February 2010

No. 99

Nailsworth 

 News


A free monthly community paper for the 
parish of Nailsworth, available in colour on 
our website www.nailsworthnews.org.uk. 

We will be losing our editor 
(temporarily) next month for an 
unplanned stay in hospital. She 
is expected to make a complete 
recovery, but the next full edition of 
the newspaper (the 100th, due out 
in March) will be delayed until she 
is once again at the helm. However, 
there will be a slimline ÔNot the 
Nailsworth NewsÕ available instead 
for that month so that the usual 
ÔWhatÕs OnÕ information. can reach 
you. It wonÕt be delivered to houses 
on this occasion, but look out for it 
in all the usual town places - shops, 
the Library, the Information Centre 
etc - and of course on our website at 
www.nailsworthnews.org.uk. 

Winter 
whiteout!

The last time that 
Nailsworth had snow on 
this scale, with temperatures 
as low as this, was nearly 30 
years ago. So we make no 
apologies for devoting several 
pages this month to looking at 
how the town coped. Of course 
it made life difficult for many, 
but for others it looked great 
and was a wonderful chance 
to get out and play in all that 
interesting white stuff... 

Slimline March edition

Tell us what you think about this paper

We want the Nailsworth News to 
continue to support its community, 
and to be interesting and enjoyable 
to read. So we need your help. The 
last page in this edition is a double-
sided questionnaire that asks for 
your views. Please take the time to 
fill it out and then return it to any of 
the places listed at the end by 13th 
March. Or use the quick and easy 
online version - 

www.nailsworthnews.org.uk/survey.

Paddy Clatworthy at The Olive Tree 
has kindly donated a free 3-course 
meal as a prize for two lucky 
winners. If you include your name 
and contact details 
on the questionnaire, 
you will be entered 
in the draw. The 
results will be 
announced in April.


http://www.theolivetree-nailsworth.com/ 



2

Nailsworthy - Tony Anhoury

A free monthly 
newspaper for the 
parish of Nailsworth 

Tony came to Nailsworth in 1985 and 
promptly became involved in a number of 
local activities, starting with the Nailsworth 
Dramatic Society which he joined initially as 
a back-stage helper. However, the lure of the 
boards proved too much for him and in the 
following year he appeared in the play ÔDate 
BlindÕ, pairing up with Mervyn Rudge as two 
womanising bachelors. He has subsequently 
appeared in plays and shows and has served on 
the committee as Chairman.

In 2003, Tony, together with a small group 
of enthusiasts, formed the Nailsworth Film 
Club which is now a thriving component of the 
townÕs social fabric. Last November, the club 
experimented by showing a film in the BoyÕs Club (once the town cinema, of 
course), and it continues to look for new ideas and venues for films. 

For a number of years, Tony helped as a volunteer at Nailsworth Primary 
School assisting children with their reading skills. He continues to be 
involved with the Gloucestershire Education Business Partnership, supporting 
young people in their transition to the world of work.

Tony has been an active member of the Stuart Singers for ten years and 
sings as a second bass. The choir is based in Minchinhampton but they 
perform their special brand of variety programme all over the county and 
beyond. Proceeds from the choirÕs concerts are donated to charity. TonyÕs 
wife Gill, whom he married in 2004, is also a member of the choir.

He has a wide variety of other interests: he is an enthusiastic fan of Forest 
Green Rovers FC, a twinner with Leves, and since taking retirement, there is 
nothing he likes better than playing a round of golf at Minchinhampton. He 
also loves to travel abroad and write short stories about situations he observes 
Ð calling it ÔfactionÕ, a mixture of fact and fiction. It is his ambition to one day 
have them published.

His latest activity has been the Nailsworth Festival. He first became 
attracted to the idea of joining the festival team by having a strong belief 
that our ÔbuzzingÕ town should have an annual cultural event Ð and having 
previously been Festival Secretary, this year he has taken on the role of 
Programme Co-ordinator.

ÔI am excited by the possibilities this has given me because I enjoy so much 
being part of such a thriving community as NailsworthÕ, he said.

Mike Brinkworth


Published by the Nailsworth News 
team: next meeting 7pm, 3rd February 

Photographer: Martin Stone. Layout: 
NN. Production: Leopard Press

Editor: Jo Lloyd 833092, editor@
nailsworthnews.org.uk 

or c/o And Clothes, Market Street

Asst. & Sports Editor: Martin Stone 
833132, martinstone@ukonline.co.uk

Business Editor: Bill Affleck 832619, 
william.affleck@btopenworld.com

Green Editor: Claire Stapleton 
832465 nailsworthgreen@googlemail.
com 

Youth: Mike Kilcooley, mkilcooley@
hotmail.co.uk

Advertising: Chris Tetley 833587, 
nnadverts@yahoo.co.uk

Hard copy and payment: c/o Shiny 
Goodness, Fountain St.

Distribution: Don Luke 832812, 
donmorningside@gmail.com

WhatÕs On: Tina Ginn 835295, tina.
ginn@btinternet.com

Postal subscriptions at £6 per year: 
Joan Rowbotham 833110

Advertising rates: £5 + £12 per unit 
of 60 x 30 mm (w x h):

¥ Larger than 3 units only if space 
permits

¥ £1 discount per unit for three 
insertions if booked and paid in 
advance

¥ £5 surcharge for a specific page

Space is limited and Nailsworth 
advertisers take priority. Payment in 
advance please: cheques to Nailsworth 
News.

Deadline for editorial, advertising, 
copy and payment: 15th of the month 
(there is no paper in January or 
August).

Missing last month was the phone number of Christoph, who offers free 
counselling sessions Ð it is 832973, so call him if you are interested. 


Views expressed in this paper are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Nailsworth News team. We reserve the right to edit or omit any material 
submitted for publication. No liability is accepted for loss or damage arising from any omission of copy or advertising. Material submitted for publication will only 
be returned if accompanied by a SAE. Nailsworth News is published and distributed entirely by volunteers, with production costs defrayed by advertising. More 
volunteers are always welcome - if you would like to join the team, please get in touch with the Editor. 



3

Civic matters


Town Mayor's Report 

Our budget

For the second year in succession your Town 
Council has agreed a standstill budget of 
£180,000. In fact this is a significant cut. Stock 
market falls have meant that over the past two years we have lost 
some £9,000 in interest that would normally help towards planned 
spending. However, we think that we need to be prudent, and so 
we have pruned or deferred some of our plans. You can obtain a 
full copy of our budget from the Town Clerk.

Council Vacancy

As a result of the resignation of one of our number, we have a 
vacancy on Council. Alan Wheeler has been the chair of our 
Planning Committee and was much respected in this role. We 
are a small council and so our achievements depend on the time 
that our councillors are able to devote to their work on behalf of 
the town. There will now be an initial invitation for an election 
and, if none is requested, then we shall make a call for anybody 
interested in being co-opted onto Council. These will happen 
shortly, so please keep an eye on our noticeboards.

A stitch-up

That's how I would describe the intentions of the administration 
on Stroud District Council to end their financial and managerial 
involvement in the Nailsworth Recreation Centre. This is 
based at the Primary School and its inception is the initiative of 
Sue Nicholson when she served as a Town Councillor in 1991. 
She and the Council persuaded SDC to provide some sporting 
activities for Nailsworth people.

The range of activities has become ever more reduced. By 
comparison with the wealth of activities offered by the District 
Council at sports and leisure centres in other towns, ours is a 
Cinderella service. Now the District intends to end its support in 
April 2011.

We owe thanks to our District Councillor Fi Macmillan for her 
support. But, I have to ask, where are our other two district

Councillors in fighting to keep (and improve) these leisure 
services?

CCTV in town?

The Town Council has heard a proposal for the area's 'Crime 
and Disorder Partnership' to install CCTV cameras at the bus 
station and also in Forest Green at the multi-use games area to 
deter anti-social behaviour (asb) and also to detect crime. We are 
not convinced that such cameras deter asb rather than just move 
it elsewhere. In addition, although young people do use the bus 
station area as a meeting place we have not heard that asb is a 
significant or persistent problem there. There are likely to be 
eventual financial commitments to the town as well. We have 
invited Phil Sullivan of the Crime & Disorder Partnership to a 
Council meeting to discuss it further. If you have any thoughts 
we should be glad to hear from you.

Our policy on the environment

Is there anything at all that ordinary people like us can do in 
the face of the neglect, exploitation and abuse of the planet 
by humans? Or is action only effective at governmental 
and international level? We believe that we each have a 
responsibility, and our Environment Committee at its last 
meeting was helping the Council develop an environmentally 
positive policy. We agreed to: make the most efficient use of 
energy; encourage those who use our rooms to walk, cycle, 
use public transport and car share to and from meetings; re-
use, recycle and use the minimum amount of water; purchase 
ethically from local and then regional sources; avoid waste or 
damage to the environment in our activities; and support the 
10:10 initiative. This is only a summary of the policy and actions 
we have agreed to adopt. You can see the full policy on the Town 
Council website, http://www.nailsworthtown.co.uk/.

Norman Kay, Town Mayor



Civic matters

Nailsworth's 
Poppy Appeal

Thank you so much 
for your support of the 
Poppy Appeal. Once 
again we have managed 
to break our record 
for the collection last November. So 
far we have banked £5,634.14 as a 
result of your contributions and your 
efforts Ð plus a handful of foreign 
coins and notes. After the reception 
following the Remembrance Service 
I found 12 euros left in the Mortimer 
Room. I think this must have been a 
donation by our French colleagues 
from Leves. Having changed this into 
British money it was added to the 
total. Not so the handful of Canadian, 
US, Senegalese and other coins that 
we found in the tins! 


DonÕt letÕs lose Chriskindl - please help!

Last month we reported that if there 
is to be a Chriskindl in 2010, people 
will need to pitch in for it to happen. 
The Chamber will be happy to share 
their experience of running the event 
but many more hands will be needed 
to man the pumps. Unfortunately, the 
meeting that was to have been held in 
January fell victim to the snow, so it has now been rearranged for Wednesday 
17th February, at 7 pm in the Mortimer Room. If you care about keeping 
Chriskindl going and if you can see ways to get more people - including, 
perhaps, yourself - actively involved, please come along and have your say.


Get involved in local planning

The District Council is about to begin 6 weeks of public 
consultation on its draft Core Strategy. This is a major 
planning policy document, part of the Local Development 
Framework that will eventually replace the district-wide 
Local Plan. Seven ÔoptionsÕ for the distribution of housing, 
employment and other forms of development across the 
District will be presented, with virtually every parish 
potentially being affected by at least one of them (up to 2026). 

There will be an informal drop-in exhibition in Nailsworth 
where people can chat to officers involved and pick up leaflets/
questionnaires. It will be held at The Mortimer Room, 
Nailsworth Library, 3pm - 7pm Tuesday 2nd March. If you 
canÕt make that, there is another at the Stroud Subscription 
Rooms. 10am -1 pm Saturday 13th March

For more information contact the planning strategy team at 
Stroud District Council, 754324 core@stroud.gov.uk.

I was touched by the generosity shown by so many, and 
the unexpected but welcome events that were arranged in 
support of the appeal by the sheltered housing schemes 
in town and the George Pub at Newmarket. The Scouts, 
members of the Royal British Legion and other helpers 
collected outside Morrisons, at Hanover House and in the 
Farmers Market. There were also magnificent collections at 
many of the shops and other places in town. In fact there are 
too many to mention here, so please forgive me if I have not 
included you. 

Every penny goes to the Appeal and is well used. Thank 
you again.

Norman Kay, Poppy Appeal Voluntary Organiser



Local events 

Exhibition & workshops at 
Ruskin Mill

Why not set aside some 
time this February to 
visit Ruskin Mill? There 
is always plenty to see, 
and from 13 Ð 25 of the 
month there will be be a 
particularly interesting 
exhibition and workshops, 
entitled ÔShifting from 
Harmony into ChaosÕ. 
This will feature new photographs from Prue Benson with 
supporting artists Sergej Jakovlev, painting; Greg Tricker, stone 
sculpture; stained glass, Rosa Sterraveld; and water flow-form 
installation from Simon Charter.

The exhibitionÕs theme is to show how the artist tries to make 
the transcendence of our natural and human environment visible. 
Through the different media disciplines, we are helped to see 
and create differently in our own life and world, gaining shifts 
of perspective. During the first week there will be integrative 
movement workshops for health and wellbeing, using the 
gestures and movements of the zodiac and planets. Everyone is 
welcome.

Please phone Prue on 834375 for information and bookings.

Churches Together in Nailsworth 
Lent Course

The season of Lent is fast 
approaching and we are 
making plans for this yearÕs 
bible studies which will be 
based on the themes raised 
in the film, ÔChocolat,Õ 
starring Juliette Binoche 

and Johnny Depp. 

ÔChocolatÕ is set in a 
small French town in the 1950s and tells the story of how 
the communityÕs life is transformed by Vianne and her 
daughter, who arrive to open a choclaterie during Lent.

Many of you may have read the book, but the film is 
another interpretation of the story and so we would like to 
invite everyone to a viewing of the film on Wednesday 
24th February, 7.30 pm at St. GeorgeÕs Parish Church, 
Nailsworth. If you cannot make the screening but would 
still like to take part in the bible studies, we will have 
some DVDs available to lend. Details of the bible studies 
will be available at the main screening on the 24th. All 
are welcome, but please be advised that the film is rated 
as suitable only for those aged 12 or over.


Relax at free carers 
day!

CARERS will soon be able to chill out 
at Cotswold Care Hospice, on 23rd 
February at a (free!) carers relaxation 
day. It is open to anyone who cares for 
someone and lives in Gloucestershire. 
Among the treatments on offer will 
be manicures, massage, facials, reiki, 
creative therapy and reflexology. The 
event will run from 10.30 am to 3.30 
pm and you can drop in at any time. 
Book your place by phoning 886868 or 
email info@cotswoldcare.org.uk.

 Little donkey...

Gloucestershire-based Fairgame Theatre has won £31,000 from Gloucestershire 
County Council for ÔAs I walked Out One Midsummer MorningÕ, a project that 
will be part of the countyÕs Cultural Olympiad Programme. It will begin this year and 
hopes to run until 2012.

Working with Stroud Valley Arts, the Theatre will lead 
a guided walk across the countyÕs six districts. An unusual 
feature is that two donkeys will carry the project equipment! 
This will be a fantastic resource for artistic stimulus and will 
also ensure that the project has the lowest carbon footprint 
possible.

There will be public meetings in each district for those 
interested in taking part. For more information contact 01242 
695570, or enquiries@fairgametheatre.com.



Forest Green Community Centre (FGCC)

ÔTo have a community centre in Forest Green 
has been a long-standing aspiration of the Town 
Council and residents.Õ Norman Kay, Mayor

In September 2009 Nailsworth Town Council gave the go-
ahead to building a permanent community hall in Forest 
Green. The idea had been around for many years, but the 
decision was clinched by a recent bequest of £300,000 from 
the Frank Arkell Trust. 

By any standards, this is a major project for Nailsworth. 
For that reason, the Nailsworth News is looking at some of 
the opportunities, raising a number of issues, and suggesting 
an event that could be helpful. 

From an announcement by the Mayor, 
September 2009

ÔGreat news - the permanent Hall has been given the 
green light by the Town Council at last. After years of 
consultation over the project with the town, and many 
demands by people who live in the Forest Green area we 
can now proceed. The decision was clinched by a bequest of 
£300,000 from the Frank Arkell TrustÉ 

To have a community centre in Forest Green has been a 
long-standing aspiration of the Town Council and residents. 
It has the potential to be not just another set of rooms to hire 
but a real resource in the area.

April 2009 - the town meeting consultation

At this meeting, attended by 40-50 people, there was a full 
presentation on the FGCC project with a chance for people to 
examine the plans and a model of the proposed building - and, 
of course, ask questions and give their views. The only concern 
expressed about the project was with the limited parking.


September 2009 - the decision was made

At the Town Council Meeting, a motion to proceed with the 
building of the Forest Green Community Centre at a cost of a 
maximum of £600,000, was passed by 6 votes to 4. Councillors 
in favour were John Byrne, Ian Crawley, John Nicholson, Sally 
Thorpe, Joy Way and Norman Kay (Chair). Those against were 
Dorcas Binns, John Bratby, Paul Carter and Allan Wheeler. 
Allan Wheeler subsequently resigned from the Council.

Model of the proposed new Centre

There is still work to do. The building for which we have 
planning permission will cost a maximum of £600,000. We 
first need to raise as much as possible from other grant-
giving bodies, hopefully up to £150,000. Government 
makes available inexpensive loans over a 50 year period for 
the remainder, which means minimal cost to local taxpayers 
for a Hall that we can be very proud of. Research has shown 
the need. The temporary building is being well-used. The 
Mortimer Room has more users than can be fitted in. Forest 
Green has little in the way of services and deserves its own 
community facility.Õ

January 2010 - from the working group

ÔAs much as I love the town of Nailsworth, there are times when 
it would make life easier to be able to have some services up the 
hill. Like a lot of other people we donÕt drive and being able to 
attend events in the temporary hall (pictured below) has been 
wonderful.

That hall has also been very useful to gauge a response of use; 
itÕs not an ideal building but it is a good second best for small 
events. It wasnÕt built for permanent use but it has been really 
useful so far. A larger building will mean that we can expand 
that use. There are those who would love to use it but they need 
more space and they are waiting in the wings. It is hoped that the 
Primary Health Teams and others will find it useful and indeed 
they are very interested in the plans...

We have looked at the concern about parking; a survey of the 
area has been done to count the available spaces and we are 
talking with the school about the possibility of using their car 
park on certain occasions. 

The new building will be the first of its kind in the area, a 
building to be proud of with all the modern technology that 
is available. Our architect and the expertise of Barbara Pond 
(Village Hall advisor for the Gloucestershire Rural Community 
Council) has been invaluable.Õ

Margaret Marshall, Chair of the Forest Green ResidentsÕ Association

Democracy in action

ÔIt was surprising to find no proper mention in the minutes 
of the September 21st Council Meeting (which are, as is 
normal practice, only a summary of the main issues) of 
any formal report for the FGCC Working Party. Such a 
report does indeed exist. It was discussed at the meeting. 
Not all the concerns of all the Councillors were allayed, as 
was reflected in the narrowness of the vote, but that is how 
democracy works.

The report contained two main elements:

1. An estimate of the need/use for a new hall.

Estimates were based on monitoring the use of the current

temporary building where 33% take-up has been recorded.

This was judged by the Working Party to be adequate on the

advice from an expert from the GRCC.

2. A business plan for the project.

A total cost of just over £600,000 is proposed. Nearly half of 
this would be met by £300,000 from the Arkell Trust. If all 
the rest were borrowed and estimated income from lettings 
were realised there would be an annual shortfall of about 
£6,000 or under £1 per head of the town population. If grant 
funding were obtained leaving £150,000 to be borrowed 
there would be an annual surplus of just under £1,600. 

Bill Affleck


6



Forest Green Community Centre (FGCC)


Not everyone in Nailsworth supports 
this project. The Council itself 
is deeply divided, and although the 
democratic process appears to have been 
followed correctly when the motion 
was passed, it is apparent from local 
newspapers that not all members have 
been happy about either the process or 
the outcome. A number of members of 
the public have raised their anxieties with 
this paper, but most have been unwilling 
to have their names printed. 

It is not generally our policy to print 
anonymous letters, and we do not wish to 
take one side in a major issue of this kind. 
However, to try to balance the points 
made in favour of the new Centre, below 
we print some of the concerns that have 
been raised. 

Who was Frank Arkell?

Frank Arkell, who farmed Sudgley Farm at Horsley, 
was Mayor of Nailsworth from 1980-82. His friend and 
colleague Tony Evans, the Town Crier, who was his 
deputy and followed him as Mayor, describes him as a 
kind and generous man. For example, when not enough 
money was raised for the KGV field he contributed 
£5,000 to allow it to go ahead. He had just had an 
unexpected windfall from the sale of one his prize cattle!

In his will Frank left £400,000 to Nailsworth. 

ÔMy Trustees shall hold the Trust Fund upon Trust .. 
for such charitable purposes as shall benefit wholly or mainly the inhabitants 
of Nailsworth .. applied as far as may be practicable in the promotion of 
residential homes for the old people and indoor recreational facilities for the 
young people... (and) before exercising their powers in relation to the gift my 
Trustees shall consult with the Nailsworth Town Council.Õ

The NTC requested funds for: the FGCC, work on KGV field, the Market 
Street Garden, hearing loops for the Town Hall and the Mortimer Room. They 
also provided contact information for NYCE, the Youth Club, Hanover House 
and Abbeyfield. It is thought that all are likely to be accepted.

Early consultation 

The original proposal for a Community 
Hall in Forest Green was mooted at a public 
meeting in 2002. This was before the new 
FGR stadium had been built and at a time 
when there was much discontent at the 
way in which the school/college buildings 
were being used. Apart from the shop, 
the Post Office (now closed) and the very 
dilapidated old Forest Green pub there were 
few amenities in that part of Nailsworth at 
that time.

Issues

Is this Centre needed?

¥ Is there a market need, 
since there are other venues 
which could cater for large 
meetings and the current hall 
is sufficient for smaller 
ones?

¥ Since Forest 
Green already has 
more amenities than 
anywhere outside the 
centre of the town, is 
this the right place for 
another facility?

Do the finances stack up?

¥ Since, of the organisations 
identified as potential users, only one 
is thought to have actually booked 
and used the temporary hall, is there a 
business case for a permanent one? 

¥ Would people pay a market 
price for use of the hall? The FGR 
amenities, at market price, are 
considered to be Ôtoo expensiveÕ.

¥ Would the long term costs of the 
hall put an unreasonable burden on all 
the council tax payers of Nailsworth?

¥ Would a smaller hall be a better 
answer?

Has there 
been enough 
consultation*?

¥ Were the 
consultations with 
local residents on 
the plan to build 
the hall, adequate?

¥ Was there 
sufficient 
consultation about 
the bequest and the 
best way of using it 
for the town?

Current Forest Green 
amenities 

The ten years since the original proposal 
has seen many changes. The main meeting 
spaces and sports facilities that can now be 
booked in Forest Green (in addition to the 
temporary Community Hall) include:

The Football Stadium, which has a large 
hall with a dance floor and bar facilities; 
several smaller rooms available for 
meetings (one is pictured below); a gym; 
facilities for young people to play football; 
and plans for a multi-user games area.

Nailsworth Primary School, which 
makes available to the community 
facilities including an assembly hall, 
gymnasium, music room and a range of 
sports facilities. Rooms are used for a 
variety of activities, eg the Film Club.

For young people there is also the 
Miles-Marling field, the Youth Club (The 
Junction) and a childrenÕs playground.

Is the project in 
the spirit of Frank 
ArkellÕs wishes?

(money for) Ôresidential 
homes for the old people 
and indoor recreational 
facilities for the young 
peopleÕ

Would parking cause 
problems?

¥ Since only four 
(disabled) parking spaces 
have been set aside, would 
cars use neighbouring 
streets and cause 
difficulties for residents?

What happens next?

Nailsworth needs the best resources that can be secured for the town; that 
is a given. We are extremely lucky that through the generosity of Frank 
Arkell, there is money to help build them up. And no one could possibly 
doubt the goodwill of the members of the Forest Green Community Hall 
Working Party, nor fail to appreciate the hard work that for many years 
they have been putting in behind the scenes. 

Nevertheless, although the decision has been taken it seems that the 
debate continues. So where do we go from here? Well, clearly there is 
still a selling job to be done to at least some Nailsworth residents. For 
that reason, it would be useful if the views that are being expressed in 
conversations, through exchanges of emails and in the pages of local 
papers could be aired in a public forum.

The Nailsworth News would like to invite the Town Council to arrange 
a public meeting to present the project, respond to questions from local 
residents and listen to concerns. After all, isnÕt that what local democracy 
is all about?


7



Out and about

Jumping to Crufts

Nailsworth resident Jill Sims, with her 
dog Caverswall Lady (pet name Tessie 
shown in action, on the right), will be 
competing in the agility event at Crufts 
Dog Show in March this year. 

Jill is one of several trainers who help 
Susie Thompson and Pat Jones at the 
obedience training classes on Friday 
nights at Nailsworth Town Hall. She is 
a member of the South Cotswold Dog 
Training Club. Their team of four dogs and handlers has won 
through the series of qualifying rounds, which means they will 
be going to Crufts for the semi-finals and, hopefully, the final. 
The Club also runs puppy training and good citizen dog training 
classes at the Town Hall, and the agility section trains at Selsey. 

We wish the team - Jill, Janette, Dawn and Karen - the very 
best of luck! For more information about dog training, contact 
Jill on 834903.

S & S Branch team do it again

We take our hats off to the staff at the local Stroud and Swindon 
branch, who are tireless in raising money for local charities. For 
instance, they 
have recently 
raised: 

- £294 for 
Nailsworth 
Primary School 
PTA through the 
Schools affinity 
account (for 
more about this 
scheme call into 
the branch on 
Fountain Street or ring 833777)

- £50 for the Cotswold Care Hospice through a Bring and Buy book 
sale

- £330.94 for the Meningitis Trust, which was their branch charity 
for 2009.

And hereÕs an unusual idea - in January, there was a big basket in 
the branch which customers and staff filled with dog and cat food 
ready to go to Teckles Cat Rescue after the cold snap. 


The S & S team handing over a cheque to the Hospice

Fly tippers litter our landscape

A reader has written in to let us know that very unsightly fly 
tipping is taking place regularly on a concreted area just off the 
Avening Road, opposite Wyevale (see below). He points out that 
the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 33 makes it a 
criminal offence to dump waste of any kind on public or private 
land, without prior permission. Conviction can lead to financial 
penalties of up to £50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 
months (Magistrates Court), or an unlimited fine and/or up to 
5 years imprisonment (Crown Court.) In 2006 Stroud District 
Council successfully prosecuted an individual for fly tipping on 
Highway land, so they are the people to notify if you believe 
you are seeing any going on. 

Were you at Amberley School in 
wartime?

Do any Nailsworth News readers have memories of St George's 
School, Theescombe, Amberley, during WWII? The boys' prep 
school was evacuated to Amberley from Eltham at the beginning 
of the war, bringing many boarders with it. Robin Newman, 
one of the local boys who attended as a day boy, would very 
much like to hear from anyone else who attended at that time. 
Contact him on patat39@btinternet.com.



Out and about

PoetÕs clock goes home

The WH Davies clock, now fully restored, was handed over 
to Newport Museum in a ceremony at NailsworthÕs Council 
Chamber on 12 January. Norman Phillips, who inherited the 
clock, had decided to gift it where it could be seen by the most 
people interested in his great uncle. Howard Phillips, NormanÕs 
nephew, was also present, having travelled for the ceremony from 
his home in New Zealand.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Newport, Councillor Glyn K 
Jarvis, was welcomed 
by the Nailsworth 
Deputy Mayor, 
Councillor Robinson. 
Councillor Jarvis 
received the clock 
from Norman on 
behalf of the museum 
and expressed his

great appreciation of 
this generous gesture.

Get ready for the Nailsworth 
Festival

DonÕt let the snow 
and ice get you 
down; itÕs time to 
start thinking about 
spring and summer. 
And how better than 
by putting the dates for 
NailsworthÕs own Music 
and Arts Festival into your diary? It will run from 22nd 
- 30th May this year - look out for the full programme 
in future editions of the Nailsworth News. Details of 
the planned events will also be regularly updated on the 
Festival website on www.nailsworthfestival.org.uk. 

Like any voluntary initiative, the Festival is 
dependent upon the goodwill of the local community 
and the support of individuals (Friends). It also offers 
sponsorship opportunities for the business community. 
If you would like to become a Friend of the Festival, 
or explore sponsorship options, please contact Tony 
Anhoury on 860671.


The clock with Norman Phillips (left) & 
Howard Phillips

Nailsworth Film Society - 
February showings

Calling all local poets...

This yearÕs poetry event for the Nailsworth Festival will 
be an exciting new venture Ð a Poetry Slam. This is a 
competition of performance poetry in three rounds. All 
our local (and not so local) poets are warmly invited to 
take part. All you need are three poems (in case you get 
through all the rounds, since you need to read a different 
poem in each heat) and the courage to stand up before 
an audience and ÔperformÕ them.

The poetry evening will be on 22nd May 2010 at the 
Comrades Club, Nailsworth starting at 7.30pm. It will 
be hosted by Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane. So poets, 
start composing now and if you would like to enter the 
competition contact Marcus on 01285 640470 or email 
him at info@speil.wanadoo.co.uk. We also need a 
supportive audience for our poets so even if you are not 
a poet come along to a great evening of fun and poetry.

Let the Right One In, 2009 (Tomas Alfredson); Cert 15; 
subtitles - Friday 5th Feb.

A slow-paced romance between two young people, one of 
whom just happens to be a vampire. The film has rightly 
received widespread critical acclaim.

Man on Wire, 2008 (James Marsh); Cert 12A - Friday 26th 
Feb. 

Balanced on a thin wire, 1,300 feet above New York, Phillipe 
Petit is realising his dream, to 
walk a tight-rope between the 
Twin Towers. With all the aspects 
of a good heist movie and using 
footage of the actual walk, this is 
an edge of the seat documentary 
about an incredible but somehow 
flawed man. Is he inspired or 
insane? Either way, donÕt look 
down!



Greenery 

Waste expert to speak

This isnÕt (quite) a Nailsworth event, but it may 
be too good to miss! Dr. Paul Connett, Professor 
of Chemistry at St. Lawrence University in New 
York will give a free public presentation event 
on Thursday 4th February to explore how 
waste incineration affects your health, wealth 
and environment, and to discuss environmentally 
friendly, cost effective, non-toxic alternatives. Dr. 
Connett has researched waste management issues 
for over 14 years, specialising in the dangers posed 
by incineration and in the safer and more sustainable 
alternatives. The event will be held in 
King's Stanley Village Hall from 7:30pm 
to 9:30 pm.

 Organic vegetable boxes now available!

Bramleys greengrocers in George Street is now 
offering organic veg boxes. You can choose 
between a small or large box, and then English-
only produce or global. For example, a small 
mixed box, global produce, would contain carrots, 
parsnips, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, 
tomatoes, apples, bananas and clementines. All 
boxes also include organic eggs. Phone up or 
drop in to place your order, leaving a £5 deposit. 
Bramleys assemble the boxes from the Bristol market and have them ready 
for you to collect the next day (weather permitting). You can hand pick what 
you like from the wonderful selection. Oh, and if you donÕt fancy a whole 
box then Green Spirit still offer locally produced organic vegetables and 
fruit. 


Beekeeping - the Nailsworth connection

Did you know that Nailsworth has played an honourable part in the history of 
beekeeping? Local man George Tabram (of Bannut Tree House Nailsworth, 
Giddeynap Amberly and 'Tabram's Pitch') was an important figure in this field. Find 
out more by attending Will MessengerÕs talk on beekeeping history in the Cotswolds, 
to be held at 7.30 on Feb 24th in the Vestry Room at Minchinhampton. Will, who 
lives in Morton in the Marsh, is well known nationally for his talks on the history 
of beekeeping and hives. He will be including information about George Tabram 
as well as other local links. There will also be recent research on the magnificent 
Nailsworth bee shelter (pictured on the right), which can hold 28 bee boles. There is a 
lot of information in Nailsworth Archives about this structure. It fell into disrepair in 
Nailsworth, and the County Beekeeping Society took it over and placed it at Hartpury 
College. Again it fell into disuse and it is now in the grounds of Hartpury Church. We 
believe that it has recently been restored again using lime mortar etc.. since a previous 
renovation had used modern cement which was affecting the stones.


No Batteries Required!

I often find myself with screwdriver in hand and an over-excited little 
person pulling at my leg...ÕIt needs new batteries, Mummy!Õ If only 
all toys did not require batteries (and kids play far better with most 
of them once the batteries have run out, anyway). However, for those 
batteries that do reach the end of their life, it's good to know that I 
can recycle them in a bin in town, such as the one I was pleased to 
discover the other day just inside the main entrance of Morrisons. 
They can also go in your green box - just bag them separately.



The Nailsworth News thanks its volunteer team

In spite of the freeze-up, 65 of the over 100 volunteers who bring you this paper joined us at the annual Nailsworth News 
party. Most of these hardy souls are deliverers (45,000 copies every year); others help out with finance, adverts, archives, 
accessing archives, and the like. This a big THANK YOU to them all. We couldnÕt do it without such wonderful support 
Ð the paper is truly a community effort. It was a great evening, with Rob Aldridge and his team laying on wonderful food 
again in a perfect setting. Sadly, we donÕt have space for more than a few pictures. 


11



Let it snow let it snow let 
it snow...

The winters of 1947, 1962 and 1981 all stand out for 
the same reason. Snow! Anyone who was around then 
can remember the country being icebound for weeks. 
Now 2010 has joined the memorable years, and there 
are many stories being told this time around about how 
people coped last century. The Nailsworth News has 
been out and about seeing how we have all been dealing 
with this winterÕs prolonged cold and snowy spell. 

Rural beauty 

ÔWhose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.Õ

(From Robert Frost, ÔStopping by woods on a 
snowy eveningÕ 


Ð and this is 
a picture of 
the gorgeous 
Copper Beech 
tree at the foot 
of the W. loaded 
with snow.) 

Winter games. No-one much under 30 has previously had many 
chances to play in the snow in Nailsworth. So when the opportunity 
came, it wasnÕt just children who took it. For days, sledging, 
snowboarding and snowball fights were going on all around the town. 
Those unlucky people whose cars were grounded at the top of steep 
drives could use the slopes as sledging runs instead (or watch as 
others did it for them!) 


Clearing up. As we skidded on the frozen pavements, it seemed at first 
as if no-one was making any effort to clear them. Certainly, there was 
much more that could have been done. But it wasnÕt all bad news. There 
WERE storekeepers out there keeping their patch of pavement clear, a 
snow plough was in action in ChamberlainÕs car park outside Morrisons, 
and some public-spirited individuals with spades and grit were making 
their stretch of pavement safe. We noticed admirable work going on 
outside Shiney Goodness, Hobbs House Bakery, Buskins Shoes and 
Nailsworth Ironmongers, and we are sure that there were others doing 
battle against the snow and ice. 


12



Robins are not just for Christmas...

The subzero temperatures make this a hard time for animals and 
birds, particularly our wildlife. The picture of the robin on the right 
is the result of patient stalking by Martin Stone, NNÕs photographer. 
His garden is often like Heathrow (when Terminal 5 is open!) with 
visitors flying in almost on the hour. Two robins visit all the time as 
do the bluetits, wagtails, long tailed tits, the occasional blackbird and 
now two fieldfares (or possibly lapwings, which are very common 
nowadays.) Just Pets in Old Market supplies bird food for the 
hanging feeders. Martin feeds the larger birds (which cannot use 
hangers) with bread crumbs and chilled fat from roasts and grills - 
anything fatty and filling that doesn't contain salt. He also puts out 
bowls of water during the day, since of course birds can't drink ice.e.


Workers

For many - 
particularly 
our emergency 
services, anyone 
working in a 
community support 
job, and those who 
gritted the roads - 
the cold weather 
must have been a 
time of long hours 
and very, very hard 
work in difficult 
conditions, rather 
than a time to 
watch woods fill 
up with snow... 


Taking the air...

Mostly, it was safer to be walking on footpaths out of town than 
braving the pavements, since there was less danger of slipping. 
This was good news for the many hikers amongst us. There was 
one memorable day - soon after the heaviest overnight snowfall 
- when the temperature was subzero but the sky was cloudless, 
perfect for booting up and getting into the valleys. The countryside 
around Nailsworth was looking very beautiful. Judging by the 
number of people trying to capture it on camera, this is going to be 
the best documented cold snap on record! 


13



Local heroes

NailsworthÕs heroes

Normally, more people write to us with 
complaints about peopleÕs behaviour than 
praises. However, there is good news - this 
month the balance has swung the other way 
and we can devote almost a page to the 
people you want to thank for their efforts. 

Katherine Kearns has been nominated 
as a hero for her courage and bravery 
in recently donating a kidney to her 
husband Simon. Katherine is already 
known for other activities in the town; 
for instance, she has encouraged and 
supported the local orchard project 
(featured in previous editions of this 
paper). The hospital concerned is 
BristolÕs Southmead Renal Unit, so this 
is a good time to mention how important 
it is to increase the supply of potential 
kidneys by registering as a potential 
donor. We understand that Katherine is 
now recovering at home, so we wish her 
and her husband well. 

We have been asked to say thank you to 

ÔMatt and his father in lawÕ (they will 
know who they are) for their amazing 
efforts on Bunting Hill. Neighbours have 
reported that these two did the majority of 
the snow clearing and gritting there, which 
was a big job. Through their labours, 
drivers were able to get off the estate, and 
walkers had a safe passway. Your hard 
work was very much appreciated, guys.

A grateful patient wants thanks to be 
passed on to our doctors and district 
nurses. It seems that when not able to 
reach peopleÕs house by car they got their 
boots on and braved the snow and the 
lethal surfaces of the icy, ungritted side 
roads. 

ÔTwas the night before Christmas... 

This Christmas, Nailsworth residents David and Lois Johnstone had nine guests staying in 
their house for the festive season. Since five were under school age, the noise and excitement 
was intense. However, there was a cunning plan to give the grown-ups time to get things 
organised by tempting the children with TV programmes and DVDs. So it was disaster on the 
23rd when the TV aerial system and signal booster failed! 

Erector firms in the Stroud area proved too busy to help. But then a stroke of inspiration 
led the couple to Nailsworth Aerial Services, who had advertised in the Nailsworth 
News. The company was phoned, and the cheery and very helpful family team there said 
that they too were extremely busy but that John would try to turn up on Christmas Eve 
evening if verbal 'first aid' measures did not work. Alas, the support on the phone didnÕt 
fix the problem. The household settled down to a Christmas of TV-less gloom amongst 
despondent children unable to watch their favourite programmes.

Christmas Eve was damp and cold. The household was huddled around the fire when 
suddenly at around 7.30pm a Santa-like knock at the door heralded John the aerial-man 
appearing from the gloom, He was having 'flu-like headaches and pains, but in spite of 
that he was keen to get the problem sorted. Most people would have already knocked off 
work for the Christmas break, but not this hero! After 
half an hour up a ladder in the freezing dark and much 
re-tuning of sets, boosters etc the house had excellent 
reception again.

David and Lois want to give John and the company a very 
big Thank You. The company said they would Ôtry and help 
out somehow, sometimeÕ, and they certainly succeeded! 


Nigglesworths

Yes, there are still plenty around...

* When tubs of salt and grit are provided in roads for public use, it is hugely annoying 
when people (often from further afield) turn up in their cars, empty the contents of a 
tub into sacks and then drive away with it. Presumbably they are then using it in front 
of their own house. Surely that isnÕt what it is meant for?

* And then there is the person who thought it was acceptable to get their Christmas holly 
from the hedge in a readerÕs front garden, leaving an unsightly hole! Is that theft?



Local people


Town snowman busy

Peter Starkiss, our local snow warden, who 
was only appointed a few months ago, has 
recently been busier than he might have 
foreseen! He sends these notes: 

ÔA big THANK YOU to all those who 
helped during the local snow and ice. 
First of all, I must say that the Highways 
Department was excellent, ploughing and 
gritting more roads than ever before. But 
local volunteers with specialist equipment 
also deserve a mention: 

¥ Julian Cox - who cleared the route from Horsley into 
Nailsworth and up Spring Hill with something that looked like a 
monster truck with a bucket.

¥ Mark Maidment Ð who cleared around the town centre shops 
with his small tractor and rotary brush thing, and also did his 
best around the old folks housing in Hanover Gardens plus the 
Police Station car park.

¥ Tony Ind Ð who offered help via another monster truck thing. 
The Highways Department have undertaken to arrange a plough 
attachment for him to use in future. There should also be one on 
the way for Julian Cox. 

At the time I am writing this, I know of seven cars that have 
been bashed, smashed or slid into locally. Unfortunately there is 
no way of stopping people attempting to drive on snow, but when 
conditions get this bad, if you would leave your car down town 
and walk a bit further instead that could save a lot of hassle. 

Face in the snow

Is this YOU?

If so, you qualify for a FREE 
ground pass to FGRÕs next Home 
match. Just call in at the Club 
Office with a copy of this paper. 

(Brought to you by NN in 
association with FGRFC.)


Oh little town of Nailsworth

So pretty in the snow Ð especially from a distance

from which you cannot see the grey slush in the road,

and the hard packed snow on the pavements, 

just waiting for frost to convert it into a death trap for pedestrians.

Time was when it was a matter of pride for shop-keepers

to clear the pavement outside their shops. Now itÕs a matter of litigation 
for compensation if itÕs not done adequately. So they donÕt do it.

The Town Council doesnÕt clear roads or pavements. ItÕs not their job.

The District doesnÕt do it either. Hey! ItÕs not their job. 

The County is busy doing main roads and sidewalks arenÕt a priority Ð 
and the Government wonÕt give them enough money to do it anyway.

ItÕll soon be spring and it will all have melted down the drains 

so keep your balance and donÕt fret..

A triumph of self-insufficiency; 

anyone seen the Snow Warden?

Bill Affleck



Local Schools

Nailsworth CE 
Primary calling all 
pirates!

Any Pirate experts out there, we would 
love to hear from you!

After a stop/start beginning to the 
cold and snowy term, children in the 
foundation Stage at Nailsworth are now 
learning all about ÔPiratesÕ. As part of 
the creative curriculum, we are joining in 
with our Phase 1 children on this theme, 
which is proving very popular.

The Foundation Stage is all about 
learning in a Ôhands onÕ, interactive way. 
We have so far been singing pirate songs, 
finding treasure in the sand, creating our 
own treasure boxes, playing pirate word 
games on the interactive white board, and 
painting pictures of pirates, We spent an 
afternoon creating a Ôpirate snowmanÕ, 
making the most of the weather!

New term at St Dominics

Christmas is over and New Year begins! 
As I sit here on the first day of the new 
term there is an eerie silence; instead 
of the sound of excited voices there is 
stillness, with the snow falling gently 
outside. This is not the beginning to the 
term one would wish for Ð unless you are 
a pupil!

The end of the year was as exciting as 
ever. The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School 
version of the Nativity story did not 
disappoint, with the image of Mary being 
pushed to Bethlehem in a supermarket 
trolley accompanied by ShrekÕs donkey 
being one that will stay with me for many 
years! Another highlight of Christmas 
was the production of ÔSimeonÕ at 
Christchurch. The school choir joined the 
adults and the result was a memorable 
experience. My thanks to Louise Cook, 
who prepared the children so thoroughly 
to sing there and at other local venues.

This term will see more sporting 
fixtures (weather permitting) as well as 
getting back to work in earnest. Class 
Four will start their ÔRoman topicÕ with a 
trip to the Roman Baths, which hopefully 
will inspire them to want to find out more, 
and Class Two will be studying a village 
in India. If anyone has experiences or 
resources they can share with the children 
to support these topics we would be very 
happy to hear from you.

We are always very busy in our 
classroom and we love having help from 
the older children within school (as much 
as they love coming to help us!) 

If you have ever wondered what or how 
children learn during their first year at 
school, and are currently trying to decide 
on a school for your child, why not call in 
and see us? Miss Smith and Mrs Griffin 
will be pleased to welcome you. 


ÔI am making a treasure chest with 

gold and stuff.Õ Kieran

Horsley school goes a-wassailing

The Christmas holidays provided a welcome rest after a very busy term. The return has 
been disrupted by the snow but as the thaw begins we have plenty to look ahead to!

Horsley Orchard Project and Gloucestershire Art for Schools will be joining 
forces on 20th January to celebrate Wassailing at Horsley School. The children will 
learn about traditions such as rag coats, ribboned hats, chants and songs, the Broad, 
Hooden Horse and the Horsley Wassail Bowl. The day will culminate in a wassailing 
celebration with parents and warm spiced apple juice for everyone. Two artists will be 
in school making tree decorations and costumes with the children, and local musician 
Johnny Coppin will teach the children a wassailing song.

Horsley school offers a huge variety of after school clubs. Thanks to staff and parents 
(past and present) who selflessly give time and effort, these range from indoor activities 
like Craft, Pottery, Cookery, Book Group and a Design & Technology challenge, to 
outdoor sports like Hockey and Cross Country. The Gardening Club will restart in 
February to maintain our wonderful sensory school garden and to provide fruit and 
vegetables for the Cooking Club. In addition, our weekly band and orchestra session 
continues, along with recorder groups. We now have children learning a huge array of 
instruments, including cornet, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar, keyboard and 
violin, and the Christmas production by the Infants of the Russian Folk Tale Babushka 
was enhanced by musical performances from the Junior Children. 



Minding our own business

Bill AffleckÕs roundup of business news

Number One takes 
national fashion lead!

We asked Fiona 
Hodges at Fashion 
shop Number One 
how she had fared 
over Christmas 
and she told us that 
sheÕd had a good 
pre-Christmas and 
that trade in the 
period between 
Christmas and New 
Year had also been 
good. Then came the snow and it seemed 
that people stopped shopping so the first 
half of January has been ugh! FionaÕs 
excited about having stocked ÔNot Your 
DaughterÕs JeansÕ almost before they 
were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and 
made it onto the Radar section of The 
Times magazine Ð where it says you can 
get them at Fenwick and John Lewis but 
neglects to add Number One! SheÕs proud 
of Number One being a Fair Trade clothes 
shop. 

Fiona organised the Late Night 
Shopping evenings for Market Street but 
admits they werenÕt a great success, partly 
perhaps because not all the shops joined 
in. She does wonder whether the idea 
of Late Night Shopping in Nailsworth 
is realistic; itÕs pretty hard to compete 
with Cheltenham or Cribbs Causeway 
for that. She has the same reservations 
about Chriskindl, wondering if it could 
ever be commercially attractive for shops 
that have to get extra staff in for what is 
sometimes a somewhat unruly evening. 

Fiona is also a past president of 
Nailsworth Rotary Club. She sees that 
going from strength to strength, with 
more members joining and more activities 
being undertaken.

Flooding fails to deter Nailsworth shop

Moi, the fashion shop at No 7 Bridge Street is very much back in business. The shop 
was flooded on 13th November and was closed until the New Year while a major 
drying out and redecoration was undertaken. They have other shops so missing the 
Nailsworth Christmas trade wasnÕt as much of a disaster as it might have been. Now 
they are keeping a watchful eye on the melting snow and have sandbags at the ready. 
The situation in November didnÕt look anything like as bad as that which led to 
flooding last summer but, yes, the water did come in from the street (not down the hill 
from the rear Ð although some frogs did, apparently, gain entry that way). New stock is 
now coming in so go and have a look; the frogs have been evicted!


Community project makes changes

Back in November we told you about Pam Brown and Gavin PondÕs Community 
Workshop Project in NYCE. Well, forget NYCE; the enterprise (as a whole) has 
become Nailsworth Subscription Rooms - managed by Nailsworth Youth and 
Community Enterprise (NYCE) , Registered Charity No 301581. Their website 
(www.nailsworthsubrooms.org.uk) is well worth a visit. A major redecorating project, 
handled by Lay Hill prison folk, has been completed and, although thereÕs always 
more to do (toilets, for example) the place is very 

much open for business Ð see the website. The 
Community Workshop has started courses which 
run on Wednesdays between 8-9.30pm. If you come 
along Gavin will help you make anything from a 
silver ring, wooden spoon to a guitar or long board. 
The cost is £7.50 for an evening if you pay when 
you turn up, or you can pay £50 for a ten week 
period. In the longer term they hope to open the 
workshop up to other crafts people who can offer 
their skills to the community. If you are interested Ð 
whatever your age or ability Ð please contact them 
on 0797 1737 626. Or drop in if you are passing 

and want to see whatÕs going on.


Pam and Gavin



Minding our own business

Toys and activities to welcome 
children

HereÕs something new and 
different! The name for a 
start: Heffalumps 2 Heroes 
opened on December 1st 
in Wheelwrights Corner 
(the old Togs shop). Claire 
Thompson is at the centre of 
what is very much a family 
concern. She used to be a 
head teacher and is currently 
an Ofsted inspector and educational consultant. Laura Fagan, 
ClaireÕs daughter, works in the shop on a day to day basis. Then 
there is Claire Danks, who works in the shop part-time and is also 
a childrenÕs nurse at Bristol Childrens Hospital. Claire D is Claire 
TÕs daughter in law. Nick Williams, the fourth member of the 
team, is Claire TÕs brother and was once a teacher. 

So, what is H2H all about? At one level itÕs a toy shop targeted 
at primary and pre-school age groups. TheyÕre building up stock 
and hope to carry collectable items such as Sylvanian Families 
and Lego and also pocket money toys. At another level itÕs an 
activity shop concentrating on things to do and make; youÕll find 
no video games here and keyboard skills are not needed. Finally 
itÕs a meeting place where primary and pre-school age children 
can do things under supervision and guidance. There is a friendly 
atmosphere and the staff invite you to pop in to meet with fellow 
parents and child carers for coffee and play. 

Nailsworth bread helps tackle food 
poverty

Tom Herbert tells us that at Hobbs House Bakery theyÕve found 
a brilliant way of putting their unsold bread to work. TheyÕve 
teamed up with FareShare, a national charity with a base in 
Bristol, to give something back. 

FareShare tackles two of this countryÕs biggest problems, food 
waste and food poverty, by connecting businesses with people 
that need quality food. Their famous overnight dough breads, 
spelt soda breads and multi-award winning organic Sourdoughs 
(most of which are best on day 3) are now being enjoyed in 
places in and around Bristol where food poverty is being tackled. 
Until the BSE crisis, any left over bread was snaffled up by local 
pigs. Subsequent changes in the law prevented this amicable 
process and since then, any surplus from the Hobbs House 
Bakery shops has been made into compost in an industrial worm 
farm. 

ÔFood waste to landfill is this countryÕs mountainous and filthy 
secret. At Hobbs House Bakery we are delighted to be part of the 
solution. The fact that our lush bread 
is now going to people that need it is 
is Ôliving companionshipÕ (Latin com 
(together) with panis (bread)). Until 
we find an accurate way of knowing 
how many loaves we will sell every 
day, we are honoured to play a titchy 
part in sharing the blessing of real 
bread with people that need itÕ. 


All the staff members are CRB 
checked, enthusiastic and welcoming and 
itÕs a fun place. Go and see for yourself 
and donÕt miss (how could you?) the 
jig-saw flooring. H2H hopes to make 
Nailsworth known as a place where 
people can either buy for or entertain 
their children; they want to work with 
local traders in to make this happen.



Minding our own business

ItÕs all happening at Wild Garlic

Wild Garlic has revealed a brand new look. Chocolate coloured banquette 
seating, intimate lighting and a fabulous new colour scheme. Also coming soon, 
beautiful photography from Vanessa Kay - a new local photographer www.
vanessakayphotography.co.uk.

 Matthew's new menu features some great local and seasonal produce with a focus on 
fresh flavours, great service and a fantastic wine list. Each Sunday Wild Garlic is now 
featuring a different traditional Sunday roast; for example 'Roasted Loin of Old Spot 
Pork with crackling, Goose Fat Roasted Potatoes and Roasted Apples'. Call 832615 to 
enquire about this Sunday's Roast.

 Wild Garlic will be hosting a Pamper Evening on 
8th February to raise funds for the Coigne Playgroup 
in Minchinhampton. Local businesses featured 
include Claire Frances Hair Design, Essence of 
Design, Number One, Armed and Gorgeous, Tip to 
Toe Hair and Beauty and Louise Taylor-Bowen Image 
Consultant. 8pm start with Champagne and Canapes 
from Wild Garlic. To enquire if there are any tickets 
available contact Hannah Beardshall on 07545 
131627.

Edward Jones 
branches closed by 
new owners

On October 24th last year The Times 
announced the acquisition by Towry Law 
of Edward Jones, the financial advisors 
of which Liz Odell has been the popular 
representative in Nailsworth. 

The Times reported that ÔEdward Jones 
wrote to its clients to say that Towry Law 
shared its approach of Ôdelivering quality 
face-to-face adviceÕ and said that nothing 
would changeÕ. Well, it hasnÕt turned out 
quite like that. Towry Law has a very 
different way of working from Edward 
Jones, and all the Edward Jones branch 
offices are being closed. Clients will be 
serviced from, in our case, a central office 
in Bristol. So, by the time you read this 
Geraldine Curtis will have locked up the 
Edward Jones premises in Fountain Street 
for the last time. 

Liz declined an offer to transfer to 
Bristol and has been made redundant. 
She will have worked out her notice 
by mid-February; in the meantime she 
is not allowed to enter the office or to 
make contact with her ex-Edward Jones 
clients; that doesnÕt stop you calling her on 
872570. 

Liz and Geraldine have been good 
friends and willing supporters of 
Nailsworth News and we wish them well. 
No one who knows Liz will be in any 
doubt that sheÕll be back!


Short stories with the 
WEA 

On Thursday 4th February the Stroud 
Branch of the WorkersÕ Educational 
Association will be starting a six 
week course on English Short Stories 
with tutor Cath Humphries from 
10.15 to 11.45 am at the Mortimer 
Room (Nailsworth Library). More 
information is available from Tony 
Burton, Hon Branch Secretary, 
telephone 832228.



Youth matters & sporting notes

New YearÕs Resolutions

Although there was no January issue, 
I am keeping this article topical to 
the missed month by focusing on those 
oh so pesky New YearÕs Resolutions. 
So where did this tradition come from? 
Surprisingly, it dates from 153 B.C, when 
Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, 
was placed at the head of the calendar. 
He became associated with resolutions, and many Romans 
looked for forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged gifts 
before the beginning of each year. Nowadays resolutions are 
more about bettering yourself, with aims such as losing weight, 
quitting smoking or keeping fit topping the bill (but forgiveness 
from enemies never goes amiss!) 

So why do we wait till the 12th chime on the 31st of 
December to commit ourselves? And is it even worth it when 
statistics show that only around 12% of people keep their 
resolutions?

To make or not to make? 

I asked some youngsters in Nailsworth about their New YearÕs 
resolutions, whether theyÕre worth making and if they stick 
to them. 19-year-old George from Watledge, says: ÔI strongly 
believe in the validity of New YearÕs Resolutions, and see them 
as an annual chance to improve myself. This year I was kindly 
gifted a membership to the local gym (there may have been a 
hint of sarcasm in GeorgeÕs voiceÉmaybe not happy at being 
committed to a gym at last!), which was a great opportunity to 
make a resolution about keeping fit. So far at least, I have kept 
to my aim and IÕm already feeling the benefits!Õ 

18-year-old Anna says: ÔI donÕt usually believe in New YearÕs 
Resolutions, as I see o point in a promise I will undoubtedly 
break! But this year I have made an

exception, and IÕm going to try to say 
yes to more opportunities, make the most 
of being at university without too much 
responsibility but make sure I keep up with 
work.Õ 

Personally I believe in New YearÕs 
Resolutions, even though I make the same 
one each year Ð usually to no avail. My 
consistent knuckle cracking annoys my 
family and friends (most of all my Mum, 

an osteopath who knows the problems this 
can cause), and every year I vow to rid 
myself of this habit. But unfortunately, the

click-crack-click seeps back into my life, so after 6 consecutive 
years I have lost faith in the idea. 

Sticking to resolutions

It is said that on average it takes 66 days to form a habit but 
around 100 days to break one. So what chance do we have? But 
66 days doesnÕt seem that long if your aim is something simple 
like glugging a glass of water every morning, and when youÕre 
committed to change the time can fly by.

Research has shown that people who keep their resolutions tend 
to break their goal into small steps and reward themselves when 
they achieve one. They also tell their friends, focus on the benefits 
of success and keep a diary of progress. All these are great ways 
of turning a seemingly overwhelming task into something more 
manageable. 

So if you fell at the first hurdle when entering 2010, I hope 
you now have another go Ð and it doesnÕt have to be the 31st of 
December to decide to turn over a new leaf, Monday mornings 
are often as good a time as any!


Mike Kilcooley

Football notes

We canÕt imagine why there was no football in the January cold 
snap - remember the days of playing/watching with an orange ball 
in a blizzard? At least FGR and Shortwood have not slipped down 
their respective Tables - thatÕs positive thinking. The win for FGR 
v Gateshead was very welcome, 
and now we wait for more 
successes as spring approaches. 
Shortwood havenÕt played since 
12th December due to the weather 
but exciting times lie ahead in 
Meadowbank. Well done, all 
those who helped clear the pitch 
at the New Lawn for the match v. 
Gateshead. 280 tons were cleared 
from the pitch and surrounds in 48 
hours - amazing!


FGR - now thatÕs a snowball!