1

Nailsworth 

 News

October 2010

No. 105

Christkindl 
is saved!

Full story on page 5. 


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


Pig-wrestling - a local sport?

Why is Sian 
Collins, 
the Minister for 
Christ Church, 
grappling with a 
pig in the middle of 
Nailsworth? 

We are pleased 
to welcome Sian 
as a new regular 
contributor to the NN. 
As for the pig, all is 
explained in SianÕs 
piece on page 19. 

(Thank you, Ursula 
at Fandago, for the 
photo.)


A town run by 
volunteers...

It seems that everyone is at it! 

Volunteering that is; giving 
time, labour and expertise for 
no financial reward. Nailsworth 
couldnÕt survive without the 
hundreds of people who do this 
locally. And with financial cuts 
ahead, community contributions 
like this will become even more 
important. It isnÕt only one-way 
either - anyone who volunteers will 
tell you that the rewards are many; 
just donÕt expect money!

This month, we celebrate the 
role of volunteers in our town. 
Guest contributor Jenny Barnett 
has put together a centrespread on 
pages 12 & 13. She has only been 
able to skim the surface of this 
huge area, so keep your eyes on 
future editions of the paper.

Then on page 3, Steve 
Robinson our Mayor encourages 
more of us to become involved 
and puts forward the idea of a 
Nailsworth Volunteer Bureau. So 
get your thinking caps on, and if 
you can find a few hours of spare 
time in your busy life, this could 
be your opportunity!


Westonbirt Fair 
YoUr one stoP CHristMas sHoPIn aid of Help for Heroes and Hope for tomorrowat Westonbirt school, tetbury, GL8 8QG.
26th and 27th october 2010, 10.00 am to 4.00 pmover half the stalls are new from last year.
Entrance £5. Entrance and Gardens £6. Children under 16 free. Free car parking. 
Homemade Food all day, Wine Bar, Raffle, Tombola, Red Cross Stall. 
For details and to register on the mailing list, www.westonbirtfair.org 
This edition also includes:

¥ Protection against burglaries - p3

¥ Christkindl saved - p5

¥ Local college rated outstanding - p7

¥ More about Nailsworth in WWII - p9

¥ Say goodbye to a green landmark - p10

¥ Doing something for nothing - p12-13

¥ 40th birthday for craftsmen - p15

¥ Health at home and abroad - p18

¥ New sports & leisure partnership - p20

¥ FGR Ladies Club - p21



Nailsworthy 

A free monthly 
newspaper for the 
parish of Nailsworth 


Debbie Slaughter

Debbie came to Nailsworth in 1978 to be close 
to friends in a town that had always attracted 
her. ÔFrom the outset. I was accepted by the local 
neighbours Ð they are lovely peopleÕ, she said. 
For a number of years she worked as a designer/
draughtsman until she started her family. Nowadays, 
despite being in full-time employment much of her 
time is devoted to voluntary work.

Her initial introduction to voluntary work came 
in support of son Ryan and daughter Layla during 
their schooling; when they attended Nailsworth C 
of E Primary School she was a member of the PTA committee. When Ryan 
joined the Nailsworth & Forest Green Scouts, Debbie was co-opted to help 
with the fundraising. She successfully applied for £1000 from the National 
Lottery to build inside toilets in their headquarters, and this was matched 
by the late Philip Sawyer, whose life and legacy have done so much for 
our town. Appropriately, it was Phil who performed the official opening 
of this new facility. Debbie was later able to raise enough money for Ryan 
to attend the World Scout Jubilee Celebrations in Chile. On his return, he 
gave a presentation at Forest Green Rovers HQ, and following this Debbie 
was persuaded to head the team of volunteers that organises hospitality and 
meals for teams and visitors on match days at the Lawn.

For the last fifteen years she has been the ticket and booking agent for 
Nailsworth Festival, a task that keeps her occupied throughout the year, 
Once one festival is over, work begins on mapping out the next yearÕs 
programme. When the Festival Committee have finalised the events and 
performers, Debbie recruits ÔFriends of the FestivalÕ, organises the printing 
of tickets and takes charge of the sales. During the festival, she does front of 
house sales at the events (which unfortunately means that in many cases she 
misses the performances), and supervises the accounts before handing them 
over to the Treasurer. She marvels at the good weather that has accompanied 
the festival year after year, and, of the many festival events that she has 
attended, she particularly enjoyed the talks by David Bellamy and Andrew 
Motion.

Debbie is grateful for the help, encouragement and support of husband 
Eric; without him it would not have been possible to arrange the annual 
Nailsworth Scouts Family Day, Bonfire Night and various other activities. 
She hopes to continue organising future events and helping run them for as 
long as she can.

Like others before her, she has a great fondness for Nailsworth. ÔIt is my 
homeÕ, she said. ÔI have no desire to be anywhere else.Õ

Mike Brinkworth

Published by the Nailsworth News 
team: next meeting 7pm, 6th October.

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, 
business@nailsworthnews.org.uk

Green Editor: Claire Stapleton 
832465 green@nailsworthnews.org.uk

Youth: Mike Kilcooley, youth@
nailsworthnews.org.uk

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

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

Distribution: Don Luke 832812, 
distribution@nailsworthnews.org.uk

WhatÕs On: Tina Ginn 835295, 
whatson@nailsworthnews.org.uk

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).

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For a brochure or to arrange a visit, please 
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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. 



Civic matters


MayorÕs report

ItÕs now October. The 
nights are drawing in 
rapidly and at the end of 
the month the clocks will 
alter. With the advent of 
the dark evenings we can 
look forward to turning 
on the central heating, 
drawing the curtains and switching on the 
television - but on the other hand perhaps a 
few more of us could look to helping one of 
the many groups and organisations, which 
operate in the town. These organisations 
need volunteers to enable them to offer the 
services and facilities which we all enjoy. 

Perhaps, through this publication a 
voluntary bureau could be set up? I would 
be very pleased to hear from anyone who 
might be interested in offering their services, 
on 834270 or robinsons@fsmail.net.

I continue to hold my ÔsurgeryÕ at 
the FarmersÕ Market each month and I 
endeavour to follow up residentsÕ concerns, 
many of which are highways issues, eg the 
thoughtless drivers who continue to park 
in front of the seats on the pavement in 
Cossack Square.

On a more pleasant note, it was 
delightful to have someone who has recently 
moved to our town come up to me to say 
how lovely the town is and how welcoming 
and friendly the people are. Well done 
Nailsworth folk!

Thanks to all those who have shown 
interest in brightening up the town with 
flowers next spring. The first meeting of 
this group will take place in the Council 
Chambers on Tuesday 9th November at 
7pm. I hope there will be even more interest 
now that the date for that has been arranged.

Protecting against burglaries

We are pleased to print this piece by local policeman PC Paul Matthews, our 
Nailsworth Beat Manager. Paul hopes to send further items in the future. 

Police have been working with residents in Watledge to combat distraction 
burglaries and rogue traders by establishing a ÔNo Cold Calling AreaÕ. 
This is the name for a designated zone where residents decide they no longer 
want traders or business callers visiting their homes without an appointment. 
The new one was a joint venture with local Neighbourhood Watch 
coordinators Mr and Mrs Christie.

Whilst cold calling is a legal method of doing business, it is used by 
rogue traders, bogus workmen, high-pressure sales people and fake officials 
whose aim is to con householders out of their money. ÔNo Cold Calling 
AreasÕ make it much more difficult for offenders to operate unnoticed. The 
areas are not designed to stop all callers and, therefore, regular tradespeople, 
genuine utility services and known callers should not be deterred. Those 
involved in door-to-door selling may still call, but they should always give 
prior notice.

Sergeant for the area Kirk Harrison said, ÔEstablishing these ÔNo Cold 
CallingÕ zonesÕ is all about communities working together and having the 
confidence to turn away uninvited salespeople, as well as displaying a 
warning to rogue traders and cold-callers that they are not welcome.Õ It has 
been proven in Gloucestershire that a reduction in cold calling leads directly 
to a reduction in instances of residents being deceived and of burglary.Õ

The areas will be marked using street signs at the entrance and exit to the 
zone, and residents are issued with an information pack explaining how to 
say no to unwanted callers. The pack also includes door stickers to indicate 
that the resident does not wish to receive cold callers, as well as useful 
leaflets and the contact details for Crimestoppers. Anyone who wishes to 
report a crime but remain anonymous is encouraged to call Crimestoppers on 
0800 555 111. They will not be asked to supply any personal details.

ÔWe hope that by working with residents to launch these areas, we are 
giving them the opportunity to collectively say ÔnoÕ to unwanted callers. 
The aim is that this will reduce the fear and threat felt by some householders 
when there is an unknown caller at the door. Equally as important, it is hoped 
this will raise awareness of distraction burglars and rogue workmen amongst 
the younger members of the community and encourage them to look out for 
the well-being of their older and more vulnerable neighbours,Õ concluded 
Sergeant Harrison.

If you would like to discuss 
the possibility of such a zone 
in your area, please contact 
the Safer Communities Team 
at Nailsworth Police Station. 
And if you are suspicious of 
any sellers in your area ring 
Gloucestershire Constabulary 
on 0845 090 1234, or call 
Crimestoppers anonymously.


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3



Local Affairs


ItÕs a slippery slope...

In a few months time this sloping 
pavement may be covered with snow 
again (which it is, apparently, no oneÕs 
job to clear). It will be trodden down and 
then frozen to provide a very treacherous 
slope. Predictably, someone may slip and 
fall when negotiating it. If theyÕre lucky 
theyÕll lose nothing but their dignity and, 
perhaps, the contents of their shopping 
bag. If they are unlucky theyÕll suffer a 
broken arm or fracture their hipÉ 

If this risk existed in a school or a 
workplace, Health & Safety would be on 
the case before you could shake a stick 
- but because itÕs on a public pavement 
no one seems to care. Apparently, 
although the fabric of our pavements is 
the responsibility of the County Council, 
it is legally unclear where the buck stops 
when there is a snow or ice hazard. 

There are things that could be done:

¥ The severe slope could be 
moderated by cutting back into the 
pavement in Old Market, providing 
either a more gradual slope or 
steps (leaving room for mobility 
scooters, etc to go round).

¥ A functional hand rail could be 
provided that didnÕt stop just when 
you need it.

¥ A sand/salt bin could be placed on 
the corner so that what officialdom 
is unwilling or incapable of doing 
to clear the pathway could be 
undertaken by the citizenry.

¥ A sign could be put up saying 
ÔCaution! Sloping pavement 
dangerous when ice coveredÕ. 

¥ Nothing. 

We know which option weÕre 
betting on! 

Bill Affleck

Peter Starkiss, NailsworthÕs Snow 
Warden, has expressed sympathy 
with the views expressed above. He 
points out, however, that sadly this is 
not the only dangerously steep piece 
of pavement in town, there are many 
others. He also comments that the 
priority of the Highways Agency is 
to keep the roads gritted and salted 
against snow and ice, not to see to the 
pavements. Peter would welcome any 
volunteers to help clear paths during 
snow especially around the town centre, 
shops, surgeries etc. 

Health service 
directory 

The hardworking people at the 
Nailsworth Health Partnership 
are now looking to produce a health 
directory for Nailsworth (among many 
ideas that they have on the go). It will 
include NHS and complementary 
health practitioners, health facilities 
in town, health promotion activities, 
classes, support groups, and so on. NHP 
also intends to create a website with a 
comprehensive directory of local health 
information and support groups. This 
is good news for those of us who live 
or work in the town, since it will be 
a wonderful resource when we need 
health information.

Any group or person interested in 
being included in the directory, please 
contact johofman@hotmail.com or 
ring her on 834774. She is hopeful that 
listings will be free or low-cost, since 
the partnership is currently applying for 
funding.

Can any NN readers shed light on 
another health-linked subject? NHP 
recently received an email from a 
newcomer who is looking for a local 
NHS dentist. If you can help with 
advice on how to find one, and also how 
to hang on to one once found, please 
contact Jo Hofman directly.

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4



Local affairs


Christkindl 2010 - good news

No need to cancel Christmas. Christkindl has been saved! 
It will be running this year on Friday 26th November, so 
put that evening in your diaries.

It has been a close-run thing. In the end, a contribution 
from the Nailsworth Chamber of Trade & Commerce 
finally tipped the balance, so the NN has made the members 
of that body our Local Heroes for October. In these 
recessionary times, it was not easy for them to help out, but 
they managed it and we thank them for that. Local traders 
have been responding individually also, offering sponsorship, 
taking up advertising opportunities and booking stalls. 

So what is in store for the 26th November? Well, it seems 
there is a great evening ahead. Details are still being worked 
out, but here are some highlights to whet your appetite:

¥ The theme will be Winter Wonderland

¥ There will be a procession, to include vintage cars, 
bands, schools and other local groups

¥ SantaÕs grotto will be there for the kiddies, including 
snow provided by the internationally famous local 
company Snow Business

¥ Plenty to eat of course, including a hog roast and 
mulled wine 

¥ Local traders will have festive stalls 

¥ To help us remember the season, there will be carol 
singers, and St. GeorgeÕs Church will be acting out 
Bible Stories.

In the past, there has been concern by some residents that 

the funfair is disruptive. The organising group has listened. 
So the fair this year will be smaller than in previous years Ð 
much quieter Ð and aimed at families rather than teenagers 
(offering rides for small children).

Can YOU help?

This is all great news. But help is still very much wanted to 
make Christkindl really swing. Can you get involved? Here is 
what is needed:

TRADERS Ð there are still stalls available, and opportunities 
to put your advert in the festival booklet. Please call in at 
The Optical Shop on George Street, where Sue Arnold has 
booking forms.

RESIDENTS Ð more volunteers are needed to wrap presents 
before the event, and to help erect stalls on the evening or 
clear up afterwards. If you can spare a few hours, please 
contact Claire Stapleton on 07870 348110.

ANYONE Ð the hunt is on for a Father Christmas Ð is he 
out there? If you could take this on but canÕt lay your hands 
on an outfit (maybe your reindeer chewed it up?) no worries, 
a costume will be supplied. Again, if you can help please 
contact Claire on 07870 348110. 

Further details of the festival will be available on 

www.nailsworthsearch.co.uk from early October, and 
in the November issue of NN. A detailed programme will 
also be produced. Nailsworth owes a big thank you to the 
Christkindl team, and to all those who have made this 
magical evening possible by giving support.


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5



Community


Information please

Does anyone know anything about the stone on the left? It 
is in the Watledge Hill National Trust area just above and 
beyond the last house on the uphill side of Watledge Bank 
(see map.) Please get in touch if you have any information 
- weÕre curious!

First aid for parents 

Are you a parent with small children? 
Would you like to be better equipped to 
cope with the cuts, bumps and accidents 
that they experience in daily life? If 
so, why not contact 
Stroud Valleys NCT 
(National Childbirth 
Trust), who will shortly be running 
a course that focuses on first aid for 
babies and toddlers. 

Produced and run by John Wintle 
(www.johnwintlefirstaidtraining.
co.uk), who is an A&E nurse as well 
as a parent, the course will run on 
Saturday 6th November 2010. You can 
attend either from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm 
or from 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm. Venue will 
be the Christ Church Rooms. There are 
a maximum of 10 places available for 
each session. Cost is £25, £5 payable to 
ÔStroud Valleys NCTÕ to cover hall hire 
and refreshments and the rest payable 
directly to the instructor on the day, to 
include a first aid book. 

This course is independent of the 
NCT, but as a branch they feel that 
baby and toddler first aid is a skill that 
will benefit us all. Parents are welcome 
to bring small babies. Please note that 
prices are per adult attending the course, 
and no discounts are available. Contact 
Marianne Orr, mariannecorr@
btinternet.com or on 836697 to find 
out more or make a booking.


Flower arrangers help fight AlzheimerÕs

Did you know that the Nailsworth & District Flower Arrangement Society is not 
just an active flower-arranging group, it is a charitable organisation? Jill Robbins 
has been in touch to tell us how pleased they were recently to present a cheque for 
£800 to the Alzheimer Society, as the result of an Open Day at Wycliffe College 
with National Flower Demonstrator Kevin Gunnell and local celebrity chef 
Rob Rees. Rob very kindly asked for his fee to be donated to The Wiggly Worm 
ChildrenÕs Charity.

The societyÕs next open event will be their annual Christmas Demonstration, 
which is being held at Nailsworth Junior School on Wednesday 3rd November 
at 7.30 pm (doors open 6.30.) Angela Turner will be the 
demonstrator, and her title will be ÔThe Colours of ChristmasÕ. 
Tickets, £8 including a glass of wine and mincepie, are 
available at Claire Frances Hair Design in Cossack Square, or 
by telephoning 833952 or 834414. 

Meetings of the Society are held on the first Wednesday of 
each month at the Town Hall, Nailsworth, 7.00 pm for 7.30. 
New members and visitors are welcome. 


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Community


Local college rated 
ÔoutstandingÕ Ð itÕs official!

There are changes afoot at Ruskin Mill 
College (located just off the Old Bristol Road 
between Nailsworth and Horsley). For those 
who arenÕt familiar with it, this excellent 
college provides education for young people aged 16 Ð 25 
who have learning difficulties and disabilities. The students 
follow a three year programme which focuses on land and 
craft activities, learning through practical skills and real 
life situations. The many Nailsworth residents who use the 
permissive walk that runs through the Horsley Valley may 
have seen the young people working and learning there with 
their tutors. 

Exciting news - the college now has a new Principal. On 
the 1st August, Elisabeth Johnson (pictured above) took 
over the role from Michael Frosch. Elisabeth has worked 
at Ruskin Mill College since 1998, starting out as a tutor 
on the Fish Farm, and has been the Assistant Principal for 
the past two years. She is taking up this new challenge 
enthusiastically, and hopes to be able to maintain and 
enhance the outstanding work the college does. We wish her 
well, and look forward to bringing you more news in future 
months. 

Another excellent and well-deserved piece of news is 
that the outcome of last MayÕs full Ofsted inspection of the 
college was an overall Grade 1, Outstanding. As anyone 
who has been involved in education will know, this is a huge 
achievement and wonderful recognition of all the hard work 
and effort from the staff and students. The report makes for an 
interesting read and is available from the Ofsted website on 
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/.

If you would like to find out more about Ruskin Mill 
College, please go along to the next Community Volunteer 
Day on Sunday 17th October. This autumn Ôtidy upÕ 
significantly helps the landscape and areas around the public 
footpaths to be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the area. For 
more information ring 837537.


Staff 
celebrating 
the Ofsted 
result

Tea, outings and gossip at Forest Green

David Boulton, Chairman of Forest Green Senior Citizen's Club, has asked us to mention the opportunities available 
through that club for the over 60Õs and their partners. He explains: ÔWe meet on most Thursday afternoons, except 
August and around Christmas, commencing at 2 pm. I say most Thursdays because the exceptions are when outings are 
programmed. Our members and guests pay an annual membership fee plus £1 per attendance, and receive a cup of tea and 
biscuits together with updates on local occurrences via gossip!Õ

The club meets in the hall at Craddock Court, Nortonwood, Forest Green. Membership is open to anyone aged 60 or 
more. At the discretion of Officers, spouses or partners of qualifying members may be admitted as full members even if 
younger Ð they then pay the same fee. David can be contacted on 833411.

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7



Community

Nailsworth notes -

Inky fingers & gold leaf 

Had you told me, a year ago, that I would 
willingly spend 2. hours, silently writing out 
the letters a and b, over and over again, IÕd have 
snorted in derision. I am a human being. Give me 
a free day and by the time IÕve hit the bathroom 
IÕve filled it 3 times over. Yet here I am, completely 
absorbed, in a Zen-like state, worldly worries 
replaced with the far simpler wordy worries. How 
to get that perfect H, cross bar not too high not too 
low, following M with a U, trying to get the spacing 
just right, so that it doesnÕt jar the eye. ÔTake a look 
at the WilliamÕs Kitchen signÕ says Pam our teacher, 
Ôimmaculate spacingÕ. How on earth did medieval 
monks in cave-cold monasteries keep a steady 
hand? Did they have this much trouble with an S?

 I am talking, of course, about calligraphy Ð just 
one of the many classes available in Nailsworth. It 
could have been salsa (well it is, actually, but thatÕs 
another story) or Pilates on the Ball (is that Pilates 
for the mentally alert?) or Italian - but calligraphy 
won because it is only down the road and came 
highly recommended by a friend. Our teacher, 
Pam Harmer from Rockness, is a wonder (I half 
expect her to appear in full gear, including cape, 
mid-class). Stonemason, ballet teacher, marathon 
runner; calligraphy is just one of her talents. I look 
at my initial efforts and cringe, but we can add 
Ôexcellent teacherÕ to that list because here I am one 
year on, still 
at it, dipping 
and scribing. 
Not great, 
but definitely 
improving.

 

Mary 
Horsley

Nailsworth talent at Woodchester show

There is interesting news about our very own Tamzin Philips, 
the main proof-reader for this paper. TamzinÕs talents were well 
recognised at the Woodchester Produce & Craft Show held in 
September, where she won four prizes:

¥ 1st in the knitted item category Ð she made a tiny cableknit 
cardigan to fit a Barbie doll

¥ 2nd for a fabric article, which was a patchwork quilt

¥ 2nd in another category for a jar of blackcurrant jam (by the 
description, it sounds scrumptious!)

¥ And finally, 3rd prize for a bowl of homegrown fruit.

It clearly runs in the family, since TamzinÕs children David (10) 
and Emily (7) won 2nd prize for a matchbox filled with items that 
started with an R.

There was other Nailsworth talent at the show as well. Our 
congratulations also to Oliver Turner (7) for the overall 1st prize in 
the childrenÕs competition, and his sister Lauren (10) who was just 
behind him in 2nd place. 


Trek up a volcano to 
support CCH

There is always something new 
on the boil at Cotsworld Care 
Hospice, and this time they have 
come up with the hottest idea yet 
for fund-raising. Would you be 
interested in an opportunity to scale 
Italy's three famous volcanoes - Vesuvius, Stromboli (pictured) 
and Mount Etna on Sicily - and visit the ancient city of Pompeii? 
Well, this is your chance; you can do all that, and raise money for 
the Hospice at the same time!

It will all happen from the19th to 24th May 2011. There 
will be an opportunity to enjoy some of Italy's most spectacular 
scenery whilst scaling the three volcanoes. The adventure 
will include an overnight boat ride to Stomboli followed by a 
challenging trek of around six hours to the summit of the volcano 
which dominates that island.

Find out more at the CCH information evening at the Hospice 
on 28th October at 7.30 pm, or contact Vanessa Rinaldi on 
886868, vanessa.rinaldi@cotswoldcare.org.uk.


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From our readers

(Some letters have been edited for length)

Wartime memories (continued from September)

Brian AllchornÕs very interesting story in last monthÕs NN about being evacuated to Nailsworth as a 
child has stirred up memories in local people. Below we share some of your reminiscences. 

A very long train

Bill Bruton sent us some memories that were 
brought to mind by BrianÕs story. ÔI well 
remember the evening that the longest train 
Nailsworth Station had ever seen arrived from 
Eastbourne.Õ he wrote. ÔAll the children from 
Nailsworth were there to see it, and my lasting 
memory was that the majority of passengers 
had to get out of the carriages well down 
the line and make their way along the track 
to the platform. The Allchorn familly made 
themselves very much part of Nailsworth and 
BrianÕs father became Sergeant in charge of the 
special constables in Nailsworth.Õ

It seems that since the war, BrianÕs younger 
brother Colin has returned to Nailsworth for 
a holiday practically every year and always 
goes down memory lane walking through 
HazelWoods where so much time was spent in 
the 40's.

Bill told us that unfortunately, with the 
exception of Malcolm Hooper, all the friends 
Colin mentioned have passed away Ôbut I 
remember him well, together with all the 
mischief he got up to.Õ 

A weekend of fresh fish

It was a pleasure to receive a phone call from local resident Elsie 
Cook. Her connections with the Allchorn family were primarily 
through her late husband Arthur ÔGobbleÕ Cook (so named because 
he did impressions of animals, such as a turkey and Donald Duck Ð 
now that would have been worth hearing!) Brian, his brother and their 
wives were apparently regular visitors to Nailsworth for many years 
Ð Ôthey would pack their bags and then come over for a hectic round 
of visiting friends before heading back to Eastbourne for the start of 
the next boating season,Õ says Elsie. She points out what very hard 
workers both the brothers were, and the long hours they spent in their 
fatherÕs boating business which was later their own.

Elsie passed on to us a story of a weekend when the visitors 
arrived with a huge bagful of fresh plaice. This was apparently taken 
to WilliamÕs Kitchen (which had not long been open) for cleaning 
and filleting, and since of course those were pre-freezer days, it was 
quite a weekend of fish-eating!

To quote Elsie again, ÔThe lads certainly got up to mischief in their 
youth. For example, they used an airgun to pop off the glass panes of 
the gas-lamps that lit Market Street!Õ Brian has given permission for 
this to be printed, so we hope that it wonÕt get him into trouble; in fact 
when he heard, he chuckled and promised to mail us more information 
about the games that young lads played in Nailsworth in his day. It 
is to be hoped that this wonÕt set too much of a bad example to the 
current generation of schoolchildren!

An old schoolmate

Samuel Thomas (always known as Hugh), who was 
mentioned in BrianÕs tale, has been in touch. He tells 
us that he remembers Brian very clearly, and was in the 
class a year or two above him at school. Samuel also 
worked at ChamberlainÕs, which was another link. Of 
the list of old friends that Brian mentioned, he knew 
Derek Hillier and ÔNobbyÕ Miller particularly well. 
Samuel is now 86 and living in Concord.

More about the mischief...

Gail Smith from Shiny Goodness wrote to say that she had quite a 
lump in her throat when she read BrianÕs story. ÔArthur ÔGobbleÕ 
Cook was my father.Õ Gail explained. Ô He died when I was 23 
and is still very much missed. I still have people coming into the 
shop sharing their memories of him. He was quite mischievous as 
a boy and even as an adult. Malcolm Hooper was the butcher at 
Eastmans where FifiÕs hairdressers now is. Graham Middleditch is 
no longer with us after dying of cancer 4 or 5 years ago.Õ

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Green matters - by Claire Stapleton

Farewell to a beloved copper beech

In February of this year, 
as custodians of the 
magnificent copper beech 
tree at the foot of the 
Nailsworth ÔWÕ we were 
hugely saddened to receive 
the news that it will need 
to be felled. This tree is 
thought to be around 150 
years old and stands a dizzy 
26 metres over the Watledge 
and Nailsworth area. It must 
have seen much change and 
excitement over that century 
and a half, having outlived 
several generations and 
watched two major world wars come and go.

As a matter of natural maintenance, the tree had a Picus 
sonic tomogram (which is a type of scan to look inside it) 
conducted in 2005. This showed that there was internal 
decay. Another tomogram was carried out in early 2010. 
Unfortunately, the comparison between the two readings 
was dramatic, revealing that there was considerable and 
active progression of the rot. Geoffrey March from Tree 
Maintenance Ltd explains ÔAbsolutely nothing can be done 
to stop or even slow down this process, and with the decay 
extending below ground level there is an ever increasing 
risk of the tree fallingÕ. 

The copper beech tree stands on the boundary wall 
between High Beeches and the very busy road known as 
'The W' leading up to the Common. The overriding factor in 
making the decision to fell it is safety Ð safety of the road, 
the Natural Health Centre building directly opposite, the 
private residence, and all the people who could be affected. 
There is an option of reducing the size of the tree first but 
mature beeches do not respond well to heavy pruning, so 
this would be likely to hasten the tree's demise as well as 
looking unsightly. SDC's tree officer has reluctantly agreed 
that the tree should not remain in such a highly critical 
position.

Felling is expected to take place on the 3rd November. 
To ensure that it is carried out as safely and efficiently as 
possible, the road will need to be closed for the entire day to 
traffic and pedestrians. This will mean that road users have 
to take diversions, but it really is the least disruptive method 
so we ask for your patience whilst this necessary job is 
being done. 

The tree makes a dramatic landscape feature, being 
clearly visible from across town. It is especially loved by 
photographers when covered in snow, and provides much 
welcome shade in the hot summer months - but safety for all 
is paramount. 

It will be a very sad day when we have to bid our old 
friend farewell. Happily, there is a magnificent tulip tree 
alongside and in good condition, but you will be very much 
missed, our dear copper beech.

Claire and Simon Stapleton


Our dear old friend

A big thank you for garden surplus!

Go Grow would like to thank everyone who has joined the FarmersÕ Market stall to sell their garden crop surplus this summer. 
There are a number of reasons behind the idea of selling garden crop surplus.

¥ to encourage food gardening skills

¥ to make reasonably priced, good quality, fresh food more available in Nailsworth

¥ to optimise growing spaces in the town.

Go Grow is not the only community group to offer a place for gardeners and allotment holders to sell their surplus. The idea 
is developing across the country. We hope that our own cropshare scheme will become bigger and better next year, and we still 
welcome more people who would like to join in. Bring your surplus fruit and plants to the October, November and December 
stalls. Or contact Liz Child on 839107 for more information.

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10



Green matters - by Claire Stapleton

What's new and green in town?

A new addition to the FarmersÕ Market and Nailsworth 
business community is Sage Cottage 
Perennials, set up by local successful 
architect and keen gardener David Free 
to supply carefully selected British 
grown perennial garden plants to local 
gardeners. All the plants are suited to 
the lime rich soils of the Cotswolds. 
David tells us that Ôfrom the start it 
was important to reduce any impact the 
company may have on the environment.Õ 
The pots are made from waste products 
of annual crops such as cereals and 
coconut husks; the plant labels are 
biodegradable rather than plastic; the 
plants are all grown from seed, by an 
independent company in Yorkshire; and 
as of next year, all the compost used will 
be organic. The current range provides 
about eight different species, but will 
have a plant list of over 40 perennials 
and an extensive range of hardy herbs available in the Spring. 
Although the nursery is not currently open to the public, plants 
can be ordered online or by phone and delivered to your door. 
Payment is on approval of the plants when delivered. Contact 
David Free on 07595 391938 or visit www.scperennials.co.uk. 

October Apple Day

Fruit has been bountiful this year. This meant that there 
was an impromptu apple juicing event in September at 
the Farmers Market, organised by Horsley Orchard 
Group and Go Grow with money going towards helping 
the victims of the floods in Pakistan. The apple pressing 
was so popular that Go Grow is planning to do it again 
on Saturday 23rd October, 9 am till 1 pm at Mortimer 
Gardens. Bring your own apples for juicing or selling on 
the Go Grow stall or just come along and quench your 
thirst with some freshly pressed juice. Start saving clean 
bottles now for fresh apple juice to take away and please 
get in touch with Go Grow if you can help or lend them 
more apple presses. DonÕt forget, you can sell any surplus 
fruit and vegetables on their stall every Farmers Market. 
Contact Liz Child on 839107 for more information about 
the apple pressing and the Go Grow stall.


Armeria, lobelia and 
chrysanthemum

10:10:10 - a global day of doing

In the last issue we asked what Nailsworth folk will be doing 
on 10th October as part of the government 10:10 campaign to 
cut carbon emissions. Cllr. Philip Booth kindly informed us 
of the Carbon Awareness Event taking place at Thistledown 
Environment Centre on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October. 
A free camping site will be provided if you wish to walk up to 
the campsite on that day and set up your tents. 

We are informed that already a marquee, fire and beer stall 
have been lined up (Stroud Brewery will donate sales to the 
appeal fund). Stroud Woodcraft Group will be assisting the 
event and organising some smaller events like a Ôpea fairÕ. On 
Sunday there will be more activities run by Woodcraft as well 
as AnnieÕs bring and share local food lunch. On both days a 
film will be shown, ÔBeyond the tipping pointÕ. 

Pop along for just one day if you cannot make both. Car 
parking is limited so avoid using cars if possible. Thistledown 
(Richard and Ryan) will gratefully receive donations to the 
Pakistan flood appeal - for those who 
want to show appreciation for the 
free camping/free space provided for 
organisations to be represented. 

For more information visit 
www.350.org/node/17830.


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Doing something for nothing

From the heights of Forest Green down to Old Market and up the other side - everywhere, people are 
doing something for nothing. Retired people, working people, young people, builders, accountants, 
journalists; are all helping to make Nailsworth a more interesting place, a place where things happen. And 
they are doing it for no financial reward. 

Volunteers are of all ages, and they work throughout the community. So what 
kind of things do they do, and why? (All the photos are of local volunteers, taken within the 
past 12 months). 


The not-so-young

There are innumerable events and organisations for 
older members of the community. For instance, keen 
members organise different groups in The Nailsworth 
Society. And of course all clubs, societies and fundraisers 
need committees Ð even though, as one member wryly 
comments, ÔI was dragged into it, but now I quite enjoy itÕ. 

Forest Green Senior Citizens Club provides a weekly 
social venue and various well-attended outings. It is run 
by club members. 7 volunteers support those who attend 
Concord, while others provide transport. Transport is 
also available for the Chiropody Clinic. And letÕs not 
forget the daily Meals on Wheels service, which relies on 
volunteer drivers, and the monthly Alzheimers CafŽ. 

Young people

Activities for young people 
are often run by parents, who 
sometimes continue after 
their children are grown up, 
aided by youngsters. For 
example, the 12 adult Guiders 
in Nailsworth work with 3 
or 4 Ôyouth leadersÕ who run 
Rainbows, Brownie Guides 
and a Senior Section. ÔAs a 
very rough average we give 
3-4 hours a week spread over 
the whole yearÕ, one told me. 
Nailsworth Scout Group 
is attended by over 60 boys 
every week in Beavers, Cubs 
and Scouts. 5 adult Scouters 
and 3 Ôyoung leadersÕ run 
the weekly meetings as well 
as the camps, sleepovers 
(Beavers) and family camps. 

ÔHaving volunteers makes 
a differenceÕ, says a Youth 
Worker at The Junction 
youth group. They have 1 
adult volunteer there, and 
4 young people who are 
members of the older groups 
assist with the ÔUnder 13s. ÔI 
enjoyed it when I was that age 
and I like to helpÕ, one of the 
girls said.

A St John Ambulance team 
in Nailsworth


Business

LetÕs not forget 
the major role 
played by 
business people, 
individually 
or through 
organisations such 
as the Rotary 
Club - this whole 
page could be 
filled up with 
what they do to 
help, but that will 
have to wait for 
another issue...

 Sport 

There are volunteers involved with 
just about every sporting group 
and actitivity in Nailsworth. Take 
football, for instance. Shortwood 
United is run entirely by 
volunteers, from the groundsman 
to the man on the gate. At 
FGR you buy your ticket, your 
programme and merchandise from 
people who give their time for 
nothing, Similarly, Woodchester 
FC survives and flourishes 
because of volunteers. People do 
this Ôfor the love of the game and 
the Club,Õ a spirit which pervades 
all sport in the town. 

Stewards for Nailsworth 
Games - the run up the ÔWÕ


Schools

We all know that schools and churches are run by professional people, but have you thought 
about the extras that volunteers provide? For instance, in Nailsworth Primary School parents 
and friends help in the classroom by hearing children reading. Outside visits could not take 
place without extra adults who help take care of the children (in the Reception class they must 
have one adult for each pair of children), and the PTFA organises fund-raising events. The 
Headteacher intends to expand volunteering in the School, so look out for news of that.

Churches

And then there are our churches. 
Ministers, vicars, priests and 
wardens are paid, but who helps 
them with cleaning up, maintaining 
buildings, flowers, providing 
refreshments and fund-raising? 
Volunteers, again - and the volunteer 
team is also active in pastoral care 
and community support. Where 
would we be without them? 

A local group working to revive an orchard


Unasked, unpaid, one man 
clears the highway outside 
his home

12



The Town Council

Did you know that NailsworthÕs Town Councillors are unpaid? Their time is a major 
commitment, but they donÕt get a penny from the public purse. There are also:

¥ The archivists - 8 volunteers run our Town Archives, open for two mornings a week. 

¥ The Twinning Committee (12 or so), which organises accommodation, meals, trips and 
functions for our Leves visitors and makes arrangements when we go to France.

¥ The Town Information Centre, supported and funded by the Council, which relies 
on volunteers to open 6 days a week. Do you realise that if staff were to be paid the 
minimum adult wage of £5.80 per hour, then even with only one person on duty the 
staffing cost would be almost £12,000 pa? 

Other volunteers include people like our Snow Warden, appointed last year in the nick of 
time for the 2010 blizzards!

Charity begins at home

Our three permanent charity shops - Emmaus, Cotswold Care and the RSPCA - open for 129 
hours a week in total. They could not exist without the dedicated volunteers who sort, display 
and sell the merchandise. 

National Charities too have their supporters in the town. NSPCC and the Royal British 
Legion raise considerable sums (watch out for the poppy sellers appearing on our streets soon.) 
At least a dozen people help with the preparation and clearing up of Christian AidÕs weekly 
lunches and supply much of the food. More volunteers staff their shop in spring and, amazingly, 
it takes two full days to count all the money from the shop and door-to-door collection.

Raising money for the 
Guides


Events for the whole town

Have you ever organised a wedding or a large party? If so, imagine multiplying the numbers 
involved into hundreds or thousands and setting it right in the middle of Nailsworth. Apply that to 
Christkindl, just one of the many town-wide events which punctuate our calendar. There are others 
facing the same challenges. For example, Spring sees the Nailsworth Festival and (hopefully) 
Nailstock, followed by the Newmarket Fete as well as Nailsworth Games and Family Day. Each 
event is run by volunteers, who do everything from planning and fund-raising through to booking 
performers and clearing up afterwards. 

The previous Christkindl organiser couldnÕt even put a number on the hours spent; it is enough 
to say that as one event ends, planning for the next begins. The Nailsworth Festival organiser 
estimates that he spends up to 20 hours a month in the 4 months leading up to the event, and 
throughout the year he and his team put in at least another 200 hours organising and preparing. All 
this just so that the whole of Nailsworth can have a good time and be proud of our town.

Clearing up litter - it never 
ends!


Finale

Can you join in? Well, you probably 
already do. Even if you donÕt 
volunteer through an organisation 
you probably help out most days 
Ð picking up a stray crisp packet, 
giving someone a lift, feeding a cat 
or just directing a visitor to a place 
of interest. All this contributes to 
the pleasure of living in Nailsworth.

And if you donÕt do something 
for nothing, now is the time to start. 
Believe me you will enjoy it! 

(I would like to thank everyone who has given me information for 
this article. My apologies for any mistakes, and also for the countless 
groups I have not 
been able to mention 
Ð I couldnÕt begin to 
cover everything in 
this one feature.)

Jenny Barnett

Closer to home

Did you know that, purely from numbers involved, the 
team that brings you the Nailsworth News is probably 
the biggest voluntary group in town? Over 60 people 
tread the streets in all weathers to deliver it, and there is 
also a management group, contributors, the photographer 
and the people who get in the advertising which pays for 
production. It is a truly community enterprise, and none of 
those involved is paid. 

Picking up yellow ducks at 
the Nailsworth Festival

Why DO people volunteer? 

As I researched this article, I asked volunteers about 
their motives.

¥ ÔItÕs a good way of meeting peopleÕ

¥ ÔIf I didnÕt do it no-one wouldÕ

¥ ÔItÕs something I can do - it uses my skillsÕ

¥ ÔIt can go on my CVÕ

¥ ÔI do it towards my Gloucestershire Youth 
AwardÕ

¥ ÔItÕs an asset to the town that needs supportÕ

¥ ÔI enjoy the social contactÕ

¥ ÔI like to support the organisationÕ

¥ ÔTo let the young people have something to do.Õ

And over and over again ÔI enjoy it!Õ


On the right, volunteers 
at the CCH shop

13



Schools


Nailsworth Primary - 
your school needs you!

Year 5 and 6 pupils are currently 
enjoying learning about World War 
II and would love to speak to people 
who lived through it. They are planning a 
special day, Thursday 14th October, when 
they would like to invite you to share your 
memories and stories. The day will start 
at 10 am and they would also like it if you 
would stay for a WWII lunch cooked in our brand new state of 
the art kitchen. Please contact the school on 832382 if you are 
able to come.

Giants bewareÉ

There are strange goings on in Year 1 and 2. Pupils have noticed 
huge beanstalks in their classrooms and letters keep appearing 
from a giant! If you hear of any sightings of one around 
Nailsworth, please contact us - the children are desperate to 
know more about their new friend.

There is a Pharaoh in my schoolÉ

Hieroglyphs, puzzles, tombs and pyramids are mesmerising 
Year 3 and 4 pupils, who are greatly enjoying becoming 
Ancient Egyptian experts and are keen to deepen their 
knowledge. Any sandstone carving experts, paper makers and 
of course Mummies who could help would be most welcome.

Our Grand Opening

We are all really pleased with the new Phoenix Playmates 
Nursery facilities and our Reception and Keystage 1 
classrooms. The school looks transformed on the inside and we 
are now working hard to find the money to renovate the outside. 
Our Grand Opening of the new facilities and classrooms 
will take place at 9.30 am, Tuesday 5th October followed 
by a general open morning for people to visit. It is a great 
opportunity to see how your local Primary school continues to 
develop and the amazing adventures our children have.

Vince Southcott, Headteacher

Horsley Primary new school year 

A warm welcome to you from all at Horsley CE 
Primary School. After a summer break that 
has seen many building developments, we return 
refreshed and excited about a new school year. From 
the front things look very similar, but inside and at 
the back we have a totally transformed infant end 
- decorated, carpeted and with new furniture and 
computers. Then there is the superb new outside play 
learning area for our reception children, as well as a 
sheltered area. 

Yes, we have fantastic provision, but it is the fresh 
faces as we welcome our new Reception at the start of 
their journey of lifelong education that makes being 
a headteacher special. This year we welcome Cinu, 
Cameron, Oliver, Amelia, Danielle, Hugo, Angus, 
Idai, Felix, Moses, Stanley and their families. Plans 
for the autumn term are fully in place. There is a 
major focus on history in the juniors as they study the 
Tudors and the Victorians, which will culminate in a 
festive day celebrating their achievements - always 
great fun. 

Finally I would like to thank all those Year 6 
children who left Horsley in the summer. Their 
achievements in SATs were exceptional and they left 
us with a superb production of Oliver that celebrated 
all their talents, 
which I know will 
be of great benefit 
to their secondary 
schools. 

Martin Fry, 
Headteacher


Horsley stars, 
pictured left


Autumn at St DominicÕs

After all the worry and frustration that the building work wouldnÕt be finished and the last 
minute cleaning wouldnÕt be done, we are now back and raring to go. Another new school 
year beckons and it is always so exciting to see the new infants arriving on the first day, full of 
expectation and just a little trepidation. This year, that also sums up the feelings of the staff! We 
cannot fail to be concerned about the lack of local support in education and the further cuts that 
are expected from the County; I am expecting that it will result in many changes for us as the year 
progresses. However, by all working together in our cluster I am sure we will survive.

This year, we have many new topics planned. We start off with Fighting Fit in Class 2, Earth 
and beyond in Class 4, the Vikings in Class 3 and animals in Class 1. To support this learning, the 
children will have opportunities to interact with St John Ambulance, visit the Wilderness centre 
for a Viking workshop day and see the travelling planetarium. Some of our children will also be fortunate enough to attend 
Forest Green Rovers for ÔPlaying for SuccessÕ- always a very popular event.

The school will be joining with the Parish to commemorate the visit to the UK of Pope Benedict and of course the 
children will be learning about John Henry Newman, who will be beatified during the PopeÕs visit. This amazing event 
has close historical connections with this area, since Newman was received into the Catholic Church by Blessed Dominic 
Barberi who himself celebrated Mass in the church here at Woodchester.

Margaret Smith, Headteacher

A great place to work ...
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Mills Estate
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For more infoTel 01453 835530 or emailcatherineconstable@hotmail.co.uk

Minding our own business

Bill AffleckÕs roundup of business news


Happy 40th birthday!

The Cotswold Craftsmen established 
in Gloucestershire in 1970 are 
celebrating their 40th anniversary this 
year. Happily, theyÕve not chosen to 
call themselves ÔCraftspersonsÕ, but 
many of the crafts-men are women. 
Five years ago they opened their 
Gallery in Market Street and so had, 
for the first time, a full time exhibition 
site. Four or five of them exhibit at any 
one time and thereÕs a new show each 
fortnight. 

The Gallery (shown on the right) 
is manned by one or more of the craftsmen who have work 
on show, so you can talk to the people who actually make the 
objects being exhibited. Their aim is to create individual items, 
be they wood carving, pottery, jewellery, stained glass or items 
of furniture, to the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. People join the 
group through a selection process designed to maintain these high standards and 
to keep an appropriate spread of different crafts. None of the present group is an 
actual Nailsworth resident but The Gallery is a real asset to the town and people 
like John Button (who makes those wonderful walking sticks with animal 
carvings at their tops, and was responsible for the carved rat pictured on the 
right) are familiar figures locally, as is also Nick Handover whose landscapes 
are a permanent display feature in the basement. Call in, admire, be tempted Ð 
and repeat the process twice a month!

Appetising meals, 
excellent value

AlfredaÕs 
Restaurant in 
Market Street 
finished some 
renovation 
work a 
while back 
and is now 
again fully 
functional. 
Perhaps because of the 
renovation work, they werenÕt 
able to repeat their 2009 
achievement of winning the 
Stroud Life Restaurant of the 
Year award and had to settle 
for a runner-up slot in 2010. Ah 
well... Nigel Court is offering 
his excellent value Ô2-course 
for £9.50Õ lunch; for reviews 
and some really appetising 
menu insights visit www.
alfredascuisine.co.uk Ð but 
better still, pay a visit.


Caring for rugs and 
carpets

We told you, back in the summer of 2007, 
about Andrew BartlettÕs Maintainet 
Cotswolds Ltd business in Nailsworth 
Mills Estate. We missed their recent open 
day when, if youÕd gone, youÕd have 
been able to watch a demonstration of 
electric carpet beating (!) Andrew says 
people do not believe the amount of dirt 
and dust lurking in their carpets and rugs 
Ð but, perhaps, you didnÕt really want to 
know that anyway. See their website at 
www.maintai.net for details of what they 
can offer.

Changes at leisure shop

Toggs LeisureÕs move from Wheelwrights Court onto Fountain 
Street appears not to have been all that was hoped for. The business 
has emerged from financial problems and is now trading as Five 
Valleys Leisure. There is 
no connection with the FGR 
organisation. Fountain Street 
does offer shopkeepers good 
exposure but with sometimes 
restricted pavement width 
and the traffic on the A46 
dominating the scene, 
good exposure does not 
automatically equate to good 
trade.

 
7 Fountain Street, Nailsworth, 
Glos. GL6 0BL 
www.perrybishop.co.uk 
Tel: 01453 836736 Fax 01453 836737 
Email: nailsworth@perrybishop.co.uk 
Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents and Valuers 
Lettings and Management, Land and New Homes 
Estate agent to the Five Valleys with a network of 
five offices covering the Cotswolds. 
Sarah PurkisSoft Furnishings 
& Interior DesignCurtains, Loose Covers, 
All types of Blinds, 
Light upholsterySuppliers of Romo, Sanderson, 
Blendworth & Malabar fabricsFor a free quote, call Sarah onTel. 01453 836303 or 
Mobile 07721 536536
Coo-ee!MISTA-SHIFTAMan with Van, pick-up truck or tipping trailer for hirePhone 07966 431869 for quoteLocal or Long distance
15



Minding our own business

Number One re-opening soon - with 
new stock

We had our little local excitement in September when, so 
the story goes, a man barricaded himself into his basement 
flat on Market Street and set it on fire, resisting attempts to 
evacuate him and to get the fire extinguished with a sword 
and a machete. The Police, the Fire Brigade, a police dog 
team and goodness knows who else attended. Someone, 
from behind the police tape, remarked that they didnÕt 
know there were that many police in Gloucestershire. 

The point of this story, as far as Business News is 
concerned, is that there is no fire without smoke. ItÕs just 
two years since Fiona Hodges opened her fashion shop, 
Number One, and itÕs right above the scene of the fire. 
Smoke came in via the cable ducts. Clothing is notoriously 
intolerant of smoke 
and much, if not all 
of FionaÕs stock was 
damaged. 

Negotiations with the 
insurers are well under 
way and Fiona hopes 
and plans to reopen a 
fully redecorated and 
re-stocked shop by 
mid-October Ð with 
an exciting selection 
of new stuff. Go for 
it Fiona; itÕs people 
like you who make 
Nailsworth the resilient 
place it is!

Good luck to a Market Street 
newcomer

New to Market 
Street, in what was 
the RSPCA shop, is 
Mother Goose, the 
brain child of Steffi 
Stern. Steffi has had 
a stall in the FarmersÕ 
Market for some time 
but this is her first 
venture in running 
an actual shop. With 
young children of her 
own she has a good 
idea of what 0-14 
years olds need and 
these are the things 
she will be stocking. 
But the shop is much 
more than a childrenÕs 
clothes shop. She has 
a selection of craft 
materials, knitting 
wool and lots of 
haberdashery. 

By the time you 
read this. Steffi hopes to have opened a ÔCraft CafŽÕ 
on the lower floor of the shop where people and their 
children can come and work on projects. The room 
will be available for, for example, birthday parties, 
and has a capacity of some eight children. 

Steffi came to England 18 years ago, enjoys the 
support of her family in Germany and 
knows her way around German product 
lines. Her own speciality is decorative 
crochet work and she has tempting 
slippers and trimmed clothing for sale. 


Outside Mother Goose - Steffi 
Stern with Tohke and Fenja, two 
of her children

Number One closed due to fire 
damage - but not for long

DonÕt miss this new exhibition

Christine Gaut has an exhibition of her paintings at the Blue Door Gallery 
starting 2nd October. Christine was taught drawing literally at her motherÕs 
knee and has been drawing and painting (and embroidering and designing 
wedding dresses and sports clothing) ever since. At her 50th birthday she 
became a full-time professional artist. She works in oils - brush work, 
spatula and roller - and likes the medium because she feels more in control 
of whatÕs going on. Landscapes are her subjects of choice, done in the 
comfort of the studio, working from photographs and notes and with Classic 
FM in the background. She likes boats and water and youÕre likely to find 
that those creep into her pictures, as do flowers.

Ditch the workout! Ð Join the party!
Zumba fitness classes 
starting Monday 4 OctoberWHERE: Comrades Club, NailsworthWHEN: Monday 6 Ð 7 pm 
£5 pay as you go, all fitness levels welcome.
For more information call Ruth King 07734 886275Get fit and have FUN!
D. Stainer-Hutchins Architects Ltd 
5 Bridge Street, Nailsworth, GL6 OAAT: 01453 839121 
Sustainable & ecological design, feasibility studies, planning applications and conservationdsharchitects.co.uk
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Michael J Webb 
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All aspects of roofing work undertaken, 
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The SASH WINDOW SERVICE LtdLocal specialists in servicing sash windows so they open and close properly, reducing 
draughts and therefore saving fuel and money.
From £89.99 + VAT. A service will also cure stuck or under-weighted sashes and 
replace broken sash cords.
Call 01453 861025 or visit: www.stroud-sash-windows.co.uk

Minding our own business

Protecting your sleep

ItÕs an ill wind . . . and the current concern about bed-bugs, 
particularly in New York hotels, has given a business opportunity 
to Nailsworth company ACP Solutions which is run by Phil and 
Linda Platts, phone 0800 838098. Their products include the Astex 
Allergen Control bedding fabrics which offer allergy sufferers 
protection from dust mites and the like. The ÔActiveÕ bedding range 
is (to quote their website) Ôproven to repel, knock down and kill bed bugs that come 
into contact with your bed. Astex Active bedding is light and easily removable so 

you can protect yourself at home and awayÕ. ThereÕs a market out there!

Calling all Makers!

Jill Hancock has written to let 
us know that there are spaces 
available at the first ever Makers 
Market at the Subscription Rooms 
in Nailsworth on Saturday 20th 
November. This market will be an 
outlet for local craftspeople to sell 
their own work. The organisers 
are looking for a wide variety of 
skills: anything from ceramics to 
gourmet foods, cabinet making to 
weaving. Whatever your discipline, 
they would like to hear from you. 
If you want to find out more or are 
interested in taking a space please 
contact Jill on 731923 or email 
jill@makersmarket.org.


Only in Nailsworth...

Did you know that our very own brewery at the Village Inn, now known as 
the Hetty Peggler Brewery, produced a new beer in honour of SeptemberÕs 
papal visit? What a very Nailsworth way to mark the 
event! The new beer was called BenedictÕs Brew, and 
all profits from its sale have been donated to the CAFOD 
Pakistan relief fund. When the NN (in a spirit of scientific 
research, of course) went to find out more the stock was 
almost sold out. Well done, all those who created and 
brewed the beer, and of course the punters who rose to the 
occasion and parted with money to fill their glasses!


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Community Workshop 

The Nailsworth Community 
Workshop at the Subscription 
Rooms is up and running 
again after its summer break. 
Wednesdays are woodworking 
evenings, with sessions for 14+ 
from 7.30 to 9.30. There are 
also Friday morning sessions 
for a group of home educated 
children, ages 9+, from 9.00 to 
11.00. There are charges. If you 
have ideas for other activities 
contact Pamela Brown, pam@
practicalintelligence.org.uk.


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17



Youth matters / Nigglesworth


OktobaMawazo Ð 
October Thoughts

For many people, October heralds the 
onset of autumn; crisper weather, 
darker nights and Halloween festivities. 
However, for me and other students 
wishing to study medicine, it marks the 
final push as the university application 
deadline crawls ever closer. Aside from entrance exams 
and other such requirements, I have been focusing on my 
Ôpersonal statementÕ. This is a 47 line ÔessayÕ in which you 
claim how fantastic you areÉ with an attempt at modesty 
thrown in too! Nonetheless, through writing my statement 
I have had the chance to reflect upon some of my medical 
work placements, one of which I still remember vividly.

On a trip to Kenya at this time last year, I had the 
wonderful opportunity of spending some time with Doctor 
Erulu. He is a GP working in a practice in Watamu, a 
small tropical village on the Indian Ocean coast of Africa. 
His work involves both young and old, treating everything 
from life threatening malaria and HIV/AIDS, to simple 
routine inoculations. He does all this in a small building 
which is still undergoing construction and is funded entirely 
by the doctor himself! The poverty in Africa means that the 
hospital is always busy, but it is often not possible to treat 
people to the highest standard due to a lack of satisfactory 
equipment and conditions.

An experience that I found particularly fascinating 
occurred in a small darkened laboratory where I was 
surrounded by warning signs and complex machines. It 
was here that I came face to face with one of the deadliest 
parasites in the world Ð malaria. It kills 3 million people 
a year (a statistic that is decreasing dramatically thanks to 
better preventative measures) so it is no surprise that I was 
slightly on edge throughout the entire process! Thankfully, 
the slides were perfectly safe and prepared, but it was still 
quite an awesome sight.

In Kenya most people have to pay for healthcare and 
medicine. Therefore, however small the ailment there is 
usually a fee involved, which not everyone can afford. I had 
to attend Gloucester Royal last week and the difference was 
humbling. It occurred to me that although the NHS may be 
flawed in some peopleÕs eyes, for me it is a service that can 
be too easily taken for granted, and not only because it is 
free.

I plan on having a gap year before university, and would 
love to travel to Kenya again in order to explore tropical 
medicine further. I believe that poverty is an issue easily 
overlooked from a western perspective, and I would love to 
get involved in helping to improve the situation. 

As they say in Swahili: ÔTutananabaadaye, daktariÕ Ð 
See you later, doctor.

Mike Kilcooley


Doctor Erulu and 
others receiving a 
cheque for funds to 
the hospital

Nigglesworth

We receive an occasional mail about a local neighbourhood dispute Ð which of course we can neither print nor get involved 
with in any way. However, there is no doubt that a good neighbour is a joy and a bad one seriously affects quality of life. It 
seems that the vast majority of the residents of our town are good neighbours, and judging by the feedback in some cases 
that is an understatement; there are people who are absolutely excellent to have next door Ð local heroes, every man and 
woman of them. What a pity then, that a tiny minority stops the Ôneighbour satisfactionÕ rate being 100%. 


Exhibitions: Hannah Cooper Hedges and NatureÕs Edges 
Saturday 25 SeptemberÑThursday 7 October 
Sabine Crittall & Varda Zisman Down to Earth 
Saturday 9Ñ Thursday 21 October 
Simon Packard & Alex Caminada Black Flour 
Saturday 23 OctoberÑThursday 4 November 
A Weekend of Workshops: Sat 30 & Sun 31 Oct 10amÑ4pm 
Iron Age Forge with Garrick Nelson £60, Green Woodworking 
with Rich Pirie £60, Printing with Simon Packard £30, Photography 
with Alex Caminada £30. Price per day. Info and booking 01453 837537 
Music: Jim Moray Sat 2 Oct 8pm, Steve Ashley Fri 8 Oct 8pm, 
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo Fri 15 Oct 8pm, 
Chris Wood & Andy Cutting Thurs 21 Oct 8pm 
ChildrenÕs Storytelling Saturday 16 Oct 10.30am 
RUSKIN MILL Old Bristol Road Nailsworth GL6 0LA 
01453 837537 info and booking website under construction 
Sophie Makosch 
EMBELLISHÉ
your life with ballet 
please contact me for any more information 
t: +44 (0)7887 671956 
e: svmakosch@yahoo.co.uk 
ballet classes for adults 
and children, group or 
private lessons. 
personal training for health 
and wellbeing. 
Sophie Makosch 
EMBELLISHÉ
your life with ballet 
please contact me for any more information 
t: +44 (0)7887 671956 
e: svmakosch@yahoo.co.uk 
ballet classes for adults 
and children, group or 
private lessons. 
personal training for health 
and wellbeing. 
Sophie Makosch 
EMBELLISHÉ
your life with ballet 
please contact me for any more information 
t: +44 (0)7887 671956 
e: svmakosch@yahoo.co.uk 
ballet classes for adults 
and children, group or 
private lessons. 
personal training for health 
and wellbeing. 
EMBELLISHÉ
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EMBELLISHÉ
your life with ballet 
EMBELLISHÉ
your life with ballet 
18



Faith matters


Good advice

WhatÕs the best advice youÕve 
ever been given? 

For me, itÕs this: ÔNever wrestle 
with a pig. You both get dirty, and 
the pig likes it!Õ It came from a 
participant on ÔDr Phil.Õ They were 
talking about how difficult people 
can drag you through the dirt and 
enjoy every minute of it, whilst you 
end up battered and filthy. It's good advice and it's funny 
Ð and it's funny because it's true.

The hardest part of it, though, is to recognise a pig 
who wants to wrestle. Time after time, the piggy looks 
cute and just seems to want to be friends, but one day, 
suddenly, it hurls itself towards you and it's fight or flight.

Why do we let ourselves get caught up in another's 
hurt or difficult behaviour? Damaged people can (and do) 
lash out at others. We all know people who bully because 
they have been bullied. I'm willing to bet everyone has, at 
some time, been on the receiving end of someone else's 
misdirected temper.

But we can't control another's behaviour, we can only 
control our own.

In short, the Ônever wrestle with a pigÉÕ advice is 
really good, but difficult to live out.

Reverend Sian Collins

Faith and unity

At the time that I am writing, the 
news is full of reports of the Pope's 
visit. Before he came, the media were 
suggesting all manner of negative views 
but the weather has been kind for his 
visits to Scotland and London where 
thousands of people have turned out to 
welcome him. He has spoken well of 
faith and unity - both of which he has 
stressed are life enhancing - and worked very hard for 
a man who is 83 years old. I have warmed to him as he 
smiles graciously and speaks with authority and humility.

The services that have been broadcast have been of a 
high standard and impressive to watch. Representatives 
of many denominations and faiths were present. The Pope 
told the crowds to spurn the superficial attractions of drugs, 
money, sex, pornography and alcohol, saying that Ôthe 
world tells you these will bring you happiness, yet they 
are destructive and divisive. There is only one thing which 
lasts: the love of Jesus Christ personally for each one of 
you.Õ

I know that I used to be confused by the difference 
between Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, 
Congregational, Quakers, Baptists and so on, but when 
Christians meet together it is soon apparent that all worship 
the same Jesus Christ - just in different ways. All have 
their strengths and we can always (as ever) learn from each 
other.

Representatives of your churches in the area get 
together twice a year through Churches Together in 
Nailsworth, and plan times and services when we can all 
meet, greet, learn and worship together. We are joining 
forces during the Stroud Deanery Mission and have a 
Flower Festival from the 8th - 16th of this month, Songs 
of Praise on the 8th October at 7.30 pm, refreshments and 
stalls in the Parish Rooms on the 9th and a Harvest Festival 
service on the 10th at 9.30 am - all at St George's. You'll 
have a warm welcome if you pop in to see us.

Reverend Stephen Earley

Woodchester Priory

Since Father Bill is away during September, Father Pat and 
his sister have been welcomed and are Ôholding the fort.Õ

All at Woodchester Priory are looking forward to 
Harvest Festival, when they give thanks for the fruits of 
the earth in its bounty. As members of Churches Together 
in Nailsworth, they are also joining the Stroud Deanery 
Mission (which includes an exhibition at St Georges) to 
show all the outreach that they do in local organisations. 
This will demonstrate the Christian Mission at work in the 
wider community. 

Experienced and Sympathetic Teacheravailable to tutor children aged 5 Ð 10 years.
References on request. Please contact:
Mrs Charlotte Keyte ¥ 01453 835313 
RUSKIN MILL COMMUNITY WORK DAY 
Come and join us for our 
autumn clear up of the valley 
SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2010 
9.30amÑ4pm 
Meet at Horsley Mill car park 9.15am 
Delicious lunch and all refreshments provided 
Booking essential for catering! 
RUSKIN MILL Old Bristol Road Nailsworth GL6 0LA 
01453 837537 info and booking 
Any aspect 
of exterior work 
& garden design 
Hard Landscaping Specialists 
A trustworthy quality service 
STEVEN BARKER 
07890 266801 / 01453 750724 
www.revolandscapes.co.uk 
19



Sport


A welcome chance to improve 
sports in Nailsworth

Nailsworth loves its sport! We know this from the 
letters, reports and photographs on this subject that 
you send in to the Nailsworth News. Local residents of all 
ages get involved in a wide range of sporting and leisure 
activities, and for every one that you tell us about there are 
probably many others going on that slip our net. 

Can there ever be too much sport? Probably not: it is 
healthy, it is a good way of meeting each other, it gives a 
chance to learn something new or excel in something we 
are already interested in, and most of all it is just plain fun! 

For all these reasons, it is good to hear that a new 
partnership to encourage sport in Nailsworth is now 
under discussion by a group of sports minded people 
who represent local sporting and leisure activities. The 
proposed objectives of the Nailsworth Sports & Leisure 
Partnership are currently as follows:

¥ To increase participation in existing sport and 
leisure recreation activities, by widening the range 
of sport and leisure activities available now and 
those sustainable in the future.

¥ To promote and develop participation opportunities 
to existing clubs, organisations and to create an 
interest in those areas where currently they do not 
exist, taking into account wider audiences including 
local authorities and statutory bodies. 

The group is planning to hold an open meeting 
in late November to give locals the chance to join in 
discussions and help shape decisions. However, before 
that they want to gather information about our sporting 
involvement and what else we would like to take part 
in - so they are about to conduct a survey on our attitudes 
to sports and leisure activities. If you live in or around 
Nailsworth, please take the time to complete their simple 
questionnaire, which will give you a chance to make your 
voice heard about what the sports partnership could do - 
and more importantly, when and where. Personal details 
will not be needed at this stage (other than your gender and 
age, which will help in analysing your responses.)

Questionnaires will be available on-line at www. 
nailsworthtown.co.uk, in the Library/Mortimer Rooms 
foyer, the Town Information Centre, at Ruskin Mill, at 
FGR Stadium and will be handed out in the town at various 
locations. Completed ones can be left at those locations or 
posted to the Town Hall (addresss on the forms.) Forms 
will also be available in the November NN, to be returned 
by the end of the month. 

Keen runners tackle the Nailsworth ÔWÕ

Where will the new season take us?

By the time you are reading this, the new table tennis season should be under way. After last season 
(our first) when we got off to a slow start but improved as the season progressed, only to miss out 
on promotion by one position, we have been practicing hard throughout the summer. This season we 
have entered two teams into division four that we hope are quite strong, to double our chances of 
promotion and to help push us up through the divisions.

We play at the Subscription Rooms (previously known as the BoyÕs Club) on Tuesday evenings 
and Saturday mornings and we are always keen for more aspiring or established players to come and join us for a friendly (or 
serious) knock around. If you would like 
to find out more please feel free to ring me 
on 885393 or visit our website at www.
ailsworthphoenix.co.uk/. 

Andy Hammond

Phoenix Table Tennis Club

 
City & Guilds trained Mark Kelly 
Plumbing 
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Local references available 
01453 836096 or 07834 318459 
JOANNA PARKER CATERING 
Any event catered for 
Graduate of Leith's School of Food & Wine 
www.joannaparker.co.uk 
07951 514 172 
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Sport


FGR Ladies take centre stage 

The FGR Ladies 1st team currently play in the 
South West WomenÕs Combination League, which 
is a feeder league for the FA WomenÕs Premier 
League Southern Division. The team (on limited 
resources) has managed to maintain position in the 
league for the last seven years.

The squad includes county and regional 
representatives as well as ex-England University 
players. Forest Green Ladies won the WomenÕs 
County Challenge Cup in 2008-09 season, after 
finishing runners-up for a number of years. The 
first team play home games on Sunday afternoons 
at the New Lawn, and away games are played all 
over the South and South West. This season the 
club have been lucky to attract the services of a 
UEFA qualified coach, Joss Giddins, who has 
previous WBA Academy experience. 

There is also a successful Reserve team that 
currently plays in the South West WomenÕs 
Football League Division 1. They play all home 
games on Sunday afternoons at Nailsworth 
Primary School which is directly opposite the New 
Lawn, and are currently looking for a manager. 
Please see the advert on the website if you are 
interested in this position or know someone 
who might be - www.forestgreenroversfc.
com/matchAndTeams/ladies/showNews.
asp?newsID=972. 

The team is always looking for new players 
- of any standard - so if you would be interested 
in joining please contact kdexter@glos.ac.uk or 
natalieholbrook87@hotmail.com. Alternatively, 
ring Jackie Howard on 07798 610400. For all 
fixtures and results for both teams please visit the 
main website www.forestgreenroversfc.
com/matchAndTeams/ladies/about.asp.

Shortwood 
Utd (below, 
top) and FGR 
(below)


... and the men!

After a brilliant start to the 
season, things have hit a bit 
of a bump in recent weeks for 
both FGR and Shortwood 
Utd. Any match is hard for our 
Conference side and although 
fitness levels are up, some 
sloppy defending and finishing 
has let FGR down again. Still, 
at least the attendances are 
strong. 

Shortwood have had a few 
little wobbles as well recently. 
Some thrilling performances 
have not netted the results 
and when up there recently 
the forwards were clearly too 
careful in front of goal and 
missed some easy goals. 


Commoners Cricket 2010 
Ð a wormÕs eye view

As a groundsman, I see cricket 
from a peculiar perspective. 17 
games were played on NympsfieldÕs 
hallowed square this season yet 
all I remember is the pea roller 
that bowled our best batsman and 
the beautifully placed off drive 
that got stuck in the long grass! I 
am sure that there were dozens of 
lusty sixes and a few beautifully 
timed late cuts but all I can recall 
is the July drought and the August 
monsoon. My thanks to all the 
players, and particularly to the brave 
Nailsworthians who made it up the 
hill to support their local cricketers. 
We look forward to another brilliant 
season next year.

 Don Luke

21



Bits and pieces

Other News

* Amberley Christmas Market

Festive events have to be planned long before the season arrives. So itÕs not to 
early to let you know that this yearÕs Amberley Village Christmas Market will 
be held on Saturday, 13th November between 11 am and 4 pm so put it in your 
diaries and look for more information next month. 

* Changes to Nashville event 

Sadly, Patty Mitchell is unable to travel to UK for the event at the Subscription 
Rooms on 15th October, following an accident to her daughter. However, 
local musicians are stepping in to fill the gap, and we are promised music of a 
bluegrass and folk kind. Tickets are available from Gail at Shiny Goodness. 

* Nailsworth Society - correction to timetable

The Raffles Wine Warehouse event advertised for Monday 4th October is not 
running, instead the topic that evening will be Woodchester Priory: The 
Restoration. Please come and support what promises to be a very interesting 
and well-informed talk by Jeremy Hill, the current owner of the Priory. 

* Local art auctioned for charity

As part of their annual art exhibition, Box Art Group will be holding a silent 
auction of art in aid of the Friends of Sean on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th October 
in Box Village Hall. Members of the group, along with invited local professional 
artists, are donating postcard size pieces of art to be sold to the highest bidders, 
with all proceeds going to the charity. 

* Nailsworth Councillor changes party allegiance

We note that Stroud District Councillor John Jeffreys (for Nailsworth) has 
left the Conservative Group for the Independent Group. Two councillors 
representing The Stanleys have also defected, leaving the Tory majority on SDC 
down to three.

* Senseless vandalism

Our sympathies to Hamish Guerrini and Isla Craik of Nailsworth, whose 
camper vans were destroyed by fire in mid-September. At the time of going to 
press, it is believed that an arsonist was responsible, with both vans being left 
as burnt-out wrecks. Hamish is a well known local musician and teacher who 
contributes much to our town, particularly through his work at Ruskin Mill. 

Your chance to get into 
NailsworthÕs directory

The Nailsworth Shops & Services 
Directory is an invaluable guide to the 
services provided in our town, and is 
produced free by the Town Council for 
the benefit of traders, local residents and 
visitors. The next edition will be published 
during the first week of January 2011, at 
the same time as The Fountain newspaper. 
If you provide a service for the general 
public based in Nailsworth or Horsley and 
would like to be included, ring Carole 
de Lacroix on 833339 or email her on 
leguen@btinternet.com before the end of 
October 2010.


Face in the 
crowd

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.)

HORSFALL HOUSEWindmill Road, Minchinhampton, Stroud, Glos GL6 9EY Registered Charity No: 287479A Purpose-built Nursing Home, 
Day Resource Centre and Home Care ProviderThe Local Care Home for Local Older PeopleHome Care Services 
.Professional Help with Personal Care 
.Domestic Tasks 
.Meals on WheelsDay Centre Including Optional Transport 
.Home cooked lunch plus teas/coffees 
.Entertainment, Activities and Day Trips 
.Chiropody & Hairdressing, Assisted BathingCare Home providing General & Dementia Nursing Care 
.Registered Nurses on duty 24 hours a day 
.Care Assistants trained to NVQ levels 2 & 3 in Care 
.Respite support occasionally availableInformal visits welcome. If you require further information, please telephone us on: 01453 731227Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
Calligraphy ClassesImprovers - Mondays 2.00 - 4.30Beginners - alternate Monday evenings 6.30 - 9.00Starts Oct 4thChristchurch Rooms, Newmarket Rd, NailsworthPam Harmer 01453 832725
Call in for our brochure, for advice, or 
to arrange a free 15 minute consultation 
with the practitioner of your choice.
Tel: 01453 836066Smith House, George Street, Nailsworth, 
GL6 0AGHealth CentreNailsworth
Churches Together 
in NailsworthMAIN SUNDAY SERVICES 
9.30 am St George, Church St 
10.30 am Christ Church, 
Newmarket Road 
10.30 am QuakersÕ Meeting House, 
Chestnut Hill 
11.00 am Priory Church, InchbrookEveryone welcome. 
ChildrenÕs activities 
included at all these services.
Alexander TechniqueRachel Stevens MSTAT20 yearsÕ experienceNailsworth Natural Health Clinic 
Free taster sessions 01453 836066

11

Mon

Senior Citizens Lunch, FGR Carol 
Embrey Suite, 12 Ð 4 pm. £6.95 inc. 2 
course meal, sing-a-long and Bingo. Info 
834860

W.I. Meeting, Flower Demonstration 
Christmas Ideas, St. GeorgeÕs Parish 
Room, 7.30 pm

NSoc Local History Research Group, 
Woodchester Mansion: History of the 
Park, Mortimer Room 7.30 pm

12

Tue

Library Club for older people. Library, 
11.15 Ð 12.30. Info 832747. Transport 
can be provided

13

Wed

Nailsworth Valley Probus, Leslie Dalton, 
St Petersburg, Mortimer Room 10.00 am

14

Thu

Forest Green Senior Citizens Club, talk 
on Royal Lifeboat Institution, Craddock 
Court, Nortonwood, Forest Green, 2 pm

Rotary Club Meeting, FGR, Info Fiona 
Hodges 832878

15

Fri

Ladies Night, The Green Man, £7 
entertainment/stalls/raffle

Juno, Nailsworth Film Club, Primary 
School, 8.00 pm (Bar opens 7.30 pm)

16

Sat

FGR v Histon, 3.00 pm

17

Sun

Autumn Tidy-up, Community Volunteer 
Day, Ruskin Mill College. Info 837537

18

Mon

NSoc Gardening Group, Tony Russell, 
Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm. Info 836331

19

Tue

Town Council meeting, Town Hall, 7 pm

Trefoil Guild, International Guiding 
Memories, 7.00 pm, Hanover Lounge. 
Info Maureen Embrey 833772

20

Wed

Sporting Dinner with Barry Fry, FGR 
Carol Embrey Suite, 7 for 7.30 pm. £35 
pp. Info 834860

Stroud & District Macular Society, 
Christ Church Hall, 10 am Ð 12 noon

21

Thu

NYCE AGM, Subscription Rooms (Boys 
Club), 7 pm

Royal British Legion meeting, Social 
Club

Forest Green Senior Citizens Club, 
Ventriloquism act and puppetry, 
Craddock Court, Nortonwood, Forest 
Green, 2 pm

22

Fri

Dirty Dancing Tribute Night, FGR Carol 
Embrey Suite, 7.30 pm Ð 1 am. £20 pp 
inc. buffet & disco. Info 834860








23

Sat

Farmers Market, Mortimer Gardens, 9 am 
Ð 1 pm

Go Grow Apple Pressing, Mortimer 
Gardens, 9 am Ð 1 pm. Info 839107

Silly Skittles, The Green Man, 7.30 pm. 
Reservations 833295

25

Mon

NSoc Local Studies Group, Badgers, 
Mortimer Room 7.30 pm. Info 832034

27

Wed

Blood Donor Session, FGR, 1 Ð 3.15 pm 
and 5 Ð 6.45 pm

Alzheimer CafŽ, Christ Church Rooms, 
2 Ð 4 pm. Info 834714

Nailsworth Valley Probus, Ian Lever, 
Life in the village of Nkokoto, Tanzania, 
Mortimer Room 10.00 am

28

Thu

NSoc Ramblers Group, Meet outside 
Library, 9.30 am. Details on Notice Board. 
Info 834907

Rotary Club Charter Night, FGR. Info 
Fiona Hodges 832878

30

Sat

FGR v York City, 3.00 pm

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco, The Green 
Man, 7.30 pm. Free entry. £50 drinks 
vouchers for best dressed

November 2010

1

Mon

NSoc Arts, Crafts & Music, The Woodchester 
Trust, Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm

3

Wed

Flower Club Open Event, Christmas 
Demo, Primary School, 7.30 pm. Tickets 
£8 inc. wine and mincepie.

4

Thu

Canasta, Hanover Gardens Community 
Room, 7.15 pm. All welcome. Info Jane 
Hobdell 835937

Forest Green Senior Citizens Club, Jolly 
Roger, Keyboard Entertainer and Singer, 
Craddock Court, Nortonwood, Forest 
Green, 2 pm

NSoc Luncheon Club, Care & Repair 
Stroud, Egypt Mill, 11.30 am. Info Paul 
Young 837807

6

Sat

Stroud NCT First Aid Courses for 
Parents, Christ Church Hall, 9.30 Ð 12.30 
pm and 1.30 Ð 4.30 pm. Info 0844 243 
6286





WhatÕs On - October 2010

To include events, contact Tina on 835295 

or mail whatson@nailsworthnews.org.uk

November deadline Ð 15th October

October 2010

1

Fri

WH Davies Exhibition, Library, 11 am Ð 3 pm

3

Sun

Family Service, Nailsworth Primary 
School, 11 am. Everyone welcome

The Honeymoon Trio, The George Pub, 8 Ð 
11 pm + curry evening

4

Mon

NSoc Arts, Crafts & Music, The 
Restoration of Woodchester Priory, 
Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm

5

Tues

FGR v Grimsby Town, 7.45 pm

Nailsworth Primary School, Grand 
Opening, 9.30 onward

6

Wed

NSoc Theatregoers, House of Ghosts, 
Malvern. Details on notice board

Flower Club Meeting, Come fly with me, 
demonstration,Town Hall, 7 pm

7

Thu

NSoc Luncheon Club, Architect Bruce 
Buchanan talks on FGR Community 
Centre, Egypt Mill, 11.30 am. Info Paul 
Young 837807

Forest Green Senior Citizens Club, 
Presentation by Jackie Harris, Coventry 
BS, Craddock Court, Nortonwood, Forest 
Green, 2 pm

Canasta, Hanover Gardens Community 
Room, 7.15 pm. All welcome. Info Jane 
Hobdell 835937

8

Fri

St. Georges Church, Flower Festival, 
continues until Saturday 16 October, 9 am 
Ð 4 pm each day

Songs of Praise, St. Georges Church, 7.30 pm

9

Sat

Refreshments & Stalls, St. GeorgeÕs Parish 
Rooms, 10 am Ð 4 pm

9

Sat

Carbon Awareness Event walk to free 
campsite, Thistledown Environment 
Centre. Also Sun 10th Oct. Info www.350.
org/carbon-conscious-gathering

10

Sun

Harvest Festival, St Georges Church, 9.30 am

St. Georges Sports Fest, Primary School, 
2 Ð 4 pm

Norton Wood Orchard Project working 
party. Meet Jovial Foresters car park, 2 pm. 
Info Marilyn Miles 832974








The next Nailsworth News will 
be published at the beginning of 
November.