1 February 2011 No. 108 Nailsworth News A free monthly community paper for the parish of Nailsworth, available in colour on our website www.nailsworthnews.org.uk. Nailsworth Youth Club - a service to be proud of By now, everyone in Nailsworth should know that our excellent Youth Club is in danger, since it is one of the services from which the County Council is proposing to withdraw funding. If your youngsters attend it, you wonŐt need us to tell you what a wonderful job it does - almost 50 years from opening and it is still appreciated, needed and hugely valued by the young people who go there. For those who have never visited its Spring Hill site, our centre spread this month spells out some of the ways in which young people and the community benefit from this great facility. We also report the views of some of those who attend on how they feel about the threat to their club. Please read it, and if you can spare some time to get involved yourself, find out how on page 13. Among the many services offered by the Youth Club are residential trips - which are partly dependent on getting outside funding. The picture shows some of the young people on the summer residential in 2010, at Skern Lodge in Dorset. The group were at the harbour crabbing. From front to back, Molly Ash, Terry Smith-Gardiner and Savannah Jones. Raising a glass It has been party time at the Nailsworth News! More than 90 of us gathered at Egypt Mill, and unlike last year we didnŐt have to battle through snow and ice to get there. It was wonderful to see so many of the team together under one roof. There are more pictures on page 8. This edition also includes: Ą Energy Grant for Meeting House - p4 Ą A prickle of hedgehogs - p5 Ą 15-year-old ventriloquist - p6 Ą New School Hall at Horsley School - p10 Ą Snow and ice accidents - what now? - p11 Ą Saving our library, letter - p11 Ą Lots of shop moves - p14 Ą Nailsworth Festival, the lead in - p19 Ą Our youth reporter gets sporty - p20 Ą Phoenix Youth are winners - p21 Ą Geoffrey Howard, gentleman cricketer - p22 Nailsworthy A free monthly newspaper for the parish of Nailsworth Stuart Little Stuart is yet another of our Nailsworth sportsmen who have performed on the international stage. He spent his childhood here and attended Nailsworth Infant School, Primary School and Highwood. He always showed a natural aptitude for all sports, played for local football teams and made exceptional progress on the golf course. He was an active member of Nailsworth BoysŐ Club and remembers the encouragement given to him by its two leaders, Arthur Humphries and Peter Nurding. Stuart started playing golf at the age of 7, and in 1979, aged 12, joined Minchinhampton Golf Club. With their support and guidance, his game improved and he represented the club at County, Junior and Colt levels. He became Junior Champion in 1984. On leaving school he pursued his passion for the game, first working as a Trainee Course Manager, then as an Assistant Professional. In 1987 he was elected to full Professional PGA status, and with this qualification he embarked on a career as an International Touring Professional. In 1977 he left the European Tour and became a Teaching Professional at Lillybrook Golf Club in Cheltenham, but 3 years later, through his contact with Mark McCormack, he competed again on the International stage until a shoulder injury forced him to return to teaching. He now teaches at Minchinhampton New Course in a specially designed studio alongside the driving range; here he utilises the lastest GASP computer video software and Explanar teaching aids. He welcomes golfers of all ages to this facility*. During his professional career he played in over 700 West Region events, recording over 100 wins and setting several Course records. On the international stage he made 341 appearances in 37 countries, won 4 competitions and had 31 top ten finishes. He won the West of England Foursomes in 1991 and the Sunningdale Foursomes in 2000. Throughout his career, Stuart has worked with top sports coaches and psychologists and has played with some of the worldŐs top golfers. With the skills gained from these experiences, he is ideally placed to help and encourage anyone wishing to improve their game. He especially enjoys helping young players. Although much of his life has been spent travelling on the Golf Circuit, he is always glad to return to his home in Nailsworth. ÔIt is the ideal base,Ő he said. Ôand I still enjoy living here and taking advantage of all that the town offersŐ. His teaching does not prevent him from entering competitions at the highest level. In September he finished 3rd in the prestigious Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship at the Oxfordshire Course. Mike Brinkworth * Stuart can be contacted at the Pro Shop on 837351 or direct on 07810 826556. Published by the Nailsworth News team: next meeting 7pm, 2nd February. Photographer: Martin Stone. Production: Leopard Press, Layout: NN. Editor: Jo Lloyd 833092, editor@ nailsworthnews.org.uk or c/o And Clothes, Market Street Asst. & Sports Editor: Martin Stone 833132, martinstone@xln.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 WhatŐs On: Tina Ginn 835295, whatson@nailsworthnews.org.uk Postal subscriptions at Ł6 per year: Joan Rowbotham 833110 Advertising rates: Ł5 + Ł12 per unit of 60 x 30 mm (w x h): Ą Larger than 3 units only if space permits Ą Ł1 discount per unit for three insertions if booked and paid in advance Ą Ł5 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). 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. Nailsworth matters MayorŐs report First of all, an opportunity to have your say! With the start of a new year, I would like to ask what you would like your local Town Council to achieve on your behalf in 2011. My contact details are at the foot of this article. Meeting to discuss supporting local services Our ÔSpecial Town MeetingŐ was held on a very cold and snowy evening on 19th December, and what a good attendance there was in spite of the weather. The two main concerns discussed were whether the Council should support the Library and the Youth Club in our town. There was overwhelming support for the Town Council to raise the precept Đ that is, the local element of the Council tax that you pay - so that these valuable services would not be lost. Those at the meeting requested that Mark Hawthorne (Leader of Gloucestershire County Council) visit Nailsworth for a public meeting to explain the cuts, but after several communications we were informed that the current policy is for him not to attend public meetings as there are plenty of alternative ways to communicate with him. When the Town Council was informed in early November by our County Councillor that there would be cuts in these areas, immediate action was taken to commence discussions on how we would respond to the deplorable situation inflicted on us by the County Council. By next month we shall know the final decision of Gloucestershire County Council regarding the cuts and whether they have taken notice of the consultation. We as a Town Council will then be in a position to inform residents of our decisions on these vital services. Forthcoming elections This is a good opportunity to remind Nailsworth folk that all councillors will be standing down in April and that Town Council elections will be held in May. In the past there has been criticism in the Town that many councillors have been co-opted onto the Council, but at the last election only 7 people put their names forward when 11 councillors were required. So what is the commitment of a Town Councillor? There is one full Council Meeting per month, held on a Tuesday evening starting at 7 pm and lasting approx. 3 hours. Each councillor sits on 2 committees and there are also sub-committees which take on current projects. Councillors need to allow a minimum of 3 hours a week, more if they wish to take on extra responsibilities. There is only one Clerk at the Council, so councillors volunteer to go to many of the district and county committees to get important feedback for our town. If anyone reading this would like more information regarding the responsibilities of becoming a Town Councillor, please contact me, or the Town Clerk (Linda Meletiou, clerk@nailsworthtown.co.uk). Members of the current Council will be visiting local hostelries to meet people and encourage them to stand. There will be more details in next monthŐs Nailsworth News. Brighten up our town! I am pleased to report that at a meeting in October regarding brightening up our town with flowers this spring, there was a positive response. Already the Nailsworth and District Flower Arranging Society has planted the trough at the bottom of Spring Hill, Ruskin Mill students are taking on the borders in front of the town clock, and the Nailsworth Society Gardening Club and the Youth Club will also have areas in the town to enhance with flowers. Each area will have a small plaque to identify the organisation looking after it. I shall also be visiting shop-keepers in the town to encourage them to take part. Steve Robinson, 834270 robinsons@fsmail.net Nailsworth Town Clock, shown above in late Autumn of last year 3 Green matters - by Claire Stapleton Energy grant awarded to Quaker Meeting House Nailsworth Quaker Meeting has been awarded a substantial grant of over Ł9,000 from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust towards improving the energy efficiency of their Meeting House (pictured below). This is a Grade II listed building that has been used for Meetings since the 1670s. Being listed has meant that the improvements needed to be sympathetic to the historic building as well as providing the necessary energy efficiencies. The grant covered 70% of the costs, and without that funding it would have been impossible to contemplate such a big project. The Meeting is delighted with its new warmer environment and the Treasurer, Marilyn Miles, feels sure that the energy costs (about Ł1,200 a year) will be reduced. If you would like to know if you are eligible for a similar grant then contact Gloucestershire Environmental Trust at www.glos-environment-trust.co.uk/. A waxwing spotted locally Our thanks to Bryan Saunders, who sent us this lovely picture with a note, ÔThought the attached may be of interest in your next issue. Something of a rarity in Nailsworth, a pair of waxwings were seen on power lines in Star Hill, Forest Green on Sunday 9th January 2011 - by the time I got to my camera one had flown away.Ő Get digging and plant a tree! The Jovial Foresters/Norton Wood Community Orchard will be planting 10 fruit trees on Sunday 13th February from 2 to 4 pm. This is being funded by The Tree Council and the Tim Glazier Bequest. Contact Marilyn Miles on 832974, if you would be interested in offering your support on the day. Edible open gardens wanted! Community group Go Grow Nailsworth Valleys are looking for vegetable and fruit gardens, allotments, herb gardens, chicken and bee keepers and more, for people to visit in and around the town. Go Grow wants to celebrate some of the wonderfully productive gardens and local food growing projects. Hopefully, this will help the group to learn about and inspire more local food production at a lower environmental cost than the local supermarkets. Go Grow need to hear now if you would be interested in offering your garden for others to see during part of a weekend this summer. The event is part of Transition Stroud Edible Open Gardens weekend, 9th and 10th July 2011. If you can help, please contact Dilly Eeles on 835478 or email dilly@dillywilliams.co.uk. 4 More green matters / community Have you spotted the Tiger in Nailsworth? You will find it along the A46 towards Bath, in the form of MyTigerBag.com. This was set up to provide an attractive alternative to all the plastic bags that we collect when shopping. The number of times in a day we get asked, Ôdo you need a bag?Ő and would love to say ÔnoŐ but actually say ÔyesŐ is about 8, so the idea of providing an easy but fashionable alternative was irresistible to the owner, Chris Lessner. He explains, ÔWhilst developing a bag for River Island I came across a material (woven polypropylene) made from 50% recycled plastic bottles - which made the project even more interesting. From a Dolce & Gabbana idea, we then developed a way of printing onto metallic foil to give the material the glamorous look it now carries.Ő The company are strong supporters of WWF. For every bag sold, 50p will be donated to the highly worthwhile WWF Save The Tiger campaign. In February, the company will be introducing 2 new colours, bronze and a metallic petrol blue with MY TIGER BAG printed on the sides in fluorescent pink. In addition, they are running a photo competition in line with the 2 new colours. If you would like to enter, all you need to do is take a photo of yourself with your My Tiger Bag for your chance to win Ł100 cash. The best photographs will be used on ASOS Fashion Marketplace. The judges will be looking for pictures showing off real people with real style shot in the great outdoors, ie: 'shoot street style'. Please note that photographs must be taken outside - in the Nailsworth jungle! To find out more, call Kat or Chris on 832965 or visit www.mytigerbag.com. Grrrrrrr!! A prickle of hedgehogs We LOVE these knitted hedgehogs. They are all hand-made by the excellent Nailsworth Knitters. At the end of 2010, the group heard about the Hedgehog Rescue Centre in Brimscombe and started to knit hedgehogs for them to sell, in a variety of colours. The first went out before Christmas and the group still enjoy knitting them. They cost Ł3 each Đ if you would like any, contact Margaret Marshall on 834966. The knitters had a busy year which included knitting for the 'Shoe Box Appeal' - hats, gloves, scarves, and soft toys etc; jackets for Africa and vests for India, since they had heard of people who were visiting these countries; and knitted squares that were sewn together into blankets for Oxfam. At the moment the group is meeting monthly in the lounge at Hanover and would welcome new members. Margaret would be pleased to give further details. The 2010 Poppy Appeal We would like to thank all those who gave so generously to the Poppy Appeal at the end of last year, and also to all those shops, restaurants, pubs, schools and other venues that so kindly displayed our collecting tins. You will be glad to hear that - so far - I have banked Ł5,436 which has been forwarded to the Royal British Legion HQ. This compares with last year's total at this time of Ł5,368, and we still have a little more money to come. Special thanks are due to the volunteers who staffed the stall at Morrisons. This alone raised almost Ł1,000. And also to the volunteers who collected in town. Meanwhile Woodchester Parish Council organised a house-to-house collection which also went to our combined total. We did wonder whether the current economic downturn would affect our collection, but as you can see we have reason again to congratulate ourselves. Thank you again. Norman Kay, Poppy Appeal Organiser 5 Community Liz spends Christmas in flood zone We take our hats off (again) to Liz Odell. While most of us were getting ready to celebrate Christmas comfortably at home, she was flying to Bogota in Colombia to distribute emergency shelter and other aid to some of the millions of victims of flooding there. Nailsworth resident Liz is a volunteer with Shelterbox, a Cornwall based charity which provides tents, blankets, water purification equipment and other household items to those who have lost their homes through disasters - find out more about them at www.shelterbox.org. We hope to be able to persuade Liz to tell us more about her experiences working for this charity in a future edition of the Nailsworth News, but meanwhile we salute her initiative and sheer hard work Đ most of us just watch these disasters on TV but she is out there doing something about it! Introducing a stunning Nailsworth talent We have probably all heard about ÔBritain's Got TalentŐ on TV. Well, Nailsworth has just such a talent - 15-year-old Kieran Powell, who is an amazingly gifted ventriloquist. It started when Kieran was only 10. He watched a ventriloquist on YouTube and was hooked. The next step was to research the skills needed. Then, self-taught (with some guidance from Nina Conti in London) he went at it Ôhell for leatherŐ. He soon gained a reputation and has recently won local awards in various Youth Variety Shows, including winning 'The Gazette Has Talent' and 'Gloucester Youth's Got TalentŐ. Kieran uses 15 puppets, and his shows are musically linked to his routine. We can confirm that this is an hilarious working formula. Martin Stone, interviewing him for the NN, found himself chatting to Angus (thatŐs the monkey in the picture) and his friends more than to Kieran! You can get more information about them on www.kieranpowell.co.uk. Kieran is also available for other work including private functions. For instance, some of you may have seen him on stage at the Christkindl evening. He has an extensive selection of videos showing what he does and we believe that he will be a sensation at any function, big or small. Just as important, Kieran is part of a major local Youth Variety Show alongside other local youth talents, fundraising for YoungMinds (a charity for young peopleŐs mental health and wellbeing.) There are four venues around the area and Nailsworth has its own show on Saturday 19th February at the Town Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets - Ł7 (Ł4) from pulp in George Street or 834003, website www.youthvariety.org. Please support the Youth Variety Show, where there will be a huge selection of local talents of all kinds on show. Calendar with a difference Joanna Jeffries, mother to 3 year old Emily who suffers from type 1 diabetes, has been in touch to tell us about a calendar they have produced featuring some of the children who live with diabetes nationwide. It includes both Emily and a local lad, James Taylor, who attends Marling 6th Form and is a county and international decathlete. To order please email your name, address (including postcode) and number of calendars to facesthatlivewithdiabetes@ live.co.uk or call Joanna on 07765 484225. Only Ł6.00 each. All proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Correction ERRATA in the Shops/Services Directory circulated in the January edition of The Fountain. Apologies, the following section contained several wrong numbers. Please correct your copy accordingly. SPORT and LEISURE Barton End Riding Stables 834915 The Comrades Club 832646 Five Valleys Leisure, (gym) & Forest Green Rovers Football Club 834860 Nailsworth Recreation Centre (at Primary School) Nailsworth Social Club 834633 Shortwood Utd. FC 833936 Nailsworth Subscription Rooms (NYCE) 832332 Nailsworth Tennis Club 832964 Nailsworth Youth Centre, Northfield Road 833212 Yoga at Christ Church with Sally Deacon 751937 Nailsworth Film Club ÔLourdesŐ (2009) will be showing on on Friday 4th March. (Jessica Hausner); Cert U; 99 min; French subtitles. Winner of 2009 Vienna Film Festival prize for Best Film. Venue Nailsworth Primary School, opens 7.30 for 8.00. For further information contact Krissy Spencer on 835594. Community In memory of Mark The Forest Green/Nailsworth Branch of the Royal British Legion are hoping to have a plaque laid at the local War Memorial in order to commemorate the life and ultimate sacrifice of LBdr Mark Chandler (pictured below), a resident of Nailsworth who lost his life whilst serving with the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan. Before the next stage of the process, the Branch would be grateful for information about any other Servicemen or Servicewomen who have lost their lives on active Service since the Second World War. Anyone who may have details is asked to contact Tim Godden at timmy. godden@ virgin.net, or 835019. Thank you. Vacancies on the Nailsworth News team WeŐre proud of being able to bring this paper to you free every month - but it does sometimes mean that we need help on our team. We currently have two vacancies, and would be very pleased if any volunteers would come forward to discuss joining us. And once again (we canŐt say this too many times), thank you to all the wonderful people who already play a part. See also page 8. 1 Help needed with managing adverts Demand for advertising in the paper continues to be strong, and most months we have to turn away custom as there simply isnŐt enough space. Advertisers realise that weŐre good value for money, with a single unit costing around 0.5p per household in Nailsworth. WeŐre now looking for someone to join our team of volunteers and assist Chris Tetley, our advertising manager. The right person will have experience of basic computer graphics work (we will supply a copy of the software we use) and assist by taking enquiries from potential advertisers, making up adverts as required and sending out proof copies and invoices. Please contact Chris by phone on 833587 or email nnadverts@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested. 2 Can you help us deliver papers? - Don Luke writes My apologies to the residents of Park Road who did not receive the December NN. Your deliverer has moved and I intended to cover but decided not to risk the snow and ice! Hopefully, you were able to obtain your copy from one of the local shops. Frances and Roger Lewis have kindly delivered to you this month and Jenny Barnett will be taking over from the March issue. This leaves a vacancy for delivering in Nympsfield Road. Although there are only 30 houses it does require walking up a steep hill and avoiding vehicles on this busy thoroughfare. It takes about an hour a month, 10 issues per year. We do not ask you to risk life and limb when weather is bad and there is some flexibility over when you deliver. If you are able to help please contact me on 832812 or donmorningside@gmail.com. Nigglesworth The car-drivers among us all know what it is like to be hunting among NailsworthŐs back streets for a place to park. Hopefully, we are careful not to block other drivers, take up the pavements or park in entrances. But another thing to look out for is that we donŐt block street signs. As one of our readers points out, the signs are there for a reason and should be left clearly visible to all road users, whether on foot or using wheels. 7 Nailsworth News party A great team! With almost 100 volunteers contributing to the Nailsworth News, we think we are the largest voluntary organisation in town - (if you know differently, please tell us!) In January we held a party to thank all those who are part of the newspaper team, particularly the long-suffering deliverers. Even in good weather, Nailsworth has more than its fair share of hills, steep slopes and slippery paths. Add to that the weather at the start and end of 2010, and we are sure you will agree that the intrepid band who keep your paper coming deserve a big round of applause from us all. Below are a few faces snapped at the party, which was held at Egypt Mill (pictured right). These are some of the many people who make the paper happen. 8 Out and about A big Ôthank you!Ő to the Newmarket Christmas team Even the coldest winter in living memory did not deter the amazing people who were behind the annual Newmarket Christmas Market. Jo and Fiona, the organisers, have sent thanks to lots of wonderful people: Ą The adults and children who helped to clear the ice in front of The George to allow the event to go ahead (this was no easy task; nearly all had blisters the next day.) Ą Those fabulous locals Cath and Kevin and market traders who manned the stalls. Ą The wonderful Mrs O for mince pies, Miss M for cakes and kind cake donations from The Kitchen in Minch (not forgetting the super dooper kids who sold them on the night). Ą The two great local builders who every year lend their lights and generators so that the fete can proceed. Ą Members of the Nailsworth Chamber of Trade, who managed to slip and slide their way along the very icy Newmarket Road to provide the market tables. Ą Nailsworth Silver Band, who played for 3 hours on possibly the coldest night of the year. And if anyone has been missed out, thanks to you too - and a very happy New Year to all! (The photos above were all taken at the Market). Local fund-raising stars WeŐd like to send a big ÔWell done!Ő to staff at our local branch of Stroud and Swindon and to Egypt Mill. They have received a letter of recognition from Children in Need as a thank you for the funds they raise year after year with their Big Breakfast. They have also been sent a Gold 2010 Pudsey badge (pictured above), one of only 60 made this year. The S & S branch is now having a full refurbishment, and will be open for business on the 3rd February. To celebrate this, they will be holding a coffee morning on Friday 11th February in aid of their branch charity The AlzheimerŐs Society, so why not go along and support them? They will also be presenting a cheque to the charity for Ł300, which is money they have raised throughout 2010 with the coffee morning, donations and book sale. The sale of books in the branch will resume after 3rd February - it has proved immensely popular with the Nailsworth Community. 9 Schools St DominicŐs It is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and 2011 lies ahead of us. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed the Ecumenical Service at St GeorgeŐs Church prior to Christmas and the snow added to the magical quality of the evening. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make it so successful. In school, this always seems to be a very short term and as ever there is a great deal to fit in. I am pleased that we have not had the disrupted start with snow that we had this time last year, and so far the New Year has got off to a very good start with children returning to school ready to learn. Our main focus for the year is to continue enhancing the curriculum and we have started to plan an exciting whole school topic to begin in May and last until July. We intend to use the local Mills as a basis for our teaching. The proximity of the Mills and the wealth of local expertise make it an exciting choice. If you would like to be involved in this in any way please contact the school by phone on 832682 or email admin@st-dominics.gloucs.sch.uk. We would love to hear from anybody who has a story to tell! Currently, the older children have started their ÔChocolateŐ topic. This will of course necessitate a visit to Cadbury World and the children are working very hard to fund raise towards the trip. Again, this is a very exciting topic that will cover work on fair trade, scientific investigations, cooking and designing and much more. As you can imagine, the children are thoroughly enjoying the topic so far Đ I am sure it has nothing to do with the tasting! Margaret Smith, Headteacher Horsley School A very happy and prosperous new year from all of us at Horsley. The build-up towards Christmas was a hectic time in school but also very exciting. Both junior classes had historical days where children dressed in period costume. Class 3 had a Tudor Feast and Class 4 a Victorian Day. There was also a wonderful lunch for friends in the village organised by Class 4 , followed by our ÔJourney to ChristmasŐ concert in St. GeorgeŐs Church, Nailsworth. A particular thank you to Rev. Earley and St. GeorgeŐs PCC for allowing us to use their splendid church. November saw the official opening of our superb decked area for the Reception Class; we celebrated this thanks greatly to the support of the PCC and Horsley Playgroup. Thoughts now turn to our new school hall in St MartinŐs Church. The transformation is nearly complete and is everything we could have hoped for. We will have a bright, airy and, most importantly, warm space where the children can enjoy daily worship, music, sport, art projects and after-school clubs in comfort. The addition of acoustic panelling also means that parents will at last be able to hear clearly the wonderful assemblies, concerts and productions that the children work so hard to prepare and perform. The kitchen is superb and will greatly improve the experience and opportunities for children taking part in our LetŐs Get Cooking club, and the long-awaited toilets are a most welcome addition for all. A grand launch to celebrate the realisation of a dream which has been over 8 years in the making is planned for March 23rd. Martin Fry, Headteacher Nailsworth CE Primary We are having a fabulous start to the New Year, with amazing themes. If you feel inspired by our new topics (see below) and wish to contribute, please call me at school on 832382. Vince Southcott, Headteacher Years 3 & 4 - air balloons Our theme is Around the World in 64 Days; that is how many days we have in our term. We are learning about dramatic weather in science and we had a hot air balloon inflated in our play ground by Richard, who races hot air balloons. We have been making hot air balloons and are now painting them. Eloise Finlay & James Norman Years 1 & 2 - Robin Hood On Friday, 14th January a messenger came to Nailsworth Primary School on horseback. Year 1 and 2 had a letter from King Richard about the Sheriff stealing money from towns and cities. If you see Robin Hood let him know about this letter or contact Nailsworth Primary School. We have to tell him before the Sheriff comes. Lauren Ingram Years 5 and 6 Đ water water everywhereÉ Water covers almost three quarters of the earthŐs surface and is vital for all known forms of life. In Phase 3, we are learning all about the oceans, the creatures that live in them and myths about the sea. We are looking forward to visiting Bristol Aquarium. Hollie King & Bethan Burridge 10 From our readers (Some letters have been edited for length) Dear Editor Maybe some good can come from this? During the dreadful snow and icy spell just before Christmas, a 4x4 car skidded, mounted the kerb and hit and rolled Jeff Green against a wall as he was walking along the pavement on Chestnut Hill. ÔLuckilyŐ only the left lower leg was broken, although in 5 places. It could have been much worse. The family in the car had the double trauma of witnessing a loved oneŐs death that morning and being involved in this accident on their return. The paramedic car also skidded and the ambulance just managed to be towed out by a Highways lorry. Both vehicles attending the accident tried Ôsnow shoesŐ on their front tyres, which shredded, and it took an hour and a half to leave Nailsworth en route to Gloucester A & E. JeffŐs recovery will take a year. The police afterwards closed this steep, busy, minor road for two days; they are not taking other action. There have been many other, thankfully less serious weather-related incidents in Nailsworth, and in a close community like ours we are all upset, whether we suffer personally or just get to hear. Traders have been hit hard, many workers have lost earnings and the elderly especially have felt marooned. Acting together, maybe we can try to improve safety on our roads and pavements a little? There was a grit bin at the top of Chestnut Hill and others in many other danger spots. ÔThe authoritiesŐ canŐt do it all. There has been action; some public-spirited residents cleared neighboursŐ drives or pavements or did their shopping and some traders cleared their bit of pavement. A Councillor gritted the zig-zag path down from Hanover. One supermarket apparently used a small sit-on grit spreader in its car park - could such a machine do pavements? I would be happy to take a role in building up the necessary team effort from residents, snow warden and council to avoid future trauma and disruption to normal life. If you can assist, are in need of help in similar weather spells or would just like to comment, please get in touch as soon as possible. I hope we can be better prepared whenever this type of weather hits us again. Liz Green 836910, 7 Cherry Tree Close, lg@phonecoop.coop Dear Editor I would like, through your columns, to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have given help and good wishes in many diverse ways since my recent accident. IŐm overwhelmed by their kindness, concern and prayers which have given me a tremendous amount of support and encouragement to get well. Due to a lack of TV in the hospital ward, we six chaps there had the most interesting, wide ranging discussions. I mentioned this to my GP and we came to call it a M.I.D.S. Đ morphine induced debating society! The horror of the accident is very much in my mind and without your care, love and affection I would have found it almost impossible. So once again thank you as I step on to my road to recovery and I really look forward to seeing you all when I venture out once again. With gratitude to this very caring community, Jeff Green Dear Editor May I extend a thank you, through your newspaper, to all those people who signed the petition asking Gloucestershire County Council to re-consider their ill thought out plans to re-design the county library service? In Nailsworth this will mean that the library will lose 29 of its current 32 hours a week, making us a Ôlink libraryŐ. The Friends of Gloucestershire Library are campaigning to have those plans overturned. We needed to get 5,000 signatures to make GCC reconsider. Thanks to all of you, we achieved a total of 10,800 county-wide plus 1,000 from Cinderford and they are still coming in. An enforced debate therefore took place on January 19th, but no vote was taken and the matter was referred to the GCC Cabinet meeting to be held on 2nd February. Meanwhile the petition will continue, to add more pressure to those involved in the debate. You can also still write to your local County Councillor, your MP and /or Antonia Noble (the Cabinet member with responsibility for libraries.) Thank you Maureen Embrey 11 Nailsworth Youth Club (aka the Junction) When the NN Editor and Photographer recently visited the townŐs excellent Youth Club, it was buzzing with activity. A group of young people were working on their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Visitors from Neighbourhood Watch were there to discuss accreditation. A game of pool was going on. A helper was chatting with a regular and answering questions. We ourselves were getting in everyoneŐs way as we took photographs and asked about the club. Youngsters were coming and going as they talked to us, posed for pictures and shared their views on the club and its future. And through all the bustle Danica Emes, the Youth Worker (pictured above), seemed to be everywhere at once, talking to the youngsters and making sure that everyone was being looked after and had what they needed. How did it all begin? The Youth Club was started almost 50 years ago by Hylda Taylor at her house in Fewster Road. It then moved to the Congregational School Room, as part of the Chapel originally but it soon became an open club serving all Nailsworth. The name Jeanagers was born at that point. Both genders could chill out there, and in the early 60s it also became well known for featuring live bands. In 1964 the Club turned the old stables at the Chapel into a coffee bar Đ a unique place which is still as popular as ever (see the photo below showing it in use). Then, with fundraising in the town, the property was purchased from the Chapel and the building has had all kinds of improvements in the years since. Today it is as busy as ever, led by Danica Emes (her post is currently jointly funded by the County Council and Nailsworth Town Council). Danica is totally committed to working with the young people of Nailsworth, both at the Club and on the streets. ÔThe Club aims to provide quality youth provision for young people in and around the Nailsworth area.Ő Danica Emes, Youth Worker Tom, Rob, another Tom and Chelsei What facilities are on offer? Ą Playstation 3 Ą Dancemats Ą Television Ą 5 a side sports hall Ą Kitchen/cooking Ą Sports equipment (includes unihoc, badminton) Ą Arts equipment Ą Coffee bar/tuckshop Ą Disabled access and toilets Ą Advisory leaflets/ posters Ą Trained staff Ą Condom distribution Ą Chlamydia screening Ą Accreditation Talking with Rob 15 year old Rob Hall from Forest Green has been a regular at the Club since he was 9. ÔI enjoy everything about it. ItŐs a great place to hang out with with friends, socialise and play pool. I like the indoor football, and the games console is good too.Ő Rob (shown on the left) told us that his parents like him coming to the Club, knowing that he is in good hands and isnŐt hanging out on the streets with the wrong sort of people. He is particularly impressed by how easy it is to learn things when at the Club, without the formalities of school. ÔThe staff are great to talk to. They are always available, and there is nothing at all you canŐt ask them and know you will get a straight answer. They donŐt just stay in the club either, IŐve seen them up where I live.Ő RobŐs message for Nailsworth? ÔPlease save our club. ItŐs great!Ő ÔThis is my favourite place in the world to be!Ő Rob Hall, 15 The Sports Hall (right) at a quiet moment Duke of Edinburgh Award meeting - Charlotte, Rachel and Vicky Wright (DofE Manager Glos. Youth Service) 12 ChelseiŐs views For 5 years now, 13-year-old Chelsei Clark from Forest Green has been a regular at the Youth Club. ÔItŐs a great place to come and relax. You can go to Danica about anything. My brother comes here too Đ he is 10 now.Ő Chelsei visits several times a week, and gets involved in most of what the club has to offer Đ including sport, games, dodgeball, using the dance mat, arts and crafts and cooking. We liked the sound of her pizza! ItŐs not all one-way; Chelsei helps out at the Club and particularly loves working with younger kids. She told us how useful the posters and information about drugs and unprotected sex are, a good way to learn the things you need to know as you are growing up. And she is passionate about the Club. ÔIt stops kids from getting into trouble on the street. We need to keep it running!Ő Comments from Mike Part-time worker Mike Newport has been part of the Club since December 2010, supporting Danica in her work with the young people. He told us how much he is enjoying his time there. ÔThis club is such a great resource for the community. It gives young people a good place to go in the evenings. Sometimes it is a retreat when they have troubles at school or home. Then, the education side is something to be really proud of. Oh, and I think that another reason the youngsters like coming here so much is that we treat them as equals.Ő Some facts and figures Ą The Club is for young people aged 8-19 Ą In 2010, staff and volunteers worked with some 250 young people, with 120 of them attending the Club regularly Ą There is one full time Youth Worker, 5 part time staff, 3 adult volunteers and 4 young volunteers Ą The full-time Youth Worker has a BSc Hons degree in Youth Work. Ą Other paid workers complete a level 3 qualification in Youth Work Ą Opening hours are Mondays 6-8 pm, Tuesdays 4.30- 6 and 7-9 pm, Wednesdays 5.30-7 pm and 7.30-9 pm, Thursdays 6-8 pm & Fridays 6.30- 8.30 pm. Sharon on the climbing wall ÔWhen I meet people in the area I often hear the words, ÔI knew you when you used to go to the Jeanagers.Ő Steve Robinson, Mayor of Nailsworth ÔIf I have problems at home or school, I know I can talk about them here with helpful friends and staff.Ő Chelsei Clark, 13 Bel, Joe & Oliver playing computer games A chat with Tom 15 year old Tom Burns (pictured right) from Lawnside, Forest Green, has been attending the Youth Club for 7 years now. ÔItŐs a brilliant place to come down to with your mates, hang out, chill, play pool and other games,Ő he told us. ÔI also like the indoor football, computers... oh, lots of the activities. I can be with my local friends here, but also I have made new ones, people I just wouldnŐt have met if it hadnŐt been for this great place.Ő Tom is horrified at the idea that the Club might lose its funding. ÔIt would be just so stupid to close it! Kids who come here to have fun and learn some stuff, would be out on the streets messing about, maybe getting into trouble, because there is nowhere else for them to go.Ő He clearly cares about children, since he is a volunteer helper at Nailsworth Primary School. Princess Anne talking to Helen Smith, the previous Youth Worker How can you support the club? Ą To have your say on funding for the service, it is still possible to email Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, at mark.hawthorne@gloucestershire. gov.uk since GCC will not make a final decision until late February. Ą Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact danica.emes@gloucestershire.gov.uk or ring her on 833212. ÔParents and members of the community often comment about the quality of the facility and the resources. The numbers speak for themselves. Young people keep attending, so we must be doing something right!Ő Danica Emes, Youth Worker 13 Minding our own business Bill AffleckŐs roundup of business news Changes and moves - Essence of Design After what she describes as a very happy and rewarding 10-years of running the Essence of Design shop in the Old George, Kay Buer and her husband Ian are starting on retirement. And, no, itŐs not the recession; the business is doing very well, thank you Đ but neither Kay nor Ian is getting any younger. The shop will close and the site is to be taken by ClobberŐs expansion from next door. For Kay and Ian, retirement sounds rather different from iced drinks and a sun lounger on a tropical beach; theyŐll be running, essentially, two businesses from home in Rockness. One is interior design with made-to-order curtains, blinds and upholstery Đ theyŐve got a full order book through to the end of February. The other is a continuation of some of the giftware presently featured in the shop, such as lamps, glassware, oils and fragrances. Kay feels very grateful for the support they have received from Nailsworth folk and customers from much further afield, Plymouth for example. Regrets? Not many; sheŐd like to have seen the Nailsworth traders a bit more supportive of one another. World Textiles moving to Woodchester Also shutting up shop is Olivia Dell whose World Textiles (shown on the right) has been a colourful feature of the top of Market Street. Olivia wants to rebalance her activities and is moving to the Studio in Southfield Road, Woodchester; less shop and more ÔdoingŐ! There will be open days at the Studio and she plans to run textile courses once sheŐs fully established. Contact Olivia on 837653 or via oliviadellworldtextiles@ btconnect.com. Little People Company goes to higher ground There is a lot of news about floods at the moment, much more tragic and dramatic than anything weŐve had or contemplate in Nailsworth. But it doesnŐt take anything that would make the national news to damage floor coverings, spoil stock and force you out of business while you clean up, restock, and negotiate with the insurers. So, when Emma Branch and Rachael Smith (pictured right) of The Little People Company spotted the opportunity to move their business to higher ground they went for it. TheyŐre taking over the site to be vacated by Olivia Dell at the top of Market Street. Keep your fingers crossed that they get moved before the next blockage of drains on the A46 in Bridge Street. There is a new tenant in prospect for the Bridge Street shop but pending the final signing and sealing, we canŐt tell you who. 14 Bill AffleckŐs roundup of business news Farewell to our excellent Vac Doctor - but welcome to a new one In 1985, Dick Dimmock gave Nailsworth what was almost certainly its first Vac Doctor. For the benefit of our less completely house-trained readers we should explain that a Vac Doctor fixes vacuum cleaners. For twenty-five years Dick has done just that. You ring him up without going through a call centre and you donŐt have to give your motherŐs maiden name or your bank details. You just tell him whatŐs wrong (or what you think is wrong because, hey, this is a technical subject area) and he takes your vacuum cleaner into intensive care and you get it back working. When, increasingly, no one else is interested in repairing any appliance (if itŐs stopped working you need a new one, and, if youŐre not convinced, just look at what our service call will cost you) local people like Dick are wonderful to have in the community. So when they hang up their tool kit, as Dick is planning to do at the end of the month, itŐs (potentially) really bad news. Dick wants to thank all his many, many clients for their support over the years Đ and his clients would like to thank him and wish him well for the future. HereŐs the good news, Nailsworth will still have a Vac Doctor. Tom Seed (pictured), who lives in Newmarket Road, is taking the business over. The phone number (834700) stays the same. Good luck, Tom Đ and hereŐs to the next 25 years! Relaxing at new cafe Tete Tete opened just before Christmas at the bottom of Market Street and has quickly become both a place of quiet refuge for those wanting a break from watching their ÔsmallsŐ whizzing round the washing machines opposite, and a time to appreciate home cooked fayre and good drinks. Shelley Harris (pictured above), who owns the business, has great experience of hotel, pub, restaurant and overseas catering. She had always wanted her own premises, so she was delighted when the opening in Market Street appeared. ÔNow that the children are teenagers, I can branch out into something I really want to doŐ, she told us. ÔI was inspired by my son, Zac, who was ill with cancer. If he can pull through against great difficulties, I should be able to do something I love - feeding people. Seeing the end results of happy faces with good food is special.Ő The menu includes breakfasts with all styles of eggs, lunches with soups (to die for!), filled ciabattas, and a platter selection of various styles of foods. Shelley makes it all (in front of you if you wish), and her cakes are a real treat. Children can decorate their own cup cakes while parents enjoy a relaxing coffee. Everything is locally sourced where possible - free range eggs, fair trade coffee etc. - and the menu changes with the seasons. Tete Tete is open Mon - Sat, 9 - 4 pm. Call 07854 308918 or 756826 for more information. Services include pre-orders, takeaways and cakes for weddings. Claire told us that the shopkeepers in Market Street have been amazingly supportive so she would like to pass on her grateful thanks to them. ÔAnd also to my Dad and my partner Chris, along with my sons, who have been with me all the way in this venture.Ő Helping families with money management Perhaps the credit crunch and all that has made you a bit more aware that money doesnŐt actually grow on trees. Jane Butler and Liz Rowley are running a seven session course in the Subscription Rooms on Tuesday mornings (11-1 pm) between March 15th and May 3rd. Called ÔMade of Money?Ő itŐs a family learning project focusing on money matters, improving communication, and reducing stress about money within families. For more details see www.nailsworthsubrooms.org.uk. Space is limited so book early! 15 Bill AffleckŐs roundup of business news Local print office re-opens Barry Hathaway is coming back to Nailsworth, and his original office in DayŐs Mill will be re-opening on January 31st. It will now be trading as Leopard Press (it was formerly known as Hathaway Printers and Vale Press) and will complement the companyŐs upgraded print shop at the Chicken Shack, Boundary Court on Selsley Common. With over thirty-five years experience in the print trade, the staff at Leopard Press pride themselves on supplying the best printed products in the area. Nothing second rate gets past Tina HathawayŐs critical quality control eye, be it a business card or a case bound colour book Đ so if you need professional help and a free quotation call Barry, Matthew or Mike on 832259 or email stroud@leopardpress.com. The Chicken Shack is an environmentally friendly building, albeit rural. The dogs Baxo and Lola double as security and Dixie the pony had been considered as delivery potential for the Nailsworth News; itŐs concern for the carbon footprint, you understand. (For a list of services and products, please see their advert on page 20.) Barry and his team, both human and canine! Nailsworth Đ an artistic community There seems to be an increasing amount of art in Nailsworth. The Cotswold Craftsmen in Market Street now have dedicated picture exhibition space in their basement Đ presently partly taken by Ian Gibson whose collection ÔCotswold AskewŐ is well worth a look (until 5th February). The picture above, An Ideal Home, is one of his - this black and white thumbnail does not do it justice, you need to see the original. Then there are the ever changing exhibitions at the Blue Door at the top of George Street. For those fancying a rather more hands on approach Bob Ellis is planning a series of courses in water colour painting at the Acorn School, where he is the Upper School art teacher. Call 814543 or email robellis@fastmail.fm. Health Partnership investigating volunteer transport Patients attending PriceŐs Mill Surgery who are unable to get there by themselves currently have to rely on relatives, friends, Dial-a-Ride or the Volunteer Car Service. The Health Partnership is investigating the possibility of arranging a volunteer transport service. In order to determine the viability of such a scheme we need to know how many patients are likely to use it and how many people could give time to transport patients to the surgery. If you would use the service, or could be a volunteer driver, we would like to hear from you. Please telephone Maureen Law on 832894. The Dial-a-Ride and Volunteer Car Service telephone number is 759005 and the office is open from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm Monday to Friday. 16 Faith matters Tidings of great joy I bought my first 35mm camera when I was a teenager, and happily took black and white pictures of all the family. I spent the summer of 1966 after leaving school as an official beach photographer on Bournemouth promenade. Once I had worked out shutter speeds and light exposure, I basically pointed and shot! Later, I bought a good camera and over the years I took loads of pictures - there are boxes of them in the attic. However, IŐve used the camera less recently because it is heavy and has been superseded by digital cameras which allow me to immediately see the picture I have taken, save it on the computer and send it around the world. Yet another grandchild born just before Christmas prompted me to buy a digital SLR camera. It came with an instruction manual of 245 pages and I also bought a book Ôfor dummiesŐ which is 345 pages. I may have to wait until I retire in a few years time to master it fully! We attended Gloucester Cathedral recently for a service which celebrated 400 years since the publication of the King JamesŐ Bible - available in English for everyone to read. I was presented with a copy of the ÔauthorisedŐ version of the Bible at school, with 256 pages (admittedly of quite small print) I am often told by people that Ôyou donŐt have to go to church to be a ChristianŐ although it does seem to me that if you are a fully paid-up member then that is where you want to be. If you are serious about your faith, then you will want to spend time studying the manual / Bible which will help you know and understand the maker and yourself better. There is a quick start page with my camera instruction manual. I suppose the equivalent in the Bible is the verse saying that we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbours as ourselves - but I know that if I want to get the best from my camera I have to read the whole manual, attend some classes to try to learn and understand the bits I donŐt know, and then practice a lot. The same goes for the Bible and getting the best out of our lives. See you in church? Reverend Stephen Earley Hidden treasures One of my Christmas presents this year was an amaryllis. In the few weeks I have had it, it has begun to make a bid for world domination. ItŐs huge! From the top of its bulb to the tip of its highest petal it measures 40 inches, When I received this ÔlittleŐ beauty, a few days before Christmas, it was a tall, green stalk with small, creamy cocoons at the top. Since then, four beautiful trumpets have appeared. This is a very impressive plant. The folk who have seen it so far think that it is the tallest amaryllis theyŐve seen. It comes from South Africa, (although I think my one may only have South African heritage, as the bus from here doesnŐt go that far), which is probably why it flowers at this time of year and doesnŐt mind the central heating. It has caused me to consider, not for the first time, the wonder of nature. An amaryllis bulb is fairly large, but at first sight youŐd hardly guess that it holds the potential to grow such a large stem and produce four beautiful flowers Đ yet all of this is already in the bulb. The flowers are amazing. Not just one colour, but cream, red with pink highlights and each petal is outlined in red. So, early in this (still) new year, it seems appropriate to celebrate this rather beautiful visual sermon. From little else but mud and a large ball of vegetable matter comes a pulchritudinous display that serves to brighten up a British winter. You really cannot tell what beauty lies within a dull shell. Given the right conditions, even the most vapid container may surprise the world with its treasure. This is true for human beings too. When people are loved, nurtured and encouraged they can surprise even themselves by the beauty of what they bring forth. May this year bring you all the love, nurturing and encouragement you need to reach your potential. Reverend Sian Collins Woodchester Priory In between the two severe snowfalls that we have had so far this winter, there was a parish carol party at the Poor Clares Convent. Since the Sisters will be leaving in the Spring to join other Poor Clares in Lynton, such an event will not be possible in future years unless another order takes over the convent. Due to the snow and ice, congregations over Christmas were smaller than usual. However, the numbers of new families and visitors continue to increase, as do those staying for coffee with home-made cake on the first Sunday of every month. The quarterly parish meeting will be held in the school hall after the 11 am Mass Đ preceded by refreshments Đ and all parishioners are welcome. Note also, that starting from this month there will be a regular extra Sunday mass at 5 pm. 17 History A slice of the past Sadly, Nailsworth has had its share of traffic accidents over the years. The one shown on the left happened in 1953 and looks particularly spectacular, although we are given to understand that no-one was injured. It is interesting to see what that part of our town looked like more than half a century ago. And here is a social history comment - the early 1950s seems to have been the time when people stopped automatically wearing a hat when they went outside. Photos before this period always show covered heads in public, but here a few hardy souls are braving exposure. With thanks to Molly Marshall (nee Wyman), who lent us this picture and ÔBunnyŐ Coles for passing it on. More wartime memories, taken from one of your letters ...The ÔausterityŐ articles brought back many happy memories, including Carol Singing and Chitterlings. I fondly recall my Grandmother boiling what looked like Ôa pile of fatŐ in a large saucepan on the gas stove at Rockness Hill. When it was placed on the table with a firm comment that it was a case of eat or do without, the meat soon disappeared from our plates. It was at this time that I realised that she was firmly in competition with HillierŐs Factory for producing not only Chitterlings but also Sweetmeats!... Chris Blick Continuing our occasional series on growing up in Nailsworth during WWII... Brian Allchorn - I remember... The errand boy Prior to starting work at E A ChamberlainŐs in 1943, I had a Saturday job as an errand boy for Miss Wigmore at her grocerŐs shop at the bottom of Church Street, right opposite the Crown Inn, delivering her orders around Nailsworth, Newmarket and Forest Green. I had a trade bike with a carrier on the front in which sat a basket laden with the orders for the dayŐs delivery. Forest Green was the hardest one, the final order being to InneŐs Farm (I think I have the name right?) which was on the left, heading for Nympsfield, pretty well at the top end of Forest Green by which time I was ready for a breather. It was almost worth the long slog up there, though for the run back, downhill all the way to the bottom of Spring Hill and with little traffic on the roads in those days you could afford to build up quite a bit of speed. A delivery to Newmarket comes to mind as well. I had two orders in my carrier in cardboard boxes; the first one was to go a big house on the right, heading for Newmarket, possibly owned by someone to do with Hilliers Bacon Factory. I propped the bike up against the wall while I opened the gate, where it promptly fell over, depositing the contents of the boxes in a jumbled heap on the ground. I scrabbled them in again as best I could, delivered them to the back door and beat a hasty retreat before the questions started, doing the same thing with the second order. I donŐt remember hearing any more about it but something must have been said the next time the recipients went into the shop! For this I got half a crown Đ 12 and a half pence in todayŐs money! 18 Coming events Nailsworth Festival Đ May 2011 Diary time! Đ be sure to make an entry for Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th May. Why? Because that is when the 2011 Music & Arts Festival will be running this year. As ever, it promises a range of events and acts with something to appeal to everyone. Planned highlights for 2011 include Hank Wangford and the Lost Cowboys; classical guitarists The Katona Twins; and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company production of ÔTom JonesŐ. A full programme of events will be published in future editions of Nailsworth News and on the Festival website on www. nailsworthfestival.org.uk. If you have attended in previous years, you will know what a great experience the Festival provides Đ and if somehow you have missed it, now is the year to correct that! One of the successes of the 2010 Festival was the first ever Nailsworth Poetry Slam. For those who werenŐt there last year, a poetry slam is a competition of performance poetry open to all budding poets. To take part in this lively evening you need to compose three poems (one is needed for each round if you are successful) and be prepared to stand up before an audience and ÔperformŐ them. This yearŐs Poetry Slam will take place on Saturday 28th May at the Comrades Club, Nailsworth. It will again be hosted by Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury. If you would like to enter the competition, contact Marcus on 01285 640470 or email him at spielunlimited@gmail.com. The Festival depends on the support of both the local business community and the Friends of the Festival (individual supporters). If you would like to become a Friend, or explore sponsorship options, please contact Tony Anhoury, Chair of the Festival Committee, on 860671. The Strollers (from Nailsworth Dramatic Society) at the Nailsworth Festival in 2010 CCH men's walk Cotswold Care Hospice have already made a name for themselves by running womenŐs fund-raising walks. Now men have a chance to get in on the act. The first Men's Walk will take place on Sunday 13th March. It will start and finish at Kingsholm, home of Gloucester Rugby, and Rugby champion Phil Vickery (pictured) is hoping to launch it. Choose between a five and 10-mile route and then enjoy a pie and a pint while watching the Six Nations England V Scotland. The hospice need loads of blokes to sign up and raise money through sponsorship, and ladies to act as volunteers and cheer on the boys! Register online at www.menswalk. com, cost just Ł15. Christkindl 2011 Đ please help make a difference Members of the Nailsworth Christkindl Committee are so delighted that the event in November 2010 went down so well that they are already getting excited about the next one! The team is committed to ensuring that Christkindl runs again in 2011 and that it is even better and more polished than before, as well as giving everyone a chance to get involved. Planning needs to start early, so a meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st March at 7 pm in the Mortimer Rooms. All are welcome, particularly anyone who can find time to play a role in the next event, whether large or small. This is your chance to help Christkindl work even better for you and our town. We look forward to seeing you. If you cannot make that meeting but would like to get involved, contact Claire on 07870 348110. 19 Youth report Getting sporty in 2011 New Year has brought me back down to Earth with a bump, since I have A-level exams fast approaching this week. I have had to summon up the energy to drag myself out of bed on the darkest, most dreary of winter mornings to try to put in extra hours of dreaded revision. Too many late nights and mince pies (not to mention roast turkey!) over the Christmas holidays and not enough fresh air and exercise seem to have taken their toll, as my mum is keen to point out. I never thought I would say this but my sister, who was home from University for a month, seemed the complete opposite to me, with boundless energy, a beaming grin and in better humour than I can ever remember. She even offered to walk the dog on several occasions and didnŐt pick any fights over what to watch on TV! So why was there such a contrast? Well we have all (including my sister) put it down to her new found interest in Roller Derby. This has been popular in the States for over 7 decades and has recently found its way across the Atlantic, gathering fans in the UK (there is a locally based Stroud team, if anyone is interested). It is a sort of roller skating tag rugby game, involving two opposing teams trying to get their fastest skaters to the front whilst the other side try to block this. Quite rough, considering it is mostly girls playing, but my sister obviously works out her aggression on her skates and comes home a more chilled out person for it. When I pondered this, I realised that I actually feel a whole lot better for doing sport myself, and now understand why on some days of the week itŐs easier to get out of bed in the morning and my mood is so up. It seems to coincide with the days after I play my five-a-side- football or table tennis at Forest Green. I decided to do some research in order to satisfy my medical curiosity, and found some very interesting facts. 1. Exercise boosts brainpower - it helps your mental function by increasing energy and serotonin levels in the brain, leading to improved mental clarity. 2. Exercise relieves stress - it produces a relaxation response that serves as a positive distraction. 3. Exercise helps ward off disease - it can slow or help prevent common diseases and problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis. Additionally, because it strengthens the muscles and joints, exercise reduces your odds of having common aches and pains. 4. Sport can help young offenders - it is used by many faculties in reducing re-offending rates. Football in particular provides positive role models for young people. Nailsworth has some great opportunities for youth sport, including tennis, table tennis and of course, football! The new look Subscription Rooms (previously the BoysŐ Club) has a thriving table tennis club, badminton club, and is always looking for suggestions from the youth of Nailsworth for other clubs and societies. Martial arts? Squash? Perhaps even a Nailsworth Roller Derby club? It is really great to get involved with sport in your community, and IŐm glad that Nailsworth has provided me with the chance to do so. IŐm off to do a little sport of my own right now..Éwatching the Masters Snooker Final! Mike Kilcooley Sorry Mike, I have to challenge the bit about Roller Derby being rough considering it is mostly girls! Whoever said girls were delicate? Ed. Sport Fledgling Phoenix a Force for the Future! In November last year, at very short notice, Steve Ash was persuaded to assemble a team to play in the Stroud Table Tennis Youth League. As a result, with his two boys Charlie and Harry plus Rowan, Arran and Eben (in photo), Nailsworth Phoenix Juniors were formed. So far they have performed really well, having lost only 2 of their 20 games in their first foray into competitive table tennis. Steve said, ÔThe Nailsworth Phoenix table tennis club has been a great introduction to the locality and the sport, encouraging the boysŐ interest and enthusiasm. With the commitment they are already showing, future success is within their capabilities; maybe even moving up a division next seasonŐ. Nailsworth Phoenix play at the Nailsworth Subscription Rooms (formerly the ÔBoys ClubŐ), and meet every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. If you are interested in playing table tennis (at any age) please contact Andy Hammond on 885393 or visit the website www.nailsworthphoenix.co.uk for more details. Forest Green Rovers First, a great win at Bath City over Christmas and since then a disaster - a last minute loss to Kidderminster did not go down well and the defeat to Crawley recently against a team which many regarded as Ôthe best Conference team to play here in 20 yearsŐ did not help FGRŐs present situation. Dale Vince wants to see FGR in the play-offs in 2012. A lot of investment is going to be needed in new players of quality and real commitment to the Club and its long term future. For almost every season at this level, FGR have been fighting relegation in some form and the town and supporters now expect something new and a progressive future. Any ideas? Having players on loan for a month or so does not really get a cohesive team in play; settled sides and understanding amongst the team are the means to that end. But as ever, the supporters are a resolute bunch and with warmer weather again the crowds should reappear and get the players boosted for the next phase of the season. Supporters can play a part but the team players have to do their bit as well! Shortwood United A 5-2 thriller of a win at home last week set the tone (we hope!) for the second half of the season. It was WoodŐs first home league match for months (due to snow and ice conditions) and a great time was had by all. Keep supporting Đ there will be more wonderful times ahead, and goals are always plentiful too. 21 Sport HowardŐs way Đ the perfect gentleman/cricketer The wonderful cricket news this winter has reminded me of one of NailsworthŐs ÔtreasuresŐ, a cricketer and old much loved friend who must surely be applauding in his grave. Geoffrey Howard (pictured right), long-time resident of Windsoredge, who was born in 1909 and died in November 2002, was once described by Christopher Martin-Jenkins in the Times as Ôthe best manager any England touring team has hadŐ. His cricketing pedigree was golden, culminating in becoming President of Surrey CCC in 1989. The grandson of Sir Ebenezer Howard who founded the Garden City Movement in Letchworth, Geoffrey grew up compassionate, respectful and humble. Whilst Stephen Chalke was writing his award winning biography ÔAt the Heart of English CricketŐ, Geoff made a serendipitous discovery as he sorted out his recently deceased wifeŐs possessions in the attic of the pig barn heŐd converted for their retirement. Nora had kept all the letters he sent her while he managed the tours in Australia, India and Pakistan. Since Geoff wrote to her every day, Chalke was delivered a box full of rich material. The book launch was held in the Long Room at Lords. Not for Geoffrey a ÔcelebŐ ride to town in a limousine. He travelled in a coach filled with family, his Lloyds bank clerk, his gardener, and various close friends and associates, including his acupuncturist: me. Did I imagine I saw a raised eyebrow or two as our motley lot mingled among the cricketing greats (names like the Bedser twins and the delightfully dour Dickie Bird)? A passionate gardener, Geoff once gave me wise advice, which I pass on to you to ponder as you clear up for winter, and dig the beds for spring: ÔGarden for two hours with blinkers on, then stopŐ. Mary Horsley Face in the crowd Is this YOU? If so, you qualify for a FREE ground pass to FGRŐs 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.) Learn to be a sports coach Ruth Graveling has been in touch to tell us about The Pulse Academy Đ a youth sports coaching academy with a Christian flavour. It will train 16-23 year olds to become qualified sports coaches, with lots of practical experience. There will be weekly evening meetings, training at the University of Gloucestershire, a weekend away, a sports residential camp and lots of community involvement. Based in Nailsworth, the Academy will be a partnership beween Psalms (a Christian charity offering clubs and sports in the Stroud area) and the local churches. Cost Ł900. If you are aged 16-23, live in the Nailsworth area and have a passion for sport you can apply by contacting Ruth on 07881 936978 or ruth.graveling@psalms.uk.net. Selection will take place in February. MartinŐs new email address - please note An important message to the many people who email Martin Stone who is our sports editor, photographer and assistant editor to the whole paper - his email address has changed and is now martinstone@xln.co.uk. Regular weekly events February 2011 Wed Iyengar Yoga, Mortimer Rooms, 7.30 pmĐ9 pm. Info Alison Griffin 752249 Nailsworth Community Workshop evening class, Sub Rooms/Old BoysŐ Club 7.30-9 pm. Ł5 + cost of materials. Age 14 upwards. Info Pam Brown 07971 737626 Love Meditation, a guided opportunity to quieten the mind, venue tbc (depending on numbers) 7.30Đ9 pm. Info Maddie 0845 539 9938 Jazz, Jive, Swing. Beginners, Comrades Club, 7.45 pm. Ł4. Info James 01452 770701 Thu Taiji Wuxigong, Christ Church Hall, 9.30-11 am, donations only. Info Poh Eng 836425 Forest Green Senior CitizensŐ Club, 2 pm, Comrades Club. Info Dave Boutlon 833411 CrocÔNŐRoll childrenŐs music class (6 mthsĐ4 yrs), FGR Football Club, 9.10 and 10.00 am. Ł3 per class. Info Stephanie Urquhart 07957 235413. Term time only Baby Group, ChildrenŐs Centre, Library, 10.30Đ11.30 am. Info Sarah Dean 755373 Yoga, Christ Church Hall, 5.45 Đ7.15 pm and 7.30-9 pm. Info Sally Deacon 751937 Buddhist meditation and mindfulness, Friends Meeting House, 7.30 pm. All welcome. Info Will 839453 Jazz, Jive, Swing classes, Comrades Club, 7.15 pm Beginners, 8.15 pm Intermediate, 9.15 pm Advanced. Ł4. Info James 01452 770701 Pilates (experienced and beginners), Mortimer Room, 6.30 and 8.00 pm. Info Bea 07717 472129 Fri Country Market, Mortimer Room, 8.45-11 am Little Angels, Singing and Music for Parents & Toddlers, St. Georges Church, 9.30-10 am Archive Office open, Town Hall, 10 amĐ12 noon Disco night, The Green Man from 8 pm. Customers welcome to bring own CDs. Info 833295. Bingo, cash prizes. Green Man (FGR), at 7.30 pm. Mixed Martial Arts for Young Adults, 6-14 yrs, Christ Church Hall, 5.30-6.15 pm. Info 07850 063276 Nailsworth Community Workshop session for home educated children 7 yrs upwards. 9-11 am and 11.30 am-1.30 pm. Ł10 per session. Info Pam Brown 07971 737626 Salsa class for beginners & improvers. Single or with partner. Comrades Club, 4.45-6 pm, Ł5. Info 07774 707625 Free Pool, The Green Man from 6 pm Mon Yoga (gentle class), Christ Church Hall, 11.15 amĐ12.45. Info Sally Deacon 751937 Archive Office open, Town Hall, 10 amĐ12 noon Beginners Calligraphy, Christ Church Hall, 2Đ4.30 pm. Info Pam Harmer 832725 Yoga, Subscription Rooms, 6.30 pm, Chris Hewett. Info 834304 Fitness Walk (approx 1 hr). Meet Library 2.00 pm. Info Pam Browne 832907. Pacerpoles provided. Charge Ł3 Taiji & Qi Gong exercise classes, Nailsworth Town Hall, 9.30 am, 10.45 am, 12 noon. Ł6. Info Jeff Docherty 07970 303694 Aerobics & Body Conditioning, Christ Church Hall, 9.30 am and 7.15 pm. Info Tina 753895 Tue Yoga, Christ Church Hall, 10Đ11.30 am. Info Sally Deacon 751937 Nailsworth ÔLightwavesŐ Shintaido, Christ Church Hall, 1.30-3.30 pm. Info David & Nagako Cooper 756569. 1st ÔtasterŐ session free Health Walk (30-60 mins). Start Nailsworth Library, 2.00 pm. Info 832907 Yoga. Nailsworth Primary School, 6.30 pm. Info Chris Hewett 834304 Adult kick-boxing, Christ Church Hall, 6.15-7.15 pm. Info 07801 214669 Wed Pilates on the Ball, Christ Church Hall, 9.30 am. Info Tina 753895 Stroud Valleys NCT Bumps and Babies Coffee Morning, TubbyŐs CafŽ, Waterside, 10 amĐ12 noon. Info 08442 436286 CrocÔNŐRoll childrenŐs music class (6 mths Đ 4 yrs), FGR Football Club, 10.00 am. Ł3 per class. Info Stephanie Urquhart 07957 235413. Term time only Yoga, Christ Church Hall, 7Đ 8.30 pm. Info Sally Deacon 751937 Sun Twinning Association In order not to clash with the Royal Wedding and also to take advantage of sharing the coach with Wotton under Edge, the dates of the French twinning trip have been changed. The expedition will now depart mid afternoon Thursday 14th April, returning Monday night 19th April. You are very welcome to join the Twinning Association for their AGM and Social Evening at the Subscription Rooms on Friday 25th February. This will be an opportunity to find out more about this excellent group. The business part of the evening will be wrapped up quickly, and will be followed by a fish & chip supper and then a quiz Đ so come with an appetite and your thinking caps on! For more information, contact Carole on 833339 or leguen@btinternet.com. 12 Sat Live Music with Tasha Styles, FGR, 8 pm, free entry 13 Sun Norton Wood Orchard Project working party. Meet Jovial Foresters car park, 2 pm. Info Marilyn Miles 832974. 10 fruit trees funded by the Tree Council and the Tim Glazier Bequest to be planted. 14 Mon W.I. meeting, Community Service, Phil Sullivan, Parish Rooms, 7.30 pm. Info Ann Ward 832756 NSoc Local History Research Group, Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm, Political History of the Five Valleys, David Drew 15 Tue Trefoil Guild, Hanover Lounge, 2 pm. Tea in Celebration of Thinking Day + handbells. Info Rachael Hemming 873297 Town Council meeting, Town Hall, 7 pm 16 Wed Stroud & District Macular Society, Christ Church Hall, 10 am Đ 12 noon 17 Thu Rotary Club Meeting, FGR, 7.15 pm, Talk and supper, Info 832878 19 Sat FGR v Darlington, 3 pm Youth Variety Show, Town Hall, 7.30 pm. Tickets from pulp or 834003, Ł7, Ł4 concessions Silly Skittles, FGR, Ł1 per player, winner takes all, 7.30 pm 21 Mon NSoc Gardening Group, Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm. Cottage Garden Plants, Mr Always 22 Tue Shortwood Utd v Highworth, 7.45 pm 23 Wed Alzheimer CafŽ, Christ Church Rooms, 2 Đ 4 pm. Info 834714 Nailsworth Valley Probus, Mortimer Room 10.00 am 24 Thu NSoc Rambling Group, Library, 9.30 am. Info 834907 or 753278 25 Fri Twinning Association AGM, BoysŐ Club. Short meeting followed by fish & chip supper and quiz, Info 832619 or 833339 FGR, The Secret Police tribute band, 7 pm Đ 1 am, Ł10 or Ł20 with food. Info 837431 26 Sat Farmers Market, Mortimer Gardens, 9 am Đ 1 pm NSoc Theatregoers , Master Class, Everyman, Cheltenham ,Info: 833857 FGR v Tamworth, 3 pm Fancy Dress Disco, FGR, 8 pm, free entry, prize for best dressed Rotary Club Meeting, FGR, 7.15 pm, Talk and supper. Info 832878 28 Mon NSoc Local Studies Group, Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm. Recollections of Nailsworth, Mike Brinkworth March 1 Tue FGR v Luton, 7.45 pm 2 Wed Nailsworth Valley Probus, Mortimer Room, 10.00 am 3 Thu Rotary Club Meeting, FGR, 7.15 pm, Talk and supper. Info 832878 4 Fri Lourdes, Nailsworth Film Club, Primary School, 8.00 pm (bar opens 7.30 pm) 5 Sat Shortwood Utd v Ascot Utd, 3 pm WhatŐs On - February 2011 To include events, contact Tina on 835295 or mail whatson@nailsworthnews.org.uk. Deadline for March 2011 is 15th February February 2 Wed Flower Club Meeting, Just Imagine, Town Hall, 7.30 pm 3 Thu Canasta, Hanover Gardens Community Room, 7.15 pm. All welcome. Info Jane Hobdell 835937 Rotary Club Meeting, FGR, 7.15 pm, Talk and supper, Info: 832878 4 Fri The Hurt Locker, Nailsworth Film Club, Primary School, 8.00 pm (bar opens 7.30 pm) 5 Sat FGR v Hayes, 3 pm Quiz Night, FGR, 7.30 pm, 50p per player, max team size 5, Prize - Ł20 beer voucher 6 Sun Family Service, Nailsworth Primary School, 11 am. Everyone welcome 7 Mon M.E. Support Group, Fields CafŽ, 11 am. Info Richard 07814 223567 Senior Citizens Lunch, FGR 12 Đ 4 pm, Ł6.95 Đ refreshments, sing-a-long, pay bingo. Info 837431 NSoc Arts, Craft & Music Group, Mortimer Room, 7.30 pm. Jane Austen: The Favourite Aunt, Brian Wilks 8 Tue Library Club for older people. Library, 11.15 Đ 12.30. Info 832747. Transport can be provided 9 Wed Nailsworth Valley Probus, Mortimer Room, 10.00 am 11 Fri Coffee morning in aid of Alzheimers Society, Stroud & Swindon Building Society 12 Sat Shortwood Utd v Pegasus, 3 pm The next Nailsworth News will be published at the beginning of March Advert c. 1900 - so donŐt hunt for this shop if you need supplies...