Winchcombe Spring 2013, issue 1
Bringing you the best news and features from your community
Free
Step into Spring
Seasonal gifts on your doorstep
with our scenic walk
Iced & Easy
Tasty Easter cupcakes
Great gardens to explore
local news P L U S : F REE PRI Z E PU Z Z LE
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W HA T ’ S ON G UIDE
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F I T NESS T IPS
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BUSINESS UPDA T ES 1
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carpets wood floors karndean rugs blinds curtains fabrics wallpapers paint upholstery
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Welcome To the first edition of Winchcombe Life, an exciting new magazine for those who live, work and visit this authentic Cotswold town and its surrounding villages. In this quarterly publication we’ll be bringing you the latest news, views, features and forthcoming events from in and around the town. Whether you like walking, cooking, gardening, eating, fitness or shopping, you’ll find articles of interest within the pages of your new Winchcombe Life. We’ll also be keeping you up to date with what’s happening in local business and we’ll be taking a nostalgic look back at old Winchcombe in words and pictures. Our aim is to bring you everything that’s good about your town – both past, present and future!
Happenstance Border Morris who are running a workshop at this year’s Festival of Music and Arts
Contents
Spring
3 Welcome & contents 4 Forum Focus
An update from chairman Roger Paine
5 n ews and business
Town guides, banners and more
6 F inancial NEWS Changes from the FSA
7 w hat’s on
Festivals, gardens and more
In this first edition we’re talking to organisers of the town’s third Festival of Music and Arts; we’ve got some tasty tips for icing your Easter cakes and we’ve some advice for first-time joggers! We’ve dug deep to reveal three town gardens that are opening this Summer as part of the National Gardens Scheme and for shoppers our ‘best buys’ page presents tempting goods from local retailers.
A selection of what’s in Winchcombe shops this Spring
14 neighbourhood planning
View from Town Councillor Richard Wakeford
15 O nce, twice, three times a gardener Trio of Winchcombe gardens get national approval
17 P ut the Spring in your step
Lace up your walking boots for a bracing Bank Holiday hike
We hope you enjoy reading Winchcombe Life and if you do – please get in touch, we’d love to hear your news and feedback!
9 I cing on the cakes
Ruth
11 c ombat those SPRING creepy crawlies
Ruth McDonagh Editor
13 T his season’s best buys
See our great Easter cupcakes for you to bake and ice
Expert advice on seasonal pests
This magazine is produced quarterly by Winchcombe Life of 15 Isbourne Way, Broadway Road, Winchcombe GL54 5NS. Design by Charlotte Kidner, 07775 630899, produced by Tewkesbury Printing. Reproduction of the whole or any part of any Winchcombe Life material, advertising or photographs is strictly forbidden without the consent of the publisher. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at time of print but may be subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for advertisers’ errors or omissions.
19 N ew face joins acupuncture clinic Meet practitioner Anna Darrock
21 L ooking back Flower show winners of the 1950s Make sure you enter our free prize puzzle on page 21 in which we’re offering a £15 book voucher to the lucky winner!
FRONT COVER PHOTO: Spring near Winchcombe, photography by Chris Price GET IN TOUCH: If you have some news, or a story to tell, or would like to promote a forthcoming event, please contact the editor Ruth McDonagh by email: ruth@winchcombelife.co.uk or call us on: 07809 096036. PASS IT ON: Send your friends, family, business clients or visitors the link to our digital edition of Winchcombe Life. It’s available at: www.winchcombelife.co.uk Winchcombe life Spring 2013
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A town in touch Forum Focus by Roger Paine Chairman, Winchcombe Business Forum activities including the Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts. “As an active Business Forum with more than 110 members, we have two aspects to our work. One third of our time and energy is concentrated on supporting our members, providing networking events, focus groups and themed workshops. In this way we help businesses and retailers to develop new ideas and initiatives, expand their services and work together to promote themselves. “We devote the majority, (two thirds), of our time to organising activities and promoting Winchcombe as a whole for the benefit of all members of our community. The Town Marketing Strategy, the town website www.winchcombe.co.uk, historic banners, hanging baskets, the Christmas Festival and the Italian street market are just a few examples. “We believe that Winchcombe’s future prosperity depends on organisations and businesses working in partnership. In support of this, we work together with other organisations such as Winchcombe Town
Roger Paine
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irstly, I’d like to say ‘congratulations’ to Winchcombe Life on this, its launch edition and I sincerely hope it’s the first of many more! “There are many groups and people working hard to promote and improve our lovely town and this new magazine adds another dimension to helping keep our community in touch. “We have so much happening and so many potential opportunities in our town. I believe Winchcombe Life has an important part to play in keeping us all informed of how we can influence initiatives and support local events that are vital to the future prosperity of our town. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the editor Ruth McDonagh, who in her role as copywriter and PR and marketing consultant, has given professional advice and time to promote many of the Business Forum’s
Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council and Winchcombe Welcomes Walkers. “We believe the Business Forum has a key role to play in Winchcombe’s future prosperity. Achieving a good balance between preserving our unique history and creating a vibrant town is key to economic growth. We also believe that creating jobs and offering a good range of local shops and services is a vital part of this mix. “Our aim is simple - we’re working for Winchcombe for the enjoyment and success of all who live, work and visit our wonderful town.” To find out more about Winchcombe Business Forum or to become a member visit www.winchcombe.co.uk/business or email info@winchcombe.co.uk.
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news and Business Helping out Volunteers are needed by two town organisations to lend a hand. Winchcombe Day Centre provides support, entertainment and companionship for the town’s elderly and is looking for people to help with general duties at its Langley Close base. The centre opens on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is keen to find new helpers on one or all of the days. For details call Manager Carol Baker on 603207.
On the radio
Managers at Radio Winchcombe are also on the lookout for people keen to train as programme presenters and studio technicians. The community radio station at The Old Boys’ School, Gretton Road, is run by volunteers and last year gained a full time licence. To find out about these opportunities email admin@radiowinchcombe.co.uk for details.
New Flags a-fluttering
Speak UP for the future
Dozens of colourful, new, historic banners will be waving in the streets of Winchcombe this Spring. Another 18 banners are currently being created to hang proudly in North Street and Hailes Street, in addition to the 20 already produced last year for the High Street. Forum members Alan and Elaine Foster, who run UK Tours, are co-ordinating the project. They say designs so far include St Kenelm’s and Winchcombe School badges and the Emma Dent Crest. Alan said: “We’ve a team of volunteers working on the banners and we want to have them in place for St George’s Day. When complete, there will be a total of 40 banners in the town centre so it should create an impact through the summer.” Anyone willing to sponsor a banner for £50 can contact Alan on 603846.
Community groups and residents are being urged to speak up about the future of their town at a consultation exercise being run as part of the proposed new Neighbourhood Plan. The first stage of the process on Saturday 27th April will be an open debate to identify priority issues facing the town over the next ten years. The second phase, on Saturday 11th May, will allow community representatives to come back with their ideas for shaping development. The exercise will be chaired by an independent representative from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council. Both days are being held at Abbey Fields Community Centre in Back Lane and people are urged to attend both days. Full details are on the Town Council website www.winchcombetowncouncil.co.uk and on its Facebook page. A further public consultation on a draft Neighbourhood Plan will take place in the Autumn. The Plan could come into force next Spring - but only if a simple majority of local electors approve it.
COME guiding! Plans are afoot to set up a Town Guide group to give visitors, holidaymakers and residents fact-packed tours of the town. The hunt is on to find people willing to act as Winchcombe Town Guides to give tours along pre-planned routes taking in points of historic and general interest around the town. A one mile route, taking about an hour, is being drawn up along with key facts and notes for guides. It is hoped there will be enough guides in place to host the walks on Sunday afternoons from May through until September. Anyone interested should contact Sue Brooks on 603693.
poachers’ profits A Peasants and Poachers themed evening raised nearly £700 for St Peter’s Church. More than 70 people enjoyed a three course meal including peasants’ pie and poachers’ puds as part of the evening organised by the Friends of St Peter’s. During the event the audience enjoyed folk, medieval music and poetry readings.
TIPS for home workers
Business Forum members who work from home are getting free tips and advice as part of a new Home Workers group launched this year. So far two meetings have been held on issues such as effective time management. If you work from home and are interested in joining the group or to know more about the business forum, contact Bob Turner on 07831 212501, or email him bobturner@uwclub.net
History is A a huge hit A new History Group launched in Winchcombe proved so successful that the membership list had to be closed after just four days. In that time an historic 80 townspeople had signed up for the Group and dozens more people had to be turned away due to limited meeting space. Secretary Mr Tim Morgan said: “The response was astonishing and we’ve had to limit our monthly meetings to strictly members only. Needless to say we have a long list of disappointed people who are waiting to join. “ The Group is busy compiling an exhibition entitled ‘Old Winchcombe’ depicting the town in photographs from 1860 to 1960. The display at the Guide Hall, takes place on Monday 27 May 2013 from 10am to 4pm as part of this year’s Festival of Music and Arts with free entry.
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Financial Advice changes This year has seen changes in the way consumers are given advice from financial experts. Here, Dylan Jenkins IFA with RT Financial Planners in Winchcombe, explains the differences and how they will benefit consumers. • You will know now much advice will cost • You will know what you are paying for • You will benefit from improved professional standards
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ew FSA rules came into force this year to ensure consumers receive a transparent and fair service and know exactly what they are paying for. The changes are part of the FSA’s consumer protection strategy. Three key points ensure consumers know how much their advice will cost; what the costs are for and whether their advisor has access to the whole market. The rules also ensure professional standards are maintained. Dylan said: “Advice has never been free and in the past you probably paid commission to your adviser, typically between one and eight per cent, depending on your investment.
Dylan Jenkins IFA
“Now you will know how much your advice will cost ahead of any work that is undertaken. We will discuss the charges and payment options with you and together we will sign an agreement clearly setting out the services being provided, the costs and the agreed payment terms. If services are ongoing, the cost and nature of those will also be included. In essence everything is much clearer and all costs are detailed upfront.”
The changes also mean consumers will know the advice they receive is not influenced by how much an adviser could earn from the investment. With access to all products in the financial market RT Financial Planners is classed as ‘independent,’ while others who offer only limited products, are ‘restricted’ – again firms must now make this clear to consumers. Dylan said: “The FSA rules are for the protection of consumers and to give people confidence and trust in the way financial advice is given. RTFP has been advising clients for many years and will be delighted to discuss these changes in more detail.”
Call us on 01242 604066 for an initial meeting to discuss how we could help you. www.rtfp.co.uk
We can offer independent advice on - and arrange:
• Investments • Planning for Retirement
For more information about RT Financial Planners visit our website
• Tax Planning • Inheritance Tax and Trust Planning
www.rtfp.co.uk
• Personal and Financial Protection • Long Term Care Funding
Telephone: 01242 604066
• Mortgage Adviser RT Financial Planners Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is entered on the Register under reference 522342. The FSA does not regulate some forms of mortgage and tax planning.
RT Financial Planners Ltd, Mercia House, High Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5LJ
www.rtfp.co.uk
what’s on listing Friday 22nd March
a lunch date for Lent Tuck in to a tasty Lent Lunch this Friday, March 22nd and help raise funds for Winchcombe Day Centre. From midday, centre volunteers will be serving soup, bread and cheese, a pudding and refreshments for just £5 per person at The Guide Hall in the High Street. All are welcome. Saturday 23rd March
...then Sale into Spring Home-made cakes, bric-a-brac and books go on sale on Saturday 23rd March from 9.30am at the Day Centre’s Spring Sale fundraiser at their Langley Close base. Refreshments will be on sale and a raffle held. Proceeds from both events go to the Day Centre which provides care for the town’s elderly and isolated. Thursday 28th March
Patch up your needle skills Learn how to create a pretty patchwork cushion cover at a new textile workshop being run this month at This Fair Isle in Hailes Street. On Thursday 28th March, talented textile artist Kate Sackett will host the four hour workshop starting at 10.30am.The £25 cost includes materials and beginners are welcome. Call Rose Isles on 603921 to book your place. Easter Sunday 31st March
castle Fun
An Easter Bunny hunt, face painting, arts, crafts, owls and animals are converging on Sudeley Castle on Easter Sunday for some seasonal family fun that runs all day from 11am. Tuesday 16th April
A novel evening An evening talk and book signing by author Sarah Morris at 7pm in the Banqueting Hall on ‘Le Temps Viendra: A Novel of Anne Boleyn’. Entry £6.00 Sundays 21st April, 19th May, 23rd June
Tudor family fun Meet some amazing Tudor characters, see stunning falconry, chance your arm at
archery or try some circus skills at one in a series of Tudor Fun Day Sundays that run from 10.30am – 4.30pm. Activities included as part of admission. April 13th – May 4th
Knitters unite! Get your needles at the ready for the BIG knit is due to be rolled out again in April as part of the Wool in Winchcombe event celebrating the town’s heritage. Knitters are invited to bring their needles and wool along to St Peter’s Church on Saturday 27th April between 2pm and 4.30pm where they can click along to music from Shepherd’s Crook. Knitters of all ages are welcome to this social, fun event to celebrate knitting at its woolly best. Wool in Winchcombe takes place from April 13th to May 4th and will feature a variety of textile events for all ages hosted by Winds of Change Gallery in the High Street. Friday 17th May – Sunday 19th May
welcome to walking fest
Get the hiking boots out - Winchcombe’s annual Walking Festival strides into action next month. From Friday 17th May, the town will host three days of scenic Cotswold walking with routes varying from an easy one-and-a-half miles up to a more strenuous 14. Over the three day Festival organisers are leading more than 20 walks in the area with many featuring famous Cotswold landmarks and attractions. History tours, a steam train ride and a cream tea are included on some routes, while others offer an introduction to Nordic walking, honing your navigation skills, nature-spotting and a serene Sunset Walk. A quiz night and evening talks are also planned with walk prices from just £3. Winchcombe was the first town in the Cotswolds to attain the national ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ status and now attracts ramblers from all over the UK. Full details of the Festival programme including walk routes, prices and evening events are available on the website www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com
18th – 19th May & 9th June
Open gardens Gardeners in Winchcombe are opening their gates in May and June for a variety of good causes. Charingworth Court in Broadway Road joins the National Gardens Scheme for the first time and will be open to the public on Saturday 18th May and Sunday 19th May. For £4, adults can enjoy the one-anda-half acre gardens with lily pond, vegetable garden and impressive mature trees. Charingworth will also be hosting a sculpture exhibition as part of the annual Festival of Music and Arts and is part of a trio of gardens opening under the NGS in June – see page 15 for full details. All proceeds to charity. On Sunday 9th June the Friends of St Peter’s Church is holdings its annual Open Gardens’ fundraiser, complete with plants on sale and teas. Volunteers are needed to bake cakes, supply plants and open their gardens. For details call 602347 or 602475.
Friday 24th May – Monday May 27th
Music and Arts’ third festival Get creative – that’s the message from organisers of this year’s Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts as the town prepares for four days of workshops, demonstrations and events. Whether you enjoy puppetry or patchwork, creative writing or cupcake icing, the new-look programme is aimed at getting residents involved. Now in its third year, the Festival offers nearly 30 events which run from Friday 24th May until Bank Holiday Monday May 27th. Workshops in Morris dancing, radio broadcasting, medieval music-making, pottery and street theatre are on offer. Festival newcomers include a rock concert, Jazz in the Abbey grounds and a film screening. The popular Art Trail, an outdoor sculpture exhibition and Bank Holiday Street Fair with live street entertainment are also planned. Festival brochures are out in April with tickets on sale two weeks later. For more details visit www.winchcombe.co.uk/festivalofmusicandarts Winchcombe life Spring 2013
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Cake and Sugarcraft Boutique Cakes made to order for any occasion Cupcake courses from just £39.95 Cake and sugar flower classes Come and enjoy an afternoon of icing fun Parties for adults and children Gift vouchers available Starter icing kits on sale
6 North Street,Winchcombe info@cakeandsugarcraftboutique.co.uk 01242 603232 01242 603005
www.bespokeauctions.co.uk
THE OLD BOYS’ SCHOOL, GRETTON ROAD WINCHCOMBE, GLOUCS GL54 5EE
Iced and easy...
go cupcake crazy this Easter What better way to celebrate Easter than with your own home-made cupcakes. Here Winchcombe expert Janice Minett from the Cake and Sugarcraft Boutique presents her tips on creating cupcakes that not only taste great but look fantastic! 12 vanilla cupcakes 170gms self raising flour 170gms caster sugar 170gms butter/margarine 3 eggs 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 1. P lace all ingredients in mixing bowl, with paddle attachment combine mixture until all incorporated. 2. P lace baking cases in trays. (Tip - you need to use muffin tins or the cake cases do not hold their shape well). 3. P ut equal quantities of mixture into each case, (Tip - easiest way to do this is with a 136ml ice cream scoop). 4. P lace in oven for 17 minutes on 180 degrees c. gas mark 4 5. When cooked take cakes from oven and place them on cooling rack.
To make buttercream 225gms Unsalted butter 450gms icing sugar 1 tbs milk Place butter in mixing bowl fitted with paddle attachment and beat for at least 3 minutes, gradually add half the sugar. Increase speed and mix, add the rest of the sugar and mix until all sugar is incorporated with the butter, the longer you beat the paler the buttercream will become. (Tip - mix on the slowest speed or you will be showered in sugar). Add milk, flavouring and colouring at this point. If consistency is too firm you can add a drop of milk, if not firm enough a little more icing sugar.
Cup cake toppings Buttercream For best effects use either a 2D or 1M nozzle. Place buttercream in piping bag, twist the bag so that there is no air in it (Tip - only half fill bag). Hold bag vertically above cupcake, using your top hand to apply pressure and lower hand to guide. Keep the piping bag low but not actually in the frosting. For the classic twirl start from the outside and work in and the rose effect start from the middle and work out. Sugar paste Cut with a circle cutter, the cutter needs to fit on top of the paper case, I use a 70mm cutter. (Tip - if the cake has risen too high cut a bit off to level it). Spread some buttercream on top of the cake
so you have a nice flat surface to put sugarpaste on. It needs to be about 4mm lower than top of cake case. Roll out the sugarpaste to approx. 4 mm thick. Use a patterned roller or impression mat to make a pattern on top of the icing. Guide the cut out circle onto the buttercream and gently fit into place. Decorating I use flower paste to make the decorations. It dries out much quicker than sugar paste, but rolls really thinly to make delicate flowers. There are some great cutters and moulds available which are easy to use. If you prefer, simply add mini eggs, sugar crystals or fluffy chicks to give a lovely Easter cupcake!
Enjoy!
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The Queen of the Cotswolds
• Award-winning Gardens • Queen Katherine Parr Exhibition with a film featuring Dr David Starkey • Tudor Fun Days, literary events, talks and family events throughout the year New for 2013: • Guided Garden Tours • Roman Exhibition Pic: Clive Burling
Tel. 01242 602308 www.sudeleycastle.co.uk Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD
Beware those Spring pests Spring is in the air and so are those creeply crawlies and other unwelcome guests who may make an unscheduled visit to your home, garden, farmland or estate, says pest expert Phil John.
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rom wasps, moles, rabbits and carpet beetles, to fleas, bedbugs, gulls and rats, Phil knows all there is to know about the movements, breeding habits and lifestyles of some of these unwanted creatures. And if your bed, sofa, carpet, garden, loft, farmland, woodland or crops, become a target for any of these invaders Phil is the man to call. Now in his eighth year trading as The Pest Man, but with over 30 years experience in pest control, Phil is fully qualified, insured and licensed to use humane and effective control methods. He has vast experience in the use of firearms for pest control and is licensed to use poisons where necessary and insecticides. He has recently taken on James Gifford to work alongside him. Phil said: “Our aim is to relieve our clients of their pest problems in the most humane, discreet and effective manner. Though pest control is our business, we work sympathetically with the surrounding environment and go out of our way to prevent any other animals being affected by bait or traps that may be used. For example we will
not use lethal traps in areas where non-target animals may be found. “We also offer a 100% guarantee on all our insect work so in the very unlikely event that the insects are not eradicated on the first treatment we will return free of charge to ensure the problem is solved.” Phil John
March is the time when Queen wasps start building their nests and the mole breeding season is in full flow, not to mention bed bugs brought home in suitcases from holidays in America, India or Pakistan, where these insects are more prevalent. Phil said: “Any problem pest is best dealt with as early as possible to avoid them spreading through your home or garden and costing you more to remove them. To eradicate insects properly needs a professional who uses specialist equipment. People often think they can sort a problem out by just buying a can of off-the-shelf spray, but in my experience that is rarely successful.”
For specialist advice on dealing with pests in the home and garden, or to get help with pests affecting commercial land, call Phil on 07734 354 614 or James on 07807 409401 Visit www.thepestman.co.uk
Specialist mammal, bird and insect pest control The Pest Man provides a professional, efficient, reliable service that is sympathetic to the surrounding environment Our work covers: Private homes and gardens Farmland and estates Commercial land Areas covered Based in the spa town of Cheltenham we operate throughout Gloucestershire and generally cover a 50 mile radius from Cheltenham.
Why choose us? Over 30 years expertise and experience Fully Qualified Fully Insured Humane Methods Used Environmentally Aware
01242 706099 email: info@thepestman.co.uk www.thepestman.co.uk
Come and indulge Try a little luxury that’s large on flavour From smoked meats, hams and cheeses, to breads, pastries, pies and cakes Mouth-watering Easter eggs and chocolates now available Stocking a range of local, regional and international foods
Food Fanatics Delicatessen and coffee shop Open 7 days a week
12 North Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5LH
01242 604466
COUNTRY KEEPSAKES For quirky, quality gifts Great greetings cards Great selection of lovely items for your home
Call in and see us
4 North Street, Winchcombe Or visit our website
www.countrykeepsakes.co.uk
Eeek! This charming trio of mice are hand-made by Kate Sackett using recycled textiles. £29.99 each from The Fair Isle in Hailes Street. See Kate’s work at www.sapat.co.uk
Give a heart-felt gift of glass created by Lynn Scharrer. From £25 at Country Keepsakes in North Street. See www.lovemyglass.co.uk Bring Spring into your home! Pick up a Little Greene Paint tester pot for £3.90 and get the price refunded if you buy 5 litres or more of paint from lift the lid eco paint company in Isbourne Way. www.liftthelidpaint.co.uk
Feeling elegant? Treat yourself to some freshwater pearl and silver earrings from ONS Designs at £18, necklaces, bracelets also available. See more at The Cats Whiskers in the High Street. www.onsdesigns.co.uk
B est b u y s
From paint and jewellery to china and cushions – shopping in Winchcombe just gets better! Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer from town traders this Spring.
Burn some rubber with this fantastic bag made of recycled inner tubes. Created by victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy at the Bhopal Rehabilitation Centre, it’s £45 from The Fair Isle in Hailes Street.
Love cheese? Then treat yourself to this heart-shaped, Godminster vintage organic cheddar at £10.95 from Food Fanatics in North Street.
Get patriotic with these all-wool, featherfilled cushions in blue, purple and black, from Rapport interiors in Isbourne Way. Cuddle up for £20 each or £35 per pair.
Go potty with these quirky terracotta-style creatures at £20 from Country Keepsakes in North Street. Winchcombe life Spring 2013
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Shaping tomorrow’s town – today Next month Winchcombe community groups will be invited to discuss key issues that will shape their town over the next decade. Here, Town Councillor Richard Wakeford, tells Ruth McDonagh why residents and business people should speak up.
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re you one of the many Winchcombe residents who cringe and wince when traffic and parked vehicles block our historic streets? Have you ‘dance shopped’ your way around a cosy encounter in the cramped aisles of our local convenience store? Are you worried that the recent approval of almost 100 new Bloor homes off Greet Road will dilute the special character of our town? Perhaps you think that you have no control over these issues, that the ‘man and woman in the Winchcombe street’ can do little to influence or direct remote decisions and rulings of local and national government. Cue the Localism Act 2011, introduced by the Department for Communities and Local Government to do exactly that – to give more powers to people locally. These new powers enable residents to detail how they want their own communities to expand and grow; to draw up development plans based on experience and local need; to say how development impacts should be mitigated and how the cash that new development brings should be spent on local services and infrastructure. All this in one document, a Neighbourhood Plan. As chair of the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group,
it is Richard Wakeford’s role to ensure the Council is listening to as many residents and town groups as possible and giving clear guidance as to what this all might mean for Winchcombe. And as former Chief Executive of the Countryside Agency and ex-Director General of the Environment with the Scottish Government, Richard is a man who knows his stuff when it comes to planning, local and national government and rural strategy. He said: “Already in our postcard survey, people have told us why they think Winchcombe is a special place, and that they want it to stay special. Now, we need local people to put forward their own ideas and solutions, to improve the town as it grows while ensuring it retains its integrity and character. “There’s no doubt that Winchcombe will continue to develop in the coming years – reflecting the pattern of household growth across England today, and the need for a stronger economy. That will bring benefits – for example more people supporting our local shops and services; but there will also be challenges – such as more traffic, and more demands on the local infrastructure. “Rather than leaving it to others to decide the future of our town, we can use the
putting forward Priorities and solutions A consultation process is being run for community groups and residents to debate and identify key issues and put forward ideas and solutions for the town’s future growth. Facilitated by an independent representative from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, the process is in two parts. The first stage on Saturday 27th April, will be an open debate and discussion on priority issues. The second stage, on Saturday 11th May, will allow community representatives to come back with their ideas for shaping development. Full details are on the Town Council website and also the Neighbourhood Plan Facebook page. There will then be a further public consultation on a draft Neighbourhood Plan in the Autumn. The Plan itself could come into force in the early Spring of next year - but only if a simple majority of local electors approve it. www.winchcombetowncouncil.co.uk
Town Councillor, Richard Wakeford
Neighbourhood Plan as an opportunity to influence how the town will develop, and how the changes will be managed. The Plan will give us the chance to be clear about the direction we want Winchcombe to take and with a Plan in place, we will get access to more funding to support our agreed priorities. “In my view there is no one better placed to pinpoint our town’s issues and come up with a strategy for tackling them than the residents themselves and that’s what the Plan is all about. We need some bold thinking about how the town might develop over the coming decades.” A survey of households in Winchcombe and Greet has already led the Steering Group to identify some big questions the Plan should address: • How to boost employment and achieve a sustainable local economy • How shopping facilities and the car parks might be improved for residents and visitors • What kind of housing will be needed and in what location to support the town’s economy and character • Health, education, buses and other public services • Local footpaths, cycle and bridleways and how to manage traffic better Richard said: “As residents of this beautiful, historic town, we owe it to our history and to later generations to get actively involved now in determining its future – putting in place a clear recipe for sustainable development and growth, based on the creative ideas of local people and businesses. I believe it’s in the town’s best interests for us to do this ourselves, using the new powers, rather than just leaving the responsibility to more remote levels of government.” More details of the survey and the process can be found in Winchcombe Matters at www.winchcombetowncouncil.co.uk
A border at Woodlands Farm gardens
Verberna is a favourite of butterflies
Sue Paine in her walled vegetable garden
Trio
of town gardens opens after national approval Three talented Winchcombe residents are to open their garden gates to the public for the first time this summer as part of the respected National Gardens Scheme.
T
he impressive trio of Winchcombe Gardens each with their own distinct horticultural style were subjected to a rigorous inspection by Scheme organisers to ensure they were up to the required NGS standard – and all passed with blooming colours. And on Saturday 15th June ‘the Winchcombe three’ - The Gate in North Street, Charingworth Court in Broadway Road and Woodlands Farm, in Rushley Lane – will all open their garden gates from 10am until 4pm for visitors and residents to enjoy a reflective stroll around their paths, ponds and veg patches. For a ticket price of £6.50 for adults, visitors can view all three gardens and are encouraged to enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea at one of the town’s tea shops, cafes or pubs, en route. All proceeds are split between a number of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and the National Trust. At Charingworth Court, owner Susan Wakeford is inviting visitors around two acres of gardens packed with mature trees, perennials and shrubs, plus a large Japanese-inspired pond.
Only a field away across the River Isbourne, Morag Dobbin of Woodlands Farm has cultivated a number of distinct ‘garden rooms’ with formal double borders, a contemporary pond and an impressive monolith surrounded by hornbeam hedging. For Sue Paine of The Gate, the open day will mark three years of green-fingered renovation to the borders and beds of her cottage and kitchen gardens. Its ‘good basic bones’ of lovely trees, a hidden rockery and Cotswold dry stone walls, have all been lovingly restored with beds of herbs and aromatic plants in a limited colour palette of blues, pinks and creams. Single flower plants such as lavender, salvia, verbena and roses are number one priority for Sue to ensure bees and butterflies are catered for But more importantly for Sue, the NGS Open Day will also be a lasting tribute to the man who inspired her to nurture all things green and leafy – her late father Fred Newton. An avid gardener himself, Fred, who died last year aged 102, cultivated his life-long passion for plants and produce in his daughter. In return, Sue has dedicated her new kitchen garden to Fred and a special plaque ‘for my Dad’ now takes pride of place on the Victorian-style brick wall that lines the inside of the kitchen garden.
Sit and enjoy the pond at Woodlands Farm
Sue said: “Fred was the inspiration behind my love of gardening and I always feel close to Dad when I’m digging, planting and potting, so it seemed right to dedicate the kitchen garden to him after he passed away. Gaining approval for the National Gardens Scheme was, for me, a further endorsement of how well he taught me and I hope the public will enjoy spending time in the cottage and kitchen garden as much as I do.” For more details of those taking part in The National Gardens Scheme visit www.ngs.org.uk
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Jog into Spring With lighter evenings upon us there’s no better time to put on those jogging shoes. Running is a great way to get fit, tone up and lose weight, say Personal Trainers David Parker and Nick Cafearo from Winchcombe’s body4you Gym. But before you begin here’s some important advice from the experts. Beginners must start slowly. If you start an intense running regime without a gradual build up your body will rebel and you may suffer injury. Plan your week. Set aside a regular time to exercise, in other words - make time! Have regular rest days or your progress will be hindered. You could over-train, causing fatigue or injury. Plan your route. There are great websites available to help plan your run, calculate distance, elevation, time and speed. Keep an exercise diary. A personal running record will help you set new and improved targets. Invest in a good pair of running shoes and always take a bottle of water.
If you have an existing medical condition always speak to your GP before starting a new exercise regime. For a FREE consultation at body4you contact David Parker or Nick Cafearo on 01242 604011 or info@body4you.com • Personal Training • Group Circuit Membership • Gym Membership from £26.25 a month • 12 Cardio Pieces, Weights Area and a Power Plate
Nick Cafearo and David Parker
www.body4you.com
body4you Ltd, 11 Isbourne Business Centre, Winchcombe GL54 5NS
01242 604011
01242 604011 www.body4you.com
Corner Cupboard inn winchcombe
Enjoy locally sourced food Real ale and roaring log fires In this beautiful, beamed 16th Century Cotswold inn
We pride ourselves on quality food and excellent customer service. Our chefs use the best ingredients to create dishes that are fresh and flavoursome. Enjoy a FREE glass of wine and one dessert, OR a starter, when two people have a two or three course meal during April, with this voucher
Traditional Sunday Roasts • Light Lunches Bar Snacks • Restaurant Dining Open 10am to midnight seven days a week
Corner Cupboard Inn, 83 Gloucester St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 5LX Tel: 01242 602303 Email: jason@cornercupboardwinchombe.co.uk
Belas Knap photograph: Copyright Robert Talbot
Lace up those boots Summary
A circular walk with some ascent going from Winchcombe along the Cotswold Way to Belas Knap and returning via the Sudeley Valley. You will enjoy lovely views of the town, Sudeley Castle and the surrounding countryside. Distance: 5.5 miles/8.9 km | Duration 2-2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Ascent: 670 feet/205 metres | Start/finish: Back Lane car park, Winchcombe (Grid Ref: 023284) £1 all day. Toilets in car park.
Description
Leave Back Lane car park via the far corner access into Cowl Lane. Turn right and follow the road to the High Street. Turn right along Abbey Terrace until you see Vineyard Street on your left. Cross the main street and continue down Vineyard Street (also known as Duck Street), over the bridge and turn right through a kissing gate beside the way mark sign for the Cotswold Way. Follow the path straight ahead (ignore the path on your right after approx 100 yards) until you reach Corndean Lane. Turn left and follow the road for 300yards. Go through a gate on your right way marked Cotswold Way. Follow the tarmac drive past the cricket pitch and the horse dressage training area. Shortly after the horse training area go through the kissing gate on your left and follow the Cotswold Way up the hill. Here there are beautiful views back towards Winchcombe and Toddington. At the top of the field pass through the gate and follow the road straight ahead signposted Belas Knap. After 100 yards turn right along the Cotswold Way and up a short steep section through woods until you enter a field. Go through the gate and turn left following the path across and then up the field to a kissing gate. There are lovely views to your left of the Sudeley Valley.
Go though the kissing gate and follow the footpath with a dry stone wall and Black Barn Plantation on your left.
Continue along the path until you reach a kissing gate. You have now arrived at Belas Knap. Built about 3000 B.C. the barrow is approximately 178 feet long and 60 feet wide, and nearly 14 feet in height. It is a chambered barrow with a false entrance at the larger northern end. There are views across to Cleeve Common and the highest point in the Cotswolds. To return, retrace your footsteps back to the road and this time turn right and follow the road. Ignore the first footpath on your left (after approx 225 yards) and take the next footpath on your left after approx 450 yards just before a copse. Follow the track way marked as a Cotswold Way circular route down past a cottage on your right. At the signpost turn sharp right and follow the track past the front of the Humblebee cottages. Here there are lovely views across the valley. The track descends to a farm gate, pass through the gate and turn left following a downhill track. Go through a gate and views of Sudeley Castle and the Chapel appear on your left. Continue along the track towards New Meadow Farm. At the end of the track pass through a gate and turn left along a quiet lane back towards Winchcombe. The lane passes the entrance to Sudeley Castle before crossing the River Isbourne inVineyard Street. Alternatively, you can turn off the lane after approx 700 yards from New Meadow Farm, at Wadfield Grove. Turn right at a fingerpost and continue along a track for approx 50 yards. Cross a small bridge and immediately on your left is a kissing gate. Go through the gate and follow the path across the pastureland towards Sudeley Castle. Pass through a gate and continue towards a private drive.
Go through the gate and turn left down the drive, passing over a stone bridge by a lake and head towards the gatehouse. After the gatehouse continue straight ahead crossing the River Isbourne bridge into Vineyard Street. At the end of the street turn right into Abbey Terrace and look out for Dent’s Terrace on your right, originally almshouses.
Walk Route courtesy of:
Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome WWW is an organisation that promotes walking in Winchcombe and the surrounding area. To enjoy its other walks including The Winchcombe Way visit: www. winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com
Winchcombe life Spring 2013
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The Cats Whiskers Abbey House High Street Winchcombe Gloucestershire GL54 5LJ
01242 604390
Spargo Unisex Hair Salon
15% discount
Sudeley Cottage High Street Winchcombe
www.cwch.co.uk
01242 602222
Use this advert to get on April appointments with Rob, Gina and Kat
Beauty Beyond
Voted best salon in Cheltenham 2013 the best of cheltenham
An established salon with over 20 years experience Beauty Beyond is a privately owned salon. It offers an extensive range of treatments for men and women and tailored treatments for young teenagers. Stockists of Guinot, Decleor, Clarins, Caci, Jessica, Calgel, Minx, Universal Contour Wrap, Lash Perfect Eyelash extensions.
We can organise birthday parties, hen parties, bridal make up. Open 6 days a week with 2 late nights. Gift vouchers available.
www.beautybeyondwinchcombe.co.uk The Coach House, 2a Bull Lane, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 5HY
01242 604017
Clinic grows as acupuncture pinpoints patients’ problems Respected Winchcombe acupuncturist Sue Newton is expanding her business as increasing numbers of people turn to this traditional practice of Chinese medicine for help. From April, the Winchcombe Acupuncture clinic will welcome a new acupuncturist, Anna Darrock and will be opening its doors on four days of the week to offer more appointments to patients in the area. Anna Darrock Anna, who already practices in Cheltenham and Newent, will see patients on Wednesday and Saturday mornings – in addition to the clinic’s opening hours already offered by Sue on Tuesdays and Fridays. Anna, who trained for three years at The College of Traditional Acupuncture in Warwick, holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Acupuncture and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). As a BAcC member Anna adheres to its Code of Practice which promotes high standards of ethics and conduct, putting the well-being and safety of the patient first.
Her attraction to this 2,500-year-old medical practice was sparked when she was successfully treated for a condition which Western medication had failed to ease. She said: “I had tried all sorts of medication from the doctor but unfortunately they didn’t help. I decided I had nothing to lose so tried acupuncture and it worked absolutely brilliantly for me. From that moment on I was hooked, and decided that was the profession for me. “I’m really looking forward to joining Sue at her Winchcombe clinic. Acupuncture can help with such a wide range of both physical and emotional problems that it’s always rewarding to meet and treat patients. Acupuncture often can bring success where conventional treatments have offered no relief.” Winchcombe Acupuncture was established by Sue in 2004 and is based on the first floor of the Cotswold Eye Care Centre in the High Street. The British Acupuncture Council offers general advice on acupuncture and its benefits at www.acupuncture.org.uk To book an appointment with Sue or Anna, call 07890 619973. For more information about their services visit www.winchcombeacupuncture.co.uk
winchcombe acupuncture Sue Newton, Lic.Ac., BA (Hons), MBAcC Anna Darrock, Lic.Ac., BA (Hons), MBAcC A growing body of evidence-based clinical research shows that traditional acupuncture safely treats a wide range of common health problems. Acupuncture • Is completely natural
We are professional, experienced and friendly We offer free 15 minute consultations to discuss how acupuncture could help you For appointments and advice call 07890 619973
• Is one of the safest medical treatments in the UK • Can be used alongside conventional medicine
Winchcombe Acupuncture is located within the Cotswold Eye Care Centre, High Street, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LJ
07890 619973
www.winchcombeacupuncture.co.uk
Winchcombe Community Meeting Where and when?
Abbey Fields Community Centre Winchcombe Wednesday 27th March at 7.30pm This is your chance to meet various agencies including the police to discuss issues that concern you in the community.
10% discount for senior citizens Tues/Weds
@
winchcombe
Hair dressing for everyone All consultations free Individual attention Razor cutting
Meet your local team
Hair@ 1 Hailes Street, Winchcombe Call 01242 602459 or pop in and see us!
Sergeant Claire Morgan
PC Jennifer Wellfair
PCSO Angela Parker
PCSO Sherry Piper
PCSO Dee Jones
PCSO Dan Mitchell
L o o k i n g b ac k first Flower Shows HELD at sudEley This proud line up of Winchcombe Flower Show winners was pictured back in the 1950s during one of the first shows held in the grounds of Sudeley Castle. You can just see the West Lodge in the background and our five triumphant winners here include, left to right: the late Miss White; an as yet unidentified gentleman; the late Mrs Marion Greening, (wife of Harold of Gretton Road;) the late Mr Bill Humphries, of Gloucester Street, (‘Grampy’ to our Editor) and the late Mrs Hewings, of Hailes Street, (Mother to retired St Peter’s Church verger Mrs Joyce Curnock.) Is our mystery, man pictured second left, a relative of yours? Do you recognise him as a Winchcombe resident of the 1950s? If so do get in touch.
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1
win £15 WORTH book tokens
Have your shop or business featured in Winchcombe Life. Our next issue in June goes out free to more than 3,000 homes in and around the Winchcombe area. Another 1,000 copies go to pubs, tea shops, retailers, hair and beauty salons and public venues in the area. A digital version of Winchcombe Life is also available at www.winchcombelife.co.uk To advertise, contact Ruth McDonagh on 07809 096036 Winchcombe or email ruth@ winchcombelife. co.uk sprinG 2013, issue 1
Bringing you the best news and features from your community
Free
Step into Sprin
WiTh our scenicg Walk
Seasonal gifts on your doorsTep Iced & Easy
TasTy easTer cup cakes
GreaT Gardens To explore
Pu z z l e i t o u t Complete our Word Puzzle and you could win a £15 voucher from Courtyard Books in Bishops Cleeve. The answers can all be found within the magazine.
Good Luck!
Send your completed puzzle, together with your name, address and a contact number to: World Puzzle, Winchcombe Life, 15 Isbourne Way, Broadway Road, Winchcombe, GL54 5NS. A draw from all correct entries will take place on April 22nd. The winner will be notified by telephone and results announced in the June issue. No cash alternative.
PLUS: Free priZe puZZle
local neWs |
WhaT’s on Gu ide
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FiTness Tips
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business upd aTes 1
ACROSS 2 Some game fundraisers 7 Alfresco reading 8 You can help to shape it 10 A most popular pastime 11 This issue 13 Sponsor one for £50 14 A 2,500 year old practice 15 A beautiful trio 16 They’re welcome here 18 Don’t over do it
DOWN 1 They’re independent & restricted (abrev.) 3 The art of icing 4 They’re on the tour of the town 5 Unwelcome guests 6 She’s the driving force behind your bobbies 8 He was an inspiration 9 A walk for tired girls 11 First Flower Shows held here 12 A magazine editor 17 Enjoy this ‘picturesque’ trail Winchcombe life Spring 2013
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Go the distance with S Series Varilux lenses Call in for details of our April promotion on Varilux lenses
Cotswold Eye Care Centre, High Street, Winchcombe 01242 604654 www.cotswoldeyecare.co.uk
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Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road tel: 01242 673300
Buying Selling Letting Reidential Property Sales Lettings & Management www.adamsestateagents.com
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01242 603601
also at: 6 Caernarvon Court and 219 Bath Road, Cheltenham
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www.adamsestateagents.com
www.liftthelidpaint.co.uk
We’re ready to paint the town green... ...do join us Lift the lid is a creative eco paint company offering a vast range of amazing colours from some of the best paint collections. On sale now are latest colours from: Little Greene Paint Company; Sanderson; Paint & Paper Library and our own exclusive Eico and Lift the lid ranges. Farrow & Ball and Zoffany paint available for next day delivery. Also see our 1000s of super, feature wallpapers!
Come and see us today at 15 Isbourne Way, Winchcombe
01242 609000 If you love colour and you love the environment visit