Cotswold Style September 2015

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

Through the garden gate...

Camilla Bassett-Smith welcomes us into her horticultural haven

ROCKIN’ RONNIE at The Cheltenham Literature Festival The illustrious line up of authors is revealed

September 2015

REAL LIFE

FLORA’S WORLD The Cotswolds’ next, big TV hit COMPETITION

WIN tickets to the Malvern Autumn Show Plus a signed copy of Valentine Warner’s new book

£2.50

PREPARING FOR AUTUMN • Travel to Laos • Holiday in Mallorca • Invest in your health • Spruce up your home

Claire IN THE County All change in the Thayers household

BECOMING A HELPFUL HUSBAND The Cotswold Gent tells you how

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beautiful, bespoke handmade kitchens

benchwoodkitchens hand crafted for timeless elegance

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MOVING TO

CHELTENHAM 19 The Courtyard, Montpellier

Benchwood Kitchens Limited 14 Global Business Park, Wilkinson Road, Cirencester, Gloucesteshire, GL7 1YZ

Telephone:

01285 643 071

Open: 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm Saturday

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Contents

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SEPTEMBER 2015

CONTENTS 11 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

62 Asia’s Untouched Gem

98 Out and About

Lucy Garbutt travels to Laos

14 Real Life

66 Somewhere for the Weekend?

We meet Lorna Page the talented florist and illustrator of Flora’s World

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

Mrs & Mr Jones have discovered Mallorca

107 Celebrity Chef

16 The Shooting Season Opens Nick and Claire Phillips-Holt introduce the Cotswold Clay Club

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

We meet Valentine Warner

69 Castaway Collection We meet Louise Emerson, CEO of Cheltenham Festivals

113 Invest In Your Health Encouraging you to make changes with Luciano Kydd

72 Fashion Trends for AW15 From faux fur to neutral greys – a fashion journey with House of Fraser

115 Prestigious Longchamp

35 Room With A View

78 Mind, Body & Soul

Revamping your home with murals

Therapies to restore and revive

Nigel Aplin is racing at the Prix de l’Arc De Triomphe

38 Through The Garden Gate

79 Do you need a Lift?

118 A Helpful Husband

Visiting Camilla Bassett-Smith’s personal haven

A new face and body clinic for the Cotswolds

The Cotswold Gent clears out his cellar

121 Unbelievable!

47 Updating Your Home

85 COMPETITION

Beautiful interiors for the autumn

Win tickets to the Malvern Show and a signed copy of chef, Valentine Warner’s latest book

59 Cotswolds Culture The story of the Literature Festival

61 Cheltenham Literature Festival Announcing the line-up for this prestigious event

90 The Summer Recess

Giving charities a helping hand

SOCIAL SCENE 41 Launch of Deliveroo 51 CTFC Sponsors Event 102 Acorns Charity Golf Day

What have our MPs been up to?

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 5

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Style Welcome Partner Mark Cuzner 07917 821577 mark@stylemagazines.co.uk Sales Executive Bethany Lynch 07807 126214 bethany.lynch@stylemagazines.co.uk Office Manager Carley Jones 01242 220239 office@stylemagazines.co.uk Production Consultant Hilary Collier 01242 220239 hilary@stylemagazines.co.uk Editorial Designer Nick Clark 01242 220239 nclark@stylemagazines.co.uk

Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA Switchboard: 01242 220239; Fax: 01242 257019; Email: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk or advertising@stylemagazines.co.uk Publisher: Ray Siviter Consultant: Paul Bates Distribution: Pineapple Media, 172 Northern Parade, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 9LT. Merchandising services: Patrick Farrelly.

@CotswoldStyle Twitter followers

22,135 CotswoldStyleMagazine Facebook fans

5,164 Cover image: Ronnie wood Copyright: Genesis Publications + Ross Halfin

Cotswold Style is published monthly by Live 24-Seven Ltd, based at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Cotswold Style will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 1756-6673.

EDITOR’S FOREWORD hope this month’s Cotswold Style will bring you a little sunshine after the dismal rain and gloom of August! With the end of summer nigh we look at plenty of the changes that will be taking place in many households; children off to new schools or university, sprucing up your home and getting to grips with your well being for a healthy winter.

The prestigious Cheltenham Literature Festival, the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, runs from 2nd – 11th October and the town will be hosting a huge collection of writers from all over the planet.

With over 500 events the festival will welcome Booker Prize winners, best-selling fiction authors and film and rock stars including the iconic Ronnie Wood as featured on our front cover.

Featuring a cast of characters including Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Marianne Faithfull and many more, the story of Ronnie's adventures was handwritten in his 1965 diary.

Inspired by its discovery 50 years later, Ronnie Wood will present his journal at this year’s festival. In addition politicians, sporting greats and of course a vast array of children’s writers will be present too. Our Cotswolds Culture columnist Susan Blanchfield takes us on a history of Literature Festivals and what they mean to the people who attend and our Castaway guest this month is Louise Emerson, the CEO of Cheltenham Festivals who is at the helm of the Literature Festival.

With the start of the shooting season, The Cotswold Gent has been checking his guns are in order and will hopefully be supplying the partridge for the delicious recipe created by Shelle Duffin! For those of you interested in learning how to shoot, then this month we have met with expert instructor Nick Phillips-Holt who owns the Cotswold Clay Club near Northleach.

Fashion looks at the Autumn Winter 15 collections available from House of Fraser while our travel pages will take you to the far-flung destination of Laos and Mrs & Mr Jones have been checking out the best hottest spots to visit on the island of Mallorca.

Have a sunny September!

With best wishes,

I

Emma Logan Emma Logan, Editor editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 9

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Style Tribute

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

The longest-reigning monarch in British history 9th September 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 11

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September In Tewkesbury

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Box Office: 01684 295074 Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 5NX The Roses is a Registered Charity, no. 1051708

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REAL LIFE

LORNA PAGE This month Laura-Jayne Roberts meets with talented local florist and illustrator, Lorna Page from South Gloucestershire PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA POWER PHOTOGRAPHY

hink of British Sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley, meeting British clay animation, Wallace and Gromit and you will be half way there in imaging the impressive children’s cartoon series, Flora’s World, which looks set to cause a major stir in the world of animation.

Written by Lorna Page and Wallace and Gromit writer, Bob Baker, the main character Flora is a young florist who has her own shop in the high street of a small market town, Oakbury Bottoms. Flora’s constant companions are her Jack Russell dog, Eb and her cat called Purr. Not forgetting her horse Rocket – who definitely doesn’t live up to his name!

Being brought up as an organic farmer’s daughter inspired Lorna’s love of the countryside, its farming folk, insects, flora and fauna. Born on the banks of the River Severn in Shepperdine, she said: “As a child if I had my head in a book I probably wasn’t reading it but more likely looking at the illustrations which drew me into the world of creativity. A few of my childhood favourite illustrators are Molly Brett, Mabel Lucy Atwell, Shirley Hughes, Jessie Willcox Smith and Margaret Tarrant. I was always making, sticking, drawing, colouring and generally leaving a creative mess behind me!”

As Lorna grew up she continued to be as creative as possible and with so much inspiration all around her, she was never short of an idea. “My primary school was very encouraging with regards to my art – in fact, looking back I think I was a bit spoilt as I was always helping in an artistic way with one school project or another,” recalled Lorna. “In fact my Mum had kept a book from when I was in Junior School and I had written about all the things I wanted to do when I grew up. From what I had wrote it looks like my dreams are coming true and unfolding as we speak.”

Lorna began working in floristry as a Saturday girl for the florist shop in the nearby market town of Thornbury. After staying on at Sixth Form to study A Level

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Art she formed a business plan and went to the Prince’s Trust for help to purchase a van to run her flower business and later her own shop.

After running the shop for many years, when Lorna's two sons attended the village school, Oldbury-on-Severn Primary, Lorna gave her time as a parent helper and subsequently trained as a learning support assistant. Lorna enthused: “I helped in the infant class, which was age four - seven years, as the school only had 52 children in total. I loved it - especially the arty bits! The school is featured in Oakbury Bottoms Flora's home town in the animation.”

Life unfolded and with marriage, children and running her floristry business Lorna had little time to paint or draw. She said: “My father died suddenly when I was in my early thirties and I had this immediate passion to paint and draw again – it was great therapy. I haven’t stopped since. I am still a florist, a maker, an artist and illustrator - to be honest I am pretty addicted to all forms of art and craft, it is so inspiring.”

The actual idea for Flora the Florist arrived when Lorna was working (and still is) for her sister Maria, who has a wedding and event floristry business. “It was on one of my shifts, I was making up wedding flowers and I had a spark of inspiration to illustrate stories about a florist, stories about our funny tales we have gathered going about our day to day business running around with flowers. It will be about a florist – Flora the Florist, a small market town flower shop owner.

Some may say it is really about me…I’ll leave the viewers to decide.”

That was Christmas 2014 and something was telling Lorna to be brave and follow her dream and fulfil her life long passion of illustrating a children’s book. “I told myself that I had it in me and if I didn’t do it no-one else would do it for me. I am not one for the limelight but I had to go for it.” Flora was born.

In a twist of fate – suffering with ‘Florist’s Back’, terminology all florists and flower arrangers will understand – Lorna’s back had seized up so she could not work for a couple of days. “I grabbed my opportunity and put pencil to paper and drew the first picture of Flora stood in front of her shop with her little dog Eb and Purr the cat,” explains Lorna.

The picture of Flora then sat in a drawer for a while. Lorna said: “Like all artists we doubt and criticise our own work. Is it too fussy? Are the colours right? Oh I’ll just shut it back in the drawer for the time being.” Little did Lorna know that agreeing to help with a pop up art gallery for a local fun run with Bob Baker, who lives in nearby Oldbury– On-Severn, would see the two of them come together on the project of Flora.

“Bob popped in for a coffee to discuss our art display and I happened to mention Flora, explains Lorna. “He asked to have a look at the illustration, so Flora came out of the drawer. ‘I love the idea, I would like to write the Flora stories’ he said. The rest as they say hopefully, is history!”

Flora’s World is unique. It is essentially

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Style Real Life telling the stories that have really happened in Lorna’s life with a bit of artistic license thrown in. “I would compare them to folk tales,” enthuses Lorna. “They have a moral to each episode, good overcoming bad. Our corner of South Gloucestershire may be a little overlooked but it is a beautiful part of the countryside, let’s put it on the map! Flora contains the great humour that we Brits do best, a kind of Vicar of Dibley for kids.”

The target audience for Flora is six to 11 years but Lorna is sure younger and older viewers will love it too. Lorna highlights: “There is very little animation for this older children’s age group that is based on real life with meaty funny stories that will draw in the children’s imagination. I would love to see parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles etc. sat with children enjoying the episodes as much as the kids do.”

Excitingly looking to the future Lorna said: “We are planning to make 52 Episodes of the Flora’s World CGI animated TV series for children. I am hoping we can get a broadcaster on board to help us get Flora on to your screens so I can share my tales with you all.

“I really want to get across a strong environmental message about caring for our wildlife and the importance of our countryside.

Perhaps helping to produce a schools package to educate children as to the importance of our communities and the wildlife around us.

“I also hope to keep the tradition of great British humour alive, I just love The Two Ronnies, Blot on The Landscape, French and Saunders, Darling Buds of May, Monarch of the Glenn and Vicar of Dibley. Kids need a good story and a good laugh too… I hope Bob and I can fill this hole in TV viewing for the younger generation.”

To raise the funds to make the pilot episode, ‘Punctured Pride’ and engage an agent to promote to broadcasters worldwide, Lorna is stepping out with a Kickstarter campaign. “We hope to get a broadcaster on board and produce the Flora’s World Series.

“Kickstarter is an online crowd funding campaign where backers support projects to help them come to life, not to profit financially but instead project creators offer rewards to thank backers for their support. Our rewards will vary from a signed print to backers business’ appearing in the first episode of Flora’s World.”

For more information about Flora’s World go to www.florasworld.tv, or for the Kickstarter campaign go to www.kickstarter.com and search Flora's World. Check out the Facebook page; Flora’s World TV Show, or email Lorna; lorna@florasworld.tv.

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The Leading Guns of the Cotswolds Emma Logan met with Nick & Claire Phillips-Holt from the Cotswold Clay Club PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB WHEATMAN he Cotswold Clay Club and Shooting School is located in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, only 20 minutes from Cheltenham and Cirencester. Run by Nick and Claire Phillips-Holt, they are open to everyone from experienced shots to total novices, where you will find one of the friendliest and welcoming clay pigeon shooting venues in the area.

There is a regularly changing 100 target sporting layout with high towers and rabbit clays, which offers expert tuition for all levels of ability. Individuals, families, stag and hen parties, corporate groups, birthday parties – everyone is welcome!

A range of instruction to suit all ages and abilities, from complete beginner to regular shot is offered by Nationally Qualified CPSA Coaches and one is covered by their professional coaching insurance.

The coaches tailor the lessons to each individual and what they want to achieve whether it be a lesson on all of the stands or on a specific target such as the

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high tower or far crossers. They don’t believe in charging by the hour for tuition as everyone learns at different rates and therefore they ensure you get the most from your lesson, which might take some longer than others. The coaches are incredibly patient and professional whilst remaining friendly, informal and encouraging.

A Clay Pigeon Shooting lesson (£50) covers all off-range aspects including the CPSA 10 points of safety, gun handling, stance, eye dominance etc. You are then taken out onto the ground where you start shooting at a series of targets to put the method into practice. Once you have had this lesson you can either book in for an Intermediate Lesson or book a safety officer to accompany you on your next visit to practice what you have learnt.

The next step is for an Intermediate lesson (£60 plus clays and cartridges).

This is ideal if you have taken an Introductory class or you already have a shotgun license and have been shooting for a while but want to further your skills.

The lesson is taken on the stands and

covers a wide variety of targets.

It is entirely up to you how much you shoot on the lesson as once the coaching is finished you can just pay for as many clays and cartridges as you wish to shoot.

License holders are welcome to bring their own cartridges as long as they are fibre wad and no bigger than 6 shot.

The Advanced course is tailored to each individual shooter (£75 plus clays and cartridges). Nick Phillips-Holt, the club’s highest qualified coach who has numerous national qualifications and is a senior CPSA Coach, takes these lessons.

With the game season rapidly approaching, Nick is also available for specific coaching to help you make the most of your season. Having been a successful gamekeeper and highly respected shot in the field he can help you hit those elusive birds.

To find out more, contact: Cotswold Clay Club, Farmington Quarry, Nr. Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3NZ Tel: 07702 036266 Email: info@cotswoldcc.co.uk www.cotswoldcc.co.uk

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Style Sport

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ESTATE AGENCY BRANCH MANAGER / OFFICE MANAGER Cheltenham, Gloucestershire ÂŁ25,000 - ÂŁ40,000 per annum OTE, negotiable, inc benefits Permanent, Full-time This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leading and very successful independent Estate Agency in the Cheltenham area.

You will need to be self motivated and passionate about property. If you are a property professional with a solid background in personel management and want to join a forward thinking brand, then this role could be for you.

Cook Residential is looking for a determined and enthusiastic property professional to lead their team.

Located in their Cheltenham Office you will be charged with helping drive this award winning business forward and increasing the market share for that area.

Ideally the successful individual will be an existing manager looking to increase their earning potential. Overall you will need to be a passionate individual with drive to succeed.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working to deadlines and targets and show a passion for property within the local area.

Cook Residential has a great reputation and understands that to get the best they need to offer great earning potential.

Your Essential skills for the Estate Agent Branch Manager role will include: Proven Leader Ability to win new business Motivating the sales team Deal closer Excellent presentation & communication skills Polished & Well presented Driven & Motivated Strong personnel management Experience / Qualifications required: A minimum of 2 years Estate Agency or Lettings Management experience is preferred Benefits: Fantastic earning potential Career progression Further training opportunities

Michelle Cook 07823 885733 / 01242 500 259

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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

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

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Parabola P arabola Road, Road a , Cheltenham Cheltenham A sspacious pacious first first floor f loor a apartment partment iin n tthis his handsome handsome p period eriod vvilla illa w with ith w wellellproportioned p roportioned a accommodation ccommodation sset et iin no one ne o off C Cheltenham’s heltenham’s m most ost p prestigious restigious rresidential esidential a areas reas cclose lose tto o tthe he h heart eart o off M Montpellier. ontpellier. EPC: EPC: C F

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AN EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF

JUST THREE PRIVATE LUXURY PROPERTIES NESTLING IN THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE Brought to you by RRS Land Property Developments, Gloucestershire

Constructed by local builders RRS Land & Property Development, they pride themselves on using only locally sourced materials, suppliers and skilled staff for the construction of their buildings, all of which are constructed to exacting standard and offer excellent design and appointed accommodation. Severn Walk is situated in the picturesque village of Apperley and is within short walking distance to local amenities, such as schools and pubs and only a short walk to the historical village of Deerhurst.

This exclusive development of just three luxury properties has been carefully designed to compliment the local environment and surrounds whilst providing modern, executive, contemporary living.

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THE LOCAL AREA

Tewkesbury – The beautiful Norman Abbey, built in the early 12th century dominates the town and in 1471 the fields to the south saw the penultimate and decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses leading the House of York to power. The battle is re-enacted at the internationally renowned Tewkesbury Medieval Festival in July. Today visitors can wander the medieval streets, taking you back to a bygone age where half timbered houses were crammed into any available space creating the famous alleyways.

Bathroom, Ensuite & Cloakroom Wall mounted white sanitaryware Chrome taps and contemporary furniture Shaver point to bathroom All wet areas to have imported wet room panelling and ceramic wall tiles half height to sanitaryware walls, full height to bath area in bathroom. ie splash back in cloakroom Kitchen Specialist designed Kitchen with a choice of finish* Quartz Solid Surface Worktop to include Upstand including a built in drainer Window Sill & 1000 x 500mm Splashback Neff stainless steel wall mounted oven Neff 80cm Induction Hob 90cm Curved Glass Hood, Ducting Kit/Charcoal Filter for Hood

Integrated fridge and integrated freezer Chrome downlights Neff Built in Microwave/combi oven in S.Steel Under-mounted ceramic 1.5 bowl Neff 14cm Warming Drawer Choice of ceramic floor tiles*

Energy Saving Devices Combination gas boiler 4 zoned underfloor heating to the down stairs Zoned heating controls through out High performance insulation to ground floor, roof and internal and external walls All lights to be energy saving

ÂŁPrice on application

Anthony Rhodes | Rhodes Real Estate | Office: 01684 275411 | Mobile: 07583 007555 E-mail: ar@rhodesre.co.uk | Web: www.rhodesre.co.uk

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Hot Property

Southfield Manor Park, Cheltenham Setting the scene: Set in a peaceful private location just off Sandy Lane at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment, an attractive recently re-furbished, end of terrace cottage forming part of this charming and private development.

Why we love it: Arranged over three floors, the accommodation is well proportioned, light and in good decorative order. The generous sitting room focuses on an attractive fireplace with a gas fire inset with two south facing sash hung windows drawing in lots of natural light. Fitted with a range of units incorporating an electric oven, the kitchen/breakfast room enjoys a view out onto the cottage garden. On the first floor, there are two bedrooms and stairs that lead to a charming double bedroom on the second floor, complete with a toilet and sink. There are lovely views to the paddocks and the hill. In addition to the cottage garden, the development owns the surrounding 15 acres of pasture/amenity land which runs up to the foot of the Cotswold escarpment. These paddocks preserve the immediate natural environment making Southfield Manor Park an unspoilt semi�rural retreat. EPC rating E. Guide Price £340,000 Knight Frank, Cheltenham tom.banwell@knightfrank.com 01242 246959 26 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Hot Property

Sydenham Villas Road, Cheltenham Setting the scene: A substantial character property along a lovely tree lined road, within easy walking distance of Cheltenham town centre.

Why we love it: Sydenham Villas is a wonderful period home offering substantial accommodation with a light and bright atmosphere. This fine Victorian villa has beautifully proportioned accommodation accompanied by some lovely original features to include fireplaces, ornate ceiling mouldings, sash hung windows and an elegant open string stair case. There is a spacious drawing room which opens out into the dining room and to the rear of the ground floor is the kitchen/breakfast room which in turn leads into a light and spacious conservatory overlooking the ornamental gardens. The lower ground floor has a further kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bedroom with en suite and a cloakroom; this could be self-contained with access onto the patio via French doors from the sitting room. The first floor provides three good sized bedrooms one of which is en suite. There is also a spacious family bathroom and separate WC. The second floor has a bedroom with en-suite shower room.

Guide Price ÂŁ750,000 Knight Frank, Cheltenham harry.bethell@knightfrank.com 01242 246959 COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 27

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Hot Property

Chargrove Lane, Cheltenham Setting the scene: A charming, well presented detached family residence, full of character and offering flexible accommodation with further scope for improvement. The plot is just over 4½ acres and includes gardens, a separate paddock and various outbuildings.

Why we love it: A property like this with superb views, a peaceful location yet close to amenities and Cheltenham town centre is rarely available. Along with the added benefits of some land with useful outbuildings providing plenty of potential.

Guide Price: ÂŁ689,950 Freehold Details: Hamptons, Cheltenham. Tel: 01242 639414 cheltenham@hamptons-int.com 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Transform your outside space‌

Please call us with your ideas and we will make your vision a reality

01452 712108

Staverton Building Supplies Come and see our fantastic landscaping display area at:

Jupiter Court, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Staverton GL2 9QL

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Inspira onal ideas If you are considering any home improvements or an extension, conservatory or an orangery please call us.

With over 30 years experience designing and constructing we can take away the stress and handle your project from conception through to completion.

We also offer a full range of Bi-Fold doors composite doors and windows in either aluminium pvc or timber. You may be thinking about a kitchen or a bathroom again we can supply this for you. All our products carry a ten year insurance backed guarantee and Fensa with regard to window installations. From the spring you will be able to visit

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for your home and garden us at Evesham Country Park and see our range of products, currently we have the rotating garden pods on display.

With over 30 years experience designing and building conservatories, orangeries and lanterned roof extensions, supplying and fitting bi-fold doors, composite doors and windows, we have the products to meet your desires. We will design and build you your dream extension right through to completion.

So if you are thinking about something special for your garden come and see our exciting range of products.

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

SPONSORED BY

www.yorkeconstruction.co.uk

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es m

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Yorke Construction Ltd Ingenuity with a History

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

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

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

the difference is...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01242 22 88 55

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

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

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

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Style Interiors

A room with a view Clive Burling sorts out the little jobs… t this time of year, while most of my clients head off to sunnier climes, I take the opportunity to catch up on all those little jobs that never seem to get finished. Yes, your clock is nearly finished and the little cabinet I promised you!

Having finished some more decorating in my own abode (sad I know!) I started searching for some new pictures to brighten the place up a bit and my mind started to wander, as it does frequently before I remembered some images a friend showed me a few months ago. They were very clever murals, which had been used to stunning effect in some extraordinary interiors. So, I thought to myself, instead of painting a wall and then trying to find something to hang on it, why not make the wall the picture and have a room with a view.

Any view I want!

This reminded me of that scene in Fawlty Towers when a grumpy guest complained about the view from her room to which Basil retorted, “It’s Torquay madam, what do you expect, the hanging gardens of Babylon?”

The oldest Murals date from around 30,000 BC, so in case you were wondering this is nothing new. What has changed fairly recently though is the ease with which we can reproduce almost any photographic image onto wallpaper, large canvases or pretty much anything you can imagine. Having researched a bit further a new word has entered my vocabulary, ‘Frescography’! Here’s a great example by Rainer Maria Latzke, (permission granted by Dreamworlds LLC)

A

It’s not something that has to be done inside either. I’ve seen some brilliant outdoor living spaces created in quite ordinary surroundings.

Well, why not brighten up a garden wall or a fence panel with a view from the restaurant at The South Sands Hotel in Salcombe, for example. Then you could eat there every day.

There are some great websites to feed the imagination - Allposters, Muralswallpaper and

photowall.co.uk are all worth a look and I’ve included a couple of my favourites here.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be looking at how I can reproduce some of my own images and put them to good use, so if you are thinking of brightening up your view and need any help, let me know.

The word Mural always makes me laugh by the way, because it reminds me of my late grandmother who always insisted on calling them ‘Muriels’.

I’m thinking about the view from Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas or maybe

Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island for my bedroom, but that could change.

Just remember, the best thing about photographic wallpaper (or Frescography) is that you can now have a room with of view of absolutely anywhere or anything and if you get fed up with it you don’t have to move house.

Just redecorate!

Please contact: Clive Burling clive.burling@gmail.com 07788257914

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 35

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Midnight by Neil B. Helyard Mixed media on canvas 36 x 36 inches.

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

NEIL B. HELYARD A CONTEMPORARY SELLING EXHIBITION 18 September to 25 October 2015 11am to 5pm daily

20 High Street Broadway WR12 7DT Tel: 01386 859329 | art@trinityhousepaintings.com | www.trinityhousepaintings.com

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CO NTEM PO R A RY CO U NTRY LI V IN G

! le b a t r o f m o c lf e Make yours

Garden

• Ideas for contemporary garden rooms and gardens • Personal service and complimentary interior design advice

Garden Room

• Furniture and accessories for your lifestyle – stylish, individual and unique

Room

• Online inspiration

• Visit our inspiring showrooms and courtyards • Solutions for modern country near Malvern, Worcestershire living and dining rooms

See our collection at holloways.co.uk Telephone 01886 884665 for our Contemporary Country Living brochure. Visit our showrooms and courtyards at Lower Court, Suckley, Worcestershire. WR6 5DE

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Through the Garden Gate In the month of her birth, our media horticulturalist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, decides to put her feet up and welcome us to her very own horticultural haven… aving passed through too many Gloucestershire garden gates to mention this year, I thought it was about time that I let you step through mine! Of course a little lazy on my part, so please do excuse my slippers or actually to be precise, some rather floral garden clogs with authentic Cotswolds mud applique.

So welcome to my Prestbury garden.

My plants and I have resided here for almost 10 years, having made the move from Charlton Kings where I spent 17 years in my previous home, collecting and re-homing a wide variety of horticultural delights It occurs to me that a garden is rather like a precious weave of memories of the sweetest kind. Not only is it visual and how many of us have been transported back to our grandparent’s borders at the sniff of a sweet pea or a bite of a Victoria plum?

As I look around me, my family heritage is horticulturally alive! Phlox, lavender, an acer and larch from my grandmother and grafts of an ancient

H

38 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

apple tree ‘Lord Grosvenor’ taken from the original, still in the Taddington farm where my grandfather grew up.

Polygonatum (Solomon’s seal) that my Father bought from Telling and Coates Nurseries in Charlton Kings in the 1950s, partners well with zantedeschia from my great-grandparents, the flowers of which were used at my parents’ wedding.

Reminders of my love of Gilbert & Sullivan are clear in the ripening green fruits of the grape vine cutting from W S Gilbert’s former garden and a lavender ‘Miss Muffet’ came from borders tended by the talented pottery artist of the art deco period, of whom I greatly admire, Clarice Cliff. Other shoots are a constant reminder of dear friends who donated them – snowdrops and rudbeckia from Jill and rhubarb from Phil.

My old neighbour Sue passed on a love of Philadelphus ‘Belle etoile’ to me – of course not out in flower now, having displayed its delights in June. I was thrilled to inherit this shrub when we moved to Prestbury as my previous

one had to be left behind. Truly worth investing in now and planting for a scented sojourn next summer. Taking on ownership of plants in any new home is also an honour and responsibility – I like to think that the previous occupants would be happy with their new plant guardians. Magnolia ‘Nigra’ being one of my favourites, it flowers most of the year of the darkest purple and impressive waxy leaves to boot. To keep ‘Nigra’ company, I have planted Stellata – I’m hoping third time lucky for this one as it has proven a little tricky in the past and kept me on my toes or more accurately on my way to the garden centre. Of course, I can’t ignore my majestic Horse Chestnut; just think of the stories it could tell - hopefully it will keep quiet about my Mother and I dancing around the lawn like fairies in matching outfits the other night!

By far the most beautiful feature that has resided in our garden for many years is the stone moongate. Structures that have their homes in the far climes of Asia and as far back as the 4th century,

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Style Gardening

“The circle represents the cycle of seasons and also infinity, no beginning and end – rather like weeding.” they are always open to welcome those who approach. The circle represents the cycle of seasons and also infinity, no beginning and end – rather like weeding.

At this time of year, watering has subsided, which is lucky considering that a baby toad had taken up residence in our watering can spout – we have happily released him now amongst the damp shade of the hostas and birdbath.

Talking of birds, I host a busy, social winged calendar with regular cheese nibble soirees for Robs and his friends – he quite likes a rich mature Cornish

Cruncher but turned his nose (or beak) up at the mashed potato.

As the echinacea fades, their daisy relatives, the asters, are in full flower now – we have a swathe of white and thankfully not too much powdery mildew. Of course, as Editor of The Daffodil Society, my thoughts this month turn to daffodils and additions to my collection of over 100 cultivars – I’m looking forward to taking delivery of further bulbs of Narcissus ‘Camilla Clara Kate’, named for me by the fantastic Irish daffodil breeder Brian Duncan. I’m

hoping she proves blemish free and long lasting!

As far as garden maintenance goes, I undertake most of the planting, my mother is chief weeder and my father mows the lawns, despite my insistence from the age of two, that I had it under control, a real team effort.

So please excuse me now, must dash, off to explain to an over enthusiastic squirrel that I do not need his help in the re-positioning of my prized bulbs!

Thank you for coming to visit and safe journey home.

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000 Social Deliveroo September 15:Layout 1

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Style Event

Miss Cheltenham, Meg John and Millie Leese Sophi e Lydia Smith

Nick Lonergan (Deliveroo Regional Mana ger, South West) and Jack Cunliffe (Deliveroo Community Manager, South West) Anna Parks, David Saville and Katie

Dobson

Deliveroo Supper Club Launch Party

Meg John, Sue Bradley, Millie Leese

With the launch of Deliveroo (deliveroo.co.uk), food lovers in Che ltenham can now enjoy their favourite restaura nt dishes delivered to their their desks and doorsteps. The premium food deliv ery service celebrated their arrival in Cheltenham with a Supper Club held at Third Floor Design (www.thirdfloordesign.co.uk).

Photography by Robin Bradshaw, Bullit Photography www.bullitphotography.co.uk

and Melissa Lucas

Melissa Lucas and Danielle Morris

sh Patel James Williams, Silas Miller and Ricke Nick Lonergan and Jack Cunliffe

James Ritchie, Mia Postlethwaite and Lucia

Silver

Nina de Winter and Meg Broadley

Meg Broadley, Shelle Duffin and Nina de Winter

Jack Cunliffe

Anna Andrew Thomas, Katie Dobson and

Parks Lucia Silver and Nick Lonergan

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 41

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The perfect choice Glevum are one of the largest independent installer of conservatories, doors and windows in the south-west.

A family-run firm, we have worked with customers for over 30 years to enhance and protect their homes with our high-quality range of products installed by our experienced team. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and much of our business comes from recommendation. More than 40,000 customers throughout Gloucestershire and beyond now benefit from the security and quality of Glevum doors, windows and conservatories.

Exceptional product quality and customer service Whether you are looking for a brand new conservatory, replacement windows or advice on how double-glazing units can help with your energy bills, Glevum has the experienced team to help you. From design through to installation, we treat your home with as much care as if it was our own; our installers tidy up every day and our dedicated aftercare service team are there to advise you on your new uPVC doors and windows.

We use only the highest quality product range, made locally which complements Glevum’s experience and reputation for trust and customer service.

For orders placed before the end of September we are offering 40% OFF all doors and windows* and 25% OFF our conservatories. *3 Years Interest Free Credit on Windows & Doors. Full written credit details available on request and all loans subject to status.

Call us today on: 0800 33 22 55 Why not visit us online at: www.glevum.co.uk for your instant online quote or come and see us at our showrooms at: Broadoak, Newnham on Severn, Gloucestershire GL14 1JF

000 Leckhampton Kitchens and Bathrooms September 15 Singles:Layout 1

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Style Interiors

LUXURY LIVING

Inspiration from Leckhampton Bathrooms and Kitchens, Cheltenham

Mead Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7EG Tel: 01242 262606 www.lbkonline.co.uk sales@lbkonline.co.uk

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Your local Apple experts.

Visit our new store in the Regent Arcade, Cheltenham.

Cheltenham | Cirencester | Oxford | Leamington Spa | Preston www.western.co.uk TM and Š 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

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Style Interiors

Artisan Kitchen Range, from £25,000 inc VAT, John Lewis of Hungerford. www.john-lewis.co.uk.

0700 278 4726.

These beautifully made kitchens are timeless classics that would fit into most houses. For other styles, they have a beautiful Shaker kitchen and a sleek modern design with their ‘pure’ range that I really love if you are looking for something more contemporary.

They are all stylish and a good investment in your home this autumn.

INTERIORS STYLE

Compiled and written

by Interiors Editor Emeline Watchorn www.emelinewatchornceramics.com

Summer is winding down and life is getting back to normal. As fun as it all is, sometimes there is nothing like getting back into a routine and tackling those projects that have been easy to put off. September should therefore be a month of progress and action, so I am going to look at updating kitchens and bathrooms either from scratch or by just adding some lovely accessories. I will also look at clever lighting and accessory ideas and wood burners to warm up our homes for the approaching autumn.

Classic Double Border Towels in stone, from £3, The White Company. 020 375 89 222. www.thewhitecompany.com.

If you can’t face completely overhauling your bathroom, why not treat yourself to some new towels. These gorgeous towels are a good alternative to pure white and will soften your scheme and make you feel a little bit pampered.

‘Feather’ and ‘Smoked’ Bowls by Emeline Watchorn. www.emelinewatchornceramics.com. 01285 821 159. emeline.watchorn@gmail.com These stunning bowls will soften up your sitting rooms and hallways displayed on coffee tables or hall tables. The ‘Feather’ dishes are made by dropping ostrich feathers onto bowls that are 760C, which then burn and leave this permanent pattern. It’s a dangerous business involving gas cannisters, oil drums and a lot of nerve, but the results are lovely and of course very unpredictable making each piece unique. The ‘Smoked’ bowls are placed in metal bins full of newspaper and set alight (much less frightening). The smoke again stains the bowls leaving these soft patterns. Prices starting from £20.

Linen Glass Towel in Bordeaux, £13, The French House. www.thefrenchhouse.net.

01803 551 896. If the budget is small, then some fresh, smart tea towels will give you a lift.

These French ones are heavenly, and as the title suggests, great at drying glasses!

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 47

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Call Matt Bl Blewett lewett of Shuttercraft Shuttercraft Gloucestershire 01242 Gloucesters shire today on 012 242 649592

www.shuttercraft-gloucestershire.co.uk ww ww.shuttercraft-gloucesstershire.co.uk

000 Interiors Product Pages September 15 Singles:Layout 1

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Style Interiors Fired Earth Bathrooms. Stockists number is 0845 366 0400. www.firedearth.com .

Handmade and hand decorated 15.24 x 15.24 cm Casablanca tiles in Oulfa. The tiles, which are suitable for walls and floors, cost £13.50 each. The Leros crema marfil basin costs £750 and the Hudson extended single lever basin mixer (which has a contemporary brushed steel finish and is 29 cm tall with a reach of 15.2 cm) costs £325. If you are tackling a bathroom this autumn then head to Fired Earth. With a branch in Cheltenham, they are one of my favourite bathroom suppliers. They cover many different styles and the quality is excellent. Their tiles, wood flooring and paint ranges will also help you complete the look. Good luck and enjoy!

Malvern Black Bioethanol Burner, £399.99. www.imaginfires.co.uk. These clever and very well priced burners are the perfect way to cosy up your sitting room this autumn. No installation, chimney or flue is needed and it is freestanding and light enough to move yourself. The heat output is approximately 3.5KW (same as a heater on medium setting).

It has an integrated tank for the fuel and 1 Litre of fuel burns for up to 3.5 hours. So it’s a brilliant way to create warmth, atmosphere and comfort in your home this autumn. You can buy ceramics logs, which again add to the effect of a burning fire. I think they are brilliant! And if you move house, you can take it with you.

Edison Bulbs, from £7, Scumble Goosie. Available online (www.scumblegoosie.com) or visit their Stroud showrooms (01453 731305). One of my all time favourite shops, Scumble Goosie is well worth a visit. It is packed with goodies and their furniture range is beautiful. I also love these clever low voltage bulbs. What a great and affordable way to create soft lighting over kitchen counter, kitchen or dining room tables or even over bedside tables. Have them on dimmer switches to control the effect and they will create cosy corners all over your house.

Handthrown Black Clay Mustard and Salt Pots, from £5, Sarah Field Ceramics. www.sarahfieldceramics.com. 01285 821 159.

These adorable little black pots would look lovely on your worktop or kitchen table. Treat yourself to something special for the kitchen.

Set of 5 Copper Pans, £375, The French House. www.thefrenchhouse.net.

01803 551 896. Kitchens are where we spend the most time and the most money on. They are the hearts of the home and if you are gong to improve any area of your house, your kitchen is often a good place to start. If you don’t want to start from scratch, a lick of paint, changing your worktop, updating your appliances and treating yourself to high-end pans and utensils also help you along the way. I love these copper pans. They are timeless and would look great hanging off a pan rack.

They are quick to heat and cool down so are excellent for sauces.

‘Pears’, £120, by Emeline Watchorn. www.emelinewatchornceramics.com.

01285 821 159. emeline.watchorn@gmail.com. I love painting oil still lives and sometimes the simpler the better! This pear still life will look great in a kitchen either propped up on a shelf or mantelpiece or framed and hung above a sideboard or table.

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AN EXCITING NEW RANGE OF SINCE

1981

GARDEN ROOMS

NEW FOR 2015

Available in a wide range of styles, colours and sizes these maintenance free, PVC-u, Double glazed garden rooms can easily be installed into any garden.

With bases designed to cope with all terrains allowing you the freedom to utilise an existing patio area or to create a whole new living space.

We also specialise in the manufacture & installation of made-to-measure -

Casement & Sash windows Patio doors & Folding doors Entrance & French doors Conservatories & Orangeries Secondary Glazing With a Full 10 Year Guarantee And a Free Yearly Maintenance Check

08 00 59 29 46

sales@ll-installations.co.uk

www.ll - ins t allat ions . c o. uk Head Office/Showroom Red Lane Tewkesbury Glos GL20 5BQ

VISIT OUR

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

Style Event

Isabelle Robins and Craig Alden

Jason Bond, Tony Rastelli and Jamie Griffiths

Gary Johnson

Doug Newman and Steve Burns

Cheltenham Town FC Sponsors Evening CGT Lettings Hospitality Suite played host to sponsors of Cheltenham Town. Gue sts enjoyed fantastic food and wine and then watched the Robins take on last year s FA Cup semi-finalists Sheffield Unit ed.

Photography supplied by CTFC

John Finnigan, Harry Anderton and

Geoff Davies

Chris Knight and Maurice Edgerton

Zak and Nas from Andy’s Barbers with Craig Baker and Simon Masling

Chris Wilcox and Anthony Parry

Chairman Paul Baker with guests John Burke with Siobhan Kent

Alex Clarke, Josh Brentnall and Karen Rickards

Sasha Creswell and Phil Pugh Luke Hughes and Gary Hughes

Jim Leamon, David Gerhardi and Lawrence Llewelly n-Bence

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Cheltenham’s family-run kitchen specialist

Recent project - Winchcombe

Nicholas, Sam and Jo Joiner

Inspirational designs Manufactured by craftsmen Planned by specialists Fitted by experts Recent project - Forthampton

U

www.nicholasjoinerkitchens.co.uk

199

7

MILY-RUN C FA

SINESS SI BU

01242 519966

LTENHAM HE

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Talk to Nick, Sam or Jo for inspiration

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Style Interiors

Transition into Autumn with Farrow & Ball and Pavilion Broadway Farrow & Ball’s unrivalled colour palette comes to fine interiors destination Pavilion Broadway this autumn ynonymous with chic country-luxe style, Pavilion Broadway are proud to offer the brands’ full and extensive range of award-winning, ecofriendly, coveted paint shades as well as fine wallpapers, expert paint brushes and accessories.

Pavilion Broadway pride themselves in selecting only the finest artisan brands from around the globe to showcase in their 3 Cotswolds showrooms and in their extensive online store. After years of interior design expertise, Pavilion Broadway’s designers have seen Farrow & Ball colours used in numerous schemes and projects. It is a natural progression that the retailer now stock the prestigious brand, as Farrow & Ball is an essential element for any perfectly put-together home.

Since the brands conception in the 1940s, Farrow & Ball have led the home colour market and continue to do so to this day. Cool classic neutrals such as Elephants Breath, Pavilion Grey, Slipper Satin and Wimbourne White set the tone for innumerable stylish and timeless homes, complemented by iconic bolds including Rectory Red, St Giles Blue and India Yellow.

Often imitated but never duplicated in

S

pigmentation or finish quality, Farrow & Ball are the ultimate colour tastemakers with a shade catalogue second to none. This style heritage is accompanied beautifully by their current, cutting edge trends for 2015 such as the vibrant, lively Breakfast Room Green, the soft and calming Light Blue and the deep, sultry and artisan Tanners Brown. Even the Farrow & Ball colour names have become legendary, and talking points in their own right – from the sublime to the wonderfully ridiculous, the naming scheme is part of the brands unique charm and declaring the Farrow & Ball shade of your most recent interior project is a stylistic joy not to be rivalled.

Selecting the correct shade to offer sanctum in an increasingly hectic and nomadic modern life can alter the vivacity of your home, and as the seasons shift and natural light becomes more scarce, colour and texture choice is key.

Remember, your colour palette is not just limited to walls. Pavilion Broadway stock Farrow & Ball’s paint ranges suitable for floors, woods, metals and exterior surfaces, meaning you can carry your colour concept throughout your home.

Farrow & Ball wallpapers are also on hand to offer an alternative to block or layered colour, and add dimension to statement spaces. The stunning 2015

additions to the brands wallpaper collection such as the 1800’s French inspired Feuille range, or the moody, graphic Tourbillon range provide a subtle yet impactful element of depth and warmth, perfect for the autumn season but also able to transition into spring 2016 with ease.

In order to achieve a truly accomplished look this season, the right tools are essential for any Farrow & Ball job.

Pavilion Broadway’s collection of Farrow & Ball paint brushes are birch and steel handled and made from a combination of synthetic and pure bristles to minimize brush strokes, ensure a smooth and even delivery of paint and maintain sharp brush edges use after use. Importantly, in line with Farrow & Ball’s ethical commitment to sustainability, all birch used is FSC approved and sustainably sourced and all steel is recycled.

Visit Pavilion Broadway at 58, 62 and 67 High Street, Broadway to view their new, full Farrow & Ball range, as well as their curated, eclectic and unique collection of designer furniture and luxury home accessories, all set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful and well-loved Cotswolds villages.

Pavilion Broadway, 67 High Street, Broadway, WR12 7DT www.pavilionbroadway.co.uk

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Beautifully made painted furniture, just the way you want it.

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Have fun with Fabrics!

Jane Saunders from Just Fabrics gives her top tips on decorating your child’s bedroom Decorating a young child’s bedroom or playroom is the perfect excuse to let your imagination run wild and indulge your inner child! However here are some things you might like to consider when designing your scheme.

THEMES - Fabrics This is the fun part! There are lots of great fabrics around and this is the best place to start when deciding on a theme.

When you have chosen your fabric then you can work out the rest of your colour scheme. You could choose traditional schemes for boys such as pirates or dinosaurs and pastel schemes for girls or something else such as animals or stars which would be suitable for any child.

Books – if your child is into the Roald Dahl stories then choose a fabric which depicts one of his books such as Matilda, The Enormous Crocodile or The Fantastic Mr Fox.

Animals – from woodland creatures to extinct dinosaurs, there are fabrics which you could use which would indulge your child’s love of animals.

Pirates – always a popular theme with young boys who love the idea of swashbuckling and treasure!

Florals – dainty florals are the ideal choice for little girls. Choose shades of pink and lilac to bring a feminine touch to the room.

WALLS Washable paint is the most practical choice so that you can wipe down dirty fingerprints! As most children like bright colours I would choose a bold colour from the fabric and use for a feature wall and then decorate the other walls in a more calming neutral. You could also use a coloured blackboard paint for part of wall so that your child can chalk directly onto the wall.

FLOORS Flooring should be practical but also needs to be warm and cosy. If you have wooden flooring this is very practical but not very warm to play on. Soften this with a cosy rug. The other choice is a carpet that is warm underfoot and cosy to play on. One that has a short pile and is not completely plain would be a good choice.

ACCESSORIES Use coordinating fabrics for cushions following the main theme of the room.

The main accessory in the room will be toys!

Jane Saunders, Creative Designer, Just Fabrics, Honeybourne Way, Cheltenham, GL50 3QW www.justfabrics.co.uk

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Cotswoldia Angela Chancellor ponders back to school chores, our beloved Queen and… much ado about nothing!

While enjoying the last of what the summer has to offer, I am only putting off the inevitable not-so-merry-go-round, of the back to school preparations. A misery only to be surpassed by the necessary acquisition of an entire bunch of kit for a new school, which is an obstacle course of such gargantuan proportions that it will frazzle the nerves of even the hardiest and most efficient mother.

Even the most traditional of public schools seem to have dragged themselves into the 21st century and offer an on-line alternative to the indignity of ticketing queue maneuverings, (which brings out the worst in even the plumiest mummies), all vying for a position ahead of their allotted slot if they think they can get away with it. It’s a bit like going skiing really, brings out the chav in anyone.

But do not be fooled by the ‘ease’ of the on-line alternative; if you happen to forget that one pack of very particular socks that simply must be bought from Fauntleroy & Bros from their spiffing website thingy, you will be presented with a socking great delivery charge, probably far exceeding the value of those extra special foot garments.

I just gave up in the end and put a sneaky order in at good old M&S and John Lewis; reliable purveyors of anything a bit dull but solidly and dependably practical. I will however carry with me, well into the first weeks of the new term, that nagging slight dread that I will be ticked-off for having not done things quite ‘our way’ and am silently practising my excuses in preparation. Just in case there are any menfolk reading this column, you can gain insight from this that the endurance described above, is called ‘procuring’. ‘Shopping’, which is fun, involves going to places like Foundation (sorely missed) or for the techie version, ‘net-a-porter’, asos or similar.

On to jollier thoughts and celebrating our longest serving monarch in the history of the British Isles and surely the nations favourite great-grandmother and royal Duracell bunny, Queen Elizabeth II. She may be of the generation, when a little light

“... I just gave up in the end and put a sneaky order in at good old M&S and John Lewis; reliable purveyors of anything a bit dull but solidly and dependably practical.” sewing was probably considered a soothing pastime and certainly a possibly worthy contribution to the war effort but now we can’t help wistfully wondering, what it might be like to never have to sew in a squillion of those pesky little name tags into an endless pile of boring garments that we can’t stand the sight of in the first place. I rather suspect she wouldn’t mind at all, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if she were rather capable. Unlike me, she doesn’t knowingly grumble.

Our dear monarch is one of the many things that make our beloved nation great, along with Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, 007, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and anything Andrew Lloyd Webber can dream up. Then there’s Cheddar, marmalade, tweed, wellies (lots of rain), the mackintosh (lots of rain again), gardens (good because of rain) and many more marvellous British-isms besides, which all make us quite the popular tourist destination. Some of our lovely Cotswold towns enjoy a ‘swarm’ of tourists particularly over the summer but to us

they are not an infestation, on the contrary, good for business and rather remind us how jolly lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

I forgot to include the fabled ‘streets paved with gold’ or the modern day equivalent of our bloated, social security system, which according to some is attracting all and sundry from any faltering country around the globe to our verdant and prosperous shores. Having just been through the channel tunnel and back, which we do on a regular basis, I was rather surprised at what we saw; or didn’t see as the case was. Having been bombarded with messages of doom for several weeks, we set off with trepidation expecting delays and ‘swarms’ of refugees, imagining a scene much akin to World War Z. Well, there was zilch, nada, niente. In the past we have been used to seeing a few tatty chancers on the other side and a snake of lorries up the M20 this side but it had never been this deserted. Ever.

Does make you wonder what to make of it all...

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Cotswolds Culture Susan Blanchfield looks at the story behind the Literature Festival Like prolific weeds, Literature Festivals are springing up all over the place; at the last official count 350 of them hosted by various cities and towns throughout the UK. The format of the standard Literature Festival is superficially often very similar; the author seated on a stage in one of those ubiquitous tents, usually with journalist to introduce and interview them and mediate some form of timed exchange with the Oz Clarke audience. Quality and professionalism can vary enormously though; how many of us, eager for 3 seconds with our hero, have endured a long shuffling book signing queue only for the book store to run out of copies causing us to stomp furiously off into the night simultaneously shedding the cloak of cultural selfimprovement whilst calling up scurrilous Daily Mail online tittle tattle via the smart phone by way of compensatory relief.

The health benefits of reading are well documented of course; not only does diving into a good book open up a whole world of knowledge but regular reading makes you smarter. Reading takes your brain on a little mental jog - giving it a good work out – crucial for keeping our minds sharper for longer. We generally read alone so what lies behind the exponential surge in Literature Festival popularity, which essentially brings a traditionally quiet art form sharply into public focus? Was the author Margaret Atwood on to something when she observed about the current proliferation of Literature Festivals, “Wanting to meet an author because you like his work is like wanting to meet a duck because you like pâté”?

One reason is that Literature Festivals are so popular is we human beings are hard wired to interact and socialise when it comes to things we care about. Literature evokes multi-dimensional responses to understanding and interpreting events that are unique to us. It’s all about the

Julian Clary

collective. At a literary event, you get to mingle with those whose ideas you admire, discover writers you were previously unaware of and enjoy chance meetings with people who share your views or interests.

Another reason is that Literature Festivals are only as interesting as their audiences so they aim to appeal to extend their reach by offering a myriad of opportunities to delve into, in order to attract people from different places on the social and political spectrum - interactive debates on controversial topics and audience participation are now an essential part of a successful Literature Festival, aside from the usual offerings. Writing and poetry workshops taught by professional authors are also becoming a popular feature to cater for those who may have literary aspirations of their own. This eclectic mix, together with the ancillary music, crafts and family events, draws in people who might otherwise have been put off by the notion of a Literature Festival and makes for a brilliantly diverse gathering of people.

Demographics aside, perhaps, in the end, we might not share Margaret Attwood’s view on pâté and controversially, it could be that it is the opportunity to see writers in the flesh at Literary Festivals, to hear them speak and read from their work as well as recount

what inspires them to write, that restores the essential human connection for us, one that downloading books for all its convenience will never have.

Cheltenham Literature Festival (www.cheltenhamfestivals.com) which runs from 2-11 October, is ranked as one of the top international Literature Festivals in the world and for good reason; as one of the oldest literary events in the world it is at the forefront of literary culture. Don’t be put off by the ‘Literature’ piece.

Cheltenham’s ground-breaking approach to festival curating offers a chance to experience a programme of extraordinary breadth. This year’s theme of Defining Moments incorporates global top notch writers and performers with heavyweights ranging from Pulitzer prize winning novelist Jane Smiley to edgy social commentator George the Poet. As ever, Cheltenham is strong on the variety; aside from the authors and debates there are plenty of other unique experiences comedian Marcus Brigstocke returns to host a review of the Sunday papers over an informal brunch, a Spiegltent wine tasting session with Oz Clarke and a New York City Jazz evening with celebrated Soho restaurateur Russell Norman form part of the eclectic mix. The family programme for children features star guests such as Robert Winston, Michael Morpurgo and Julian Clary and this year, representatives from three local schools who have been participating in the Cheltenham Festival Education programme will be performing live to audiences in the Cheltenham First Story Showcase.

These are rapidly changing complex times in our global society, and there is no better lens through which to view these changes than a good Literature Festival.

And we have one of the worlds best – right on our doorstep.

Susan Blanchfield is a Patron and Trustee of Cheltenham Festivals; she is a postgraduate doctoral researcher at the University of Gloucestershire and has a life long passion for the Arts in Education. Please contact Susan at: editor@stylemagazines.co.uk

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Read all about it ...

Cotswold Style looks at the illustrious line up for The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2-11 October 2015 ormed in 1949, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is the longestrunning festival of its kind in the world.

The Spa Manager, George Wilkinson, started the festival in conjunction with the Tewkesbury-based author John Moore, who served as its first director.

Actor Ralph Richardson, who was born in Cheltenham, launched the nie festival and poet Cecil Day-Lewis, Ron Wood who taught at Cheltenham College, read a selection of contemporary verse.

Running from October 2-11, the Cheltenham Literature Festival boasts speakers as diverse as Ronnie Wood, Martha Lane Fox, Matthew Bourne, George the Poet, Garry Kasparov, Jeanette Winterson, Nick Clegg, Nigel Mansell, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Nick Frost, Nigella Lawson, Bill Bryson and Gino D’Acampo.

With a programme of more than 500 events, the Festival will touch upon subjects including history, politics, sport, food and fashion. The theme of this year’s Festival is Defining Moments: the pivotal occurrences that conclusively alter life as we know it; be they global, cultural, social or personal.

The popular Book It! family programme returns this year with an enviable programme featuring the world’s most-popular authors for children and young people, including an event which sees current and former Children’s Laureates Chris Riddell and Michael Rosen speaking together, as well as talks from David Almond, Patrick Ness, Lauren Child, Julia Donaldson, Sandi Toksvig and Julian Clary. The Festival will celebrate 70 years of Thomas the Tank Engine, children will be able to join The Famous Five for the day and there are lots of workshops going on, including Henry V with the RSC. For young adults, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Millie Mackintosh will be doing events.

Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will present his much anticipated first

F

Nick Frost

novel in eight years, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights and other Booker Prize winners appearing include Pat Barker, John Banville, Julian Barnes, Anne Enright and Peter Carey.

There will be a chance to see bestselling fiction authors such as Bill Bryson, Gill Hornby, Nell Zink, Kate Atkinson, Audrey Niffenegger, Marian Keyes, David Lodge, Louis de Bernieres, Rachel Joyce, Victoria Hislop and the Cotswolds’ favourite local writer, Jilly Cooper.

This year’s Festival presents musings and revelations from a number of stars from the music world. Ronnie Wood revisits his lost diary from 1965, Chrissie Hynde talks to Stuart Maconie, Tracey Thorn talks to Mark Ellen, and Bob Harris shares stories from his time on the airwaves.

From a worldview, internationally focused talks include former chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov on Putin’s Russia, Vicky Pryce on Greece, Yeonmi Park on North Korea and a discussion of the reunification of Germany 25 years on.

This year’s big Times Debate is about Europe. Nick Clegg taking the pro-stance against MEP Daniel Hannan, while Nigel Lawson will join Gus O’Donnell and Alistair Darling to explain How to Write a Budget.

Sporting talks include a revealing look at FIFA, reminiscences from Nigel

Gary Kasparov

Mansell, a Rugby World Cup review from Ben Cohen, Best Mate trainer Henrietta Knight will talk horseracing and there’ll be a hot debate about the World’s Greatest Cricketers.

Matthew Bourne will talk about his life in dance and West End star and online sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher will discuss the perils of celebrity. Best-selling author Matt Haig will talk about beating depression, while pianist James Rhodes, whose Memoir Instrumental is finally available after an Appeal Court judgment was overturned, will perform and discuss the therapeutic power of music.

Fiona Shaw gets to grips with Brecht.

There’ll also be celebrations of Arthur Miller, Saul Bellow, Anthony Trollope, W.H. Auden, T. S. Eliot and of course Shakespeare with talks from Jeanette Winterson, Tracey Chevalier and Anthony Sher.

Leading business women, Mumpreneur Annabel Karmel and the founder of Ultimo, Michelle Mone will reveal the stories behind their success while Mary Portas will discuss her inspiring life.

Delicious food is also on the table as celebrity chefs including Gino D’Acampo, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, John Torode, Bill Granger, Gizzi Erskine, Rick Stein, Mina Holland and Masterchef winners Sophie Thompson and Lisa Faulkner, all take to the Spiegeltent to serve up delicious food from their latest recipe books.

The full Festival line-up and tickets can be booked at www.cheltenhamfestivals.com or by phone on 0844 880 8094.

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LAOS Serene unhurried & enigmatic Self-professed adventuress and Travel Writer Lucy Garbutt travels to Laos, one of Asia’s most beautiful and untouched gems in the heart of the Golden Triangle he former French colonies of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are known collectively as Indochina. The mighty coffee-coloured Mekong River carves its course through these countries to connect Thailand and the cultural and geographic spirit of the region. I was lucky enough to visit Laos - a gentle country of Asian tradition and colonial influences. Its people are diverse and remarkable and wherever you go they display a gracious hospitality which makes it a very special place to explore.

Vientiane is the delightful capital of Laos known as the world’s largest village, as it retains a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and small town feel. The city is located on the banks of the

T

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Mekong River and exudes the exotic style of old Asia with its traditional coffee bars and faded grandeur of ancient French colonial townhouses. This old world charm blends with the new and boutique hotels and Parisian-style pavement cafés, perfect for some people-watching and sampling the local cuisine … some of my favourite holiday pastimes! Even more exciting was the opportunity to explore the tree-lined boulevards by bicycle and then head deep into the narrow streets of the interior on foot, to discover ancient temples and pagodas, wonderful bustling markets, the rather unusual people who run them and the delicious street cuisine they provide.

The Mekong stretches like a backbone from the north of Laos to

south, linking the people, their economy and the country. I was lucky enough to travel through part of Laos by river on a journey to Luang Prabang, which is the best-preserved traditional town in SouthEast Asia. A river trip gives you the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy a glimpse of the culture and makes for a fascinating and enchanting journey, bringing the heart and soul of a country to you at a very gentle and relaxed pace.

It offers a different perspective of local life and I passed neat green rows of peanut and sweet potato plants lining the sandy riverbanks, Jackfruit and tamarind trees hiding the villages where looms are

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busy weaving inside bamboo stilt houses, fishermen cast their rippling nets into the brown waters in search of catfish and children playing at the water’s edge with mothers, busy with their chores, overlooked by goats grazing on the banks and white cows wallowing.

Luang Prabang is the most enchanting town in Laos, nestled in a mountain valley with the towering backdrop of Mt Phousi. It is a sublime blend of ornate golden temples, ancient monuments and hundreds of monks ambling through its streets with some of the world’s finest

boutique hotels to choose from. Early one morning I witnessed morning prayers from Wat Xieng Thong Temple and the monks taking alms. The Lao cuisine is exquisite, especially lunch sitting in a café beside the river - although I would give the Lao equivalent of pork scratchings a miss next time – fried buffalo skin with chunky lime sauce!

To journey in Laos is ‘to take the slow road’ as the country operates at a very relaxed pace, but as you do so, you will experience one of South East Asia’s most intriguing gems.

A trip to Laos combines very well with a holiday to Vietnam, Cambodia and/or Thailand. If you would like to travel to Laos and/or other parts of the Golden Triangle a journey can be tailor-made by World Odyssey – for more information on anything to do with The Far East or anywhere else on the planet, please visit www.world-odyssey.com – follow us @World_Odyssey, become a fan on Facebook and/or call one of our travel specialists for advice on: 01905 731373.

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Kennel Sponsorship

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PET ALLERGIES Animal advice from our friends at Vets on the Park An allergy is a reaction by the immune system to a common substance known as an allergen. Lots of people have allergic reactions to allergens such as hay fever or peanut allergy but did you know that our pets can develop allergies too?

Common allergens for pets include foods, pollen, moulds, dust mites and fleas. Did you know that dogs can also be allergic to cats? These allergens enter the body by skin contact, breathing in or by being eaten in the diet. If affected pets are repeatedly exposed to the allergen then their immune system will react and this may cause a variety of symptoms from diarrhoea to itching and bad ears.

Allergies can be immediate, meaning as soon as your pet is exposed to the allergen they will start reacting, or the reaction can be delayed by hours or even days. This can make identifying the allergen problematic if some time has passed since the exposure, you may not remember what happened.

Common signs of a pet with allergy include skin disorders from itching, chewing and rubbing the coat, ear problems, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and even behavioural problems. If your pet suffers from any of these conditions then your vet may suggest a blood test to try to identify the potential allergens.

These allergy screens involve a single blood test (taken without sedation or anaesthesia), which is then sent to a specialised laboratory for testing. The blood test will identify antibodies in the blood and so allow your vet to identify the offending allergens.

Knowing what your pet is allergic to will allow your vet to develop a unique

treatment plan for your pet. This may involve managing the environment, using special anti-allergy bedding, undertaking a desensitisation programme with a bespoke vaccine, called immunotherapy and usually also giving some form of medication to help control the degree of the allergic reaction.

It is important to remember that if your pet has an allergy then your vet cannot cure them but by working together in partnership with your vet, modern treatments can provide longterm relief and a much improved quality of life.

If you would like to know more about pet allergies then please contact us at Vets on the Park on 01242 517199 or by email to vets@vetsonthepark.co.uk

for your pets in your life - your vet for life

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r M & Mrs s e n o J

Somewhere for the Weekend?

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

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

This month we visit the holiday home destination for celebrities such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Boris Becker and Sir Bradley Wiggins.

MALLORCA

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, known for its beach resorts and sheltered coves, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains. Mallorca is an island of opposites – plush hillside villas and jumbo-sized yachts on the one hand, high-rise hotels and cheap package tours on the other.

Years ago as a party loving 19 year old, Mrs Jones had been to this sparkling isle to the ghastly Magaluf but now as a respectable, middle-aged mother it was time to discover the real Mallorca - the one oozing affluence, with charming old towns and ports, trendy dining hotspots and boutique hotels, all the while enjoying breathtaking scenery whether in the mountains or near the sea.

Out and about...

It is essential to hire a car when visiting Mallorca. The roads are well sign posted and in exceptional condition especially the many windy, mountainous roads to cross the island. Mr Jones sourced a super little car hire company, Autos Nifers (email: info@autosnifers.com) which in his mind was ‘cheap and chic’. The 5-doors Seat Ibiza with A/C was fully inclusive (and no deductibles payable whatever happens to 66 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

the car) and for 30 Euros a day that was a good start! The car was collected from the carpark at the airport and should be dropped back on an empty tank of fuel, so no fiddling around if you have an early morning flight back.

Coming from the airport into the capital Palma, you get your first view of the 13th century, Le Seu Cathedral dominating the city skyline. The outside is fantastic but take time to check out the interior. The entrance fee is 6 Euros. The cathedral was built on the place of an existing mosque back in the Arab occupation. It was constructed in the French-Gothic style and was finished in 1601.

Although being at the centre of the huge Bay of Palma, the city does not have its own beach. However, for those who do wish to escape for the day, the more traditional beach resorts of C'an Pastilla and Cala Mayor lie approximately 4 miles away. Mrs Jones was delighted with the wonderful array of retail therapy available in Palma. The main shopping areas are Avinguda Jaume III and the Passeig des Born for up-market boutiques and the pedestrian streets around Placa Major for small specialist shops but of course plenty of style abound in Zara and Mango.

The Palau de l'Almudaina (Royal Palace) on the harbour is worth a visit, as are the nearby ancient Moorish baths (Banys Arabs).

For the truly romantic part of your stay on Mallorca, one must head up the superwinding road from Palma to Sóller for a further few days. Mr Jones who thinks he is the Cotswolds’ answer to Sir Chris Hoy would have preferred to cycle the route.

Despite the numerous curves it is highly scenic. Sóller is connected with Palma by a small, nostalgic train but since they missed the ride, Mrs & Mr Jones took the tram from Sóller to Port de Sóller instead for the traditional Saturday market. Sóller is home to some wonderful attractions such as the Can Prunera Museum of modern art, the town’s railway gallery features some of Miro and Picasso’s works and many examples of modernist architecture of the Gaudi period. The cliff top views from the Jumeirah Port Hotel & Spa (www.jumeirah.com/ mallorca) are some of the best on the island and subsequently, the only place Mrs Jones could contemplate staying.

Private yacht charters can be arranged by the hotel to visit secluded coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling in the deep blue sea and there is a golf club only 15 mins away. There is an abundance of blonde beaches within easy reach as well as 120kms of routes for walkers or mountain bikers through pine forests and olive groves in the area.

Mallorca is renowned as a cycling mecca and there are plenty of outlets to hire topof-the-range road bikes (as well as bikes

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Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

for total amateurs such as Mrs Jones, who would really rather pass-out on the beach than have to contemplate exercise). Not only do the Sky team use the island as a training ground, there are vast amounts of cycling clubs, as well as couples who just enjoy a ride together and can be found on their bikes from Pollenca in the North, across to Sóller in the West. With 312 kms of coastline to view, one may very well see the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins or Chris Froome sprinting ahead, whilst you are puffing up one of the mountain routes. The climbs on these routes are challenging however the roads are in impeccable condition and the scenery, some of the most spectacular in Europe.

Eating...

With its exposed brick and stainless steel interior, buzzy Tast in Palma epitomises the new wave of modern tapas bars taking root in the old town. Smart La Bodeguilla may seem out of bounds for diners on a shoestring so go beyond to its wine bar for a tasting plate for 12.50 Euros. While in Port de Sóller there is abundance of tapas restaurants, lavila (very reasonable) and ice cream bars to choose, io gelats artesans was particularly good. Mrs Jones though badly wanted something really special. Her favourite was Es Fanals situated at the highest point of the Jumeirah Port Hotel & Spa with the most impressive views over the Med - she relished a fusion

of flavours though delicious traditional tapas. After a dip and siesta by the the fabulous hotel pool she disappeared later into another of the hotel’s restaurants, Cap Roig for a tantalizing seafood BBQ followed by dancing to live music – she certainly got into the Mallorcan mood here!

Sundowner Time...

While in Palma, Mrs Jones was persuaded to follow the locals pedaling along the path that hugs the promenade to quietly, cool Portixol (10 mins by bike, 20 mins stroll or bus no. 15). This up-and-coming fishing village is now a hip haven of brightly coloured houses and beach bars – join residents lounging over beers at Yan Café or enjoy nachos and guacamole at DJ bar Ca’n Punta, both on the beachfront Carrer Vicario Joaquin Fuster.

In Sóller located on the upper floor of the Jumeirah Hotel is the Sunset Lounge Bar, which enjoys 180 degrees of breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains, the fishing port and the sea – accompanied by some of the freshest line caught sushi. There are very few places that can command such a remarkable sundowner view and at last, it even made Mr Jones feel terribly romantic.

Sleeping...

Splurge: The Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa (www.jumeirah.com/mallorca).

Delightful staff will greet you at this

incredible location comprising 2,200 sqm of stunning views from every corner.

The Talise Spa features an extensive thermal area and outdoor Hydropool as well as a state-of-the-art gym and treatment rooms. The vast bedrooms are world-class; buttons to control lighting and curtains, exceptionally comfortable huge beds (many rooms have double pullout sofas if you are taking children), fabulous marbled bathrooms, a decent fridge, Nespresso machine, balconies or terraces with luscious views and quirky touches such as complimentary baskets to use pool-side with a fine bottle of Rioja to enjoy! One of the pools is for children over 12 years and there is a kids club for little ones. It is a short stroll down to the port, though there is a shuttle service running often. Truly the BEST place to stay on the island, particularly as a couple.

Mid range: Chic boutique, urban hotel Mision de San Miguel in Palma is a steal and one can eat on the terrace alfresco at Trebol, the hotel’s restaurant. (www.hotelmisiondesanmiguel.com) On a budget: Hotel Born in Palma is a restored 16th century palace with traditional furnishings (www.hotelborn.com) or Hostal Brondo (www.hostalbrando.net) is one of those inexpensive places that keeps its character and feeling while offering a nice service.

Doubles with bathroom are as cheap as 60 Euro.

When to go...

Winters can surprisingly have warm days; up to 25 degrees though cold at night and summers can get very hot, especially August. Many cyclists visit during spring and autumn though it can be wet in March and late September.

Getting there...

The low cost airlines into Palma including easyJet (www.easyjet.com) Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) Monarch (www.monach.co.uk) fly out of out of regional airports.

For scheduled air consolidation information and real time pricing from a wide range of scheduled operators visit www.skyscanner.com For private jet consolidation information and booking visit www.returnjet.com For up to date listings visit: www.seemallorca.com COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 67

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Let Blossom

Love Our stunning new collection of handcrafted pieces are now on display.

John Titcombe Fine Jewellery

Ǥ͗ ǡ ǡ ͜ ͘ ̱ ǣ ͔͕​͕͛ ͚͕͛͗͘͝͝ Ȉ Ǥ͘ ǡ ǡ ͜ ͘ ̱ ǣ ͔͕​͕͛ ͛͗͝​͕͗͛͜ No.39 Market Place, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2NX ~ Tel: 01285 655754

www.johntitcombe.co.uk

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Style Coffee Break

ASTAWAY Louise Emerson is the CEO of Cheltenham Festivals who joined in 2014, having previously worked for the Natural History Museum in London. Each year, the Cheltenham Festivals brings a thrilling line up of events to the annual calendar.

This October, the Festivals’ standout event, The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will see stars including Nigella Lawson, Ronnie Wood, Alexandra Shulman, Gizzi Erskine and plenty more entertain audiences. Ellie Mainwaring caught up with Louise ahead of the hotly anticipated event.

Louise Emerson

Where in the world would you choose to be castaway to and why?

One of the Aleutian Islands. It is wonderfully wild with lots of volcanoes and the marine wildlife is fantastic.

What item of jewellery or accessory would you take?

A pashmina.

You can take the entire works of one musician to your desert island, who will it be and why?

Everything by Beethoven. His music would energise me and there would certainly be enough pieces I had not heard to allow me to continue to explore. I also have many memories associated with certain pieces, so it would remind me of these times.

A Nightingale for it’s song.

What animal or pet would you take?

Name one possession you would take and one to leave behind for a loved one.

Take – A boat to allow me to explore the surrounding islands, to go fishing and whale spotting.

Leave – All my other worldly possessions I would leave behind for friends. I would not

need very much on the island and I think my friends could have a grand auction and donate the proceeds to Cheltenham Festivals!

A Jacuzzi for chilly nights. I could do a little Universe gazing without getting too cold.

What would be your luxury item?

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

I would commission Heston Blumenthal to concoct a gluten free sensory feast for all my friends and me.

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

Martin Rees the Astronomer Royal along with Eddie Izzard hidden in his cloak. A nice mix of knowledge and fun. Martin to guide me across the Universe and Eddie to keep me laughing on the dark evenings.

Cheltenham Literature Festival will take over from 2 – 11 October.

Tickets are now on sale.

For more information, visit: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com.

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Specialists in the resale of preloved designer clothing and accessores. Situated in the heart of Montpellier, CHAPTERs is a treasure trove of new and nearly new designer outfits at affordable prices. From Vintage Chic to this seasons must haves... every woman’s weakness!

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Style Hair

GET ALL THE GLAMOUR UNDER ONE ROOF...

Laura Leigh Hairdressing takes party styling to a new level

T

he party blowdry will take less than 30 minutes to create and costs £20.

Simply choose the look you wish to create and within half an hour, your hair will be party ready! Try the well-established blowdry bar in the basement of Laura Leigh hairdressing, a bright and sparkly salon that delivers speedy beauty fixes in luxurious surroundings.

The stylists at Laura Leigh are super-friendly and flexible and happy to discuss the looks that will suit your hair type as well as personality.

There is a fabulous range of temporary hair extensions, which your stylist can cut and style for you whilst you’re there which can add length, volume or even a splash of colour to your hair.

Your blowdry can take a little time to settle and get used to, so make sure you visit the blowdry bar a couple of hours before you plan to make your entrance at your event – your post party hair should stay put until washed.

If you find getting ready for a big night out often takes on the same old routine and you’re tired of the same look, you might want to check out some of the other quick fix pre-party treatments that are available at Laura Leigh Hairdressing.

MAKE UP To complement your look we offer the expertise of our in salon makeup artists for £35. Please allow an an extra 30-40 minutes for this service.

NAILS The highly experienced beauticians can offer manicures and pedicures in the salon, which can be enjoyed at the same time as your blowdry. Prices from £20.

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

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AW15 KEY TRENDS This Autumn/Winter, Cotswold Style has checked out styles available from House of Fraser, who will take you on a journey through the key trends. This is the perfect stop for the latest fashion driven products on the high street From fabulous faux fur to keep you warm on those crisp autumn mornings, acid yellow coats and abstract print jumpers to make you stand out in any crowd, to neutral greys for the modern yet minimalist woman in the city.

WILD THING Faux Fur should be top of everyone’s wish list this Autumn Winter. Seen on several catwalks, from Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney to Jasper Conran, we guarantee faux fur will be your very stylish best friend!

Blue cross body bag, Helen Moore, £69

Orange faux fur pompom, Helen Moore, £25

Faux fur striped coat, Pied a Terre, £189

Black faux fur collar coat, Biba, £189 and Leather trousers, POLO Ralph Lauren, £775

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Style Fashion

FOLK&ROLL The 70s are back, but this time with a rock and roll edge.

Pair a chevron faux fur jacket and leather skirt and bring out your inner 70’s chick!

PU & Faux Suede A Line skirt, Biba, £59

Chevron faux fur coat, Biba, £179

Green Lace Dress, Biba, £125

Stripe faux fur jacket, Linea Weekend, £99

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MODERN DAY ARMY Navy textured trench coat, Biba, £169

With a nod to military dressing and a distinct 70’s feel throughout, this trend is set to be huge for Autumn Winter. The palette is mainly masculine and dark, with strong attention to finishing details such as military style buttons and pockets, as seen on the Biba textured trench coat and Ellen Tracy longline waistcoat.

Navy longline waistcoat, Ellen Tracy, £120

Printed pussybow blouse, Ellen Tracy, £69 and Indigo flared trousers, Ellen Tracy, £89

Monochro

me clutc

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h, McQ, £

295

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Style Fashion

BRIGHT YOUNG THING

Grey reversible cape £400, Polka dot shirt, £179 and Acid yellow skirt, £235, all MaxMara Weekend

This is a 60’s retro story with tomboyish silhouettes such as the cape, retro shirt and roll neck jumpers.

A feminine and fun story, mixing bold colours, prints and textures together such as the acid yellow Max Mara Weekend coat and Victoria Beckham Jean’s neon tweed dress.

Neon tweed dress, Victoria Beckham Jeans, £375

Acid yellow coat, MaxMara Weekend, £369 Snakeskin cross body clutch, McQ, £390

ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80’S Taking inspiration from icons of the 80’s such as Dynasty and Bananarama, the 70’s isn’t the only decade making a comeback this season. Think gold leather, snake skin jeans and ruffles!

Purple pussy bow layered dress, SportMax Code, £185

Gold leather blazer, Biba Heritage by Barbara Hulanicki, £269

Red textured jumper, £59, Dickins & Jones

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Style Fashion

SOFT LANDING This trend is all about feeling cosy and looking modern. Work with neutral colours such as greys and whites, with the odd pop of colour.

A sumptuous yet understated story, turning casual into catwalk.

Light blue duffle bag, Furla, £399

White and grey stripe coat, Gray & Willow, £199 and Grey skinny jeans, Label Lab, £55

Grey square bowler bag, Linea, £40

Sea spray knit jumper, Linea Weekend, £65

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COUSINS of CHELTENHAM! 10/11 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham. GL50 1SD Tel: 01242 583998

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

Foot Health Practitioner’s at JOSSPA It may sound silly but many of us take those two things with five toes each at the bottom of our body, for granted. Yes, we often forget how our feet bear the weight of our entire bodies on a day-to-day basis, making it easy to understand how a foot problem can quickly lead to discomfort and be extremely detrimental to a daily routine.

As we age our skin becomes thinner and less elastic and therefore we are more prone to foot problems in later life.

Whereas, the younger populations tend to have more concern around callus (Hyperkeratosis) verruca’s, athletes foot (Tinea Pedis) ingrown toenails (Onychocryptosis) and corns.

Until we are diagnosed with a medical foot condition, we may often overlook the problems that others have with their feet.

For instance, a diabetic needs specialised foot care due to nerve damage, called neuropathy. The slightest injury for them, i.e. a blister or cut, can turn into an ulcer.

While athletes often suffer with callus build up, damaged nails or even sometimes the complete loss of a nail, which can cause extreme discomfort.

Foot Health Practitioners (FHP’s) work to treat and combat all these uncomplicated medical conditions. The NHS can unfortunately no longer offer foot care to the wider public due to government setbacks, therefore FHP's working in the private sector provide that crucial service.

Although podiatrist's and chiropodist's still work within the NHS, they now tend to deal with the more extreme cases, such as treating those who require surgery. Whilst working alongside these professionals, FHP’s work tirelessly throughout the private sector conducting home visits, treating those at community centres or within care homes and seeing clients at private foot clinics or doctors surgeries. With Age Concern UK reporting that one in three older people cannot cut their own toenails, the demand for FHP’s making these types of visits is large.

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FHP’s are qualified in a vast range of treatments. They are trained to make bespoke dressings to help protect and relieve painful areas, while some FHP's are also qualified in nail reconstruction, whereby using a silicone mould of the patients’ nail bed; a new natural looking nail can be made and fitted. FHP's can treat and pack fissures (cracked open skin usually around the heal area, which can become painful and infected), to allow the skin to heal and the fissure to disappear completely. While fungal nail infections, detected by discolouration of the nail and the loosening/ lifting of the nail plate, are also treated.

All qualified FHP's will be on the Foot Health Practitioners register and may also be members of the Institute of Chiropodist's and Podiatrist's and the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners.

FHP's will also make doctor or chiropodist referrals when needed.

Launching this September in Cheltenham is a new Foot Health Clinic at

JOSSPA The Urban Retreat, situated on Bath Road. The clinic will be offering a large range of treatments and packages, conducting home visits, care home visits and pop up clinics in the surrounding area.

Please call 01242 520553 for more information about the Foot Health Clinic at JOSSPA or to make an appointment, alternatively visit www.josspa.com.

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Style Health Are you Lacking Confidence and Feeling Worthless?

Celebrity Coach, Dominique Ventura gives his thoughts…

Many people in our ever increasingly material world, focus their stability solely on a healthy bank balance but what of our emotional wellbeing?

Perhaps after a divorce or break up with a much loved one we might begin to feel thoughts we have not experienced before.

Often we hide these newly felt feelings anxiety, depression, a lack of self-confidence/ motivation, worthlessness or rejection, deep within us.

Perhaps along our path we have also encountered people and ideas alien to our own ideals that have somehow influenced our wellbeing. This negativity can so easily, if not dealt with, build and multiply within our consciousness to harm both our spirit and ‘joie de vivre.’

The trick is how we monitor these feelings and make sure they do not overwhelm us, and indeed take over our ‘Personal Driver’s Seat.’ How do we get back on track, or do we let this negativity take us deeper into the foreboding deep,

dark well of depression?

The answer to this can be by simply allowing you to again enjoy the very basic pleasures of life. These could include a walk in your favourite place, sharing tea with friends or taking time out just for you.

It is finding the new spark within us again.

To gain equilibrium the help of a professional Coach is also an invaluable tool. Here you will find the help, love and understanding needed for you to gain control of your ‘Driving Seat’ once more.

Without emotional wellbeing our physical health is certainly at risk, as the two have been proven to go hand in hand. We must balance both to address equilibrium of the trio… mind, body and spirit.

As the Cherokee legend so eloquently tells us, most people at some time in their lives becomes aware of and tries to fight the opposing ‘Two Wolves’ they are feeling within themselves. One wolf deals in anger, envy, sorrow, grief, regret, arrogance, self pity, inferiority, resentment and total negativity, the other wolf in joy, peace, hope, love, serenity, humility, generosity, compassion and all positivity.

When the young Indian Warrior asked the Cherokee Chief, which wolf would win, the Chief replied, “The one you choose to feed”.

The moral is, of course, we must endeavour to feed the good wolf and starve the bad wolf in order to overcome any lack of self-confidence or feelings of worthlessness that we might harbour.

Dominique Ventura is a Celebrity Life Coach based in the Cotswolds, covering Family Conflicts, Divorce, Stress & Burnout, Confidence Boosting and is a Motivational Speaker.

Tel: 01367 241 044 or 07890 570 294.

For those of you lucky enough to have escaped the lack of summer in England for a warmer climate, your body may now be feeling a little ‘parched’.

Cotswold Style has been testing some new products to alleviate symptoms:

• REN the skincare product range

available from The Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham has launched a silkysmooth, Moroccan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil (£26). This luxurious but lightweight oil counteracts the dehydrating affects of the sun’s exposure. It can be lavishly applied to the body, face and hair to give optimum hydration and enhances any fabulous glow you may have acquired whilst away. It has a beautiful subtle fragrance and dries quickly so as not to mark clothing.

Available from The Montpellier Chapter, Cheltenham

• For wild and unruly post-holiday hair

try Creightons Frizz No More hair care range. With six bold hair products for any hair type, Frizz No More will banish frizzled and tame flyaways whatever the

weather for smoother, perfectly manageable hair. The unique formulation includes special Envirolock Complex to defend against troublesome weather conditions like humidity and Meadowfoam to add shine for glossier hair.

Available from www.creightonsdirect.com

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Contact Emma Beddow, Clinic Director

07795 675 775 / 01242 573476 Lauriston House, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SS

www.cotswoldfaceandbodyclinic.co.uk

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Style Beauty

Averting the aging process Emma Beddows from Cotswold Face & Body Clinic explains what procedures will assist in defying skin and body concerns he aging process has been the centre of attention for centuries. Skin elasticity reduction due to collagen, hyaluronic acid and skin vessels depletion along with facial subcutaneous fat/volume redistribution are responsible for this process. Whilst well recognised treatments such as chemical peels, muscle-relaxing injections (Botulinum Toxin Type A) and dermal fillers are Emma available for healthy looking skin, other effective aesthetic medical procedures such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift and rejuvenation deserve attention.

Yuliya These treatments are hardly new in medicine, however their recognition in aesthetics is relatively recent.

For instance, polydixanone dissolvable and biodegradable sutures have been used due to their nonantigenic, non-pyrogenic, not-supportive infection properties with only minimal tissue reactivity during the absorption process. The popularity of thread lift in aesthetics could be linked to these PDO properties. The journey of thread lift began in Russia when barbed suture suspension, was used by Dr Sulamanidze in 2002.

Ever since, thread lift materials and techniques have become more sophisticated with reduced downtime and side effects, giving opportunity to medical practitioners to offer nonsurgical 3D face lift, skin tightening and body contouring. The treatment is divided into 2 main categories where non-barb and barb-based threads are applied into different skin layers and subcutaneously. The skin rejuvenation process is obtained with intradermal insertion of non-barb filaments for

T

Collagen Regeneration, Neovascularization- formation of new blood vessels leading to skin microcirculationimprovements and lipolysis- fat breakdown. The lifting effect is obtained via barbthreads introduction under the skin, offering tissue support and lift that could be described as ‘scaffolding’. Whilst the lifting effect is noticeable almost immediately, it takes 3 month to see the full treatment outcomes, offering patients continuing effect with long lasting results up to 18-24 months.

Our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Yuliya has wide experience in this

treatment and provides training to other medical practitioners in thread lift techniques for one of the leading UK distributers in quality beauty and aesthetics brands.

Respectively, PRP therapy is defined as an autologous concentrated preparation of platelets and their growth factors in a small volume of plasma. The growth factors are naturally occurring substances, taking part in tissue growth and the healing process. The source is a patient’s own blood after centrifugation.

The PRP has been used in oral, maxillofacial surgery and rheumatology to stimulate bone and soft tissue healing and reduce inflammation.

These unique properties were transferred into anti-aging medicine to repair damaged skin such as wrinkles, facial volume redistribution, stretch marks and tackle the hair loss. In order to achieve satisfactory results the course of treatments, very often combined with medical micro-needling is applied and reviewed by medical practitioners.

This is a short introduction to the treatments available in the clinic. Their suitability depends on individual factors that are carefully evaluated by the medical practitioner during initial consultation. Why not to book an appointment to discuss what would be the most suitable treatment plan for you.

We will be delighted to help during your journey to healthy looking, vibrant skin and a more confident you.

The Cotswold Face & Body Clinic is opening on 19th September in Cheltenham.

Please feel free to contact us: Cotswold Face & Body Clinic Lauriston House Montpellier Street Cheltenham GL50 1SS Tel: 01242 573 476 or 07795 675 775 www.cotswoldfaceandbodyclinic.co.uk Email: emmabeddow@ cotswoldfabclinic.co.uk

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Style Competition

utstanding Chef Valentine Warner headlines this year’s Malvern Autumn Show, which takes place on 26th and 27th September at the Three Counties Showground. To celebrate his appearance, Cotswold Style is delighted to have teamed up with the Malvern Autumn Show to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets along with a signed copy of Valentine’s latest book, What To Eat Next.

The ultimate harvest festival, Malvern Autumn Show is a feast of family entertainment, artisan produce, with food and gardening royalty sharing their top tips and tried and tested knowhow.

The harvest show of the season showcases the very best seasonal food and gardening in the stunning setting at the foot of the picturesque Malvern Hills, just 15 minutes from the M5 motorway.

Valentine Warner will take to the stage in the event’s Good Life Pavilion, hot off the heels of his hit BBC 2 show and accompanying book. The top chef will bring his signature cooking style of seasonal, simple, robust and flavoursome food with live cookery demonstrations.

Joining Valentine, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift and Otter Farm’s Mark Diacono will share their expert gardening and growing knowledge.

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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE SHOW ALONG WITH A SIGNED COPY OF VALENTINE’S LATEST BOOK, WHAT TO EAT NEXT To enter, simply email your contact details to editor@stylemagazines.co.uk. The competition closes on Monday 14 September. For more information about the Malvern Autumn Show call 01684 230128 or visit www.malvernautumnshow.co.uk.

PHOTO: CHRIS TERRY

VALENTINE WARNER to headline 20th Anniversary Malvern Autumn Show

TERMS & CONDITIONS • The prize is one pair of tickets to the Malvern Autumn Show, a signed copy of Valentine Warner’s What To Eat Next.

• Each person can claim only one prize.

• The tickets are valued for Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 September only.

• Any additional costs including travel expenses, hospitality and refreshments at the Three Counties showground are not included within the prize.

• The competition is open to those who are 18 years or over and who are residents of the UK. Employees and immediate families of The Three Counties Agricultural Society, Style Magazines and anyone professionally connected with the prize draw are not eligible to take part.

• The prize cannot be redeemed for its monetary value.

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GROWING

GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES Profiling a selection of leading companies in the county

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WESTMINSTER IN THE COTSWOLDS Emma Logan has asked the county’s MPs to inform Cotswold Style readers what they have been doing to represent their constituencies during the summer Recess

Neil Carmichael

NEIL CARMICHAEL, MP FOR STROUD With Parliament in Recess during August, Members of Parliament have a fabulous opportunity to reach across communities and catch up with constituents. This summer is no exception and I am busy doing all of these things.

I have had a succession of surgeries making an appointment through my office is the best way of securing a date, not least because such forward planning can enable some background work to be done before any meeting takes place.

Emergency situations will always require a swifter response.

It is also useful to take time just to wander through our towns and villages.

Meeting people on a casual basis is always a good opportunity to keep in touch with local issues but also to touch base with friends and meet new people.

Stroud, Nailsworth, Dursley, Cam, Painswick, Berkeley and the many villages and hamlets (we have fifty-one town and parish council areas) all have 90 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

places, activities and organisations to facilitate such engagements.

My diary includes many events and for example, I recently attended the stakeholders meeting for the Berkeley Power Station site. This was a great opportunity to catch up with progress on the actual site in terms of finishing the decommissioning process and to hear about the exciting plans for the new training centre.

Getting to Painswick to see the newly installed wide-mouth post box was perhaps, my most pleasurable event in recent months. The saga of replacing the old post box and indeed, providing a new post office facility after all the drama associated with the closure of the previous post office was to say the least, protracted. I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to reach a satisfactory outcome, especially the local Post Office and Royal Mail teams who did so much to overcome the many obstacles along to the road to ultimate success.

With fetes, fairs and festivals, this is a great summer, weather notwithstanding.

One thing is sure, the Stroud Valleys and Vale will keep us all occupied and hopefully, entertained.

On my return to Parliament in September I will be resuming my responsibilities as Chair of the Education Select Committee and I hope that all those receiving their exam results this summer have achieved their goals

and are looking forward either to further study, training or apprenticeships.

Contact Neil at neil.carmichael.mp @parliament.uk or his constituency office on 01453 751 572

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

GEOFFREY CLIFTON-BROWN, MP FOR COTSWOLDS With the Summer Recess upon us I think this is a good opportunity to assess just how much has happened since the Conservative Party’s historic General Election result and how we have begun setting out how the Conservatives will make Britain a country of aspiration, fairness, equality and success.

We have already set out how we will help the younger generation succeed through the Education and Adoption Bill, which will tackle failing and coasting schools. The Child Care Bill will deliver 30 hours of free childcare for parents of young children.

We have shown that we will be a

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Style Politics Government that will protect the vital public services that we all need, such as committing the additional £8 billion needed by the NHS. The Prime Minister has confirmed his commitment to making sure that Britain gets a good deal from Europe by beginning his renegotiation, having already spoken to every EU leader since the election. The EU Referendum Bill is making its way through Parliament we will entrust the future of this country to the people. It is right that everyone has a say on this, and the Conservatives are giving them that say.

There was a raft of positive measures in our Summer Budget. The introduction of a new Living Wage is an excellent example of how we are be shifting the burden of responsibility away from the state and the taxpayer to the private sector, as well as demonstrating how we are a party of workers. This is on top of the further increases to the personal allowance, which will benefit a huge number of people, allowing them to keep more of what they earn. The increases in the personal allowance have already reduced income tax for 26 million of the lowest paid workers.

There is more to be done to ensure that Britain remains on the right track but in the few months since the election we have made a very good start. www.geoffreycliftonbrown.co.uk

Alex Chalk

ALEX CHALK, MP FOR CHELTENHAM We’re rightly proud of our schools here in Cheltenham. Our town’s motto is Salubritas et Eruditio and our educational heritage reaches deep back into history. Pate’s, often described as Cheltenham’s first school, was first established back in 1574 when Elizabeth I was on the throne. As Cheltenham has grown, a number of great local schools

have emerged. They’re recognised as some of the very best in the country and their success is a tribute to local teachers and governors.

But how do our schools here in Cheltenham compare with elsewhere in the country? Ofsted reports don’t exactly tell the whole story but the data can provide a snapshot and the picture for Cheltenham from this year’s data is positive.

94% of all schools in our constituency, ranging from nursery to secondary and including special schools, were judged as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ for overall effectiveness as at 31 May 2015. This compares with a figure of 83 per cent for England. At the end of Key stage 2 (Years 3 to 6), 81% of Cheltenham children achieve Level 4+ in reading, writing and Maths. That compares to a national average of 79%.

When you get to Key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), Cheltenham pupils pull even further ahead. 59% of our young people achieve over five GCSEs at grade A*-C, compared to a national average of 56.8%. The nineteenth century Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, said: “Upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends.” I couldn’t agree more.

In other news, I was concerned to hear the head of the new National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Sara Newton, say that members of the public should no longer expect police officers to turn up at their door if they are burgled.

Burglary is a horrible crime, which robs people of their security and leaves them feeling violated and vulnerable. It requires a police response.

I met with Gloucestershire Police to discuss this and I was delighted to receive their reassurance that local police expect to attend every dwelling burglary in Cheltenham, including attempted burglaries. This is good news, and confirms that Cheltenham’s officers are doing an excellent job of making important reforms whilst continuing to deliver on the public’s priorities. Burglars beware. www.alexchalk.com

Laurence Robertson

LAURENCE ROBERTSON, MP FOR TEWKESBURY While Parliament resumes on 7th September, it’s still been a busy time in the constituency. A number of issues have needed dealing with such as milk prices, the Calais problem and it’s been important to be on hand for people who are suffering because of those problems.

I’ve held a meeting with Edward Gillespie, the former Managing Director of Cheltenham racecourse who is now conducting a review into National Hunt racing, which is so very important to this part of the world. I’ve been dealing with issues relating to doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, the police and other public services, as well as problems being experienced by constituents.

I’ve also had a number of issues to deal with in connection with my chairmanship of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee.

During the summer, I’ve had the pleasure of attending a wedding, this time in Yorkshire, as well as attending the Ebor meeting at York racecourse – two visits to Yorkshire within a week isn’t bad going for someone who is Lancastrian by birth! I’ve also been part of a Parliamentary delegation to Taiwan, to gain deeper understanding of the issues in that part of the world and to promote the UK and our political and business interests.

As we leave the summer behind and approach the autumn, I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of constituents both at Westminster and locally. www.laurencerobertsonmp.com COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 91

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Are proud t o host

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Style Finance

Financial Surgery Robert Ward is here every month to guide you through your financial questions

Q. Dear Robert, What are the options for a (not so old) Great Uncle wanting to help little Nieces & Nephews build up their college Funds over the intervening years?

It seems it can quickly become a bit of a minefield; are there any straightforward simple ways?

Great Uncle, Cheltenham

Dear Great Uncle, I wish that you had given me your name so that I can both thank you on behalf of those reading this, but also on behalf of your Nieces and Nephews that you wish to help. It is so hard in this day and age to feel able to be as generous as you are wishing to be!

The minefield surrounding what you wish to do is created by our overly complex tax system. Here you are, wanting to do a kindness and to smooth the passage through College and University, and you feel hampered at the first fence.

Let me try to simplify life for you. The issues are straight forward in that you have a need to invest money, and that you want to do this for the benefit of an unknown number of Nieces and Nephews (whose ages we don’t have).

You may also be thinking about those family members yet to come. At this point it is just a question of you investing money over what appears to be

If you would like to ask Robert a question please email info@bankhousegroup.co.uk a longer term i.e. over 5 years.

Your second issue is putting it into their hands at the appropriate time. Let us take the case of a Niece and a Nephew a year or so apart, 10 years into the future. You know that you want to assist them but you don’t know what grants or assistance is available from Government and you don’t know how that would be effected by the children having capital of their own. Another factor to consider is that government attitudes change with the colour of the party in charge.

By that point you will be 10 years older, and as you have described yourself, as a not-so-old Great Uncle I am going to assume that in 10 year’s’ time you may be considered as a little more sage like than today’s spring chicken. This gives rise to considerations over gifts being survived for the present pre-requisite of 7 years.

What you really want is a method of putting money in such a place as you can add to as often as you wish to take advantage of the many Inheritance Tax rules, whilst at the same time not placing it into the hands of your Niece and Nephew until it is advantageous to do so.

The answer is in theory to put it in a form of trust that allows for income to be paid out and taxed as if it were earned income in the hands of the recipient. This is called a BARE Trust. If the funds are put in for a minor then they cause an income tax charge in the hands of parents but not other relatives.

The trust also has a capital gains tax position of that of the beneficiary so the annual allowance is used. This will allow reasonable access to income but doesn’t allow for the capital to be paid out. (I suspect that this is not what you want.)

Your minefield is beginning to surround you. All forms of trust are now so complicated in both their operation and taxation that unless very large sums of money are to be settled they become unrealistic. So what happens if we apply the KISS principle and go back to square one?

You in your own name or together with that of your spouse, invest the funds as your own. You then take advantage of the annual allowance of £3,000 each to give away monies, you use the birthday exemptions and gifts out of ordinary income. If you exceed this then you are into use of the lifetime allowance and survival for 7 years.

Make sure that your Wills allow for funds to go to the Niece(s) and Nephew(s) in the event of your premature death and don’t try to do anything else.

This leaves us with answering the first part of our question. That is, ‘how do I invest money over a greater term than 5 years?’. This, as I have said many times in this column, is all about starting with your risk profile and then attaching a portfolio of suitable investments to meet that profile. Use up your annual allowance for ISA’s to make as much tax free as possible and be prepared to take advice.

Bank House Group, 125 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1NW. Call 01242 520074 or email info@bankhousegroup.co.uk.

Visit www.bankhousegroup.co.uk for more information.

Bank House Investments Ltd is registered in England and Wales no.5710191. Bank House Investment Management is approved and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority no. 451839.

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BE A PART OF OUR HISTORY

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OFF THE WALL EXHIBITION BY ART COUTURE PAINSWICK, PAINSWICK GALLERY Until Sunday 13th September Painswick is the setting for an exciting collision of fashion and creativity this summer when dazzling creations inspired by art and the body are showcased at the Off the Wall 2015 exhibition. Curated by Art Couture Painswick (ACP), the charity behind Painswick’s renowned festival of wearable art, rare pieces by iconic fashion designers Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy will be on display, promising to inspire and thrill in equal measures. Off the Wall 2015 also features work by artists including fashion designer Selina Blow and Sophie Ryder, who created the much-photographed Hare and the Minotaur sculpture on Cheltenham’s Promenade. www.canvasforcreativity.com PASSIONS OF COLOUR ART EXHIBITION, STOW ON THE WOLD Sunday 6th to Saturday 26th September Bridget Lansley’s love of Scotland, the shooting season, racing and the countryside is portrayed in her latest solo exhibition at the Fosse Gallery, The Manor House, The Square, Stow on the Wold. www.fossegallery.com

JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP & ROCK, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Thursday 10th September, 7.30pm Jasper Carrott is back at his best, regaling audiences with his inimitable stand-up routines, before introducing his musical compatriots that have been rockin’ audiences across the world! Jasper’s mate Bev Bevan has rock star credentials from The Move to ELO, and is accompanied by one of the finest bands around.

Rockin’ Berries lead singer Geoff Turton, Celtic rock band Quills lead singer Joy, and the Bev Bevan band make up some of the country’s finest musicians. A superb night of outstanding

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music and hilarious comedy.

Tickets: £26.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

BREWERY BLUES NIGHT AT THE KINGS HEAD, CIRENCESTER Friday 11th September Doors open 7.45pm Taking place in the Vaulted Cellar and headlined by The Nikki Loy Band. Arrive early to guarantee seating.

Tickets £10 in advance, £11 on the night.

Book on 01285 700900 www.kingshead-hotel.co.uk WEDDING INSPIRATION DAY, PITTVILLE PUMP ROOM Sunday 13th September, 11am to 3pm Discover Pittville Pump Room, one of the Cotswolds’ most spectacular wedding and civil partnership venues, dressed as it could be on your big day. The beautiful Main Hall will be laid for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast, with expert advice and a selection of prestigious local suppliers on hand to help plan your unforgettable celebration.

Free admission www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Wednesday 16th September, 7.30pm Complete with pork pie hats and sunglasses, the legendary Chicago Blues Brothers are back with a brand new action-packed show. Featuring over two hours of the best Blues, Motown, Soul and Comedy from both of the Blues Brothers movies, as well as classic hits from James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Reading and many more.

Now with an elaborate new stage production including an 11-piece live band, this non-stop party celebrates over 30 years of the Blues Brothers phenomenon. Tickets: £24.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk REN SKINCARE MASTERCLASS, MONTPELLIER CHAPTER HOTEL Thursday 17th September, 6pm Cheltenham ladies will be treated to a

skincare masterclass by REN Skincare experts, Vanessa Cooper and Louise. The will be hosting a Wake Wonderful event to introduce guests to new and firm favourite products from REN. Following freshly prepared and seasonal cocktails and canapés on arrival, guests will be guided through an evening of all-natural radiant skincare followed by a mini facial cleanse in the hotel’s subterranean spa.

One luck winner will also take home a Rose Hamper of goodies on the night.

For more information and to book, telephone 01242 420164.

Tickets £15 per person. www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com MARK THOMAS’ TRESPASS, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Monday 21st September, 8pm Carrying on where his last show, 100 Acts of Minor Dissent, left off, this is Mark’s usual odd mix of theatre, standup, a dash of journalism, activism and a dollop of mayhem! Mark asks: If the 1930’s ramblers were here now, what would they do to open up the cities?

How do we turn skyscrapers and corporate squares into our playgrounds?

He sets out to carve a small space in the urban world where mischief and random chance can lurk. Who knows where the show will end up, so join him on the journey. Tickets: £16.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

BASEL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Friday 25th September, 7.30pm The Basel Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor Dennis Russell Davies will be performing at Cheltenham Town Hall as part of a five-concert UK and Ireland tour. For their Cheltenham date, they will also be joined by rising star pianist Alice Sara Ott. This is one of the oldest and most important orchestras in Switzerland, visiting Cheltenham for the first time, and playing a rarely heard ballet score composed by members of the group of French composers known as Les Six. Tickets: from £12.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

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Your comprehensive guide to what’s going on in The Cotswolds... with Sara Chardin LA TRAVIATA, EVERYMAN THEATRE, CHELTENHAM Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September, 7.45pm La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi, set to an Italian libretto

by Francesco Maria Piave – a love story shrouded in sacrifice and misunderstanding. A tragic and resonant tale of society and morality, La Traviata combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognisable melodies, making it still one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time. www.everymantheatre.org.uk

CHELTENHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL FINALE, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Saturday 26th September, 8pm Cheltenham’s funniest festival comes to a spectacular close with a fantastic line-up of top comedians, including Mitch Benn, Dana Alexander, Stuart Goldsmith, Arthur Smith and headliner Mark Watson. Between them they hold an array of impressive comedy credentials, including appearances on popular radio and TV comedy panel shows, and have garnered considerable criticalacclaim.Tickets: £19 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW, THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Malvern Autumn Show returns with a feast of family entertainment, artisan produce, and food and gardening royalty.

The harvest show of the season, in association with Westons Cider Visitor Centre, will showcase the best seasonal food and gardening in the stunning setting at the foot of the Malvern Hills.

Chef Valentine Warner and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift will be sharing their expertise, and visitors will be able to enjoy the RHS Flower Show, UK National Giant Vegetable

SPONSORED BY MONTPELLIER WINE BAR

Championship, floral art, a Vintage Village and Food & Drink Hall.

Advance tickets: £15.50 per adult, £5.50 per child

www.malvernautumnshow.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL WINE TASTING COURSE, THE BEEHIVE PUB, CHELTENHAM Monday 12th, 19th and 26th October For the first time, people in Cheltenham can study and gain internationally recognized wine qualifications without having to travel miles to do so. Oxford Chelt Wine School is running a course for drinks trade professionals and keen wine amateurs this October at The Beehive pub in Montpellier. Head wine tutor Nick Gay says that gaining the qualification is a serious mark of achievement. Course cost: £325 www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com

FAMILY NATURE EXPLORERS AT WWT SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE Until Sunday 6th September Last chance to see the trail of 10 individually-designed 4ft (1.5m) giant LEGO™ characters inspired by real species at WWT Slimbridge. Included are a large North American river otter, an Andean flamingo and a Bewick’s swan.

As well as the trail, there will be a large LEGO™ brick play area so visitors can have a go at making creatures. Families will also be able to take part in Nature Explorer activities throughout the summer holidays such as pond dipping,

canoe safaris and an archaeological dig.

Normal admission fees apply www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge

MAGICAL CIRCUS BREAK AT THE KINGS HEAD, CIRENCESTER Friday 4th to Monday 10th September Cirencester’s top luxury hotel has teamed up with the South West’s most iconic circus to offer a magical family break this September. The ultimate circus break gives guests the chance to escape to The Cotswolds and pay a visit to Giffords Circus. The exclusive stay includes overnight accommodation and breakfast, including a fun and fruity cocktail for children as well as a one-off signed poster from Giffords’ famous Clown, Tweedy. The circus break starts from £165 per room, per night based on two adults and one child.

Circus tickets are extra. www.kingshead-hotel.co.uk

GIFFORDS CIRCUS MOON SONGS Until Saturday 19th September The famous family-run vintage circus is on its summer tour of the Cotswolds.

This year’s show, Moon Songs, invites audiences into the world of the Victorian Lunar Park, a fairground run by larger than life illusionist and man of magic and mystery, Odoroff, and his Little Man assistant, David. Giffords Circus, as always, bring a magical cast of jugglers, clowns, acrobats, horses and a muchloved goose. Tickets £14 for children, £22 for adults www.giffordscircus.com CURIOUS CREATURES, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Saturday 26th September, 1.15pm Part of the Cheltenham Comedy Festival. Meet curious creatures of all shapes and sizes in this funny family show. From performing fleas, skateboarding snails and gymnastic gerbils to an irritable alligator and a very intelligent orangutan! Learn how animals evolved, how their adaptations help them survive in the wild, and how they can

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Using puppets, comedy, slapstick and live music - plus lots of amazing natural history facts - Squashbox Theatre will uncover the mysteries of the animal kingdom.Tickets: £7 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS, CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL Saturday 26th September, 2.45pm Part of the Cheltenham Comedy Festival. Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has brought the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to an audience of children and their families, but without the rude bits!

Just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day and kids are allowed in, so there’s a greater chance of heckling.

Suitable for ages 6+ and families.

Tickets: £7.50 www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

CHARITY FAMILY AFTERNOON OF FUN (INCLUDING GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT), TEWKESBURY PARK HOTEL Sunday 6th September, 12pm to 5.30pm St James’ Place are organising a family fun day with traditional fete games, bouncy castle, big land train and more.

At the event we also hope to break the Guinness World Record for most people doing the Ice Bucket Challenge, all in aid of Winston’s Wish. www.winstonswish.org.uk

THE PIED PIPER APPEAL BALL, HIGHNAM COURT Saturday 12th September, Gates open 6.45pm (dinner at 7.30pm) This stately black tie affair at Highnam Court will raise money for the Pied Piper Appeal. Enjoy a four-course dinner, disco and music from the Chip Shop Boys. Bacon rolls and coffee will be served at 1am. Tickets: £75 per head, tables of twelve. Contact 0300 422 6119 or office@piedpiperappeal.co.uk www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk

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EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS FOR SALE IN AID OF LINC, GARDENS GALLERY, MONTPELLIER GARDENS September 16th to 22nd 10am to 5pm Enjoy this exhibition at Cheltenham’s Gardens Gallery. On Wednesday 16th September, there will be an evening view from 7-9pm with wine and nibbles.

On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, come and be photographed for free in the studio and see the results immediately, for families, couples and small groups. Admission free www.lincfund.org WORLD CUP RUGBY COLLECTIONS FOR WINSTON’S WISH Saturday 19th September and Friday 25th September Help Winston’s Wish bucket collect during the Rugby World Cup and raise money for our work with bereaved children. www.winstonswish.org.uk

MACMILLAN BIGGEST SUPPORT COFFEE MORNING, EAST GLOS CLUB, CHELTENHAM Friday 25th September, 10am to 12.30pm Join in the coffee morning to raise money for this worthy charity. Meet the Mayor and local MPs and enjoy all sorts of stalls including cakes, fashion accessories, hand-made cards, jewellery and glass. This is a great opportunity for some early Christmas shopping. Free parking and great coffee. Free entry www.eastglos.co.uk DEVIL MUD RUN, NEAR CHELTENHAM Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th September Combine rolling countryside, more than 30 wince-inducing assault course-style obstacles and enough mud to keep a fancy spa running for a decade and you get Devil Mud Run. Bigger and better

than ever, the 8km course will raise a whole load of money for Winston’s Wish and provide a whole lot of fun and a tough, hell-raising mother of a mud run, when two thousand people descend onto a picturesque village just outside Cheltenham.

Standard entry is £45 pp www.devilmudrun.com

SALE OF EMBROIDERY WORK, NORTH WOODCHESTER Saturday 3rd October, 9am to 3pm A sale of embroidery work created by prisoners is taking place at The Old Priory, Church Lane, North Woodchester, GL5 5NF to raise funds for Fine Cell Work. Items for sale will include cushions, quilts, giftware, bags, Christmas decorations and much more.

The day will include a talk on ‘Working in prison in today’s world - the transformative power of stitch’. Fine Cell Work trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self-esteem. www.finecellwork.co.uk

SPORT JAPAN V GEORGIA WORLD CUP WARM-UP, KINGSHOLM STADIUM Saturday 5th September Kick off 4.45pm Kingsholm Stadium will play host to a Rugby World Cup warm up match between Japan and Georgia. Tickets: from £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk GLOUCESTER RUGBY V BATH RUGBY, THE MEMORIAL GROUND, BRISTOL Sunday 13th September Kick off 3pm Gloucester Rugby take on local derby rivals in the West Country Challenge Cup in Bristol. Tickets: from £10 for adults and £1 for juniors. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

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See more socials at www.stylemagazines.co.uk

James Hamlyn Richard East

Tony Price

Charitable Golf Day Richard Hoare

Beavers Sports & Arts Society which are part of the RE Resource Group raise d over ÂŁ2400 for Acorns with their Charity Golf Day at Wychwood Golf Club.

Photography by Rob Wheatman

Tom Watson

Paul Jones Matt Heaton

John Cook

Richard Hoare Imran Arbee and James hamlyn

Mark Tooth and Bruce Budge Richard East and Lucinda Hawkins-Byass

Clive Berry and Rich Burche

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Dining in Style Discover delicious recipes from our regular food writers, plus reviews of The Cotswolds’ finest restaurants...

SPONSORED BY

Elliot Oliver Sales and Lettings 101 The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NW 01242 321 091

www.elliotoliver.co.uk

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Style Review

R&R A monthly column exploring the perfect location to clear your head and spend quality time with the ‘lovely one’ in your life This month Susan Blanchfield reviews The Grapevine Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold Until a decade ago, staying in the picture postcard, perfect Cotswold village of Stow-on-the- Wold meant taking accommodation at a bland corporate hotel in a nearby town or roughing it in a sorry local B&B. Fast forward ten years and Stow has evolved into boutique shop central with a lively arts and antique scene as well as thriving speciality restaurants and wine bars. These days people not only come to Stow to drink in the gorgeous views and tackle some of the beautiful Cotswold countryside walks, they also come to wander around the ambient streets, peruse the shops and dive into one of the many culinary options situated around the old Market square.

On Main Street – the road that runs through the centre of Stow, sits a 17th century honey coloured Cotswold stone building that is The Grapevine Hotel.

This boutique gem is as far from a bland hotel chain as you could imagine. What it lacks in corporate gadgetry it makes up for in charm and unique features. Few hotels can boast an indoor 150-year-old vine (the second oldest in England), carefully nurtured to produce stunning fruit each year by the Grapevine’s justifiable proud owners. It is a hotel that is firmly of the niche variety: small and stylish, barely signposted, with a winter warming cosy bar, restaurant downstairs and an outdoor spot for people watching and ambient summer evenings. The decor offers up quirky features, plenty of exposed brick and beam and all manner of interesting artifacts scattered about. It feels immediately welcoming, secure and intimate - the lobby has the low ceilings and winding creaky stairs of a bygone era with William Yeoward style cushions scattered about the lounging chairs. The 22 rooms are pretty and spacious – all individually furnished, with some larger rooms offering four poster beds as well the standard doubles and family rooms.

Our room was of the four poster bed variety, accessed via a separate staircase on the second floor, making it a cosy private retreat for two although not

recommended for people who struggle with narrow twisting stairs. We were located at the front of the hotel, which meant we looked down on to the picturesque main street although niftily discreet double glazed windows blocked out any traffic noise. A tiny window seat was a thoughtful addition and provided us with a comfortable pew for gazing out to the surrounding rolling hills.

The Grapevine’s central location and handy proximity to other watering establishments meant that we could opt for a quick exploratory pre supper aperitif, after which we ambled through tiny streets, peering into windows of quirky

shops before we wound our way back to the hotel restaurant. The hotel offers an Italian inspired menu ranging from simple pizza and salads to more complex traditional dishes. The punchy wine list accompanying the menu is varied enough to suit most wallets and pallets. With a table directly beneath the cover of the ancient vine, we started with the mushroom bruschetta, which was delicately flavoured and just about the right amount. I had the squid – a dish that is often tricky to get right; it was grilled to perfection. My husband followed with the traditional Italian combo of pork with clams and I had a beautifully cooked tuna steak. Service was impeccable and Oli, who looked after us was knowledgeable and attentive. We faltered by the time we reached pudding and opted to share a refreshing and creamy vanilla pannacotta served with fresh raspberries although the other pudding options made for a difficult choice. The Grapevine’s cosy compact bar offered us a chance to sit back and enjoy freshly brewed peppermint tea and a chance to sink into the capacious chairs before we called it a night.

Regrettably, we had to leave early in the morning but not before my husband had sampled the cooked breakfast featuring locally sourced produce which he pronounced delicious.

Quietly prevailing, the Grapevine enjoys plenty of repeat custom and deservedly so. This is a must if you want oldfashioned service and charm. And if you feel like just escaping once in a while, it is bang in the middle of everything but feels like a million miles away. If you go in the summer its worth asking for the cheese plate after dinner – you’ll be able to sample delicious grapes from that 150 year old vine. What a treat!

The Grapevine Hotel Sheep St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AU Tel: 01451 830344 www.vines.co.uk

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Fantastic panoramic views over Painswick Valley

Freshly cooked food and local real ales make a visit to The Edgemoor Inn a real treat...

The Edgemoor offers an impressive selection of home-cooked dishes, including many vegetarian and fresh fish options, along with homemade favourites and grills.

The lounge bar, has a light and modern feel which extends to the whole property. Outside on the patio area is a perfect place for a snack or quiet drink whilst admiring the panoramic views over Painswick and its glorious countryside.

The Edgemoor Inn offers the very best in traditional Cotswold pub and restaurant dining, warm welcome in delightful surroundings with well-presented home-cooked food. This is a combination that’s hard to beat.

The Edgemoor Inn Edge, near Stroud, Gloucester GL6 6ND

Call us today 01452

813 576

www.edgemoorinn.com

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Style Interview

What to eat next Ahead of the 20th anniversary Malvern Autumn Show, Cotswold Style caught up with sensational seasonal chef, Valentine Warner

T

“A recipe for me is a story of the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met and the bounty of producers we are spoilt with.”

PHOTO: CHRIS TERRY

he gentleman now famed for frequenting our TV kitchens originally trained as a portrait painter. Putting down the brush to pick up the spoon, Valentine has acquired an enviable role call of accolades including a number of bestselling books and countless TV appearances.

At his heart Valentine focuses on flavoursome food, believing that a real understanding of excellent ingredients, producers and the natural history of food contributes as much to the plate as the cooking. This ethos brings him to the Malvern Autumn Show at which he will showcase his favourite seasonal flavours, pulling in produce from across the three counties.

Valentine will headline the event’s Good Life Pavilion.

Bang on topic for the event, Valentine is passionate about celebrating the best autumnal food. The top chef will be bringing his signature cooking style of seasonal, simple and robust food from his best-loved TV appearances and food writing to live cookery demonstrations at the ultimate harvest festival, the Malvern Autumn Show.

Valentine is passionate about cooking in line with Mother Nature and strives to navigate the comings and goings of a British grower’s year. He says: “The seasonal table will make your eating more varied and exciting and give you more choice and an understanding of our produce.”

A very keen outdoors man, Valentine can often be found seeking new adventures outside the kitchen and around the world. He adds: “A recipe for me is a story of the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met and the bounty of

producers we are spoilt with.”

This philosophy is shared with the Malvern Autumn Show, which champions the bounty of producers bringing a glorious harvest to the Three Counties. From the Food & Drink Hall overflowing with artisan fare, to the Harvest Pavilion with over 1,500 exhibits from budding growers, and not forgetting the often record breaking UK National Giant Vegetable Championship displaying a broad variety of oversized vegetables.

Westons Cider Visitor Centre will be treating thirsty visitors to refreshing cider in the Orchard Bar and are headline sponsors to this year’s Malvern Autumn Show. Valentine is a firm cider

fan, naming the traditional tipple as his favourite accompaniment to cheese.

He says: “We are a nation that is making some fabulous regional ciders and it’s such a refreshing accompaniment to food.”

Valentine embraces the great outdoors, sharing his passion in recent TV series including Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia and Wild Table Canada, also casting to his love of fishing with Hook It Cook It. Malvern Autumn Show celebrates the garden and features the RHS Flower Show. A onestop destination for gardeners in search of advice for preparing and restocking their garden for the winter months, this area invites visitors to browse over 50 top exhibits and purchase some of the best quality plants from award-winning nurseries.

Valentine can be seen at the Malvern Autumn Show, which takes place on Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Tickets are now on sale. Advanced tickets are priced at £15.50 for adults and £5.50 for children.

Tickets are available on the gate at £18 for adults and £7 for children. Family and group tickets are available. For information on ticket prices, please visit www.malvernautumnshow.co.uk or call 01684 230128.

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Over, Gloucester, GL2 8DB DB | enquiries@thewharfhouse.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING A WARD -WINNING W WATERSIDE ATERSIDE RES RESTAURANT TAURANT WI WITH TH R ROOMS O MS OO

THE WHARF HOUSE serves acclaimed modern British and European cuisine with a twist. Booking strongly advised.

Alfresco dining Escape for a while with good food and a relaxing drink on the terrace after a hard day’s work.

RUGBY WORLD CUP EVENT AT THE BREWERY SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2015

ENGLAND V WALES 01452 332 2 900

Directions: T urn off the A40 at traffic lights lights Turn 250 yds west of Over Roundabout Roundabout about (junction A40/A417).

A40/A417). GR SO 816197 16197

www.thewharfhouse.co.uk www.thewharfhous se.co.uk

17:30-21:30

All pr profits ofits fr from om The Wharf House will be used for the pr promotion omotion and restoration of the Hereford & Gloucester ester Canal.

Celebrate C Celebrat l b ate t wi u uss

JOIN IN THE EXCITEMENT AND WATCH THE MATCH ON A

BIG SCREEN PLENTY OF OUTDOOR SEATING

e Kings K Hotel Party P arty Night Thursday 17th December This fabulous festive night includess a cocktail and canapé reception, four fou u ur course dinner with half a bottle of ho house ouse u wine per person and dancing. £47.50 per person Forget Forget the carriages – stay overnig overnight ght only £95.00 to include full English h breakfast.

Festive Dining g att e Kings K Hotel H t l Get in the mood for Christmas an and nd enjoy festive dining throughoutt December in true Kings Style.

Two Tw o course lunch from £15.50 p pp Three course lunch from £19.50pp pp

LIVE MUSIC FROM HODEN LANE 17:30-19:30

KICK OFF AT 20:00 GREAT FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE OUTDOOR FOOD AND DRINK

Two Tw o course dinner from 27.50p 27.50pp pp Three course dinner from £32.50pp £32.50 0pp

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AW 6A AW info@kingscampden.co.uk T: 01386 840256 E: info@kingscam mpden.co.uk www.kingscampden.co.uk w ww.kingscampden.co.uk /kingscampden

@kingscampden @kingscam mpden

Visit w www.edenhotelcollection.com ww.edenhottelcollection.com to view our Christmas broc brochure chure or buy gift vvouchers ouchers

108 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

For details about ALL our events, competitions and offers please go to thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk

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Jazzz S Sunday unda ay Lunch Lunch in n Le M Mazot az Brasserie Whatley Manor serie e at Whatle ey M 20th September – P Progressions ro ogr Jazz Band 4th October – The Solent City Jazzmen 15th November – The Porter Trio Live Jazz from 12.15pm to 4.00pm. £6 includes the live jazz.

In addition choose one, two or three-courses from the à la carte menu.

Starters from £6.50, mains from £16.50 and desserts £7.25. Wines by the glass from £5.70.

Jazz must be pre-booked and cannot be booked separately from lunch.

Special Event Room Rates applies when attending ‘Jazz Sundays’ Standard Room £250 Superior Room £290

Deluxe Room Suites

£350 £450

To book call Events on 01666 834 026 or email events@whatleymanor.com

Sunday Cinema Screenings 2015 with lunch at ‘Second Best Marigold Hotel’ 27th September starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy As the Best Marigold Hotel has only a single remaning vacancy-posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals-Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel.

‘Woman in Gold’ 18th October starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds and Daniel Brühl Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family.

£8.50 includes the film and popcorn.

In addition, on the day, choose one, two or three courses from the à la carte menu. Starters from £6.50, main-courses from £16.50 and desserts £7.25.

Wines by the glass from £5.70.

Films must be pre-booked and cannot be booked separately.

Call Events on 01666 834 026 or email events@whatleymanor.com to make a booking.

Cinema listings are correct at time of going to print.

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa Easton Grey Malmesbury Wiltshire SN16 0RB www.whatleymanor.com @Whatley_Manor

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CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Christmas Dinners and Christmas Lunches Stunning Venue - Exquisite Food - Wonderful Rooms

Manor By The Lake - Hatherley Lane - Cheltenham Tel: 01242 245 071 or email events@manorbythelake.co.uk

www.manorbythelake.co.uk

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Style Food

SUN DOWN

Shelle Duffin creates a meaty salad at the start of the game season This wholesome salad makes a delicious show-stopping starter for an end-of-summer dinner party (there’s nothing like a good excuse to throw one), or a light supper enjoyed as you watch the sun go down. Simple to assemble, it’s a great way of using game, offering a vibrant introduction for those trying it for the first time and a great homecoming for others who have been awaiting its arrival – you’re all in for a treat! >>>

s the sun begins to set on the summer months and the dark nights draw in the autumnal curtain call, we find ourselves delving into our closets for the snug warmth of those cosy wooly jumpers once more. However, as much as we crave the hearty goodness of a wholesome casserole, let's leave the slow cookers unplugged for another month and instead allow the vibrant colour of fresh, crisp salad leaves to have one last moment of glory. September’s a

rather in-between month in the seasonal calendar, so I've created a recipe that boasts an exciting combination flavours and celebrates the ingredients that we welcome back into season whilst we soak up the final rays of the summer sun. With the shooting season now in full swing, game birds have begun to flutter back on to butchers' displays and farm shops bringing with them a delicate alternative to the meat we are otherwise feast-to for the rest of the year.

Serves 4

Pan-fried Partridge Breast Salad with Figs, Walnuts, Bacon and Gorgonzola

A

Ingredients: 8 partridge breasts

Cook’s Note ~ the majority of butchers sell partridge breasts individually from the rest of the bird. However, on the off chance you find that this is not the case, ask your butcher to remove the breasts for you.

200g smoked bacon lardons 200g Gorgonzola picante 100g walnut halves 4 figs A few sprigs of thyme, stalks removed A bag of mixed salad (preferably including rocket) 1 garlic clove, crushed 1tbsp plain flour 1tbsp red wine vinegar 1tsp honey 1tsp Dijon mustard Olive oil Salt & Pepper

Method: • Mix the thyme into the plain flour and season with salt and pepper. Coat each partridge breast in the flour.

• Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the garlic and bacon lardons, cooking until golden and crisp. In the same pan, fry the partridge breasts for 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm whilst you prepare the salad.

Wine suggestion • Chop the Gorgonzola into 1cm chunks.

Remove the ends from the figs and slice lengthways into 4 pieces discarding the two end pieces with a full side of skin.

• Mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey and mustard together in a bowl to form a simple dressing, season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad leaves and toss until all the leaves are equally coated.

• To serve, place a handful of the dressed salad leaves into the middle of each plate and sprinkle the walnuts, Gorgonzola chunks and bacon lardons in and around it. Place the fig slices around the plate and position the partridge breasts on top.

Every good dish comes with a large glass of wine (or two), creating a glorious happy marriage between the wonderful flavours on the plate.

When serving game, a decent glass of red never goes amiss. However it’s important that you bag the right one, taking care not to overwhelm the delicate flavour of the partridge – get it wrong and you may as well have signed the divorce papers.

Think of partridge as a richer version of chicken, and with that, a mellow Bordeaux, a soft, rounded Rioja or a French plum-based pinot noir will send you into game, set and match!

For more recipe ideas, reviews and articles, check out my blog – myboiledeggsandsoldiers@blogspot.com; or follow me on Twitter – @Shelle_Duffin, Instagram – shelleduffin, Pinterest – shelleduffin

COTSWOLD STYLE SEPTEMBER 2015 111

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THE FALCON PAINSWICK

Dating back to 1554, The Falcon is a small select hotel and restaurant situated in the beautiful Cotswolds town of Painswick.

The Shires Suite with it’s own courtyard is ideal for small weddings, christenings, celebratory parties and business conferences.

Whether you are looking for stylish accommodation in Painswick for a well deserved break in the Cotswolds or somewhere to pop in for morning coffee, afternoon tea, a delicious freshly prepared meal in our restaurant, or a function venue for a special occasion or a business meeting – you are assured of a warm and welcoming atmosphere at The Falcon.

New Street, Painswick, Gloucester GL6 6UN Telephone: 01452 814222 Fax: 01452 813377 Email: info@falconpainswick.co.uk

www.falconpainswick.co.uk

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Style Fitness

Invest in your future health Cotswold Style’s Fitness Expert Luciano Kydd, encourages you to make changes ike many people you probably started the year with some kind of New Year’s resolution, such as losing weight, saving more, spending less, eating healthy and possibly changing jobs or homes. Well it’s September and you have about 4 months to achieve at least some of your personal goals if you haven’t already.

With the kids going back to school, or maybe they’ve left home for university, you may feel you have more free time. Or perhaps after your summer holiday you feel you have renewed energy and drive. In this article I will look at how you can make changes in your health and fitness before the next year begins!

This is a good time to introduce a change in your lifestyle. That might be anything from going to a dance class with your friends or partner, having a weekly sports massage or if you’re looking to change your body and mind

L

why not start by investing in some life changing personal training with me?

Fundamentally to embark on any kind of change you must want and need to - but more so, you must identify or acknowledge the necessary changes that need to be made. This brings to mind one of my favourite quotes: “If you always do what you have done, you will always get what you have got.” This quote speaks volumes in many aspects of our lives. Most people want change but are unwilling to take action and therefore still wonder on a monthly or yearly basis why things aren’t moving in the right direction. One way I can tell if a client will succeed in their training is by the focus, energy and mind-set they bring to their session, which also usually speaks volumes about them in their daily lives, right down to how they handle problems.

What a lot of individuals don’t understand

is that the clutter you have, can both physically and mentally drain your life of that much needed energy for doing the things you need and want to do. So start freeing up space for more of the good stuff to flow into your life. Take for example if you would like more new things; the chances are you will need to give away some of the unused stuff that is filling up your wardrobe or home to fit them in. If you want more money, maybe offer some time to causes that mean a lot to you and the chances are, you will get back when you least expect it and most want something. As the legendary motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said: “You can have everything you want in life if you help others get what they want.” In my line of work for example, it gives me fulfilment when a client changes their body and more so their mindset to a positive one. They cannot wait to share their news with their friends and family; this in turn brings me more referrals and clients to my door - without having to ask. As the saying goes you cannot put a price on your health and the countless joys it bring to you, money shouldn’t be the only option.

If you’re finding your life is mentally cluttered, maybe try things such as yoga, going for a walk in the great outdoors, or start a ‘grateful’ journal where you record at the end of each day, 5 or more things in life you have been grateful for. This little exercise can work wonders for your self-belief and the way you look at things in life. I’d even recommend you start meditation which can take place anywhere and anytime from as little as 5mins to 1hr. There are many meditation programmes out there but my favourites are the popular ‘Mindfulness Programme’ and the ‘Holosyn Solution’, which can be found at www.centerpointe.com I have found them to be really of use in my own day-to-day life.

If your energy has always been low throughout the day you might need to check you are drinking enough water and monitor your nutrition is in the right place. You can checkout my recipe eBook “The Ultimate Recipe For Weight And Fatloss” at www.kyddfitness.co.uk for awesome meals on a plate.

If you’re looking too declutter your lifestyle why not invest at www.kyddfitness.co.uk or get in contact by mobile: 077737347854, email at info@kyddfitness.co.uk

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Style Sport

Prestigious Longchamp Betlive Radio’s expert racing pundit Nigel Aplin, races off to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe ome sporting events are distinctly seasonal reflecting the time of year that is in them. The Cheltenham Festival, the last bite of winter and the very early hint of spring, The Boat Race, first drink al fresco on The Thames, Derby Day, sips of summer Pimms, Wimbledon rain storms and strawberries, Glorious Goodwood lashings of Moscow Mules and picnic hampers and then…

There is only one place to be on the first Sunday of October, the first chill of autumn mingling with the heady ripeness of sensual sophistication and haute couture. Longchamp on the Bois de Boulogne is the French equivalent of Royal Ascot’s Opening Day; sleeker, chicer, supremely seductive and as full of Parisian effrontery as The Crillon Ball.

I am sure the French keep the best Champagne for themselves. I remember ordering a bottle for two from one of the Champagne kiosks that are dotted around Longchamp. The self-styled sommelier did a brief stock check, selected an appropriate bottle after much deliberation, expertly uncorked a bottle of ‘The Widow’, produced three glasses, poured a generous measure for himself, pronounced it good, refilled his own glass, poured ours and finished with a flourish of ‘santé.’ Only the French…

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is hailed as Europe's most prestigious horse race, attracting the world's best thoroughbreds

S

of three year olds and over. The first phase came in 1863 with the creation of the Grand Prix de Paris, which served as a vehicle for the winner of the English Derby to compete against that of the Prix du Jockey Club, or French Derby.

1920 saw the rebirth of racing in the wake of the Great War. On 14 July 1919, the allied forces had marched victoriously beneath l’Arc de Triomphe, a monument constructed in honour of the French armed forces and so the name passed in 1919 to this new international event, designed to compare the merits of Europe’s finest thoroughbreds and select a champion.

This year's renewal promises to be something special as the five-year-old filly, Treve, is attempting to win it for the third year running. Last year was her trainer, Criquette Head-Maarek’s third success in the Arc, a race she won for the first time Treve

with Three Troikas, another filly, in 1979.

Her grandfather Willie also sent out an Arc winner, in 1947, while Alec, her father, saddled the winner. Family success notwithstanding, this is no mean feat; even the great Nijinksy suffered his only defeat in this race.

This year’s Epsom Derby’s first and second, Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, have both been declared but preference would be for Jack Hobbs if the going is on the soft side, characteristic of Longchamp at this time of year.

The French Derby was won by New Bay, Andre Fabre’s fourth win in the race, who is a past master at readying horses for the Paris showpiece. Erupt, another French horse, won the Grand Prix De Paris, a good trial for this race.

I believe Treve will be crowned the undisputed queen of Longchamp along with her trainer but I have already backed Jack Hobbs each way at attractive odds to lead home the British challenge.

The best tip I can give you, however, is to make the trip to Longchamp yourself truly a Parisian weekend to savour. Unlike British racing festivals, Longchamp is extremely cheap to enter and the excess saved, is well spent on the open-air restaurants the racecourse has to offer, steak frites and a good glass of red, très bien!

Santé.

Nigel Aplin, formally Head of Broadcast for William Hill, is founder of www.betliveradio.com, which features a daily digest of betting banter.

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Claire in the County

Style Local

All Change, says Claire Thayers

ne minute, packing the cases, popping off to enjoy the summer sun and the next thing, thinking about normality starting again first week in September!

When the signs appear on the roadside ‘plums for sale’ and the whirr of the combines can be heard with the swallows gathering and angry wasps appear… my mood changes…AND worst of all… enough to send anyone over the edge, the TV adverts start for school clothing – then I begin to fall into my autumn depression.

Although I love the autumnal colours in the countryside and in the wardrobe, the idea of rummaging in the boot room to find wellies that had been worn out of three years ago, is never a pleasant one… BUT worse… it’s the thought of the impending winter – the cold and long dark nights.

Time to put away the kids’ shorts, the flip-flops and sort out the bulging cupboards. Why do we put away their winter school uniforms, knowing they

O

will have grown out of them by the time September comes round and if your washing machine is as moody as mine, somehow black trousers turn a tired grey. I will never forget my daughter aged 5 lifting her school jumper up to reveal a slightly greyish/purplish polo shirt that was once, in a previous life bright white. Looking at it confused, she asked me if I had dyed it to match her trousers!

My washing machine has a mind of its own, god knows how many odd socks it creates every week, different colours, different sizes… so many, there is one drawer dedicated to keeping them all JUST in case their errant partner turns up one day inside a duvet.

A new school term and for many a new school, college or university and for some mothers, a time to have a rethink as their nests empty, if not 24-7, certainly during the day.

Change is unsettling, but can be exciting too!

There are so many opportunities now for us all with technology as it is. We can

work from home, there are more parttime and job sharing vacancies and let’s not forget, wonderful volunteering roles to give us a chance to give something back. All those skills learnt as a mother are so useful – super organised, awesome time managers, able to multi task, great communicators, fantastic listeners, empathy by the bucket load and a real desire to help others.

Having worked in charity I can share many stories about how the volunteers got as much out of their work as those they were helping and when you are feeling a little low it certainly puts life in perspective.

So when the house quietens, the plum jam is cooling and the swallows line up on the wires, have a think and if the children have left your nest, sit in that harvested field, watch that bird fly and take the time to plan your next adventure.

Claire Thayers & Associates, Corporate Social Responsibility, South West www.clairethayers.co.uk

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Style HisWord

The Cotswold Gent Being a helpful husband Slowly and almost imperceptibly as the warm and sunny days of August slipped by, I noticed that once again the countryside was preparing itself for the change of season. Fields were being harvested and once again the beautiful landscape that is the Cotswolds, started to become a patchwork quilt of golden hues with the rich dark brown of recently turned earth. The days were becoming slightly but noticeably shorter once more, with sunset casting its shadows a little earlier each day.

Once I had shaken off my profound poetic inclinations (as illustrated by my opening paragraph!), my thoughts turned to the excitement that would follow, by this turning of the season. In particular it seemed to me expedient to check out the sporting kit required for the fast approaching shooting season. An expedition to the cellar was required to release the Hollands from their steely cabinet and inspect them for preparedness for the fast approaching sport known as: Man v Partridge.

As I reached for the candle (more poetic nonsense), I flicked the light on and heading down the steps, I couldn't help but notice that a seemingly vast amount of junk lay between me and the safe, containing my trusty controllers of avian flu. Since I had last paid a visit to the darkened depths, a wall of numnas, saddles, blankets and all kinds of other equestrian paraphernalia had been stashed beneath the house. All of this combined with a large number of boxes and ancient computers and other electronic widgets of previous decades, lovingly preserved in case they were needed once more, conspired to leave no safe passage to the gun safe.

It occurred to me that sometime soon and certainly before the start of the shooting season (I am not a grouse man preferring to take my sport with targets more than six inches above the ground), some sort of de cluttering campaign ought to be considered. It is a wellunderstood certainty amongst most males of the species, that still functional electronic widgets will be required once more at an unspecified date in the future.

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However, mindful that the memsaab was likely (well guaranteed actually) to take a different view, I needed to hatch a plan to create the feeling of de-clutteredness without actually having to part with any of the fabulous examples of important technological development.

The obvious route through this tricky conundrum without precipitating marital discord was to cunningly rearrange the aforementioned boxes in a manner that would create a great sense of tidiness and space, whilst preserving the integrity of the collection of useful things. That combined with a stab at relocating some of the horse kit to the tack room would create an ocean of space, without having to tackle the deeply emotional difficulty of parting with perfectly serviceable gadgets.

After what seemed to me an extremely energetic couple of hours of reorganisation and relocation, my plan was realised. The cellar had become a temple of order and tidiness with a large clear avenue from the steps to the gun safe and all my precious electronic kit remained ready for its inevitable call to duty in the future. I invited the memsaab to inspect my labours but astonishingly she declined stating that she was certain I had done a fine job! Upon reflection, as I joined her in the snug for a cup of tea - I sensed a trap of some sort. The memsaab is usually pretty tricky around these sorts of inspections.

As I sipped my cuppa and contemplated pushing my luck by lighting a cigar (decided it was safer not to), I glanced at the magazine lying on the coffee table apparently open at an article about old electronic widgets. There was a picture of a machine that looked remarkably familiar...not at all unlike one I had just shoved into a box below stairs.

What an extraordinary coincidence! I read with increasing astonishment that these widgets were now becoming of some interest to collectors. In particular, early

machines marked with the sign of the fruit of Cupertino were highly sought after achieving substantial sums among collector types. Very often these transactions took place at events called ‘car boot sales’. The article noted that such an event was coming up this Saturday on the way in to Cheltenham.

Sensing an opportunity to raise a few extra shooting tokens for the season, I hot-footed it once more down the steps into the cellar - after another hour or so of (it’s fair to say excitable) heaving of boxes up the steps I gazed with an entirely new look at my collection of electronics.

Another shift of heaving them into the back of the Rangey I wandered back into the house - nonchalantly hoping the memsaab had not identified my potentially lucrative little adventure...

As I slipped back into my chair, I couldn't help but notice a flicker of a smile cross her lips. Nothing was said of course but clearly something had pleased her today. I fervently hoped it was me....

Nevertheless contented smiles were not to be wasted and I decided as I mixed her gin and tonic, not to enquire too deeply but to just enjoy the remaining golden summers evening...

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MIKE GRIMSBY

Independent Mercedes Sales Specialist

Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SQ

01452 520806

For more Mercedes cars visit:

www.mikegrimsbycars.co.uk 120 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

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Style Views

Sandra Paul looks at giving charities a helping hand ’m sure you get ‘charity’ fatigue just as I do. Nowadays, we seem to be accosted by charities asking for donations in various ways - from people standing with clipboards in the high street trying to harass shoppers, to persistent, sometimes belligerent telephone calls to our home and mobile numbers - it is not hard to feel hounded.

But charities are in an unenviable position. Rather than employ staff to drum up financial support, many will outsource this job to independent sales agencies whose sole purpose is to achieve ‘targets’ with the aim and mission of the charity being largely irrelevant.

Owned and run by business-people as opposed to charitable people, they use tactics and techniques that can be quite intimidating.

I have a direct debit for a small amount of money to go monthly to a local wildlife charity. Recently, a call centre has persistently called me, seeking to encourage me to increase my contributions. It’s quite hard to say ‘no’ especially when the caller is implying that animals will die and services will have to be reduced if I can’t increase my contribution. Another call centre on behalf of a charity demanded I continue to financially support them, merely because I had sent a text for a one-off donation following a TV-athon. I explained quite honestly that I don’t really like giving my bank details to an aggressive stranger on the phone and I was blatantly ridiculed. Unbelievable!

This kind of pursuit was brought horrifically into the spotlight with the suicide of Olive Cooke. Aged 92 from Bristol and England’s longest selling poppy seller, she was inspired to help others by her father’s service at Gallipoli.

The grandmother of four was donating to 27 charities by direct debit yet still received letters and calls from ‘charities’ demanding more; to the extent where she could take no more and committed suicide.

In today’s economic environment it is difficult enough to think about donating

I

money but donating our services can be more rewarding – not just for the charity but for us too.

My business has always donated our time and expertise to various causes whether it is organizing press conferences and media coverage for a charity close to our hearts or mentoring young people from various backgrounds to inspire them to aim higher than their stereotypes might indicate.

One of my clients, Attivo Group, has gone a step further, and I urge other businesses to follow their lead. They have partnered with Cheltenham-based County Community Projects (CCP).

Each member of staff has been given half a day off per year to work with CCP. They kicked off the partnership at CCP’s allotment where Attivo staff cleared the soil of weeds and brambles to prepare the ground for vegetables. Whatever is grown is given to those in our community who need it but at the same time, homeless or vulnerable people are given the opportunity to work with the soil and produce their own food.

This may sound like PR guff but the morning I spent there was inspiring.

Attivo staff are encouraged to work as teams alongside CCP clients and staff.

They seemed to thoroughly enjoy doing something outside of their comfort zone – like hold a pitchfork when they are more generally used to tapping at a keyboard. Doing something that practically helps the charity as opposed to fishing into a pocket to find a few pence actually makes the ‘cause’ hit home. Helping charities isn’t always about and should not be, just donating cash. It may sound easy for a company of Attivo’s size to donate half a day per staff member but this equates to £15000 for them in terms of employee costs for the business. It is a sizeable amount but for CCP, engaging individuals to give practical help is worth far more. Other businesses should follow their lead and enable their staff to contribute more practically in helping their community.

Sandra Paul has been in the communications industry for over twenty years working for Prime Ministers, Presidents and CEOs. Sandra lives and works in Cheltenham. Contact her on sandra@lococomms.com

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This Month with Kate Justice

The Productive Summer Holiday Kate Justice took a week off… started a new, full time job last November and since then I haven’t taken any holiday. Therefore, things at home have gradually been descending further and further into disorganisation… or chaos… or the abyss.

So imagine my excitement about the prospect of a whole week off, to be spent at home getting stuff sorted out. I realise not everyone would get excited about a week of clearing out the garage, vacuuming the curtains and sifting through a pile of paperwork that is so huge, it won’t even fit in the boot of my car…. But it was less the ‘doing it’ that I was looking forward to and more the ‘having it done’.

Yes, the journey would be a little mundane (or downright depressing if you compare it to many of my friends’ choice of activity for their summer holiday), but the destination - an organised house and life, was mouth-watering and actually quite inspiring. All my ducks would be in a row, the ‘To Do’ list thrown out, paperwork mountain sifted and filed… and the house sparkling. Before I’d even finished work on the last Friday, I was already planning what I’d do with all my spare time now that everything domestically was going to be so well organised. No more searching for two hours for my favourite jacket / toothbrush / birth certificate (yes – things were really in disarray).

So, the week off began… and job number one was the garage. The thought of immediately being stuck in the house all day made it easy to start there and with a bit of help from the other family members, the inside of the garage was transformed from a ramshackle health hazard to a streamlined space of beauty and usefulness! The end result was definitely worth the effort.

Goody. Just IMAGINE how my house and office were going to look by Friday! I was feeling smug.

However, day two of my holiday week

I

122 SEPTEMBER 2015 COTSWOLD STYLE

“So, the week off began… and job number one was the garage. The thought of immediately being stuck in the house all day made it easy to start there...” involved a small amount of socialising… which … well … sort of put the brakes on the ‘big clean up’. I say sort of but I actually mean well and truly halted the operation altogether once and for all. A pub lunch with my bestie and suddenly, all - yes ALL the jobs on the list were put on hold. Again.

It was SO nice to just relax and sit around and enjoy some free time instead of all the rushing about that a full time job inevitably brings. So that’s what I did.

Not in the desperately messy house, obviously – but in the beauty garage of wonder! In there – with all the fabulous organisation, I could still feel like I’d achieved enough to earn and deserve one more Pimms / chapter of my book / long chat on the phone / episode of ‘Friends’.

I read a couple of books, caught up with some friends and hung out with the kids. I loved it. But I did absolutely

nothing else on the ‘To Do’ list. With no time constraints and fewer day-to-day commitments, I simply slowed right down. I truly learnt the meaning of the suggestion, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’. The ‘non-busy’ me is apparently rather useless.

The aftermath to my unproductive week off has been mixed: I felt rested but also a little frustrated. I’m not sure I’ll ever get the office tidied up and my wardrobe sorted out now but I was also glad to have had a chance to chill out.

Besides, a month on and the garage is back to being a tip, so doing the house as well might have been a terrible waste of Pimms drinking / book reading time!

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

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