today, this now also includes a comprehensive range of online counselling, information and advice, interactive health and wellbeing services as well as mediation, bespoke training and consultancy for workplace change and sickness absence management. Care first services are accepted and welcomed as part of staff support in many organisations that may previously have been seen as male dominated environments. Jane’s success has been the acceptance of changing workplace culture and breaking the stereotypes associated with counselling, not just in the Cotswolds but also across the whole of the UK. As Jane says, “As a woman in business with a new business to establish, many stereotypes existed. A common theme in 1994 was that counselling was for women – used by women, done by women because they liked chatting. In eighteen years of promoting workplace counselling and support as a business to business resource, Care first has broken through many stereotypes.” And so to anybody looking to set up a business, Jane’s advises that, “clarity of purpose of the business is essential and the more simple and easy to understand the business model... the better.”

Julie Randall, Finance Director at Vero Software Ltd

Last year, Vero Software Ltd completed the acquisition of Velocity Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries, significantly adding to the number of specialised software brands owned by the business. Julie says success is about having a good balance, “It is not just about money but it is about having good relationships with family and friends and being happy in all aspects of your life.” Julie states that being Finance Director of a business that has grown threefold overnight has been both a challenge and a considerable achievement. She thinks women often underestimate themselves and that it is important to work hard and deliver but it is also important to have confidence in your abilities.

Donna Renney, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Festivals

Cheltenham Festivals is a registered charity and cultural business that organises four annual festivals: Jazz, Science, Classical Music and Literature in the heart of Cheltenham. Each Festival is an international leader in its field and the overarching brand of Cheltenham Festivals is fast gaining wide recognition. Donna first came to work for Cheltenham Festivals to set up the Science Festival, and was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the independent organisation, Cheltenham Festivals, in 2006. She has led the Festivals through a huge change as the organisation separated from the Borough Council in 2007. Donna has managed to develop the organisation despite fighting the woes of a recession and various government cuts to funding, The Festivals are now more exciting and interesting and attract an ever-increasing number of visitors to Cheltenham.

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supported by Rosemary Robinson, Director, Arc Energy

“The last year has seen Arc Energy Resources growing in strength, and we are now able to look towards investment in other countries. We have successfully achieved ISO 14001 environmental accreditation and, with support of the carbon trust, have invested heavily in more efficient production equipment. Occasionally I have been underestimated as a woman and I believe it is important for women in business to demonstrate confidence in their abilities. However, generally I have been respected for the job I do; any job has its challenges, but met with confidence, determination, a level head and a little luck they can be overcome. My greatest achievement is to have a business that is making a living for all of its employees and is a pleasure to work in.”

Kathryn Rudd, Principal, Star College, Green Creds

Kathryn is Principal of the National Star College, an independent specialist college working with people with a range of disabilities, acquired brain injuries and learning difficulties which has just been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. The college has grown significantly over the past 10 years offering programmes to over 800 people with disabilities at 44 venues across the UK. It has developed state of the art work related learning and therapeutic facilities including a pioneering Bistro on site in partnership with Rob Rees which showcases the fantastic employability skills of students. The College has developed a pioneering approach to offsetting its carbon footprint, gaining a “Green Gown” Award for its innovative approaches resulting in a reduction of 35% of their carbon footprint and 65% in waste disposal costs.

Kathryn’s advice to other aspiring business woman is to be clear about what you want to do and get out there and do it!

Jane Scrivner, Managing Director, SPAPLIANCE

Jane is the owner of two brands – JANE SCRIVNER and SPAPLIANCE. Spapliance is currently on target to hit their £5million in 5 years, with 4 members of the team. Jane Scrivner skin care is organic, paraben and SLS free, everything is recycled from deliveries and their ORB is designed to be low energy consumption. Jane believes that she has not faced adversity simply for being female but that women treat business differently than men, but also states that the most adversity she has faced is from herself. She believes that this is what has driven her to work harder and believe in herself more. Jane believes that simply surviving in business in this climate is what counts for success.

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Diane Savory, Chair of GFirst’s Local Enterprise Partnership

As the former Chief Operating Officer for retail brand Supergroup, Diane Savory was instrumental in the successful flotation of the business on the stock market for £395 million.

Working with the company founder and CEO Julian Dunkerton for 20 years, Diane was responsible for operational strategy and recruitment, taking the Cheltenham-based business forward and into overseas markets.

Diane was approached to take up the position of Chair of GFirst’s Local Enterprise Partnership, with the goal of taking the whole of Gloucestershire’s business community forward. During her time at Supergroup, Diane was a dedicated mentor to team members and is now a valuable business adviser to GFirst’s LEP team. Diane’s commitment to Gloucestershire stretches further still as a dedicated Board member of the Cheltenham Festivals.

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Mary Smallbone, Marketing and Operations Director of Vanguard Healthcare

Charlotte Semler, Founder of Charlotte & Co

Branching out from nightwear and loungewear, Charlotte & Co now sells daywear and more fashion forward products. There is nothing Charlotte can particularly pinpoint as a specific example but she believes that in life there are always hurdles especially when it comes to balancing work with your personal family life. When Charlotte relocated to the Cotswolds she had one year old twins and a new business... nothing quite like a challenge! Charlotte says that in order to succeed you have to be honest with yourself and make your business work for you. “Having your own business means that you define success in two ways; happiness and money – you need both marks. You can’t have one without the other, otherwise it becomes pointless”, Charlotte says.

Her greatest achievement yet was actually a complete surprise, it occurred whilst she was watching the Olympic Ceremony and the choir was wearing Charlotte & Co. pyjamas.

Mary is the Marketing and Operations Director at Vanguard Healthcare Solutions, which works closely with the NHS and private healthcare providers to supply mobile surgical facilities during periods of refurbishment or high demand. Success to Mary is about providing the best patient experience possible. As a former theatre nurse, she knows how important it is to make the patient feel at ease, so for Vanguard patient experience is a huge priority. Her tips for success are to be confident, enthusiastic, find a good mentor and don’t be afraid to ask for help; asking questions is a sign of a desire to learn, not a weakness.

Antonia Shield, Partner, BPE Solicitors

BPE Solicitors LLP is a clientfocused South West commercial law firm based in Cheltenham, Antonia is a Commercial Property Partner, her proudest achievement this year was getting Supergroup into Regent Street, where she took on the legal side and assisted development. Antonia suggests that the property sector can be challenging as it is male-dominated, but having worked in London she is not intimidated to assert herself, and says it is qualities such as determination and having a thick skin which enable women to succeed in business. BPE actively encourages all of their staff to volunteer for local charities on a pro-bono basis.

Christina Snell, CEO of Age UK Gloucestershire

Christina is the CEO at Age UK Gloucestershire. This year she says that Age UK Gloucestershire expects to increase its turnover by 50% against last year. Christina believes that in order to succeed in business you need to deliver what you promise, as well as believe in your own potential. As a businesswoman, Christina says one of the hardest parts often comes after taking a career break to have a family, when it can feel a struggle to catch up with male colleagues who have remained in the workplace. She sees her greatest achievement as making a real difference to the lives of the elderly and the vulnerable in Gloucestershire, as well as providing evident return on people’s charitable donations.

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supported by Meredithe Stuart-Smith, MD of Meri Meri

It all began 25 years ago with Meredithe (whose childhood name was Meri Meri) sitting at her kitchen table with some scissors, felt-tip pens and a huge pot of glitter. Their first cards were made that way. There were almost no handmade cards in stores back in 1985, so when Merdithe presented her small range at the National Stationery Show she was greeted with an overwhelming response and knew she was on to something. Meri Meri is situated in a beautiful 400-year old Regency building, overlooking an ancient churchyard in Cheltenham.

Meredithe gives work placement opportunities to local students who are interested in paper and design engineering.

Emma Summers, Managing Director, Juice Recruitment Ltd

Juice started the year with a re-brand to include a new website, company literature and re-vamp of their offices. When establishing Juice, Emma’s vision was to ensure that if a business thought of recruiting fantastic candidates, they would think of Juice. She believes success is based on their customers being happy with the candidates and service they provide. To anyone starting in business, she would advise setting clear aims and objectives with achievable timescales.

Emma enjoys being part of such an array of successful local businesses.

At Juice they relish working with those organisations and sourcing the best staff for them. We also provide HR Seminars to HR Professionals locally through our Juice HR Programme.

Norma Tang, Head of Legal and Company Secretary, Renishaw Renishaw is a global company that develops products which will significantly advance customer’s operational performance. This year they have improved their performance by 15%, quite an achievement given the current economic climate.

Norma says her best piece of advice would be to aim for your goals and not give up on them. She has got to where she is through dedication, hard work and collaboration.

Renishaw also operates apprenticeship schemes for 16-18 year olds, both technical and applied, as they believe it is crucial to inspire people from an early age.

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Fiona Talwar-Lomberg, Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish

Fiona Talwar-Lomberg is Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish, the leading charity for bereaved children in the UK, which has its head office in Cheltenham. Winston’s Wish relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to raise the £1.7million needed. The charity, which was established out of Gloucester Royal Hospital in 1992, has remained committed to the local area in Gloucestershire which allowed it to grow and develop in to the national charity it now is. Fiona and the team are regularly involved in mentoring.

Fiona is heavily involved in the guidance offered by the charity to the Ministry of Justice and Victims Support. Through the professionally qualified clinical staff at the charity, it offers training to professionals who work with bereaved children and young people.

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Cotswold Style’s TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS LIST 2012 Emma Whitelaw, Managing Director, Chapel Spa

Christine Wadley, Client Partner, Coutts

Christine is a Director and Wealth Manager, at the Cheltenham Office of Coutts, an international private banking and wealth management business. Coutts has supported the Gloucestershire Women in Business Awards for the past three years and is doing so again in 2013. Christine says her former employment was a male dominated environment and it felt as if you had to work harder than your male colleagues to succeed. “However on moving to Coutts I was invited to join their internal women’s network, which ensures that women were given every opportunity within the business to further their careers and return to work to continue careers if taking time out to start a family.”

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Emma Whitelaw bought Chapel Spa Ltd, a Moroccanthemed small intimate day spa in the centre of Cheltenham, in 2007 at the age of 25. Over the last five years, it has had a 100k refurbishment, created its own organic treatment brand and most importantly, has grown through a recession and made a profit for the last four years. Emma finds she has faced adversity in business as people naturally expect her to be older, despite this she had her goals and understood her business and has strived to achieve success with what was best for the business.

We wish to express our thanks to all of the women who have kindly taken part in this year’s Top Women in Business Supplement

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

WORKING IT OUT the rise of the temp revolution

The era of the temp and flexible working has changed radically in the last ten years.

It used to be commonplace to hire a temp for a last minute specific task but now they are installed to fill the gap of a full job role. Many employers and staff are waking up to the benefits of temporary and term-time contracts. We can see that the rise of the temp is integral for UK growth after the economic downturn. There is an indication that the recession has prompted many companies to rethink traditional work patterns and explore more flexible options. Instead of growing the headcount by hiring batches of new employees, ‘outsourcing’ the gaps can often inject a fresh perspective whilst paying for the services they need over a limited period. The “pay for good people” only when you need them mantra is catching on across the UK. Expectations! are seeing a lot more vacancies for short-term temp contracts.

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For the employer, “ready to go” shortterm temps don’t kill the business cash flow if the employee doesn’t do well or situations change, the contract can be ceased. Temps are an attractive option as opposed to rigid long-term vacancies that are expensive to maintain and less flexible. Temping is on the rise amongst mums and dads juggling the rising demands of family life, widening skill gaps needed for career progression and people who the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday on a permanent contract is simply not viable. On the other side of the coin, many of our clients are in the positive situation of wanting to snap our temps up as permanent employees!

Individuals getting back to work can keep their skill sets current whilst enjoying the variety and flexibility of

taking continual temp positions through the year. It’s good for businesses to fulfill specific skill gaps during specific parts of the year. Temporary positions are no longer what they were; they are now viable and attractive in the climate of no more jobs for life, job losses and improved agency worker regulations. CS

Cheltenham Office Tel: 01242 701123 Email: cheltenham@expectations recruitment.co.uk

1 Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 3DA Gloucester Office Tel: 01452 618000 Email: gloucester@expectations recruitment.co.uk 8 College Street, Gloucester GL1 2NE www.expectationsrecruitment.co.uk

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Don’t be another face in the crowd

Expectations! go the extra mile to place the right person in the right company.

Selecting our professional consultants to represent a quality candidate to potential employers can vastly improve the chances of success. Our experience, knowledge and relationships with potential employers together with knowing our applicants well, makes the whole process faster, more efficient and successful. We take time to get to really know our candidates so we only select the most suitable jobs for them. No one is ‘put on the books’ without a face-to-face meeting with one of our team.

There are good jobs out there with some great employers so standing out from the crowd is key. We have a strong team of consultants whose knowledge of the recruitment market is without equal in Gloucestershire. Knowing our clients’ businesses inside out as we do, means our candidates have the edge and consequently both employers and candidates make the right moves.

The skills shortage myth...

There is no escaping the fact that there is still a massive shortage of skills in Gloucestershire across many sectors particularly technical and manufacturing.

There are a plethora of people available with transferable skills that just need to be tweaked to fit specific roles. We have seen a 15% rise in new permanent over the last three months. Companies also seem to be hiring business development and sales staff, this possibly indicates more confidence in the market.

Expectations! advocate companies re-examining their IT, technology and engineering departments, rather than potentially losing productivity by leaving skilled roles vacant.

We will question an employer if they are trying to fill a vacancy only if it 100% replaces an ex employee. There is a feeling amongst some employers that

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‘‘

‘We take time to get to really knoW our candidates so We only select the most suitable jobs for them. no one is ‘put on the books’Without a face-toface meeting With one of our team.’

there are many unemployed candidates looking for work and therefore they will quickly find their ‘ideal’ candidate, but this is not always the case; particularly in sectors where there are skills shortages.

Candidates obviously cannot be ‘cloned to order’, to replace the previous incumbent when a vacancy arises, or be an exact match in terms of personality, skills and experience. Rigidity in setting the criteria for vacant roles is costing businesses heavily, both in terms of productivity and in-house resources being diverted to recruitment.

Where a business is having difficulty finding the ‘perfect’ match against their job and candidate specification, we would suggest they re-examine those criteria.

We work with our clients to look beyond that post and consider the department as a whole. Are there other employees in the team that would jump at the chance to take on aspects of the vacant role for example; significantly changing the

recruitment criteria? Alternatively, where a candidate fits an organisation culturally and in terms of experience, we evaluate the possibility of training and appraising the additional skill-sets that they will bring to the table. We maintain that flexibility is the key to countering ‘skills potholes’, which are haemorrhaging money and prevent businesses finding new talent. CS

Cheltenham Office Tel: 01242 701123 Email: cheltenham@expectations recruitment.co.uk 1 Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 3DA Gloucester Office Tel: 01452 618000 Email: gloucester@expectations recruitment.co.uk 8 College Street, Gloucester GL1 2NE www.expectationsrecruitment.co.uk

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Does your accountant plug into your business?

Selecting the right accountancy firm is an essential component in the growth and success of any business. Yet it’s an often-overlooked step that is leaving many businesses at a disadvantage.

In today’s world, the accountancy profession is multi-faceted. No longer concerned purely with compliance and audit, accountants now have to be top business professionals specialising in a variety of services – ranging from tax planning to wealth, and from strategic business planning to inheritance tax. It’s about so much more than making sure your accounts are prepared and filed on time!

Every business has different needs, and those requirements will undoubtedly change as it evolves and grows. If your accountant can’t adapt to match you, perhaps you should be looking for a new firm – one that’s more in tune with your growing business.

Choosing an energetically proactive

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and hands-on accountancy firm like Tayabali Tomlin can make all the difference – and bring you increased profits, lower tax bills, and greater personal wealth. A results-driven and commercially aware accountant will also focus your attention on looking forwards rather than worrying about the past.

After all, it should be all about where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

An accountancy firm worth its salt is supportive, and straightforward to work with – a trusted partner who will help you achieve your business and personal goals. Whether you’re facing challenging times or operating a profitable organisation, you need a solid financial framework to take you forwards. Like a personalised sat-nav to guide your business where it needs to go.

Here at Tayabali Tomlin we like to think of our clients as partners in a joint venture – one that’s win-win for both sides. Every step we take is considered

with care and integrity to produce the result that’s best for you. We make our clients’ lives easier by asking the right questions at the right time. In fact, you’ll find that we’re incredibly curious. After all, if we don’t know what drives you and what occasionally inhibits your progress, then we’re not doing our job properly.

If your current accountant doesn’t sound as inquisitive as us, then it’s possible you’re not receiving the quality service and advice you deserve. Why not meet us to discuss how we can match your needs? There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to talk to business professionals who will do their utmost for you, your family and your business. CS Please call us on 01242 583772 or email enquiries@tayabalitomlin.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

The expertise to help optimise your business Founded over thirty years ago, Tayabali Tomlin is a leading firm of chartered accountants, tax specialists and business advisers with offices in Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh and London. Our experienced and expert team provide a comprehensive portfolio of services dedicated to maximising our clients’ wealth.

All of us at Tayabali Tomlin are passionate about what we do. We understand business – we ‘get’ it. We want to use our experience and expertise to help our clients create more profit, more jobs, and always with an eye on the end game: more wealth. Our focus is on finding innovative solutions to drive our clients’ business from strength to strength.

By choosing to work with us our clients experience top quality, large firm services with all the added benefits that a local firm can offer. You’ll benefit from business advice and support which is imaginative and effective, and ideas which have a spark of ingenuity to lift your business beyond the norm and deliver better results time after time.

Of course we crunch numbers like most accountants, but that's not what inspires us. We’re not just bean-counters, but a team of financial professionals with the commercial intelligence to help our clients and their families build better businesses and create more wealth.

AYNSLEY DAMERY: Owner & Director I am a fellow of the Institutes of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and Ireland and have a Bachelor of Commerce honours degree from University College Cork.

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With my in-depth knowledge of accountancy and tax together with my experience of business, I can help you increase your profits, lower your tax bills, put more money in your bank account and by working with you on a regular basis, ensure you achieve your business and personal goals. As a director and shareholder of the firm, I face the same business challenges as my clients. I’m heavily involved in research, product/service development, and forging strategic alliances, as well as overseeing a large and diverse portfolio of clients. I previously worked as a manager in the assurance department of KPMG Guernsey, specialising in the audit of banks, trust and captive insurance companies. I love rugby and am a keen Munster fan.

SOPHIA MAYNELL: Senior Manager I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and member of the ICAEW, with experience of working with both large and small businesses in understanding accounting and management information requirements. I have extensive experience in audit and accountancy, and in training design and delivery. In these areas I have consistently focused on going beyond simple compliance to maximising shareholder and owner returns.

I see myself as a business adviser as much as an accountancy expert. Typical tasks I perform are to oversee the preparation of your financial statements to ensure they comply with relevant accounting principles and standards, and to ensure that your systems and management accounts give you the

information you need to optimally manage your business. I also review your tax computations to ensure you pay the minimum of tax and meet with you to make certain you are aware of all the relevant issues affecting your business and industry. I am a keen rugby player and have played at Twickenham.

JENNY SALISBURY: Trainee Chartered Accountant I graduated from the University of York in 2009 with an Accountancy, Business Finance and Management BSc Hons degree.

I joined TayabaliTomlin in June 2011 and am currently studying towards my ACCA qualification. I work in a trainee role, assisting client managers with the preparation of sole trader, partnership and limited company accounts, as well as personal tax returns.

CHRISTOPHER SCOTT: Manager I have a wealth of experience following five years at KPMG London where I focused on Audit, Transactions and Restructuring. I offer exceptional customer service with integrity across all disciplines to produce the highest quality results. A new starter with Tayabali-Tomlin in Cheltenham, I’m excited to be joining the firm this autumn. CS

Just call us on 01242 583772 or email enquiries@tayabalitomlin.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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Commercial insurance

Running your own business is a risk but that doesn’t mean it has to all be a game of chance, there are a number of steps that all business owners can take to make sure that they are managing their risks effectively.

Insurance is our bread and butter and with our years of experience, our qualified and highly experienced team is ideally placed to offer risk management advice and insurance solutions that suit you. The beauty of our offering is that it is bespoke – we can make it fit exactly what you and your business need.

As an insurance broker we’re constantly hearing the words, “I never thought it would happen to me!” but the fact of the matter is, that is why we’re here to advise & protect you and help avoid those ‘if only’ moments. When there is a simple solution, why would you lose sleep worrying about how you’d deal with certain scenarios when you can come to us and we’ll take all the stress out of them for you?

Here are a few quick questions for you to consider:

• What would you do if your business burned down? Do you have loss of earnings cover in case your staff can’t come into work?

• What if one of your staff had a major accident at work?

• Have you recently upgraded your office computers? Are you sure your newer machines are covered - including homeworking & leased equipment? You may well be over-insured and paying too much premium.

• Do you have CCTV in place on your premises? Do you know if this impacts on your insurance premium?

If the answer to any of these questions is, ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I’m not sure’, it’s time to give us a call.

As well as the complete insurance offering we also provide access to risk management assessments, health and safety audits, alternative risk financing, business continuity and disaster recovery planning. With years of experience arranging insurance, handling claims and providing risk management advice, our

Jelf has created Business Secure in partnerships with a leading insurer, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. The idea is that it offers flexible insurance solutions that provide the essential protection that your business needs at an affordable price.

Benefits of business secure:

• Highly competitive price • Unique umbrella limits, with automatically uplifted sums insured, to make under-insurance much less of an issue and reduce the need to notify of mid-term changes, ultimately making your life easier • No claims discount • No charges if you exceed your wage and turnover estimates • Helplines for tax and legal counselling and risk management advice • A preferred supplier scheme for the purchase of safety and security devices • Excess reduced to nil for claims exceeding £2,500 for residential property owners and £5,000 for all other businesses • Full theft cover i.e. no requirement for evidence of forcible violent entry/exit (subject to £1,000 excess) fresh and impartial approach can offer your business real value and insight.

Call one of our expert team today to benefit from a no obligation independent review of your insurances.

CS

To discuss anything in this article in more detail please contact Jim Stevenson, Commercial Director on 01242 225860.

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“Never give up!”

Local businesswoman, Jessica Earl, shares the story of her success… and explains how Richard Branson has helped to shape her business Jessica is a woman who knows exactly what she wants. Having opened Earls & Co in Regent Street, Cheltenham earlier this year, she is now planning for global domination.

“My first job was working on a makeup counter after college, and then I applied for a job with Virgin,” Jessica explains, “At 18 years old, I was the youngest girl to be employed by the company and had won the role of an inflight beauty therapist. It was the best job ever!”

Jessica’s enthusiasm is infectious and at just 24 years of age, she has the business acumen and awareness of a woman with decades of business experience behind her. Born in Croydon, Jessica used to help her mother in her beauty salon at weekends.

“I went to quite a rough school in London”, Jessica says, “I was actually expelled in year 10 and so mum sent me to live with a friend in Littlehampton.

She told me that I would be going on the Friday and off I went on the Monday! She bought me a leaver’s book for everybody at school to sign for me and then I went.” “ I was 14 years old and although I had serious reservations at the time, this really shaped who I am today. I became independent and learned to cook and clean for myself. Mum moved down when I was 16 and moved her world to be with me. She sold her business and her house. I, on the other hand, managed to fall asleep during my English exam and so presented her with awful GCSE exam results.”

“Looking back, mum was great. ‘Put them in the bin, dear’ was her response and then she asked me what I was going to do. I had arranged a full-time job at Wimpy so as I would be able to contribute but mum was having none of

NOVEMBER 2012

it and told me that if I was to remain living with her then I had to go to college and learn a trade.”

Jessica had no intention of becoming a beauty therapist but was very good at it and in her second year at college began to take it very seriously. By the end of the second year she had won a scholarship to take her HND and was the only girl at her college to be selected.

“I don’t know if it was stupid or clever, but I turned it down”, Jessica says, “I wanted to earn money and so I worked for Dior two days a week and it was there that I got to see the glamour of the beauty business. Mum says it was the first time that she had ever seen me take anything seriously.”

“I applied for the job with Virgin when I was 18. I was so nervous and unfortunately I act like a bit of a clown and become very loud when I’m nervous! As I was taking the exam, I raised my hand and explained to the Examiner that I didn’t know any of the answers and so would leave. She thought I was incredibly odd, but I told her that I’d be back. I left, revised heavily, and called her a week later to explain that I was ready to re-sit. She said no, but I chased it for a month, got a yes and went on to achieve 98% in the exam.”

Jessica got her wings with Virgin and won the ‘Hardest working’ award out of a group of 625. “Basically, it means that you really wanted it!” Jess laughs, “Richard Branson was supposed to come to the ceremony but was at a memorial service for Princess Diana. I remember Sara Wilce, the Director of Beauty, telling us of his apology for his absence and that he would see us all in the skies!”

Jessica met Richard while working for Virgin some five years ago. “He was very supportive and gave me the

determination to go for my dreams” Jessica remembers, “I actually wrote to him last week, asking which PR agencies he would recommend and he sent a lovely email back to me with some great advice. He told me to promote myself and that journalists will end up writing about this wonderful 24 year old woman who used to work for Richard Branson and now uses him as her personal PR advisor!”

Jessica wrote her business plan for Earl’s & Co. at the age of 18 and it took her around five years to gain the investment that she needed. She left her job with Virgin and worked on yachts with her partner Nick “All the time I was pitching my idea to various billionaires”, Jessica says, “But people just didn’t take me or the concept seriously as I was 21 years old. One guy said that he would write me a cheque, but only if I would hand over the business and run it for him. My response was a resounding NO!” Jessica’s hard work and determination paid off when she went to work on a yacht in Barcelona for two weeks. The Captain questioned what she was doing cleaning toilets when her boyfriend was a Marine Engineer and so Jessica explained her business plan to him. “I actually pitched him in my soaking wet socks, fresh from cleaning the floor”, Jess remembers, “ He told me that I had 10 minutes and so I ran to my cabin to grab my business model and at the end of it he said ‘I’m in’. He believed in me and is now one of my closest friends.”

In October 2011, Jessica flew back to England to view potential buildings and was sold on Cheltenham. She has gone on to employ local people and establish a very special business indeed, while still keeping all of the spark and charisma that has got her to where she is today. CS

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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What makes Jelf better for you?

Jelf ’s business model is unique. As a company the focus is very much on improving our staff to bring a higher level of service to customers. At the core of everything that we do is the belief that the better our staff are, the better our product will be.

Jelf owes much, if not all, of its growth and success to a professional, dynamic and driven workforce. We are a business that believes companies and individuals deserve more from an adviser than recommending the same things, the same way, in the same bad suit.

Our company is all about doing things differently, challenging the way it’s always been done, and developing the way it should be done. It’s an approach that has been exceptionally well received, evidenced by our rapidly growing client bank.

Group Chief Executive, Alex Alway said: “Any investment in our staff always reaps dividends which is why we are so passionate about our learning and development programmes. Our staff are the front line of our business and Jelf ’s success is in large part down to their skill and expertise.”

Established in 1989, Jelf is led by a talented, experienced, management team who encourage all members of staff to embrace change for the good of our clients.

Indeed, it’s the entrepreneurial culture, supported and encouraged from the very top, that enables us to continually explore and develop opportunities for improvement, not just as a business, but as individuals.

Jelf runs a number of innovative programmes and schemes which are designed to provide clients with expert

advice and outstanding client service across the full range of our products and services.

There are a number of elements to Jelf ’s unique model: Accelerated Development Programme to fast-track high potential individuals; The Sales Academy – a reward, recognition and development programme for our tops sales people; Next Generation Programme – Preparing the next generation of senior managers; and the Trusted Adviser Programme which focuses on developing the relationships between Jelf and our clients. CS

If you want to hear more about how Jelf can help you, please in more detail please contact Jim Stevenson, Commercial Director on 01242 225860.

W W W. J E L F G R O U P. CO M NOVEMBER 2012

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‘‘

The devil is in the detail…

Forget the dusty image of the Wig and Pen. Forget endless days waiting to hear back about your case, or developments on a business transaction. We live in an immediate World. Who wants to deal with some crusty old lawyer who does things at the speed of a fat ticking clock?

A good solicitor that’s got the detail sorted, reacts at the speed of a scalded cat and has the experience to deal with the gravitas of law is a real find.

In 2010 Guy Hopson decided that he really didn’t like working for other people.

By that I mean other law firms. He simply comments,’ I’m not very good at being employed by someone else. In 2010 at the age of thirty two I decided to set up as a sole trader’. This was a bold move. Mind you this decision was based on a good stable grounding; he trained at Willans, became an Associate at BPE and then a Partner with Harrison Clark. Now in his mid – thirties, Guy Hopson has seen the Cheltenham practice thrive. The corporate side of the business accounts for 50% of the activity, with employment law supplying the other half of the business throughput.

In 2011 as the business became more established, Guy was joined by Andréa (then Bateman) transforming the practice into a partnership overnight.

This became a happy marriage in more ways than one, as the couple subsequently married in April 2012. As an employment lawyer Andréa Hopson’s knowledge and experience is wide - ranging. Having been a Partner at both Harrison Clark and BPE her experience encompasses everything from discrimination through to unfair dismissal and termination agreements.

She’s very well placed to spot the grumbling in the underbelly of potential employment issues. Andréa comments, ’three years ago I predicted that there would be a raft of cases appearing on the horizon. It’s a prediction that’s come true as more companies seek to make more staff redundant… and often in a very unfair way. It’s my job to sort this out, whether for the employer who often seeks advice after the event, or

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Eric Barton meets husband and wife legal duo, Guy and Andréa Hopson

‘IT’S OUR DUTY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR WORK IS CARRIED OUT DILIGENTLY AND ON TIME. IT’S NOT JUST GOOD BUSINESS SENSE, ITS PRIDE’

alternatively for the unfortunate employee’. Both Guy and Andréa are very hands on with the business. There’s no shuffling or passing the clients sideways.

They now have six staff but keep a very strong personal grip on every part of the day to day running of the practice. Who on earth wants their case or business transaction disappearing into the inexperienced dark hole that seems to be in some large practices. Guy Hopson further comments,’ we supply a very

personal service which every client should expect. It’s our duty to ensure that their work is carried out diligently and on time.

It’s not just good business sense, its pride’. There is of course another bonus in dealing with a small niche legal practice. Guy Hopson says,’ our fees can be lower than the competition, as we’re not carrying a massive overhead’. The legal duo work very hard with an average week weighing in at about sixty hours each. However Guy Hopson still manages to play rugby for Stroud on most Saturdays. With four children to look after, the weekends as you might guess are family - led affairs.

This is a young, energetic team of legal experts who put their clients first, providing a niche service to two distinct areas of the law.

Guy finally comments.’ 2013 is looking very good for us and our plans are to focus on our service levels and increase the office space. It’s also about consolidation, building our reputation and providing the best legal advice at the best price’.

No dusty wigs, no exorbitant fees and no watching your life ebb away as you wait for some answers or action. That’s how the law should be. CS For more information www.hopsonsolicitors.co.uk Tel - 01242 243820

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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There’s gold in them there houses – and the chances are it’s under-insured

If there’s been one sure-fire investment during the last five years of the deepest and longest-running recession in recent history it’s been…gold and silver.

Gold has increased in value by more than 500 per cent in the last decade as investors see it as the one safe haven in a world of economic uncertainty, while silver is worth about nine times more than it was 10 years ago.

Good news, of course, for all those holding gold and silver, which can come in all sorts of forms from gold coins and bullion to gold and silver jewellery, watches, clocks, antiques and even gold teeth!

But while the number of gold and silver items being insured on home insurance policies has doubled over the last two years, an estimated six million UK households could well be underinsured due to the rapid rise in the value of precious metals and gems.

And with a reported 22 per cent increase in the number of jewellery items stolen in house thefts in the past two years, the danger is that many householders who become victims of theft could well miss out on full

‘‘

insurance payouts because values of insured items are simply out of date.

Jelf Account Executive, Hannah Bell, said: “We are experiencing a rise in the number of jewellery claims and the number of jewellery items stolen as the value of gold and silver has increased.

“However, the dramatic increase in those values has also put consumers at risk of being underinsured and we would estimate that up to 40 per cent of householders are underinsured on their jewellery items.

“We would urge homeowners to have the current value of their jewellery checked on a regular basis, and to update their home contents insurance cover accordingly if the value of their gold and silver content has increased.

“Homeowners should also ensure that any pieces worth more than the insurer’s single valuable item limits are listed on the home insurance policy as an additional item. Policyholders also need to remember to keep receipts or any other proof of purchase on file of high value items in case they have to make a claim.”

A specialist service for people in the

‘HOWEVER, THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THOSE VALUES HAS ALSO PUT CONSUMERS AT RISK OF BEING UNDERINSURED AND WE WOULD ESTIMATE THAT UP TO 40 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDERS ARE UNDERINSURED ON THEIR JEWELLERY ITEMS.’

NOVEMBER 2012

Cotswolds with assets ranging from high value homes and cars to jewellery and fine art has recently been developed by Jelf Insurance, offering bespoke cover and policies.

Hannah added: “There are many people who may not consider themselves to be wealthy, but who own genuinely valuable possessions. Some have high value properties, a holiday home or luxury cars, while others collect art, fine wines or antiques. Such valuables deserve special treatment and our bespoke service makes it easy for their owners.

“We offer a home visit service to consider valuable possessions individually and make sure they are correctly covered, and as independent brokers we can get the best deals available as we’re not tied to specific insurers and can arrange cover for anything, from antiques to insurance against kidnap.” CS If you have any queries and would like to discuss anything in this article in more detail please contact Hannah on 07545 207350.

W W W. J E L F G R O U P. CO M

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Forget the

techno babble…

Eric Barton meets up with Roger White, Managing Director of Severnside Software (SSL) Since the dawn of code breaking at Bletchley Park during WW2 and the ‘colossus’ computer that was designed by the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing, it seems that computers have taken over the world. We don’t need alien invasions anymore to make us feel threatened. Just think back to the last time your system or emails crashed and you couldn’t do any work.

The screens go dull, the hard drive stops whizzing and we all scratch our heads. It’s extinction as we know it.

Roger White and the team at SSL are in a class of their own, providing the IT programming and support we all need.

SSL has come a long way since 1989 when Roger White was a programmer working out of his kitchen in Dursley.

Roger White says,’ at one point I had over 200 computers in boxes stacked up to the ceiling. It was mayhem, but good mayhem. I had to get some staff and they also ended up working out of my cottage’. One of Roger’s first customers was the famous Moody Yacht company down in Howard’s Way country (and incidentally a customer he kept for over twenty years). These days it’s very easy to slip into the techno babble that some folks use when it comes to computers.

Roger White further comments,’ I hate over- complicated technical jargon. It’s all very well in its place, but our customers need to understand what’s actually going on with their systems in plain simple language’.

The eleven staff at SSL provides a host of programming and support

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services that enable the customer to get on with some real work. Roger simply says,’ we provide a one - stop shop service that’s uncomplicated, represents real value for money and is I believe the best IT package around’.

In this World nobody wants a financial headache that’s prone to offloading the odd unplanned migraine. The ‘technical aspirin‘ to this is the fixed price support that SSL offer. Great for spreading the cost of your IT needs. Roger goes on to comment,’ the fixed price option is at the very heart of what we do here. It enables customers to function properly and worry free, knowing that we’re just a phone call away’. A good example of this are Bruton Knowles who have seven offices with over 150 computer users who are all being supported by SSL. Community involvement is also high on the agenda when it comes to Roger Whites business ethos. SSL has been actively supporting Gloucester Rugby and The Pied Piper Appeal. Roger further explains,’ in the future we will continue to provide recession busting IT solutions and packages for our customers. The local economy is in very good shape. Our future is very rosy and we are expanding’. Roger White finally says.’ I’m convinced keyboards will disappear completely and voice recognition will take over.

The possibilities are endless and at SSL we aim to be at the forefront of any change and developments, supporting our customers with the best value service we can’.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS Mark Tyler, Programming Manager Being the key that unlocks the door to problems is paramount in software development. Ask any programmer worth his ‘chip’ and he’ll tell you the same. It’s about seeing light out of dark. It’s the endgame and the functionality that’s paramount. I.e. does it work and do the job that you want it to do?

Mark Tyler; joined SSL seven years ago and hasn’t looked back. He says.’ I wanted to get into development. I love the actual creation of software’. I guess it’s like being fit for purpose to the uninitiated amongst us. Mark Tyler further comments,’ I like developing solutions that are fast and really address the task. It’s all about problem solving’. Mark goes on to say, ‘it’s a

very relaxed atmosphere here and the office has a very happy vibe to it’. As I look around it was like being immersed in a technical monastery; the quiet contemplative hum of minds and machines working in perfect harmony. Mark continues,’ I really get a buzz from working here and going to work first thing on Monday morning isn’t a chore’. Outside work Mark Tyler is a real family man with one daughter and a home life that seems to take up most of his spare time. He further says,’ the new technology that’s abounding every month does stretch you, but keeping ahead of the game is what we do here’. Wonder if he gets onto the computer at home? Bet he does.

Kevin Tombs, Technical Director It’s not often you meet someone who gets so much job satisfaction that they stay with the same company straight from college. When Kevin Tombs joined SSL as a junior programmer little did he know he’d still be there fourteen years later? I doubt anybody other than doctors, lawyers or the remnants of some RBS staff can claim the same accolade. Kevin Tombs comments,’ it was as if a light came on inside me. The variety of work here is unsurpassed for a company of this size, or even bigger.

The interface with clients is always refreshing and the support management we give here is second to none’. Kevin goes on to further say,’ the office environment here is exceptional. We have some very creative and talented people who give 100% to everything they do. It’s hectic at times, but I know that all the staff wouldn’t have it any other way’. As I’ve mooted before the technical landscape for IT and computers is ever -changing and it’s down to

companies like SSL to keep abreast of this gene pool of change. Kevin goes on to further say,’ keeping up with continual change is what we do here.

It’s all about delivery to the customer in a non- babble way that keeps our clients happy and satisfied with the service we provide’. He also says, ’the office here has no politics and the atmosphere is conducive to providing great support to our clients’. There is life outside work though and Kevin admits to mountain biking - not a crime of course… unless you’re Lance Armstrong. I can almost hear the rattling of the chain on Kevin’s bike as the cogs of his mind whirl to unravel the next set of support problems.

So you see it’s not all techno babble.

It’s about dedicated, enthusiastic people who can get to grips with the minutia of computer software and the innards of inanimate objects to deliver a top notch, no nonsense service… and perhaps save the World before they go home for their tea. CS

‘‘

It’s all about delIvery to the customer In a non- babble way that keeps our clIents happy and satIsfIed wIth the servIce we provIde’

For more information: www.ssl-uk.net

NOVEMBER 2012

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charity 1

2

3

5

1 Yoma von Bock, Trish Smart and Annie King. 2 Tournament winners – Sally Pendry and Sarah Watkiss.

3 Anna Phillips and Liz Topping.

4 Competition competitors enjoying the Final at East Glos Tennis Club.

5 Tournament runners up – Sue Warren and Rosemary Dick.

4

Ladies Tennis Tournament on behalf of Maggie’s, Cheltenham

The Ladies Tennis Tournament for Maggie's Cheltenham was held on eight private tennis courts in and around Cheltenham on Friday 7th September.

64 ladies took part in the doubles competition with the final and lunch taking place at East Glos Tennis Club, in Cheltenham.

The delicious lunch was made and served by the team of volunteers who organise the Tennis Tournament for Maggie’s, which is now in its third year.

6

The winners were Sarah Watkiss and Sally Pendry with Sue Warren and Rosemary Dick as runners up.

Sarah Harrington provided some beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces and bracelets for the winners and runners up and Lodders Solicitors in Cirencester sponsored the prizes .

The event was organised by a team of ladies: Annie King, Anna Phillips, Clare Fogarty, Amanda O’riordan, Yoma Von Bock, Penny Samworth,

8

Trish Smart, and Liz Topping.

The private courts were kindly opened for the event by their owners and run by volunteer hosts Jan Campbell Connolly, Clare Potts, Sarah Watkiss , Gill Fletcher, Janet Robinson, Cynthia Dowty, Rosemary Dick and Jane Gibbs .

The fantastic weather helped to make the day a very enjoyable event and thanks to the generosity of players and organisers it raised £4,846.75 for Maggie’s Cheltenham. CS

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6 Anna Phillips and Liz Topping.

7 Jan Campbell Connolly and Trish Smart. 8 Penny Samworth and Pam Knott. 9 Tournament finalists: Sue Warren, Rosemary Dick, Sally Pendry and Sarah Watkiss.

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Insurance and financial planning

Just contact your local office today to set up a free review of your arrangements.

Cheltenham Tel 01242 225860 Oxford Tel 01993 885475 Bath Tel 01225 572001 or email office@jelfgroup.com

jim.stevenson@jelfgroup.com rebecca.jones@jelfgroup.com roger.smith@jelfgroup.com

Outstanding

Jelf is a trading name of Jelf Financial Planning Ltd, Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd and Jelf Wellbeing Ltd. Jelf Commercial Finance Ltd, Jelf Financial Planning Ltd*, Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd* and Jelf Wellbeing Ltd* are part of Jelf Group plc. Jelf Group plc (Reg No. 2975376), Jelf Commercial Finance Ltd (Reg No. 4333281), Jelf Financial Planning Ltd (Reg No. 3072281), Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd (Reg No. 0837227) and Jelf Wellbeing Ltd (Reg No. 2647586) are all registered in England and Wales at Hillside Court, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6JX. *Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FSA. JIB230.08.12

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Above: HRH The Princess Royal with her Event Organiser, Pattie Biden.

Below: Mark Todd most famous of all the New Zealand riders competing on Happy Go Lucky.

Right: Three Directors of Countrywide Farmers Group presenting a monster cheque for ÂŁ133,690 to HRH The Princess Royal, President of Riding for the Disabled. This money was collected by the staff of all their 80 sites throughout the UK.

Above: The Land Rover team present supporting the event. L to R Matt Passey Sponsorship Manager Land Rover with Adam Dance and Anthony Pastore of ATP Marketing equestrian sponsorship consultants to Land Rover (UK) accompanied by Raffers the office dog.

Right: Australian rider Bill Levitt receives his award from Princess Anne and Peter Egli General Manager Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa.

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style event Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa International Horse Trials

After a dreadful summer, the Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa International Horse Trials were held in glorious weather during the middle weekend of September. At Gatcombe Park, the home of HRH The Princess Royal, near Minchinhampton, record crowds attended the three-day event, with well over 800 riders from eleven countries competing at this popular annual event.

Held on a different part of the Estate from the August Festival of British Eventing, which of course was sadly cancelled this year due to the heavy rainfall, the course is designed by Princess Anne together with her Event Organiser, Pattie Biden.

Right: Kitty King, from nearby Lower Stanton St Quinton, here riding Persimmon, winner of the CIC** main event of the day is seen making light work of the water jump.

Photography by Fiona Scott-Maxwell

Left and above: Whatley Manor presented a display and demonstration of the work of local Equestrian and Canine sculptor, Georgie Welch. Whilst event sponsor and owner of Whatley Manor, Christian Landolt, is seen greeting Paralympic Gold Medal Dressage rider, Natasha Baker, who he also sponsors.Tasha also assisted Christian with some of his prize-giving duties.

Below: Kitty King receives the Guzerat Trophy from HRH The Princess Royal.

Above: The regular Cotswold Style reader competition was won for this event by Laura and Phillip Bishop from Cirencester, who enjoyed a day out as guests of the organisers which included a VIP lunch and a personally conducted tour of the course and estate in their vehicle of choice a Land Rover Defender.

Right: Spectating at the event, the Princess’s son Peter Phillips together with wife, Autumn, and eldest daughter, Savannah.

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UxÄàt|Çx Wxá|zÇá interior design to live for

Expert Lingerie and Swimwear Styling

ASSOCIATION

THE ROTUNDA

The Spa

Pharmacy

U|v~á of Montpellier

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Come and Celebrate Christmas in Montpellier A truly Modern Christmas.

Let the festive spirit begin in Montpellier with a magical switching on of the lights at 6pm.

P Father Christmas will be here from 3pm.

P Late night shopping until 8pm P Raffle to be won P Fabulous stalls selling gorgeous goodies

P Mulled wine to keep you going!

“Montpellier Shop Crawl – Win a Montpellier Christmas” 11am – 7pm.

Would you like to have Christmas sorted

this year? Then, the Montpellier Shop Crawl is the answer!

Join us on the 6th December, where one lucky entrant will win a host of Gifts and Vouchers from the most beautiful boutique shops in Cheltenham.

The Shop Crawl starts from 11am at Hotel Du Vin, where you will be given a map of all the shops you need to visit to qualify.

As you journey through Montpellier you will collect stamps as you go, along with lots of wonderful Christmas inspiration.

When you have filled your map, all you need to do is hand it in and keep your fingers crossed that you’re the winner of our “Win a Montpellier Christmas” Draw.

*This is an event aimed at adults and Children are of course welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Gifts Jewellery Christmas Decor Modern Table Top and French Furnishings

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Boutique 3

`ÉÇàÑxÄÄ|xÜ V{Ü|áàÅtá ASSOCIATION

With 4 special Thursdays, right through until 8pm

“Men’s shopping night – Ladies have the evening off!”

MEN! Does Christmas seem scary?

Always leave everything to the last minute? Not any more, we have created a whole day and evening especially for you.

All the shops will offer you specialist help to get the women in your life those extra special gifts, they may even come gift wrapped!

WOMEN! Relax, send him out to do some shopping and take advantage of our multiple “women crèches” at our Bars and Restaurants.

Dont like surprises?

Then select your gift earlier in the day from the shops and send him in later!

CHILDREN! Get Dad, Uncle, Brother,

Grandad out shopping for the females in the family! Let Mum have a night off!

“Christmas of Montpellier Past” Come and celebrate a more traditional Christmas in Montpellier with only four more days until Christmas arrives.

P Father Christmas will be back 3pm until 8pm

P Traditional Carols P More Stalls P Last minute shopping P We will be having local school choirs showcasing their talents on all four evenings.

P Shop promotions, incentives and goodies will be offered at each individual shop’s discretion.

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12 gifts of

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1. Beoplay A3 ipad Speaker, £449, www.bang-olufsen.com 2. Lise Charmel Collection, Serti Guipure full cup bra and seduction briefs, £173, www.sandradee.co.uk 3. Square diamond and ruby ring, GH Fine Jewellery 4. Personalised ‘First Christmas’ teaspoon, £16, www.thecutlerycommission.com 5. Constellation ring, £1995, www.beards.co.uk 6. Mercy Delta ruby red lace scarf, £135, www.shopfoundation.com

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christmas gift guide

Christmas 8

7

Here, we bring you our selection of unique gifts for your loved ones...

8

9

11

12

10

7. Photoshoot and framed print, £45, www.whiteroomimages.co.uk 8. Vintage Ear Clips, from £25, Rechercher, Montpellier, Cheltenham 9. Chantelle lingerie, bra from £56, briefs from £27, Verite Louise, Tel 01242 253535. 10. Fairytale Bookends, £24 a pair, www.lovedge.co.uk 11. NEOM Reed Diffuser, £35, www.shopfoundation.com 12. IWC Portofino Chronograph Laureus Limited Edition Watch, £4750, www.beards.co.uk

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

style event 1

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s

Sports stars tee-off for charity

Ashes winning Captain Michael Vaughan and BBC Football presenter Dan Walker teamed up with their Cirencester tailor Barrington Ayre to raise over £6,000 for charity.

The golf day held at Cirencester Golf Course on Wednesday the 26th of September was is in aid of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital and The Pied Piper Appeal, a charity created to fund a new children’s hospital for the county of Gloucestershire.

Photography by Origin Photographic, Cirencester and Angus Bethune 9

10

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14 12

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1 David Arnold and Jeff Carter. 2 Hannah Beard, Wendy Fabian and Karen Jennings. 3 Molly and Eliza with one of the auctioned items. 4 Nadia Bailey, Rita Madock-Lyon and Tia Phin. 5 Molly and Eliza with one of the auctioned items. 6 Dan Baskott, Sam Dodds, Walter Goonewardane-Brown and Neil Currier. 7 David Knott, Pam Knott, Gary Lowe and James Sunley. 8 Simon Baker, Michael Brady, Lee Payne and Tim Precious. 9 Nick Barras, Charity Barras and Tom Wharton. 10 Rebecca Hibberd and Neil Hutchings from CelepreART. 11 The guys and the Audi they could win for a hole in one.

12 Auctioneer Richard Edmonds in action 13 Tom Lister and Tony West. 14 The Golfettes join the organisers and ladies from The Pied Piper Appeal.

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s

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

Sponsored by

“The Conveyancing Experts�

Speed | Innovation | Excellence

01452 657950 www.thomaslegalgroup.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Minsterworth, Gloucestershire

A substantial restored former Vicarage built in 1868 situated opposite the church.

The light and spacious accommodation is arranged over three floors and beautifully presented having been carefully refurbished by the current owners.

There is the advantage of large private gardens, a heated swimming pool and outbuildings with further potential.

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 222909 email@hamptons-int.com

Price £869,000 • Superb master suite • 6 further bedrooms • 2 bath/shower rooms • 4 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room

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

Aston-on-Carrant, Gloucestershire

With 18th century origins this delightful detached cottage, significantly extended and improved, now provides spacious, flexible accommodation to suit the modern family. The lovely gardens with mature trees, shrub borders, terrace, pond and lawns lie mainly to the rear of the property overlooking fields beyond.

Hamptons Cheltenham 01242 222909 email@hamptons-int.com

Guide Price: £550,000 • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 3 reception rooms • Study • Kitchen/breakfast room • Garage with storage room over

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.

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IDBURY

HAWLING

An attractive conversion of a traditional Cotswold barn with comfortable accommodation within an enclosed walled garden, set in an unspoilt popular Cotswold village between Stow and Burford.

A charming period Cotswold cottage with separate detached annexe set in an outstanding rural position.

Guide Price £425,000

Guide Price £450,000

Hall, sitting room, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room, utility/boiler room, 3 bedrooms (one en-suite), bathroom, parking, garage.

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

Sitting room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, detached annexe comprising workshop, utility room/kitchenette, cloakroom, studio, garden, parking, views.

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

CHIPPING NORTON

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

An exceptional development of stylish new homes and the conversion of a Grade ll Listed building.

A delightful detached Cotswold cottage set in the heart of Stow. Ideal for use as a main residence, second home or holiday let.

An exclusive development of 4 properties, town centre location,high specification and quality finish, allocated parking and gardens, fitted kitchen appliances, gas central heating, double glazing, new homes have 10 year NHBC warranties.

Prices From £315,000 – £395,000 Chipping Norton Office 01608 644344

Sitting room, kitchen/dining room, double bedroom, single bedroom, bathroom, south facing garden.

Guide Price £280,000

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

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BLEDINGTON

BLEDINGTON

A superb detached bungalow requiring modernisation with a large garden and located in an outstanding position in a quiet close adjacent to the neighbouring countryside.

An extremely well presented four bedroom family house with beautifully tended gardens and views over adjoining countryside and set in the heart of the village.

Guide Price £325,000

Guide Price £395,000

Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, studio, 2 bedrooms, garage/workshop, large garden.

Chipping Norton Office 01608 644344

Porch, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite), bathroom, integral tandem garage, gardens.

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT

For Sale by Public Auction on Wednesday 14th November at 2pm

Coleford – A Former vehicle recovery centre with yard, workshop, office and partly converted garages - Guide Price £60,000-£80,000.

Bourton office 01451 820913

For Sale by Public Auction on Wednesday 21st November at 6pm

STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

A beautifully presented two bedroom first floor apartment with parking and situated in a well conceived development of similar properties and within walking distance of The Square.

Hall, sitting room/dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, communal gardens, parking.

Guide Price £220,000

Stow-on-the-Wold Office 01451 830383

Lot 1 – Stow-on-the-Wold – A 2 bedroom ground floor flat (with option to purchase Lot 2 for £15,000) – Guide Price £115,000. Stow office 01451 830383 Lot 2 – Stow-on-the-Wold – A stone built stable adjacent to Lot 1 above – Guide Price £15,000. Stow office 01451 830383 Lot 3 – Moreton-in-Marsh – A freehold investment opportunity comprising Tea Room with garden and flat producing £32,000 per annum – Guide Price £445,000. Stow office 01451 830383 Lot 4 – Stow-on-the-Wold – Lock up shop approx. 400 sq ft plus office - Guide Price 49,000. Stow office 01451 830383 Lot 5 – Milton-under-Wychwood – A characterful four bedroom house commanding views over the village green and in need of some modernisation – Guide Price £325,000 - £350,000. Chipping Norton office 01608 644344 Lot 6 – Enstone – A Former Parish Hall with planning permission for removal and replacement residential dwelling - Guide Price £150,000 £175,000. Chipping Norton office 01608 644344

Catalogues available from our 3 local offices Bourton-on-the-Water 01451 820913 | Chipping Norton 01608 644344 Stow-on-the-Wold 01451 830383 or to download at www.taylerandfletcher.co.uk

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Christmas in the Cotswolds is

‘ALL WRAPPED UP’ with Newland Homes!

This Christmas could be ‘all wrapped up’ if you buy a Newland home at Coln Gardens in the pretty village of Andoversford, just a 5 minute drive from Cheltenham .

We have a superb range of traditional Cotswold stone home available and priced from just £209,950 these properties represent excellent value for money.

Plus! Move in before the big day and you’ll not only get to enjoy Christmas in your new home but you’ll also benefit from the following:

£500 John Lewis vouchers*

What are you waiting for? Visit the sales office today!

Scan this QR code with a smartphone for more information about Newland Homes

Coln Gardens Station Road, Andoversford, Gloucestershire GL54 4LA 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from £209,950 Sales centre and showhome open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm

Call 01242 820515 or Sales Hotline on 01242 542600

www.colngardens.co.uk

www.newlandhomes.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply on selected plots, subject to build stage and legal completion on or before Friday 21st December 2012.

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hot property

Shurdington Cheltenham Setting the scene: Set in over ½ an acre of attractive gardens is this substantial five bed detached home which has been renovated and extended by the current owners and now offers flexible accommodation with the potential to create a self-contained annex.

Why we love it: The accommodation is arranged around the reception hall with attractive open fire and stairs rising to the first floor. There is a cosy sitting room with exposed brick work fireplace and generous formal dining room. A kitchen/breakfast room extends across the rear of the house with French doors to the garden. A wonderful annex room with shower room off would be ideal for a dependant relative or could be used as a 5th bedroom or extra reception room. Upstairs the large master suite has a generous shower room, a vaulted ceiling and a pair of French doors opening to a modern ‘Juliet’ balcony. There is a guest suite with shower room and two further double bedrooms served by a family bathroom. The large landing area doubles as an open study and there are plenty of eaves storage cupboards. Outside to the front the gravel drive provides ample parking and garaging, to the rear a part paved and gravelled patio area extends across the back of the house with steps to the large formal lawns.

Guide Price: £675,000 Details: Knight Frank, Cheltenham. 01242 246 959. nick.chivers@knightfrank.com. www.knightfrank.co.uk/che120228

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hot property

Fulshaw Lodge Cheltenham Setting the scene: Having been sympathetically renovated over the past 18 months, Fulshaw Lodge is an imposing detached Victorian building of immense character that now comprises nine apartments.

Why we love it: Currently available is the garden level apartment which extends to some 1,367 square feet, with direct access from the main drawing room onto a delightful private garden terrace and communal gardens beyond.

The second available apartment is situated on the raised ground floor and comprises a large open plan kitchen/living/dining room with views over Christchurch road.

Both apartments are very smartly appointed and offer quality fixtures and fittings, immaculate communal areas, private gated access and allocated parking.

Both apartments are available at a Guide price: ÂŁ425,000 Details: Knight Frank, Cheltenham. 01242 246 959.

Cheltenham@knightfrank.com. www.knightfrank.co.uk/cheltenham

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hot property

Lanesfield House Lansdown Road, Cheltenham Setting the Scene: Lanesfield House is an elegant and charming house situated in Lansdown Road, within walking distance of the town centre. The property is also about five minutes from fashionable Montpellier, an area of Cheltenham with a cosmopolitan lifestyle having cafes with wonderful on street terraces as well as a variety of shops, restaurants and wine bars.

Why we love it: Lanesfield House was built in about 1865 and whilst having been updated, the property retains many original features which have been lovingly restored. These include the cast iron kitchen range, deep, delicately patterned cornice and picture rails to the entire ground and first floors, working shutters, ceiling roses, open string stone cantilever staircase with intricately carved newel posts, eight fireplaces featuring Painswick stone, marble and oak and even the original cable pull door bell. There is a wonderful sense of light and space owing to the scale and height of the rooms and profusion of windows. The property is laid out as follows: Reception hall, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen/dining/family room, cloakroom, lower ground floor comprising: gymnasium, music room, utility area and wet room, master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom, six further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, self-contained apartment comprising: sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, bedroom and bathroom double garage and off road parking, rear garden. A double garage and double gated, granite paved, carriage driveway with ample off road parking. The gardens lie to the rear of the house and are laid to lawn with granite paving.

Guide Price: ÂŁ1.775 million Details: Savills, Cheltenham Tel: 01242 548 000 www.savills.co.uk

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hot property

Cheltenham Setting the scene: A beautifully restored energy efficient period villa, believed to date back to 1852, offering spacious, well-presented internal accommodation.

Why we love it: Internally the house is a successful synergy of stylish modern dĂŠcor combined with period elegance.

Externally there is a lovely landscaped garden, garage and carriage driveway.

Price: ÂŁ850,000 Freehold Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham.

Tel: 01242 222909. www.hamptons-int.com

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A Breath of Fresh Air for Lettings

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Trained barrister Gregory Newcombe explains why he thinks his new lettings agency will create a buzz in the Cotswold property market…

As a former director of The Estate Managers Ltd, Gregory Newcombe. “As a trained barrister with a specialism in Newcombe is no stranger to the property market in property law, I represent another layer of protection for both Gloucestershire. But with his new lettings and property landlords and their tenants in a culture of ever increasing management agency, Newcombe is hoping litigation. Newcombe Residential has already worked to set new standards of service for both with a number of landlords to ensure that their lets are landlords and tenants. both legal and attractive to prospective tenants.”

“Newcombe Residential will be a Newcombe Residential began trading in the last breath of fresh air in an industry with a month but its management team have decades of chequered reputation,” explains experience in property lettings, management and Newcombe. “Both landlords and tenants marketing. The company is hoping that its commonly have a healthy disdain of business focus on providing excellence in lettings agencies and, in some cases, with good lettings, based upon outstanding reason. However, I have built previous customer service and a legal businesses based on an absolute knowledge of the industry, will dedication to customer service, ensure a bright future for this delivering fairness to all parties involved different breed of lettings agency. To this and exceeding their preconceptions and end, Newcombe Residential is one of a expectations.” select group of letting agents within the L Initially, Newcombe Residential will be County that are members of both ARLA RESIDENTIA based out of offices in the middle of (the Association of Residential Lettings Cheltenham but will cover the whole of the Agents) and the Property Ombudsman.

01242 222972 town and surrounding Cotswolds from this This gives both landlords and tenants the info@nresidential.co.uk central office. The agency launches with a peace of mind that the agreements and www.nresidential.co.uk number of landlords already on its books; procedures used by Newcombe those who saw significant advantage in Residential, when letting a property, are working with an agency with such intrinsic fully regulated with all monies protected knowledge of the legal and regulatory aspects of lettings. by the ARLA fidelity bond.

Newcombe Residential will be the only lettings agency in “If you have a property to rent you really should be Gloucestershire, perhaps even the UK, to be owned and looking for ‘excellence in lettings’ and talking to Newcombe managed by a Member of the Honourable Society of Residential” concludes Newcombe.

Lincoln’s Inn and someone who has had been called to the Newcombe Residential can be found at 46 Suffolk Road in Bar of England and Wales.

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. You can phone them on 01242 “Many landlords are rightly concerned about the legal 222972, email info@nresidential.co.uk or visit the website at minefield that is involved in the lettings process,” continues www.nresidential.co.uk.

NOVEMBER 2012

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R.Chislett – Builder '. 1'-* !'% -, /",! *'/"& %"$1 "& * +"& $1 "& "& ,! * "+ &', )-", &'- ! +( ( + % &,+ ! . ,! +'$-,"'& ",! '. * 1 *+ 0( *" & "& * ,"& 0,* $"."& +( "& + % &,+ & $$ *+ *'++ ,! & ! $( 1'- ,-*& 1'-* *# -&-+ $ + % &, "&,' $" !, *" !, "*1 $"."& +( ( * , '* & / #", ! & ($ 1*''% !'% ' " /"& $$ * '* . & & -& * *'-& +/"%%"& (''$ ! . ,! 0( *,"+ ,' 0 . , ,! &,"* '',(*"&, ' 1'-* !'-+ '- $"& ,! +"2 ' 1'-* $"."& +( /",!'-, ! ."& ,' $ . 1'-* %- ! $'. %"$1 !'% ( + % &,+ -+ ,! "* '/& "& !'-+ * !", , +,*- ,-* $ & "& * & !" !$1 +#"$$ +" & & '&+,*- ,"'& , % ,' (*'." 1'- /",! '%($ , +, *, ,' "&"+!

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20 Sandown Road Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham

ROOFING EXTENSIONS GARAGES PROPERTY ALTERATIONS MAINTENANCE Extensions

Loft Conversions Porches

Bricklaying/Gardens

Rendering/Plastering Heating & Plumbing

+( + % &,+ $"%",

Re-roofing & Guttering House Painting /Decorating

Block Paving /Driveways UPVC Cladding

Conservatories

$ (!'&

&)-"*" + +( + % &,+ '% ',+/'$ +

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78 COTSWOLD STYLE

Kitchens/Bathrooms Please telepone for a FREE Estimate on:

01242 676482 or 07748 488067 NOVEMBER 2012

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homestyle

Remember, remember it’s November Sophie Taylor, wedding and event planner, gives you her tips and advice for autumnal style and hosting your own firework party!

It is easy to get down at this time of year.

The summer heat is a distant memory and Christmas is not quite here! But it’s a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the beautiful colours outside.

The US celebrates thanksgiving in November. It is a time of getting together with family and friends, to express appreciation and thanks. You may not celebrate thanksgiving but this is a great time of year to host cosy intimate parties and dinners with loved ones and re-connect with friends.

Autumnal displays in your home needn’t be expensive. You can create beautifully simple arrangements using autumnal foliage, berries and flowers from your own garden. So be creative and have fun! For an effortless, yet effective mantle display, collect long interesting branches; hips and willow work really well. (You can buy this from most florists and keep it for Christmas displays!) I love going to Montpellier Flowers, they always have such an inspiring range of flowers.

Fill a tall large vase with red apples and water and arrange the branches. ‘Voila’… you have an effortless uber cool display.

For a last minute centrepiece, I raid the recycling box for glass jars. These make great mini vases when I wrap ribbon, twine and lace around them. Fill with interesting foliage, berries and flowers. I have thyme growing in the garden, so I add this, as I love the smell. I suggest using three or five jars at different heights for a ‘vintage’ feel.

If you’re planning to have everyone over for fireworks night this year, you want something fuss free and HOT to offer your guests for supper. You can’t beat a ‘banger’ on Fireworks night.

(Excuse the pun). Hotdogs always go NOVEMBER 2012

down well with the children, and it’s easy to cook them in the oven or on a BBQ and supply with lashings of ketchup!

A BIG pot of chilli or stew bubbling away on the stove for the adults, with oversized mugs and spoons for them to help themselves, means that you won’t spend all of your time in the kitchen and it will leave you free to enjoy the fireworks with everyone.

Fireworks are dangerous so always be careful and buy from a reputable supplier. www.bannersandballoons.co.uk in Cheltenham offer a wonderful wide range of fireworks for every sized party! www.direct.gov.uk also have useful tips and advice.

Whilst everyone is outside waiting for the display, I take a tray of hot chocolates topped with mini marshmallows out to everyone. This

keeps your guests warm whilst the firework ‘expert’ scrambles around at the bottom of the garden with a torch and a match!

If you’re lucky enough to watch someone else’s display from inside the house or you are unable to have fireworks, bring the display inside. Serve brownies or cupcakes with mini sparklers (found in the party section of the supermarket) for a dazzling sweet treat!

So that’s your food drink and fireworks sorted... I hope your party goes off with a BANG! CS

For wedding and event planning and styling contact Sophie at www.sophietaylorcreative.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE 79

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Suppliers of fine kitchen work surfaces in quartz and granite

Montpellier Marble Ltd 800 Ashville Business Park , (Behind Mercedes Benz) STAVERTON, Glos GL2 9QJ Telephone 01452 714800

www.montpellier.co.uk

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property

Yorke Construction go back to the future Yorke Construction is steeped in history and it is indeed history and tradition that they deal with on a daily basis. Yorke Construction have been working in the Cotswolds for over fifty years, refurbishing and renovating large country houses, manors, farmhouses and providing a finish that is traditional, yet contemporary and to the client’s specification. The majority of projects are governed by listed building consent and therefore the attention to detail is of paramount importance. This is what makes Yorke Construction so reputable, as they work tirelessly with the local authorities to ensure that the building is feasible for the client and achieves all the conditions set during planning. Not many people realise the work put in behind the scenes to achieve perfection.

It is not by chance that this is achieved. The craftsmanship of the work is exquisite and a keen eye from management means that each house is finished in an intricate way that leaves the client in awe of their transformed home. It is this mixture of traditional building works and new technology that has resulted in Yorke Construction being acknowledged through the Building Excellence Award presented to them by the Cotswold District Council and has allowed them to keep their finger on the pulse of construction. With this mix of old and new techniques, Yorke Construction have found they have to go back in time to proceed to the future in their field of construction work.

To look at a project that Yorke Construction has been involved in, you could be forgiven to think that it is just another run of the mill country house refurbishment with traditional features.

You would be surprised to learn that these buildings have been refurbished in a way that utilises new technology that a modern new build house would rarely have. These include such installations as rainwater harvesters, heat recovery systems, underfloor heating, Solar panels, and air source heating. In NOVEMBER 2012

Above: Managing Director Richard Yorke (left) with Director Robert Yorke outside The Coliseum, Cheltenham

addition to increased insulation and high performance glazing, these new systems create a much more efficient building, whilst retaining the classical façade and internal features of the original building.

The internal parts of the buildings also mix the traditional aspects with modern features such as heating controls, audio visual installations, and lighting that have been integrated into the original wooden panelling, fire places, and chimney breasts. These features are done in a way that maintains the integrity and character of the building whilst providing a home that can be lived in and is sustainable for the client. In creating these masterpieces, Yorke Construction has thrived in the local community for over half a century and continues to flourish.

Yorke Construction is also involved in new build developments and commercial construction. They pride themselves on a professional and aesthetical service that is both cost-effective and completed within a predetermined timeframe. They have recently completed a luxurious apartment building in Cheltenham, which involved an initial demolition and reinstatement of a five storey building that has regenerated the area and maintained the features of the original theatre façade. Yorke Construction believes that working with clients and architects in a close relationship has resulted in continual work. To view all of Yorke Construction’s completed works and future projects, please visit the website at www.yorkeconstruction.co.uk CS

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Beswick Stone November 12 blue text:Layout 1

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Hawkesberry HOME AND GARDEN

Handmade Furniture For Beautiful Homes 1 & 2 Emmervale Court, Midland Road, Cirencester GL7 1PZ (opposite Fire Station) Call 01285 653630

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Visit Our Showroom Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.00pm Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm

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review

FRESHLY

squeezed…

Eric Barton reviews The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2012

I’ve been to some really dull, uninspiring literature festivals in my time. Festivals where groups of mild-mannered senior citizens prowl the stands and tents like a damp fog musing over a collection of dusty tomes.

None of the above happily applies to The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. It’s like a freshly squeezed fruit; fresh, vibrant, seasonal and mouth – watering in every way.

You can track the festival back to October 1949, when in the shadow of WW2 (and still during rationing); the great actor Sir Ralph Richardson launched the first event which was called The Cheltenham Festival of Contemporary Literature. The very first guest speaker was the poet Cecil Day – Lewis (who incidentally taught at Cheltenham College). The Literature Festival since then has turned many pages to become what is today, a hugely fantastic cornucopia of everything that’s both literature and performance-led.

It was ten days of discussions, debates

and interviews. Nothing dowdy mind you. Engaging witty verbatim that fizzed at the mind, providing both insight and entertainment. The sheer volume of choice in just about every genre of life was on show; lifestyle, science, politics, history, comedy; news etc. Let’s not be delusional; The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is about more than just books. It’s about the very fibre of writing, the authors, journalists and commentators who affect the very consciousness of what we think and do.

A star-studded cast of scribes graced the ten days of the festival this year; everyone from JK Rowling through to Nigella Lawson, Ben Miller and even 007 himself, Roger Moore. The sheer cliff face of knowledge on offer was mountainous and absorbed by record audiences; In fact 140,000 tickets were sold, which is 18% up on the 2011 event.

It never ceases to amaze me that a small spa town can attract this number of hungry, voracious visitors who have an unending appetite for the quality that’s on show every

year. Sitting in the Ben Miller talk (and before the comedian/scientist appeared) I was amazed to see couples and individuals actually reading books as they waited to be entertained. No staring vacantly at the screen, the stage, or ceiling, but actually engrossed in books.

It almost seemed a shame to disturb them as Mr Miller arrived on stage. Ben Miller said, ‘I’m utterly astonished at the size and diversity of the audiences and their thirst for knowledge. It’s quite a revelation’.

As the Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has grown it has enveloped Cheltenham in a sea of very welcome visitors, enabling the local hotels, pubs and restaurants to enjoy an extra boost to their trade. This year’s festival busily wrapped itself around Montpellier Gardens, Imperial Gardens and the Town Hall. Wandering around the venues was a tantalising assault on the senses. What to go to? And as the event has expanded, the need to satiate not just the thirst for knowledge but the actual appetite for food had also featured on the organisers agenda. A new huge food court was there, enabling the hungry festival – goers to be fed and watered.

This in itself is a positive step forward in addressing the needs of an ever - increasing audience.

With over five hundred events spread over ten incredible days The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2012 lived up to the usual high expectations.

The 2013 event will I’m sure be a freshly squeezed offering of everything that’s juicy in the world of books, discussion and debate. Can’t wait. CS For more information www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

NOVEMBER 2012

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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

NOVEMBER 2012

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style event

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk 1

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Wine tasting at Hotel du Vin

Montpellier Asset Management, BPE Solicitors and Bakers Fine Jewellery invited guests to a blind wine tasting at Hotel du Vin where they enjoyed a variety of wines and were set the task of informally identifying some beautiful wines.

Photography by Spencer McPherson 10

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1 Casey Mann and Zoe Bawtree. 2 Danel Gore with Joy and Rob Scarsbrook. 3 Simon Whitney and Peter Tyrell. 4 Jo and Jim Simons.

5 Peter Tyrell and Jemma Jones. 6 Nina de Winter and Ben Axford. 7 Tim and Zoe Bawtree. 8 Elaine Vincent, Neil Dawes and Caroline von Behr.

9 Daniel Gore and Mark Powells. 10 Casey Mann and Tai Bassanino. 11 Carol Freeman and Michelle Blake. 12 Liz Saunders, Tim Kavanagh and Miles Mann. 13 Paul, Simon and Richard. 14 Simon Pennells, Zoe Peace, Tim Bawtree and Casey Mann.

NOVEMBER 2012

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for the family

Dare to be different David Dare, Director of White Room Images, talks to Emma Roberts about his contemporary Suffolk Parade business in Cheltenham and why it’s a must-have destination to pop on your Christmas shopping wish-list…

Situated on stylish Suffolk Parade, White Room Images offers customers something that little bit out of the ordinary. Although unassuming and certainly not shouting at browsers to enter, once inside, there is an Aladdin’s cave of contemporary gifts just waiting for you.

“I love our location”, David explains, “I wanted to give people a reason to browse and so it was very much a conscious decision to stock an expanding range of interesting products and gifts. In fact, the shop pretty much has Christmas all wrapped up. Alongside quirky photo shoot packages, David also stocks a range of photography books, frames and gift cards… something for everyone!

However, the most interesting gifts (for me, at least) are the range of cameras available to buy.

Magnificently retro and reminding me of my childhood, there are Polaroid cameras and film on display. In our all too accessible digital age, who doesn’t love the charm of shaking that Polaroid picture, waiting for the image to become clear?

“There has been a huge analogue revival”, David explains, “and it’s actually really nice to pick up a 40 year old Polaroid camera, to think carefully about what you NOVEMBER 2012

shoot, treasuring each frame and seeing a few flaws in your photographs... it puts the fun back into photography!”

David took over the business in March of this year and was previously working as a freelance photographer. Opting to put himself on the map, rather than operating from the isolation of home, he took over the business and the rest is history. “Our whole ethos is that we’re so much more than just a portrait studio”, David says, “We welcome browsers and like to think that we’re taking away any kind of harsh sales environment.”

The perfect Christmas present can be purchased in the shop with a range of cameras available to buy. “Lomography is huge right now”, David says, “and the craze has really taken off. We stock these and they may look like toy cameras, but are all about shooting from the hip, recording your life, and having fun. Instead of exposing one frame some cameras expose multiple frames, creating unique and stylish panoramic images”.

David offers photo shoots with a difference, as well as family portraits and makeover shoots in his studio downstairs.

“We are about real photography”, he says, “Simple, classic photography. I like to

offer people choice, but we are not different for the sake of being different.

We create shots that people want to bring into their homes and so the movie package featuring a Usual Suspects style line-up of the family, including the dog (!), are very popular, as are the graffiti style ‘Hooligans’ prints for toddlers and children”.

Wedding photography is also available from White Room Images. “Weddings are much more natural and I’m there as an observer, recording what I see rather than directing people”, David explains, “I’m there to capture the day and so it’s informal all the way, without the newlyweds disappearing to have photos taken for over an hour. The time when the photographs are taken of the couple are usually the first time since becoming man and wife that they are alone and so you can get the most special shots of them whispering and kissing. It’s much more about telling the story rather than just taking photos.” CS T: 01242 261420 E: info@whiteroomimages.co.uk W: www.whiteroomimages.co.uk Twitter: @whiteroomimages Facebook: www.fb.com/whiteroomimages

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gardening

Remember remember, we’re closed from November - except for Sundays 12 till 3! with Jon Hodder

Head Gardener at Sudeley Castle, Jon Hodder, comments on the winter wonderland season ahead this year Yes my friends, this winter the gardens will be open on a Sunday from 12 noon until 3 in the afternoon. This is a new venture, and just the ticket for those of you who would like the opportunity to enjoy Sudeley and its surrounds during a quieter time of year. In addition to the sleeping gardens there will be an auctioneer on site who will be available to value any items of interest that you may wish to bring along. Access to the auctioneer, the coffee shop and the new gift boutique will be free of charge. The Castle exhibitions, and some parts of the gardens will be closed until the spring. Tickets for the gardens will be £6 for adults and £3 for children.

On a still winter’s afternoon, with jackdaws calling across the park and the sun making a gentle tracery through the branches of the sycamores I can think of no place more restful than the gardens at Sudeley Castle. It may only be a three hour opening, but it could well be the most rewarding three hours of your week.

In addition to being restful, you will have the opportunity to observe some parts of the garden undergoing some winter maintenance. We hope to begin re-planting another part of the Queens garden this winter. This will require us to remove a great deal of the old soil and replace it with a great deal of new. Last winter we used about 70 tons. The subtlety of the operation is that by the NOVEMBER 2012

‘‘

“ON A STILL WINTER’S AFTERNOON, WITH JACKDAWS CALLING ACROSS THE PARK AND THE SUN MAKING A GENTLE TRACERY THROUGH THE BRANCHES OF THE SYCAMORES I CAN THINK OF NO PLACE MORE RESTFUL THAN THE GARDENS AT SUDELEY CASTLE”

time we open again in the spring, there will be no visible sign of the previous upheaval. This is often the case with gardening. The end result tends to belie the amount of effort required to get there.

Falling leaves: an emblem of Autumn and to the gardener, a valuable resource.

However, to become a useful resource we must be patient. If you only have a small quantity of leaves, place them in a large plastic sack, tie off the top and leave them for about two years. If you have a large amount, it’s best to make a simple container from four posts and some chicken wire. Place the leaves in the container and firm them down as you do so. When full, leave them for about two years. Eventually you will be the proud possessor of some fine leafmould, which you can use as soil conditioner or, if sifted, as part of your

own potting compost. There is nothing quite like it: well worth the wait.

Gardening is all about time and patience. As we move into the short days, when all around is lying dormant we must be patient, secure in the knowledge that spring will come. As sure as day follows night.

So, come to Sudeley, wrap up well, and most of all enjoy the sun when it comes. CS Check our website for the latest details of winter opening hours www.sudeleycastle.co.uk or call 01242 602308.

Share Sudeley Castle Gardeners’ photos and news on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Sudeley CastleGardeners

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Sofas & Chairs, Made-to-Measure in our own workshops based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

We pride ourselves on being a furniture company unlike any other, and we take great pride in every individual piece of work we undertake, whether that is a sofa, a chair, loose covers, carpets, curtains or wallcoverings..

Choose your model, chair, 2 seater, 21â „2 seater, 3 seater Deeper Seat, Higher Back, So , Medium, Firm, Foam, Fibre or Feather filled cushions.

You can be confident that with our expert advice, personal service and a&en%on to detail, your furniture will be everything you have ever dreamed of and at a price you can believe in.

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gardening

with Camilla Bassett-Smith

Gloucestershire Horticulturalist Camilla Bassett-Smith has a Chelsea Gold Medal and has worked on a variety of horticultural TV output including BBC Gardeners’ World.

She has recently taken on the role of Editor for The Daffodil Society, the oldest national daffodil society in the world. Here she turns her attention to the birch tree as she takes a literary stroll around a wintery wood…

NOVEMBER 2012

BIRCH rilliant

I did not fully appreciate the beauty of the birch until I wandered around a snowy Stone Lane Gardens in Devon.

The day was cold and bleak but the bark of these deciduous woodland delights sang out.

I had the pleasure of talking to the late Kenneth Ashburner by the light of his roaring fire, as he shared stories of his national collection of birch residing in the garden which he started in 1971.

Belonging to the genus, Betula, and originating from the Northern Hemisphere, the word birch is said to have developed from the Sankrit word ‘bhurga’ which translates as a tree whose bark is used to write on. The bark can be delightfully peeled away, and was used in India for writing paper on which many ancient scripts were noted. Our very own Berkeley is believed to have its routes in the old English ‘Berclea’ for ‘birch tree wood or clearing’.

On a winter’s day, there is something special about the varied bark that these trees boast. The white of the silver birch (Betula pendula) is a popular sight and one which is now evident in Gloucester city centre following the recent planting of 20 of these fine specimens in King’s Square and the Gate streets. Look around though and the birch will also introduce itself to you wrapped in hues of red, orange, yellow and pink.

The birch is often referred to as a pioneer species with the ability to colonise quickly after a fire or following the last ice age. If you want a tree that is easy to grow and tolerant of difficult sites, this is a perfect choice for you.

Birches also grow with speed in their early years and so are useful for adding maturity to a young garden.

The tough wood has been harvested for a wide variety of uses over the years from the Lancashire cotton industry in the manufacture of bobbins and spools

to the highly sought after baltic birch used for speaker cabinets. Beatles of more than one kind may have also familiarised themselves with the wood of the great birch trees, as up until the end of the 1960s, it was one of the most popular drum woods!

The birch wood is currently under examination by a British Museum Scientist who is using birch and pine samples in a bid to find out what our ancestors used to bind and waterproof baskets, ships and riggings. The samples have been heated to create a tar like substance with which they can compare with the tars used on objects at the British museum.

Birch twigs are still used to create besoms, the alternative name for the witches’ broomstick seen in many a Halloween fancy dress last month, but also very useful in the garden. Your drinks cabinet also has much to thank birch for, as it is used as a fuel in the distillation of whisky. For an edible accompaniment to your toddy, ham and herrings both favour the spray of birch for smoking.

Of course, you do need a reasonable plot in order to home most birches but one of the most compact Himalayan forms is Betula utilis ‘Moonbeam’.

White bark and dark green leaves, with an estimated height of 20-30ft make this a great choice for the smaller garden. For a larger specimen with a great name, try Betula utilis ‘Wakehurst Place Chocolate’, as you can guess this oozes the richest of cocoa covered trunks and a real contrast to the white or silver barked examples.

So here’s to winter and to the planting of many a glorious birch.

Here’s also to the lighting of many a glorious birch wood fire which with its natural oils is pretty certain to burn well even when wet, which in our climate is pretty likely! CS

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Heli Air Gloucester gets off to a flying start More than 100 invited guests were at Gloucestershire Airport on September 22nd for the opening of Heli Air Gloucester...

Heli Air’s familiar hospitality was on offer throughout the day from 10 am through to 6 pm, and ideal weather conditions, warm sunshine with gentle winds from the east, meant that guests were able to take full advantage of the opportunity to take flights in a range of helicopters on display – a Robinson R22 and R44, an R66 Turbine in very special livery, a classic Bell 47 and a Bell 206 JetRanger.

Heli Air Gloucester has opened within a newly built facility adjacent to the control tower at Gloucestershire Airport and commenced operations with a Robinson R22 and an R44, to be followed by an R66 and a Bell 206 JetRanger. Further aircraft will follow as the base increases its workload. Heli Air offers full Private Pilot’s Licence - PPL(H) and Commercial Pilot’s Licence - CPL(H) courses, and Type Ratings for most models of single engine helicopters.

Training is one of the key services on offer at Heli Air Gloucester, home to the company’s new Flight Instructor Academy which already has confirmed students. There have also been confirmations for private pilot - PPL(H) training and for commercial pilot training CPL(H). Mike Buckland, Heli Air Gloucester’s Base Manager joined the company following a very successful career in the RAF and has exceptional skills in helicopter pilot instruction and examination. Mike specialises in teaching

commercial pilots to become flight instructors.

Brian Kane, Head of Sales & Marketing at Heli Air thanked all of the guests for helping to make the opening of Heli Air Gloucester such a memorable occasion and expressed particular gratitude to the Gloucestershire Airport management team for their support in the setting-up of Heli Air’s latest base. Brian said "The new Heli Air base at Gloucestershire Airport is the next step in the company’s development plan and we certainly have other targets in mind, although it’s a little early to say anything more yet. Heli Air has been expanding steadily over the last twelve months, the new base is a great step and we go forward in great confidence with the improving rotary market.

Heli Air chose Gloucestershire Airport because of its reputation as a centre of excellence for helicopter operations. With the ILS project well underway, and first class, modern hangar facilities available it is clear that the management team at the airport has a very sound strategy for the future”.

Darren Lewington, Head of Operations at the Airport said: “We’re delighted to welcome Heli Air to Staverton, adding to the wide portfolio of rotary facilities available here”.

Heli Air has six other bases at Wellesbourne, Wycombe, Denham, Silverstone, Thruxton and Fairoaks.

Heli Air Gloucester office number – 01452 855500 (09:00 – 18:00 / 7 days)

Heli Air Gloucester office e-mail address – Gloucester@HeliAir.com Out of hours contact – call Brian Kane on 07831 762500

Brian.Kane@HeliAir.com

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niall foster

So this is Christmas...

Our regular columnist, Heart Presenter Niall Foster, offers a guide to the fine art of Christmas shopping...

Niall Foster presents Drive time daily from 16:00 - 19:00 on Heart 102.4. Available on102.4FM, 103FM, Digital and online at heart.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2012

So, who are the smug amongst us who just grin with just a grain of pity when asked the question that seems on the lips of everyone as we reach November; ‘have you started your Christmas shopping yet?’ Smug because there will be people who had finished the shopping and wrapped the presents by some ridiculously unseasonal summer date, and the pity is offered for those of us that still need to run the gauntlet of packed retail parks, town centres and department stores that will soon be filled with a peculiar festive shopping frenzy.

There were a few years when I flirted with the idea of getting it all done months in advance but this made the process of choosing, shopping for and wrapping Christmas presents too drawn out. It dominated too much of the year, so, as of the time of writing this I have it all to do.

As someone with two children of my own just growing in to the infant fascination with everything to do with Christmas, and by modern standards, an enormous family, there are a few rules I try to stick to. Hopefully they help me from getting overwhelmed with the cost and logistics of it all. Firstly, be organised. Time spent aimlessly wandering through shops or online is time wasted. I have rarely found inspiration fingering through rails and racks. Make a list of who you are going to buy for and more importantly, what you are going to buy. This is perhaps the hardest element of the whole affair, but a few evenings spent looking for ideas and nailing down specifics about what you will buy and where, will save you hours of potential frustration.

Secondly, be smart. With eight siblings and what can often seem innumerable nieces and nephews, I find it easiest to demand specific guidance for the children. Find out from the parents what they need, or would like, even it is just a theme of what their current obsession is.

For example I know my children this year would be delighted with anything to do with Moshi Monsters or Super Mario.

For the adults I try and treat couples as one person and come up with an idea that can be used across multiple people.

A few years ago I bought a load of cheap wicker baskets, lots of continental foodstuffs (chocolates, cheese, wine, cured meats, past and desserts), individually wrapped them, decorated the baskets and filled them with the food to make continental hampers for each couple in my family. They went down a storm. Another quick tip; I am a huge fan of something to eat or drink. By my age I certainly think that most of us have enough ‘things’ in our life, but something to consume is always welcome.

Finally, make a budget and stick to it.

When I make my list of people I plan to buy for I make a note alongside their name of how much I plan to spend on them and add it all up. If I feel the total is too high I can go back and then slightly reduce each person’s amount to make it more palatable. The key then is discipline, stick to the budget and once you feel you have bought enough, resist the temptation to keep buying.

There you have it. Simple, stick to these rules and the whole shopping experience will be painless.

I wish! CS

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To my best friends…

I want to enjoy the planning and build up to my wedding day, just as much as the day itself. There are things I want to do myself, things I’d like you to help me with and things that we’re going to have to hire in.

I’ve got some ideas but sometimes I don’t know where to start! I really don’t want my

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parents and friends or us to get stressed with details, colours, budgets and so on.

I want the journey to our special day to be an enjoyable experience full of excitement and personality. I want the day itself to be filled with all the things I planned and dreamt.

We would really like to get into shape, have fab hen/stag do’s, design fantastic tables, not forget our younger guests, have great dresses, know what to do with my hair, arrive on the day in style to an amazing venue, have treats and entertainment and then escape to a great honeymoon. I also want to capture it all in a fun way so we can look back and smile.

I’ve heard about the Cheltenham Park Hotel Wedding Show and it sounds really different from other fayres. Fancy coming with me?

This is what is has… * Demonstrations in invitation making, men’s grooming, exercise and more…” * Mini make-over consultations, hair, nail and pamper treatments * Sweets and taster bars, * Cocktail masterclass * Workshops in managing your budget, flower arranging and more * Live entertainment * Catwalk shows It also has… * A room dedicated to preparing for your big day * “The legal bit” with guidance on ceremonies, rings and legalities * “The fashion suite” showcasing fashion & accessories for the bridal party and guests inc. plus size

NOVEMBER 2012

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* Everything you need for the reception inc. the Kidz Room where younger visitors can safely play for a while.

It says…

The Cheltenham Park Hotel Wedding Show will be an experience.

It will provide visitors with real examples and a taste of what they can expect on their big day.

Tables will be laid as they would be at a reception, floral displays will adorn rooms and chairs arranged as if ready for a ceremony. Visitors will be engaged in taster sessions, workshops and catwalk shows that truly demonstrate the vital components of their big day.

Visitors will enjoy an atmosphere of excitement, inspiration and all the information they need.

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This wedding show will be different to others and be an enjoyable day for all.

Guess what else…it’s free entry and we get a goody bag if we’re there early.

It sounds magical and really innovative. I think it could be good fun and loads to wonder around. Maybe we can have a peek at the function rooms, restaurant and bridal suite bedroom.

I think I could get some real inspiration and contacts there. Here’s the details: Sunday 25 November Cheltenham Park Hotel.

11am until 5pm That’s the big white one on the Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings.

A Georgian house with beautiful grounds.

The catwalk shows are 11.30, 13.15, 15.00

Cheltenham Park Hotel and 16:45 plus there’s all the workshops and demonstrations as well as the stands.

What do you think? I’d like to go, who’s coming with me? www.jttevents.co.uk/wedding-show www.facebook.com/pages/ Cheltenham-Park-Hotel-Wedding-Show /477152862307713?ref=hl

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Working together in harmony Norma Tang, a member of Jubilate Chamber choir, talks about the exciting plans ahead for one of Gloucestershire’s leading chamber choirs…

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary season, Jubilate Chamber Choir brings together a wealth of local talent. Under the direction of Ian Higginson, Jubilate performs a diverse range of music, sacred and secular, delighting audiences throughout the UK and in Europe.

Their concerts range from intimate recitals of unaccompanied singing to larger-scale works with guest soloists and chamber orchestra.

The Joy of Christmas is due to take place at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday 1st December at 7:30pm and will feature the University of Gloucestershire Choir, along with many other local youth choirs. Norma says, “The event is an annual crowd-pleaser and always attracts a huge audience, with parents bursting with pride as they look on”.

In March of this year, Jubilate had the pleasure of singing with soloists Dame Emma Kirkby, Hannah Davey, Sebastian Field, Paul Tompkins and Brian Pursey in an extremely successful

performance of the Bach B minor mass.

In fact, Dame Emma Kirkby shunned the offer of a hotel and instead chose to stay in the welcoming homes of members of the choir, helping to build relationships with her choral counterparts. Norma says, “The most exciting thing we did this year was have Dame Emma Kirkby perform with us.

She really is such a gracious and generous performer, despite being an international singer and a Dame to boot.

Our concert was a sell-out which was fantastic for us.”

Jubilate was founded in 2001 by its musical director, Ian Higginson, and draws its members from Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Cotswolds. The choir's repertoire encompasses sacred and secular music from the 16th century to the present day. Jubilate has sung in many of the country's cathedrals and abbeys, including: St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, St. Giles Cathedral Edinburgh, Bath Abbey, Westminster

Abbey, Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, and the cathedrals at Worcester, Brecon and Hereford. It has enjoyed highly successful tours to Scotland, Holland, Belgium, Liverpool, Chester and in both 2007 and 2011 to Paris where the choir has sung Mass in the Cathedrale NotreDame de Paris and performed recitals at the Eglise St Severin, La Madeleine and the American Church, all in the centre of Paris.

In January 2008 the choir recorded Christmas music in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral - the organist was Richard Lea. The CD Nowell, Nowell! is now available from choir members.

As well as its Paris tour, one of the other highlights for the choir in 2011 was the filming of a clip for the BBC's One Show which was screened in August 2011.

The Choir is next due to perform at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham on Saturday 10th November. Norma explains, “We will be performing Ian Higginson’s new Requiem amongst other pieces by British composers. CS ‘O Sing Joyfully’ - Saturday 10th November concert are £10.00 £8.00 (Senior Citizens) £6.00 (under 21s) and are available either in advance from Musical Instruments (Cheltenham) Ltd 52 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2ND Tel: 01242 517635 or on the door.

‘Joy of Christmas’ - Saturday 1 December are £12.00 £10.00 (senior citizens), £8.00 (under 21s) and are available from either the Town Hall Box Office (Tel: 0844 5762210) or on the door.

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AW12 Joseph Love Moschino MICHAEL Michael Kors Twenty8twelve 2ND Day MM6 Emu Stefanel Velvet Graham & Spencer 7 for all mankind Lexington Shoes, jewellery and accessories

Expert Lingerie and

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

Tel: 01242 519452

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Swimwear Styling

01242 25 35 35 12 The Courtyard, Montpellier, GL50 1SR

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

style event 1

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Holst Birthplace Museum Fundraiser at Spice Lodge

Spice Lodge was a great venue for the Holst Birthplace Museum Fundraiser in which various councillors and supporters of the charity attended. Fruit cocktails and wine on arrival and brilliant entertainment from local magician Andy Field.

Photography by Kim Youdan

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1 Angela and David Edgington from Expat Group. 2 Magician Andy Field does his routine. 3 Owner of Spice Lodge and Big supporter of the Charity Mohammed Rahman with the Mayor and Mayoress. 4 Dave Savell and Christian Patricot. 5 Councillor Diggory Seacome and Mayoress Rowena Hay. 6 Councillors Penny Hall and Jacky Fletcher. 7 Karen Walsh and Ed Whittle. 8 Michelle Straw and David Barnes. 9 Karen Walsh, Richard and Maggie Levins and Ed Whittle. 10 Richard and Maggie Levins. 11 Mayor and Mayoress along with organiser Tim Harman and assistant organiser Dominique Leonard - with Tims God daughter Georgina Wood. 12 Maurice and Lynda Ashton. 13 Friends of the organiser Emiel Ramakers and Lucy Brooks.

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70% off up to

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forever young

Photography Spencer McPherson & Phil Stevens www.allintheimage.co.uk

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fashion

Photography Phil Stevens & Spencer McPherson of www.allintheimage.co.uk Hair & Make up Blushes www.blushes.co.uk Photoshoot concept and style direction Michelle Blake www.michelleblake.com Clothes provided by Trapeze, Feva & Foundation Jewellery kindly supplied by Beards Thanks to The Hotel du Vin and Montpellier Chapter for hosting our locations.

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Dress forever young, with style!

Style Consultant, Michelle Blake, chose to embrace mid-youth in this fashion shoot, representing a time where many women feel at their peak...

“The clothes featured here reflect women of all ages wearing everyday trends. Wear fashion and trends at any time. There’s no need to save that new dress for a special day, take the opportunity to dress up, wear it well and look stunning.

Whether it’s just meeting friends for a drink or a special occasion, make the most of yourself every day.

Be confident when shopping and vary your choice of shops.

Women encounter several hurdles in their lives through being busy; this can mean that when they reach this midyouth stage, they are confused about where to start again.

If you have lost your way Michelle can help you understand your body shape, skin tones, and blending your whole style package to include your hair style and colour. Bespoke Style & Colour consultation appointments, shopping sessions and advice on wardrobe weeding are available to guide you.

In addition for a condensed consultation, appointments are available with Michelle in the StylePod at Blushes salons in Cheltenham & Gloucester.

These intimate sessions cost just £10. The cost is redeemable against your hair appointment in Blushes. CS

Shades of caramel look soft and fabulous against the blonde hair of the model.

The fringed wrap compliments the models hair and skirt.

Be daring this season and buy leather in something other than black, perhaps even bronze.

Wrap by Trapeze, skirt by Foundation.

1

The colours of Autumn Winter 2012 are dark bottle green, plum, purple and cobalt blue teamed with subdued blends of grey and brown. If you are tempted to buy black this season avoid repeat buying, unless it is a statement piece and incredibly different in texture. Look for the

2

brocades, velvets and designs that will add a twist to your wardrobe.

Black dress – Trapeze, blue dress – Feva The model on the right has clear blue eyes with cool blonde hair; her make-up was based on a ‘sultry Bardot’ feel. Slightly dishevelled and sexy with an air of casually ‘thrown together’ in the outfit with the oversized warm mohair teamed with skinny, skinny jeans.

When wearing these on trend oversized jumpers, the slimness of the legs must be exaggerated with skinny jeans or leggings.

Model on right – clothes by Trapeze.

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MICHELLE BIOGRAPHY

NOVEMBER 2012

development of the colour consultation system incorporating the cool and warm theory in salons.

Michelle delivers her inspirational ideas on colour and style throughout the UK and abroad.

She has recently returned from Australia where she spoke at the Annual L’Oreal Conference. Her training DVD, filmed in Paris, about her step by

Photo courtesy of Revolve

Michelle has been helping women to look and feel their best for over 25 years. For the last seventeen years she has run MB Style Consultancy, her successful colour and style business.

Michelle also works with L’Oreal Professionel as a consultant. She has been responsible for the

step colour consultation will be used in salons all over the world. A recent trip to Mexico proved a huge success where she held an exclusive presentation and training seminar.

Michelle can be contacted via her website www.michelleblake.com or email info@michelleblake.com

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Model: Xenia Save the Queen Faux-Fur coat, Feva Animal print with lace detail dress, www.almagrocouture.com

eternal

elegance Step into the season ahead with faux fur and feminine layering ...

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Model: Charlotte 1950’s Vintage dress, Allure

NOVEMBER 2012

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Model: Lesley Fur Gillet, Allure Black wrap around leather belt, Allure Isabel De Pedro Woollen dress, Feva Black leather gloves, Stylist's own

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Above: (Left to right) Model: Charlotte Kenza Coat by Vila, Law & Company Vintage dress, Allure Shoes, Christian Louboutin

Model: Charlotte Black Mongolia shrug, Allure Rock my Vintage, Dress Hoss Intropia Embellished Clutch, Foundation

Model Xenia Uppsala Dress by Vila, Law and Company Coat (See previous page) Nocturne Necklace, Foundation Boots, Models Own Model: Lesley (See opposite page) Black Leather Boots, Keith Scarrot Model: Tala Textured Fur/Knit Jacket, Allure Cranberry oversized knitted Tunic, Allure Vintage Brown Leather Bag, As long as it Sparkles Black Pencil Skirt, James Lakeland, House of Fraser, Cavendish House Black Patent Boots, Carvela, Kurt Geiger

Left: Model: Leslie (See above) Model Charlotte (See above) Vintage white fox fur shrug, Allure Styled by Sarah-Hayley Owen for Cheltenham Fashion Week, assisted by Rachel Tranter Photography by Dean Jode Hair by Stuart Holmes Make up by Kerry Willcocks Shot on location at Chapel Spa, Cheltenham Promenade and The Screening Rooms.

NOVEMBER 2012

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Shop for Christmas!

The Square, Stow-on-The-Wold GL54 1AB • (01451) 832453

22 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham GL50 1SD • (01242) 232777

shop online: www.shopfoundation.com

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shopping style

e l y t s t e e str apped by our Have you been sn reets style spy on the st of Cheltenham this month?

Name: Tilly Yates Age: 14 Name: Chloe Edwards Age: 16

How would you describe your personal style? Classic but I love colour

Where did you purchase the items you are wearing today? Jeans from Topshop, Blazer and shirt from Superdry, Boots from Dr Martens Whos your favourite designer? Burberry, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Mulberry

Whats your favourite place to shop on the highstreet? Top Shop, Urban Outfitters, Vintage shops and independent shops If you had to save one item from your wardrobe in a fire which would it be?

My silk Reiss dress

NOVEMBER 2012

Name: Jane Baker

How would you describe your personal style? Bohemian with a smarter edge

Where did you purchase the items you are wearing today? Second hand shops and Cheltenham car boot plus boots from Cara Whos your favourite designer? Vivienne Westwood

Whats your favourite place to shop on the highstreet? TK Maxx If you had to save one item from your wardrobe in a fire which would it be?

My vintage coat

How would you describe your personal style? Vintage/theatrical Where did you purchase the items you are wearing today? They were my grandmas except for the Dr Martens!

Who’s your favourite designer? Vivienne Westwood

Whats your favourite place to shop on the highstreet? Urban Outfitters, Topshop and vintage shops If you had to save one item from your wardrobe in a fire which would it be?

My velvet blazer

In association with

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enhance ce your natural atural beauty personal in-depth depth consultations surgical and non-surgical treatments ents highly qualified ed team of nurses, practitioners ractitioners & surgeons one tto one aftercare ftercare established 10 years call us now

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ENHANCE MEDICAL CENTRE 109 Promenade Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 1NW email info@enhancemedical.co.uk www.enhancemedical.co.uk

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www.lovedge.co.uk www.lovedge.co.uk

01242 517250 NOVEMBER 2012

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THINNING HAIR....

THE FACTS There are many reasons for your hair starting to thin and it’s something that can be very upsetting and difficult to cope with.

It’s also worth remembering that it happens to women and men alike. If you don’t look good you don’t feel good, so knowing a programme of help is in place can take away the anxiety and restore confidence.

Causes of thinning hair can range from:

• Genetics • Poor Diet • Stress/Grief/Trauma • Health Issues • Environmental Factors • Medication • Chemically treating hair • Misuse of styling tools • Natural aging

Blushes Cheltenham - Tel 01242 226644 Blushes Gloucester - Tel 01452 528342 Blushes Cirencester - Tel 01285 656091 Follow us on TWITTER @BlushesHair Facebook.com/blushes.hairdressing www.blushes.co.uk

Rea Off der er

Email pr@blushes.co.uk heading it NIOXIN and you will be entrered into a draw where 15 winners will be selected to receive a NIOXIN dermabrasion treatment and indepth consultation with trial products worth £50 exclusively at BLUSHES salons.

S

The best treatment is an all round approach.... a healthy diet, avoid stress, exercise regularly for mind and body, keep healthy, stay off medication where possible.

The good news is that Blushes can also help.... the three salons in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester now offer a specialist hair thinning range called NIOXIN. Combined with a full consultation this could be the first step to reinvigorating your hair.

The consultation includes the use of a Nioscope (a kind of microscope specially for looking closely at your scalp), followed by a simple 3 step

system of cleansing the hair followed by optimising conditioner and finally the leave in treatment... all products will be handpicked from the selection of 6 regimes to suit your hair. There are no ridiculous claims.... it just works by making the very best of what you have already, giving you thicker, fuller looking hair. Blushes founder Mark Blake (currently completing his final year training in Trichology) has developed an extensive knowledge of hair loss causes and treatment and has held training sessions with the Blushes team to identify your particular hair type and prescriptive treatment.

‘It’s good to know that we are doing everything within our power to lessen hair loss and make the very most of the volume you have. The Nioxin system restores confidence and it’s rewarding to see that over 70%* of people who tested the Nioxin system confirmed that their hair appeared thicker and fuller. That’s all we really want isn’t it? To know that we’re making the very best of what we have! That’s what Blushes do best.’ Says Mark. CS

*Source: Fundamental Research Group, Inc. In 2008 among 800 people in the US

NOVEMBER 2012

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CHRISTMAS COLOUR OFFER Take advantage of our fantastic offer and look gorgeous in time for the festive season!

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CT HTSer DU LIGemb hu RE IGHNov & T s % H ng Wed thi t ON uri ue, with dver

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Come and relax in our sumptuous Gold Star salon, let us pamper you whilst you enjoy a glass of wine, fragrant fruit tea or delicious cappuccino.

L e a ve re l a xe d a n d re f re s h e d w i t h a fantastic cut, stunning colour and a s m i le on your face!

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fashion

Art Couture Clare Robertson, a blacksmith from the Forest of Dean, has entered the Art Couture Painswick competition for the last two years. She shares her story..

NOVEMBER 2012

delight to see everyone else's creations, and to share stories of the work that had gone into them.

People of all ages proudly showed off what they were capable of, and I was overwhelmed by the variety and creativity. Imagine how I felt when I was announced the winner of my category! I will always remember a judge’s comment that “this category could have been won on personality alone...." It felt great to have all of my efforts recognised.

I definitely wanted to take part again the following year, and entered the Open over 18 category and the Circus theme. I set to work creating 'Mane Attraction': a circus lion jumping through a ring of fire. I used more varied materials this time including aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel, hose pipe, egg box, cardboard, fur coats, sheepskin, feathers, coloured paper, wicker, clay, beetle wings and a hula hoop! I wanted the ring of fire to represent 'MissFire', I cut hundreds of strips of voile in red, yellow and orange and tied them individually around the hoop which was suspended around my legs. The nose-piece made

PHOTO BY ANNE-MARIE

Clare Robertson’s 2011 entry, ‘Nutcracker’

RANDALL

“THIS CATEGORY COULD HAVE BEEN WON ON PERSONALITY ALONE....”

PHOTO BY INNER DEMON

“I first heard about Art CouturePainswick in early 2011 and decided I'd like to be a part of it - it seemed like an excellent opportunity to showcase my creative talents, promote my company, MissFire, and just have some fun with my art. It took me back to my days at college when I produced work just because I enjoyed it, and not in order to earn a living.

The chance to work in mixed materials was alluring, even though I now work in metal, I still have a love and skill for fashion and textiles, but rarely get the chance to indulge them. I chose entered the category called 'Bra-tastic' and my entry for 2011, 'Nutcracker', consisted of hundreds of nuts and washers in brass and stainless steel. I wanted to create a warrior’s outfit, being hugely inspired by the craft and skill of the armourer, but made from the items laying around in my forge, and I aimed to make it unashamedly feminine, and like my own metalwork being strong, striking yet detailed and delicate.

With the help of my good friend Lorna Stephens we painstakingly threaded together hundreds and tiny metal pieces with wire, twisting each link together like chain-mail, slowly building up large enough areas to cover a bra and make a matching belt and gloves. In my workshop I heated and shaped spanners which would become the straps for the bra, and made a headpiece from nuts and tiny spanners welded together.

Then came the day I had to wear it in public and parade it up and down a catwalk! I had been so busy making it, I hadn’t prepared myself for this and suddenly realized just how revealing the creation was I also discovered how heavy the outfit had become! The weight of the metal pulled the bra lower and lower.

I hoped I wouldn't show the good people of Painswick more than I intended to!

Despite the nerves, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the festival. It was a

from an egg box with beetle wing fangs, a glittery black nose and wicker whiskers quite transformed me! The costume turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser, I had great fun teasing the children, walking around like a lion and roaring at the cheering public, clawing at them with my copper-clad 9-inch nails The judges were once again impressed with my stage presence and awarded a Highly Commended. Who knows what I will be inspired to make next year...” CS

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A look back at

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Well, the dust has now settled since Cheltenham Fashion Week and to us, it feels slightly like how you feel when you have just got married. You spend months planning your special day and then are so busy that you don’t really get a chance to enjoy it yourself.

You look through the photos afterwards and see lots of happy faces which tells you that, yes, it was a good week and that people did in fact enjoy it!

Looking back at the week of events, I think what I am most proud of is the way in which we encompassed a lot of different elements within our progamme.

We had a strong educational slant and enjoyed working with local schools and colleges, we showcased local designers and brands with companies from outside the area, we shopped until we dropped and we were also treated to some fabulous couture designers and of course, welcomed some glamorous celebrities which always adds a bit of excitement to the mix.

Year One is never easy for any new project and one has to really focus on ensuring that value for money, for both sponsors and audience are achieved and this was something we worked really hard on. Branding too was of utmost importance and one that I knew had to be spot on. The brief – something elegant yet youthful, combining the regency of Cheltenham with a spirited edge. From the beginning Creative (www.creativenetwork.co.uk) understood the concept and created a brand that nailed this exactly. We have been their biggest fans ever since! We then targeted companies with a synergy to our aims for the project and our sponsors soon fell into place. I soon afterwards welcomed Gloucestershire College to the list which was really exciting as education and young people are a huge focus and priority for us. We have lots of ideas and aim to really grow this section of theproject next year.

Even if we had had a huge budget

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2012

By Sam Bawden, Creative Director

‘Branding too was of utmost importance and one that i knew had to Be spot on. the Brief – something elegant yet youthful, comBining the regency of cheltenham with a spirited edge‘

from sponsors, I still would have chosen to work with as many volunteers as possible, as to me, this was where we added value. With hard times for all when job hunting I knew our project would allow hands on experience and the opportunity for people to shine for perhaps the first time. I’m happy to report that we have lots of success stories to share and will do so on the website in the next month. We also used many local models, of all ages, shapes and sizes and one of the highlights for me was when Caryn Franklin came to talk to us, we all found this talk quite life-changing and inspiring.

So what does the future hold for us?

Yes you’ve guessed it, we are already planning the next Cheltenham Fashion Week for late 2013. We have learnt a lot this year and have lots of improvements

to make, so do let us know any suggestions you have for next year, we are always happy to listen. Please follow our Facebook and Twitter as this will keep you informed of all our plans.

This project would not have been such a success if it wasn’t for our wonderful sponsors who all contributed in some wonderful way, quite a few beyond the call of duty as we are eternally grateful. The team too have worked incredibly hard, all on a volunteer basis and I am really proud of their passion, creativity and dedication.

You are all know who you are. And last but not least, a big thank you to Cotswold Style who have supported us since the beginning, your belief has been inspiring. C www.cheltenhamfashionweek.co.uk www.twitter.com/CheltFashionWk

www.facebook.com/cheltenhamfashionweek

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NOVEMBER 2012

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hair doctor

WIN!

7 lucky years for

ENTER TODAY TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A MAKEOVER FOR TWO AT LAURA LEIGH HAIRDRESSING

The prize is a cut, colour, V.I.P treatment and a goody bag for two This month Laura Leigh will be celebrating their 7th year of business. The salon opened in 2005 on Cheltenham’s fashionable Promenade, close to the shops and restaurants.

The boutique salon boasts a chic interior design that will appeal to clients with an eye for style. Its quirky features make it a fashionista’s favourite. The team at Laura Leigh are fabulously fashion forward, offering an exceptional, personal service to every client. So when you visit the salon you can be sure that you’re in very safe hands and that you’ll come away with an on-trend look that suits you.

Customer testimonial “Laura has been looking after my hair for about 10 years now. It always looks great when I leave the salon and what’s more the cut and style last really well. I’m always happy to recommend Laura when people admire my hair (and that happens quite often) also the salon is a really friendly place to have your hair done.”

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HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance to win this amazing prize email your name, address and telephone number to editor@stylemagazines.co.uk before the closing date of December 1st 2012.

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

NOVEMBER 2012

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fashion

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Photographed by www.racheljonesphotography.co.uk at the stunning www.templeguitingmanor.co.uk Hair & make-up (all organic) by www.tabithajameskraan.co.uk Styling & products all by Foundation (www.shopfoundation.com) -Stores in Stow-on-the-Wold & Montpellier, Cheltenham

6

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Captions: 1 Rutzou colourblock dress £225, Nocturne necklace £139, Lola Cruz shoes £139. 2 Harris Wharf jacket £229, Hartford silk/cotton shirt £125, Necklaces £25 each 3 Libelula dress £345, By Malene Birger tuxedo coat £409, Sequin clutch bag £89 4 Hoss Intropia chiffon dress £265 5 Rutzou silk tunic £189, Jucca knit coat £299, Penelope Chilvers boots £395, Bill Skinner acorn & oak leaf silver bracelet £125 6 & 7 European Culture knitted cardigan £165, Penelope Chilvers classic tassle boots £473

NOVEMBER 2012

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A HEARING AID THAT CAN DO IT ALL...

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128 COTSWOLD STYLE

No.1 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QB Web: www.imperialhearing.com Email: info@imperialhearing.com NOVEMBER 2012

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Holidays are coming...

Vinegar Hill opened their doors for a festive evening for customers old and new. Champagne was on hand as Vinegar Hill showed off their Christmas Collections.

s

Photography by Rob Wheatman

NOVEMBER 2012

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ÂŁ25

Cut & Blowd ry!

Please Cotsw quote oldSty le when b your a ooking ppoint ment Offer e 31st J nds an 201 3

THE COURTYARD MONTPELLIER STREET CHELTENHAM GL50 1SR

CALL TODAY ON

01242 269 773 Find us on Facebook facebook.com/beauamis

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/beauamishair

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be our beautiful friends Emma Roberts went to meet three businesswomen whose aim is to experience for themselves, and to deliver to their customers, that essential Joi de vivre…

from a busy working or family life. It may sound a little self-indulgent but Beau Amis allows you to step away from your daily routine and relax in glamorous surroundings, and leave feeling gorgeously glamorous, without having to break the bank.

On a sunny Saturday morning, the salon radiates a warm and welcoming feel. Bijou and beautiful, I want to take

Take a stroll around Cheltenham’s The Courtyard, in Montpellier, and you will discover a heavenly new French treasure. Beau Amis is a Vintage French themed hair salon, developed by three friends who place friendship at the very heart of their business plan.

Claire Middlecote, Gemma Kay and Becky Hannis have worked together for ten years and in their own words say that they “come as a package”! The wonderful working relationship that the three friends share is instantly apparent, as is their determination and drive to operate a successful business. Each and every detail has been carefully considered within the walls of the salon, and you could be forgiven for thinking that you have been transported to a stylish French boulevard. As busy women, we all look forward to being pampered during a hair appointment, and for many of us it comes as a rare escape

being b i in i business b i with ith two t off my best b t friends. The support that we had from family and friends was overwhelming and even now they still drop in with little pieces they have found that fit with the style of the salon.” “It really does feel as though we have moved into a new home together”, Becky says.

“We don’t have children right now and so we invest our time and energy into the business and like to ensure that our clients receive the best possible standard of service. It’s no hardship for us to stay open a little later to accommodate people’s needs.”

The ethos of the salon is to maintain good relationships with customers in order to keep people coming back. The price point is incredibly reasonable and this is no coincidence. “We didn’t want that Pretty Woman moment”, Gemma explains, “Yes, we have put a huge amount of work and effort into the aesthetics, but we didn’t ever want people to look through the window and feel that it would be too expensive for them in any way.”

every piece of décor away with me for my own home, right down to the coffee cups! “We love coming to work”, Gemma explains, “As soon as we saw the property we fell in love, and knew that we had to go for it”. The business opened on September 20th, just two days before Claire got married! “Well, why not?” Claire laughs, “Some people would shy away from that kind of pressure, but that’s the beauty of

With so much time spent in a working environment, this new business really does underline the value of true friendship and the freedom to be creative and deliver a high-end service in an informal manner. Try it for yourself.

01242 269 773 www.beauamis.co.uk

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The Li)le Black Dress Bou(que Ltd

Beautiful Christmas lingerie, swimwear and nightwear

The bou(que offering niche brands where you’ll find something individual and different...

Brands at LBD:

Myrine & Me Indiwoman Angels Never Die Fehu Charli Art on Fashion – as shown in the photo Jolaby Ana Nonza

Jewellery: Hultquist Lalo Bibi Nora Wristart and more

Accessories: Blondie Mania The Old Bag Co. Accessories Lola Rose Scarves Spanx and lots of other tricks of the trade

With lots of exci(ng in-store events promo(ons coming soon, register for our newsle)er, like us on facebook, follow on twi)er and stay in touch.

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@sandradee_uk

NOVEMBER 2012

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Super winter specials The Cotswold Frock Shop has some great value offers this month

Come along to our Stow-on-the-Wold shop and see what we can do for you - we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, friendly personal service - and a fantastic range of outfits.

Capsule Bridal Gown Collection all under £500 plus FREE accessories.

We’re giving away FREE SPARKLY SHOES with Prom Dresses and Evening Wear.

Get 4 bridesmaid dresses for the price of 3 when you buy your wedding dress from us.

1st & 2nd December

DESIGNER WEEKEND

ROMANTICA

Meet the designer!

He’ll be here in the shop to give you a sneak preview of their NEW 2013 Wedding Dresses, at prices from as low as £475.

Over 30 extra dresses in store and he’s bringing along a lovely free gift for every Bride and her Mum who visit this weekend.

LUSNEW Silhouette range PThe

of Bridal Gowns cut especially for Curvy Girls will be here too. 20 new plus size gowns will be in store in sizes from 18-28, and all are available to order in sizes up to 34.

Join us for Bubbly, Canapés and

UNBEATABLE

ONE WEEKEND ONLY PRICES!

LONDON

2/3 Park St, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AQ Stockists of Bridal Gowns including: Intuzuri, Mori Lee, Romantica, Impressions, Ellis, Opulence, Special Day, Forever Yours, Lusan Mandongus, Dessy and Olivia Grace.

Gown prices from £250-£1500.

Occasion Wear by: John Charles, Condici, Ian Stuart, Carla Ruiz Jaego, Sonia Peña, Bernshaw, Ann Balon and more....

01451 832309 www.thecotswoldfrockshop.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012

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www.hollywoodnail.co.uk

| Spa Pedicure | Spa Manicure | Extensions | | Acrylic | Gel | Silk Wrap | Over 300 OPI, Essie, Orly, Creative to choose from...

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OPENING TIMES Mon 10am-6pm Tues, Sat 9.30am-6pm Sun 9.30am-6pm Bank Holidays Closed

38 Dyer Street | Cirencester GL7 2PF Next to La Sanza & Marks and Spencer

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Ellenborough Park Shopping Event

Stall owners came from all over the country to the beautiful Ellenborough Park on the 10th October, for an exclusive shopping event to support Gloucestershire’s Community Foundation.Photography by Kim Youdan

9

1 Lara Fear for Cow Bags. 2 Claire Evans for Beautiful pea green boat and Michaela James from Swedish House. 3 Zouf.biz - home delivered quality french produce. 4 Organiser Helen Hobden. 5 Sabrinafair.com - handbags, scarves, jewellery, home and gifts. 6 Tasting salami at The Real Boar Co. 7 Darren Morris and Susan Vaughan from Celtic Marches Beverages. 8 Jill Douglas and her daughter. 9 Organisers Helen Hobden, Tania Hitchins and Clare Orman with Morgan Dealer representatives Paul Tovey and Nick Barker.

NOVEMBER 2012

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cufflinks | key fobs | tie pins | wallets | money clips | fragrances

Now available from Beards www.beards.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012

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urtees

Meet Amanda Toner (born Surtees), aged 44, female, married with teenagers, living in the Cotswolds, and honest enough to admit that she turns to the social pages each month to see if she’s in the magazine!

Each month she’ll be commenting on a different topic and inviting you to pose your questions to her…

I had a real light bulb moment the other day – it hit me, that as adults, we need to plan to be spontaneous.

It sounds like a contradiction I know, but just hear me out: to be happier in life, we need to make having fun a priority. I mean, just watch any self respecting teenager to see how it’s done – for them, day to day life is just something to get out of the way so they can get on with their serious career of socialising (but this only applies to other people’s children – mine are paragons of virtue….)

Of course we all know teenagers have no right to have such a good time – they have their whole lives to have fun – it’s us hard working parents that deserve a break! But it made me think that maybe there is something we can learn from the kids’ approach. That having fun is a skill that we develop in youth – which can go rusty or even be lost if we don’t keep using it. It takes effort of course – after a long day, often the only thing we feel like is collapsing in front of the TV to watch yet another episode of “supersize vs superskinny” – or some other wonderful educational series. (ahem).

The thing is, adults have to be organised in every part of life – so why can’t we make having fun be one of our priorities? We find time to do the boring but essential stuff, NOVEMBER 2012

like tax the car, sort laundry and go to the dentist – well why don’t we put making ourselves feel good as one of the essentials. Something to be factored in as frequently as a haircut or bikini wax – whichever you need most often – (and that applies to men and women…)

So this month, I encourage you to do something outside your comfort zone (and I don’t mean ordering a Chinese takeaway if you normally get Indian). Go and see a musical, try a tango class, go to a concert with friends, try windsurfing. They might be selfish, they might be inappropriate – who cares. Just as long as they’re things that will definitely put a smile on your face – and then write and tell me about them so I can share your experiences with our other Cotswold Style readers. You never know – you might just end up giving your teenager a run for their money….

Now, onto the next subject…

I can never understand why those articles about decluttering always come up in January. For me the ideal time to organise is autumn.

That back to school feeling of sharp pencils, new uniform and fresh beginnings applies to homes too.

So before Christmas mania kicks off fully, (and your house gets filled up with more, er, stuff), it’s time for you to make some firm (but fair) de-cluttering decisions:

1

Don’t keep too much of anything – just because you get given something for free (Burger King ketchup sachets anyone?) it doesn’t mean you need to keep them.

2

The reason ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’ still holds true, is because it makes finding things a pleasure (“ooh, the sellotape is here in the wrapping drawer”)

3

Keep the coat rack under control – if you don’t you could end up losing a toddler underneath last year’s puffa. Pull everything off and only put back what is in use regularly.

4

’’

Little & often. Better to clean one drawer in 10 mins – than plan to do the whole house in an afternoon (it really doesn’t work - believe me I’ve tried.)

5

Cables – you know you needed them once – but who’s got a clue now? Put them in a bag labelled “uncertain cables” and if you need them in the next year (and I bet you won’t) at least you’ll know where to look. And if you don’t use them – there’s a big skip at recycling just waiting to eat them up. CS

I’d love to know your top tips for decluttering – send in your tips etc to editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

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Gifts Jewellery Christmas Decor Modern Table Top and French Furnishings

Christmas Reindeer

Vintage Ear Clips

Hedgehog Planter

Butler Wilson Vintage

Vintage Snake Bracelet

Christmas Decorations

Antique French Bench

Santas Helpers

Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SW

01242 515509

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Dressed

to impress To celebrate the famous Cheltenham Literature Festival, the traders of Montpellier dressed their windows with themes from books to be judged by the public as well as Cheltenham Festival Director, Chris Pearson and “Style Me Vintage” Author, Naomi Thompson.

The competition was fierce with most businesses going all out to best decorate their windows; with themes from Authors showcasing at the festivals and others depicting classic novels.

Judges’ Vote Winner was RECHERCHER Public Vote Winner was MONDO HAIR SALON

ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2012

Runners up were CHELTENHAM KITCHENERS showing Alice in Wonderland FOUNDATION CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES showing What to look for in Autumn, A Ladybird Book SHOWCASE showing Dodger by Terry Prachett.

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PHOTO: NICK CLARK www.shoottheday.co.uk

shopping

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NE W

Discovering miracles…

NEW! CHELTENHAM’S FIRST 3D/4D ULTRASOUND CLINIC Hello B Baby aby 4D Imaging Imaging S Studios, tu udios, open No November vem mber 2012.

The magic The magic of 4D imag imaging ing has come come to to the hear heartt of the Cotswolds.

Cotswolds o . Take Take a journey journey into into your your o baby’s baby’s own o wn personal nal w world orld and capture capture those se special momen moments ts forever. forevver.

info@hellobaby-cheltenham.co.uk inf fo@hellobab llobaby-cheltenham. am.co.uk b 01242 279924 9924

www.hellobaby-cheltenham.co.uk www .hellobab hellobaby-chelt heltenham.co. o uk Hello-Baby-4D-imaging-studios Hello-Bab o-Baby-4D-imaging-studios studios

Hello Bab Babyy 4 4D IImaging maging SStudios tudios Clarendon Clar endon House 42 Clar Clarence ence SStreet, treet, Cheltenham Cheltenham Gloucestershire Glouc e ershire GL50 3PL est

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review

THE HIDDEN GEM of a Christmas party destination When you live in a certain area, you can become very familiar with the restaurant scene in the locality. So when a little hidden gem rears its head, it can make for a very pleasant surprise.

The Montpellier Chapter, in Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, is well known to most people having opened its doors to the public exactly two years ago this month.

This beautiful regency hotel has become a firm favourite among locals looking to enjoy a bit of great British dining, a top-notch afternoon tea or delicious cocktails in the plush bar area.

Yet even now, two years after opening, different facets of the hotel are making new waves in the dining scene.

The Montpellier Chapter has one of the most stunning private dining rooms in Cheltenham. The act of private dining – i.e eating in a room set apart from the main restaurant - is a phenomenon that has traditionally encompassed a corporate feel.

Historically it was always the businessmen who wanted that privacy so they could secure high-powered deals and discuss the confidential workings of their empire.

Yet over the past few years, private dining has become a trend that friends and family dip into when getting together. And it doesn’t even necessarily need to be for a special occasion.

Raucous pals, a deaf granny, children are all great reasons as to why a bit of your own space is a blessing. Or for those simply requiring somewhere special to create a group party or a diner party ambience, private dining rooms are the perfect solution.

The Drawing Room at The Montpellier Chapter is one such example of a grand space that regularly accommodates groups of up to 14 diners. This Christmas it could be the perfect place for you to gather your friends and family for that annual Christmas get together or shindig.

The Drawing Room is situated on the

‘‘

NOVEMBER 2012

‘A SPECTACULAR CHANDELIER, CREATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE HOTEL

BY TOP GERMAN ARTIST ISABEL HAMM, GIVES THIS SPACE THE WOW FACTOR. ‘

ground floor of the hotel and boasts five full-length Georgian windows that douse the room in natural light. A spectacular chandelier, created exclusively for the hotel by top German artist Isabel Hamm, gives this space the wow factor.

Last month, The Montpellier Chapter unveiled its Christmas menus for its private dining rooms. With no room hire associated with this space, two menus are available ranging from £24.50 per person to £31.50 per person.

The guiding hand of consultant chef and top author, Simon Hopkinson, is what make the culinary offering at this Cheltenham bolt hole so special. He is renowned for his attention to sourcing the best seasonal ingredients and creating simple food cooked to perfection.

A warm crab and leek tart served with watercress, lemon and dill crème friache

is just one of a range of starters appearing on the hotel’s Christmas private dining menus.

Guests could then plump for the traditional roast turkey or maybe try Gressingham duck served with a crisp potato cake, braised red cabbage and port reduction. Other options on the set menus include a pan-fried fillet of wild sea bass, a roast beetroot tart or a roast winter vegetable hotpot served with a white onion cream sauce.

As life toddles on, it is the discovering of these different dining experiences that help keep life from being anything but boring. CS

For more information about private dining at The Montpellier Chapter this Christmas, visit www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com or telephone 01242 527788.

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HANDELSBANKEN CHELTENHAM

Experience the difference

Whether you are a personal or a corporate customer, our aim is to help you identify your goals and develop strategies to achieve them. When you bank with us you can expect a tailor made, traditional yet modern banking service.

Your account is managed on your behalf by your local branch and you benefit from local decisions made quickly.

You will find us in over 100 branches across Great Britain and in 22 countries worldwide.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us at our Cheltenham branch to experience the difference.

Ground Floor, Westmoreland House 80-86 Bath Road, Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 7JT Telephone: 01242 224533 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/cheltenham Handelsbanken is the trading name of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ). Registered in England & Wales No. BR000589. Incorporated in Sweden with limited liability. Registered in Sweden No, 502 007 7862 Head office in Stockholm. Authorised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) and authorised and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Services Authority.

Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Financial Services Authority are available from us on request

146 COTSWOLD STYLE

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travel

Max Le Grand remembers

HONEST ED

who created cultural Toronto London has Harrods while New York has Bloomingdale’s. But as the late Ed Mirvish once proclaimed: “There’s no place, like this place, any place”.

Discerning shoppers along Toronto’s ‘Mink Mile’ often double take in utter disbelief at the garish bargain store along the fashionable Bloor Street. Amidst the classic furniture stores, top haute couture, tailors of repute and classy restaurants, stands a trashy bargain shop at the junction of Bathurst Street. The great and the good visiting Metropolitan Toronto in Canada, have arrived in the vicinity of HONEST ED’S My first visit to this famous emporium was in 1968. Never had I seen so much tacky merchandise in one place. The son of a Lithuanian/Austrian marriage had dreamt of using his natural entrepreneurial skills. Goods were purloined after bankruptcy cases and fire sales. You name it, Ed had it on display.

I was alone in the store on a freezing winter day, perusing the bric-a-brac, when this dapper man stood by my shoulder.

Ed Mirvish introduced himself. I had no intention of making a purchase. Unfazed, Ed invited me into his office. While savouring a coffee, I noticed the walls were festooned with souvenirs and pictures of himself canoodling with stars of stage and screen.

Edwin Mirvish was born at Colonial Beach, Virginia in America during 1914.

Ten years later his entire family moved from running a failed grocery store in Washington, to Toronto where they found accommodation with over fifty other tenants, sharing one bathroom.

There was a time in his youth when he stood on street corners begging “anybody got a dime”. By pooling resources with the rest of the family, Ed helped his wife open a dress shop.

Behind Ed’s impish expression lurked the mind of a showman and opportunist.

Then he embarked upon his own shop; ‘Honest Ed’s’. He then painted a banner NOVEMBER 2012

that screamed “Name your own price.

No reasonable offer refused”. Very soon his growing ‘bargain basement’ drew complaints from neighbours in Markham Street. They were being driven to distraction by the crowds, traffic and general hub-bub. Ed Mirvish was on his way to a fortune.

On that day in 1968, Ed told me the locals reckoned that City Hall in ‘Hog Town’ as Toronto was known, was run by a bunch of village idiots. As if to show the population they had more than straw between their ears, they had commissioned architects to design a revolutionary new local government office building. From above, the two arc shaped edifices looked like the eye of a Manitoulin Indian. The city fathers had made a brave departure from the more traditional ‘shoe box’ architecture of old, with their sparkling glass fronted offices.

In front was a large pond, which in the harsh Ontario winters, froze over to provide workers and visitors an ice skating rink. Today, the CN Tower looms over the city from a mind boggling height of 1,815 feet. Aircraft taking off from the nearby Billy Bishop Airport are below you as they fly over Lake Ontario. Hog Town was dead and buried.

The councillors had laid the foundation for what made Toronto one of Canada’s

more thrusting conurbations. At around that time, Ed was in the mood for expansion. He wanted to demolish the dilapidated habitats adjacent to his store. City Hall banned him from knocking down what they described as ‘historic architecture’.

The bureaucrat’s suggested that he made his neighbours in Markham Street, an offer for their dwellings. So Ed had to revise his ideas.

Thirty years later, I returned to Toronto. Honest Ed’s still stood, brash as ever. Amazingly, he remembered me. As we talked of hard times, we wandered out to Bloor Street. Ed started to beg for dimes. The C$78 he collected in five minutes, went to charity. He was that sort of man. We sauntered down Markham Street, where he had restored those tumble down houses. Now there are small art galleries, boutiques, with studios for artists and sculptors up stairs. Select little book sellers had moved in next to antique shops, intermingled with buddy bars and cafes.

Not only had Ed become the patron of Toronto’s lively theatre scene, he had also inspired a cultural district, the envy of any metropolis in North America. City Hall, whom he had berated on numerous occasions, elected to honour Ed. They rechristened Markham Street to ‘Mirvish Village’. The simple, unorthodox businessman, made a big difference to the lives of many people. Honest Ed’s might be the complete antithesis to the House of Fraser. But believe me; like this vastly contrasting country, the store is worth a visit. CS Rod Gethins of Worlds Apart Travel arranges bespoke tours to Canada.

Contact him on 01 242 226578. www.worldsaparttravel.co.uk

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Santas Fun Run Sunday 2nd

Anticipation...

December 2012 Pittville Park,

Evesham Road, Cheltenham With the proceeds being split equally between the following: Full details at

and

www.santasfunrun.com Santa suits available at:

A Family Fun Day

Enter our 3K Run Jog or Walk around Pittville Park. Entrance fees family of four £10. Individuals £5. Registration from 10am Run begins at 11am For full details of how to enter please go to: www.santasfunrun.com Bring the family for a fun day out with lots of attractions and things to do Santa’s Grotto : Bands : Catering.

Wheelchair accessible with assistance. This event is organised by the Rotary Club of Cheltenham Sunrise and not by the charities involved.

Any queries should be addressed to Tony Smith on: 07802 755 863 or info@sunriserotaryclub.co.uk Rotary Club of Cheltenham Sunrise Trust Fund Registered Charity No. 1051183

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07970 172416 sales@kontikiwines.com

NOVEMBER 2012

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business

Orchestrating business expansion In this series of articles, Brunsdon CEO Brian Morman introduces some of the people that contribute to the company’s success story. This month we meet Commercial Insurance Director, Neville Mills

Neville Mills At a glance…

Title: Commercial Insurance Director Status: Married to Jo, four children – Hannah, Toby, Rebekah and Ruby Hobbies: Gloucester Rugby (watching); Saxophone (playing); Kickboxing (learning) Proud Dad moment: Hannah just enrolled at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts

with Brian Morman Brian Morman ACII ABIBA Dip FA is an Independent Financial Adviser and CEO of Brunsdon Financial Services Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Tel: 01452 623 623 Email: brian.morman@brunsdon.co.uk

Web: www.brunsdon.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2012

It takes more than a little confidence to publicly commit to doubling your business over the next three years, especially when feeling the pinch of the worst global recession in recent times. It also takes more than a little nerve, a whole lot of energy, toughness, enthusiasm – you name it!

At one time, those qualities alone would probably have produced the goods. Not any more. In the modern business world you need to be able to tap into that same hunger that drove you back in the early days. If there’s one person able to do that, it’s Brunsdon’s Commercial Insurance Director, Neville Mills.

Neville came to Brunsdon in 1992. He brought with him the experience of working for other major brokers and a focus that immediately gave the business a shot in the arm. But it was his ‘hunger’ to succeed that impressed me then, and still does today. His portfolio of over 100 corporate clients, built from scratch, is testimony to that.

And what about that 3 year expansion plan? “Standing still is not an option – you may as well be going backwards,” says Nev. “I know it’s a tall order, but we have plans to expand our sales team and the geographical area in which we operate.

Brunsdon has so much to bring to the party. For us, it’s all about personal, one-toone service. Remember that? A lot of other companies seem to have forgotten. I have a terrific team of professionals who’ve completely bought in to the company philosophy of building and nurturing personal relationships with clients.”

Team work plays a major role in Nev’s mind set. Last year, as part of Brunsdon’s Heartfelt charity fundraising initiative, he led a team that successfully took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. This, just six weeks after ditching his crutches, following a leg injury! He told me it was the single,

hardest thing he’d ever done, but one of the most satisfying.

“I can’t describe the sense of achievement and elation,” he said. “It wasn’t just the physical challenge – it was the fact that we’d raised well over £6,000 for charity. You just can’t buy that sort of experience.”

Nev’s always been big on challenges. He played serious National League Volleyball until a knee injury put paid to that. Then, following involvement in an am-dram production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, in which he played the lead role, he helped form a band in which he sang lead vocals and played a mean saxophone.

His biggest sporting passion is rugby.

Gloucester Rugby, of course! “I make full use of Brunsdon’s corporate entertainment box at Kingsholm, but follow the team everywhere, at home and abroad. I’m like a stick of rock. Cherry and white through and through. Even my wedding was themed cherry and white – clothes, table plans – everything. The story made headlines in one of the Club’s home match programmes.”

Always one to push himself, and notwithstanding his ‘dodgy’ knee, Nev’s just taken up kickboxing! You know, it’s just this sort of determination and drive that convinces me his vision to double commercial insurance production in three years will happen. I’ll let Nev have the last word: “The ability to adapt rapidly to change and new technology has been a key factor in our success. Our reputation means we’ve always had the leading insurance companies on our side and that allows us to design and deliver smarter solutions for our customers – on time and within budgetary constraints. I intend to make sure a lot more businesses within the region can take advantage of what we have to offer.” CS

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‘Common Law’ marriage Couples who are moving in together, or purchasing a property for the first time, probably won’t want to think about the possibility of ever breaking up which is completely understandable.

Having said that, the nature of a family lawyer’s job means that we see the grim reality of what can happen when relationships sadly come to an end. With more and more people deciding to live together without getting married, we are seeing in increase in disputes between cohabiting couples.

Many people still believe that there is such a thing as ‘common law’ marriage, when in fact this is nothing more than an urban myth. When an unmarried couple separates, their financial arrangements will be governed by the laws relating to property and children.

The details of their relationship will become less significant.

For example, a man who moves into a house owned solely by his partner may start to contribute to mortgage or bill payments, thinking that he is doing what is fair. If they break up years later, his partner may expect him to leave with nothing to show for his contributions, whereas he may feel that this is unjust.

He has made a financial contribution so why should he not be rewarded for it?

with Hannah Perry This can lead to a dispute between the parties and the Court may then have to decide whether his contributions have led to him generating a beneficial interest in the property. Such a decision will be based on what the Court concludes to be the intentions of the parties taking into consideration their actions.

If that couple had entered into a Cohabitation Agreement when he first moved in, they could have recorded their intentions from the outset. They might have agreed that he was never going to acquire an interest in the house.

Alternatively, they might decide that his contributions to the mortgage would create a trust, rewarding him for building up some equity in the property. Either way, there would be a record of their intentions on which they could both rely and which hopefully would avoid what could well be a lengthy and messy dispute later on.

Cohabitation Agreements are also useful in circumstances where a couple are purchasing a property together

“WHEN AN UNMARRIED COUPLE SEPARATES, THEIR FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS RELATING TO PROPERTY AND CHILDREN. THE DETAILS OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WILL BECOME LESS SIGNIFICANT. jointly. One party may have been carefully saving up for a deposit for a few years, whereas the other party may have no savings to put towards a deposit.

In the absence of any agreement to the contrary, if they purchase the property jointly they are likely to each be entitled to half of the equity if they sell the property later, regardless of their initial contributions. The Cohabitation Agreement can record the initial contributions and the shares in which the beneficial title to the property is held to reflect these contributions, even if the legal title is held jointly.

A thorough, clear and well-drafted Cohabitation Agreement is a form of contract between two people. It should be binding and enforceable in accordance with the principles of contract law. Interestingly, we have yet to see a case go through the Courts which tests the validity of such an agreement to know how the Court views the same.

Of course, that might just be because they work so well in helping people to avoid disputes upon separation! CS For further information and advice, please contact Hannah Perry on 01242 246433 or email Hannah at hannah.perry@rickerbys.com

NOVEMBER 2012

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Local | National | International

Meet Mathew Waddington and the Family Law team

This is Mathew Waddington, a highly experienced Divorce Solicitor and partner within the nationally renowned Family Law team at Harrison Clark.

He is a member of the highly regarded Children’s Law Society Panel. He has an enviable reputation for his knowledge of Children’s Law and has experience from Family proceedings courts, up to and LQFOXGLQJ 7KH &RXUW RI $SSHDO +LV FDVHORDG LQFOXGHV $SSOLFDWLRQV IRU 5HVLGHQFH &RQWDFW 6SHFLÀF ,VVXH and Prohibited Steps orders, as well as applications for permanent removal from the United Kingdom. +H LV DOVR DQ H[SHUW LQ RWKHU DUHDV RI )DPLO\ ODZ LQFOXGLQJ 'LYRUFH DQG WKH ÀQDQFLDO FRQVHTXHQFHV RI relationship breakdown.

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

Cheltenham T: 01242 269198 F: 01242 584195

Hereford Ross-on-Wye T: 01432 349670 T: 01989 562377 F: 01432 349660 F: 01989 565961

info@harrison–clark.co.uk www.harrison–clark.co.uk

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Other Services Insolvency Litigation Personal Injury Residential Property

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

Worcester T: 01905 612001 F: 01905 744899

Our Membership

Authorised and regulated by the SRA

Our Directories

Our Quality

NOVEMBER 2012

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charity of the month

Hammer Out brain tumours Hammer Out, a local charity that supports brain tumour patients, their carers and families will soon be celebrating its 10 year anniversary….

What is the charity’s ethos?

Hammer Out is the South West’s only brain tumour charity, one of the UK’s leading brain tumour charities and a pioneer in supporting all those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

Based in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire the charity was started

by Tina Mitchell Skinner after her husband, Paul Mitchell, was diagnosed with a fast-growing brain tumour in 2001. Having experienced first-hand the lack of local information or support the couple founded Hammer Out in 2002. Paul died in January 2003, aged just 37, after a valiant 18-month battle.

Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is a devastating, frightening experience and life changes overnight, for the patient and those around them. Some 3,500 people lose their lives to brain tumours every year. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender or background. There is no clear cause and sadly the prognosis is often short.

To meet our aims we: • Reach out with information and support services to let patients and their families know they are not alone • Facilitate support groups throughout the South West and Midlands – including a very vibrant group in Cheltenham – where patients, family, carers and friends can find information, friendship and comfort • Offer counselling services through our own dedicated patient and family support workers Challenges for 2012-2013:

• 2013 marks Hammer Out’s 10th year – we aim to use our anniversary to raise awareness and understanding of the NOVEMBER 2012

Above: Tiffany Jones (from Sainsbury’s Oakley branch in Cheltenham), Rosemary Wormington (Hammer Out Patient & Family Support Worker) and Marie Scurfield (Cheltenham Support Group member).

impact of brain tumours on patients and their families • We want Hammer Out to become better known and better supported so that we can help the growing numbers who need us • Hammer Out needs to raise £400,000 each year to provide all its services effectively. The charity receives no Government support and is dependent on the fundraising of its supporters

Your latest fundraising efforts?

• As well as Christmas cards we are selling our 2013 calendar (£5) designed and photographed by two local women, both of whom have undergone surgery to remove brain tumours • We are raising awareness among people and businesses who will support our charity for 2013 through a fundraising event or by making us their “charity of

the year” – we’re especially delighted that Sainsbury’s Oakley branch in Cheltenham is partnering us as their chosen local charity to support for 2012/13 • We are planning a major fundraising day – Bandanas for Brain Tumours – on 1 March 2013, the start of Brain Tumour Awareness Month • We are inviting people to join in our fundraising activities – from fashion shows to skydives How can people support Hammer Out? * By calling our fundraising team to discuss how you or your company could help us raise vital funds and how we can support your efforts * By donating via our website * By making a text donation; Text HOBT11 £2/£5/£10 (e.g. HOBT11 £5) to 70070. CS www.hammerout.co.uk Tel: 01454 414355

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dining in style Discover delicious recipes from our regular food writers, plus reviews of The Cotswolds’ finest restaurants...

Sponsored by

Savills Cheltenham The Quadrangle | Cheltenham | GL50 1PZ

01242 548000 cheltenham@savills.com

savills.co.uk

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Cheltenham

open from 7th november

talented chefs

health & beauty experts

butchers & fishmonger

artisan in-house bakers

locally sourced produce

cheese & charcuterie

www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk gallagher retail park gl51 9rr www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk Š (2012) Whole Foods Market IP, L.P.

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food

super

Putting the back into super market… whole foods market opens in cheltenham After much anticipation, Whole Foods Market is set to open on Wednesday 7th November in Cheltenham on the Gallagher Retail Park and will offer shoppers a new and exciting, all-natural way to shop food, drink, health and beauty products This is Whole Foods Market’s first store in England outside of the five existing London stores (plus one in Glasgow) and puts it firmly on the map at the heart of Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. With its American heritage and being the world’s largest natural retailer, many may be surprised to find over 330 locally sourced products from Gloucestershire as well as a staggering 50 products just from Cheltenham itself; but this is one of the many things that stands Whole Foods Market apart from its competition.

Besides local produce the store will also have its own cookery demonstration centre – The ‘Acorn’ as well as an indoor and outdoor café and children’s play area. There will be an on-going programme of events showcasing the best seasonal food and drink as well as masterclasses, supper clubs and kids activities. It will be a family friendly onestop shop where everything you need will be available under one roof.

WHAT’S IN STORE Shoppers entering the store for the first time will see what makes Whole Foods Market different. Fresh, locally sourced food will tempt them in and as Whole Foods Market deliberately sells the majority of its fresh produce loose and unwrapped to encourage its shoppers to feel it for ripeness and quality, it should smell great too. To keep the produce looking its best all day shoppers will find a ‘wet wall’ gently spraying a mist over the greens; whilst a cut vegetables section will offer a convenient way of taking home vegetables ready to cook.

The fresh produce section is where the store’s fresh juice bar lives making juices and smoothies to order including the ‘Double Green’ and the ‘Cranberry NOVEMBER 2012

Blitzen’ – packed with nutrients to get your day going with a real ‘zing’!

HEALTH AND BEAUTY Beyond food, drink, coffee, home made bread and fantastic juices, Whole Foods Market is also known for its commitment to stocking the best natural health and beauty body care and supplements. We seek out products that reflect the latest innovations in the market and all the products sold meet the strictest standards for products safety. They are also kind to the environment and ensure excellent results.

Well known natural brands for men and women including Melvita, Balance Me and Ren will sit alongside lesser known products sourced especially for Whole Foods Market under our own ‘Exclusives’ brand. Our Health & Beauty team have been collecting the best European products that don’t yet appear anywhere else in the UK for this exciting new offering and here you’ll find Danish award winning organic products alongside the best US natural brands.

There will also be the opportunity for shoppers to have their complexions analysed by the state- of- the- art VISIA machine which photographs skin to reveal any imperfections. It’s not as scary as it sounds and our high trained team members are on hand to offer advice to help minimise skin damage.

LOCAL INSPIRATION Whole Foods Market always hopes its stores take inspiration from the people and places immediately on its doorstep.

In Cheltenham Whole Foods asked a group of well known local chefs to provide us with an impressive, but simple to prepare recipe of local ingredients to inspire our shoppers. So far chefs from restaurants, pubs and hotels in the Cotswold as diverse as The Kingham Plough, Ellenborough Park, The Suffolk Kitchen and Purslane as well as Hobbs House bakery who supply Whole Foods, have all provided content for a new series of recipe cards that shoppers will find at the entrance to the store. CS

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WINE BAR

Indulge with us this Christmas. Let us pour you a great glass of wine whilst our chef whisks you up a magical, festive feast.

Need a Venue for your

Christmas Party?

Whether with family, colleagues or friends old and new, get together and celebrate at Montpellier Wine Bar. We’ve got this festive season all wrapped up.

STARTERS Honey Roast Parsnip Soup, Parsnip Crisps Confit Duck & Red Onion Terrine, Spiced Chutney Smoked Salmon Done Properly, Homemade Brown Bread Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Tartlet, Rocket Salad

MAINS Roast Free Range Turkey, Chestnut, Lemon & Thyme Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets, Roast Winter Vegetables, Port & Cranberry Gravy Roast Sirloin of Beef, Brandy & Peppercorn Sauce Pan Seared Fillet of Sea Bass, Served in a Seafood Broth, Ribboned Courgettes & Carrots Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil Risotto, Parmesan Crisps

DESSERTS

With December rapidly filling up, it’s time to start thinking about booking up for your Christmas party, over the past 17 years we have built up great experience and reputation on hosting a great range of Christmas parties, suitable for everyone, whether you need a table for 2 or 150, we take the hassle out of your special day.

We are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner!

STORY TELLER

Great Location, Brilliant Atmosphere, Wonderful Food...

Whatever you are in the mood for you will find it.

Baileys & White Chocolate Cheesecake, Crunchy Ginger Nut Base Rum & Raisin Panna Cotta, Caramelised Banana Lemon Tart Served with a Raspberry Coulis/Basil Syrup Local Blue Cheese, Melba Toast, Apple Compote

Enquiries and Bookings please call: 01242 527774

Montpellier Wine Bar, Bayshill Lodge, Cheltenham. GL50 1SY Telephone: 01242 527 774 enquiries@montpellierwinebar.com

montpellierwinebar.com

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Restaurant and Wine Room 11 North Place, Cheltenham, GL50 4DW

01242 250343 Follow @StorytellerRest www.facebook.com/StorytellerRestaurant NOVEMBER 2012

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recipe with Ali Nightingale

Luscious L emon Curd Cake

Nothing’s ea dr ummed sier than a sponge.

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NOVEMBER 2012

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wine tipster

Portugal:

Engage your taste buds Wagers Portugal Portuguese wines have so much to offer and yet for many vino fans the road of discovery is still a drive ahead. Yet there is so much to delight your taste buds, whether you looking for refreshing, zingy, crisp whites from Vinho Verde in the north like Quinta de Azevedo 2011, £6.49, Waitrose, or seriously high quality reds from Dao, with the Douro not only rightly famous for port but refined reds mainly dominated by Touriga Nacional – the blue riband of Portuguese red grape varieties - and increasingly in The Wine Tipster’s view complex, premium whites from producers like Wine & Soul and Quinta do Crasto . Travelling on to Lisbon, introduce your palate to the dynamic regions of Tejo and Lisboa, then further south you reach the beautiful, Alentejo region, which is a huge area above the Algarve, covering a third of Portugal and yet only housing a twentieth of the population.

Alentejo has some stunning white and reds on offer including the wonderful wines made by Aussie winemaker David Baverstock at Herdade de Esporão - try his white Herdade de Esporão Reserva 2011 or his single varietal Quatro Castas range.

Check into Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in Albernôa, stay the night, attend the cookery school and savour some barrel fermented white Malhadinha 2011. A near neighbour is Herdade dos Grous, another pretty place to stay to take in the views and enjoy a glass of Herdade dos Grous Reserva 2009.

Moving on, make sure you enjoy a stay at Herdade de Sobroso near to Maremlar, visit the Amiera Marina, with the tranquillity of the Great Lake and its Lakeside Villages and spend a night at the grand Pousada Sta Isabel in Estremoz. In Estremoz, there are two NOVEMBER 2012

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Macon Villages 2011, abv 12.5%, Burgundy, France, £6.99.

Really good value Chardonnay aperitif white, with fresh, creamy, citrus flavours.

Massaya Rosé 2011, abv 13.5%, Bekka Valley, Lebanon, £12.99 or £12.34 when purchasing any 12 mixed bottles. Stockist: Oxford Wine Company First class smooth, medium bodied pink, with soft red fruits, peaches and a tangy finish. One of the best rosés of 2012.

important wineries you need to visit: João Portugal Ramos, his Ramos Reserva 2011, £8.49, buy 2 Portuguese wines save £3 (excludes fortifieds), Majestic is a bargain and the supreme Dona Maria, who captivate with their whites and reds. Other wine producers to include on your road trip are Solar dos Lobos and Sonho Lusitano. If you are looking for a lovely winter break, with

Events Discover a World of Difference Wines of Portugal Tasting with The Wine Tipster Join The Wine Tipster for a wonderful, fun and entertaining journey around the wine regions of Portugal.

November 8th, The Oxford Wine Company, West Way, Cirencester, 7.00pm-9.00pm Tel: 01285 – 659792 www.oxfordwine.co.uk Wine and Vinyl Matching Evening!

At the London Jazz Festival The Wine Tipster ran a very successful Wine,

Top Tipster

Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, abv 13.5%,Valle Central, Chile, £7.99 Stockist: Waitrose Part of the high quality Concha y Toro group, this red is a great introduction to South American Cabernet Sauvignon, packed with cassis, ripe dark fruits and spice, making it a great match with steak.

quality wine tourism, beautiful scenery, fine cuisine, well surfaced unpopulated roads then get over to Alentejo and engage in first gear or, if the passport is staying in the drawer, support Vini Portugal in the UK! The Wine Tipster travelled with Sunvil, specialists in tailor- made holidays to Portugal. Call 0208 – 758 – 4722. Web: www.sunvil.co.uk CS www.thewinetipster.co.uk twitter.com/ TheWineTipster Canapés and Jazz Matching session.

The wonderful people who organise Choc Live in Charlbury have invited this ex punk rocker and devoted music fan to select eight wines to match a range of 45rpm and 33rpm vinyl selections brought along by the audience on Friday 30th November at Charlbury Memorial Hall, start time 8pm (doors open 7.30pm) www.chocfilms.info/ Tickets now available for £8 from: www.wegottickets.com/choc or Evenlode Books Tel: 01608 - 819117

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restaurant review with Shelle Duffin

The Ultimate Co mfort

At this time o f year, I crave anything that the cold at bay will keep ; predictably, the thermals • 750ml red w log fire blazin are on, the ine g away; which only calls for • 1 pint beef vital element stock one more - nourishing re cipes that will • 3tbsp redcur comfort and deliver rant jelly warmth to m y belly during • 4 bay leaves nights. With th the wintery e change in cl • A few sprigs imate comes new stance to a whole of thyme grat my cooking m ed • 1tbsp plain ethod, as muc decadent and flour h as I love exquisite, at th • Olive oil is time of year dishes that po , I crave ssess a bit mo re of a backb • 25g butter this, I mean di one. By gging out the crockpot, thro • Salt and pep array of roug per wing in an hly chopped in gredients and • Secret Ingred of naughtines a good slug ient: 50g dark s of the alcoh olic variety, an chocolate, fin to slowly bub ely d leaving it ble away for h ours whilst m rumbles like an y stomach erupting volc Method: ano in anticip beauty of slow ation. The -cooking is th P at ut the venison once the ingr are combined edients into a bowl w , you can just ith red wine, ga leave it until yo berries, carro to indulge, wh ts, thyme, bay rlic, juniper u’re ready ich after a grue le av es, a little oliv se lling day in th ason with salt a delicious trea e oil and e office is and pepper. M t to come hom ix and place in marinade over e to. Slow-coo brilliant way o night. the fridge to king is a f cooking any T m he next day, re eat; like many allowing it to move the ven things, take its time b ison from the rings out the off, season an and in this ca marinade, dry best results d coat with fl se, succulence o ur . is In key in produci a pan, heat but ‘melt in your ng a mouth’ sensa te r w ith a little oliv tion. onion, cookin e oil; add garl As for ingred g for a few m ic and ients, with the inutes until th b ef game season prime, I urge o re ad di e onion soften n g the bacon la now in its you to steer aw s rdons – cooki Add the venis ay from the ev meats and po ng until golden on, ensuring yo eryday ultry and take . u ad b A ro dd va range, organic wn off each p ntage of the fr carrots, chestn iece. treats on offer ee uts, button an with a tablesp , sourced from d countryside. V porcini mush oon of flour our local ro enison in parti oms, before adding Allow to simm cular holds a slightly richer the porcini st flavour er and pick up than beef, alth ock. the thickness Pour in the re ough it is a lo making it idea from the flour t leaner, mainder of th l for diets. Th . e marinade m is, teamed wit the redcurran seasonal ingred ixture and add h other t jelly and grat ients such as ed ch Se ch o as es colate. mushrooms, m on and simm tnuts and wild er for 5 minut akes for a fan dissolve and th es, allowing th tastic combin will warm the ation that e jelly to e flavours com cockles. bine.

Oven cooking All casseroles, – using a cass in order to ac erole dish, co on 160ºC, rem hieve their fu potential, sho ok for 2 hour oving, stirring ll uld be served s and tasting hal with a genero co o mash potato ki n g. f way through us dollop of to absorb the tasty sauce; a Slow cooker – or TV program good movie place on a low me on the box heat and cook stirring and ta (my personal would be Dow for 6-8hours sting occasion choice nton Abbey) – ally and a snug so the overall co fa to add to mforting exp erience.

NB: you may wish to add m ore wine or se asoning to tast Venison Cassero e.

Serve with par le with Porcini sn ip, carrot and Mushrooms an swede mash an brussel sprout d Chestnuts s (you either h d a bowl of at e lo them or love ve r) Serves 6 them, I’m a Wine Sugges • 1.5kg diced tion – a sturdy shoulder of ve French Burgu nison • 300g smoke ndy. d bacon lardo ns Writer’s reco • 2 onions, fin m m ely chopped endation – I Robin Jenkins get all my Ven • 2 garlic clov the butcher o ison from es, crushed n the Bath Ro sourced from • 6 juniper ber ad , th C heltenham e Withington E ries, crushed and the friendl state, it’s exce • 300g chante lle y n b t quality nay carrots utchers are al ways on hand helpful tips! CS • 30g porcini to offer mushrooms, dr ied and soak in 100ml of wat er For more reci • 250g button pes and tips, mus follow me on @ShelleDuff • 200g cooked/ hrooms Twitter – in or Facebook peeled chestn – Food Writer/ uts Cook, plus ch Shelle Duffin – eck out my n myboiledegg ew blog – sandsoldiers @blogspot.co m

NOVEMBER 2012

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A La Carte 3 courses for ÂŁ30 Light meals and lunches from just ÂŁ5

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Fresh British Seafood paired with local Cotswold produce

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restaurant review

The Grapevine Hotel, Stow-on -the -W o ld

Reviewed by Te Set in a beautif ul 17th Century rry Urk building, The Grapevine Hot el is one of the places that give on-the-Wold its a char ming qu Stowality and also a wealth of char acter. source of amus when it deposi Situated towar ement ted one of its le ds the rear of the hotel is the aves into my Conservatory re guest’s lap. staurant which , as the name suggests, has a Now for the fo glass roof with od. To start, w the 150 year ol e went for one grapevine, com an d one fish to sam d meat plete with ench ple two differen anting fairy lig meandering be sm t tastes. The ok ed salmon tartare hts, neath. is exactly that, crème fraiche an As my guest an served with d I took our se d ch iv es it’s a very tasty ats for dinner w were war mly gr re fr es hi and ng dish to kick e eeted by our w things off. The aitress and hand our menus whi du ck sm sa oked lad, which can ed ch comprise a run the risk of select and invitin starters, five m little overpower being a g five ains and five de in g, is perfectly sm sserts. This appe to me as there complimented oked and aled are dishes to su really well by a it st any mood or ta ra without the rigm w dr berry vinegar es si ng giving it a light ste arole of trawlin feel. g through som reminiscent of Fo r th e mains, the lu ething a phone book. re of red meat Equally, the win offers a good se for either of us was too much e list lection of old to resist. The ch an d new world w ar at reasonable pr st gr ea ill k ed rib eye is really well seas ines ices from which oned and almos I chose a smoo and fr uity Chile m el ts t literally in the mouth and th an Cabernet Sa is accompanied uvignon. old friend in cr As we waited fo by a good isp and fluffy ha r our starters I nd was able to take the restaurant’s on cu e t ch to ips. A new m e is the honey in decor which roast duck dish is a mix of cont so m et .

A hi lthough it’s ng I’ve tried many emporary times before, as style displayed th e bu tt er I have y fondant pota by the simple to that sat alon yet elegant blac gside the k seats with duck, I have ne crisp white tabl ver tried it ecloths and sa t on a bed of br classic features aised like the cabbage and ba grand piano an co n which d hand contrasts brillia painted, rustic ntly with the countryside other rich elem scenes on the w ents. At the all. tim e I mentioned Of course the it had a grapevine resemblance to itself gives the sa ue rkraut restaurant and it became apparent where the idea had co me from when we met the head chef Gabriel (pictured left) from Romania !

Dessert was a classic apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream...sweet, spiced, sticky an d all around supe rb.

This restaurant is very welcom ing with an easy going atmosph ere and serves go od which you may food, some of not have tried before. Well w visit, be it for an orth a evening meal or a bite to eat at end of a long da the y’s work. CS The Grapevin e Hotel Sheep Street Stow-on-the-W old Gloucestersh ire GL54 1AU Tel +44 (0)145 1 830 344 Email stay@th egrapevinehot el.com

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S For very fir the st time

We are CHRIST open on MAS D AY!

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AUTUMN DELIGHT

The refreshing honeyed fruit flavours make this crisp and simple cocktail the perfect autumn aperitif.

Ingredients

Teaspoon of brown sugar 37.5ml Bison Grass Vodka 50ml Apple juice 12.5ml Honey Half lime cut in quarters

Method

Crush together the limes and sugar Fill half a glass with crushed ice Pour over Vodka, Honey and Apple juice, then churn to mix And top with fresh blackberries

Enjoy an Autumn Delight in our mezzanine Circle Bar anytime throughout November.

Christmas Teas Throughout December We will be offering Festive High Tea for Two, including a glass of Prosecco and a stand full of homemade Christmas treats including turkey and stuffing sandwiches, cranberry scones, a selection of festive fancies and a choice of loose leaf teas.

Bookings taken from 3-5pm Monday-Saturday throughout December (excluding Boxing Day).

Party sizes up to 12 guests may order on the day.

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“We can’t win them all”

interview

Mike Mellor is MD of Space Catering Equipment, a company which has had a hand in the creation of some of the most innovative and high profile places to eat and drink in the country. Mike started Space in 2000, and it has grown into a thriving local business, set to turn over £12 million in 2012 and now employing 30 people

WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?

In the mid-eighties, when he was 18, Mike moved from his home town of Nottingham to Cheltenham to work with an old mate who had purchased a window blind franchise. He got his first taste of the catering industry in a job pulling pints in his local pub. At the time, a local business called Mid-West Catering Equipment was enjoying a roaring trade buying up large commercial kitchens and reconditioning the equipment to sell on.

The two directors of Mid-West were regulars in the pub and became firm friends. Unhappy with the rock and roll world of window blinds, Mike jumped at the chance to join the team. His first mission was to drive a lorry to Bournemouth and assist with clearing out a large commercial kitchen. Although immediately fascinated by the weird and wonderful array of equipment he found there, getting stuck into the cleaning when he got it back to Mid-West’s Cheltenham depot was a far cry from the glamorous restaurants where the equipment often originated.

Having joined the industry at the beginning of the eat-out revolution, Mike would pour through the pages of The Caterer every week to read about the big London openings like Quaglinos. He saw restaurants change all over the country from 30–40 cover bistrot style venues to huge 200 cover super restaurants with much greater emphasis on interior design and theatre. It was a fantastic opportunity there for the taking.

He quickly got to know about the different types of equipment, and moved into the sales side ending up as a director of the business. In 1996, Mid-West was taken over by PKL Group whose major strengths were in catering equipment and kitchen hire.

With PKL’s major focus and success coming from hire, Mike wanted to

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GROWING THE BUSINESS

exploit the sales market and make more of the design side of the business, offering a service that started at the very beginning of a project and ended with the handover of a complete scheme.

With this in mind, he led the management buyout of PKL’s equipment and design division in May 2000 to create Space Catering Equipment.

Starting with a team up to 13, early clients included, Center Parcs, The Eden Project, Peach Pubs and CH&Co (then Charlton House Catering). Space picked up an Investors in People award in just ten months, turned over £2.5 million and was profitable, all in year one.

Since then the business has gone from strength to strength and gained a strong reputation for front of house work, designing and supplying large counter schemes with an emphasis on style and functionality, as well as applying a level of design expertise not seen before in the sector. Nowadays, the business also has its own furniture division and offers a seamless interior fitout package as well the kitchen work.

The design side of the business has been key to the company’s success and Space use the latest CAD software to create three dimensional visuals and ‘walkthroughs’, making it much easier for clients to visualise the end result. Space is still breaking new ground with this technology and using it to create outstanding work for a huge range of different clients across the leisure, pub, hotel, education and fine dining sectors.

It recently launched an innovative ‘Green Footprint’ scheme which helps restaurateurs and caterers identify and make best use of energy savers and eco-friendly equipment in the kitchen.

The scheme means operators can reduce their energy consumption and with it their environmental impact.

As well as their work across the country Space retain a very strong presence in Gloucestershire and Mike is passionate about local business. He is an active member of the local group of Beacon status companies and is also on the board of the Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce. “We work closely with local business and strive to ensure we are first choice in the county for all significant projects. We can’t win them all but I hate it when local work slips through our fingers!” Recent major local projects include Ellenborough Park, Montpellier Chapter Hotel, Montpellier Brasserie, Lumiere, All Saints Academy, Cheltenham Ladies College, Pittville School, Cotswold School and the new Wholefoods site to name but a few. CS Space Catering Equipment Ltd, Barnwood Point, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 3HX Tel: 01452 383000. www.spacecatering.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2012

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s

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ti or sp

sporting style This month in Sporting Style we talk to Elonex Sports managing director, Christian Clayton and personal trainer Jodie Hart, Shane Duff and look at Paddy Power contender Hunt Ball...

Sponsored by

01242 573327 www.jsfacilitiesgroup.co.uk

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sporting style

From to

Muddy Boots Business Suits

Gloucester Rugby have teamed up for a second year with leading made-tomeasure suit company, Suit the City, to kit out some of Britain’s finest rugby players as well as the management team, in stylish Savile Row suits. As a result, the players and the management team are creating waves. Chris Ferguson, Managing Director of Gloucester Rugby says, “The team love their suits and feel confident and well-dressed for their off the field role; as a management team we look smart and professional. When we meet corporate sponsors, clients and club guests, we are definitely creating a great first impression”.

Sallie Belton, Technical Director says, “We have really enjoyed working with the team, even though measuring more than 50 players in two days was extremely challenging. We usually spend at least an hour with our clients and have never had to contend with an audience of excitable team-mates before!” She adds, “I have had many offers of help NOVEMBER 2012

Muddy boots and business suits are words rarely seen on the same page, but image is all-important today and at Gloucester Rugby, they take business seriously with measuring up the squad, but the job isn’t as glamorous as it sounds, Carol (my M.D.) spent the entire time rounding up players before, during or after training.” We say it’s a hard job but someone had to do it!

So now Gloucester Rugby is the best dressed team in the Premiership and the boys and girls love their suits.

Anna Mitchell, Marketing Manager says, “I found the service that Suit the City provides professional and friendly. My bespoke suit fits perfectly and the detailing and finishing touches are fantastic – by far one of my favourite suits in my wardrobe.”

Suit the City offer an exclusive personal service for men and women providing beautifully tailored, affordable, made-to-measure suits and separates using the best of British and European

fabrics as used by Savile Row tailors. Suit prices range from £399 upwards and are available in a wide variety of designs, fabrics and all are made to measure. CS www.suitthecity.com or call Carol & Sallie 01242 807110

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interview

Set photons to stun…

Eric Barton sees the light with Elonex Sports Managing Director, Christian Clayton Electroluminescence is an awfully big word. It’s a word that’s reminiscent of long, tiresome school days wondering what the physics teacher was banging on about. In fact it’s all about electrons releasing energy. Sounds a bit Star Trekky doesn’t it?

There’s nothing tiresome about the stunning effect that this invention has had on business, especially on the 50th anniversary of its discovery. In 1962 when The Beatles had their first hit with Love Me Do and James Bond premiered on to our screens in Dr No, a certain American scientist (Nick Holonyak) invented the first useful LED (light emitting diode). The shimmering success of LED’s has gone on to affect all our lives in one way or another and none more than that of the Managing Director of Elonex Sports.

In the early nineties Christian Clayton spearheaded two publishing groups called Arrow and Arena Sports. These tandem operations were successfully supplying a number of local authorities with everything from hand books, to local maps and yearbooks. During this period Christian Clayton spotted a huge gap in the market to manage and sell the

advertising rights at a number of stadiums. It was a very shrewd move, as most of the local stadiums in the UK at the time were operated by the local councils; the very same local councils that Christian Clayton already had a business relationship with. This timely manoeuvre ended up with Christian and his team managing over five thousand advertising hoardings in the UK. The writing was literally on the wall. Christian Clayton comments,’ it was a natural move for us to push the business more towards the stadium activity of our operation’.

Arena Sports began to embrace the digital age in order to promote their clients advertising ‘stadium based offer’.

’’

“THE SHIMMERING SUCCESS OF LED’S HAS GONE ON TO AFFECT ALL OUR LIVES IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER AND NONE MORE THAN THAT OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ELONEX SPORTS.”

NOVEMBER 2012

Enter stage right the LED. It’s this very technology that we see as advertising messages continually change around stadiums. It’s also this mixture of released energy that supplies the imagery for the huge screens at sports grounds and pop concerts. LED’s were the future. Christian Clayton knew this and decided to expand the operation into this area and garner a suitable technology - based business partner to enable this. A long - standing relationship with Nick Smith of Elonex (the e touch Android folk) facilitated this meteoric growth and in 2010 Elonex Sports was born, with its head office in Worcester and a call centre in Lytham St Annes.

Currently at some premiership football grounds clients are paying up to £34K per minute to have their messages beamed to the captive crowds. Christian Clayton further comments,’ although we have a solid client base spread over a number of sectors, I’m keen to make this form of advertising accessible for the high street. I want to deliver a top -notch product at a great value price and support local businesses where I can. In fact some of these packages can be as low as £75.00 per week’. He goes to say, ’the face of the high street will be transformed and I want to ensure that Elonex Sports is leading the way with this change’.

And the good news for the economy is that Elonex Sports has now decided to manufacture in the UK. Christian Clayton comments, ’this is simply the wisest spend I know, investing in people right here in the UK’.

So you see having some photons on your side can make for a stunning, shimmering success. CS For more information www.elonex.com

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HD Vi Video deo Con Conferencing Conferencin ferencin ng Servic ng Service e now iin n Chelte nham Cheltenham The leading g video conferencing conferenccing service in th the he region The Axonex Vide Video eo Conferencing Conferencing fe service is located in Eagle Tower, Toweer, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

To Gloucesttershire.

This new servicee is based on the market leading Cisco TeleP TelePrese nce technology, ensuring ensuring a HD TelePresence quality experience experience for or requ uiring a person-to-person person-to-perso on video conferencing fe so olution on organisations requiring solution an ad-hoc or reg gular basis. regular

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Reduce travel expenses exxpenses Connect to any video conferencing sy ystem worldwide system Connect to multiple video conferencing systems at the same time

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Refreshments ava available ilable Can be booked byy the hour (long term packages packag ges available) Car parking available available

WebEx available Available 07.30 – 19.00 Monday – Friday*

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Axonex Ltd. Sixth Floor, F Eagle Tower, To Montpellier Drive, Drive, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gloucestersh hire, GL50 1TA TA Telephone 01242 53 35 772 or email 535 © Axonex 2012 The Axonex logo is a registered r trademark of Axonex A Limited. All other brands and tr trademarks rademarks acknowledged

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style event

See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Hatherley Manor Charity Pink Tie Ball

A pink tie ball was held at Hatherley Manor in aid of Breast Cancer campaign. The evening was a celebration of the life of the late Rachel Turner, and to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign charity. The evening was a huge success, raising over ÂŁ10,000. A number of companies made donations for raffle prizes and monetary donations.

s

Photography by Rob Wheatman

NOVEMBER 2012

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Sunday is family fun day CHILDREN GO FREE Sunday 18th November On Sunday 18th November, Cheltenham really is open to all the family. In a special marquee we’re bringing together all sorts of fun for young children to enjoy, from face painting and a soft play area to a petting farm and much more.

PETTING FARM WITH ADAM HE NSON

Alongside all the thrills of exciting Jump racing action it makes a perfect family day out, especially as children GO FREE. Book your tickets now and be part of our first family fun day.

P RACING THRILLING JUM

Tickets from £9 Special Packages include a ticket, tote, food and drink vouchers from £18

Book online now

www.cheltenham.co.uk or call 0844 579 3003

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NOVEMBER 2012

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sporting style

When things go wrong

‘‘

“BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF A PLAYER IS STUBBORN AND DOESN'T WANT TO BE BULLIED? THERE IS NOTHING IN A CONTRACT THAT SAYS A PLAYER CANNOT BE ASKED TO REPORT FOR TRAINING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK”

NOVEMBER 2012

Shane Duff, former Captain of Cheltenham Town Football Club, shares his views on the politics of the game...

You see many stories in the media criticising players when they look to leave their club for pastures new. The theme is generally about their money grabbing incentives and lack of loyalty for the club that gave them a start in their career. We don’t hear too much about clubs treating players unfairly when they become surplus to requirements and they are wanted out.

I am looking here at some issues that go on behind the scenes in order to make the player unhappy. What happens when the player is now deemed a drain on resources? Picking up a wage and not featuring on a match day.

A football club has a budget and when that is stretched to its maximum, something has to give in order to improve the squad. Either the budget gets increased or the manager is asked to ship out some current players in order to reduce the wage bill and make room for new signings. Managers have to decide the best way to get the player out; after all it is the manger who wants new players in. The first option is to make the player available for loan or transfer. What if this doesn't get the desired effect and the unwanted player is still there? This is where it can get interesting.... Managers get their thinking caps on and become inventive in making a players life as hard as possible so that the player actively seeks to leave the club. Is this fair or is it a good business decision?

The mind games can start, a player can be ignored and made to feel worthless. The next step is to make them train with the youth team, something a senior professional can find tedious and disrespectful. It

should’t technically matter who you train with but a player that ends up training without a purpose can find it very demotivating, something I can now relate to since retirement. I was an avid gym goer whilst in the profession but I struggle now as I do not have anything to train for other than self image. The point of this is to make the player want to leave.

But what happens if a player is stubborn and doesn't want to be bullied? There is nothing in a contract that says a player cannot be asked to report for training seven days a week.

This can happen even if the rest of the squad are not asked to come in.

There are regulations in place that require there to be a minimum number of players in, but this rule can be manipulated. Potentially you can have a few injured players receiving treatment and a couple of youth team players in doing extra training and the senior professional who is wanted out but asked to be there. Some players may live a distance away so this tactic can be effective if a player is forced to come in each day and have no one to share lifts with. It becomes expensive, monotonous and lonely… something has to give.

In next month’s issue I will highlight a case study or two to give some information on some antics. I find it interesting as no rules are broken but boundaries are stretched in order for clubs to get their desired end result.

Football is unlike any other industry and it is certainly is interesting. CS If you feel more needs to be available please contact me. @duffo16

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fitness

PHOTOGRAPHY: JACK BOSKETT

Lose weight, whatever the weather Winter may mean a drop in temperature, but that doesn’t mean that your fitness levels should head the same way. Jodie Hart explains how to combat the cold weather and remain fit and healthy...

Don’t let chilly mornings and cravings for comfort food take over! Just because it’s the time of year for central heating to come back on, wet weather, and baggy jumpers, it doesn’t mean that we can’t stay fit and healthy this autumn and winter. Think of all the hard work that you put into getting that bikini body for the summer, don’t lose it now. Do you think to yourself ‘how can it take so long to get fit and such a short time to lose it?’

It doesn’t have to be that way. If we act now, when it is time to peel off the layers again, wouldn’t it be amazing to feel fitter and healthier too?

1. Look after your immune system A lack of sunlight in the autumn leads to decreased levels of Vitamin D being produced by the skin which can increase the likelihood of picking up winter bugs and infections so boost your immunity with Vitamin C.

2. Stay motivated In the summer, when more of our bodies are out and on show, we feel the urge to train and keep fit. Why not take the time now to reflect on whether you think you have hit your goals so far this year. Have you achieved what you wanted to achieve with your health and fitness goals over the summer? Are you still inspired to maintain your summer NOVEMBER 2012

success or do you feel like you haven’t hit your goals? Ask yourself do you still want to hit them? One thing that I suggest for my clients to do is to set a long term goal, whether it be to drop a dress size, run a 10k race or improve your fitness in general. Having a target is a really great way to stay motivated. In fact I have a team of clients taking part in the next Mud Runner so watch this space for our pics!

3. Beat the seasonal cravings Just because it is cold, we don’t need to live on stodgy foods. Instead, get creative with your soup making skills. Soups are brilliant and satisfy comfort cravings.

You can make a really hearty soup with lots of fresh seasonal vegetables which not only keep you warm but are nutritionally great for you!

4. Fight the snooze button and warm duvet Early morning training isn’t always the most tempting thing in the world, but it can make you feel great for the rest of the day. I suggest that you get everything packed and ready the night before, so as you can get up as soon as the alarm rings and get your training head on. If you are a snooze button type of person, leave your alarm where you have to get up to turn it off and stay up... don’t go back to bed for five more minutes! Make sure you don’t forget to have some breakfast to give your body the fuel it needs to train.

5. Add a little light to your winter workouts Training outside is surprisingly energising and can really vary your workouts. Walk the dog, go for a run or a bike ride! You’ll feel amazing. Just remember that if you run or cycle at night, wear reflective clothing to keep yourself safe and to be seen.

If this all seems like a daunting prospect, let me help you. Get in touch for more information about booking a block of Personal Training sessions.

Email me at Jodie@hartfitness.co.uk or call 07787 561 303. Let’s make this autumn and winter season count! CS

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

style event

Calmsden Horse Trials 2012

s

Sponsored by A&E Fire Equipment Services, Calmsden Horse Trials in Gloucestershire is now in its third year and again proved to be a highly popular event. Despite steady rainfall during the week and the night before, the ground held up well and only a handful of lorries had to be towed in and out.

Capt. Mark Philip’s daughter Stephanie age 15 won her first BE100 on Cornish Cove.

Calmsden also held a schools section which is kindly sponsored

by Rendcomb College and has proven to be a huge success for a number of junior riders.

Calmsden Events plan to develop the horse trials even further and in 2013 will introduce a Novice course. www.calmsdenevents.com Photography by Rob Wheatman

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NOVEMBER 2012

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sport

Female Fists of Fury Just entering Pat Lewis’s Cheltenham Boxing Academy is to step on to the film set of ‘Million Dollar Baby’. His gym, created from a former aircraft hanger on Lansdown Trading Estate has all the gritty atmosphere of the classic Hilary Swank fight movie. High bare brick walls, stark unpretentious furnishing, everywhere down to earth practicality. As you wander around you realise you are in serious no nonsense pugilist territory.

Suspended from the girders, a multitude of punch bags waiting to be pummelled. Highlighted by sun rays streaking into the huge room, a boxing ring sits rope ready for contenders to climb into the arena. During my two visits there were no gloved up 'Rockys' hoping for a comeback, or stumble bum sparring partners knocking several shades of daylight out of each other. Those days thankfully have gone. Instead perspiration tends to be more prone than sweat and perfume wafts the air rather

NOVEMBER 2012

Words and photos by Mike Charity than body odour. For into this once male only domain, there is now a growing invasion of the so called weaker sex.

Ladies and young girls keen to get fitter and stronger, via the traditional boxing training methods of circuit runs combined with punch bag bouts, skipping, stomach crunching body lifts, each circuit of physical effort timed and monitored by experienced trainers. As if this were not enough, a few members of the female gender aim to emulate Britain's former Woman World Boxing Champion, Bristol based, Jane Couch.

Leading this girlie revolution in the ring is academy owner, 50 year old Pat Lewis, former Commonwealth bronze medalist welter weight champion and successful army team boxer. During his ringside heyday he accompanied fellow fighters Nigel Benn, Chris Pyatt and

Chris Ubank, who all trained together under the wing of Brendon Ingles and Terry Lawless. Boxing personality, the late great, Harry Carpenter called the fearsome four, the 'Class of 92'.

Managed by Terry Duff, Pat won during his professional career, 29 of his 30 battles in the ring. Some five years ago he set up his boxing academy and gym in Cheltenham, a brave move, in view of the many gym chain sites in the area. But it is a success story. The gym area boasts the biggest volume of free weight power lifting kit in the South West, while the academy occasionally changes scenery, to become a ring side seated auditorium for the popular fight tournaments he promotes. Added to this he runs two 'Boot Camp' style classes a week for 'problem kids' organised along with council officials, usually 10 to 15 in each class, designed firmly but kindly, to set them back on a straight life path. All this and fast fisted females as well!

Said Pat, “This year I have been pleasantly surprised by the increase of feminine membership at the academyshould it be to lose weight, get fit or learn to box. Where once it was a man's world, ladies are now keen to enter. Things have changed a lot since women took up boxing as a sporting pastime. Rules require mouythgaurds and head protection durimg all occasions in the ring either practising, sparring, or during serious bouts.

Even our keen youngsters have been re-energised by the success of Britain's Nicola Adams and Ireland's Katie Taylor in achieving Olympic gold. Two of our promising 13 yr old members, Kerry Davis and Chantel Simpkins are coming on in leaps and bounds. Kerry is showing much potential and is currently being monitored by Jane Couch (now a promoter) and young Chantel who originally came with her mother to build her confidence against bullying, is showing exciting junior boxing prospects this season.”

It would seem There could Be Gold In Them There Girls. CS

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‘‘

racing style

It’s time to have a ball

NOVEMBER 2012

This month, our racing correspondent Cathryn Fry looks at contender Hunt Ball ahead of Paddy Power...

PHOTO: EMMA-LOUISE KERWIN

You know the National Hunt season is in full swing when it’s time for the three-day Open Meeting at Cheltenham.

The highlight of the event is the Paddy Power Gold Cup. This year’s renewal heralds the next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Hunt Ball. Last November’s Hunt Ball was officially rated 69, by the time the curtain fell on the 11/12 National Hunt Season his rating had been elevated to 157. Hunt Ball’s racing career is a scriptwriter’s dream, last season saw bust ups with Stewards, Handicappers and an incredible eight consecutive wins that culminated in a victory on jumping’s greatest stage – The Cheltenham Festival. Central to the horse’s story is his lovable and exuberant owner Anthony Knott who famously jumped on Hunt Ball’s back in celebration at Wincanton, whilst the horse and jockey Nick Scholfield were en route to the winners enclosure! That stunt landed him in hot water with the Stewards. It was at the very same Racecourse that Anthony realised a lifetime’s ambition by riding a winner under rules, twenty eight years after his first ride. When clear of his closest pursuer after jumping the last hurdle, he started waving to his friends in the crowd! National Hunt Racing is all the more richer having men such as Anthony Knott as owners, he and Hunt Ball deservedly received a hero’s welcome after the horses eight length victory in the Listed Novices Chase that

brought the opening day of the 2012 Cheltenham Festival to a close.

The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the first step towards a possible tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, a victory in the latter would spark pandemonium that would surely send the Grandstand roof into orbit! Another target for the season is the Christmas showpiece; the King George at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. A recent quote from Hunt Ball’s trainer Kieran Burke stated “I think he can win the Paddy Power Gold Cup off his mark, but he is not the easiest horse to get fit as he is big horse. He will take a fair bit of work and we will give him a few racecourse gallops beforehand and try and get him as fit as we can.” The road to the Festival will not be an easy one, but we are talking about a horse that improved 88lbs in a season and an owner who believes he has a Gold Cup contender in his beloved Hunt Ball, if you have belief anything is possible.

Another horse who may be lining up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup is The Giant

‘THE ROAD TO THE FESTIVAL WILL NOT BE AN EASY ONE, BUT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A HORSE THAT IMPROVED 88LBS IN A SEASON AND AN OWNER WHO BELIEVES HE HAS A GOLD CUP CONTENDER IN HIS BELOVED HUNT BALL, IF YOU HAVE BELIEF ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ‘

Bolster. Who ran the race of his life in March to finish second to Synchronised in the Gold Cup. Last November, he was quietly fancied for the race, however he met with an all too early exit at the first fence. Seemingly his jumping problems are a thing of the past and he is a very talented individual. He is no stranger to Prestbury Park having recorded two victories there and is trained in Gloucestershire by David Bridgewater.

Entries for the Paddy Power Gold Cup closed on October 30th, the weights are due to be announced on November 7th.

Look out for an entry of Glam Gerry from across the water; he stayed on up the hill to finish third to Salut Flo at the Festival. Granted he will be wrong at the weights but is the type to run into a place at a big price.

The Open Meeting runs from 16th18th November. For more information visit www.cheltenham.co.uk CS Cathryn Fry Twitter @cathrynfry

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comment

Getting the message As we are now in November, the more organised amongst us (which, generally, doesn’t include me) will be starting to write our Christmas cards.

Christmas cards are a tradition dating back to1843 when the first cards were illustrated by John Callcott Horsley in London. Around 750 million Christmas cards are sent each year in Britain alone.

That figure is down from over a billion six years ago, but is the decline now likely to gather pace? Some people worry about the environmental impact of sending lots of Christmas cards – the paper and ink used in their manufacture, the carbon footprint from sending them across the country, or indeed across the world, and what will happen to them when they are disposed of (although many are recycled these days).

At a time when incomes are being

squeezed and postal prices have risen, the financial cost is also a big consideration. And with alternatives like e-cards, text messages and social media, sending a card in the post isn’t the only way to pass on the season’s greetings these days. When we’re leading ever busier lives, the whole rigmarole of writing dozens of cards and envelopes can be a chore too far for some people.

Don’t get me wrong – I love sending Christmas cards and my list is longer than most. Receiving a card through the post, especially from family or close friends, is an infinitely nicer experience than getting one by email (even if the ecard flashes, tells a good joke or shows snowflakes falling) and they certainly look much better on your mantelpiece than in your inbox!

I’ve had a lot of pleasure from

To contact Paul, visit www.pauljames.org.uk or follow him on Twitter @cllrpauljames

188 COTSWOLD STYLE

receiving cards over the years, especially from those closest to me. I’m lucky enough have been on the Prime Minister’s Christmas card list – although not important enough to receive one he’s signed personally. During my single days, I was excited to receive a lovely big card with the words “To Someone Special”, only to find out that it was from the local fishing club (nice thought though that was)! I’ve also received cards from people I didn’t know and had never met – often from councillors elsewhere who are seeking my vote for one position or another.

The sale of Christmas cards is important for charities too – not just the national ones, but local good causes like the Pied Piper Appeal and the James Hopkins Trust. Another way of helping charities and spreading the Christmas spirit is to support the Rotary Club of Gloucester’s “Tree of Light”, which is Gloucester’s main city centre Christmas Tree again this year. You can make a donation in memory of a loved one, close friend or simply to express good wishes for the festive season. Your message can then be viewed on screens at various points in the city centre. This year’s charities are GEAR, Winston’s Wish and Carers Gloucestershire.

More details are available at www.treeoflight.co.uk.

I shouldn’t neglect to mention, of course, the importance of Christmas card sales to our high street retailers, local Post Offices and the Royal Mail so we should keep up the tradition for their sakes too, even if many people are trimming their Christmas card lists.

I expect I’ll be sending more E-cards this year than before, but I’ll still be sending a fair number of the traditional type too. And I’ll be supporting the Rotary Club’s Tree of Light.

Whether I get Christmas greetings the traditional way, by E-cards, text messages or on social media I’ll be grateful. And if people move away from sending cards by the dozen for reasons of environment, economy or time, I’ll understand. But I still think you can’t beat a nice-looking card or two on display above the fireplace. CS NOVEMBER 2012

000 Drive Style Intro page 2012 Vehicle Solutions:Layout 1

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motoring

Tommaso D’apice Italian international rugby star gets on the front row with Wessex Garages Fiat Gloucester

‘‘

Tommaso is the Current Italian team hooker and played in the last world Cup. He has just signed a contract with Gloucester Rugby for 2012/2103 season.

The Gloucester Club known to locals as the cherry and whites are currently enjoying a great run of form in the new start to the season, beating local rivals Bath Rugby on Saturday at the home ground of Kingsholm.

The car was handed over to

“TOMMASO COMMENTED THAT ALTHOUGH PLAYING IN THE UK FOR THE FIRST TIME HE WANTED TO FLY THE FLAG FOR HIS HOME COUNTRY ITALY AS WELL AS SUPPORTING A LOCAL GLOUCESTER COMPANY”

NOVEMBER 2012

Tommaso by Wessex Garages General Manager Matt Cripps.

Tommaso commented that although playing in the UK for the first time he wanted to fly the flag for his home country Italy as well as supporting a local Gloucester company, that’s why he chose the New Fiat 500 Twin air from Wessex Fiat Gloucester.

The car is finished in the Gloucester colour of red with distinctive white decaling and the Italian flag stripes and can be seen around the local area and on match days at the ground. CS For any Info on The new Fiat Range contact the Front row team at Gloucester Fiat 01452 304204 www.wessexgarages.co.uk

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this month with Kate Justice

I can’t get no sleep!

Kate Justice shares her tips for combating the common condition that is insomnia...

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

194 COTSWOLD STYLE

It’s 3am and I’m awake. And no, I’m not coming in from a night out clubbing in Cheltenham. It is a touch of insomnia. And it’s INFURIATUING. I’m actually too tired to get up and do jobs, but sleep won’t come either, so I lie there trying to relax, counting a few sheep, then turning over, curling up, stretching out, staying still, having a wriggle, imagining I’ve won the lottery, sipping some water, squeezing my eyes shut, attempting meditation… and at 4am I am still awake. GRRRR. Sleep deprivation affects an enormous percentage of the population and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. I spent 12 years starting work at 5am – and continued those hours when I had young children… so I blame that. I was always so afraid I’d sleep in, that my mind wouldn’t properly shut off.

(Annoyingly I have discovered I can fall fast asleep at about 7am – which is when I would like to be getting up).

I am so familiar with the feeling of being tired during the day, that it is almost a comfort!

The fuzzy head, slightly muffled hearing, droopy eyelids, achy shoulders and the knowledge that you can drop off just about anywhere. Tired people become obsessed with sleep. It is all they can think about and what they most desire… which then leads to insomnia.

If I ever hear experts talking about the condition they say the people who get the best night’s sleep are those who do nothing special. No lavender bath or listening to plinky music, no writing

a list of things on your mind so they won’t keep you awake, no calming tea drink and getting your clothes ready for the morning, no three hour gap between dinner and bedtime, no perfect routine of teeth brushing and stretching. NO. People who sleep well, simply get undressed and go to bed.

I have tried all of the above and – like the experts say – the more I do, the less I sleep. I actually manage to nod off at first without too much trouble… but if I’m disturbed (dog barking, husband snoring, cat meowing to go out / come in, children waking up, noisy leavers from the pub next door, spider crawling on my arm – yes HORRIFIC and it has happened) then I can never fall back to sleep again. A couple of hours of zzzz and I’m refreshed enough to be non-drowsy if woken – until about 9am when the day is really underway and going back to bed is frowned upon.

At the moment I’m trying a different approach – getting up extremely early, but going to bed just after the kids. It is not going too badly, but twice I’ve missed dinner and last week I had to get up again because some friends called round. Imagine that? “Um… yes, sorry I was in BED. No, I’m not ill, or pregnant. No, not working shifts”. All while sitting round the kitchen table in my dressing gown with no makeup on at 8:30pm.

My next idea is to introduce an afternoon nap. This is an idea that is fraught with perils, and will make everyone think I am 80. But the answer (maybe) lies in the POWER nap. No undressing, no getting IN to bed. Just lie down somewhere, preferably in the dark and set your alarm for 20 minutes later. Sounds simple, but with a house full of animals and people I’m not holding out much hope… and doubt I’ll be losing the matchsticks just yet.

I’ll keep you posted. CS NOVEMBER 2012

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