Dec15

COTSWOLD

PR EVIEW December 2015

£2.95

CHRISTMAS FEATURES

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CAROL SERVICES & CONCERTS COTSWOLD WINES & CORDIALS FAMILY SKI HOLIDAYS GIFT GUIDE

INTERVIEWS & BUSINESS PROFILES

HEADMISTRESS: JO DUNCAN PROPERTY SPECIALIST: GARETH NEWTON PROFESSIONAL PARTY PLANNER: HENRY BONAS RETAILERS: JUST FABRICS AND BETTY & VIOLET HEAD CHEF: ALAN GLEESON

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15 YOUR ESSENTIAL monthly GUIDE TO the cotswolds1

YOUR HOME YOUR FAMILY YOUR INVESTMENT YOUR LEGACY YOUR SPECIALIST

Property Acquisition . Asset Management

COUNTRY T: +44 (0)1608 647970 E: info@jordanhennessy.com

LONDON T: +44 (0)20 7129 1153 E: info@jordanhennessy.com

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

welcome …to the December issue of Cotswold Preview.

This is always one of the loveliest times of year in the Cotswolds: the countryside looks magical under a dusting of frost, and morning mists wrap the undulating fields and woods. The outdoors beckons for long walks followed by a leisurely pub lunch or drinks by an open fire. Even confirmed cityphiles find themselves drifting towards estate agents’ windows to daydream about life in a Cotswold cottage…

But there’s so much more to country life than its easy charms. During December, the real community spirit of our villages and towns comes to the fore, with events such as carol services and charity fairs bringing out the best in everyone.

Christmas preparations also provide a focus for family life: children thrive on the anticipation of the big day and occasionally even remember that they need to be on best behaviour in case Santa is watching. In this month’s What’s On section, we highlight the area’s best seasonal markets, charity events, pantomime performances and carol concerts to help get you into the Christmas spirit.

And a December issue wouldn’t be complete without its Gift Guide: on pages 113–120 we bring you our personal selection of lovely items that are either made or sold locally. We hope these ideas provide inspiration to help keep your Christmas shopping local.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their enthusiasm, loyalty and support throughout 2015. We look forward to bringing you another series of Cotswold Preview next year!

Merry Christmas – and we wish you health and happiness in 2016…

The Cotswold Preview team

gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL

family matters feature… WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter

PASS the parcel

wonderland

On the following pages, we highlight our favourite Christmas gift ideas – focussing on items made in the Cotswolds or available locally…

A family ski holiday not only creates treasured memories – it can also kick-start a lifelong passion for the sport. Here, leading tour operators and chalet specialists provide their professional advice on planning a family friendly ski trip…

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Val d’Isère, France

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Cover image: Wreath by Louise Hamilton-Smith at Foxcot Wreaths: 01608 659908 / OX7 6RP / foscotwreaths.com

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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SHOP,

EXPLORE

& Relax

A new shopping and accommodation experience.

Cotswold Grey offers contemporary furniture, homeware, Christmas gifts and boutique holiday apartments in the heart of the Cotswolds.

We have sourced furniture and home items from some of the ďŹ nest suppliers around the globe, to create a collection that will inspire your gift purchases and the decoration of your home.

cotswoldgrey 4

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

01608 650 446 www.cotswoldgrey.com THE OLD IRONMONGERS, MORETON-IN-MARSH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL56 0AE Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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Screening Problem?

The perfect property sometimes comes with less than perfect surroundings...

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Instant Screening Solution

...our fully formed and beautiful trees will transform your garden instantly, give you highly effective screening.

01386 841 708 treeandhedge.com Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 15

in this issue...

70 what’s on

91

18

december diary

50

what’s on features

54

december listings

72

highlighted charity: FSDP

property & home 74

highlighted properties

80

editor’s choice: interiors

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interiors feature: decorating with wallpaper

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garden design tips: winter-smart gardens

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Apple Computer.

AppleWatch Watchnow nowavailable availableatatWestern Western Computer.

Your Your local localApple Appleexperts. experts.

Visit western.co.uk for more information.

Visit western.co.uk for more information.

Cheltenham | Cirencester | Oxford | Leamington Cheltenham | Cirencester | Oxford | Leamington Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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Requires iPhone 5 or later. TM and Š 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

Requires iPhone 5 or later. TM and Š 2015 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS DECEMBER 15

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118 family matters 94

school reports

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school profile: the royal high school, bath

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family matters feature: winter wonderland

104 books recommended by: madhatter bookshop

style & lifestyle 138

108 editor’s choice: fashion & beauty 110 expert comment: by Henry Bonas 113 gift guide: pass the parcel 122 food & drink feature: a very merry christmas 130 chef profile: Alan Gleeson 132 the preview interview: Gareth Newton 136 not on the high street: the suffolks, cheltenham 138 specialist business profile: just fabrics 140 new business profile: betty & violet 142 my cotswolds: Thomas Jenner-Fust & Catrin Hampton

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120 DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

G I F T V O U C H E R S AT B U C K L A N D M A N O R For those who have everything ... afternoon tea, dinner for two, an overnight stay ... the possibilities are endless.

Buckland Manor, Nr Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LY Tel: 01386 306 481 · info@bucklandmanor.co.uk · w w w.bucklandmanor.co.uk

Life’s too short to drink bad wine

www.blenheimfinewines.com 07775 938742 Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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interiors feature… DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER

Decorating

Cotswold

PREVIEW

with WALLPAPER

Contributing Writer Sally Bult editorial@guidemedia.co.uk Sales Manager, Central & South Cotswolds Lucy Dowie lucy@guidemedia.co.uk

One of the most famous and popular wallpaper designers, William Morris, once said: “Whatever you have in your rooms, think first of the walls, for they are that which makes your house and home.” the following pages, we present our school profile… THE ROYAL HIGH SHOOL,On BATH selection of today’s loveliest wallpaper designs, from bold geometrics to more muted backdrops…

school reports

Sales Manager, Cheltenham s c h o o l Helen Edwards helen@guidemedia.co.uk r e p o rt s

We celebrate local schools’ recent successes as well as upcoming highlights…

Brooking – New York Stories wallpaper from Sandberg

Sales Manager, North Cotswolds Susannah Gardiner susannah@guidemedia.co.uk

Wycliffe College, Stonehouse 01453 822432 / GL10 2JQ / wycliffe.co.uk Congratulations go to Wycliffe student Amelia Henley who has recently been awarded a place at Harvard, starting in August. The 17 year old will be one of just a handful of former Wycliffe students in its 133 year history to have gone on to study at this prestigious American university. Amelia, who plans to study mathematics and chemistry, is currently England number 2 squash player and is also Deputy Head Girl at Wycliffe. She has been awarded a substantial scholarship from Harvard and also received interest from Princeton, Yale and Penn State universities. Amelia says she could not have won her place without the support of Wycliffe and its unique SAT preparation programme which helps students gain entry to US universities.

Design & Production Eve Bodniece eve@guidemedia.co.uk

Mrs Jo Duncan

THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL, BATH Currently celebrating its 150 anniversary, The Royal High School is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3–18. Here, the school’s recently appointed Head, Mrs Jo Duncan, highlights RHS’s ethos of encouraging all-round excellence as well as the happiness and confidence of its pupils…

Managing Editor & Director Eleanor Chadwick eleanor@guidemedia.co.uk

Dauntsey’s School, Devizes 01380 814500 / SN10 4HE / dauntseys.org Second Form pupils at Dauntsey’s enjoyed a day of code-cracking when Dr James Grime visited the school to give a talk about decoding and the history of the World War Two code-cracking machine, Enigma. Dr Grime is a mathematician who lectures on behalf of the Millennium Mathematics Project and the University of Cambridge. His particular specialisation is the history and mathematics of codes and codebreaking. During the day, Dr Grime presented an overview of the long history of coding then pupils were challenged to crack some codes of their own.

With many thanks to Preview’s Advisory Panel

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SCHOOL PROFILE th

Sibford School, Banbury 01295 781200 / OX15 5QL / sibfordschool.co.uk Pupils and staff at Sibford School have raised more than £800 for a school for underprivileged girls in Kathmandu. The Mary Ward School, which was founded in 1986, has been under particular pressure since the earthquake in April which claimed 9,000 lives and destroyed more than 500,000 homes. The cash was raised after pupils and staff paid for the privilege of wearing hats in class. The millinery fundraiser was organised by the tutor group of Sibford’s Head of Drama, Neil Madden, who had visited Nepal over the summer and seen first hand the challenges being faced by Mary Ward School.

Cotswold Preview is published by:

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What is your professional background and how did you come to be Head of The Royal High School, Bath?

I have joined The Royal High School from Princess Helena College, a girls’ day and boarding school in Hertfordshire, where I was Head for seven years. Before that, I was Head of RS and a Deputy Housemistress (amongst other things!) at Benenden School in Kent and I started my teaching career in a co-ed grammar school in London. I have enjoyed the first few months of my headship of The Royal High School Bath, and am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of leading the school in the coming years. I also feel very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful city.

What is the history of the school?

I am fascinated by the history of RHS; today’s school is built on the firm foundation of 150 years

of educating women, and it is looking forward with confidence. The Royal High School came into existence when Bath High School and The Royal School for Army Officers amalgamated to form the Royal High School Bath in 1998. The current school is located on The Royal School site on Lansdown Road. The Royal High School is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust), a network of 26 schools throughout the UK which educates 20,000 girls and benefits from an alumnae network of 70,000 women.

It is clear to me that the girls who have the privilege of being educated here go on to achieve success and be leaders in life, in whatever sphere they choose. The Royal High School is an innovative, high-achieving school that provides a wonderful environment for girls to excel academically, thrive emotionally and develop socially. Cranwell House, the Royal High Junior School, is an exceptionally beautiful school 4

GARDEN DESIGN TIPS

by Hendy Curzon

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Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Guide Media Ltd. Registered office: 2 Westgate, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire OX7 6DG tel: 01993 833239 www.guidemedia.co.uk

A garden designed to have strong ‘winter bones’

WINTER-SMART GARDENS All gardens, regardless of scale, should embrace every season. If we pin all of our hopes and expectations on spring and summer gardens, then we face a disconnect with our outdoor space for a large portion of the year – and, in part, a large portion of our home for that time…

Any comments should be directed to the publisher in writing to the above address.

Cotswold Preview is designed to celebrate the best of what’s on and what’s new across the Cotswolds.

We aim to inform and inspire our readers through the highest standards of journalism and design and to work closely with our advertisers to maximise their opportunity for response.

Editor’s Choice… INTERIORS

A garden designed and constructed with good ‘winter bones’ is a must. There is a unique appeal in such gardens when all of nature is toned down to its pared-back beauty.

The light that’s cast in winter and the muted palettes can be appreciated, alongside the structural elements and plants that we set out in a garden’s framework. Such elements imbued with frosts or snow usher winter gardens and landscapes into a period of wonder and enchantment.

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So instead of feeling shackled by the cold snaps, cast away any notions of bleakness and instead seize the short days and long nights.

Cherish those colder months when the simpler stages of outside give us all a period of respite – after the glory of autumn and before the explosion of spring.

Just as we personally ‘layer up’ for winter, regard your garden in the same way. You can create a whole palette of favoured hues and textures

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

If you are a fan of stylish but reasonably priced furniture and home accessories, we can personally recommend a visit to interiors store Cotswold Grey which recently opened in Moreton-in-Marsh. You can find everything from vintage-style dining tables and sideboards to cushions, candles and silk flowers. There is also a particularly good range of lighting including hand made lamp bases from the Netherlands.

Cotswold Grey: 01608 650446 / GL56 0AE / cotswoldgrey.com

Editor’s Choice

Our interiors selection for December, with a seasonal flavour…

© All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without the written permission of Guide Media. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any material supplied for publication or to edit such material prior to publication. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Guide Media will not accept liability for loss or damage. The opinions expressed in this publication are the views of the individual authors. Guide Media suggests that further guidance is taken before acting on any information given and, in particular, strongly advises viewing any property prior to financial decisions. Cotswold Preview ISSN:2044 9267

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it.

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We love the wreaths handcrafted by Louise Hamilton-Smith – one of which is also featured on this issue’s front cover. Based in Foscot, near Stow-on-the-Wold, Louise can make anything from simple evergreen wreaths to more extravagant designs, lavishly decorated with berries, flowers, fruit, feathers or even fairy lights. Prices start at £20. A selection of Louise’s wreath designs can be found on her website, www.foscotwreaths.com. To order a wreath made to your own specification, Louise can be contacted on 01608 659908 / 07974 395905 / info@foscotwreaths.co.uk Based near Bampton, Caroline Borgman Interiors specialises in modernising properties – ranging from traditional cottages to townhouses – whilst retaining their traditional charm. Recent projects have included the full renovation of a holiday cottage; the transformation of a dated farmhouse kitchen; the redesign of a pool house; and the conversion of a shed into a gorgeous study.

You can find inspiring ideas for your home at the new website www.carolineborgman.co.uk. Alternatively, to discuss your interior project, call 07885 136728 or email Caroline@carolineborgman.co.uk

Interior design tomes abound, but one recent publication stands out: a book about Robert Kime’s work as a decorator and antiques dealer.

Called simply Robert Kime, it explores his long career as a ‘tastemaker’, helping clients create elegant homes in everything from cottages to palaces (HRH Prince Charles is an admirer of his work). Robert Kime is written by Alastair Langlands with beautiful photography by Tessa Traeger; it is published in hardback by Frances Lincoln, RRP £40.

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

India Mahon B E S P O K E H A N D M A D E

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J E W E L L E R Y

B R I T I S H

India Mahon’s jewellery exudes a modern feminine style its delicate, light-touch makes it essential every day wear.

Using Fairtrade gold, silver and ethically sourced gemstones, India’s jewellery is completely hand-made with love, underpinned by good old fashioned customer service.

India Mahon Bespoke jewellery HANDMADE . BRITISH . ETHICAL

.

E T H I C A L

India Mahon offers a bespoke jewellery design service or she will remodel beloved jewellery into a modern design, creating a truly personal piece of jewellery.

Her jewellery is available exclusively from her boutique in Stow on the Wold and www.indiamahon.com.

The boutique is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

The Old Sorting Office, Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold GL54 1HQ Tel: 01451 830676 | Mobile: 07771 725945 india@indiamahon.com www. indiamahon.com

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AUDREY HEPBURN PORTRAITS OF AN ICON

9 November 2015 – 31 January 2016 £7 / £5 concessions / Free for 16s and under

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Norman Parkinson for Glamour Magazine, 1955. (detail) © Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive

BOOK TICKETS at cheltenhammuseum.org.uk

Sponsored at The Wilson by

CHELTENHAM

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Exhibition organised by the National Portrait Gallery, London with support from the Audrey Hepburn Estate/Luca Dotti & Sean Hepburn Ferrer Exh

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I would like to say a big thank you to the whole team at Cotswold Preview. I received excellent support during my first year of trading and everyone was so friendly and easy to work with. The team is always professional and proactive, with a dedication to going that extra mile to promote local businesses. I can’t say thanks enough, and I look forward to continuing to work with Preview over the coming years.

We would like to say how pleased we are with our advertising in Cotswold Preview magazine. The publication covers the areas which we are keen to advertise in with a quality and content that we feel appeals to our target audience. The service that we have received from Preview’s advertising team has been excellent and we are delighted to have sold items entirely thanks to customers seeing our items featured in the magazine. We couldn’t be happier.

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Cotswold Preview provides an essential monthly look at what’s on in and around Cirencester and the Cotswolds. Its size and format makes it very manageable and it always looks tempting to read.

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As a reader, Cotswold Preview magazine is always a delight to receive, having a luxurious feel and good quality content. As an advertiser, the distribution network, including into other quality independent businesses, means that the magazine has a wide audience pitched at the right level. The standard of artwork produced is excellent, with each advertisement skilfully put together by Preview’s in-house team.

Amanda Hanley by Design Cotswold Preview is an attractive, informative and high quality magazine with lots of editorial interest. We advertise regularly within its pages, especially to help remind Preview’s readers about our spring and autumn Open Mornings.

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WHAT’S ON DIARY 18 WHAT’S ON FEATURES 50 EXHIBITION IN THE SPOTLIGHT 52 WHAT’S ON LISTINGS 54 HIGHLIGHTED CHARITY: FSDP 72 Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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Exhibitions & Auctions

Bath Christmas Market

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

Winds of Change Gallery

Handbagged at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:30pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Lunchtime concert at Holburne Museum, Bath, 1:10pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 10am The Story of Guitar Heroes at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm A Scandinavian Serenade at Stratford ArtsHouse, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

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Avebury Winter Warmers at Avebury Manor Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Wreath-making workshop at Calcot Manor, near Tetbury Girls’ Night Out: Christmas Needlefelt workshop at Prema, Uley Christmas Festival at Emporium Gift Shop, Winchcombe

December Tuesday

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*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Helen Tabor solo exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts James Acaster live comedy at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 8pm Handbagged at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:30pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm Percussion Duo at Pound Arts, Corsham, 1pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Victoria Art Gallery

Amberley Inn

Events Yuletide preview event at Avebury Manor Croissant and Viennoiserie masterclass at Bertinet Kitchen, Bath Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Fruit Pruning Made Easy workshop at Waterperry Gardens, Wheatley

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December *For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Wednesday

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Exhibitions & Auctions

Bay Gallery

John Noott Galleries

Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Helen Tabor solo exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Severn Sisters Dreaming at Bay Gallery, Tetbury Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Handbagged at Theatre Royal, Bath, 8pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Royal Marines Christmas Special at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm A Touch of Holly at Christmas at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

3

Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham The Lobster film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Festive Willow workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester The Christmas Shopping Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury

December Thursday

20

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Helen Tabor solo exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Handbagged at Theatre Royal, Bath, 8pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Bath Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah at Bath Abbey, 7:30pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Quadrophenia at The Playhouse, Cheltenham, 7:45pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

The Wilson

Events Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Bourton-on-the-Water Traditional Christmas Fayre Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Corinium Christmas Craft Fair at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Origami Stars workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham The Christmas Shopping Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern Victorian Evening in Shipston-on-Stour Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Gift Market at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud Christmas Card Print workshop at Waterperry Gardens, Wheatley

4

December *For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Friday

21

Exhibitions & Auctions

Victoria Art Gallery

Junction Art Gallery

Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Helen Tabor solo exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Handbagged at Theatre Royal, Bath, 8pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Bath Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah at Bath Abbey, 7:30pm Spectra Musica at American Museum in Britain, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Andy Parsons live comedy at Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, 8pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

5

Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Quilling workshop at American Museum in Britain, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Corinium Christmas Craft Fair at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham The Christmas Shopping Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Weekend at Museum in the Park, Stroud Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

December Saturday

22

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Waterloo and the March of Science at Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

John Noott Galleries

Performing Arts Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 5pm Handel’s Messiah at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:30pm Emanuel Ax piano recital at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, 7:30pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 4pm Christmas Choirs in the Courtyard at Lacock Abbey, 11:30am Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Wilson Roberts’ Friends at Christmas at Stratford ArtsHouse, 7:30pm Aldwyn Voices at Tewkesbury Abbey, 3pm

The Real Wood Furniture Company

Events Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Santas Fun Run at Pittville Park, Cheltenham Corinium Christmas Craft Fair at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Leamington Lantern Parade starts at Royal Pump Rooms The Christmas Shopping Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Weekend at Museum in the Park, Stroud Christmas Gift Market at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

6

December *For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Sunday

23

Exhibitions & Auctions

Bath Christmas Market

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath The Gain Line at ICIA, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Draw, Print, Paint at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm New Act Comedy Night at Komedia, Bath, 8pm Mediaevel Baebes live music at Gloucester Cathedral, 7:30pm Brief Encounter at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

7

Wreath making for Yuletide workshop at Avebury Manor Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Ian Keable lecture at St George’s Hall, Blockley Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham LabLive: Christmas Science Lecture at Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Cheltenham Senior Citizen Christmas Tea Party at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Corinium Christmas Craft Fair at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crochet Christmas Baubles workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

December Monday

24

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

Everyman Theatre

Gallery Pangolin

The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm So This is Christmas at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Tapestry of Christmas Music at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, 7:30pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm Jane Eyre live screening at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 7pm Jane Eyre: live screening at Pound Arts, Corsham, 7pm Jane Eyre: live screening at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 7pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Christmas Peg Fairy workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Floral Workshop & Festive Cream at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon

8

December *For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Tuesday

25

Exhibitions & Auctions

John Noott Galleries

Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Gallery Pangolin

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Masterworks concert at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenahm, 7:30pm A Swinging Christmas Evening at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7:45pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm Peach’d – The Musical at Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm The Bob Porter Project live music at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 7:30pm

Events

9

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Gloucestershire’s Ghost Tales at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham The Second Mother film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Festive Door Wreaths workshop at Pound Arts, Corsham Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

December Wednesday

26

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum WithDraw at Oxleaze Farm, Lechlade Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Peach’d – The Musical at Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Vienna Festival Ballet: The Nutcracker at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 7pm Christmas Gift Market at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud

Junction Art Gallery

Victoria Art Gallery

Events Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham The Christmas Story in Medieval Art talk at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Panto Stage Tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Macbeth film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Green Christmas workshop at Prema, Uley

10 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Thursday

27

Exhibitions & Auctions Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum WithDraw at Oxleaze Farm, Lechlade Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

The Wilson

The Real Wood Furniture Company

Performing Arts The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 4pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 7pm Stroud Choral Society at St George’s Church, Nailsworth, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

11

Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Sue Ryder Winter Ball at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Christmas Fair and Carols at Hidcote Manor, near Chipping Campden Panto Stage Tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Macbeth film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Willow workshop at Prema, Uley

December Friday

28

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Waterloo and the March of Science at Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester WithDraw at Oxleaze Farm, Lechlade Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Stag Auctions at Malt House Antiques & Interiors Centre, Stroud Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

John Noott Galleries

Performing Arts The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Grimethorpe Colliery Band at The Forum, Bath, 7:30pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Christmas With The Choir at Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, 7:30pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Musica Vera at St Peter’s Church, Leckhampton, 7:30pm A Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm

Events Christmas Wassail 2015 at Coughton Court, Alcester Tudor Christmas Feast at Sulgrave Manor, Banbury Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Selvedge Winter Fair at American Museum in Britain, Bath The Annual Masquerade Ball at the Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Ant Belmont book signing at Octavia’s Bookshop, Cirencester Christmas Craft Fair at Stourhead, near Mere Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

Oxleaze Barn

12 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Saturday

29

Exhibitions & Auctions

Bath Christmas Market

Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Waterloo and the March of Science at Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Draw, Print, Paint at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 11am Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 5pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 5pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Glitz, Blitz & ’70s Hitz at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 4pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm A Swinging Christmas Evening at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 8pm

Events

13

Bath Christmas Market around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Suffragette film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Macbeth film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Wool Craft workshop at Avebury Manor and Garden, near Marlborough Christmas Craft Fair at Stourhead, near Mere WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

December Sunday

30

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath The Gain Line at ICIA, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Bath on Ice

Performing Arts The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Unheard at Komedia Presents… at Komedia, Bath, 8pm Mike Scott and Pound Sound at Pound Arts, Corsham, 7:30pm The Lost Gift at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, 4:40pm Kristopher Roe of The Ataris live music at Gloucester Guildhall, 7:30pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events Wreath making for Yuletide workshop at Avebury Manor Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Suffragette film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Marketplace Relief collage workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Spectre film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry The Christmas Gothic Cottage at Stourhead, near Mere 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at Swindon Arts Centre Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury

Gallery Pangolin

14 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Monday

31

Exhibitions & Auctions

Gallery Pangolin

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Lacock Abbey

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The One that Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 1:45pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Christmas Concert at Lord Leyceter Hospital, Warwick, 7:30pm

Events

15

Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Christmas Bunting workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Mr Holmes film showing at Pound Arts, Corsham Christmas Party Night at Cheltenham Town Hall The Man From U.N.C.L.E. film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Dr Hall – The Physician talk at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury

December Tuesday

32

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

John Noott Galleries

The Real Wood Furniture Company

Performing Arts The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Carducci Quartet at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, 7:30pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 4pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Christmas Concert at Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick, 7:30pm

Events Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Party Night at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Panto Stage Tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Gift Boxes workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Mr Holmes film showing at Pound Arts, Corsham WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon The Instinctive Cook cookery class at Thyme at Southrop Manor

16 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Wednesday

33

Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

John Noott Galleries

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Comedy All-Stars at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 8pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm

Events

17

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Party Night at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Panto Stage Tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton Christmas Wrapping Paper workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Mr Holmes film showing at Pound Arts, Corsham The Muppet Christmas Carol film showing Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

December Thursday

34

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Christmas Cracker! at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Gallery Pangolin

Performing Arts The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 7pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Doreen Doreen at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 8pm Little Red and The Wolves at Pound Arts, Corsham, 7:30pm

The Wilson

Events Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Christmas Party Night at Bath Racecourse Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Party Night at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Pan film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury

18 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Friday

35

Exhibitions & Auctions

Junction Art Gallery

Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts RSC Swan Theatre

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 7pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 2pm Cheltenham Bath Choir & Flowers Band at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Hansel and Gretel at Pound Arts, Corsham, 7:30pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Cinderella at Stratford ArtsHouse, 5pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 1:30pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm All On A Winter’s Night at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud, 7:30pm

Events

19

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

December Saturday

36

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

The Real Wood Furniture Company

The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath, 11amm Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 5pm The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7:45pm Cheltenham Community Choir at Cheltenham Town Hall, 2pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 4pm Messiaen - La Nativite Du Seigneur at Gloucester Cathedral, 6pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Cinderella at Stratford ArtsHouse, 5pm Open Mic at the Arc Theatre, Trowbridge, 7pm

Events Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Holiday Homecoming at American Museum in Britain, Bath Christmas Market on The Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Ball at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Pan film showing at The Theatre, Chipping Norton 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury

20 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Sunday

37

Exhibitions & Auctions

The Real Wood Furniture Company

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts

Bath on Ice

Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Nutty Noah’s Christmas Show at Komedia, Bath, 1pm That’ll Be the Day at Cheltenham Town Hall, 7:30pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm The Gruffalo’s Child at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, 2:40pm Gerald Dickens in A Christmas Carol at Gloucester Guildhall, 7:30pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm RSC Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, 4:30pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, 2:30pm

Events

21

Tea with Father Christmas at Upton House, Banbury Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Paddington film showing at Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Burnt film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at Swindon Arts Centre Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

December Monday

38

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – An exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at the Gallery @ the Guild, Chipping Campden Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock

John Noott Galleries

Performing Arts Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm The Snowman with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum, Bath, 2:30pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm The Snowman and Peter and the Wolf at Cheltenham Town Hall, 1:30pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Cinderella at Stratford ArtsHouse, 1:30pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Jack and the Beanstalk at the Subscription rooms, Stroud, 2:30pm

Dyrham Park

Events Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Paddington film showing at Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Get Santa film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon

22 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Tuesday

39

Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Christmas Exhibition at The Gallery @ The Guild, Chipping Campden Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock John Noott Galleries

Performing Arts Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 7pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm The Malmesbury Nativity at Malmesbury Abbey, 7pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Cinderella at Stratford ArtsHouse, 1:30pm Jack and the Beanstalk at the Subscription rooms, Stroud, 2:30pm

Events

23

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Panto Stage Tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton It’s a Wonderful Life film showing at Barnsley House, near Cirencester Pan film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at Swindon Arts Centre Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

December wednesday

40

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Christmas exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford David Martin exhibition at John Davies Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Craigie Aitchison RA exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Bath on Ice

Performing Arts Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 5pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 3pm Peter Pan & The Revenge of Captain Hook at Cheltenham Playhouse, 2:30pm The Lost Gift at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, 4pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 3pm The Malmesbury Nativity at Malmesbury Abbey, 1pm Jack and the Beanstalk at the Subscription rooms, Stroud, 2:30pm Cinderella at Stratford ArtsHouse, 1:30pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, 5pm The Three Musketeers at The Playbox Theatre, Warwick, 11am

Junction Art Gallery

Events Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Bridge of Spies film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Pan film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon A Tudor Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at Swindon Arts Centre Santa Special at Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Railway, Toddington

24 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Thursday

41

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all our READERS and ADVERTISERS a very

and a restful bank holiday weekend from the cotswold previEW team

42

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

43

Exhibitions & Auctions

Amberley Inn

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Reflections at Museum of East Asian Art, Bath Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Performing Arts Stratford-upon-Avon

Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, 5pm The Three Musketeers at The Playbox Theatre, Warwick, 3pm

Events

29

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Madagascar walk-through at Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham The Lady in the Van film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Pan film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Decoy Dog Demonstrations at WWT, Slimbridge Town walk starting near RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 17th century Christmas at Harvard House, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Ultimate Castle tour at Warwick Castle

December Tuesday

44

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Reflections at Museum of East Asian Art, Bath Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Craigie Aitchison RA exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock

Victoria Art Gallery

The Real Wood Furniture Company

Performing Arts Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 7pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:15pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, 5pm The Three Musketeers at The Playbox Theatre, Warwick, 3pm

Events Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Madagascar walk-through at Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Bridget Jones Diary film showing at Barnsley House, Cirencester The Lady in the Van film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Decoy Dog Demonstrations at WWT, Slimbridge Town walk starting near RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon WWI, Christmas and the Truce at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon

30 December

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Wednesday

45

WHAT’S ON DIARY Exhibitions & Auctions

Victoria Art Gallery

Frost, Family & Friends at Banbury Museum Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath Gold – an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath Time & Place, Somerset Art Works at RUH, Bath Reflections at Museum of East Asian Art, Bath Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon at The Wilson, Cheltenham Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester Crafted For Christmas at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at Amberley Inn, Stroud Craigie Aitchison RA exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock

Performing Arts

Junction Art Gallery

Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath, 1pm Little Sure Shot at the Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, 3pm Krater Comedy Club NYE at Komedia, Bath, 8pm Cinderella at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, 4pm Robin Hood at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, 1pm Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, 7:30pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, 5pm The Three Musketeers at The Playbox Theatre, Warwick, 3pm

Events

31

Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath Madagascar walk-through at Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford New Year’s Eve Party at Cheltenham Town Hall Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham Ceramics drop-in workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester The Lady in the Van film showing at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Pan film showing at Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Town walk starting near RSC Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon New Year’s Eve – Under the Big Top at Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

December Thursday

46

*For contact details please see pages 47–49. The full What’s On Listings start on page 54.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY: CONTACT DETAILS

CONTACT DETAILS A handy reference guide to the galleries, museums, National Trust properties, theatres, concert halls, hotels, visitor attractions and all other Cotswold venues mentioned in our diary pages…

American Museum in Britain: 01225 460503 / BA2 7BD / americanmuseum.org Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: 01789 201806 / CV37 6QW / shakespeare.org.uk Arc Theatre: 0845 299 0476 / BA14 0ES / arctheatre.org.uk The Assembly, Leamington Spa: 0844 854 1358 / CV31 3NF / leamingtonassembly.com Avebury Manor and Garden: 01672 539153 / SN8 1RF / nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury Bacon Theatre: 01242 258002 / GL51 6HE / bacontheatre.co.uk Bath Abbey: 01225 422462 / BA1 1LT / bathabbey.org Bath Assembly Rooms: 01225 477173 / BA1 2QH / nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-assembly-rooms Bath Racecourse: 01225 424609 / BA1 9BU / bath-racecourse.co.uk Banbury Museum: 01295 753752 / OX16 2PQ / cherwell.gov.uk/museum Bampton Classical Opera: 01993 851876 / bamptonopera.org

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Barnsley House: 01285 740000 / GL7 5EE / barnsleyhouse.com Barnsley Herb Garden: 07773 687493 / GL7 5EE / herbsforhealing.net Batsford Arboretum: 01386 701441 / GL56 9AB / batsarb.co.uk Beckford’s Tower: 01225 460705 / BA1 2LR / beckfordstower.org.uk The Bertinet Kitchen: 01225 445531 / BA1 2QR / thebertinetkitchen.com Blockley Decorative and Fine Art Society: GL56 9BY / blockleydfas.org Bridge House Theatre (BHT): 01926 776438 / CV34 6PP / bridgehousetheatre.co.uk Buckland Manor: 01386 852626 / WR12 7LY / bucklandmanor.co.uk Building of Bath Collection: 01225 333895 / BA1 5NA / buildingofbathcollection.org.uk Buscot Estate: 01793 762209 / SN6 7PT / nationaltrust.org.uk/buscot-coleshill-estates Cotswold Art and Antique Dealers’ Association: 07831 850544 / cotswolds-antiques-art.com 4

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WHAT’S ON DIARY: CONTACT DETAILS

Campden Gallery: 01386 841555 / GL55 6AG / campdengallery.co.uk Chapel Arts Centre: 01225 461700 / BA1 1QR / chapelarts.org Charlecote Park: 01789 470277 / CV35 9ER / nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park Chastleton House: 01494 755560 / GL56 0SU / nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house-and-garden Chedworth Roman Villa: 01242 890256 / GL54 3LJ / nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa Cheltenham Town Hall: 01242 521621 / GL52 1QA / cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Chorley’s Auctioneers & Valuers: 01452 344499 / GL4 8EU / www.chorleys.com Cirencester Philharmonia: cirencesterphil.co.uk The Coach House: 01367 850216 / GL7 3RB / thecoach-house.com Corinium Museum: 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org Cotswold House Hotel: 01386 840330 / GL55 6AN / cotswoldhouse.com Cotswold Wildlife Park: 01993 823006 / OX18 4JP / cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Coughton Court: 01789 400777 / B49 5JA / coughtoncourt.co.uk The Courts Garden: 01225 782875 / BA14 6RR/ nationaltrust.org.uk/courts-garden Dean Forest Railway and Museum: 01594 845840 / GL15 4ET / deanforestrailway.co.uk Dean Heritage Centre: 01594 822170 / GL14 2UB / deanheritagecentre.com Dormy House: 01386 852711 / WR12 7LF / dormyhouse.co.uk Dursley Operatic & Dramatic Society: 07890 203318 / GL11 4JB / the-dods.com Dyrham Park: 0117 937 2501 / SN14 8ER / nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park Everyman Theatre: 01242 572573 / GL50 1HQ / everymantheatre.org.uk Farncombe Estate, Broadway: 0333 456 8580 / WR12 7LJ / farncombecourses.co.uk The Fashion Museum: 01225 477789 / BA1 2QH / museumofcostume.co.uk The Forum, Bath: 01225 443114 / BA1 1UG / bathforum.co.uk The Fosse Gallery: 01451 831319 / GL54 1AF / fossegallery.com The Gallery @ The Guild: 07870 417144 / GL55 6DS / thegalleryattheguild.co.uk Gallery Pangolin: 01453 889765 / GL6 8NT / gallery-pangolin.com Gloucester Cathedral: 01452 528095 / GL1 2LX / gloucestercathedral.org.uk Gloucester Guildhall: 01452 503050 / GL1 1NS / gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall

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Green Park Station: BA1 2DR Gordon Russell Design Museum: 01386 854695 / WR12 7AP / gordonrussellmuseum.org Hall’s Croft: 01789 204016 / CV37 6BG / shakespeare.org.uk Harvey Nichols, Bristol: 0117 916 8888 / BS1 3BZ / harveynichols.com The Heritage Motor Centre: 01926 641188 / CV35 0BJ / heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Herschel Museum of Astronomy: 01225 446865 / BA1 2BL / herschelmuseum.org.uk Hidcote Manor: 01386 438333 / GL55 6LR / nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote Holburne Museum: 01225 388588 / BA2 4DB / holburne.org The John Davies Gallery: 01608 652255 / GL56 9NQ / johndaviesgallery.com John Noott Galleries at Broadway Modern: 01386 858436 / WR12 7AA / john-noott.com Kelmscott Manor: 01367 253348 / GL7 3HJ / kelmscottmanor.org.uk Kenilworth Castle: 01926 748900 / CV8 1NE / english-heritage.org.uk Lacock Abbey: 01249 730459 / SN15 2LG / nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum: 01926 742700 / CV32 4AA / warwickdc.gov.uk Little Buckland Gallery: 01386 853739 / WR12 7JH / littlebucklandgallery.co.uk Lodge Park: 01451 844130 / GL54 3PP / nationaltrust.org.uk/lodge-park-and-sherborne-estate Loft Theatre: 0844 493 4938 / CV31 3AA / loft-theatre.co.uk The Lord Leycester Hospital: 01926 491422 / CV34 4BH / lordleycester.com Lower Slaughter Manor: 01451 820456 / GL54 2HP / lowerslaughter.co.uk Lucknam Park: 01225 742777 / SN14 8AZ / lucknampark.co.uk Lydiard House: 01793 770401 / SN5 3PA / lydiardpark.org.uk MAD Museum: 01926 865831 / CV37 6EF / themadmuseum.co.uk Malmesbury Abbey: 01666 826666 / SN16 0AA / malmesburyabbey.info Mary Arden’s Farm: 01789 204016 / CV37 9HH / shakespeare.org.uk Meantime: 07866 814776 / GL50 4EF / meantime.org.uk Museum in the Park: 01453 763394 / GL5 4AF / museuminthepark.org.uk Nash’s House and New Place: 01789 292325 / CV37 6EP / shakespeare.org.uk National Herb Centre: 01295 690999 / OX17 1DF / herbcentre.co.uk

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON DIARY: CONTACT DETAILS

Nature in Art: 01452 731422 / GL2 9PA / nature-in-art.org.uk New Brewery Arts: 01285 657181 / GL7 1JL / newbreweryarts.org.uk Newark Park: 01453 842644 / GL12 7PZ / nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park National Gardens Scheme (NGS): ngs.org.uk No.1 Royal Crescent: 01225 428126 / BA1 2LR / bath-preservation-trust.org.uk Noel Arms Hotel: 01386 840317 / GL55 6AT / noelarmshotel.com Old Mill Gallery: 01380 724550 / SN10 5SF / oldmillarts.co.uk The Oxfordshire Museum: 01993 811456 / OX20 1SN / oxfordshire.gov.uk Parabola Arts Centre: 01242 707338 / GL50 3AA / parabolaartscentre.co.uk The Paragon Gallery: 01242 233391 / GL50 1SW / paragongallery.co.uk Pittville Pump Room: 01242 521621 / GL52 3JE / cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Playbox Theatre: 01926 419555 / CV34 6LE / playboxtheatre.com The Playhouse, Cheltenham: 01242 522852 / GL53 7HG / cheltplayhouse.org.uk Pound Arts: 01249 701628 / SN13 9HX / poundarts.org.uk Prema: 01453 860703 / GL11 5SS / prema.org.uk Priory Park: 01225 833422 / BA2 5AH / nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park Red Rag Gallery: 01451 832563 / GL54 1BB / redraggallery.co.uk Rondo Theatre: 01225 444003 / BA1 6RT / rondotheatre.co.uk Rousham House: 01869 347 110 / OX25 4QU / rousham.org Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa: 01926 742762 / CV32 4AA / warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms Royal Spa Centre: 01926 334418 / CV32 4AT / warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre RSC Swan Theatre: 0844 800 1110 / CV37 6BB / rsc.org.uk RSC Theatre: 0844 800 1110 / CV37 6BB / rsc.org.uk RUH (Royal United Hospital): 01225 824987 / BA1 3NG / ruh.nhs.uk/art Sarah Wiseman Gallery: 01865 515123 / OX2 7JL / wisegal.com Shakespeare’s Birthplace: 01789 204016 / CV37 6QW / shakespeare.org.uk Slimbridge Wetland Centre: 01453 891900 / GL2 7BT / wwt.org.uk Snowshill Manor and Garden: 01386 842814 / WR12 7JU / nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

SOTA Gallery: 01993 862799 / OX28 6FG / sotagallery.co.uk Stoneleigh Abbey: 01926 858535 / CV8 2LF / stoneleighabbey.org The Stour Gallery: 01608 664411 / CV36 4AJ / thestourgallery.co.uk Stourhead: 01747 841152 / BA12 6QD / nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead Stratford Racecourse: 01789 267949 / CV37 9SE / stratfordracecourse.net Stratford ArtsHouse: 01789 207100 / CV37 6LU / stratfordartshouse.co.uk Stroud Valley Artspace: 01453 751440 / GL5 2HA / sva.org.uk The Subscription Rooms: 01453 760999 / GL5 1AE / subscriptionrooms.org.uk Sundial Theatre: 01285 654228 / GL7 1XA / sundial-theatre.co.uk Swindon Arts Centre: 01793 614837 / SN1 4BJ / swindon.gov.uk Swindon Museum and Art Gallery: 01793 466556 / SN1 4BA / swindon.gov.uk Tewkesbury Abbey: 01684 850959 / GL20 5RZ / tewkesburyabbey.org.uk The Theatre, Chipping Norton: 01608 642350 / OX7 5NL / chippingnortontheatre.co.uk Theatre Royal, Bath: 01225 448844 / BA1 1ET / theatreroyal.org.uk Three Counties Showground: 01684 584900 / WR13 6NW / threecounties.co.uk Thyme at Southrop Manor: 01367 850174 / GL7 3NX / thymeatsouthrop.co.uk Under the Edge Arts (UTEA): 07791 323869 / GL12 7HW / utea.org.uk Upton House: 01295 670266 / OX15 6HT / nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house Victoria Art Gallery: 01225 477233 / BA2 4AT / victoriagal.org.uk Warwick Arts Centre: 024 7652 4524 / CV4 7AL / warwickartscentre.co.uk Warwick Racecourse: 0844 579 3013 / CV34 6HN / warwickracecourse.co.uk Waterperry Gardens: 01844 339226 / OX33 1JZ / waterperrygardens.co.uk Westbury Court Garden: 01452 760429 / GL14 1PD / nationaltrust.org.uk/westbury-court-garden Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa: 01666 822888 / SN16 0RB / whatleymanor.com The Wilson: GL50 3JT / 01242 237431 / cheltenhammuseum.org.uk Wootton Village Hall: woottontalks.co.uk Wyvern Theatre: 01793 524481 / SN1 1QN / wyverntheatre.org.uk

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throughout December

Tewkesbury Abbey

Christmas Concerts across the Cotswolds Our selection of seasonal highlights, from orchestral concerts to carol services…

Wednesday 2, 7:30pm Pied Piper Celebration of Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church, Gloucester 0300 422 6119 / GL1 3EX / piedpiperappeal.co.uk A celebration of everything Christmassy, featuring Claire Carter from BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury Town Band, St Peter’s Primary School Choir, Instruments of Praise Gospel Choir and soloist Harry Kirby. There is also a reading by The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Roger Head.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for children, with proceeds going to the Pied Piper Appeal.

Thursday 3, 7:30pm HELP Appeal Christmas Concert at Tewkesbury Abbey 0800 389 8999 / GL20 5RZ / helpappeal.org.uk This concert is to raise funds for HELP, the only UK charity which focuses on building hospital helipads. Guest readers include Countryfile’s Adam Henson and poet Pam Ayres. The soloists are soprano Nicki Kennedy, contralto Katrina Hicks Beach and trumpeter Gavin Wells with

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Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum. Tickets start at £5, or for £100 you can also have supper with the performers after the concert.

Saturday 5, 7pm Carols by Steam Train at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Toddington 01242 621405 / L54 5DT / gwsr.com This event is in aid of Winston’s Wish, the UK’s leading childhood bereavement charity. The train departs from Toddington then the carol service is at Winchcombe Station, under the Christmas lights.

The service is led by the Reverend Canon John Mead with music provided by Cheltenham Silver Band. Tickets are £7.50 to include parking, the train fare, a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.

Saturday 5, 7:30pm Handel’s Messiah at St Mary’s Church, Chipping Norton OX7 5NT / cncs.org.uk Members of the Chipping Norton Choral Society perform a Christmas stalwart, Handel’s Messiah.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON FEATURE: CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Sunday 6, 6pm Christmas Concert with the English String Orchestra at Berkeley Castle 01905 570979 / GL13 9BQ / eso.co.uk This popular Christmas event is preceded by a wine and mince pie reception from 5pm in the Long Drawing Room of Berkeley Castle.

The concert itself takes place in the Great Hall. This year, the string orchestra is joined by two additional instruments, the flute and harpsichord, making possible a performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no.5. Tickets are £39.50 to include refreshments at the reception.

Sunday 6, 7:30pm Emanuel Ax recital at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham 01386 849018 / GL52 3JE / campdenmusicfestival.co.uk Chipping Campden Music Festival presents this all-Beethoven recital by the highly acclaimed American pianist Emanuel Ax. This is the only performance he is giving in the UK until June 2016. Tickets are priced from £20.

Tuesday 8, 7:30pm Tapestry of Christmas Music at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham 0844 576 2210 / GL52 3JE / cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk This traditional family concert includes a variety of festive music, with old favourites, new works and seasonal readings. Cheltenham Choral Society is conducted by Ian Higginson and accompanied by pianist Neil Fortin, with soprano soloist Melissa Friessner-Day and children’s choirs from Airthrie School and Prestbury St Mary’s Church of England School. Tickets are £10.

Saturday 12 A Christmas Concert with Orchestra of the Swan and Chamber Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG / orchestraoftheswan.org A traditional choral Christmas concert including the music of Vivaldi, Poulenc and Huw Watkins.

Tickets are priced from £15.50.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Saturday 12, 8pm A Swinging Christmas Evening at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud 01453 760900 / GL5 1AE / subscriptionrooms.org.uk The pianist and vocalist Peter Gill and his band perform an eclectic mix of swing standards and Christmas numbers such as White Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Winter Wonderland and Mr Bojangles.

Tickets are £14.

Friday 18, 6:30pm Christmas Carols on the Mulberry Lawn at Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe GL54 5JD / sudeleycastle.co.uk Cheltenham Salvation Army Band and Winchcombe Community Choir join forces for an evening of Christmas songs and carols in the grounds of Sudeley Castle – so wrap up warm!

The programme includes a mixture of popular carols and traditional Christmas songs. Tickets are £5 and can be bought in advance online or on the gate, with all proceeds donated to The Salvation Army. Gates open at 6pm and Sudeley’s café is open for refreshments throughout the event.

Saturday 19, 7:30pm A Christmas Cracker at Cheltenham Town Hall 0844 576 2210 / GL50 1QA / cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk The Cheltenham Bach Choir and Youth Choir, with the Flowers Band, present carols and brass blockbusters. The concert is conducted and presented by the broadcaster and former King’s Singer Brian Kay. Tickets are £10, available online or on the door.

Sunday 20, 4:15pm Britten’s Ceremony of Carols at Gloucester Cathedral 01452 528095 / GL1 2LX / gloucestercathedral.org.uk Gloucester Cathedral Choristers with harpist Eluned Pierce perform Britten’s beautiful work in the Quire at Gloucester Cathedral. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of Cathedral Music.

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Skyscraper by Steve Russell

until Friday 18 December

‘Christmas Cracker!’ exhibition at Gallery Pangolin, Chalford A seasonal group exhibition featuring examples of sculptors’ silver jewellery as well as a diverse selection of sculpture, prints and drawings...

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

EXHIBITION IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

Scintilla

by Charlotte Mayer

Gallery Pangolin is one of the few British galleries to specialise in sculpture and related works on paper. Over the past 24 years, the gallery has established a reputation for works of quality by modern and contemporary artists.

Each year, the galler y holds a popular Christmas exhibition and this year’s focus is on sculptors’ jewellery. The exhibition features works in silver by many of the gallery’s regular artists as well as some less familiar names. It also includes a diverse and colourful selection of sculpture, prints and drawings. Pieces on show are sure to provide inspiration to anyone looking for unique and beautiful Christmas presents.

Artists whose work is featured include Anthony Abrahams, Harold Ambellan, Kenneth Armitage, David Bailey, Nick Bibby, John Bridgeman, Ralph Brown, Jon Buck, Ann Christopher, Geoffrey Clarke, Lynn Chadwick, Terence Coventry, Abigail Fallis, Steven Gregory, Jonathan Kingdon, Alistair Mackie, Charlotte Mayer, Bernard Meadows, Breon O’Casey, Peter Randall-Page, Lorraine Robbins, Steve Russell and Almuth Tebbenhoff.

Among the many highlights of the show are Lynn Chadwick’s classic 1969 lithograph Seated Elektra; the stunning Ring by Anthony Abrahams in sterling silver and perspex with hematite, turquoise, emerald, ruby and sapphire; and Nick

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Robin II by Nick Bibby

Bibby’s seasonal Robin II (pictured above).

Another of Nick Bibby’s sculptures – a life size bronze emperor penguin – can now be viewed at The Wilson, Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum (cheltenhammuseum.org.uk). The sculpture was recently installed in the foyer of the The Wilson as a first point of introduction for visitors. It was commissioned to represent the importance of Dr Edward Adrian Wilson’s role in Captain Scott’s Antarctic expeditions, and to honour the Wilson family’s role in the founding of Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum.

The sculptor Nick Bibby is known internationally for creating realistic bronze animals. He says, “I have always had a fascination with penguins, particularly emperor penguins, and I wanted to imbue the finished bronze sculpture with life and character, and a sense of that indomitable spirit – both of emperor penguins themselves and of those who went in search of them in the early days of Antarctic exploration.”

The sculpture was cast in bronze and patinated at the Gallery Pangolin foundry, Pangolin Editions.

Galler y Pangolin is open Monday to Friday, from 10am–6pm, and on Saturday from 10am–1pm.

Gallery Pangolin: 01453 889765 / GL6 8NT / gallery-pangolin.com

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Exhibitions &ADecember uctions Wednesday 3 Seven Sisters Dreaming at Bay Gallery, Tetbury GL8 8DA / baygallerycotswolds.com The recently opened Bay Gallery Cotswolds takes you to the Milky Way via an alternative Santa’s’ grotto. The Seven Sisters Dreaming tells the story of the seven ancestral Napaljarri sisters who are found in the night sky today in the cluster of seven stars in the constellation Taurus, more commonly know as the Pleiades. It also depicts the Yanjirlypiri star indicting where there is a low hill and water soakage on Walpiri land in the Northern Territory, Australia. This area is a sacred site where young boys have been initiated for many thousands of years.

Friday 4 – Saturday 19 Pound Arts Open at Pound Arts, Corsham 01249 701628 / SN13 9HX / poundarts.org.uk For the eighth year running, artists from Corsham and the wider South West region have been

invited to submit sculpture, paintings, drawings, prints, digital, textiles, photography, ceramics and glass to this Open Exhibition. until Saturday 5 Helen Tabor solo exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton 01608 238020 / OX7 5AD / albiongallery.co.uk Helen Tabor’s work explores colour and the movement and mood that can be created through a bold and imaginative use of paint. She works in oil on canvas or board, usually starting with a background of collage which creates a textured, patterned effect on which she builds her painting.

Her subject matter spans landscape, seascape, still life and figures, although her main interests are in the properties of colour, the effects created by the movement of the paint and in the mood she can create in a painting. Albion Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am–5:30pm, and on Sunday from 11am–5pm. until Saturday 5 Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org This established group of craftsmen, designers and artists value the traditions and skills of the past whilst embracing contemporary techniques

Seven Sisters Dreaming by Alma Nungarrayi Granites at Bay Gallery

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EXHIBITIONS & AUCTIONS from Wednesday 9 Creative Forum Winter Show at Corinium Museum, Cirencester 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org Creative Forum is a local group artists and craftspeople who meet once a month at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester. This selling exhibition brings together paintings, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, photography and jewellery – all made by hand.

Cottage by the water

by Helen Tabor at Albion Gallery

and ideas. Their Christmas selling exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique gift. until Sunday 6 Collections at Museum in the Park, Stroud 01453 763394 / GL5 4AF / museuminthepark.org.uk Sarah Brooker and Mariette Voke share a love of collecting intriguing and quirky everyday objects.

They also share a love of museums, especially local museums where stories of everyday life are told through objects from times gone by.

This exhibition brings together small, intricately detailed watercolours and larger oil paintings

by Voke and colourful hand-rolled felt hangings and framed pieces by Brooker. It also includes new work inspired by The Museum in the Park’s unique collections. from Sunday 6 Winter Exhibition at Albion Gallery, Chipping Norton 01608 238020 / OX7 5AD / albiongallery.co.uk A mixed show which showcases work designed to lift your sprits on cold winter days. The exhibition continues until 9 January 2016.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 WithDraw at Oxleaze Barn, near Lechlade 01367 850216 / GL7 3RB / oxleazebarn.co.uk George Butler returns home this December with an exhibition of works that drew thousands of visitors to The Imperial War Museum, Manchester, earlier this year. WithDraw covers all angles of life in Afghanistan at the historic moment when British and US military withdrew troops after 13 years of occupation. Aged just 30, Butler has fearlessly walked into numerous conflict zones around the world, including Syria and Afghanistan. His pen and ink pictures bring to life the places and their story in a uniquely expressive way and represent a new medium bridging reportage and art. A percentage of the profits go to support the4

Exhausted by George Butler at Oxleaze Barn

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WHAT’S ON: EXHIBITIONS & AUCTIONS charity Afghan Connection which supports education for girls and boys across Afghanistan. until Sunday 13 Waterloo and the March of Science at Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath 01225 446865 / BA1 2BL / herschelmuseum.org.uk An exhibition commemorating the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo, with special events, lectures and educational activities accompanying the display. Astronomer William Herschel visited Napoleon and the Empress Josephine in Paris during the fragile Peace of Amiens in 1801. This exhibition examines the impact of the Napoleonic Wars at a local level and questions how science and technology responded to the culmination of nearly two decades of war with France. until Sunday 13 Draw, Print, Paint – Three Oxfordshire artists at The Theatre, Chipping Norton 01608 642350 / OX7 5NL / chippingnortontheatre.co.uk A colourful, fun exhibition of three local artists’ work: decorative linocut prints of Oxfordshire landscapes and buildings; colour-pencil drawings of everyday ephemera squashed into boxes; and paintings, drawings and prints exploring movement, texture and colour. until Sunday 13 Clare Halifax, Eve Coy and Sophie Buckley exhibitions at Prema, Uley 01453 860703 / GL11 5SS / prema.org.uk Clare Halifax uses varied print techniques to portray urban and coastal scenes in intricate and opulent detail. Eve Coy, who is one of Prema’s new artits in residence, started her career as a 2D animator and storyboard artist at Aardman Animations. More recently,

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whilst bringing up children, she has captured family life in her warm and nostalgic illustrations.

Prema’s other new artist in residence is Sophie Buckley, who creates 2D crochet work and abstract needle-felting. until Wednesday 23 The Oxfordshire Craft Guild Christmas exhibition at The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock 01993 811456 / OX20 1SN / oxfordshire.gov.uk This selling exhibition features many of the county’s leading craft designers and makers whose media include jewellery, textiles and ceramics. until Thursday 24 Christmas Exhibition at John Noott Galleries, Broadway 01386 858969 / WR12 7AA / john-noott.com Artists featured in this Christmas show include Gary Long, Tony Allain, Gerald Dewsbury, David Eustace, Jon Barker, Mary Edwards, Marcelle Milo–Gray and David Sawyer. John Noott Galleries is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am– 5pm (closed 1pm–2pm), and on Sunday from 11am–5pm.

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Nowhere to Go by Tony Allain at John Noott Galleries at Broadway Modern

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION until 31st December Artists include Gary Long, Tony Allain, Gerald Dewsbury, David Eustace, Jon Barker, Mary Edwards, Marcelle Milo–Gray and David Sawyer.

Splash of Red by Gary Long

Yosemite Dreaming by David Eustace

Land Girls by Mary Edwards

Full details can be found on our website www.john-noott.com John Noott Galleries, 10 The Green, Broadway, Worcs WR12 7AA www.john-noott.com 01386 858969 bm@john-noott.com

BAYGALLERY COTSWOLDS & LONDON Specialising in Aboriginal art from Central Australia

BAY GALLERY HOME RANGE

of Aboriginal tiles, wallpapers, rugs & fabrics LAUNCHING 2016.

Serving refreshments and hosting special events.

Above: ʻView Of Countryʼ - Danielle Ngwarraye Turner Acrylic on Linen, 30cm x 30cm - £150 (115-14) Front: ʻYankirri Jukurrpaʼ (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, Geraldine Nangala Gallagher, Acrylic on Linen, 61cm x 46cm £375 (2224/ 14ny)

Open 10:00–17:00 daily or by appointment

(+ 44) (0) 7776 157 066 @BayGalleryLDN alexandra@baygallerycotswolds.com

One Market Place, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8DA

@BayGalleryLDN www.baygallerycotswolds.com One Market Place, Tetbury GL8 8DA

www.baygallerycotswolds.com

My Fathers Country by Kathleen Nanima Rambler

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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until Wednesday 30 Crafts for Christmas at Winds of Change Gallery, Winchcombe 01242 603836 / GL54 5HT / windsofchangegallery.co.uk Winds of Change Gallery holds regular exhibitions throughout the year with a permanent selection of jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and paintings by Cotswold, regional and international artists. The gallery also curates an annual outdoor sculpture exhibition as part of Winchcombe Festival of Music & Arts. Crafts for Christmas offers unique contemporary crafts such as ceramics, jewellery and artwork. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am–5pm, or by appointment. until Thursday 31 Cows, Cars & Common Curiosities at The Amberley Inn, Stroud 01453 872565 / GL5 5AF / theamberleyinn.co.uk Images in this exhibition portray a slightly quirkier than usual take on the Cotswolds: cows and cars mingling on the Common, huge Winstone’s ice

Time for a Pint by Galina Gardiner at The Amberley Inn

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Ceramics by Kerry Hastings at Winds of Change Gallery

creams, chocolate slices from Hobbs Bakery and Highland cattle wandering the streets. Alongside 25 original oils, there are signed, limited edition prints and fine art cards. until Thursday 31 In Celebration of Trees at The Real Wood Furniture Company, Woodstock 01993 813887 / OX20 1TS / rwfco.com An exhibition of paintings by artist Rod Craig, photographs by Ian Fraser and 3D forged steel trees

by Christopher Townsend. It features a number of legendary trees, including the ancient oak tree in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, believed to be over 800 years old. The Real Wood Furniture Company is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am– 5:30pm, and on Sunday from 11am–5pm. throughout December Gold: an exhibition from the Royal Collection at Holburne Museum, Bath 01225 388588 / BA2 4DB / holburne.org Since it was first worked into decorative forms about 5,000 years ago, gold has inspired and appealed to artists around the world. This exhibition brings together 60 items spanning the Early Bronze Age to the 20th century, on loan from the Royal Collection.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EXHIBITIONS & AUCTIONS

Scorcher, Femi Kuti on the Pyramid stage, Glastonbury by Kurt Jackson at Victoria Art Gallery

throughout December Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon photographic exhibition at The Wilson, Cheltenham 01242 237431 / GL50 3JT / cheltenhammuseum.org.uk This high profile exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery shows a selection of around 70 images defining Hepburn’s iconography and life story. The Wilson, Cheltenham’s art gallery and

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

museum, is part of The Cheltenham Trust. Entry to this show is £7 for adults, £5 for concessions and free for children aged 16 and under. The exhibition continues until 31 January.

4 © Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive

throughout December Kurt Jackson: Place at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 01225 477233 / BA2 4AT / victoriagal.org.uk The acclaimed British artist Kurt Jackson has collaborated with a group of contemporary writers for his latest exhibition, Place. Each writer was asked to contribute text about their favourite location in Britain. Jackson then visited each location – including Worthy Farm (Glastonbury Festival), Bristol docks and Bath – to create works for the show. The exhibition features each writer’s text alongside Jackson’s response to their chosen location. The Victoria Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am–5pm, and on Sunday from 1:30pm–5pm. The exhibition continues until 3 January 2016.

Audrey Hepburn photographed

by Norman Parkinson for Glamour Magazine, 1955

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throughout December Bill Viola: ARTIST ROOMS at The Wilson, Cheltenham 01242 237431 / GL50 3JT / cheltenhammuseum.org.uk As part of ARTIST ROOMS On Tour, The Wilson is hosting three thought-provoking installation works by contemporary video artist Bill Viola. Viola’s work is internationally celebrated as establishing video as a pioneering art form. The Wilson is open daily, from 9:30am–5:15pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition runs until 7 February. throughout December Medicate 2015 at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum 01926 742700 / CV32 4AA / warwickdc.gov.uk Between 2000 and 2005, the Art Gallery and Museum developed a collection of contemporary art works which explored the history of the Royal Pump Rooms as a former centre for medical treatments, especially hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. 10 years after the project finished, the Medicate 2015 exhibition revisits these artworks as well as more recent acquisitions inspired by the same theme.

Mussel Earrings by Alex Yule at Junction Art Gallery

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throughout December Anne Hardy: Field at Modern Art Oxford 01865 722733 / OX1 1BP / modernartoxford.org.uk An opportunity to see major new work by the acclaimed British artist Anne Hardy (b. 1970) who makes environments which incorporate sculptural installation, photography and audio.

The exhibition takes the whole gallery as series of landscapes or ’Fields’, immersive spaces that Hardy constructs using wood, concrete, carpet and an array of other found materials. She also uses photography, text, light, colour and carefully composed audio landscapes. Her work includes objects salvaged from the streets, and references the fictional worlds of authors such as JG Ballard, Tom McCarthy and Haruki Murakami.

Modern Art Oxford is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am–6pm, and on Sunday, from 12noon– 5pm. The exhibition continues until 10 January.

Admission is free. throughout December Mind the Gap at Nature in Art, Twigworth 01452 731422 / GL2 9PA / nature-in-art.org.uk A unique exhibition of inlay work, both contemporary and from years gone by, displaying wonderful artistry and craftsmanship. You can see a mix of media and styles including wood, metal, ceramics, enamel, stone and glass. throughout December Winter Show at Junction Art Gallery, Woodstock 01993 358707 / OX20 1TJ / junctionartgallery.co.uk Since opening in early 2012, Junction Art Gallery has been firmly committed to exhibiting exceptional, contemporary fine art and craft made in the UK. This year’s Winter Show continues in this vein. Exhibitors include Frances Bloomfield, Lorraine Wake, Tiffany Scull, Alex Yule, Elaine Bolt, Stephanie Cunningham, Sarah Jenkins, Christine Kaltoft and Rory Mclauchlan. Junction Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am–5pm, and on Sunday from 11am–4pm. The exhibition continues until 17 January.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EXHIBITIONS & AUCTIONS / PERFORMING ARTS

PERFoRMinG ADecember Rts Tuesday 1 Lunchtime concert at Holburne Museum, Bath 01225 388588 / BA2 4DB / holburne.org Richard Frewer (tenor) and David Price (piano) explore song at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in a recital which also includes poetry readings from the age. The concert is from 1:10pm–1:50pm.

Wednesday 2 Percussion Duo at Pound Arts, Corsham 01249 701628 / SN13 9HX / poundarts.org.uk Shih-Han and Yu-Cheng are both Taiwanese percussionists currently studying at Birmingham Conservatoire. The programme includes works by Adi Morag, Emmanuel Sejourne, Anders Koppel and Maurice Ravel.

Friday 4 Quadrophenia at The Playhouse, Cheltenham 01242 522852 / GL53 7HG / cheltplayhouse.org.uk Released in 1973, Quadrophenia by The Who has gone on to become their most definitive work. A rock opera in the truest sense, this double album covers the various elements of teenage life. The performance is by The Album Project – not a tribute band in the conventional sense but a group of musicians who aim to stay as true to the original recording as possible.

Friday 4 & Saturday 5 Bath Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah at Bath Abbey 01225 422462 / BA1 1LT / bathabbey.org The choir performs the nation’s favourite choral masterpiece with the Bristol Ensemble and soloists Lucy Hall, Catherine

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Hopper, Thomas Hobbs and Callum Thorpe. Early booking is advised.

Friday 4 – Saturday 12 Brief Encounter at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 403416 / CV37 6LU / thebearpit.org.uk This production of Noel Coward’s play, adapted by Emma Rice, marks the 70th anniversary of David Lean’s iconic 1945 movie of Brief Encounter.

Laura, the respectable suburban wife, and Alec, the idealistic, married doctor, meet in a station buffet and fall passionately in love but are doomed never to find fulfilment.

Friday 4 – Thursday 24 The Crocodile’s Gift at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 01242 572573 / GL50 1HQ / everymantheatre.org.uk This Cinderella-esque story from Indonesia is a relaxed alternative for children aged under seven who may be too young for the pantomime in the main house.

Saturday 5 Christmas Concert: Spectra Musica at American Museum in Britain, Bath 01225 460503 / BA2 7BD / americanmuseum.org The chamber choir Spectra Musica performs a programme of American music, including early colonial settings, folk songs, spirituals, jazz, 4

Quadrophenia at The Playhouse, Cheltenham

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already under his belt, Andy Parsons is back with his fifth show Live And Unleashed – But Naturally Cautious.

Sunday 6 Christmas Choirs in the Courtyard at Lacock Abbey 01249 730459 / SN15 2LG / nationaltrust.org.uk Marshfield Male Voice Choir perform carols by the Christmas tree in Lacock Abbey’s Tudor courtyard.

Sunday 6 Aldwyn Voices at Tewkesbury Abbey 01684 850959 / GL20 5RZ / tewkesburyabbey.org.uk A concert (from 3pm) of music and literature for advent and Christmas. Music is by Jacob Handl, G.P. da Palestrina, Philip Radcliffe, Herbert Howells, Sir William Harris, Richard Rodney Bennett and Stephen Paulus.

Andy Parsons at Stratford ArtsHouse

modern choral music and carols. The choir is led

by Peter Leech and accompanied by pianist Anita D’Attellis. This concert starts at 7pm.

Saturday 5 Andy Parsons live comedy at Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 207100 / CV37 6LU / stratfordartshouse.co.uk With four sell-out national tours and three DVDs

Tuesday 8 – Saturday 19 John Godber’s Teechers at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 01242 572573 / GL50 1HQ / everymantheatre.org.uk A madcap and fast-moving comedy about teachers, which evokes life at modern secondary school. Salty, Hobby and Gail are about to leave school. As a final tribute to their drama teacher, they put on a play about all the teachers and students at Whitewall High: Headmistress Mrs Parry whose priority is the annual Gilbert and

Lacock Abbey

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: PERFORMING ARTS Saturday 12 Grimethorpe Colliery Band at The Forum, Bath 01225 443114 / BA1 1UG / bathforum.co.uk The Grimethorpe Colliery Band, formed in 1917, has become a British institution and was the real star of the hit movie Brassed Off. In this unique Brassed Off at Christmas show, the band performs festive favourites, popular Brass Band classics and music from the movie.

Tewkesbury Abbey

Sullivan productions, Oggy Moxon the school bully, Barry Wobschall who never brings his PE kit, and many others.

Wednesday 9 & Thursday 10 Peach’d – The Musical at Sundial Theatre, Cirencester 01285 654228 / GL7 1XA / sundial-theatre.co.uk The Sundial Theatre Company presents a musical re-telling of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.

Saturday 12 Musica Vera Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church, Leckhampton GL53 0QJ / stpeters-leckhampton.org.uk This charity concert features music by J S Bach and Charpentier, with carols for choir and audience. Admission is £12 on the door (free for under 16s), or advance tickets are available from Cheltenham’s Tourist Information Centre 4

Wednesday 9 – Sunday 20 The Snow Child at Rondo Theatre, Bath 01225 444003 / BA1 6RT / rondotheatre.co.uk Butterfly Psyche Theatre’s newest family production, The Snow Child, is based on the Russian fairy tale, The Snow Maiden. Once upon a time, in the land of ice and snow, people believed the stars were openings to heaven.

Every 16 years, under the Nights’ Rainbow, all the love and blessings from our ancestors fall to earth as magical snow. On one such night, a childless couple sculpts their hearts’ desire out of snow and their lives are changed forever. from Thursday 10 Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal, Bath 01225 448844 / BA1 1ET / theatreroyal.org.uk Bath’s pantomime extravaganza features inter alia Nigel Havers and Katy Ashworth.

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at The Wilson. Proceeds go to Cheltenham Community Projects.

Saturday 12 A Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 207100 / CV37 7BG / stratfordartshouse.co.uk This traditional choral Christmas concert is presented by Orchestra of the Swan Chamber Choir with organist Benedict Wilson. It includes the music of Fauré, Rutter, Corelli and Huw Watkins.

Sunday 13 Glitz, Blitz & ’70s Hitz at Cheltenham Town Hall 0844 576 2210 / GL52 1QA / cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk The 1970s provided a vital musical bridge between the rebellious pop culture of the ’60s and the decadence of the ’80s. In this concert, three of the decade’s greatest live bands – Sweet, Mud 2 and The Rubettes – team up to revisit the 1970s.

Saturday 19 All On A Winter’s Night at the Subscription Rooms, Stroud 01453 760999 / GL5 1AE / subscriptionrooms.org.uk Johnny Coppin and friends present a feast of carols, songs, humorous readings and folklore in a show that has become something of an annual fixture.

The Snowman with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum, Bath

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Sunday 20 Messiaen: La Nativité Du Seigneur at Gloucester Cathedral 01452 528095 / GL1 2LX / gloucestercathedral.org.uk Jonathan Hope is Assistant Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral and this is his annual performance of Messiaen’s kaleidoscopic ninemovement organ cycle for Christmas. The recital starts at 6pm. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of Cathedral Music.

Monday 21 Gerald Dickens in A Christmas Carol at Gloucester Guildhall 01452 503050 / GL1 1NS / gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall Performing 26 different characters, Gerald Dickens brings to life his great great grandfather’s most famous book.

Tuesday 22 The Snowman with Bath Philharmonia at The Forum, Bath 01225 443114 / BA1 1UG / bathforum.co.uk In this family friendly concert starting at 2:30pm, Bath Philharmonia plays Howard Blake’s music live to Raymond Briggs’ animated film. The orchestra also performs Christmas favourites such as The Night Before Christmas, narrated by candlelight.

Children are invited to wear their favourite festive costumes for a fancy dress parade. throughout December The One That Got Away at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal, Bath 01225 448844 / BA1 1ET / theatreroyal.org.uk Georges Feydeau (1862–1921) was the most successful French dramatist of the belle époque.

His play The One That Got Away incorporates all the classic elements of the genre: a Parisienne love-nest becomes the venue for illicit rendez-vous and ridiculous cover stories.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: PERFORMING ARTS throughout December Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon 0844 800 1110 / CV37 6BB / rsc.org.uk Selina Cadell directs Congreve’s Restoration comedy where love for love is stronger than love for money. The play is a comical farce enlivened by witty dialogue and its humorous characters. In its day, it was even more successful than The Way of the World, now Congreve’s best known work.

Cinderella at Everyman Theatre

throughout December Cinderella pantomime at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham 01242 572573 / GL50 1HQ / everymantheatre.org.uk Polish your pumpkins, grab your glass slippers and dust off your ball gowns: the Everyman’s family friendly pantomime sees the return of Tweedy and William Elliott as Cinderella’s mother, Baroness Hardup. Performances continue until 10 January. throughout December Robin Hood pantomime at The Theatre, Chipping Norton 01608 642350 / OX7 5NL / chippingnortontheatre.co.uk Deep in the heart of Sherwood Forest, a band of Merry Men live free, led by their dashing young hero – Robin Hood. The outlaw hero takes on his nemesis, the wicked Sherriff of Nottingham, in this traditional pantomime. Performances continue until 10 January.

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throughout December Queen Anne at RSC Swan Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon 0844 800 1110 / CV37 6BB / rsc.org.uk Helen Edmundson’s new play explores the little known story of a monarch caught between friendship and duty. The year is 1702. William III is on the throne and England is on the verge of war.

Princess Anne is soon to become Queen and her advisors vie for influence over the future monarch.

Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, is a close friend who begins to exert increasing pressure on Anne as she pursues her own designs on power. throughout December Wendy & Peter Pan at RSC Theatre, Stratfordupon-Avon 0844 800 1110 / CV37 6BB / rsc.org.uk Ella Hickson’s acclaimed re-telling of JM Barrie’s classic children’s story returns to Stratford.

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Love for Love at RSC Swan Theatre

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Events December Tuesday 1 Christmas Festival at Emporium Gift Shop, Winchcombe 01242 602999 / GL54 5LH / emporiumgiftshop.co.uk Emporium Gift Shop is taking part in Winchcombe’s Cotswold Christmas Festival evening which includes music, festive food, gift stalls and entertainment. Many of the town’s shops, including Emporium, are staying open late and serving mulled wine and mince pies to customers. from Tuesday 1 Deer Feeding at Dyrham Park, near Bath 0117 937 2501 / SN14 8ER / nationaltrust.org.uk/ dyrham-park Visitors are invited to join Dyrham Park’s rangers when they head out over the winter months to feed the herd of fallow deer. The deer feeding starts at 9:30am daily. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children, with a maximum of two adults per session.

Thursday 3 – Sunday 20 Cheltenham Christmas Market 01242 237431 / GL50 1PJ Cheltenham’s Christmas Market under the Christmas lights on The Promenade features up to 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts, food and drink. You can enjoy a glass of Glühwine and a bratwurst whilst browsing.

Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 The Christmas Shopping Show at Three Counties Showground, Malvern 01684 584900 / WR13 6NW / threecounties.co.uk This shopping event also features entertainment for all the family.

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Origami Stars workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester

Friday 4 Bourton-on-the-Water Traditional Christmas Fayre GL54 2BU The Christmas lights, including the famous tree in the river, are switched on at 6pm and the village’s shops remain open until 9pm. Entertainments including carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas.

Friday 4 Origami Stars workshop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester 01285 657181 / GL7 1JL / newbreweryarts.org.uk Hannah Ellis leads this workshop (10am–1pm) to create a decorative star using the art of paper folding. Places are £40 per person.

Friday 4 Victorian Evening in Shipston-on-Stour www.rotarygbi.org The evening (5:45pm–8pm) includes the switching on of the town’s festive lights, Father Christmas in his grotto, a carousel for children, dozens of Christmassy stalls, carol singing and music from Shipston Town Band. The shops also take part in a ’Best Dressed Window’ competition.

The organisers dress up in Victorian costume and encourage others to join in the theme.

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EVENTS Friday 4 – Monday 7 Corinium Christmas Craft Fair at Corinium Museum, Cirencester 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org The Corinium Museum is hosting this fair which includes hand made ceramics, textiles, mosaics and glass by a range of local artists. A great source for unique, seasonal gifts.

Saturday 5 The Christmas Fair at Worcester Road Trading Estate, Chipping Norton OX7 5XW This Christmas Fair (10am–5pm), held at the Worcester Trading Estate in Chipping Norton is in aid of the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.

Stalls include cakes, bags, scarves, pottery, home wares and art together with Christmas trees, festive candles and wreaths. There will also be a Christmas barbacue and a gin and tonic bar. Adult entry costs £3 with children free.

Saturday 5 Christmas Quilling Workshop at American Museum in Britain, Bath 01225 460503 / BA2 7BD / americanmuseum.org This workshop (10am–1pm) teaches you how to make delicate paper boxes embellished with quilling decoration, ideal for presenting Christmas gifts. Places are £30 per person / £27 for Museum members.

Saturday 5 It’s a Wonderful Life film screening at Corinium Museum, Cirencester 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org A special screening (from 1:30pm) of this classic Christmas film. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he had never existed. Tickets are £8 adults / £7 concessions, with refreshments served during the interval.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 Winter workshop: Christmas Cards and Sock Snowmen at Lacock Abbey 01249 730459 / SN15 2LG / nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Drop in between 11am and 4pm to join in with Christmas themed crafts, making sock snowmen and Christmas cards. Suitable for accompanied children. Advance booking isn’t required.

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 Museum in the Park Christmas Weekend at Museum in the Park, Stroud 01453 763394 / GL5 4AF / museuminthepark.org.uk This festive weekend (11am–5pm on both days) includes a children’s trail around the museum displays, Christmas carols, old-fashioned 4

It’s a Wonderful Life film screening at Corinium Museum, Cirencester

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party games and festive fare. Please note that the museum is closed for maintenance throughout December except for this weekend.

Sunday 6 Santas Fun Run in Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 3JE / santasfunrun.com This is the fourth Santas Fun Run organised by the Rotary Club of Cheltenham Sunrise. The sponsored run, walk or jog is in aid of Cancer Research UK and Cobalt Unit in Cheltenham.

Suitable for all the family (and the dog), with lots of attractions including on-site catering.

Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 Floral Workshop and Festive Cream at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 204016 / CV37 6BG / shakespeare.org.uk The award winning floral designer and Chelsea medallist Jayne Edmonds leads these daily

workshops (2pm–4:30pm) which show you how to make a Christmas table decoration or door wreath to take home. After the workshop, there is access to the house and gardens and a cream tea in the café.

Thursday 10 The Christmas Story in Medieval Art talk at Corinium Museum, Cirencester 01285 655611 / GL7 2BX / coriniummuseum.org This afternoon talk (2pm–4pm) is given by Tim Porter, a local historian who specialises in the Middle Ages. Medieval England was a period when some of the world’s most beautiful Christmas images were created. These include stained glass, wood carvings, wall paintings, textiles and ceramics. Tickets are £6 per adult / £5 for season ticket holders.

Friday 11 Christmas Fair and Carols at Hidcote Manor, near Chipping Campden 01386 438333 / GL55 6LR / nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote Hidcote gets into the Christmas spirit with a carol concert in the main courtyard and mince mies, mulled wine and other festive fare in the café.

Friday 11 Christmas Willow workshop at Prema, Uley 01453 860703 / GL11 5SS / prema.org.uk At this evening workshop (7pm–9pm), willow artist Helen Lomberg shows you how to weave willow decorations such as stars, angels and miniature trees. Places are £20 per person / £18 for Friends of Prema.

Pittville Park, Cheltenham

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Friday 11 Andrew Gant talk Wootton Village Hall, near Woodstock woottontalks.co.uk Andrew Gant is a musician, singer, composer and author who has sung with most of the country’s leading choirs and vocal ensembles, including The Sixteen, the Monteverdi Choir, the Cambridge Singers and the Tallis Scholars. He is in Wootton

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EVENTS around 30 makers who specialise in antique textiles, fashion, homewares and haberdashery. Entrance fees apply.

Ant Belmont book signing at Octavia’s Bookshop

to talk about his book Christmas Carols – from Village Green to Church Choir.

Saturday 12 Christmas Wassail 2015 at Coughton Court, Alcester 01789 400777 / B49 5JA / coughtoncourt.co.uk The Christmas Wassail at Coughton Court is a long established tradition. The evening includes Christmas stories and carols from Birmingham Crescent Theatre, with mulled wine and mince pies.

Saturday 12 Ant Belmont book signing at Octavia’s Bookshop, Cirencester 01285 650677 / GL7 2AA / octaviasbookshop.co.uk The writer and illustrator Ant Belmont is at Octavia’s Bookshop to read from his new book, Nicholas. Have you ever wondered why there are so many Santas? Or how Saint Nicolas travels the world in one night, squeezing down so many chimneys?

This is the heart warming story of Nicholas: inventor, mechanical genius and toymaker extraordinaire. It sets out to explain the impossible to curious children (particularly 6–9 year olds) who doubt Father Christmas.

Saturday 12 Christmas Craft Fair at Stourhead, near Mere 01747 841152 / BA12 6QD / nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead You can find plenty of gift ideas ranging from hand made ceramics and jewellery to original art and locally created crafts.

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Saturday 12 Tudor Christmas Feast at Sulgrave Manor, Banbury 01295 760205 / OX17 2SD / sulgravemanor.org.uk The evening starts at 6:30pm. Tickets are £35 per person to include a tour of the house bedecked in its Christmas finery, pre-dinner drinks and a three course Tudor meal. Dressing up is thoroughly encouraged.

Saturday 12 Selvedge Winter Fair at American Museum in Britain, Bath 01225 460503 / BA2 7BD / americanmuseum.org The Selvedge Winter Fair (12noon–5pm) features

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Stourhead

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cheering carols can be counted on to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Avebury Manor

Saturday 12 Stag Auctions at Malt House Antiques & Interiors Centre, Stroud 01453 753526 / GL6 6NU / malthouseemporium.com / stagauctions.co.uk A Christmas Auction from 11am of unique gifts: jewellery, watches, household decorative items, art and furniture.

Sunday 13 Wool Craft workshop at Avebury Manor and Garden, near Marlborough 01672 539153 / SN8 1RF / nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury Learn how to spin on a spinning wheel and how to make your own beautiful felt Christmas puddings or Dorset Buttons to decorate your tree. There are two workshops, the first from 11am–12:30pm, the second from 2pm–3:30pm. Places, which are £5 per person, must be booked in advance. until Sunday 13 Bath Christmas Market bathchristmasmarket.co.uk Each year, the centre of Bath is transformed into a Christmas shopper’s paradise, with over 170 chalet-stalls lining the streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. The setting, the aroma of mulled wine and mince pies, and the sound of

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Tuesday 15 Dr Hall – The Physician talk and Christmas Lunch at Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 204016 / CV37 6BG / shakespeare.org.uk Hall’s Croft was owned by William Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, the eminent physician Dr John Hall.

This lunchtime talk explains how Dr Hall would have treated his patients, including his successful herbal cures for digestive problems, scurvy and even hiccups. Tickets are £26 to include the talk, a two course lunch with glass of wine and access to the house and gardens.

Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 Mr Holmes film screening at Pound Arts, Corsham 01249 701628 / SN13 9HX / poundarts.org.uk A retired Sherlock Holmes looks back on his life, revisiting an unsolved case involving a beautiful woman. The film stars Ian McKellen, Laura Linney and Frances De La Tour.

Bath Christmas Market

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

WHAT’S ON: EVENTS

Bath on Ice

Wednesday 16 The Instinctive Cook class at Thyme at Southrop Manor 01367 850174 / GL7 3NX / thymeatsouthrop.co.uk Weather permitting, this full day class (10am–4pm, £185 per person) starts with a visit to the garden.

The day then features a mixture of hands-on cookery and demonstrations, teaching a repertoire of seasonal dishes with which to impress family and friends.

throughout December Christmas Tree Festival at Lacock Abbey, near Chippenham 01249 730459 / SN15 2LG / nationaltrust.org.uk You can see 25 Christmas trees in the abbey’s beautiful cloister. This year’s tree decorations are on a white theme, inspired by a quote about whirlwinds of snow going round and round the cloister court during a snowstorm in 1836.

until Saturday 19 Illuminating Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon 01789 204016 / CV37 6QW / shakespeare.org.uk On Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons (4:30pm–6pm) in December, Shakespeare’s Birthplace hosts a new light show as part of its winter events programme. throughout December Bath on Ice at Victoria Park, Bath 07960 083303 / BA1 2NR / bathonice.com This is one of the UK’s best venues for outdoor ice skating. New this year, there is also a glow-in-thedar mini golf course suitable for all ages. The rink remains open until 3 January.

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Shakespeare’s Birthplace

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HIGHLIGHTED CHARITY: FSDP

FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE DISABLED TO LEARN TO FLY IN 2016 Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) is a charity based in Fairford, Gloucestershire, which aims to use aviation experiences to build the confidence, self-esteem and future aspirations of disabled adults. The charity is currently seeking applicants for its fully funded scholarships in 2016…

FSDP is an energetic organisation that works with disabled adults to transform their lives through the world of aviation. The charity is currently accepting applications from disabled adults whose lives could be changed by learning to fly in 2016.

FSDP awards fully funded scholarships to those with a range of disabilities and illnesses including amputation, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Many of the disabled adults selected for its scholarships by FSDP are the silent majority who, through no fault of their own, may have deep social, psychological, welfare or employment challenges.

Sherrill Semple, an FSDP scholar, says,

“When I heard I’d been selected, I was beside myself – hugely excited. I did wonder if I’d actually be able to do it but I flew solo at the end of my 25 hours training.

It has been a life-changing experience and I have proved to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

The scholarship selection process for 2016 is now open and FSDP is seeking disabled individuals who can demonstrate that such an award could transform their lives. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2016.

If you wish to apply for a scholarship to learn to fly, please send an email to info@fsfdp.org.uk or call 0844 578 4578.

For further details about Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), please visit fsfdp.org.uk Registered charity no: 1148914

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

property&home

HIGHLIGHTED PROPERTIES 74 EDITOR’S CHOICE: INTERIORS 80 INTERIORS FEATURE: DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER 81 GARDEN DESIGN TIPS: WINTER-SMART GARDENS 90 Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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the Byre, Ewen

Guide price: £500,000

Following a comprehensive conversion this grade II listed Cotswold stone barn is completed with great attention to detail. The open plan format coupled with vaulted beamed ceilings and a bank of timber framed glazed panels floods the beautiful living space with light.

Contact: Nicola Collins 01285 648100

Open Plan Reception · Kitchen · Utility · Two Bedrooms · Bathroom

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mooreallen.co.uk

Cirencester 01285 648100 Lechlade 01367 252541 DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

The Willows, Ewen

Guide price: £675,000

The spacious nature of The Willows provides approximately 3000 sq ft of very flexible and immaculately presented accommodation. Further enhanced by its 0.59 acre plot, mainly laid to lawn with mature planted borders, paved patios and paddock.

Contact: Teresa Davis 01285 648100

Two Receptions · Kitchen · Utility · Five Bedrooms · Five Bathrooms

mooreallen.co.uk

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Cirencester 01285 648100

Lechlade 01367 252541 75

HIGHLIGHTED PROPERTY

Lower Mill Cottage

An impressive detached period cottage set on this quiet no-through lane within the popular Cotswold village of Somerford Keynes.

Location: Somerford Keynes Accommodation: Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, study, four bedrooms and family bathroom.

Outside: Gravel driveway with parking, garage, utility room/store and garden.

Price: ÂŁ550,000 Tel: 01285 648100 Email: property@mooreallen.co.uk

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Stephen Wolfenden 01386 438414

Nic Mills 01285 656310

WE FIND HOMES FOR OUR CLIENTS WHATEVER THE MARKET Whether you are looking to buy or rent, we have the expertise, reputation and experience to seek out the property you want. Using our knowledge and network of contacts, we can source properties of genuine interest, giving you the advantage.

Please call for an informal discussion on how we can best help. Or visit our websites

RELOCATION

www.county-homesearch.com

WITHOUT COMPLICATION

The Cotwolds, Herefordshire, South Worcestershire and North Wiltshire

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

GL O

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EA

BA

O

THE ASSOCIATION O F R E LO C AT I O N PROFESSIONALS

®

★ EURA★ GL

arp

L QUALITY S BA

L EA

Contact Nic Mills, nicmills@county-homesearch.com +44(0)1285 656310 or 07795 576142

Oxfordshire, Rural Berkshire, South Warwickshire and Northamptonshire

L Q U A LI T Y

S

2008-2014

Contact Stephen Wolfenden, oxfordshire@county-homesearch.com +44(0)1386 438414 or 07836 369681 The Property Ombudsman

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

HIGHLIGHTED PROPERTY

The Mill

A delightfully positioned Cotswold stone former mill with two holiday let flats and views over the mill race.

Location: Burford Accommodation: Three reception rooms, kitchen, laundry room, studio, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Outside: Double garage, private courtyard parking, two self-contained one bedroom holiday let flats with balcony, decking over mill race and garden.

Price: ÂŁ875,000 83 Witney Street, Burford Tel: 01993 822661 Email: burford@jackson-stops.co.uk

The Mill

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Editor’s Choice… INTERIORS

If you are a fan of stylish but reasonably priced furniture and home accessories, we can personally recommend a visit to interiors store Cotswold Grey which recently opened in Moreton-in-Marsh. You can find everything from vintage-style dining tables and sideboards to cushions, candles and silk flowers. There is also a particularly good range of lighting including hand made lamp bases from the Netherlands.

Cotswold Grey: 01608 650446 / GL56 0AE / cotswoldgrey.com

Editor’s Choice

Our interiors selection for December, with a seasonal flavour…

We love the wreaths handcrafted by Louise Hamilton-Smith – one of which is also featured on this issue’s front cover. Based in Foscot, near Stow-on-the-Wold, Louise can make anything from simple evergreen wreaths to more extravagant designs, lavishly decorated with berries, flowers, fruit, feathers or even fairy lights. Prices start at £20. A selection of Louise’s wreath designs can be found on her website, www.foscotwreaths.com. To order a wreath made to your own specification, Louise can be contacted on 01608 659908 / 07974 395905 / info@foscotwreaths.co.uk Based near Bampton, Caroline Borgman Interiors specialises in modernising properties – ranging from traditional cottages to townhouses – whilst retaining their traditional charm. Recent projects have included the full renovation of a holiday cottage; the transformation of a dated farmhouse kitchen; the redesign of a pool house; and the conversion of a shed into a gorgeous study.

You can find inspiring ideas for your home at the new website www.carolineborgman.co.uk. Alternatively, to discuss your interior project, call 07885 136728 or email Caroline@carolineborgman.co.uk

Interior design tomes abound, but one recent publication stands out: a book about Robert Kime’s work as a decorator and antiques dealer.

Called simply Robert Kime, it explores his long career as a ‘tastemaker’, helping clients create elegant homes in everything from cottages to palaces (HRH Prince Charles is an admirer of his work). Robert Kime is written by Alastair Langlands with beautiful photography by Tessa Traeger; it is published in hardback by Frances Lincoln, RRP £40.

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

interiors feature… DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER

Decorating

with WALLPAPER

One of the most famous and popular wallpaper designers, William Morris, once said: “Whatever you have in your rooms, think first of the walls, for they are that which makes your house and home.”

On the following pages, we present our selection of today’s loveliest wallpaper designs, from bold geometrics to more muted backdrops…

Brooking – New York Stories wallpaper from Sandberg

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interiors feature‌DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER

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Peggy Tile in Coral from Louise Body. This geometric tile wallpaper forms part of the Peggy Collection and has been designed to work with other wallpapers and fabrics in the range.

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Turner Textures from Lewis & Wood. The first in a trilogy of textured wallpapers created and perfected by decorative painter Hughie Turner. The paper comes in a multitude of colourways, both matt and metallic.

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Squirrel and Sunflower from St Jude’s. The design originates from a linocut by Mark Hearld and is a single colour wallpaper, printed in the UK using water-based inks and paper from sustainable forests. It is available in four colourways: Angus red is pictured here.

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• Interior Design Consultancy • Full Project Management • Classic and contemporary

English country design • Decorating, lighting, curtains, soft furnishings • Bathroom design • Staging for house sales Contact Caroline Warren on 01789 722528 Mobile: 07799 410526 www.bankhouseinteriors.co.uk @BankHseInterior Bank House Interiors

Bank House Ad.indd 1

07/10/2015 06:5

COTSWOLDS 01608 690090 Unit 21, Worcester Road Trading Estate, Chipping Norton, 0X7 5XW

LONDON 020 7736 7468 899-901 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HU

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www.stoneandwoodtiles.com

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Elephant Stripe (Storm and Bright White) from Little Greene. Taking the exact proportions and structure of the Broad Stripe, each band in this more complex version comprises 42 ‘pin stripes’ to give a sharper, more contemporary look.

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Lattice BP 3504 from Farrow & Ball. The design of Lattice is derived from 19th century French archives.

The undulating pattern ripples up the height of the paper, creating a somewhat hypnotic effect. The overall look is of understated glamour.

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Sika (Sandalwood Colourway 2) from Lewis & Wood. This is one of two wallpapers designed by professional muralist Flora Roberts for the company’s English Ethnic collection. Each panel is individually scaled to fit its intended location.

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interiors feature‌ DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER

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Flora Tile from Louise Body. This tile wallpaper forms part of the Peggy Collection and has been designed to work with other wallpapers and fabrics in the range.

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Nature Table (Warm Greys) from St Jude’s.

The design of this four colour wallpaper originates from linocut elements by Angie Lewin. It is printed in the UK and comes in three colourways: lichen/pale rose, warm greys and river blue/pebble.

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’’

Wallpaper has returned to the interior design and decorating world in a big way. For the traditionalists, artisan, hand printed papers are increasingly popular and some of the old screen-methods printing workshops are once again in business. Increasingly, I have also noticed a revival in traditional patterns, using very modern or even quite radical colourways and sometimes the patterns are distorted.

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Caroline Warren, Bank House Interiors

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interiors feature…

DECORATING WITH BEDROOMS WALLPAPER interiors feature…

BLISSFUL

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Anthology 03 from Harlequin.

Encompassing elements of utilitarianism, distressed wood, deconstructed metals, rust and oxidised patinas, Anthology 03 fuses luxurious design with a raw, urban feel.

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Parquet BP 4103 from Farrow & Ball. Arriving in January 2016, this striking wallpaper takes its inspiration from the geometric pattern of parquet flooring.

Monkey and Birds from St Jude’s. New for Autumn 2015, Monkey and Birds

by Sheila Robinson is a three colour wallpaper, originating from the artist’s linocut blocks designed in 1968.

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As well as producing the original illustrated here, St Jude’s is working with Sheila’s daughter, the printmaker and painter Chloë Cheese, on a range of new colourways.

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In a kitchen refurbished by Caroline Borgman Interiors, Rose Sprig wallpaper from Cath Kidston has been used to provide a charming lining in this cupboard.

Doves (Rock colourway) from Lewis & Wood’s English Ethnic Collection.

This traditional design was created by Flora Roberts, a decorative muralist whose painting has a lyrical and peaceful quality.

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interiors feature… DECORATING WITH WALLPAPER

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My Country range at Bay Gallery Home. Aboriginal art is emerging as a trend in interior design. This wallpaper range available at Bay Gallery Home in Tetbury is based on original paintings from a remote Australian Aboriginal community.

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Soho 210-31 from the New York Stories collection by Sandberg.

This collection is inspired by New York: a place of contrasts and contradictions. The city is at once magnificient yet cosy, rough yet chic, urban yet green and leafy. These elements, which co-exist so harmoniously in real life, are reflected in Sandberg’s wallpapers. Each one represents a part of NY, such as SoHo (pictured here), with its comfortable, intimate small pattern.

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Adam’s Eden by Lewis & Wood.

The design is by Adam Calkin, a decorative painter who has been at the top of his trade for the past 25 years. This wallpaper beautifully showcases his talent for colour and pattern. It is consistently one of Lewis & Wood’s bestsellers and is now available in three Scandinavian inspired colourways.

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Contact details: Bank House Interiors: 01789 722528 / CV37 8XQ / bankhouseinteriors.co.uk Caroline Borgman Interiors: 07885 136728 / OX18 2SP / carolineborgman.co.uk Cath Kidston: 01242 245912 / GL50 1LE / cathkidston.com Bay Gallery Home: 07776 157066 / GL8 8DA / baygalleryhome.com Farrow & Ball: 01202 876141 / farrow-ball.com Harlequin: 0845 123 6815 / harlequin.uk.com Lewis & Wood: 01453 878517 / GL5 5NN / lewisandwood.co.uk Little Greene: 0845 880 5855 / littlegreene.com Louise Body: 07889 465552 / louisebody.com St Jude’s: 01603 662951 / stjudesfabrics.co.uk Sandberg: sandbergwallpaper.com

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Hendy Curzon.co.uk

Turning Visions into Reality Landscape Contractors Tel: 01285 654766 www.estatesandgardens.co.uk Baunton Lane, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 7BG

Gardens designed & landscaped

ANDREW AYRE GARDENS

Cotswold based plantsman and landscape gardener with many years of experience in helping make your garden a beautiful place to relax!

Garden management • Garden restoration Re-planning and planting • Pruning and training: fruit trees (espalier and cordon), roses, apples trees Walls wired for climbers • Border planting plans

For a bespoke monthly maintenance program please call 07771 332702

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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GARDEN DESIGN TIPS

by Hendy Curzon

A garden designed to have strong ‘winter bones’

WINTER-SMART GARDENS All gardens, regardless of scale, should embrace every season. If we pin all of our hopes and expectations on spring and summer gardens, then we face a disconnect with our outdoor space for a large portion of the year – and, in part, a large portion of our home for that time…

A garden designed and constructed with good ‘winter bones’ is a must. There is a unique appeal in such gardens when all of nature is toned down to its pared-back beauty.

The light that’s cast in winter and the muted palettes can be appreciated, alongside the structural elements and plants that we set out in a garden’s framework. Such elements imbued with frosts or snow usher winter gardens and landscapes into a period of wonder and enchantment.

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So instead of feeling shackled by the cold snaps, cast away any notions of bleakness and instead seize the short days and long nights.

Cherish those colder months when the simpler stages of outside give us all a period of respite – after the glory of autumn and before the explosion of spring.

Just as we personally ‘layer up’ for winter, regard your garden in the same way. You can create a whole palette of favoured hues and textures

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garden design tips… WINTER-SMART GARDENS outdoors through the selection of materials and plants that you apply. Tree bark, lichen and moss all dazzle in winter, especially juxtaposed with weathered metals, stone and silvered timber in the hardscaping elements of a scheme. The rich tones of natural materials can truly embellish a winter garden.

When we refer to the winter bones of a garden, this also takes form with thoughtfully positioned evergreen components. Topiary in feature planters and clipped Yew, Buxus, Lavender and Rosemary hedges will provide a sound winter framework.

It seems such a shame to merely plant for spring and summer then feel the need to shy away from the garden during the rest of the year because it looks so lifeless and uninspiring. By focusing on maximizing the appeals of winter, you can ensure that vital year-round connection with the outdoors. Hopefully, it should entice you to venture out more. At the very least, a cosy-up indoors with a great book and a great view over your winter-scape will certainly nourish your soul.

It’s the season to be surrounded by lovely natural things, so here are some key elements to include for a sumptuous winter garden: Lighting – This is very relevant in a winter garden, both for safety and aesthetics. Well designed schemes should stylishly light pathways and entrances, ensuring both safe and welcoming approaches. More homely elements such as lanterns are another nice touch.

Trees – These are potentially the stars of winter gardens. White and silver bark birches such as River Birch, Jacquemontiis and Pendulas glow on dark winter days. The bare winter structure and framework of deciduous pleached trees is arguably just as beautiful as when the trees are in leaf the rest of the year. And the gnarled trunks and shapes that mature trees take on look majestic in these periods of dormancy.

Perennial forms – With the evergreen elements providing some lovely bones in winter gardens, many perennial plants can too. Ornamental grasses fade but can hold on to architectural forms alongside the likes of Gauras, Echinaceas and Veronicastrums. These delicately enhance borders and landscapes with their skeletal forms, and all contribute 4

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A firepit draws the eye even when unlit

Neatly stacked birch logs make a distinctive feature

Lichens stand out in winter

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garden design tips… WINTER-SMART GARDENS to that layering effect which we covet for winter.

Elements – If you have strong accent pieces in your home’s interior, try to replicate some of them outdoors with weatherproof options. Depending on your style, signature colours can repeat outside with rendered walls, railings or your front door colour.

Flooring, art, sculpture and lighting can continue outside, creating a sense of unity to your home and casting your signature style overall.

Structures and textures – Natural wood evokes a sense of warmth. For example, oak structures and fences clad in woven willow hurdles help to give your outdoor space a nest-like feel.

Layer in other textures, such as well stacked log stores, and make a feature of them too.

Opt for materials that will look good in the altered light of winter. Rusted slate, fossilized sandstone, cedar shingle, balau decking and copper verdigris will all glow on a muted grey day and add a little sparkle on a frosty one. Corten steel is our top design choice for gardens right now in the form of giant planters, log stores, firepits, water bowls and modernist sculpture.

Christmas – Nowadays, blurring the boundaries between inside and out is key to creating a stylishly comfortable home, so what better time of year to explore this than Christmas?

Fairy lights can be strewn shamelessly both inside and out, your front door should be adorned with a big natural wreath and your Christmas tree and foraged pinecones epitomize bringing outside in. An outdoor Christmas tree with lights can also look great in front of your house or in a courtyard setting.

When developing your winter-smart garden, approach it as you would the interior of your home: treat it as an extension of this. Your home is your retreat and the garden should be integral to that – whether you are in it or enjoying views out onto it, at any given time of year.

Evergreens play a prominent role in winter gardens

A clever interplay of deciduous and evergreen shapes

Hendy Curzon Gardens construct, plant and project manage the gardens, landscapes and exterior spaces that they design. All elements of these bespoke projects are covered in-house. Each garden that the team creates is unique and a direct reflection of the individual client’s needs and tastes. Examples of Hendy Curzon’s work and portfolio can be viewed at www.hendycurzon.com. You can also find the company on Houzz.co.uk and Facebook.com/hendycurzongardens

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family matters

School reports School profile: the royal high school, bath Family matters feature: winter wonderland Books recommended by‌ madhatter bookshop Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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school reports

s c h o o l

r e p o rt s

We celebrate local schools’ recent successes as well as upcoming highlights…

Wycliffe College, Stonehouse 01453 822432 / GL10 2JQ / wycliffe.co.uk Congratulations go to Wycliffe student Amelia Henley who has recently been awarded a place at Harvard, starting in August. The 17 year old will be one of just a handful of former Wycliffe students in its 133 year history to have gone on to study at this prestigious American university. Amelia, who plans to study mathematics and chemistry, is currently England number 2 squash player and is also Deputy Head Girl at Wycliffe. She has been awarded a substantial scholarship from Harvard and also received interest from Princeton, Yale and Penn State universities. Amelia says she could not have won her place without the support of Wycliffe and its unique SAT preparation programme which helps students gain entry to US universities.

Sibford School, Banbury 01295 781200 / OX15 5QL / sibfordschool.co.uk Pupils and staff at Sibford School have raised more than £800 for a school for underprivileged girls in Kathmandu. The Mary Ward School, which was founded in 1986, has been under particular pressure since the earthquake in April which claimed 9,000 lives and destroyed more than 500,000 homes. The cash was raised after pupils and staff paid for the privilege of wearing hats in class. The millinery fundraiser was organised by the tutor group of Sibford’s Head of Drama, Neil Madden, who had visited Nepal over the summer and seen first hand the challenges being faced by Mary Ward School.

Dauntsey’s School, Devizes 01380 814500 / SN10 4HE / dauntseys.org Second Form pupils at Dauntsey’s enjoyed a day of code-cracking when Dr James Grime visited the school to give a talk about decoding and the history of the World War Two code-cracking machine, Enigma. Dr Grime is a mathematician who lectures on behalf of the Millennium Mathematics Project and the University of Cambridge. His particular specialisation is the history and mathematics of codes and codebreaking. During the day, Dr Grime presented an overview of the long history of coding then pupils were challenged to crack some codes of their own.

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school profile… THE ROYAL HIGH SHOOL, BATH

SCHOOL PROFILE

Mrs Jo Duncan

THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL, BATH Currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, The Royal High School is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3–18. Here, the school’s recently appointed Head, Mrs Jo Duncan, highlights RHS’s ethos of encouraging all-round excellence as well as the happiness and confidence of its pupils…

What is your professional background and how did you come to be Head of The Royal High School, Bath?

I have joined The Royal High School from Princess Helena College, a girls’ day and boarding school in Hertfordshire, where I was Head for seven years. Before that, I was Head of RS and a Deputy Housemistress (amongst other things!) at Benenden School in Kent and I started my teaching career in a co-ed grammar school in London. I have enjoyed the first few months of my headship of The Royal High School Bath, and am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge of leading the school in the coming years. I also feel very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful city.

What is the history of the school?

I am fascinated by the history of RHS; today’s school is built on the firm foundation of 150 years

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of educating women, and it is looking forward with confidence. The Royal High School came into existence when Bath High School and The Royal School for Army Officers amalgamated to form the Royal High School Bath in 1998. The current school is located on The Royal School site on Lansdown Road. The Royal High School is part of the GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust), a network of 26 schools throughout the UK which educates 20,000 girls and benefits from an alumnae network of 70,000 women.

It is clear to me that the girls who have the privilege of being educated here go on to achieve success and be leaders in life, in whatever sphere they choose. The Royal High School is an innovative, high-achieving school that provides a wonderful environment for girls to excel academically, thrive emotionally and develop socially. Cranwell House, the Royal High Junior School, is an exceptionally beautiful school 4

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with a dynamic, girlfocused curriculum, and I am delighted that my daughter is a pupil here.

What was your first impression of the school?

My first impression (when I visited the school as part of the interview process) was of an impressive building with a slightly daunting front door! However, when I was inside, I was met with warmth and friendliness from everyone and that positive atmosphere is commented upon time and time again by current and prospective parents and girls.

Mrs Jo Duncan presenting a trophy at The Royal High School, Bath

What are the main challenges facing you?

There are decisions to be made about how to develop the sporting facilities at The Royal High School – what are our priorities? How can we encourage all girls to be involved in physical activity through new developments? In what ways might new facilities benefit the local community? These are exciting questions, with great opportunity for imaginative thinking and creativity.

I come from a boarding background and am looking forward to developing this aspect of the school. Teaching and learning should always be at the heart of a school, and at the Royal High we are committed to providing an outstanding, contemporary, girl-centred education.

Have you made any changes already?

Like most new Heads (I think), I’ve moved my office. In my case, I’ve gone back upstairs to the original Head’s Study. The Year 10 and 11 Common rooms have been refurbished and are now light, bright spaces for the 140 girls who use them. Changes to GCSEs and A Levels are happening and we have been working together to make sure that we are offering the best educational experience for our pupils.

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What are the goals and ethos of The Royal High School, Bath?

Much of my career has been spent in schools founded by remarkable, forward-thinking women, and I believe in the relevance of girls’ schools in the 21st century. In fact, I would argue that they are more, not less, relevant today than in the past. My vision for the Royal High dovetails with the Girls’ Day School Trust vision to be at the forefront of girls’ education in the UK. My goal is to ensure that the girls in my care leave school as well-educated, well-rounded and wellbalanced young women, who are able to navigate a global, multi-cultural, technology-driven world successfully. Today’s schools must provide a challenging curriculum designed to promote intellectual rigour, creative enquiry and critical thinking. There should be joined-up thinking across faculties, with regular opportunities for pupils to engage in extended learning.

What is your personal philosophy of education?

We should never lose sight of the fact that we are educating individuals and we should put the pupil at the centre of all that we do.

More specifically, I believe that reading plays a key part in success, and ensuring a

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school profile… THE ROYAL HIGH SHOOL, BATH culture of reading is a priority. I would also like all of my pupils to be competent in at least one other language. To achieve this, it is essential that language teaching starts in the early years and sufficient time is allocated to it. I also think that every girl should be encouraged to learn a musical instrument.

Are there any specific areas or disciplines where your school excels?

We are an academically strong school and have strengths across the whole curriculum, but an area in which we really excel is in the STEM subjects. We have more girls taking Maths A Level than any other subject, as well as many taking Biology, Chemistry, Physics and DT and many of our students go on to study STEM subjects at some of the top universities across the UK. This demonstrates our success at challenging perceptions of what ‘girls’ can do, and in helping our students to overcome any societal barriers.

We also have a stunning Art School, and results and work that are produced from this centre of excellence are truly outstanding. Crucially, upon

The Head enjoying time with RHS pupils

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my arrival here, I met with all of our students, in small groups, and what was mentioned time and time again was the friendships the girls had and the quality of support they said they received from all departments. The pastoral care provided throughout the school is truly exceptional.

Does the school suit a particular type of character?

We pride ourselves on treating each of our students as individuals: encouraging girls to be themselves and to achieve in their own path in life. With this in mind, we have a wide range of characters represented in our school. But those who get the very best out of their school experience at the Royal High are those who try their hardest to do all they can do reach their potential – they are keen to get involved in every opportunity provided for them, whether that be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the Art School, the Music Department or in the myriad of extra-curricular activities on offer.

What are your plans for the future direction of the school?

I am very fortunate that our school has an extremely strong foundation of educational excellence, created over the last 150 years. This provides a wonderful base to build upon and to take our school forward into the future. One key priority initially is to focus on developing our sporting provision and facilities, to match the talent and dedication that we have amongst our staff and students.

I have also recently established some initiatives focused on continual improvement to our Teaching and Learning, including the development of best practice groups in our staff, who will be helping to maintain our place as leading educators. Within this field, we will also be prioritising the continued expansion of our International Baccalaureate (IB) programme for sixth form students, alongside A Levels. The provision of this internationally recognised qualification is unique to our school in the area and we are proud to support its growth and development.

The Royal High School, Bath: 01225 313877 / BA1 5SZ / royalhighbath.gdst.net

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family matters feature… WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter

wonderland

A family ski holiday not only creates treasured memories – it can also kick-start a lifelong passion for the sport. Here, leading tour operators and chalet specialists provide their professional advice on planning a family friendly ski trip…

Val d’Isère, France

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Chalet Husky, recommended by Scott Dunn

Première Neige’s Grand Solliet in Sainte Foy

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Picture this: snowy slopes, flushed cheeks and the exhilaration of seeing your child take off down the slope for the first time. Then kids’ clubs and the chance for some après-ski when the little ones have finally collapsed, exhausted at the end of the day.

A family ski holiday can be enjoyed by all ages and is a perfect opportunity to strengthen familial bonds right through into young adulthood.

However, in order for the holiday to be a success, some careful research and planning is required, particularly for first timers.

Peak Retreats was recently voted ’Best Family Ski Tour Operator’ at the Family Traveller Awards 2015 and the company provides the following advice: “There is no right age at which to teach your child to ski – just whenever they feel ready to try out something new. This could be from as young as three or maybe not until age five or six.

Try introducing them to skiing with a day at a dry

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family matters feature… WINTER WONDERLAND

Young skiers on a holiday organised by Peak Retreats

ski slope, since this will give a good indication as to whether your child is ready or not. It also gives them a head-start once they arrive at the resort.

“It’s important to understand that whereas one child may take to skiing as a ’natural’, another may not. Concentration is a big factor for children so the ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais – French Ski School) varies the activities in its lessons so that the children find it exciting rather than a bit of a chore. Skiing en famille can also be an enjoyable experience: a whole day is likely to be too much for most children but it obviously depends on their fitness level and stamina. As a guide, 8–12 year olds can normally stay out for about three hours, so six half-days of lessons should be just right. Some ski schools offer skiing in the morning and activities during the afternoon.”

“In terms of your choice of resort, gentle runs and nursery slopes are a must for children

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(or adults!) who are learning how to ski. Resorts with well-linked ski areas are best to save the hassle of walking with your skis. Ski-in ski-out accommodation is the most convenient: skiing from the door and back to the apartment means much less walking with equipment. (Ski boots and skis are heavy and children often get very tired walking even a few hundred yards from the apartment). This type of residence often books up quickly, especially at peak times, so it’s wise to book early. As an alternative, accommodation with a ski bus close by is a good idea, again minimising the walking distance. And a resort with lots of extra activities is advisable in case any of the children in your party decide they aren’t so keen on skiing!”

“Nearly all our resorts in the French Alps are suitable for skiing with children of any age and any ski level. If we were to select just a few, we particularly recommend the following family4

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Chalet des Neiges, available through Peak Retreats

ski resorts: Aussois, which is a charming village suited mainly to beginners and intermediates with green runs down to the village; Oz en Oisans, a traffic-free resort that’s safe for children, and a quieter, more compact alternative to Alpe d’Huez; and Samoens, which has an excellent nursery slope area at Samoens 1600 (reached by high speed gondola from the village), one of the biggest in the Haute-Savoie.”

Scott Dunn has also been planning family ski holidays for many years. This award winning luxury tour operator creates tailor-made holidays all over the world, including at ski chalets in the Alps. Ski Product Manager Kirsty offers her tips for a happy holiday: “Happy kids = happy parents. A homefrom-home environment where you don’t have to worry about the kids running around means that a chalet is an ideal choice. Add in some fantastic childcare and Mum and Dad can enjoy guilt-free time on the slopes too. And having a chef and host to take care of your every need allows a break from the domestic chores and takes away any stress.”

Kirsty offers several tips for a successful family ski holiday. These include booking your tables well in advance for lunch on the mountain or evening meals in the resort; choosing afternoon ski lessons – it’s usually warmer, cheaper and less busy; finding

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Première Neige’s Grand Solliet

time to explore the activities happening away from the slopes, such as leisure centres, climbing walls and toboggan runs; and not forgetting to go for a hot chocolate, as there’s something rather special about taking the kids for a ’hot choccie’ to warm up after being out in the fresh air all day.

Her top three resort picks are Courchevel and Val d’Isère in Europe and Whistler in North America.

The skiing in Courchevel is ideal for families, with gentle slopes leading down into the village meaning that you don’t have to hike up to the top with the kids in tow. There are lots of family parks on the slopes for a bit of fun and the new Aquamotion swimming pool complex will be a real attraction for children.

In Val d’Isère, Scott Dunn has a range of chalets suited to families, including some very good British-run options, and the resort has recently improved access to some of its gentler slopes.

For both of these resorts, Scott Dunn also has an in-resort driver service to add to the hassle-free experience.

Further afield, Whistler is very family friendly resort with a number of off-slope activities including Fire & Ice shows, Tubing and Husky Rides.

Returning to the French Alps, Sainte Foy is a

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family matters feature… WINTER WONDERLAND

Chalet Chinchilla in Courchevel, available through Scott Dunn

boutique winter sports resort which offers a relaxed friendly atmosphere, luxurious properties and uncrowded slopes. Première Neige is the Sainte Foy family specialist and has provided catered and self-catered luxury ski holidays there since 2001.

Children are well looked after, with under sevens skiing free of charge and a full range of indoor and outdoor activities including sledging, snowman building and snowballing.

The emphasis at Première Neige is on providing first class accommodation and personal service, ensuring that all guests enjoy a relaxing and memorable holiday. All of its 30 properties are located close to the slopes and some are essentially ski-in ski-out. For example, Première Neige’s Chalet Grand Solliet sleeps ten and is in the heart of the resort. Catered chalets offer hot tubs, en suite bedrooms and games rooms, while professional chefs and chalet hosts ensure that your children have tailored menus and an earlier children’s dinner sitting. A daytime or evening nanny service can also be supplied.

Fiona Harvey, Director of Première Neige, explains what makes the resort such a good location: “Sainte Foy has a timeless beauty and simplicity, with uncrowded slopes as well as fantastic off-piste terrain. It appeals to hard-core

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skiers but also to families who love the ease of access to their chalets (there are no buses or long walks in ski boots required), our crèche and the kids’ club with its wide slopes and small ski school groups. The focus here is on the mountains, the snow and the views. Our guests can enjoy old fashioned quality time with friends and family in this special corner of the Alps.”

Another bonus is that Sainte Foy’s lift system is easy to navigate, so it’s unlikely that anyone will get lost. With the resort’s village atmosphere and central meeting area, it is possible to give youngsters some freedom whilst knowing that they are never too far away.

One final tip: if you are planning a family ski trip this season, it is worth bearing in mind that the first snows have already fallen over the Alps and that this winter is expected to have one of the heaviest snowfalls in over 15 years. The perfect conditions for a perfect family ski holiday.

Contact details: Peak Retreats: 0844 576 0170 / peakretreats.co.uk Première Neige: 0131 510 2525 / premiere-neige.com Scott Dunn: 0203 393 4542 / scottdunn.com

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Books recommended by…

Madhatter Bookshop

The Madhatter Bookshop is a family run independent bookshop in Burford which sells both books and hats. Although Sara Hall, the owner, stocks the latest titles, she also keeps a look out for those quirky new books which are a great read and an ideal gift. She is always happy to provide advice on hats for every occasion and book suggestions to readers of all ages. Here, she presents her top recommendations for Christmas...

Walk this World by Debbie Powell £14.99, hardback for children of all ages Walk this World is an absolute gem. This Christmas book is filled with exquisite illustrations and advent calendar-style flaps exploring the traditions and rituals of Christmas around the world. It makes a lovely present for any child wanting to find out about how Christmas is celebrated in faraway places. I would love a copy in my Christmas stocking, please!

History of the Land Rover with a forward by Stephen Vokins £12.99, hardback Launched in 1947, the Land Rover has had some surprising owners including King George VI and Sir Winston Churchill. The idea of the Land Rover was developed by the Wilkes brothers, Maurice and Spencer – owners of the Rover car company, following the success of the American Jeep during the Second World War. Once the British army took possession of their first fleet of cars, the Land Rover’s place in motoring’s hall of fame was secured. Today, it is one of the most beloved and iconic of cars.

This book is an ideal gift for any proud Land Rover owner.

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

books recommended by… MADHATTER BOOKSHOP One Man’s Everest by Kenton Cool £20, hardback Back in 1996, Kenton Cool fell and shattered both his heel bones while climbing in Wales. Doctors predicted that he would never walk unaided again, but following weeks in hospital, three operations, months in a wheelchair and long periods of rehab, Kenton fought back. Today Kenton Cool is considered to be the finest alpine climber of this generation: he has climbed Everest 11 times and in 2009 he guided Sir Ranulph Fiennes to the summit of Everest – raising over £3 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Even now, Kenton is not free from pain but he continues to climb. One Man’s Everest goes some way to explain Kenton’s undimmed passion for climbing.

Now is the Time by Melvyn Bragg £18.99, hardback Melvyn Bragg’s most recent novel describes the turbulent days of the Peasants’ Revolt. Set against a backdrop of social unrest, plague, unfair taxes and dwindling royal coffers, for a few critical days it seemed as if the vast numbers of people marching on London might actually succeed in uprooting Church and State. Bragg brilliantly portrays the main protagonists and vividly evokes one of the most pivotal moments in English history. Now is the Time is an intensely moving and well researched novel.

Guinea Pig Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen, Alex Goodwin and Tess Gammell £7.99, hardback for adults and children Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a surprise bestseller and this year it’s A Guinea Pig Pride and Prejudice, an entirely novel retelling of Jane Austen’s classic story. This adaptation includes extracts from the book accompanied by beautifully staged photographs. Ideal for anyone who loves guinea pigs, Jane Austen and has a weakness for the absurd!

Harry Potter: The Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling £30, hardback The first illustrated edition of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter is packed with colour illustrations by Jim Kay, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal. I am sure that this new and accessible edition will encourage many more young readers to explore the magical world of Harry Potter. It makes a great addition to any child’s library.

Madhatter Bookshop, Burford: 01993 822539 / OX18 4QJ / madhatterbooks.co.uk

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OCTAVIA’S BOOKSHOP

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da

o st

Nostalgic classics, brilliant new bestsellers and a wonderful range of children’s books.

Great recommendations for all ages and a variety of events including some great author signings!

24 Black Jack Street, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 2AA 01285 650677 | www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk

1 Oxford Street, Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire GL55 0LA

t: 01608 651618 www.henrysofmoreton.com

We are also stockists for Bladen, Seeland, Quba Sail, Anna Lascata, Olney and Pampeano.

HenrysMoreton • Henry’s of Moreton • henrysofmoreton

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style&lifestyle

EDITOR’S CHOICE: FASHION & BEAUTY EXPERT COMMENT: BY HENRY BONAS GIFT GUIDE: PASS THE PARCEL FOOD & DRINK FEATURE: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS CHEF PROFILE: ALAN GLEESON THE PREVIEW INTERVIEW: GARETH NEWTON NOT ON THE HIGH STREET: THE SUFFOLKS, CHELTENHAM SPECIALIST BUSINESS PROFILE: JUST FABRICS NEW BUSINESS PROFILE: BETTY & VIOLET MY COTSWOLDS: THOMAS JENNER-FUST & CATRIN HAMPTON Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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Editor’s Choice… FASHION & BEAUTY Qutis in Witney is one of Oxfordshire’s leading medico-beauty skin clinics, offering a range of wrinkle injection treatments, dermal fillers and laser hair removal. A recent addition to its treatment menu is the Fire & Ice Facial by iS Clinical – an intensive masque treatment designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin. One of the advantages of this facial is that there’s no ‘down time’ afterwards, so you can fit it into the busiest of schedules.

For further details, contact Qutis: 01993 704050 / OX28 6DB / qutisclinics.co.uk

Editor’s Choice

Our round-up of fashion and beauty news from across the Cotswolds…

India Mahon’s bespoke jewellery boutique in Stow-on-the-Wold recently reopened after an expansion and refurbishment. It now extends to over 30 square metres and showcases India’s own hand made jewellery designs as well as Sarie Joynes’ rose cut diamond bracelets and Stow London luxury leather travel jewellery boxes – of which India Mahon is the only stockist outside Harrods. When you visit, don’t miss the chance to stock up on fresh blooms from the fabulous new florist next door.

India Mahon: 01451 830676 / GL54 1HQ / indiamahon.com The most recent fashion addition to Burford High Street is La Bulle, a boutique specialising in leather handbags and accessories such as scarves and jewellery. The selection of smart totes and shoulder bags is particularly good. For North Cotswold residents and visitors, there is also a sister shop in Broadway. La Bulle: la-bulle.co.uk

If you’re shopping for party wear this Christmas, Anthropologie in Bath has a brilliant selection of frocks and sequined tops that exude understated glam.

It also has a very user-friendly website offering free delivery and returns.

Anthropologie, Bath: 01225 335578 / BA1 1BE / anthropologie.com The family run Henry’s of Moreton is a great source for country and coastal clothing, such as this snuggly Crossover cardigan (£99) by British knitwear brand Peregrine Clothing. You can also find 100% waterproof Fairfax and Favor leather boots; Musto jackets; Quba Sails gilets; and Le Chameau wellington boots. Henry’s of Moreton: 01608 651618 / GL56 0LA / henrysofmoreton.com

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Home & Gifts Looking for top to toe rejuvenation?

Spring Hair and Beauty Salon is the home of affordable indulgence. At our Salon, we invite you to escape from the stresses and strains imposed by modern living. Our friendly Professional Stylists and Therapists use only the highest quality products to help you revitalise your body, improve your health, looks and general well being. Spring treatments will leave you relaxed, refreshed and indulged, ready for life. We are open six days a week for: Hair styling and Colouring including Moroccan Oil Blow-drys Beauty Treatments Specialising in Dermalogica Face Mapping and Facials All our Stylists and Therapists are trained to a very high standard. For further information, please call the Salon on 01993 201195 or visit www.springhairandbeauty.co.uk Join our Facebook Group for updates: Spring Hair and Beauty Salons

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Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

Black Jack Street, Cirencester GL7 2AA tel: 01285 650308 Kendrick Street, Stroud GL5 1AA tel: 01453 764399

rococogifts.co.uk

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expert comment… REFLECTIONS ON 2015

EXPERT COMMENT

by Henry Bonas

Reflections on 2015 Professional party planner Henry Bonas highlights some of this year’s most memorable parties and reflects that time flies when you’re having fun…

The events industry is a seasonal business with a summer scramble of outdoor parties, marquee weddings, barbecues and cocktail parties late into the summer evenings. Then the clocks change, Halloween strikes and we hunker down for the quieter winter months, reflecting on some of the most memorable moments of the year, before getting stuck into Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.

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Our business is now in its 12th year and we have become renowned for creating spectacular themed productions at private parties. 2015 has been no exception: think African savannah to Argentinian steakhouse, an open air festival to a London operetta – and everything in between!

The production team is now so experienced that our clients very often give us their chosen4

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

A truly diverse collection of really great gifts. Come and be inspired by the unique and considered collections we’ve chosen.

Days Mill, Old Market Nailsworth GL6 0DU

Gilli Hanna Decorative Antiques French & country furniture & accessories Online & at Station Mill Chipping Norton OX7 5HX www.gillihanna-antiques.co.uk 07771 766 055

53 Long Street Tetbury GL8 8AA

www.domestic-science-home.co.uk hello@domestic-science-home.co.uk Tel: 01453 833123

VINTAGE BOUTIQUE

A unique and cosy shop with lots of quirky, pretty and collectable items. Vintage, antique and handmade goods alongside carefully chosen new items that make perfect gifts and unusual decorative items for the home. A warm welcome and vintage chatter awaits‌ tel:01386 859126 BettyandViolet

www.bettyandviolet.com

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

14 Cotswold Court, The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7AA

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expert comment… REFLECTIONS ON 2015

theme, followed by a blank canvas to design and produce spectacular parties. The fun begins there and doesn’t stop until the lights go down.

At the African themed birthday party, guests arrived to the sound of African drums and music from an upbeat Senegal band. An assortment of succulent meats roasted away over open fire pits and guests enjoyed Serengeti Mojitos and Madikwe Sundowners before sitting down to a safari dinner under the great African sky. There were tree trunk tables, camp fire flames, African grasses, a zebra bar and a mirrored dance floor representing a water hole – we even had a crocodile there as well.

The Gaucho party again transported guests into an illusionary world of cowboys riding the plains of Argentina. We barbecued a whole cow, Asado style, on an open fire and guests danced the night away to a Latin American 12 piece Cumbia band. Instead of everyone sitting down for dinner, guests mingled around as our staff circulated various Gaucho delicacies. With lots of cowhides, barrels and wagon wheels, fires and atmospheric lighting, the party didn’t stop until the sun came up.

One of my favourite weddings of the 2015 season was a traditional English country garden, afternoon tea party. After the wedding service, guests came back to the bride’s parents’ garden and had a delicious afternoon tea with a four piece jazz band playing in the background. Everyone then toasted the newlyweds before they jetted off on honeymoon. The atmosphere was very romantic, traditional and English with bunting, guy ropes, crisp Champagne and tiny scones with clotted cream. We love the English summer!

Thinking back on 2015 and previous weddings and parties, I realise that I’m very lucky to be able to work in such a creative and fun industry. We are already planning a number of exciting weddings and parties for 2016, so watch this space. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year – remember it is the people who make a party!

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Cotswold based Henry Bonas plans bespoke weddings and events such as private parties throughout the UK. For further details, call Henry on 01285 721199 or visit www.henrybonas.com

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL

PASS the parcel

On the following pages, we highlight our favourite Christmas gift ideas – focussing on items made in the Cotswolds or available locally…

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A thoughtful treat…

The new centenary celebration Ladybird books (£6.99 each) make light-hearted presents. They deal in an amusing manner with a number of ‘grown-up’ issues, illustrated in a nostalgic style. Available from Octavia’s Bookshop in Cirencester: 01285 650677 / GL7 2AA / octaviasbookshop.co.uk This ‘Christmas pudding’ and giant chocolate sixpence (£8.50) are hand made from Belgian chocolate – perfect for a chocoholic.

Available from Emporium Gift Shop in Winchcombe and Cheltenham: 01242 602999 / GL54 5LH; 01242 581000 / GL53 7LY / emporiumgiftshop.co.uk These irresistible Triceratops and T-Rex knitted toys (from £9.50) are suitable for children of all ages.

The small T/Rex also doubles as a rattle and comes in green, blue or multicolours. Available from Cologne & Cotton in Cheltenham: 01242 528184 / GL50 1SU / cologneandccotton.com Monsoon Estates is a traditional craft coffee company which hand roasts small batches of coffee. A selection of its goodies (from £10) is sure to please any foodie. Monsoon Estates Coffee Company, near Stratford-upon-Avon: 01789 459073 / CV37 8DX / monsoonestates.co.uk

100 Acres produces a range of heavenly smelling, organic lotions and potions, hand blended using botanical ingredients. This sage and lemon shampoo (£12) includes essential oils and plant extracts. Available from 100 Acres Apothecary, Cheltenham: 01242 821135 / 100acres.co.uk

The French Champagne region produces some of the best wines for celebrating. Here is a cracker at an amazing price: Les Deux Dauphins, which is a delicious, creamy champagne, at a case price of £14.95 per bottle.

Available from Vinotopia Wine Merchants in Tetbury: 01666 502262 / GL8 8EU / vinotopiawine.co.uk

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gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL These Peregrine Socks (£17) are made from the perfect 80/20 blend of wool and nylon to ensure that they’re comfortable and hard wearing.

They are also machine washable and won’t shrink. Available from Henry’s of Moreton in Moreton-in-Marsh: 01608 651618 / GL56 0LA / henrysofmoreton.com From Babies with Love charity bear (£18.99), has been designed in collaboration with Boots. Suitable from birth, the bear and bib are made from luxuriously soft, organically grown cotton.

100% of profits from every sale are donated to SOS Children.

Available from Boots: boots.com Aston Pottery’s hand stencilled ceramics combine British manufacturing with eyecatching, artisan design. This large mug (£14.99) and half pint jug (£17.99) feature one of the pottery’s Christmas patterns. Available from Aston Pottery, near Bampton: 01993 852031 / OX18 2BT / astonpottery.co.uk

Danish lifestyle magazine Jeanne d’Arc Living is renowned for its photography of inspiring homes as well as vintage and antique textiles and décor. The magazine’s hardback calendar for 2016 (£16.95) presents a diary full of evocative images and a saying for every day. Available from Betty & Violet in Broadway: 01386 859126 / WR12 7AA / bettyandviolet.com

This three-wick Bay & Rosemary candle (£21.80) (£21.80)

by St Eval Candle Company comes in a terracotta pot that can be planted up with herbs after the candle is used. Available from Rococo Home and Gifts in Cirencester and Stroud: 01285 650308 / GL7 2AA; 01453 764399 / GL5 1AA / rococogifts.co.uk

Unique artwork with a definite hint of quirkiness! Guaranteed to be a talking point, this Deer & Chair Print (£25) by FabFunky features a dandyish gentleman stag lounging nonchalantly. Available from Cotswold Trading in Broadway: 01386 853331 / WR12 7DT / cotswoldtrading.com 4

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A lovely surprise…

This super-soft jumper (£26.95) by Joules has button detailing to one shoulder and a very friendly-looking polar bear friend.

Sure to bring a smile to any little face. Available from Rikki Tikki in Broadway: 01386 859650 / WR12 7DW / cotswoldtrading.com ’Cotswold Brandy’ from Poulton Hill Estate, near Cirencester, has a wonderful nose of deep almond and vanilla, with hints of wood and notes of spice. Only 500 hand numbered bottles are available, in 35cl (£21.99) or 50cl (£29.99). The ideal gift for a brandy lover.

Poulton Hill Estate: 07885 489792 / GL7 5JA / poultonhillestate.co.uk

For beauty product aficionados: Dermalogica’s Skinperfect Primer (£38.80/22ml) is suitable for all skin types. It contains peptides and AGE Smart® actives to help firm skin and shield against free radical damage.

A treat for tired skin at Christmas time. Available from V5 Beauty in Minchinhampton: 01453 887822 / GL6 9BN / v5beauty.co.uk

Handmade in the Cotswolds, this stylish Harris tweed tie (£29) would be ideal for a country loving man in your life.

Available online from Harriet Hoot: 07969 798194 / GL19 3NY / harriethoot.com These French books with pale blue paper covers, dated 1838 (£32 per bundle), might be just the thing to appeal to someone with an interest in interior design (or 19th century French literature). Available from Gilli Hanna at Station Mill Antiques in Chipping Norton: 01608 644563 / OX7 5HX / gillihanna-antiques.co.uk The Highgrove Winter Gardening Gauntlets (£34.95) are made from butter-soft leather and their long cuffs sport the Highgrove Winter print – a unique pattern featuring striking topiary shapes found within the Royal Gardens at Highgrove. Available from Highgrove Shop in Tetbury: GL8 8AQ / highgroveshop.com

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gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL A ‘From Babies With Love’ gift set of babygrow and swaddling blanket (£49.95) in premium organic cotton. 100% of profits from each sale are donated to help orphaned and abandoned children worldwide. Available online in sizes 0–3 months and 3–6 months: frombabieswithlove.org

Light up a loved one’s Christmas with a Broste metal hurricane lamp (£50), a Danish design which would be complemented by these hand poured Deko candles (£5–£12). Available from Cotswold Grey in Moreton-in-Marsh: 01608 650446 / GL56 0AE / cotswoldgrey.com Plooms fountain pens (£59) are a great gift for keen wordsmiths, young or old. Designed to be snug and weighty in the hand, the pens are currently available in these eight colours. Available online from Plooms: plooms.co.uk

Add some sparkle to Christmas with this unique necklace from the 1940s (£60). The joy of vintage accessories is that you can be sure that no-one else will be giving – or wearing – the same design. This and many other vintage items are available from Lily & Violet Vintage in Dursley: 01453 549962 / GL11 4ND / lilyandvioletvintage.co.uk A retro ride-on scooter with multi-directional casters by Indigo Jamm (£72.50), ideal for fun loving children with design loving parents. Available from Rikki Tikki in Broadway: 01386 859650 / WR12 7DW / cotswoldtrading.com Mad et Len Scent & Candles range provides a stylish alternative to pot pourri: black lava rocks are infused with hand blended scent from Grasse and beautifully packaged in a metal pot made by French blacksmiths (£75).

Available from Taylor Black in Tetbury: 01666 503412 / GL8 8DD / taylorblack.co.uk 4

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Something special…

This hand crafted purse, available exclusively from Hannah Paget Designs in Minchinhampton, is made from the finest quality Italian leather. Hannah Paget Designs: 01453 451823 / GL6 9BN / hannahpaget.co.uk

Made by a small, family run weaving company in Finland, this 100% wool Pocket Shawl (£85) features large pockets to help keep fingers toasty warm. Available from Domestic Science in Tetbury: 01666 503667 / GL8 8AA / domscihome.wordpress.com

How about adopting a vine at the award winning Three Choirs Vineyard near Newent?

The ‘adoption package’ (£89.50) includes a winery tour, wine tasting and lunch for two people in the Vineyard Restaurant, plus a name-plate on the vine of your choice. Three Choirs Vineyard: 01531 890223 / GL18 1LS / three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk Designed by Cotswold resident Maritzina Slater and made from traditional Dhurrie textiles, Accha’s new collection of Clutches includes this fabulous suede-fringed design (£135) with detachable strap. Large enough to hold an iPad or 14” laptop, it is perfect for switching from daytime boho-chic to evening glamour. This style also comes in black/gold.

Available online from Accha: acchadesigns.com Mended Cups, from the illy Art collection, consists of six cups that bear gold ’shattered’ and ’mended’ crack lines. These are accompanied by six individual saucers with Yoko Ono’s handwriting, naming six catastrophic events that have affected the world. The seventh cup in the collection is untouched, reflecting peace and hope.

The limited edition boxed set (£110) is signed and numbered. Available from Gusto in Cheltenham: 01242 239111 / GL50 1SD / gusto-deli.com Ampilatwatja artists Colleen Morton, Rosie Ross and Margaret Ross have painted for many years and have worked on reproducing their paintings onto 100% silk scarves (£120). The paintings help keep their Aboriginal culture strong and its stories alive. Available from Bay Gallery Home in Tetbury: 07776 157066 / GL8 8DA / baygalleryhome.com

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gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL For something distinctive, look no further than this Taylor Black Golden Pear necklace with its weighty charm strung from a fine, curb style 18” chain (£124 for 18ct yellow gold plate / £104 for silver). Available from Taylor Black in Tetbury: 01666 503412 / GL8 8DD / taylorblack.co.uk

A budding chef or Bake Off fan is likely to be very impressed indeed by this 10-speed Smeg Stand Mixer (£349.99) which comes with a whisk, flat beater and dough hook. The retro styling should also appeal to design fans. Available online from Currys: currys.co.uk

This hand etched crystal jug (£170) and cocktail glass (£85) by William Yeoward are pictured on a Barnbury gilt iron and mirror Centrepiece tray (£85) alongside Barnbury’s Gilt Quercus mirror (£340). Available from Barnbury in Winchcombe: 01242 300330 / GL54 5LH / barnbury.com

These rings (£120–£3,185) are from a contemporary collection called Manu.

All pieces are hand made in Germany, in silver and 22ct gold; some also have diamond or precious stone detailing. Available from R.J. Spicer in Cheltenham: 01242 574871 / GL50 2AF / rjspicer.com

A super-soft and luxurious natural reindeer hide (£149) might suit a bookworm: it is perfect for snuggling into by a fire. Each hide is unique. Available from Katie Bonas in Chedworth: 01285 740765 / GL54 3LQ / katiebonas.co.uk

This charming Cato Stag Round Footstool by Voyage (£165) is made from printed linen, edged in smart Benmore Oatmeal with legs of solid beech. Available from Cotswold Trading in Broadway: 01386 853331 / cotswoldtrading.com4 WR12 7DT / cotswoldtrading.com

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gift guide… PASS THE PARCEL

A gift to treasure…

Celebrate in ultimate style with this indulgent White Orchid Champagne Bucket (£214) by Michael Aram, hand made from stainless steel with nickel plate. Available online from Amara: amara.com Perfect for the technolphile in your life: an Apple watch (Apple Watch Sport from £299). Information, messages and apps are always just a raise of the wrist away. Available from Western Computers in Cheltenham: 01242 234700 / GL50 1JZ / western.co.uk A gift voucher for a professional portrait session with Jo Hansford Photography makes a wonderful bespoke gift for friends or family. From £95 for baby, £125 for family or £150 for equine photoshoots. Each shoot experience is tailored to suit the recipient’s style and includes a 10”x7” mounted print. Jo Hansford Photography: 0117 953 5801 / johansfordphotography.com Cotswold jeweller India Mahon designs bold and beautiful everyday jewellery. These one-of-a-kind earrings (£369) feature rise cut natural Aquamarine slices set in a hammered bezel setting with peridot. Available exclusively from India Mahon Jewellery in Stow-on-the-Wold: 01451 830676 / GL54 1HQ / indiamahon.com

The Startimer Pilot chronograph watch (£845) is by Alpina, an official supplier to the world’s air forces since the beginning of the last century. It complies with the strict requirements of professional pilots: extreme precision, instant readability and shock resistance. Available from Michael Jones Jeweller in Banbury: 01295 263540 / OX16 5JG / michaeljonesjeweller.co.uk

This stunning ring (£8,400) by Ungar and Ungar has a 3.39ct emerald cut aquamarine surrounded by a diamond and blue sapphire border, set in 18ct white gold. Available from Michael Jones Jeweller in Banbury: 01295 263540 / OX16 5JG / michaeljonesjeweller.co.uk

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Make a trip to Chipping Norton and visit our eclectic gift and lifestyle shop for unique and inspiring gifts this Christmas!

There is something for everyone if you appreciate style, quality and something with a difference. www.mashlifestyle.co.uk ďŹ nd MASH_lifestyle on

and

9 High Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5AD Tel: 01608 644 669

Party dres ses

& Christm as gifts

38 Silver Street, Dursley, Glos. GL11 4ND

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

www.lilyandvioletvintage.co.uk

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A very

Christmas

merry

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DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

food & drink feature… A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

With the festive season well under way, what better time to stock up on locally made drinks – from English wines to refreshing fruit cordials – to add a taste of the Cotswolds to your Christmas table…

English wines have been wowing wine experts for years now, with sparkling wines challenging those from our closest neighbours across the Channel. Increasingly, rosés and reds have also started winning awards. As temperatures in England nudge upwards, so do the number of grape varieties which will survive and thrive here.

Vineyard acreage is now at its highest ever level in the UK, having doubled over the last seven years.

There are now about 500 vineyards in England and Wales, ranging from small enterprises to larger-scale commercial ventures.

Bath residents Tony and Margaret Cox first dreamt of making their own wines when they discovered some superb wine made in Somerset in the early 1980s. As a food scientist, Tony was interested in the science behind making good quality wines. The couple realised that the field below their garden was south facing and gently 4

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food & drink feature… A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS sloping – ideal for growing certain grape varieties.

In 1985, they decided to make their dream come true and thus Mumfords Vineyard was born. ’Mumfords’ is the field’s historical name, recorded in ancient tithe maps and thought to be derived from ’Montfort’, for Simon de Montfort who owned land in the parish in 1250AD. Keeping the historic theme, the Mumfords wine label has been given a Roman design, inspired by a Roman coin found beneath a vine on the site.

Prior to launching their new venture, Tony and Margaret travelled to Germany where they researched grape varieties suited to colder climes.

Having found the ideal grapes, they then undertook several weeks of courses, learning how to prune and care for their new vines. The field was ploughed, vines planted and four years later the first crop was harvested. There are now four acres of vines under cultivation, with around 5,500 plants of three grape varieties: Madeleine Angevine,

Pink Tonic from Bottle & Green

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Reichensteiner and Triomphe. The grapes are picked and then processed and aged in a purpose built winery on site. Wines are available to buy direct from the vineyard (where visitors are also welcome to take a tour and taste the wines), by mail order or from local outlets.

Mumfords produces several varieties of wine including two types of white – the light crisp Madeleine Angevine and a blended medium dry – together with an award winning rosé and an outstanding English red wine. It has become an established name in the wine business, winning several Decanter Awards and being served at the reception for the Queen during her visit to Bath in 2002 and at a dinner on board HMS Victory at Portsmouth during the 2005 centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Tony Cox recommends his Mumfords Madeleine Angevine 2013 Dry white wine as the most sought after wine he produces, but his own preference is for red wine. He says, “Over the last 20 years, I have been interested in the challenge of making English red wine. To be at its best, this should be from a good vintage and aged for two to five years. Currently the Mumfords Red 2010 is drinking well, to be followed by the 2013 and 2014 wines.”

At another local vineyard, Three Choirs Vineyard near Newent, production is on a much larger scale. The first half acre of vines was planted in 1973 and today the vineyard has 75 acres in total, producing approximately 250,000 bottles of wine a year. Three Choirs has developed a unique process of growing modern grape varieties side by side with world renowned varieties such as Pinot Noir and Bacchus. This, along with cultivation methods adopted from the world’s most modern winemakers, gives a strong international flavour to the vineyard.

One of the reasons for Three Choir’s success is that the vineyard produces a range of wine styles, from sparkling (made by the traditional method) to white (from dry to Late Harvest – a medium 4

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Five Valleys Cordials

sweet dessert wine), rosé and red. Great care is taken to preserve the natural fruit character of the grapes and, to this end, the wine making here is slow and gentle. Managing Director Thomas Shaw says, “We want to keep the lovely soft fruit characteristics of the grapes all the way through the process. As a result, our wines have a wonderful balanced fruit flavour which is so reminiscent of our beautiful countryside.”

Three Choirs is recognised as one of the largest commercial wineries in England. It was also the first English vineyard to be awarded a Gold medal at Vinexpo in Bordeaux, France. As the vineyard acreage has grown, so too has what is on offer at the vineyard. A state of the art winery opened in 1990, alongside a visitor centre to cater for the growing number of visitors. The restaurant, which has wonderful views over the vines, is renowned for its cuisine: the chefs pride themselves on selecting the best fresh local produce and all dishes are designed to complement the wines.

In 2000, eight bedrooms were added next to the restaurant so that visitors could enjoy the wines without worrying about driving home. Three lodge rooms, set in among the vines, have also proved a popular recent addition.

Last year, Three Choirs became the proud owner of Wickham Vineyard in Hampshire. Thomas

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Shaw explains, “We have started an extensive programme of refurbishing the buildings there and will be replanting areas of the vineyards over the coming years. We believe that our extensive experience as one of England’s oldest and most established vineyards will help us develop the full potential of Wickham Vineyard, both in the quality of the wines produced and the visitor experience.”

So which wine would Thomas suggest for Christmas? “I’d recommend starting with our Classic Cuvée, then the Bacchus or Siegerrebe with the main course and Late Harvest to finish, which is particularly good with cheese.” Three Choirs wines can be bought online and are also stocked at Waitrose, as well as a number of independent wine merchants. The restaurant is open for lunch from 12noon–2pm, and for dinner from 7pm–9pm daily (from 1 January 2016, it will be closed on Sunday nights and Monday).

The third local vineyard we would like to highlight is Poulton Hill Estate, based just outside Cirencester. Originally a farm, it is now a small, friendly, family-run vineyard with 8,800 vines, producing a small volume of multi-award winning Cotswold sparkling wine. Founded in 2010, the first vintage was hand harvested just two years later. Grape varieties include white Bacchus, Seyval Blanc, Phoenix and Madeleine Angevine, as well

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

food & drink feature… A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS as the red Regent and Rondo. These perfectly complement the climate, geography and soil.

Each year, the harvest is carefully blended and balanced by an experienced contract winemaker and distiller to create the range of wines and spirits, with each vintage having a distinct flavour and a unique identity.

The estate’s first Cotswold Sparkling Wine – the 2012 vintage – was produced using the traditional method (the method used in Champagne), and received a Bronze Award at the South West Vineyard Association Competition in 2014; more recently, it won another national award, a Bronze Award from the UK Vineyards Association, English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition 2015. Only 3,000 bottles were produced and Poulton Hill Estate is releasing a maximum of 500 bottles per year with the remaining bottles staying on the lees. The second release off the lees has proven to have increased the complexity and depth of flavour in the wine.

The sparkling wine is 95% Seyval Blanc and Phoenix, 5% Regent and Rondo. A still white wine, which is 100% Phoenix, will become available shortly. And, in perfect time for Christmas, you may – if you are quick – still be able to find the Estate’s ’Cotswold Brandy,’ made from the 2013 harvest. This brandy is a very limited edition with only 500 bottles (35cl and 50cl), individually hand numbered.

Since the volumes are small and exclusive, Poulton Hill Estate wines are only available from a handful of selected wine merchants, local outlets and restaurants in Gloucestershire. These include Thyme Cookery School, The Swan at Southrop, Jolly Nice, Eat Wild, The Coterie, Thomas Panton Wine Merchants, Tom l’Anson Wines and Vinotopia, all of which note the estate’s popularity.

Smart, short stay accommodation is available at the vineyard in a newly converted Cotswold stone barn (The North Wing): there is a huge, open plan sitting/dining room downstairs and three en suite bedrooms upstairs. The grand Long Room is designed specifically for wine tastings and can also be used for corporate entertainment or private functions.

If your taste is for something non-alcoholic, cordials are a refreshing option. Happily, the world

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of cordials has moved on a long way from the traditional options of Elderflower or Blackcurrent (or Elderflower with Blackcurrent) and the flavour combinations now include exotic blends such as Pomegranate & Rose. As well as being easy to serve as a tall drinks – just add water and ice – cordials can be used undiluted to add flavour to marinades, cocktails or ice cream.

One of the first local names to spring to mind in the context of cordials is Five Valleys Cordials, the award winning soft drinks producer based in Stroud. Taking inspiration from the bohemian values and artisan industrial roots of the Cotswolds, husband and wife team Chris and Becky VerinderBaker set up the venture to build on their 40 years’ combined experience in the drinks industry. Chris says, “Living in the Cotswolds gives us a huge appreciation of our natural environment and living in Stroud, specifically, has given us a way of looking at the world that makes us want to do things a little differently.”

The couple created their first cordials at their kitchen table, using experience from their worldwide travels to invent unique flavour combinations. Chris explains, “We love putting together different 4

Mumfords Rosé from Mumfords Vineyard

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Becky and Chris Verinder-Baker, the founders of Five Valleys Cordials

Pixley Berries’ blackcurrant cordial

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flavour combinations and challenging the norm. To create individual blends, we look to combine a familiar flavour with a complementary flavour that wouldn’t normally spring to mind.

We find inspiration from our travels, our love of food and the Cotswold countryside that surrounds us.” Five Valleys’ core range of cordials consists of Pomegranate & Rose, Lemon & Mint, Peach & Lychee, Sloe & Raspberry, Coconut & Kaffir Lime, Apricot & Ginger and Cherry & Beetroot.

This year, Five Valleys Cordials has also introduced two new ranges: sugar-free cordials designed to appeal to the health conscious consumer and a 330ml sparking range for impulse buys and the food service sector.

Five Valleys Cordials are available at Waitrose, a number of local delis and food halls, or online from the company’s website and Ocado.

In 1989, husband and wife team Kit and Shireen Morris founded Bottlegreen Drinks Company, a company based in South Woodchester, near Stroud. They initially planted vines with a view to making elderflower wine but as they waited for the plants to mature, they started producing elderflower cordial instead, selling it at Farmers’ Markets and local delicatessens. This proved so popular that they changed their plans and focussed on making Bottlegreen cordials.

The first supermarket to sell Bottlegreen was Waitrose (in 1990) and in 2011 the company was sold to family run company SHS Drinks in Gloucester. The Bottlegreen factory now produces over 15 million bottles of elderflower cordial per year, supplying a number of UK supermarkets and independent outlets as well as exporting to countries such as Australia and Canada.

Bottlegreen’s range has expanded from that one original elderflower cordial to a range of 24 flavours, from Apple & Plum to Grapefruit & Honeysuckle, and all the products are free from artificial colours, sweeteners and flavourings.

Specially created for winter is the Spiced Berry cordial, available from October through to April.

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food & drink feature… A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Blackcurrants and aronia berries are blended with a range of aromatic spices to create a rich cordial that can either just be diluted with hot water or added to warmed red wine for instant mulled wine.

Finally, a little further afield but worthy of a mention is Pixley Berries, based near Ledbury. The company’s cordials are made from blackcurrants grown on site, so the main ingredient is nurtured from bush to bottle. The range includes Blackcurrant, Blackcurrant & Raspberry and Cranberry & Apple, and the cordials contain 60% fresh fruit juice plus sugar and water, resulting in a distinctively fruity taste. The cordials are best served with chilled still or sparkling water, or drizzled over natural yoghurt or ice cream. They also make mean mixers: try adding half a cap of Pixley Berries cordial to a glass of dry white wine or sparkling white wine.

The company is very conscious of the environment and proud of its rural heritage, enjoying several hectares of ancient woodland and a number of old coppices and orchards. Pixley Berries’ ethos is to encourage nature to reassert its

balance: the greatest friends for berry growers are bumblebees, ladybirds, lacewings, beetles, soldier beetles and spiders, so these natural predators are encouraged by choosing plant varieties which only require judicious use of fertiliser. This is beneficial for all wildlife as well as reducing the need for synthetic treatments on the crops.

If you would like to sample Pixley Berry Cordials, they are available from Waitrose, Ocado, Warner’s Budgens and selected Co-op stores.

Contact details: Bottlegreen Drinks Company: 01453 874000 / GL5 5ET / bottlegreendrinks.com Five Valleys Cordials: 01452 204200 / fivevalleyscordials.co.uk Mumfords Vineyard: 01225 858367 / BA1 7LQ / mumfordsvineyard.co.uk Pixley Berries: 01531 670228 / HR8 2QA / pixleyberries.co.uk Poulton Hill Estate: 01285 862288 / GL7 5JA / poultonhillestate.co.uk Three Choirs Vineyard: 01531 890223 / GL18 1LS / three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk

A selection of wines from Three Choirs Vineyard

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CHEF PROFILE

ALAN GLEESON Having trained with chefs including Robbie Macrae, Aaron Patterson and Paul Burns, Alan Gleeson recently moved to the Cotswolds and is now head chef at No.131 on The Promenade in Cheltenham…

Please could you tell us a little about your background and what first inspired you to become a chef?

I grew up in Newbury. Both my parents worked full time and my gran, who lived with us, would usually pick us up from school and cook our evening meal. Most nights, we would all sit down to eat as one. It didn’t matter how many guests arrived unannounced, there as always a place at the table and plenty of cabbage and potatoes – good Irish staples! I think this is where my interest in food developed: my gran was an amazing cook and I would always want to help, with everything from her soda bread to tipsy cakes, curries and her Seville orange marmalade which would fill the house with a wonderful citrus smell for days each year. I was then fortunate to work for my first head chef, Robbie Macrae, who pushed me and

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inspired me to go on and work with some other amazing chefs.

Where and with whom did you train?

My first formal training was with Robbie Macrae at The Royal Oak, Yattendon; I then worked with Aaron Patterson at Hambleton Hall, near Oakham, and Paul Burns at The Airds Hotel, Port Appin.

What is your favourite aspect of being a chef?

I love finding new flavour combinations or new techniques to bring out the best in a product. It is also very rewarding to teach new skills to the team.

What influences your cooking style?

The main influences are the seasons, my surroundings, holidays and replicating fond food memories in my own way.

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chef profile… ALAN GLEESON When did you move to the Cotswolds?

The first time around was in 1998, working for Ian and Christa Taylor at Cotswold House Hotel in Chipping Campden. Funnily enough, I bumped into them both recently at our NOPI event with Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully at our sister site, No.38 The Park. More recently I returned to the area when my son was born four years ago.

We have settled in Moreton-in-Marsh and, in that time, I have opened The Chequers at Churchill for The Lucky Onion group as well as spending two and a half years working for Lady Bamford at The Wild Rabbit.

What do you find to be the main challenges you face as a head chef?

When I took my first head chef role some 11 years ago, learning to manage a team was a huge challenge. You are taught to cook but rarely how to manage people. Now the challenge is looking for exciting and ethically sourced produce in and around 131 The Promenade and our neighbouring Lucky Onion sites such as The Wheatsheaf in Northleach and The Chequers in Churchill (my local). Fortunately, we are blessed with amazing producers in our area.

at Churchill just around the corner, we often eat there.

If there was one person in the world for whom you could cook, who would it be and what would you cook for them?

It would be my gran Eve and I would cook boiled ham, colcannon and parsley sauce.

If you hadn’t chosen to become a chef, what else would you have liked to be?

I think I would also enjoy being an architect.

From the restaurant’s menu at the moment, please choose your favourite dish and tell us why you would recommend it.

That would have to be the Crispy Pig’s Head with Piccalilli Puree. We caramelise the heads and cook them in a miso and ginger stock, following which the meat and fat are combined, seasoned, pressed and chilled. Then we bread them and deep fry until golden. The dish is sweet, sharp, crisp and moorish: so simple but so good.

Please can you give us some examples of what’s on your menu at the moment?

There’s Crispy Pig’s Head with Piccalilli Purée and Pickled Shallots; Haunch of Fallow Buck with Red Cabbage and Mushroom Ketchup; Hazelnut and Polenta Brownie with Grilled Pears; or maybe Gypsy Eggs on a Sunday brunch – made with Arlington white eggs from Cackleberry Farm. We have a very well priced set lunch menu at No.131 which has been really well received: £15 for two courses and £18 for three. Today’s menu had Beetroot with Walnut and Shallots; Whole Grilled John Dory with Salsa Verde, cooked in our Josper oven; and a light Coconut Yoghurt dessert topped with hazelnut granola and Autumn Bliss raspberries.

Do you enjoy cooking at home and, if so, what do you like to make?

I do, I love cooking simple and quick suppers such as Pad Thai, and a nice roast dinner with all the trimmings. However, with The Chequers

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No.131, Cheltenham: 01242 822939 / GL50 1NW / no131.com

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the

PREVIEWinterview

Gareth Newton As Head of Country Property at Jordan Hennessy, a bespoke property acquisition and asset management company with offices in Chipping Norton and Mayfair, Gareth talks to Sally Bult about the joys of life in the Cotswolds…

Where were you brought up?

I was born and bred in Bath and then lived all over the country, including a spell in Henley. I returned to the Cotswolds ten years ago.

As a property expert, you must have been asked this before: where do you yourself choose to live and why?

I live in Oakridge Lynch, mid-way between Cirencester and Stroud. It’s a village that my wife and I adore – she was born not far away. You could almost say it’s a village that time forgot. There’s

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a wonderful community and I’ve been Chairman of the Governors at the village school for many years as my children went there when they were small. It’s great to be part of community life and it’s something I always encourage our clients to do, regardless of how long they spend in their property: to be part of their local community.

What is your professional background?

My background was originally in marketing, working in the commercial sector before I moved into consultancy. I then started working with schools and

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

the Preview interview… GARETH NEWTON families – chiefly families relocate their school of and that’s how I real estate.

assisting around choice, got into

Could you tell us a little about Jordan Hennessy?

We operate as specialist advisors in the acquisition of prime residential properties in London, Oxford and the Cotswolds. We deal in corporate and private client relocation as well as providing services in estate and land management, tenancy, sporting rights and even portfolio planning for our retained clients. A lot of our clients are purchasing property for use as a weekend retreat, some are moving to the country, whilst others are looking to add to a property portfolio. We only act for a limited number of clients each year so that there isn’t any conflict in terms of brief, budget and area at any particular time. Our clients value our level of service and discretion to ensure we help them protect their family enjoyment as well as their wealth. Being successful at this means the vast majority of our clients come to us through referral.

What have been the property market trends this year?

As we only deal with properties valued at £1 million plus, we’ve noticed considerable growth in the demand for properties with a spend of £2 million to £5 million. Our clients are looking for quintessential Cotswold properties such as rectories or farmhouses within key areas such as the Coln, Windrush or Evenlode valleys. The recent launch of Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, along with the ever popular Daylesford and Wild Rabbit at Kingham continue to provide a real draw for buyers and showcase the Cotswolds to those living further afield.

2015 has been an unusual year: we had the general election which prompted concern about the mansion tax, then during the summer

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Many of Jordan Hennessy’s clients are seeking a rural property at which to spend weekends and holidays

the Chinese and Asian market crisis affected portfolios and pensions and I think there was a reluctance from property owners to sell, and also a resistance from buyers, with both waiting for the climate to become more stable. However, there has been year on year price growth, and properties coming to the market are on at a premium. If priced correctly, they are selling quickly.

How would you describe your clients?

A lot of our clients are looking for a weekend or holiday home, where they can take time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, especially if they have children. Sometimes they will do this only to purchase another more permanent home and move full time to the country several years later, whilst retaining a base in the city. Oxford and Cheltenham are ’best of both worlds’ options for those who may not want to move to a rural location. We have an office in London to meet clients and we can also find property in the capital for them if required. We don’t just provide a property acquisition service – we can provide a range of services, from portfolio planning to forestry and conservation advice. It’s really a bespoke concierge service. 4

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the Preview interview… GARETH NEWTON

An aerial view of central Oxford

High net worth individuals experience this level of service in London and have come to expect it in the Cotswolds too.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I love getting out into the heart of the Cotswolds and watching the face of a client when they see a property they adore. It could be driving down a tree lined avenue or turning a corner and seeing the property for the first time and witnessing the realisation of their dreams. Money can’t buy that feeling. We usually do a tour of properties with the individual and their family and encourage them to live and breathe where they want to live - if it’s all done just on paper, they may find it’s not the dream they envisaged once they move in. On a balmy summer’s day, driving down the lanes, it’s a wonderful part of the job.

Jordan Hennessy has a number of community initiatives: why are those important to the business?

Most of us in the firm have children and we want to bring a family approach within the business. We’ve

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done the career-building path and everything feels better with family involved. We look at a range of local charities, and will support various causes as different things touch our lives. Currently we support R.O.S.Y – respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s sick youngsters, enabling children to be nursed in their own homes.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s always nice to go away on holiday but I think it is a privilege to live in the Cotswolds. Lots of people come for their holidays here and we get to experience it 365 days a year! The changing scenery never fails to move me: the autumnal colours at Westonbirt Arboretum are stunning, being cut off by snow in our village in winter is a dream, and driving through the Coln Valley past all the hedgerows in spring is just glorious. I could go on and on…

Jordan Hennessy: 01608 647970 / jordanhennessy.com

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

www.poultonhillestate.co.uk For sales and enquiries please call 07885 489792 Poulton Hill Estate, Poulton, Cirencester, GL7 5JA

Award-winning English wines

Proud winners of bronze medal for English & Welsh Wine of the Year Competition 2015 from United Kingdom Vineyards Association

Black A39895_2 PoultonFINAL_ai 124421 Height 73.0 x Width 98.0 mm 25-06-2014 10:19:39

Gold foil Cutter

COTSWOLD BRANDY - the perfect gift for any brandy lover.

Limited edition, only 500 bottles available each individually hand numbered.

Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

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not on the high street… THE SUFFOLKS, CHELTENHAM

The Suffolks With a welcoming village atmosphere, The Suffolks in Cheltenham is set around the mid-19th century Suffolk Square which is named after the Earl of Suffolk, who briefly owned the area from 1808. The square itself contains predominantly late Georgian and early Victorian villas and terraced houses that give the area its distinct identity…

The Suffolks has been described as “the Notting Hill of Cheltenham” and is home to a host of restaurants, cafés and delis as well as antique and interior shops and a range of boutiques specialising in vintage clothing, giftware and jewellery. These streets are an artisan area within Cheltenham, with many of the creative professions, such as landscape designers, interior designers, silversmiths and photographers, choosing to locate here away from the bustle of the town centre.

One such creative enterprise is R. J. Spicer Goldsmith, run by husband and wife team Ryan and Lisa Spicer. The couple pride themselves on producing beautiful, original jewellery and personal commissions such as engagement and wedding rings. Bespoke pieces are hand crafted in the workshop by Ryan, who has been designing and crafting contemporary jewellery for more than 22 years. Each unique piece Ryan creates tells a story for those who treasure it.

Lisa says, “We make wedding bands in all precious metals – silver, gold, palladium and platinum – so we can work to all budgets. We can also incorporate the customer’s own yellow gold, perhaps using an item of jewellery that has been inherited from a loved one. For example, Ryan can sleeve the yellow gold with platinum, palladium or white gold.”

The Suffolks is also home to Antique Crystal Chandeliers, which offers a wide selection of vintage chandeliers sourced throughout England, Italy, France, Belgium and Holland. There are over 300 chandeliers on display, ranging from traditional, restrained Dutch and English designs to very decorative multi-branch Murano chandeliers from Italy. Many are unique and unrepeatable: some were originally operated with gas, others

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were designed for candles and have subsequently been rewired for electricity to meet the current regulations. Antique Crystal Chandeliers also offers a range of period wall lights.

For anyone with an interest in fashion, a visit to Bodega is a must. This boutique opened in The Suffolks just over two years ago after the success of its Worcester shop. Bodega is known for stocking stylish, reasonably priced clothing -– from great basics to fantastic party dresses – and for its very personal customer service. By hosting shopping evenings, Bodega can offer corporate clients something a little different and the business is also involved in headlining local fashion shows for charity.

Newly opened at No 53 Great Norwood Street‬ is the photography studio/gallery Sam Oldfield Photography. Sam specialises in ‘people photography’, capturing beautiful images of individuals, families and couples – including wedding photos. Before each photoshoot, there is chance to discuss in depth the style of images you would like, as well as details such as makeup. The price of a photoshoot includes being given all the images on a disc as well as two framed photos of your choice. Gift vouchers are available too – which would make a beautiful Christmas present for a loved one.

Contact details: Antique Crystal Chandeliers: 01242 529812 / GL50 2AQ / antiquecrystalchandeliers.co.uk Bodega: 01242 300899 / GL50 2AE / bodegawomenswear.com R.J. Spicer: 01242 574871 / GL50 2AF / rjspicer.com Sam Oldfield Photography: 01242 224797 / GL50 2BQ / samoldfield.co.uk

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

Unique & contemporary jewellery HANDCRAFTED IN CHELTENHAM

www.rjspicer.com 21 Suffolk Road Cheltenham GL50 2AF

01242 574871

THE SUFFOLKS CHELTENHAM 01242 300899

W W W. B O D E G AW O M E N S W E A R . C O M

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Cotswold preview DECEMBER 15

THE TYTHING WORCESTER 01905 729934

09/11/2015 16:1

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Just Fabrics’ store in Cheltenham

JUST FABRICS Just Fabrics is one of the UK’s leading independent curtain fabric retailers, selling top designer clearance fabrics at discounted prices along with a huge selection of regular lines. As well as having stores in Burford and Cheltenham, the company also has a comprehensive website to serve customers further afield…

Choosing fabric for soft furnishings or curtains can be a daunting experience. Where do you start? How much do you need? As one of the leading curtain fabric retailers in the country, Just Fabrics provides a one-stop shop, offering great value quality fabrics, expert advice and a complete made-to-measure service.

John and Dilys Pieters established Just Fabrics in 1988 and their son Ross took over the running of the business in 2006. The company now has two fabric stores – in Burford and

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Cheltenham – and an online shop which has become a valuable component of the business.

The website works alongside the stores: it can offer a more extensive range of fabrics and of course a wider geographic reach, serving customers all around the world. Ross is keen to continue to grow the company’s online presence, so Just Fabrics is currently preparing to launch an updated, fully interactive website.

The aim of Just Fabrics has always been to sell designer clearance fabrics but this has also

DECEMBER 15 Cotswold preview

specialist business profile… JUST FABRICS Managing Director of Just Fabrics, Ross Pieters

been expanded over the years. Customers can now browse a large range of pattern books from all the main fabric suppliers as well, and new lines such as shutters. Fabric prices start at a very reasonable £5 per metre, with certain lines, such as silks, at the higher end of the scale.

Upholstered furniture including chairs, footstools and ottomans are available, together with home and curtain accessories. The company’s Jane Saunders says, “We really are a one-stop shop. You can choose fabric, buy cushions and order re-upholstery and other soft furnishings from us, even items like bed valances and window

Poppy Chair available at Just Fabrics

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treatments. We also stock much more fabric on the roll than other shops, which mainly just offer books to look at – this enables customers to see a large piece of fabric and how it falls.”

Covering a radius of 25 miles around each store, experienced advisors can provide a complete made-to-measure service for curtains and upholstery. The business prides itself on its knowledgeable staff, with all sales advisors and management having a background in interior design and fabrics. Store windows are updated every month and among the employees there is a passion and genuine interest in design and fabrics.

As Just Fabrics remains a relatively small company, many staff members have several roles and everyone works closely together. This is something that Jane Saunders particularly enjoys: “I have an interest in interior design but I also work in the office, so it’s a great combination for me. I also enjoy renovating properties, so this is a dangerous place to work – I’m always changing my fabrics!”

Ross regularly attends trade shows and introduces new lines twice a year, keeping the stock fresh and up to date. For a family business with over 25 years’ histor y, Just Fabrics certainly looks set to continue its success.

Just Fabrics: Burford: 01993 823391 / OX18 4JA Cheltenham: 01242 530423 / GL50 3QW justfabrics.co.uk

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Ali Hocking with mum Angela and daughter Mia

BETTY & VIOLET After six years of operating as an online boutique, the vintage textile and decorative interiors company Betty & Violet has recently opened a complementary ‘real world’ store in Broadway…

Ali Hocking has always had a passion for antique and vintage textiles. Studying interior design and working for an interiors textile firm were the foundations for a career entrenched in fabric. Ali admits, “I’ve always collected unusual vintage fashion pieces and hoarded scraps of fabric. It all came to a head when I had my daughter Mia, and I had more time and just thought it’s now or never, I must do something about it.”

Ali began making decorative items from the antique fabrics she had collected, and also started dealing in vintage fabrics, haberdashery, trims and other treasures from the past. Betty & Violet, named after her two grandmothers, became her online atelier, and Ali also started attending fairs. She offers a combination of vintage and original antique pieces, hand made items, some Scandinavian clothing and other unique vintage styled finds.

Ali explains, “Since I was very little, I have always dreamed of owning a shop – one where I could decorate the windows with displays of

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beautiful and unusual things, and have an eclectic mix of old and new, useful and decorative hand crafted items. The hunt for that elusive piece of shabby but beautiful fabric has taken me to all sorts of locations including dusty old attics, shops that closed many moons ago and as many flea markets, antique fairs and sales as I can manage to get to! I enjoy nothing better than a damp Sunday morning spent rummaging with my head delved into an old trunk full of lace and linens that need nothing more than a good wash – or that’s what I convince myself of anyhow!”

After six years of running her online business, the desire to have a permanent showcase for her goods – and the opportunity to merchandise it beautifully – led her to search for a shop. Ali’s parents have lived in the Cotswolds for 25 years and so Ali was familiar with the area: she felt that Broadway would be the ideal location. As she says, “I really wanted a permanent showcase rather than presenting a beautiful market stall and having to break it down at the end of the day. I’ve

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new business profile… BETTY & VIOLET always had a recognizable signature style: I love says, “I’m not especially interested in high end presenting room sets and displaying ideas of how antiques – it’s the quirky piece with a crack in it customers can use items or what they can make, that I’ll fall for. You can’t replicate the love it has had. There’s nothing better than finding an old and a shop is the best way to do this.”

After a six month search, Ali found the handbag still with tickets to a dance or some such perfect location in Broadway’s Cotswold Court inside. I always leave them inside the bag, and and she opened her shop in August this year. It is will sell them like that too. It’s such a personal, already proving a success and has been warmly special item.”

One of Ali’s vintage bags, a grey velvet received by longstanding customers as well as new ones who have just discovered Betty & Violet. Ali creation with cut steel beads, recently appeared on says, “We’ve had an amazing response from locals Downton Abbey, over the arm of Violet, Dowager and existing customers. I’m absolutely loving it, Countess of Grantham. Ali had sold it to a dealer although it is hard work – but a different kind of who then sold it on to the programme’s costume hard work!” Ali has help from her mother and two designer. She agrees that the popularity of period part time staff, and the shop is open seven days a dramas have made people more aware of costume week throughout the summer months; it is closed styles over certain periods of history, and she often on Sundays during the winter (January to March). overhears customers commenting on her stock in Everything Ali sells, she loves, and as a result the reference to Downton Abbey.

In the future, Ali has the option to extend store has a personal style to it: colours are muted, items are beautifully crafted and they tell the story her shop using space upstairs, where possible ideas include increasing the range of vintage and of their past life.

Primarily, the shop offers uniqueness. Ali antique clothing and also the range of Danish feels passionately about the value of hand made clothing. However, at this early stage, she feels goods and she gets upset that so many shops now content still getting to know her customers and sell the same kind of mass produced products. listening to what they want. It’s important to her She wants to encourage shoppers to support small that she stays true to herself at the same time: businesses and to seek out hand made items and she has a very clear vision of how she wants the to value them for the work that has gone into shop to be. This personal and individual style is them. She says, “I’m very selective about what I what makes Betty & Violet such an inviting and sell. I have to love it and it has to suit the style of interesting place to visit. . the shop. I love old pressed glass candlesticks, old china, old books and anything from the 1920s or ’30s. I’m not into kitsch as I prefer a gentler, softer palette.” She also likes her store to be a treasure trove, with layer upon layer of interesting things to uncover. She says a lot of her customers have commented that the shop has such a warm, cosy feel that they’d like to live in it!

For Ali, sourcing goods is not difficult as she has built up a network of dealers, makers and other contacts over the years. The hard part for someone passionate about these items is actually letting them go. As she says, “Sometimes I’m wrapping up an item for a customer and secretly thinking, ’Will I ever see one of these again?’.’’

At home, Ali has a collection of vintage handbags, and knowing that no-one will have Betty & Violet, Broadway: a similar bag gives her great pleasure. She 01386 859126 / WR12 7AA / bettyandviolet.com

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MY COTSWOLDS

THOMAS JENNER-FUST AND CATRIN HAMPTON Thomas Jenner-Fust and Catrin Hampton are both Directors of Chorley’s Auctioneers, based at Prinknash Abbey Park near Cheltenham. Here, they share their personal perspectives on life in the Cotswolds…

Could you tell us a little about your professional backgrounds?

TJF: I moved to Chorley’s from Christies in 2007 having decided that I wanted to move closer to home and work for a more traditional firm. I was thrown straight in at the deep end, cataloguing the four-day sale of the Shambles Museum in Newent.

Since then, I have been involved in many of Chorley’s most important sales including numerous collections of Gloucestershire and Cotswold interest.

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CH: After 10 years with Christie’s, I moved back from London to Gloucestershire because my husband and I grew up here and felt it would be the perfect place to bring up a family of our own. I managed to combine this with joining Simon Chorley in the Auction division of Bruton Knowles, and had the excitement of being part of the emergence of a separate auction company, Chorley’s, in 2006. We have gone from strength to strength in the almost ten years since then, and

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My Cotswolds… THOMAS JENNER-FUST AND CATRIN HAMPTON love the location of our salerooms in the stunning grounds of Prinknash Abbey. Our auctions offer privately sourced furniture, art and antiques, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity and we find that most people come to us through personal recommendations.

Where is home for you and how long have you lived there?

TJF: I live in the Berkeley Vale which neighbours the Cotswolds to the west. The vale has a different landscape to the Cotswolds and rather fewer Range Rovers and celebrities per square mile! My family have lived in the vale for generations and I was brought up here.

CH: I have lived in several villages in the Cirencester/ Stroud/Cheltenham triangle and am currently just outside Oakridge Lynch, where my children attend the tiny but wonderful village school which has just 38 pupils.

What do you love most about where you live?

TJF: It is great to have family living close by: we can all chip in with dog walking and babysitting! Much of the Cotswolds and the Berkeley Vale remains unspoilt despite the best efforts of government and developers. I love the local traditions such as the cheese rolling on Cooper’s Hill just up the road from Chorley’s. The rural way of life still continues although perhaps more so in the vale than the Cotswolds, where lifestyle buyers have changed the fabric of the area.

CH: I love being able to walk out of my door and be in woodland in minutes. I love that it only takes me 15 minutes to drive to work (a few more if I get stuck behind a tractor) and that the view from my desk – across the Prinknash Abbey grounds, out across the River Severn towards the Forest of Dean – is one of the most glorious sights in Gloucestershire. I also love the fact that I can nip to London by train in an hour and half to go to an auction or gallery. The best of both worlds!

What advice would you give to someone new to the Cotswolds?

TJF: Explore! There is an abundance of things to see and do in the area, from Regency Bath in the South to Chipping Campden with its Arts & Crafts

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heritage in the North. Much of the area is best explored on foot or on a horse and many of the best treasures are to be found well off the beaten track.

CH: Don’t take the Cotswolds at face value. With so many photogenic villages, it would be easy to get a false impression.

Do you have a favourite Cotswold town or village?

TJF: As an auctioneer, I spend a lot of time driving around the Cotswolds to value house contents. I am constantly struck by how lucky we are to live in such beautiful surroundings. It is very difficult to choose a favourite but if pressed I would choose a small, picturesque hamlet that remains untouched by the modern world, such as Owlpen.

CH: I spent my early years in Cirencester and have a great affection for the market town with its beautiful ’wool church’ – I love to do my Christmas shopping there as there are so many little shops selling beautiful objects and delicious gourmet gifts, plus the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine in the marketplace always puts me in the festive mood!

Where would you recommend going for a meal?

TJF: Again, we are spoilt for choice with a wealth of good pubs. My recommendation for a meal would be the Holford Arms at Knockdown, near Tetbury.

This pub has recently been invigorated by a young local couple who rear much of the livestock and grow many of the vegetables that are on the menu.

This ensures minimal food miles and the menu is full of delicious, unpretentious pub food as well as Asian inspired dishes. Best of all, they make their own cider and if you are worried about drink driving then camping is available in a field at the back.

For a really good pint I recommend The Salutation in Ham, outside Berkeley. This recently won the CAMRA ’Pub of the Year’ award, which is hotly contested by pubs across the whole of the UK. CH: It’s so hard to choose just one! It would have to be somewhere I could walk to from home, that’s family and dog friendly, with a roaring log fire and food that is delicious but not too pricey or overly fancy. I think it has to be The Crown at Frampton Mansell, near Stroud, after a lovely walk through the surrounding wooded river valley, and where the bar staff look kindly on muddy children and dogs! 4

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My Cotswolds… THOMAS JENNER-FUST AND CATRIN HAMPTON What places or activities would you recommend within the Cotswolds?

TJF: To locals I would say there is more to Gloucestershire than the Cotswolds, such as the Berkeley Vale – the centrepiece of which has to be the magnificent Berkeley Castle. The Forest of Dean has its own charms and should not be overlooked.

Visitors to the Cotswolds should consider a trip to Chavenage House; keen gardeners will love the Painswick Rococo Garden; and a day at Cheltenham races is always good fun.

CH: I would recommend exploring on foot. There are so many stunning places that you would never know existed if you only travel by car: for example, the beautiful nature of Laurie Lee’s Slad Valley, Three Groves Wood near Oakridge and the stately grounds of Miserden Park – and all without entrance fee! My husband is a brilliant photographer and looking back at his shots of our

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family walks makes me appreciate the landscape I live in even more.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

TJF: I sometimes think it would be nice to live on a small Caribbean island such as Barbuda or Anguilla where I could lie on the beach with a large drink and listen to the waves lapping on the shore.

It’s a nice dream but it wouldn’t be too long before I began to miss home.

CH: If I didn’t have my wonderful family, I have to admit I might be tempted by the lure of Parisian architecture, art and food. But luckily I do, and I wouldn’t swop my chaotic, noisy, muddy, arty Cotswold life for anywhere else!

Chorley’s: 01452 344499 / GL4 8EX / simonchorley.com

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