SEVERN
Village LIVING
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June 2010
Lifestyle | Community | Business
Norton Twigworth Down Hatherley Sandhurst Highnam Maisemore Hartpury Apperley Boddington & Staverton
Happy Anniversary! Hartpury College is 60
Bugsboarding
Inside College Street Originals Collectables have never been so much fun
Learn to Mountain Board in Maisemore
New!
Sue Gibson’s School of Gardening
WIN ! A round of golf at Sherdons Golf Centre We review Dewinton Restaurant, Hatherley Manor
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ALL WELCOME! Trade & Retail
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CEMENT ~ Collected 25kg bag = £2.95+VAT (£3.47 including VAT)
BUILDING MATERIALS DIY MATERIALS GARDEN MATERIALS
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Open: Monday - Friday: 7.30am - 5.00pm & Saturdays 8.00am-12.00pm
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TEAK GARDEN FURNITURE ~ Available from stock ~
610 x 610 Buff Riven Slabs £2.88+VAT (£3.38 inc. VAT) 450 x 450 Buff Riven Slabs £1.59+VAT (£1.87 inc. VAT) All offers subject to availability
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Contents 4
Welcome to June
6-7
Village News & Diary
8-9
Happy Anniversay Hartpury College! Hartpury College celebrates 60 years
12-13
Try Something New
HARTPURY COLLEGE 8
Mountain Boarding in Maisemore 15
Six of the Best... Local Golf Courses
17-18
Business Profile – College Street Originals
19-20
The History of... The Wharf House
22
Restaurant Review – Hatherley Manor
23
Hatherley Manor Recipe
25
Sue Gibson School of Gardening
27
Introducing Riverford Organics
29
Mind & Body: McTimoney Chiropractic
31
Talk Money: Spa Financial
TRY SOMETHING NEW 12
RECIPE 27
Where Can You Find Village Living? Severn Village Living Magazine is delivered to 5,000 homes and businesses across 10 villages. Find us in Norton, Twigworth, Down Hatherley, Sandhurst, Highnam, Maisemore, Hartpury, Apperley, Boddington and Staverton; as well as selected outlets in Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Newent. We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you didn’t receive a copy through your letterbox, you will do very shortly. Severn Village Living is published monthly by Miss T A Bailey t/a Village Living Magazine 3 Springhill Court Sandhurst Lane Sandhurst Glos GL2 9NX 01452 730023 www.severnvillageliving.co.uk
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Editorial & advertising enquiries Tina Bailey 07969 807110 tina@severnvillageliving.co.uk Production Toni Barrington The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 production@villageliving.biz © 2010 Village Living Severn Village Living is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Severn Village Living magazine.
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Welcome to June
J
une. I am delighted to have made it to June already! I am also delighted that we had some lovely weather last month. It made delivering the May edition around our beautiful Severn Villages all the more enjoyable. I very
much hope you enjoyed your May edition of Severn Village Living and I have no doubt June will live up to the first issue. On the cover this month is Hartpury College celebrating 60 years of outstanding education. The Glamorous Assistant Crew goes Mountain Boarding as they Try Something New. We have a new garden columnist for you to meet – Sue Gibson of The School of Gardening at Slimbridge has a wealth of knowledge to impart on all things colourful and blooming for the summer months. Exciting new contributor on the block, Marc Fowler from riverford Organics joins us this month with some delicious seasonal recipes – all of which you can find online as well as Marc’s monthly produce column. Our very first restaurant review features in June. Hatherley Manor’s Dewinton restaurant was the venue – find out the verdict on page 22. And we pick out some great Gloucestershire golf courses in ‘Six of the Best’. This month WIN a round of golf at Sherdons Golf Centre in Tredington by entering our competition on page 6. Then claim your FrEE riverford Farm Cook Book (rrp £16.99) simply by attending the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival 2010 and buying some veg. It’s a hard life!
Tina
The winners of May’s Meat competition and Bugsboarding competition were informed at the end of May and names will be published in July’s edition.
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5 • CHArITy
Photographer of the Year needs your unwanted children’s books…
O
n 30th April, Worcestershirebased photographer Tom Doyle launched a new business focusing on a creative collaboration of clients from the worlds of fashion, advertising, music and publishing. ‘Salago Hill’ is a photography service that provides commercial clients with the high-end imaging required for their publishing and magazine work. The work is targeted at such organizations that require images for specialist literature. When taking photographs for Bookbridge, a charity that is helping source 45,000 English children’s reading and picture books needed for three education centres in Mongolia, Tom became so involved that he took on the role
of UK Ambassador. Bookbridge is the result of a four year scout exchange between Germany and Mongolia. Worldwide, they establish education centres to provide access to education and improve the quality of educational offerings. By 2014 they aim to provide access to quality education for 3 million children across the globe. Tom plans to visit Mongolia this summer to take photographs of the Bookbridge project in action. Tom’s photography illustrates the “powerful theme that education provides to children for continued learning”. The name of Tom’s company is unusual but not without meaning. Tom says “’Salago’ means ‘flourishing’; ‘blooming out of
creativity’ and I look forward to living up to that promise through my work.” The young Photographer of the year 2009 has been running Tom Doyle Photography’ and ‘Stories in Pictures’ for four years and his vision is to incorporate Salago Hill into the mix creating the ‘Tom Doyle Group’. For more information on how to donate your unwanted books to the Bookbridge Project visit www.bookbridgemongolia.org or call and speak to Tom on 01560 261 6988. Learn more about Tom Doyle at www.tomdoylephoto.co.uk
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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6 • NEWS & EVENTS
WIN A ROUND OF GOLF AT SHERDON’S GOLF CENTRE
S
herdons has just been ranked the best club in the Central England & Wales region at the inaugural Golf Club of the year Awards 2010. The Awards are unique in the industry because, unlike others which judge course quality, the Golf Club of the year Awards measures the complete golf experience as voted for by the people who play the courses as members, guests and societies. You can enjoy the Sherdon’s golf experience for free! Enter our competition to win a round of golf on the Manor Course. We have 2 rounds to give away! Just answer this question: How many bays are there in Sherdon’s Floodlit Driving Range? Email your answer to tina@severnvillageliving.co.uk or write to Severn Village Living Magazine, 3 Springhill Court, Sandhurst Lane, Sandhurst, Gloucester, GL2 9NX. Learn more about Sherdon’s in our Six of the Best Feature on page 15.
HIGHNAM HELP FOR HEROES
A
charity concert is being staged in Highnam Parish Church to raise money for Help for Heroes. The concert will be held on Friday 25th June and will include The Gloucestershire Police Male Voice Choir, Gloucester Brass Bands and Highnam Church Organist, Howard Williams. Take your seats at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 / Concessions £6. Tickets are available to buy from The Village Shop in Highnam, Soldiers Of Gloucester Museum and you can book and buy at the Box Office on 01452 416821.
Cheltenham Science Festival Cheltenham Science Festival is considered to be one of the best events of its kind in the world, providing visitors with the chance to explore the ideas, debate the hottest topics, put their questions to some of the world’s leading thinkers, and conduct their own experiments. Between Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 June 2010 respected and fascinatingly clever scientists and personalities will be welcomed to Cheltenham Town Hall, including guest directors chef Heston Blumenthal and professor of particle physics Brian Cox. The full programme of cutting edge debates, lively discussions and talks from scientific stars are available online now. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science Telephone: 0844 576 8970 for the Box Office.
Wychwood Music Festival Friday 4 to Sunday 6 June 2010 In June 2010, the Wychwood Music Festival lands at Cheltenham racecourse. The three-day music festival is celebrating it’s sixth year and offers festival go-ers live music from bands such as The Lightning Seeds and King Creosote. Headliners in 2010 include The Levellers on the Friday, The Happy Mondays on the Saturday, and folk sensation Seth Lakeman on the Sunday. Plus, for the first time the BBC Introducing… in Gloucestershire stage will feature an eclectic line-up of 28 local acts, selected from ten choices in Gloucestershire and each of the six neighbouring counties. The hopefuls representing Gloucestershire will be Zen Elephant, Aspen Sails, Charlie Baxter, Divine Secret, Elliot Withers, Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun, Lounge Fly, roving Crows, The Echoes and young Vinyls. Book Wychwood Festival day and camping tickets directly from ticketweb.co.uk Times: From 5pm on the Friday, and 9am on the Saturday and Sunday Admission: Weekend camping tickets cost £130 for adults; £95 for youths and £50 for children aged 10 to 15. Day tickets are also available. Telephone: 01993 772580
FREE RIVERFORD FARM COOK BOOK! Cut out and bring this voucher with you to the Riverford stand at the Festival and Riverford Organics will give you a FREE Riverford Farm Cookbook worth £16.99!
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7 • VILLAGE DIAry
Village Diary Severn Village Living would like to list village events from your local village so if you would like your event listed – be it a play, jumble sale, play group, beer festival, village fete, young Farmers party, youth Club disco or simply a coffee morning at your local church or parish hall, please get in touch. Charity & not for profit events are listed free of charge. A small charge applies for commercial listings.
What’s on... June 2010
Tewkesbury Tour Series Tuesday 1 June 2010 Tewkesbury will be playing host to the Tour Series in the summer of 2010 for one of the ten professional cycling races. The one-day race features some of the best cyclists in the UK competing. Venue: Tewkesbury town centre. Times: To be confirmed. Admission: Free of charge. Telephone: (01684) 855040 Thomas the Tank Engine in the Forest of Dean Friday 4 June to Sunday 22 August 2010 Thomas the Tank Engine and his locomotive friends are timetabled to make some special appearances in the Forest of Dean in the summer, at the Dean Forest railway & Museum. Book tickets directly through ticketweb.co.uk. Dates: Fri 4 - Sun 6 June 2010; Fri 20 - Sun 22 August 2010 Times: From 9.30am. Admission: Tickets cost from £8.50 Telephone: (01594) 843423 Teckels Animal Sanctuaries Black Tie Ball Friday 4 June 2010 This Black Tie Ball, being held at Hatherley Manor in Gloucester, will be raising funds for Whitminster-based charity Teckels Animal Sanctuaries – including its Paw Appeal. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, two-course dinner and live music. Times: Champagne reception is at 7pm. Admission: Tickets cost £30 per person, with pre-booking essential. Telephone: (01452) 260063 LINC 3 Counties Cycle Ride from Tewkesbury Sunday 13 June 2010 Take on a picturesque 60 kilometres covering Eastnor, Upton upon Severn and Tewkesbury – starting and finishing at Tewkesbury rugby Club, 5pm latest. Times: registration opens at 8.30am and closes at 11am. Admission: Participating costs £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16 in advance, or £15 for adults and £5 for children on the day. Telephone: 08454 224422 Badger Watch in the Forest of Dean Friday 11 June to Friday 23 July 2010 The Forestry Commission’s popular Badger Watch walks make a welcome return to the Forest of Dean. Get the unique chance to see these creatures in their natural habitat. With expert guidance from a Forest ranger. Torch and insect repellent recommended. Venue: Barkrack Barrier, off the A4136, near Coleford Dates: Fri 11 June 2010; Wed 16 & 30 June 2010 Times: From 8.15pm. Admission: Tickets cost £7.50 Telephone: (01594) 833057 Gloucestershire Motor Show in Gloucester Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 June 2010
Hosted by Highnam Court this June, celebrating the best of motoring from vintage classics to the newest models. Times: From 10.30am to 5pm on both days. Admission: Tickets cost £5. Free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. Telephone: (01452) 528181 The Three Counties Show Friday 18 to Sunday 20 June 2010 The annual show at the Malvern Showground brings together the finest that Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire have to offer including 900 varieties of livestock, country crafts and vintage vehicles. The show hosts the qualifying rounds of the royal International Horse Show and Horse of the year Show. The Army, Navy and rAF will also all be putting on impressive displays to delight the crowds. Local produce stalls & flower & garden show. Venue: Three Counties Showground, Malvern,Worcestershire Times: From 8am to 6pm Admission: Contact the organisers for more information. Telephone: (01684) 584900 Elvis Tribute Night Saturday 19 June 2010 See an acclaimed Elvis act shake his thing on stage at The Irish Club in Gloucester, for a special charity event in aid of the British Lung Foundation. Venue: The Irish Club, Horton road, Gloucester, GL1 3QA Times: Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start. Admission: Tickets cost £9 in advance, £11 on the night. Telephone: 07888 661745 Linc Medieval Themed Open Gardens Sunday 20th June In the private gardens of The Mansion House in glorious Cirencester Park enjoy Fathers’ Day Fun for all the family. There will be a hog roast, donkey rides and jugglers, medieval games, cream teas and a bouncy castle. The gardens are open to the public for the first time in 25 years by kind permission of Lord & Lady Apsley in aid of the Linc Fund. Times: 11am – 5pm Admission: £10 adult (£8 in advance) / £5 child (£4 in advance) / £20 family ticket (2 adults 2 kids), Under 5’s FrEE and dogs welcome on leads. Telephone: 08454 224422 for tickets and information Race for Life in Gloucester Sunday 27 June 2010 Women across Gloucester will be taking up the race for Life 2010 challenge to walk, jog or run 5k at Hartpury College this summer – raising funds for the charity Cancer research UK. Visit raceforlife.org for more information and to sign-up online. Times: From 11am Admission: Entry costs £12.99
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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8 • HAPPy ANNIVErSAry HArTPUry COLLEGE!
Happy Anniversary Hartpury! We wish Hartpury College a very Happy Anniversary this month and learn more about why the last 60 years have been so successful...
The 60th Celebrations! A special weekend of celebrations will be held over the 18th and 19th June 2010 to mark this very special date in Hartpury’s academic year 2009/2010. The 60th Anniversary Celebrations will kick off with a Celebration Dinner on Friday 18th June at the College with guest speakers Martin Baber and Mike Burton who are both current Hartpury College Governors. Martin Baber was a former student in 1955/56 and Mike Burton is the former Gloucester, England and British Lions rugby player. The celebrations will then continue on Saturday 19th June with a variety of tours and events across campus including sports matches between current and former students, farm tours, demonstrations and equine displays.
June 2010 • Severn Village Living
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T
he College originally started life in the post Second World War era as a farm institute educating the future farm workers of Gloucestershire and over the years has diversified to become the successful college that it is today fulfilling the educational needs of over 3,300 students studying a range of land-based, sport and animal science programmes from around the UK and the world. The College still has a significant number of agricultural students and remains true to its xcore mission. The success of the College can be attributed to a number of key factors. The Principal Malcolm Wharton, who joined in 1990, has been instrumental in the College’s transformation, steering the changes with the full support of highly professional and committed Governors. There has been a gradual introduction of new courses, resources and staff
members which saw student numbers begin to grow and from there the College has gone from strength to strength. £40 million of investment has been made in the last 15 years in the residential, commercial and educational resources on campus. The growth of the College continues with plans to invest a further £6 million on new classrooms, offices, a library, laboratory and dining room at the farm for agriculture, countryside and game students. These types of courses continue to grow in popularity and the vast majority of students, armed with the appropriate skills, go on to find employment in the sector. There are also plans to expand the range of sports offered by the Academy and a rowing Academy will be launched from September 2010 in partnership with GB rowing and Gloucester rowing Club. There are also possibilities of introducing a Cricket Academy from September 2011.
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Celebrate and join the party Tickets for the Anniversary Dinner are on sale now and can be purchased through the online shop on the College website. A ticket to the three-course celebration dinner is £25 (excluding drinks). Accommodation will also be available on campus, at a small cost, for those who have some way to travel and those who would like to join old friends, staff and students to reminisce over a few drinks about the good old days. There are camping facilities too so bring your tent – or even a caravan full of friends!
Hartpury hope that many of its former staff and students will be able to join them, to see and experience just how much the Hartpury campus has changed over the years. As they celebrate this anniversary the College are also keen to hear from any former staff or students who would like to tell everyone what they’ve been doing since they left Hartpury. Contact leah.davis@hartpury.ac.uk. Stories already received are on a special page on the College website: www.hartpury.ac.uk No access to the internet? Call the College directly on 01452 702345 or write to Hartpury College, Hartpury, Glos, GL19 3BE.
Key milestones for the College have been: • Introduction of Higher Education provision in the early nineties which included the introduction of Equine Studies programmes in 1992; • Associate Faculty status by the University of the West of England (UWE) in 1997; • Introduction of the first Masters programme in Equine Science in 1999; • The founding of the Hartpury Academy of Sport in 2000 to include rugby, football, netball, golf, modern pentathlon and equestrian sports; • ‘Outstanding’ College status from Ofsted Inspectors in 2009.
Can you spot yourself in any of these old photos? Hartpury would love to hear from you if you recognize yourself or anyone else. It is thought they were from around the 1950’s but can’t be dated exactly.
WHAT THe eX-sTUDeNTs HAD TO sAY! “I recall that when anyone had a birthday a cold bath was the order of the day. The kitchen and dining room in Hartpury House was where the current Admissions Office is and we always had a cooked breakfast, lunch and a high tea.” Martin Baber, former student & current College Governor “In my current role as an RSPCA Inspector, I deal with animals of every kind on a daily basis, however horses are one of the most common animals I see and thanks to my equine knowledge and general life experience gained at college, I know that I can deal with it professionally and confidently.” Penny Baker With thanks to Helen Brain for her help. www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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Severn Village Living •June 2010
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12 • Try SOMETHING NEW
Mountain Boarding
W
e couldn’t have picked a more beautiful day to try our hands at mountain boarding. If you are wondering what on earth this is, imagine snowboarding crossed with skateboarding but on a springy board with off- road type tyres. That’s a mountain board. Bugsboarding in Maisemore is a well established mountain board centre that caters for all types of boarder from beginners to budding world champions. In fact, you can receive expert tuition from Pro-riders here and with the long school summer holidays on the horizon, we thought Severn Village Living readers might want to learn more about this brilliant, energetic and adrenalin filled sport - a perfect way to spend a family afternoon in the glorious Gloucestershire countryside. So, on a stunningly sunny and hot Saturday, I took two of my ever growing Try Something New Crew of Glamorous Assistants down to the centre to find out what mountain boarding is all about. Let me introduce them. Glamorous Assistant 1 = 40-something, works in the fire service and considers himself ‘down with the kids’ and Glamorous Assistant 2 = mid-twenties, good sense of adventure and she actually is ‘down with the kids’. We arrived at the centre and parked in a field overlooking the most beautiful vista of rolling hills. A couple of friendly dogs came up to meet us and escorted us over to the cabin where we were met by Nina and Lindsay who
June 2010 • Severn Village Living
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immediately offered us a cold drink and an overview of the centre. Nina is Bugs’ wife; Bugs set up the centre with the help of A.J Watkins and crew when Bugs’ family agreed to let them use the land attached to their farm as part of a farm diversification project. Over the last ten years, A.J set up many mountain board centres around the country and together he and Bugs converted this old scramble track into Bugsboarding. They are still working hard on the centre, developing more activities to attract visitors outside of the summer season. This winter they hope to have the low ropes area and archery sessions up and running. Prior to opening this year the team has built a brick BBQ area where families can come and bring their own food and cook it on the BBQ on Saturdays, they have improved the tracks and re-vamped the rider’s lounge and reception cabin and they are also in the process of creating a ‘bar’ for the riders and visitors. No licence for alcohol though but I think after a couple of hours boarding, a lemonade might be more refreshing anyway. What is even more impressive is that all of this work has been done by volunteers. But these guys are serious riders and the chance to have free reign of this amazing centre is too good to turn down. Besides, they are all very passionate about Bugsboarding and care about securing a great future for the business and its visitors. Time to get kitted out and Glamorous Assistant 1 and 2 put on knee pads,
in Maisemore
elbow pads, wrist supports and helmets. The rest of us laugh at them and take silly pictures. Laughing aside, Health and Safety is taken very seriously at Bugsboarding and all volunteers are first aid trained and the instructors are ATBA qualified and Extreme Medic Specialists -first aid training for extreme sports. A.J is going to be the instructor today so he takes the boarders off to a gentle slope to start their lesson. Are you Goofy or regular? No, this is not a medical question. If you are Goofy you ride right foot forward. If you are regular you ride left foot forward. Glamorous Assistant 1 is regular and 2 is Goofy. The first lesson is toe-side and heel-side turns. Toe-side means coming to a stop facing down the hill and heel-side facing up. Both had a go at toe-side and we had one faller and one runaway. On the second attempt there was more progress and they both stayed upright. “The key is not to stare at the grass”, says A.J, “this helps maintain balance and, of course, look where you are going.” Next they practice heel-side turns, which is basically the opposite principle. Both
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What does it cost? Hire and Ride – £7 for 14 years and under & £10 for 15 years and over (1 Hour) Additional Hours: £12 for 2 hours / Half day £20 – Kids. £18 for 2 hours / Half day £26 – Adults. This includes an introductory lesson and equipment. Just the ride (board owners): £10 half day and £15 full day. Glamorous Assistants manage this well. It seems the initial skill is quite easy to pick up. Mostly it is about balance and fluidity of movement. This is proven by the 10-year old kids speeding by, jumping and twisting down the hill. They continue with caution and practice linking the heel-side and toe-side turns together, progressing down the hill. It’s a very big hill and Glamorous Assistant 2 seems a bit concerned that she might have to walk back up it with her board. A.J points out a 4x4 going up and down the hill pulling a trailer full of mountain boarders. Bugs is the driver today hauling his riders from the bottom to the top of the course. I can’t help but think of Top Gear’s Stig as each time Bugs passes on the track a different tune is playing on the stereo. First it’s Cheryl Cole then Carmina Burana. A sleepy lurcher lolls on the back seat oblivious to the choice of music. Probably just as well. I make my way back to the cabin where I get talking to Nina about what the centre has to offer. As well as boarding there is grass sledging. This is a brilliant little sledge on runners that flies down the hill, is great fun and suitable for all ages. Bikers can bring their own mountain bike or BMX and ride all day for just £15. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Bugsboarding runs an after-school club from 6pm – 9pm. Got
to be more fun than the chess club! For weekends away you can buy passes for riding and camping at the centre. Bank Holidays are a bonus as you get an extra day for free! I can see the Glamorous Assistants now at the bottom of the hill perfecting their powerslide stops under the watchful eye of A.J. Everyone who comes to the centre gets 30 minutes initial tuition for free to get them started but if you want to learn more you can book an instructor or can even take a course in Mountain Boarding! A.J runs courses at Gloscat and Hartpury College. Bugs drives up the track with some light jazz music blaring out of the speakers and my now not-quite-so Glamorous Assistants in the trailer. They come inside for a well earned cool drink looking worn out but s miling from ear to ear. The whole experience was declared as “great fun”, “brilliant”, and “I want to ride again tomorrow”. Nina and Lindsay set about making ham sandwiches for everyone and we feel like we have been welcomed into this lovely group of people with open arms and feel so at home that maybe we will just pitch a tent, fire up the barbie and crack open a few cans of 7-UP. After all, we are all rad mountain boarders now – Dude.
Booking in advance is recommended. Group bookings taken and discounts for groups of 10 or more.
You must visit Bugsboarding for: WORLD MOUNTAIN BOARD DAY 19th June 2010 / 11am-6am An adrenalin fuelled day of totally awesome four wheeled fun sponsored by BBC Thrill Seekers. ATBA-UK (All Terrain Boarding Association) and Bugsboarding. Hire and Ride is HALF PRICE ALL DAY! Booking Essential. Cream Teas and Jam 17th July 2010 The world’s only rider judged mountain board slopes series. Everything you need to know www.bugsboarding.co.uk Call A.J on 07749 897330 or email info@bugsboarding.co.uk Bugsboarding MountainBoard Centre, Maisemore, Gloucester, GL2 8HP
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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SHERDONS GOLF CENTRE BEST CLUB IN CENTRAL ENGLAND & WALES Sherdons Golf Centre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire is ranked the best club in the Central England & Wales Region at the first inaugural Golf Club of the Year Awards 2010. The Awards are unique in the industry because, unlike others which judge course quality, the Golf Club of the Year Awards measures the complete golf experience as voted for by the people who play the courses as members, guests and societies. Richard Chatham, Co-owner and Manager of family-run Sherdons said “We are delighted to achieve this prestigious award. It is most gratifying to receive this exciting recognition from our own members and guests.” Simon Brown, Managing Director of Awards for Business who runs the scheme explains, “Playing at a well presented and managed golf club is what a great golf experience is all about. It’s not just the quality of the course that makes the experience good, it’s everything from the first point of contact on the phone, the greeting in the pro shop, quality of changing facilities, hospitality in the club house and much more besides. I wanted to find out which clubs really were providing the best golf experience and what better way to find out than
asking the players who play at the clubs week in week out.” “It’s obvious from the votes that came in for Sherdons that they provide a particularly high level golf experience for members and guests. It’s refreshing to see that a relatively new club can compete with more established ones in the area”. Richard added “We give a warm welcome to all and operate what we call a No Fear attitude to golf. All are welcome from 5 year olds to 95, from beginners to Professionals and we have a mixture of all these people who enjoy our facilities whether they wish to learn the game, play golf on the course or just use the bar and restaurant facilities of our wonderful Clubhouse. Golf is such an inclusive game and it so important to make everyone welcome and to give everyone a chance to “have a go” whilst maintaining the etiquette and ambience of the sport. On behalf of all our staff, I wish to thank those who gave their support to enable us to achieve this recognition”.
If you’d like to visit, review or play the course or receive more information contact either Richard Chatham on 01684 274782 or Chris Pearson on 07932 625589 www.sherdons.co.uk / www.golfcluboftheyearawards.com
Award winning golf Learn from our 3 resident professionals Practice in our 28-bay floodlit Driving Range Play the mature 9-hole Manor Course Enjoy a meal in our stunning bar/restaurant
WHAT’S ON
GREAT D FOR SOC EALS IETI Phone fo ES r details
Excellent value, bookable tee times, club hire available. Open to all, whether golfer or not – no membership required.
TREDINGTON, NR TEWKESBURY WWW.SHERDONS.CO.UK
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01684 274782
VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME
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15 • SIX OF THE BEST... LOCAL GOLF COUrSES
Six of the Best…
Local Golf Courses
Cotswold Hills Ullenwood, Cheltenham
Rodway Hill Golf Course, Highnam, Gloucester
Sherdons Golf Centre, Tredington, Tewkesbury
Located just five minutes from the M5 motorway Cotswold Hills is a beautiful free draining parkland course situated high on the Cotswolds with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Playable all year, Cotswold Hills is a course that visitors of all abilities will enjoy. This prestigious club has been chosen by the English Golf Union to host the English Boys County Finals in 2012 – a most important event in the EGU’s annual calendar and an event given only to clubs of the highest standard. Although a private members golf club, green fee payers and societies are made very welcome and offered excellent hospitality with bar snacks and meals being available throughout the day and a fully stocked pro-shop and lessons available from our PGA qualified professionals for adults and children.
Voted best value golf course in Gloucestershire and home to the second longest par 3 in the UK. Rodway Hill Golf Course is situated 2 miles from Gloucester with the 18 hole course providing panoramic views of the vale of Gloucester, and backing onto Highnam woods. The club caters for all levels from lessons for beginners to hosting golf societies and welcoming seasoned professionals. On site facilities include the Pro shop, practice area, putting area, golfing lessons and ample parking. There is also the Woodpecker restaurant & bar, which caters for both golfers and non playing visitors with a good selection of home cooked meals and snacks. Sunday lunches are very popular and it is advised to book to avoid disappointment. Golf lessons are available from Martyn Murphy and bookings can be made in the pro shop. Lessons are £15 for a half hour session and take place on the club’s driving range. rodway Hill is a great local golf course that is worth a visit.
In a parkland setting, with magnificent views from the Malvern Hills to the Cotswold scarp, and holes ranging from the 510yd par 5 third to the uphill 139yd short par 3 sixth, the Manor Course is definitely NOT Pitch and Putt and is affiliated to both the E.G.U. and L.G.U. Holes which change direction, and the strategic use of water, hedges, trees and bunkers make for a challenging round of golf providing an interesting game for all abilities. Although Sherdons Golf Centre is a Pay and Play facility, a limited number of Sherdons Green Card annual green fee tickets are available. These are on a 5 or 7 day basis. The 26 Bay Floodlit Driving range, incorporating “The Sherdons Golf Academy”, provides the finest practice facility for all levels of ability in the area. Divided by high and solid safety partitions, the 20 covered and 6 outdoor bays are extra wide, giving an all-important spacious, unconfined feeling for the golfer. Overall length of the range is 325 yards; top quality, full weight, 2-piece, full compression balls are used; and at night the pure white metal-halide floodlighting gives excellent visibility of the ball in flight. The putting green and bunker area completes the excellent practice facilities of Sherdons and as with the Manor Course, all visitors are very welcome. Tuition is bookable with one of the four Class A P.G.A professionals.
Cotswold Hills have limited vacancies for five day memberships and contact should be made with the Club Manager, Annie Hale, on 01242 515264 to discuss membership or society requirements.
Contact Rodway Hill by either calling 01452 384222 or email: info@rodway-hill-golf-course.co.uk www.rodway-hill-golf-course.co.uk
Learn more at www.sherdons.co.uk or call 01684 274782 or email: info@sherdons.co.uk
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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16 • SIX OF THE BEST... LOCAL GOLF COUrSES
Brickhampton Court Golf Complex, Churchdown, Cheltenham Brickhampton Court Golf Complex was created in 1994 by Creed Golf & Leisure Ltd, a company owned by a local family who have maintained a keen interest in ensuring its development into a golfing centre of true quality. Set in 200 acres of rolling Gloucestershire countryside the complex enjoys the benefit of no steep hills and thus energies can be directed towards the golf and not scaling the peaks! Find out how to play at Brickhampton by calling 01452 858604 or emailing Natalie Dyke at natalie.dyke@brickhampton.co.uk. www.brickhampton.co.uk
Tewkesbury Park Hotel & Golf Course, Tewkesbury Designed by Frank Pennick, this parkland course has wonderful views across the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills. The 5th, a par 3 over water, is a particularly lovely hole which overlooks Tewkesbury Abbey, the town and the river Severn. The course offers resident P.G.A. professional tuition and video facilities, driving range, 6-hole pitch and putt course, Pro-Shop & Greens Bistro for a relaxing drink after the 18th. Book in advance as the course is very popular and weekends are restricted. Call to book your round on 01684 295405.
Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Course, Puckrup, Tewkesbury An 18-hole undulating parkland course with many hazards and the green built to USGA specifications. Puckrup Hall welcomes Corporate and Society Golf Days. If you are a hotel resident you can enjoy discounts on your round of golf. This course plays host to the West region Professional Golfers Association Championship and West of England Championship. Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds in 140 acres of secluded parkland it is a great course for working on your handicap. 01684 296200 / Pro Shop: 01684 271591 / www.puckrupgolf.co.uk There are many more golf courses in the area but we only had room for six! Find more of Gloucestershire’s golf clubs at www.golftoday.co.uk
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therapy
ntensive Ch &I
a
Leukaemi
Registered Charity number: 1078183
si Inten ve Che mo
www.lincfund.org
LINC Office, Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7AN t 08454 224422 e linc@glos.nhs.uk
&
otherapy em
The 3 Counties Cycle Ride is offering 2 routes this year both starting and finishing at Tewkesbury Rugby Club. The first is a 64 kilometre (40 mile) picturesque ride taking in the small towns of Tewkesbury, Eastnor and Upton on Severn.The second will be a shorter 23 km (20 mile) alternative. Neither of these is a race - you can take as long as you like to enjoy and complete the route. We want as many people as possible to join in these rides especially as the date coincides with national bike week. Keen cyclists, families, groups and individuals are all welcome. All details you need to know for the day will be sent to you once you download the form from our website, complete it and return with your fee. We will then send you an information pack and number. Entry Fees - Before the day £10.00 per adult, £5.00 under 16’s. On the day £15.00 per adult, £5.00 under 16’s. In aid of LINC, who offer help to Cancer sufferers in lots of different ways, both practical and physical, whilst also offering support to their families and friends. LINCs research post is looking into causes,cures and innovative outcomes and so many people will unknowingly benefit from this.
a
3 Counties Cycle Ride
Leukaemi
Sunday 13 June 2010
Leukaemia
Linc’ing together to beat cancer
17/5/10 13:52:59
&
si Inten ve
17 • BUSINESS PrOFILE
College Street Originals Collectables have never been so much fun.
W
hen I arranged to meet Steve Nyland at his specialist collectables shop, College Street Originals, I was wondering how interesting this interview would be. When I think of collectables I think of my Nan’s china woodland animals and apart from a bit of a ‘thing’ about ornamental pigs when I was ten, I have had no desire to collect anything since aside from dust on the living room shelves. Perhaps then, this meeting with Steve will inspire me to display something other than a lack of enthusiasm for housework. Steve Nyland took control of the former Gloucester Pottery shop in November 2006 when the shop was facing closure. With no knowledge of the collectables market but with a strong background in retail, Steve saw the shop’s potential. He recognised the demand for some of the rare and specialist products that the shop supplied but also understood that this was not enough to keep the business afloat. Embarking on a steep learning curve, Steve immersed himself in the world of Steiff, Moorcroft Pottery & Gustav Klimt and he soon became familiar with the niche markets these names attracted. He realised that the
shop lacked the ability to reach out to customers worldwide and immediately drove forward a strong e-marketing campaign. He launched a website for the shop which he marketed to overseas collectors and made buying and selling simple and secure. The collectables community are spread across all four corners of the globe but they are a close-knit bunch, so listening to their requests and understanding what makes them buy is vital. By selling coveted product ranges he drew collectors from as far afield as New Zealand and russia and College Street Originals’ reputation for the online place to buy rare collectables went from strength to strength. Now 40% of the business is attributed to online sales. But what of the shop’s local customers? Many of the customers had been loyal to Gloucester Pottery for years and relied on the shop for certain products and services such as picture framing. When Steve took over he decided to keep the picture framing side of the business that had built up an excellent reputation over thirty years. He now frames everything from pictures to rugby shirts. The shop also frames old maps and prints that require great specialist care and has become known for its framing of wedding photographs. This side of the
business has evolved as people visit the shop for wedding gifts and discover the framing service. College Street Originals carries a fantastic range of affordable but unique gifts perfect for weddings and special occasions. Steve showed me a lovely collection of ‘Glazed Art’ from Alan Clarke, formerly of Poole Pottery. A striking leaf shaped dish made of coloured glazed glass was just £20. “Good price points like this are important in attracting new customers”, says Steve. “Often peoples’ perception of the collectables market is that it is very expensive. Not so. Most people can afford a piece from a collection such as Poole Pottery or Portmeirion. It is a perfect gift as it can start off a love of collecting the pieces for the person receiving the gift; or they may already love the artist and want to add pieces to their existing collection.” I ask Steve why he thinks the business has grown and become so successful over the last three years, especially in the middle of a recession. “The key to the success of the business is threefold”, says Steve. “In addition to our online sales and marketing and selling interesting ranges at good price points, the third and most important reason we succeed is because we listen to what the customer wants. It’s not just me involved in the business; some of my
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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18 • business profile
team have been here for twenty five years! This experience means we know it is essential to spend time with people. Often the gift someone is buying or the picture they are framing is very personal and means a lot to them and the recipient. They need to be afforded time and attention to ensure they are happy with their choice.” Steve can also order special items if he doesn’t carry them in the shop, and this is part of the appeal to many collectors. He tells me that “when you are buying a Steiff Bear worth £350 you want to be sure he has not been sitting in a shop cabinet either gathering dust or being handled by customers. It is important for us to convey to our customer base that we take great care of our stock.” Steve focuses on bringing new product ranges from UK artists into his catalogue now more than ever as there is a superb choice of collectable works from our island. Portmeirion, Poole and Moorcroft pottery have been the surprise best sellers of recent months with a big increase in collectors. He tells me that his suppliers have also
been very supportive allowing him to regularly trial new lines to see what interests buyers. We took a walk around the shop and I was delighted to see collections from childhood days such as Danger Mouse and Penfold, the Clangers, the Very Hungry Caterpillar and my personal favourite; the Dragon from Mr Benn. Cartoon collectables are a rising market and they are brilliant pieces -bright, colourful and a lot of fun. I can imagine collecting these for my daughter to pass on to her when she is older. For these pieces will increase in value over the years and are much more fun than a savings account! My favourites in the shop were the A Breed Apart collection of comical animals from the talented Grant Palmer
and the colourful elephants from the South African Raku Pottery. Steve stocks many traditional lines such as Royal Worcester, Border Fine Arts, Lilliput Lane and Nao Figurines as well as the more contemporary products such as the extremely collectable Rosina Wachtmeister Cats, whose fan base is strong in Australia and the USA. All in all, I might change my mind about collectables. They aren’t boring at all, in fact they are really rather good fun and I can’t get the image of Mr Benn’s Dragon out of my head. I am seriously considering going back and buying him. Better dust off a space on that shelf. Visit Steve and the Team at: College Street Originals, 3 College Street (off Westgate Street) Gloucester, GL1 2NE. Tel: 01452 525792 They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and show you around the shop. Until you can visit, look at all the product ranges on sale at www.collegestreetoriginals.co.uk
Proudly presented by
Katherine Jenkins in concert at Cheltenham Racecourse outdoor stage
with The National Symphony Orchestra and Musical Director, Anthony Inglis
Saturday 3 July 2010 Registered Charity No. 1078183
Performance begins at 7.30pm. Gates open at 6pm for picnics. For comfort, please bring your own seating and a torch. Tickets £35 each, plus booking fee. Available online from www.lincfund.org Hospitality enquiries email: karen.organ@glos.nhs.uk or telephone: 08454 224156
The Leukaemia & Intensive Chemotherapy Fund
Haematology Department, Cheltenham General Hospital, Sandford Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 7AN
Proud Sponsors:
June 2010 • Severn Village Living
Village Living Severn 2.indd 18
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
17/5/10 13:53:01
19 • the history of... the wharf house
The Wharf House at Over
T
he Herefordshire & Gloucester Canal once ran an almost entirely rural course for 34 miles. The Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust is now restoring the Canal as a navigable waterway which, when completed, will rank as one of the most attractive cruising routes in the country. However, the Canal is not just being restored for boaters. Walkers, nature lovers, anglers and those with an interest in its history will benefit from this restoration project. Some of the features, locations and buildings along the Canal have been and are still of great historical interest. This month’s history section focuses on The Wharf House at Over; the point at which the Canal joins the River Severn via a disused lock en route from its start point at Gloucester Docks, continuing to its finish point just beyond the Aylestone Tunnel at the heart of Hereford. The Wharf House is located on the site of the original lock cottage which
overlooked the lock connecting the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal with the River Severn. In 2002 the shell of the current building was handed over to the Trust from Swan Hill Homes. The floor space is five times the size of the original and the interior has been designed and built by volunteers for the Canal Trust. The Trust is a not-forprofit organisation and the purpose of the business is to provide a constant stream of income for the restoration and promotion of the Canal Trust and the Canal itself. Much of the resources used to furnish the building have been found from other sites – the flooring in the restaurant and Visitors’ Centre are from the hospital that used to be on the site. Much of the internal brick work was also salvaged from the hospital buildings and the car park is made from old road planings. The Visitors’ Centre opened in April 2005. The tea rooms and restaurant followed shortly after in May. The Wharf House held regular open days in the first few years of its opening both to involve local people in the world of the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust and to experience and understand the work they were doing. This also gave small, local businesses and crafts people the opportunity to showcase their work. Today the Visitors Centre continues to support local businesses and sells work from basket makers,
Today the Visitors Centre continues to support local businesses and sells work from basket makers, painters of Canal ware and local artists. painters of Canal ware and local artists. The restaurant also lists local cider and ingredients on its menu which are sold in the shop. It is hoped there will be a return to ‘showcase days’ on a more regular basis in the future. There has already been a mini beer festival and another event is planned for September. In May’s edition we mentioned the new bedrooms that opened just prior to Cheltenham Gold Cup this year. This area had began its development whilst the original restaurant work was ongoing, but it was slow progress due to the usual demands of time and money so in 2005 the volunteers planned the grand opening of all seven bedrooms by 2007. However, like many restoration projects, ‘the best laid plans…etc’. Gradually 2007 became 2008, and then March 2009, then October 2009 until the project almost
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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20 • the history of... the wharf house
stopped completely. The floods of 2007 and the road works that were in place throughout the summer of 2008 led to a decrease in access and income, which wiped out any plans of opening on schedule. But the beauty of volunteers is that they are passionate about what they believe in and everyone wanted to see the project completed. Those that remained worked hard to raise awareness of the project and brought in new faces with the skills and dedication needed. As a result of this
dogged determination, The Wharf House opened five of its bedrooms on March 11th 2010, three Gold Cups later than planned but it was worth the wait. The rooms have been very well received. Not surprisingly because they are modern, spacious, offer views of the Canal and the River and guests can enjoy luxuries such as en-suite spa bathrooms and wide screen televisions. There is plentiful and free parking and the location is easily accessed from the motorway – and all from just £85 per room per night. The team at The Wharf House are deservedly looking forward to the opening of the last two rooms this year and the continued future success of the project.
Stay If you have friends and family who need a place to stay this summer, The Wharf House should be your first call: 01452 332900. Or drop in – Liz or David will be delighted to show you around.
Eat Enjoy the benefits of having an excellent restaurant on your doorstep. Enjoy the views and the sunshine with a glass of wine and Tapas on the Terrace. 7 days a week from 3-7pm. A Tapas dish starts from just £2.95.
Discover more www.thewharfhouse.co.uk
Inspired? Join the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust for just £7.50 and help maintain this beautiful and important part of our countryside. Call in at The Wharf House Visitor Centre for a coffee and cake and pick up a membership form or visit www.h-g-canal.org.uk
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Starting a new business? Get the paperwork right and let sprinters print it for you.
We are part of Severnprint one of Gloucester’s most established and respected printing companies and Sprinters specialise in helping new businesses and those new to commercial print. We have been printing the paperwork for local and national companies for years. Paul, who runs the Sprinters section is happy to answer any questions you might have on your particular print project, and he has devised some great packages for just £99-00. Ask him about the £99-00 Business Starter Pack or take a look at it on-line at www.sprintersprint.co.uk The sprinters website is going to be making special offers on the website throughout the year. Severnprint and Sprinters have been investing in the latest digital technology as well as the conventional and we can safely say that we can print almost anything, on paper! Design covered too, with out Vision creative department we can produce stunning design and artwork for you that we know will print well. So before you start that business, call Paul on 01452 300158 and discuss what you might have in mind, and he’ll put his mind to design the very best deal for you.
For all you need to know about print call Paul*on 01452 300158 or take a look at www.sprintersprint.co.uk
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Paul and Sprinters are part of Severnprint one of Gloucester’s finest quality printers and if he can’t answer your question he has lots of others behind him who can! Just ask.
There’s something to be said for conventional print. It’s about making the right impression if you’ll forgive the pun. If you are starting a new business the first thing you might need is a business card, and don’t let anyone tell you that flyers and a decent letterheading don’t help either, they do.
*
07/04/2010 15:23:15
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22 • rEADEr’S rESTAUrANT rEVIEW
Hatherley Manor, Down Hatherley
Dewinton Restaurant
Sue Bailey
H
aving spent some time writing about Hatherley Manor recently I thought it would be good to try out the Dewinton restaurant for the very first Severn Village Living restaurant review. The restaurant has been slowly but surely building a reputation for good local, seasonal food and I was very much looking forward to my meal. I took my friend, Sue, with me for company and comment. She won’t mind me saying she is very well versed in menus and wine lists as the hostess of many a legendary dinner party over the years. We arrived at the Dewinton restaurant to be greeted warmly by Dan and seated at a spacious and well dressed table for two. The first thing we noted was the lovely large bowllike wine glasses. They always call out “good restaurant” to me. We sat at 7.30pm and there were already several diners there. The atmosphere was very relaxed with the perfect level of lighting. The jazz standards being played were soft and non-intrusive and there was a low hum of conversation. In the spirit of good journalism we chose from different menus. The menus available on the night were the A La Carte and the Weekend Offer Menu – three courses for £18. Sue chose the A La Carte and me the Weekend Offer Menu. Although Sue tried to order the Evesham Asparagus from my menu, I accused her of menu hopping and she chose the Butternut Squash Soup instead. I made the excellent choice of Gloucestershire Old Spot Ham Hock
June 2010 • Severn Village Living
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Terrine -perfectly toasted brioche, tasty meat and a zingy apple and redcurrant compote. The soup was creamy and very flavoursome, Sue liked the touch of fresh dill on top. We loved the wild garlic leaves in my terrine dish – a garnish that should be used more often and good to see. We were tempted by the interesting wine list and Sue ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio, chosen for its description of ‘floral and pear notes’, and I chose the Australian riesling. Both were extremely good. Main courses of Stroud Valley Blade of Beef and Gloucester Old Spot Pork Fillet followed. My beef melted off the bone with a touch of the knife and the pork was tender in a delicious sauce and accompanied by an inspired twist on traditional apple sauce – half a baked apple, soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sharpness to complement the meat. The portions are very generous and we didn’t mean to eat it all. However, good wine, food and conversation meant that we cleared our plates! By this time, the restaurant was in full swing but the luxurious soft furnishings here mean that there is no scraping of chairs and clashing of cutlery you can sometimes find in a brasserie requiring
you to start shouting at each other to be heard. Dessert was a must, so we quietly loosened our trousers and made room for Pancakes filled with Chocolate Ice Cream and a St Clements Sauce and the Gloucestershire Cheese Board – both delicious. We shared a glass of Brown Brothers Orange Muscat as we all know chocolate and cheese require a good dessert wine to help them reach their true potential. (That’s our excuse anyway!) Finishing off with a peppermint tea and an espresso we reflected on our evening. We really enjoyed the whole meal. The restaurant team were friendly and helpful and it was great to see local ingredients used and we both agreed that the Weekend Offer Menu was amazing value at just £18 for three courses. As we left it had started to rain and we were kindly escorted to our cars by David and his umbrella. Another little ‘thing’ that highlights the traditional style of service and values at Hatherley Manor yet the Dewinton restaurant showcases its ability to also be modern and stylish without losing that personal touch. Thinking of trying it out? Call 01452 730217 to book. All menus and offers are available to download on the website www.hatherleymanor.com
Do you want to be the next Michael Winner and review a restaurant for Severn Village Living?’ Write to us and tell us why in 50 words or less for your chance to be a food reviewer.
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
17/5/10 13:53:02
23 • HATHErLEy MANOr rECIPE
Executive Chef Terry Woolcock of the Dewinton Restaurant at Hatherley Manor recommends this local, seasonal and light dish perfect for summer.
Gloucester Old Spot Ham Hock Terrine With Apple & Redcurrant Compote
Ingredients
12 easy steps to Hatherley Manor’s Old spot Ham Hock Terrine 1) 2) 3)
Add all ingredients into saucepan Top up with water just enough to cover ingredients Slow cook for about ¾ of an hour topping up with cider and water to keep the mix covered 4) remove the hocks and carrots from the stock 5) Carry on reducing the stock gently on stove by half then add softened gelatine leaves if needed (natured jelly from Hocks) 6) When cool – remove. Here comes the messy part!!! Then you must skin the meat from the bones, taking care to remove small bits of fat and bones. 7) Shred the meat with your fingers. 8) Cut the carrots into small diced pieces, about 1cm thick. 9) Mix together in a large bowl and adjust seasoning 10) Add some of the stock to the meat. 11) Add the mix in a terrine tin or container to set. Put cling film inside the tin first
3 Soaked Smoked Ham Hocks 3 Large Carrots 6 Small Shallots 2 Pints of Local Stowford Press Cider 1oz Pink Peppercorns Lemon Thyme Gelatine Leaves to suit (12/16)
To serve: Apple & redcurrant compote Toasted brioche Salad garnish Remove the terrine Slice terrine to your liking Dress your plate & serve.
12) Leave in fridge until set.
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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Mind & of Body School Gardening
25 • gardening
Severn Village Living is delighted to introduce Sue Gibson of Sue Gibson’s School of Gardening in Slimbridge – an inspirational gardener and teacher.
I
n Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows, Ratty famously said “There is nothing – absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” As with boats, so with gardens: in my view there is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as messing about in a garden. Filling gaps in a border, sowing a fine seam of seeds, pruning a rose, sitting on the swing seat in the orchard to eat a juicy red apple straight from the tree – what more could anyone want to feed mind, body and soul! Gardening here in the relatively mild climate of the Severn Vale within view of the Cotswolds and the GloucesterSharpness Canal is to my mind a perfect way to spend a day or a short half-hour. The feeling of wonder as new plants emerge in spring, the sense of achievement after pruning a wayward rose, the pleasure from a scented espalier apple in full bloom, all help to make gardening the best pastime of all! And to share all this with my gardening students too is indeed a bonus. In Britain we have some of the loveliest gardens in the world. Although we might groan after yet another wet weekend, we can only be grateful for our soft climate that nourishes such glorious Cotswold favourites as the wellknown Hidcote and Kiftsgate gardens. But there are also more unexpected treasures such as Berkeley Castle’s dramatic terraces, Stancombe Park’s formal and valley garden, Misarden Park’s herbaceous borders, to name but a few. A feast of creativity and fine cultivation is on our doorstep to inspire us to develop our own spaces, to give rein to the creativity which British gardeners seem to have in abundance and to spur us on to ever greener fingers! But no matter how green our fingers are, one of the fascinations of gardening is that there is always something more to learn, be it bravely carrying out the Chelsea chop on
perennials to improve flowering, planting Clematis deeply in the soil to prevent wilt, mowing the lawn long to deter moss and weeds or growing perennials over bulbs to hide their dying foliage in spring. At my Gardening School in Slimbridge, students can focus on either garden design and/or practical gardening techniques. A Design your own Garden course is available one day or one evening a week for three terms a year starting in September. The maximum number of students is six per class and they vary from beginners to those in horticulture who want to develop a skill in design. Classes are informal and relaxed. Practical one-day classes are held through the year on Pruning Shrubs and Roses, Border Planning and Growing and Training Fruit in Small Spaces. Then in June there is the treat of a visit to a garden of particular interest. This year on 12th June we are looking forward to exploring the exotic paradise water gardens of Sezincote and nearby Court House near Moreton-in-Marsh. On 26th June the last Border Planning course takes place with a practical at a local garden centre, always a popular and rewarding day. Why not give yourself and treat. Come and join us and have an inspiring day out!
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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27 • riverford organics
Riverford Organics With Marc Fowler of Riverford Home Delivery
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ith the Food & Drink Festival season well and truly underway (despite the unhelpful weather) and the onset of many local village and country fetes and shows over the coming months it is a great opportunity to get out and meet the people who produce and sell the food you eat. I was at Tewkesbury Food & Drink Festival last week, a fine event with excellent exhibitors and produce on display – the celebrity chef James Martin was in attendance on the Sunday and the pull he seemed to exhibit was evident by the queues to see his cookery demonstrations. What was not evident afterwards was a great willing from people to then go and taste and talk to local producers and retailers about the very ingredients that make up their newly found recipe
ideas. Without investing in quality produce the recipe and cooking process can be let down. And again I say, we have some excellent producers in this Country and some excellent produce which does not come at a price. June 18th to 20th sees the return of the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival in Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham. The show runs over 3 days with a late evening Friday for those wishing to pop along after work and then all day Saturday and Sunday. This really is a fantastic opportunity to come and explore ingredients and discuss your shopping requirements with the many and varied producers on show. From a personal point of view, we believe we sell some of the best fruit and vegetables you can buy locally with superior freshness and quality, all at a price which is by no means expensive
and in fact represents better value than supermarkets in most cases. Making use of seasonal produce (such as the Seasons Box at £12.45) also enhances your ingredient list. As a special offer for the Show we are giving away a Free Riverford Farm Cook Book (rrp £16.99) if you place an order with us. Simply bring your voucher on pages 6/7 of Severn Village Living Magazine along to our stand over the weekend.
Potato Salad
With new potatoes now available this recipe for potato salad is perfect for those early summer evenings.
Serves 6 1kg new potatoes (scrubbed) 100ml white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 5 eggs, hardboiled, shelled & chopped 150ml Greek style yoghurt 150ml mayonnaise 150ml crème fraiche 2 – 3 tablespoons chopped gherkins 1 tablespoon capers, soaked in water for 20 minutes then squeezed dry & chopped 1 tablespoon English mustard
1. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water until tender, then drain. While they are still hot, cut them into quarters and mix with the vinegar, oil and some salt and pepper. 2. Mix all the remaining ingredients together in a bowl. Add the potatoes, mix well and adjust the seasoning.
1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard 1 tablespoon chopped dill Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
To order your veg box call Marc: 01242 587246 / www.riverford.co.uk/wash www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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29 • MIND & BODy
Mind & Body Jemma Cyphus-Jones McTimoney Chiropractor, Back Well Soon
The Neck WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INITIAL CHIROPRACTIC CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT I usually ask you to allow 1 - 11/2 hours for your first visit so that I can take a full case history covering your general health and details of your symptoms and perform a physical examination. This may include blood pressure and temperature and then bone, joint, muscle and nerve function tests. Sometimes it can be helpful if you remove some clothing, but don’t hesitate to let me know if you feel uncomfortable about this. Provided I’m happy that there are no serious conditions that may require conventional medical intervention I will then make the appropriate adjustments by locating a problem and performing one of a number of light, swift and precise techniques to correct or help manage it. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE NECK. recently I suffered neck pain which was helped enormously by chiropractic care. Though I constantly preach to patients about correct posture I fell asleep in an awkward position in an armchair and woke up with what is usually called a ‘stiff neck’, but in fact neck pain can be caused by one of several distinct conditions.
NECK SPRAIN/STRAIN is damage to the ligaments, muscles and tendons surrounding the 7 vertebrae in the neck (called the cervicals).This can be due to direct injury like a fall or car accident, overuse especially with the same repetitive motion, or poor posture e.g. prolonged stressful positions for the neck. Pain may be in the neck or upper shoulders and may appear immediately, shortly after injury or sometimes after 1-2 days. The pain may travel or radiate into the back of the head or down to the shoulder or arm. DEGENERATION OF THE JOINTS IN THE NECK or osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing of the covering of the joint called the articular cartilage which normally helps the two bones of a joint move smoothly together. The loss of this tissue leads to the joint space becoming narrowed and rough bony formations called spurs may form. This tends to occur in the low neck and the pain is a slowly developing dull ache or stiffness often more obvious after rest. CERVICAL FACET SYNDROME. The vertebrae in the spine are joined to each other in the middle by flexible discs and on each side by facet joints to
allow movement. Irritation or damage to these causes pain which may appear to spread into the head, neck or upper shoulder or back. Approximately a third of the population suffer neck pain and about half of these may be at least partly due to facet joints. Damage can be secondary to other neck injuries e.g. an injury to the disc, a whiplash injury or arthritis. Pain may be dull and achy though it can be sharp during acute episodes, which can then limit movement in the neck. To manage these problems chiropractic treatment aims to free up any restrictions within the joints of the spine either above or below or at the point of injury and relieve tension to aid healing. Obviously conditions like arthritis cannot be reversed and cured but the aim is make the symptoms more manageable. If you have any queries or questions about chiropractic please feel free to contact me on 01452 730900. Back Well Soon McTimoney Chiropractic Clinic, Unit 12 Twigworth Court Business Centre, Tewkesbury Rd. Glos GL2 9PG
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
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Severn Village Living •June 2010
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Beaumont House, 172 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2EZ 45 Newerne Street, Lydney, Gloucester GL15 5RA
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Talk Money
31 • talk money
Kevin Dursley Spa Financial Solutions
Debt management
W
elcome to Talk Money again. For June’s column I want to talk about Debt Management. I think it is a difficult subject as I we all have debt and sometimes can be unwilling to face the problems that come with it. Not all debt is bad. In fact, debt can be a good thing but when it becomes too hard to handle and starts to affect your everyday life, creating worry and stress, it’s time to scrutinize your finances – however unpleasant and scary that might be. The Spa Financial Solutions team is established debt counsellors providing a wide range of debt solutions for consumers, sole traders and the self employed. We pride ourselves on the personal service we provide understanding fully the stress that debt brings along with it. Our aim is to provide a solution that will work for you and will lead you to a debt free future. Everyone we talk to has different debt problems caused by different reasons that require different solutions. Our Debt Management Plans are specifically tailored to help those individuals struggling to afford a variety of unsecured debts. This will commonly include debts like your overdrafts
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and personal loans as well as the outstanding balance on your credit and store cards. Debt management plans are the ideal debt solution for those whose total amount of debt is over £5000. A Debt Management Plan is an informal agreement between a debtor and his or her creditors. The repayment to creditors is based on the amount of disposable income that is available after making allowances for your priority debts and essential expenditure each month. The amount of disposable income is then paid to your creditors on a pro-rata basis. A full assessment of your financial situation is carried out. To do this we need to know your regular income and expenditure, who you owe money to (your creditors) and any other relevant information about your personal circumstances. How does it work? • By collating this information into a Financial Statement, we are then able to determine how much you can realistically afford to offer each of your creditors. • Your creditors will then be approached and asked to accept the reduced payments. In most cases creditors are
happy to agree the plans we initiate because they know, from experience, that such plans are realistic and sustainable. • You then make a single monthly payment, all of which is distributed pro rata to your creditors after the deduction of our monthly management fee. • Throughout the duration of your plan, you will have an assigned case officer whom you can contact should you experience any difficulties whilst the arrangement is in place. • Your plan will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that it still meets your circumstances. It seems very frightening but we assure you Spa Financial Solutions are experts in this field and we will talk everything through with you so you understand exactly what is happening every step of the way. So if you think you could benefit from a Debt Management Plan and want to look forward to a debt free future, call us for a chat today. Call our specialist team on 01242 545214 for further advice or email us via the contact form on our website www.spafinancialsolutions.co.uk
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01452 398010 Gloucester and Surrounding Areas
01531 828970 Newent and West Gloucestershire
Naylor Powell was established in 1982 by Michael Naylor FRICS and Richard Powell FNAEA. Both Michael and Richard had been involved in the property business for many years and formed Naylor Powell with the express intention to create an Estate Agency business with a difference: to provide a personal, professional and pro active service to everyone they deal with, with honesty, trust and integrity at its core. James Birt has now joined the Partnership and we are proud to still be independently owned. The team of staff across its 3 main branches in Gloucester, Gloucester Docks and Newent still adhere to the original principles and have further development and expansion planned.
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Sandhurst £525,000 A charming four bedroom detached property in very pleasant rural setting yet only 4 miles from Gloucester. Moat Cottage originates from the late 19th century but has been extended and improved over more recent years to provide spacious character accommodation. Garage and parking area. Range of outbuildings, formal garden with barbecue area and paddock to the front with pond.
Newent £169,950 A modern end of terrace property conveniently situated close to Newent town centre. The accommodation briefly comprises; entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, en suite shower room, bathroom, hard wood sealed unit double glazing throughout, carport with additional parking space, garden. NO ONWARD CHAIN.
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