----------------------------------------------------- Page 1 ----------------------------------------------------- FEBRUARY 2021 NO. 208 A free monthly community paper for the parish of Nailsworth, available in colour on our website www.nailsworthnews.org.uk The Bloomers Need You! We begin this issue with a welcome reminder of Nailsworth In Bloom ’s summer brilliance at Wheelwright ’s Corner in 2019. NIB are appealing for a planting co- ordinator to take the reins in 2021. If this could be you, see page 7 for details. Though Nailsworth awoke to a blanket of snow a few days ago, our evenings are getting lighter and we can begin to look forward to the coming seasons, secure in the knowledge that the vaccination programme will continue apace. There is much to be A Word from the Mayor Page 3 thankful for – a theme that resonates throughout this issue of Nailsworth News. Elections, Power to the people Census 2021 Nailsworth in Bloom Looking for a volunteer Business News Windows competition, 1-2Tree Friday Market Schools News Nailsworth Primary cPAD Fire & Rescue fund raising Tetbury Hospital A Royal Visit Page 4 Page 7 Page 8-9 Page 12 Page 15 Page 18 Page 23 Nailsworth Town Council Page 24 More news and Town Councillor Vacancy And there is more ........ SPRING SAVINGS B RO C H U R E COMPUTER PROBLEMS? MICROSOFT & APPLE SERVICED & REPAIRED ONSITE HARD DRIVES REPLACED : NEW SCREENS FITTED MEMORY UPGRADES & VIRUS REMOVAL BRAND NEW & USED WINDOWS 10 LAPTOPS & PC ’S ALSO IMACS & MACBOOKS ALL READY TO GO WITH NO HIDDEN EXTRAS NAILSWORTH COMPUTER SALES & REPAIR SHOP 01453 832151 Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 0DD • Pick up your FREE copy in store Tel: 01453 832826 In this issue … Gratitude Page 2 Leading article w N e ----------------------------------------------------- Page 2 ----------------------------------------------------- L O C A L A F F A I R S Free monthly newspaper for Nailsworth Parish Editorial Team; Editor in Chief , David Cox Assistant Editor, Heather Nicholls Contact, editor@nailsworthnews.org.uk Central Voicemail 0303 040 1150 Design & Layout, Peter Griffi n, Frank Paxton & Nicky Howe What ’s On , Brian Harding whatson@nailsworthnews.org.uk Business Editor, Annie Franklin Printing, Leopard Press Distribution, Joe Brooks and Keith Mansell distribution@nailsworthnews.org.uk Treasurer, David Cox 836119, treasurer@nailsworthnews.org.uk IT, Jonathan Duckworth Postal subscriptions £8 per year - Veronica Luke 832812 Accounts, Bill Bryant accounts@nailsworthnews.org.uk Advertising, Mike Hewlett adverts@nailsworthnews.org.uk Payment & hard copy correspondence , c/o Shiny Goodness, George Street. Advertising rates : Our advertising rates are very reasonable. Please contact our Advertising Manager, Mike Hewlett (details above) or see our website for more information www.nailsworthnews.org.uk/advertising Deadline for advertising and payment : 10th of the month Deadline for articles : mid-day 15th of the month Copyright notice: photographs in this paper are submitted by residents, businesses, Nailsworth Archives (including documents, by permission), and team members. The person who took the photograph retains all rights in it. If you would like a copy of one, please contact the editorial team who will put you in touch with the appropriate person; it is their decision whether (and how much) to charge. THERE IS NO PAPER PUBLISHED FOR JANUARY OR AUGUST Gratitude Gratitude for what we have and thanks may seem a daunting prospect, there to those that support us, are themes will be someone out there with the of this month ’s editorial. On behalf of drive and determination to take on this the editorial team, our heartfelt thanks rewarding role. go to all our advertisers. We couldn ’t There are many ways to show publish the NN without your support gratitude as the article on page 6 and we do appreciate your loyalty. We demonstrates and many benefi ts to be also thank our local shops for helping had from acknowledging and showing with distribution during the pandemic, to our gratitude for the things we so often ensure we reach as many of our readers take for granted. When this pandemic as possible. The NN may be especially is over, we as a community, must fi nd a welcome as a source of information to way to thank all those people who have those shielding or in self-isolation in selfl essly put others fi rst and supported the current clime and local shops have vulnerable people when they needed helped to spread the word.. it most. I ’m sure you ’ll all agree that we ’re Finally, as always, our heartfelt also extremely grateful to Nailsworth gratitude goes to the NHS workers, In Bloom, for the wonderful, colourful, who have worked tirelessly to cope, seasonal displays they have provided day after day, with the trauma caused around our town. Now, it is time for us by this pandemic. With the roll-out of to show our gratitude. The Bloomers are the current vaccination programme now appealing for a Planting Coordinator, well under way, we hope there is light initially to learn the ropes alongside at the end of the tunnel. But we must all the current post-holder, then to replace remain diligent, stay home and protect her when she retires at the end of 2021. our NHS. See page 7 for more details. Whilst this Heather Nicholls – Editorial Team British Legion Forest Green & Nailsworth District Thank You Nailsworth! We past and present. are pleased to announce that Thank you for supporting we collected a total of the Royal British Legion £5,747.98 towards this year ’s Poppy Appeal 2020. Poppy Appeal. For information on our To fi nd out more about how Branch, please contact your donation helps, please Tim Godden at vivian. visit www.rbl.org.uk or social godden@btinternet.com media. Your Poppy helps support our Armed Forces community Nailsworth Mills Estate Avening Road Nailsworth Gloucestershire GL6 0BS Tel: 01453 836996 Mob: 07800 932098 keith@amosjoinery.co.uk www.amosjoinery.co.uk Bespoke designs and craftsmanship including:- • Doors • Furniture • Stairs • Windows • Garden Furniture and Gates 2 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 3 ----------------------------------------------------- LO C A L A F F A I R S A Word From The Mayor Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS) Back in 2013 when Steve Robinson was Mayor, he began the process of looking at how traffi c impacts our town. I supported him at the fi rst meeting and we have worked together on steps to make our town a nicer place for all. The two main projects were a 20mph limit for most of the town and the installation of Speed Indicator Devices, or SIDS. Despite many hiccups and delays, we stuck at it and both initiatives will happen. The second stage is in place before the fi rst. You may have seen the new Smiley SIDS, on the A46 by Egypt Mill and Nympsfi eld Road. I had seen these around the UK but not in Gloucestershire. They smile at drivers that are driving within the legal speed limit, rather than simply say “SLOW DOWN ”.The SIDS also collect data, enabling us to see how many vehicles pass by, and at what speed: very useful data for future traffi c planning. The SIDS have been mostly funded by a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner, and we are very grateful for that. We are in the process of commissioning them, so look out for smiling faces when you are driving on those roads! Climate Emergency Prior to the Pandemic, Council declared a Climate Emergency and devised a strategy that was adopted in February last year. Though Lockdowns, Tiers, and Social Distancing changed things dramatically, we are still mindful of the Climate Emergency and have put a lot of resource into the effects of the pandemic and on how the multiple changes in guidance, advice and law affect our services, staff and buildings. Now with the vaccine we hope to see the end of the pandemic and a return to more normal activity. This will include working with our Climate Emergency Action Plan and groups across town and district. Power to People We are looking at opportunities for local electricity generation and supply. Currently this is very diffi cult and expensive, unless you simply supply your own building. There is a movement to introduce legislation to allow more local generation and supply. The Local Electricity Bill would give community- scale renewable energy a massive boost by empowering communities to sell their energy directly to local people. Council has signed up to support the Local Electricity Bill, and we have asked our MP to support it too. You can help by visiting https://powerforpeople.org.uk and signing up, but also by writing to our MP and asking her to support the Bill. Currently there are well over 230 MP ’s from all parties, that support it. Election Currently the Government is saying that Local Elections will happen as planned on the 6th May. Like so many things, this might change, but for now we can plan for spring elections. All seats on Council will be up in the election, so if you ’d like to fi nd out more, contact the Council offi ces, or one of the existing councillors. So why get involved? You almost certainly want to do something positive and, like most councillors, you hope to make a difference by infl uencing decisions that affect your community. Councillors can play a vital part in representing the interests of the communities they serve and improving the quality of life and the local environment. Furthermore they infl uence other decision makers and can, in many cases, deliver services to meet local needs. Diversity in council often arises because councillors have different backgrounds, enthusiasms and interests. We should celebrate this. Councillors have different skills and attitudes; for example, some work with ideas while others are very practical; some like accounts while others prefer reports. The local council needs a range of skills to work as a team. The best councils will have a clerk and councillors who work as a team to provide a service for the community. Contact us if you would like to know more.. Jonathan Duckworth See page 24 for details of vacancy for Town Councillor N e w l k n e w p r e m i s e s Your local health food store Now at George St, Nailsworth. Tel: 01453 832986 www.shinygoodness.co.uk 3 : ----------------------------------------------------- Page 4 ----------------------------------------------------- LOCAL AFFAIRS Census 2021 will Provide a Snapshot of Modern Society Households across Nailsworth will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the fi rst run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed, ” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Offi ce for National Statistics, said. “This could mean things like doctors ’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That ’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them. ” Census day will be on 21st March 2021, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the fi rst time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information visit: www.census.gov.uk Nailsworth Library Revised pattern of opening for Nailsworth Library during the current lockdown (see below). We will be running a Click and Collect service and allowing access to the public computers for essential computer access (PNPC). Morning Sessions (am) 10.00am - 1.00pm Afternoon Sessions (pm 2.00pm - 4.00pm Monday AM: PNPC Monday PM: Collection Services Tuesday AM & PM: CLOSED Wednesday AM & PM: Collection Services Thursday AM & PM: CLOSED Friday AM & PM: CLOSED Saturday AM: Collection Services Saturday PM: CLOSED We Are Main Agents For All Big Brands As an award winning independent travel agent, we offer the widest choice of holidays and are proud to be a main agent for: and many more... www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk 4 Phone lines open until 10pm 01453 836186 The Old Stamp Office, George Street, GL6 0AG We ’ve been voted ‘The Best Travel Agent ’ in the South West & Wales ----------------------------------------------------- Page 5 ----------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENT Nailsworth Climate Action Network NAILSWORTH CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK We ’re a local community group for people who want to take positive action on climate change. We know Nailsworth CAN make a difference, come and join us. GET IN TOUCH Email: Nailsworthcan@gmail.com Instagram: @nailsworthclimateactionnetwork FB: Nailsworth Climate Action Network WEBSITE: www.nailsworthcan.org FAMILY CARBON CHALLENGE Nailsworth Climate Action Network (NCAN) is committed to supporting actions that promote the health, wellbeing and sustainability of our community and its environment. The goal of reducing our carbon footprint is linked to these aims, and can also help in managing the household budget. Everyone ’s circumstances are different, but the overall message is for people to think about ways to reduce waste in energy and other resources, and to move to greener sources of energy, food and other household purchases. are generated by our We invite you and your family to take our 10 carbon challenges to reduce your carbon footprint and to think globally and act locally. 10 FAMILY CARBON CHALLENGES 1. We will walk or cycle instead of using the car whenever we can. 2. We will turn off lights when we leave a room and turn down the thermostat. 3. We will switch off tablets and computers instead of leaving them on standby. 4. We will recycle as much as we can; plastic, metal, card, paper, clothing. 5. We will repair, re-use, regift and think about buying second hand before new. 6. We will try not to waste food and eat seasonally. Can we grow our own? 7. We will eat less meat and dairy and have a few vegetarian/vegan meals a week. 8. We will take quick showers and not long baths. 9. We will shop locally for local produce and reduce food air miles and packaging. 10. We will talk to other family and friends about our Carbon Challenge! 5 CARBON REDUCING ACTIONS TO CONSIDER 1. Consider switching to a green energy supplier. ANY QUESTIONS? 2. Consider swapping traditional light bulbs to LED bulbs. any our questions Family about Carbon climate Challenge. change and For our those community of you or with that any are ideas keen to 3. Consider a ‘home energy check ’. 4. Consider reducing your holiday air miles. FB: you Nailsworth reduce Climate your Action carbon Network footprint. 5. Consider an electric vehicle. WEBSITE: www.nailsworthcan.org Home Care Services Help with Personal & Domestic tasks Sitting Service Meals on Wheels (locally) Day Centre & Social Club Home Cooked lunch plus teas/coffees A purpose-built Nursing Home, Entertainment, Activities and Day Trips Day Centre & Social Club, and Home Care Provider General & Specialist Dementia Nursing www.horsfallhouse.co.uk FREE Respite Care (when available) Patron: HRH The Princess Royal, Minchinhampton Centre for the Elderly, Registered Charity No: 287479 Have you heard about NailsworthCAN in conversation? We ’ve been hosting a series of monthly online talks covering a range of topics relating to climate change and our community. Our fantastic guests have so far included Tom Herbert of The Long Table, Chloe Turner from Action on Plastic and Chris Wilde from Yorkshire Energy Systems. You can catch up on all these talks by visiting our website where you will find the recordings and accompanying blog posts. We ’re pleased to announce that our next guests will be Alena Zavarin and Tony Anderson of Anderson Financial Management who will be joining us to discuss the impact that changes to our personal finances can have on the climate crisis. This talk will take place on Wednesday 10th February at 8pm. Then in March Fran Beer from The Beeswax Wrap Co will be telling us all about this inspiring and sustainable local business. For more details and to sign up for these upcoming talks take a look at our website www.nailsworthcan.org T h e Steppes R esidential Care H ome Est 1981 A small, warm and friendly care home for the elderly, in a peaceful corner of Cossack Square. With trained care staff giving around the clock personal care, we endeavour to meet our residents ’ needs and ensure their happiness. For a bro ch ure or to arrange a v isit , please telep h one Mrs J o Smit h 0 1 45 3 8 32 40 6 5 What is our carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that actions. This month we ’re excited to launch We ’d love to hear from you if you have you may have. make this year a bit greener, we Email: Nailsworthcan@gmail.com have some simple ideas to help Instagram: @nailsworthclimateactionnetwork Bathing, Chiropody & Hairdressing Nursing Home 01453 731 227 Registered Nurses on duty 24 hours a day You can download the Family Carbon Challenge from www.nailsworthcan.org ----------------------------------------------------- Page 6 ----------------------------------------------------- WELLBEING Why Being Grateful Works Gratitude is good for us; it ’s offi cial. The range of people telling us how being grateful and practising gratitude make a positive difference to our mood, health and overall wellbeing, is getting longer: religious leaders, neuroscientists, doctors, wellness practitioners, our schoolteachers, our mothers and even the Government, all promote this message. What is gratitude? Apart from the literal defi nition, gratitude is an approach to life that can be learnt. With regular practice, and a willingness to notice the small, ordinary things in life that make us feel better, gratitude can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of the people around us. How does it work? Neuroscientists have found that we can naturally increase the ‘feel good ’ chemicals in our bodies, serotonin and dopamine, by practising gratitude. Research has shown that showing gratitude with actions and words and pausing to notice what we have to be grateful for, will gradually change the levels of these naturally occurring happiness drugs and we will start to feel better. The real key to this is actually doing it; daily, consciously and in both thoughts and actions. For example, when you wake up in the morning, pause and take a moment to look around you. Have you slept well? Was your bed warm and comfortable? Do you have clean clothes to put on? Do you have the ingredients to make breakfast, daylight outside and fresh air to breathe? Somewhere in that list, if you want to see it, there will be something you have to be grateful for. During that pause, list the things you have already appreciated. Write it down if you ’re a scribbler. Tell someone, if you share your home with others, or just tell yourself. Pause, notice and use words to start your gratitude practice. Once you get into the habit of pausing and noticing, you may want to think about how you can share your gratitude. Think of someone you appreciate and tell them, in words, with a card, a text message, or a gift. Now you ’ve spread the feeling; you will feel good for being grateful and they will feel good for being appreciated. Even in these most trying times, I think we would all agree, there is always something to be grateful for. We are blessed to be in Nailsworth, a beautiful part of the world and to be part of a community that shows it cares in so many ways. Practising our appreciation of our town and being grateful for all that we have here, will increase our wellbeing, help others to increase their sand ultimately help us all survive these trying times. Finally, one piece of scientifi c knowhow that even on the lowest days, I have managed to hold on to, is that our brains will not allow us to feel anxious whilst we are feeling grateful. When I am feeling anxious, I remind myself of this fact; I pause, take a breath and look up. There is always something in my line of sight to be grateful for. Try it and pass it on. It works! Annie Franklin – Editorial Team despite all that is going on we can safely keep the presses rolling. banners, posters, leaflets... and indeed this Nailswor th News! home deliver y, collection or direct mail L E O PA R D P R E S S L E T T E R P R E S S • L I T H O • D I G I TA L s t r o u d @ l e o p a r d p r e s s . c o m MOBILE PAINT & POLISH UNIT E2 INCHBROOK TRADING ESTATE, BATH ROAD, NAILSWORTH GL5 5EY – ESTABLISHED 2011 CAR BODY REPAIRS OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE CAR BODY REPAIR TRADE FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION, PLEASE CALL RICHARD 01453 834 355 or 07976 779 130 ALL WORK FULLY INSURED & GUARANTEED FREE VEHICLE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE NO VAT A great place to work ... Shops, offices, factory units sometimes available Give us a call on 01453 832754 email: ja sper @eachamberlain.co.uk www.eachamberlain.co.uk 6 Nailsworth Mills Estate ----------------------------------------------------- Page 7 ----------------------------------------------------- C O M MU N I T Y The 2021 Bloomers ’ Quest February 2021 marks the start of a great quest for the Nailsworth Bloomers and one that may take the whole year to bring to a conclusion. We have been blessed with a wonderful, inspirational and hard-working Planting Coordinator in Liz Steele, ably assisted by her equally hard-working and artistic colleague, Sheila Peaple. At the end of this year, they have decided it will be time to pull back from the job - having guided and assisted their replacement/s - and take time out for themselves. We are looking for someone to take over the role of Planting Coordinator and Covid restrictions permitting, to begin work alongside Liz and Sheila in 2021, so that we can effect a gradual transfer of responsibility. The new incumbent will not be abandoned to take everything on all at once, but will ‘learn on the job ’, as it were! The core requirements are simple: • A good knowledge of plants and gardening techniques. • Imaginative ideas for designs for different projects around the town. • The stamina to tackle tasks that can take up to twenty hours a week in a normal year and more during Britain in Bloom in 2022. • Management of the planting budget The role is voluntary but crucial to the continuation of the wonderful displays we have in Nailsworth currently. They will have to organise and work with all of the Bloomers who volunteer for different tasks. However, we are considering having a separate person to do the volunteer organisation in order to reduce the work of the Coordinator. They will also have to liaise and report to the committee. We have meetings once a month, with the exception of December, which is generally too busy for various reasons. Our quest will be a difficult one but we are sure the right person is in Nailsworth somewhere, just longing for a chance to become involved and committed to building on the excellent foundations laid down by Liz and Sheila and to continue the successes and achievements of the Bloomers team. You might even already be a Bloomer, just waiting for the opportunity. If you are at all interested and feel you might like to know more about the role or would like answers to any questions you might have, please feel free to email me on brummiewhale1@gmail.com by the end of February and I will try to help or put you in touch with the right person to give you the answers. Please don ’t just read this and think, ‘I can ’t do that! ’ There will be lots of willing helpers and volunteers to support you and whoever you are, we do need you! Perhaps there are two like-minded people out there who could share the role? Fine, if that works for you! We look forward to hearing from you. Meanwhile, happy February and let ’s hope Spring is not too far away. Jacquie Joyce Nailsworth in Bloom Secretary Planting on The Rockness Triangle Three new heritage fruit trees situ. Over the last few years have been planted on Rockness Richard, the town council Triangle this month: groundsman, has cut and raked Shropshire Prune (Damson), it off in the late summer when Old Gage (Greengage), Rivers the wildflowers have set seed, Early Prolific (Plum). to keep the soil fertility down. They were kindly bought This simple act allows native by Nailsworth in Bloom to be and existing wildflowers to part of Nailsworth ’s Linear thrive and leads to a far greater Orchard, the ultimate aim of biodiversity. which is to enable pollinators to The effect of this regime is travel easily across Nailsworth plain for all to see as they pass Parish, from Ruskin Mill to by. The triangle is a veritable Woodchester Valley Village. riot of flowers by midsummer. The Triangle belongs to Thankyou everyone for taking Nailsworth Town Council where such care. four apple trees are already in 7 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 8 ----------------------------------------------------- B U S I N ES S N E W S Celebrity Judges for Nailsworth Windows Actress Emma Samms and BBC newsreader Simon McCoy were joint judges for the 2020 Nailsworth Christmas window competition – and they have declared Pulp in George Street the outright winner. Pulp – with its eclectic range of stationery – stole the show with an innovative Santa ’s sleigh display that extended outside the shop windows. Runner-up was Joya, the fashion accessory store in Market Street, with a ‘delightful and inviting ’ montage of stock, lighting and window art. Nailsworth being Nailsworth, there had (of course) to be a special prize for quirkiness and humour - which went to The Village Inn on the Bath Road for a Nativity scene using toys belonging to staff. “These days, shop windows are more important than ever – and, for most of us, shop windows are all we ’ve had, ’ Emma and Simon said. “The shops of Nailsworth (always a favourite of ours) have brought a sense of joy when we all needed it. It was a bit of a ‘busman ’s holiday ’ to have to study and evaluate the windows of Nailsworth ’s shops, and we wished we could have given everyone due acknowledgements for their efforts. ” Nailsworth Mayor Jonathan Duckworth, who runs the competition alongside Nailsworth Chamber of Trade, is an ex-retailer himself. He and his wife Caroline (also formerly in retail and one of Gloucestershire ’s Deputy Lord Lieutenants) drew up the shortlist. “We ’re so grateful to Emma and Simon for lending their support, ” he said. “The town council has looked at how we can help recovery after lockdown ends. Certainly, initiatives such as the Christmas windows are a showpiece, brightening the town up and inviting customers in. The town council also organised a very popular Christmas Pudding Hunt competition for the festive season. ” Nailsworth is lucky to have more than 100 shop and restaurant fronts in the centre, he said, and many organisations have been working hard to support them. The Chamber of Trade has a new office in Fountain Street, and is continuing with its Mortimer Gardens outdoor market on the fourth Saturday Simon McCoy & Emma Samms morning of each month. “Despite very difficult trading conditions, we are confident that people will be back shopping in Nailsworth as soon as they can. It ’s a fantastic destination for buying everything from staple goods to the unusual and individual, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy too. ” Nailsworth Town Council is funding the Christmas window prizes (generously paid for in the past by Nailsworth Chamber of Trade): Pulp will receive the winner ’s cup, plus £50 cash for first place; Joya, £25 for second; and The Village Inn, £25 for the judges ’ special prize. Katie Jarvis Joya Christmas Window Village Inn Christmas Window. NMC Nailsworth MOT Centre TYRES . EXHAUSTS . BATTERIES . SERVICING . ALL MOT MAKES . ALL MAKES Tel: 01453 836816 Unit 6, Inchbrook Trading Estate, Bath Road, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5EY www.motstroud.co.uk 8 Pulp Christmas Window Car Servicing Specialists ----------------------------------------------------- Page 9 ----------------------------------------------------- BUSINESS NEWS 12Tree (one-two-tree) Beautiful feature-piece furniture, both sustainable and built to last I have a passion for interior design and love tinkering and making things; learning skills here and there from my godfather over the years from projects we ’ve done together. After a brief stint in the military, I decided to train as a tree-surgeon as I love being outdoors. I wanted to make use of the timber that had been milled and dried, so started with a coffee table for myself and I haven ’t stopped making things since! I started my small and often mispronounced business, 12Tree (one- two-tree), alongside regular work in March 2020, after doing some market research and finding very few pieces of furniture in a similar style to mine that were also environmentally friendly. Inspired by the countryside of the Cotswolds I try to protect this beautiful area by making all elements of my business as sustainable as possible. I use locally and responsibly sourced barn- dried timber, only work with natural products to keep things like VOCs down and use recyclable packaging. The style of my furniture is strongly influenced by the precept of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, that “there are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. ” I do not leave the timber as it was sawn, but bevel and round the edges so my furniture is smooth to touch, giving the rustic country style a more refined, contemporary finish. Put simply: I ’m not cutting corners - by cutting corners. I am a perfectionist at heart and my goal is to try and make my products durable and functional within the parameters of using sustainable materials, while also being aesthetically pleasing My core products are coffee tables and butcher block style chopping boards (I love coffee and cooking) as well as charcuterie boards and doorstops. I am lucky enough to use a local farm yard to work in, as well as occasionally using the space of two local woodworkers when I need to. I ’ve got some great new projects I can ’t wait to share this year and Covid permitting I will have a market stall at the Cirencester Cornhall Vintage and Artisan Fair on 28th March and 6th June. Chris, www.12Tree.uk 9 Established since 1988 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 10 ----------------------------------------------------- L O C AL AFFAIRS Churches in Pandemic At our recent Churches Together Meeting the first item, as with other recent meetings, was the chance for each of the four worshipping communities to share how they had been faring during the lockdowns. Each of the four, St Georges (C of E, the Priory (Catholic), The Friends Meeting House (Quakers) and Christ Church (Baptist, Methodist and URC) have in their own way coped with all this year ’s problems. Zoom services, started at the end of May, have had more than 40 participants. One person commented that normally in church we only see the backs of peoples ’ heads. Now it ’s a full frontal view. When allowed, we have had 10 - 12 people in church and a small group of people join us by ‘phone. This has meant that we have developed a different worship format. Our services are shorter, 45 minutes has been the norm, three hymns downloaded from the internet, a sharing time for people to give news and a reflection rather than a full length sermon. We have also been developing a partnership with Wotton Baptist Church, giving their trainee preachers a chance to gain more experience. Our most recent visitor reflected on the lockdown using the story of David and Goliath and the Sermon on the Mount and made five suggestions about what we can do during lockdown. • Do everything we are told to avoid Covid. • Take a real interest in international issues. • Support with prayer our local schools • Like the NHS. • Telephone 5 people on a regular basis, people you know don ’t have much contact with others. We don ’t know when this lockdown will end but it is good to hear of a steady flow of people going for their vaccinations. We now have the chance to ask, when all this is over, will our life be different? Churches and other groups can ask what will be be doing differently? Let ’s be ready for when things get back to the new normal. Whatever that means. Services at St George ’s Parish Church and Christchurch resumed wholly on- line with the government restrictions in January. When present national lockdown is reviewed and changes made, it is hoped that services will be able to be in our church buildings as well as on- line. For the latest updated information on all services and events, please visit St George ’s and Christchurch websites. Rev Stuart Radford, Christ Church 07956 657759 revstuartradford@yahoo.co.uk www.nailsworthchristchurch.org.uk Rev Caroline Bland Rev.carolinebland@gmail.com St George ’s Church, 01453 836536 www.thenailsworthbenefice.co.uk Nailsworth Town Council Safety check at All Saints Churchyard, loose. Below is a list of graves where Shortwood this is the case. If you are related to those Every year a safety ‘push test ’ is listed, we would be grateful if you could carried out on the gravestones in All get in touch with the Church Warden as Saints Churchyard, Shortwood. This is soon as possible to arrange repairs to to ensure there are no health and safety these stones. In the event of a gravestone issues. As a result of this year ’s test, becoming dangerous it is laid flat. some gravestones were found to be Those graves affected are; New churchyard Baker – dangerous: laid flat: Creed – loose: King – loose : O ’Hara – loose: Stewart – loose Your ONE STOP SHOP, FINE ART PRINTING SCANNING, MOUNTING and FRAMING. 01453 836134 info@meacopictureframers.co.uk www.meacopictureframers.co.uk Unit 41 B-C Nailsworth Mill Estate (Off Morrisons Car Park) GL6 0BS 10 Old churchyard (raised ground near church) Cleaveley – loose: Fisher – loose: Houghton – dangerous: laid flat Please contact Nailsworth Benefice Church Wardens John Amos and Roger Lewis churchwardenstgeorge@ thenailsworthbenefice.co.uk or if you don ’t have access to email, call the Rev. Caroline Bland, 01453 836536. Katherine Kearns, Clerk to Nailsworth Town Council ----------------------------------------------------- Page 11 ----------------------------------------------------- LO C A L A F F A I R S District Councillors ’ Report We wish everyone a safe 2021, with hope for improvement as the vaccines are distributed. We are very pleased to report that our efforts to have Ringfield Close sheltered housing rebuilt for affordable homes, has been successful. The contractor, Beard Construction , aims to start work at the end of January or early February. They are now contacting local residents to set up ongoing consultation arrangements. Good communication with local people was a key factor in choice of contractor. What a good start to 2021. Carbon Neutral Strategy 2030 – The December Environment Committee supported the draft strategy and the commitment that SDC should do everything in the council ’s power to address the threat of climate change. The strategy notes that SDC has direct control for only a small part of the emissions in the district and so joint action with individuals, business and government is required. It relies on you and me to play our part. The consultation ended in December and a working party is constructing the final report for discussion and agreement of Council in March. We are concerned that global warming and the loss of biodiversity are both worse than anticipated. This is a struggle for the very existence of our children and life on Earth. We cannot ignore it. A grant has been agreed is the sum of £160,000 for essential refurbishment for Newman Henders Bridge on the Nailsworth to Stroud cycle-track.. Without this work the route would become unsafe and the cycle-trail would need to close at this point in due course. Remaining funding will go to other essential track improvement works. Ash dieback - GCC as highway authority is spending £500,000 this year felling ash trees on public rights of ways and roads over the next ten years. SDC is developing a Tree Strategy to complement the GCC strategy to double tree cover over the next ten years. Local Forestry Commission officers can advise on managing ash die back in relation to private land. Norman obtained 100 young trees, donated by Stroud Valleys Project and planted locally,. Food Poverty - the December Council meeting resolved to appoint food justice champions to work with partners tackling food justice locally and make a local contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2. 9.; and to develop a food action plan to address the causes of food poverty and promote food justice. Finally, thanks to your efforts, the Stroud district has the lowest infection rate in the south west. Rates are still too high and very worrying. PLEASE continue to take this extremely seriously and follow the national lockdown rules. Steve Robinson, 01453 834270 Norman Kay, 01453 833458 Sue Read, 01453 833472 County Councillor ’s Report Cycle Track - Two small sections of a scheme to prevent flooding in the the track, one at Frogmarsh and the town centre, which re-occurred in the other behind the new apartments at autumn. Being a local ‘lad ’ I was able Rooksmoor, will be resurfaced when to show the officer many of the mill the fencing is removed at Rooksmoor. ponds and describe where others had Funds of £160,000 from the District been filled in for different reasons. A CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) Working Group has now been set up by monies have been allocated to carry GCC which includes NTC, SDC and the out major repairs (still in design) to Environment Agency.I really hope to the bridge at Gydynap and replace see work carried out during 2021, that the decking on the bridge near Bird ’s will put the minds of local people in the Crossing, North Woodchester. I hope to centre of town at rest. find funding to resurface another small Elections - By mid January, no rough section in the near future. decision has been made regarding the LED Lighting -There are still elections for County, District, Town approximately a dozen lights in and the Police & Crime Commissioner Nailsworth to be changed to LED. due in May. Residents may be aware, Some are on listed buildings and others that the majority of these elections have appear to have been overlooked. I will already been put back one year but chase this up with GCC to complete the by February residents should receive scheme of energy saving lights in the details from Stroud District Council town. encouraging their application for postal Flood Alleviation - Prior to votes. Christmas and the recent lockdown Pathways - Prior to Christmas I was I walked around the parish with an pleased to have the local Highways officer from GCC who is drawing up Lengthmans ’ Service (2 men with spades) to clear the weeds encroaching on pathways on The Hayes, Avening Road and Pike Lane. I hope they will return in the spring to attend to other parish paths. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me on s teve.robinson@gloucestershire.gov.uk 01453 834270 NAILSWORTH ACCOUNTANCY Town Hall 01453 835050 WE BELIEVE IN VALUE FOR MONEY FOR OUR CLIENTS AND OFFER A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS Michael Jefferies FMAAT FCPA Emma Mills ICPA 11 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 12 ----------------------------------------------------- B U S I N E S S NEWS Friday Market in the Mortimer Rooms Every Friday a market is held in the Mortimer rooms next to the Library in Nailsworth, open from 8.45am to 12 noon. The market was started by the W.I after the First World War and has kept its tradition of offering local produce and goods to this day. It is not a W.I market now but is still run by a collective of local ladies and the occasional gentleman. After almost a hundred years the market still provides fresh (not 100-year-old) produce, local where possible – the Jerusalem artichokes are often lovingly dug up by the light of head torch and washed the night before. The market sells Freshly laid free-range eggs, seasonal fruit and veg, home cooked ready meals, preserves, pickles, cakes, plants, handpicked fl owers, beautiful knitwear Call 01285 342777 and hand knitted children ’s toys, candles ,botanical body care, hand painted cards and original artworks by local crafters and artists. The Christmas market brought some seasonal cheer to the Mortimer rooms with lovely festive fancies and mistletoe gathered with the help of one of the ladies ’ Grandsons who has become adept at scurrying up trees! Before the restrictions the market provided tea and toast and a place to catch up and chat which hopefully will be able to happen again. The market also has a table at the monthly Saturday farmers market at the Mortimer Gardens in Nailsworth. The market is running as normally as it can during these precarious times, diligently adhering to guidelines, including a one-way system and track and trace. Within the current regulations it is only selling essentials – mostly edibles, plants and some weeks candles and body products but everything else can be ordered for collection online or by telephone. Contact Vicky, 07963 333013 or Rosemary, 07990 513021 Or like the new Facebook page for updates on produce and new items being made weekly! Care 1st have nearly 20 years ’ experience in supporting adults e l g of all ages, so that they can live EST. independently at home. s o f p u t t i ng y o u r f a m If you are looking for a live-in, dementia or respite carer, call us on 01285 342777, email enquiries@care-1st.co.uk or visit care1sthomecare.co.uk 12 - Bespoke hand made curtains and Roman blinds. -Cushions of all shapes and sizes - Refresh or re make, adjustments to existing window coverings or shop bought items. - Home visits or remote consultation. 07841 533493 laurasblindsandcurtains@outlook.com ra t b i n e 2005 t wo d e c a d e C i l y ’ s c a r e 1 st ----------------------------------------------------- Page 13 ----------------------------------------------------- N A T UR E Blackcap Bully Small garden birds rely on regular supplies of nutritious seeds and nuts from our bird tables and feeders during the winter months. Over the past wintry weeks I ’ve noticed a very frequent visitor to the feeders on the apple tree in the garden. A particularly bossy blackcap has systematically bullied resident species refusing to allow any of the smaller birds near the feeders. From its vantage point inside the squirrel- proof feeder, it stands guard, lying in wait for hungry birds to feed. Visiting blackcaps are nothing new; arriving in the summer, they nest, rear their young and normally leave in September. However, over the past 30 years, many more have over-wintered here and numbers, it seems, have increased considerably since 1970, as a result of our warming climate. Famously territorial the blackcap wards off gold-crests, great tits, blue tits, coal tits and even robins, known to be territorial birds themselves; though I have noticed the nuthatch stands his ground, as does the woodpecker. Over the past few weeks we ’ve missed the colourful gold-crests feeding on Niger seed and chattering long tailed tits, arriving en mass to feed. The blue tits have even tried hiding in a nearby bush, darting out to steal a morsel, then retreating to devour their prize, but still the blackcap reigns supreme, fl ying, quite violently, at any birds that attempt to feed. A small, but quite signifi cant example of how our warming climate will affect the welfare of resident birds, if global warming continues at the current pace. During the current pandemic we have all acquired a greater appreciation of green spaces, the natural environment and our own outside spaces, but our gardens, once a haven for small birds to feed, may well become bereft of resident birds; overrun with species, like the blackcap, overstaying their welcome in our warming winters. Heather Nicholls, Editorial Team Beauty, Restoration and Wildlife Ben and Tim, the new owners of the training ground for local people to learn land between Northfi eld Road and the drystone walling from a Nailsworth A46 near Dunkirk Mill have exciting master craftsman. They plan for the plans for the future, with an emphasis walling to be completed by summer. on beauty, restoration and wildlife. Working with the Woodland Trust Their main focus is to build on the rich around the boundaries they will create wildlife that already inhabits the area, a species rich hedge, providing fl owers, keeping chickens and with advice from berries and colour: excellent habitat for Norton Wood Orchard Group, planting wildlife. a small orchard of Gloucestershire The main fi eld area visible from the heritage varieties this spring; a soft fruit road, which used to be an ancient hay and cut fl ower area, and perhaps some meadow, will be restored to a fl ower of their home-grown produce will fi nd meadow. Ben and Tim want to build its way onto a local market stall. on the diverse mix of wildfl owers, Working with Cotswolds AONB encourage seed memory in the soil, and original photos, they will restore and manage it to restore habitats for part of the drystone boundary wall, wildlife. The land will use conservation using the original foundation stones grazing, using rare breed Soay sheep and hope this restoration will be a and Golden Guernsey goats, to keep Symptoms suitable for Osteopathic treatment • Back pain/neck pain • Leg pain/sciatica OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC OPEN • Muscular skeletal pain Following advice from the Government and General Osteopathic Council, we are able to • Sporting injuries remain open with PPE and infection control measures. We can also offer online video consultations to those who are shielding. • Osteopathy for mother and baby We can also offer online video calls appointment only 14 Market Street, Nailsworth, Glos, GL6 0BX online booking www.thewhitepractice.co.uk 01453 832515 grasses fl owers and scrub in check. The animals are currently in a central paddock due to Covid preventing the work to fence the whole fi eld. It will take time to shift from a grass to a fl ower meadow, but wildfl ower seed added each year, using seeds shared from local AONB meadow sites locally (a project run through the AONB) to help bolster local fl ower species. The fi elds are exceptionally wet, due to surface road water and storm drains draining directly into the fi eld. The fi eld will be included on Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust ’s meadow map as a rare habitat and GWT is planning a species audit of the site. A local botanist is studying the fi eld for her PHD over the next two years to plot the soil microbial regeneration. This will have a positive impact on insect life, reptiles/amphibians, bird and mammal population. Her work will feed into a national audit of wild grassland areas and become a resource available free to any academics and organisations to help further protect and conserve our nation ’s wildlife. Ben and Tim want the meadow to be a wildlife haven; a beautiful, dynamic, rich and colourful habitat that can be enjoyed as much by the wildlife as by people who pass by - the goats are already a big hit with all the local children (and adults!). Issued by Nailsworth Town Council, 01453 833592 13 • Headache/migraine relief • Frozen shoulder • Antenatal care and neonatal care Open Monday - Saturday strictly by ----------------------------------------------------- Page 14 ----------------------------------------------------- LOC A L A F F A I R S Letter from America I read your email edition of Nailsworth effective. News each month, after first being I especially appreciate your articles introduced to the print edition by my ski featuring history of your village. Our friend, Paul Hyams from your village. town was first settled by European I live in a small town, Red Lodge, immigrants involved in coal mining, Montana, USA. We are experiencing then farming and ranching. Our full the same Covid problems as you and time population is about 2500 and awaiting the hope of a vaccine that is tourism during summer and winter Tutoring in Nailsworth A new subsidised tutoring service for tutors who come to us have accepted children from Year 2 to sixth form is reduced fees – they ’re very keen to being offered in Nailsworth, thanks to help youngsters whose lives have been the efforts of a local resident. Sarah turned upside down by lockdown – Martin – also known for her volunteer which means we can offer sessions for work as vice chair of Nailsworth £10 each child. Each session will last Chamber of Trade – is organising early at least an hour. “Schools are doing evening sessions in maths, science and a brilliant job, and we applaud them. English at Nailsworth Business Hub This is an additional bolster for parents (formerly Upstairs Downstairs Café) who feel their children might still be in Fountain Street. Tutors are qualified struggling. ” teachers with appropriate checks in Sarah is appealing for any second- place and sessions will be limited to hand laptops for students to use during five children maximum, with social the sessions – and at home, if they lack distancing and other Covid guidance IT. observed. “I own the building, and I ’m happy to “I felt compelled to do something for pay for heating, lighting, and so on, as our children, who not only deserve to well as making up shortfalls on tutoring be fully supported right now, but who fees. Of course, I would like to see are our future, too, ” Sarah said. “The disadvantaged children take up these The Door Remains Open As we all get to grips with this third sessions. However we are able to host national lockdown, local youth charity support sessions by invitation for the The Door is still very much open in most vulnerable young people. Any our community. Their friendly and young person aged 11-17 in need of professional teams are continuing to extra support is welcome to request an actively support some of our most invitation by getting in touch with their vulnerable young people and families, local team. ” including right here in Nailsworth. Support Sessions are currently “Adopting a flexible approach running at The Vibe in Dursley, Cam has been crucial to respond to the Youth and Community Centre, Stroud continuing needs we see. ” Says Chief Town Youth Centre, Wotton Youth Executive Victoria Robson “Our lead Centre and The Pod in Stonehouse. youth workers, Kathleen and Isak, have Any young people who feel they need been working hard with their teams to some extra support should get in touch put in place plans to create COVID- with the team either by emailing info@ Secure spaces where young people can thedoor.org.uk calling 01453 756745 feel safe and have familiar faces to talk or by finding their local team on to. ” Instagram @TheDoorStroud : If you Community Youthwork Coordinator are a young person aged up to 25 years Kathleen adds “Current Government old or a member of their family and are Guidelines have put youth services in need of talking through a concern, under ‘Red Alert ’ so we aren ’t able no matter how small, request a free to run our usual open access youth call from our dedicated support team at 14 helps our economy. We are 68 miles from Yellowstone National Park and have a ski area near town. Just a note to say thank you and a Happy Christmas and New Year. Harvey Roemmich Red Lodge, Montana places because they need them more than most. But every child is welcome and we will accommodate as many as we are safely able. ” Funding has been applied for in the hope that the service can be extended and – potentially – the fees lowered even further. “We are also hoping to offer some language tuition in future, ” Sarah says. “I ’d be very happy to hear from any qualified teachers who are willing to help with this scheme. ” For more information, and to apply for a place, call Sarah on 07841 922639, Nailsworth Business Hub, 28 Fountain Street, Nailsworth, GL6 0BL. www.thedoor.org.uk or young people can call The Door Line (5pm-7pm Monday-Friday) on 01453 705350 In addition to the support sessions, Youth Workers from The Door are continuing to work closely with local neighbourhood policing team and are regularly ‘out and about ’ on the streets of Nailsworth checking in with young people to help them stay safe, and understand the importance of staying at home. The wider Door team are also working hard continuing to support those with more specific emotional needs through 1:1 mentoring provision, both for young people and parents. Anne Townsend, Operations and Events Coordinator www.thedoor.org.uk anne@thedoor.org.uk Telephone: 01453 756745 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 15 ----------------------------------------------------- E D U C A T I ON Nailsworth Primary School The end of last term brought a very exciting visit from Father Christmas and his Reindeer! They appeared in a fl urry of snow, just after the children had eaten their Christmas dinner. Our Nailsworth School Art competition, with the theme “Winter Wonderland, ” had so many entries, that we decided to create a gallery space in the hall so that everyone could enjoy them in a safe and socially distanced manner. Some of the entries had Christmas lights and interactive elements. Dave Moller (from Psalms and St. George ’s church) was given the tricky decision of judging the winners. The fortunate winners were Jessica Y6 (see photo), Inca Y5, Fran Y5, Esther Y1, Marcy Y1 and special Commendations to Aaron Y4, Rares Y4 and Eloise Y6. A friend of the school, Heather Vidgin, completed a charity run to raised almost £4,000 for Tablets for Nailsworth school! We are purchasing tablets that parents can hire for their children, to help with remote learning. We are enormously grateful to Heather for her kindness. January saw many children remote learning again. We are very proud that so many of our children have accessied work either through our Teams platform or via paper work packs. Many thanks to all our parents and children for their hard work at home. Two of the photos show a sample of the quality of some of the work completed at home. CARPENTER AND JOINER NO JOB TOO SMALL CLIVE SYMCOX THE OLD COACH HOUSE, COW LANE, INCHBROOK, NAILSWORTH GL5 5HN 01453 836818 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K 60mm x60mm Advert.pdf 1 12/08/2020 12:26 SIX LOCKSMITH SERVICES GUTTER VACUUM & REPAIRS DOMESTIC PLUMBING www.futuresix.com 07933 629849 / 07973 326351 enquiries@futuresix.com 15 on ur ou ai o eb e s te C re nt av r la f w bl fe r si ----------------------------------------------------- Page 16 ----------------------------------------------------- C H A R IT Y Rotary Christmas Books for Children Appeal Nailsworth Rotary is looking forward to a much better, happy, healthy and successful 2021 for everyone. We are privileged to be in Nailsworth and we so appreciate the wonderful Cotswold spirit of our home base. A huge thank you to so many people who donated and supported our ‘Books for Children for Christmas ’ appeal in partnership with Stroud District Foodbank, The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop and Brutons Hardware. We aimed to raise £2,000 in our on- line appeal. It soon became apparent that the number of families and children needing help this Christmas with food and basic items from the Foodbank was far higher than originally expected and our target went from 200 to 500 books needed for the children. Huge thanks to Hereward at Yellow Lighted, who not only gave us a truly brilliant discount but then donated each time the new Obama Memoir was sold through the shop. We must also thank our meeting venue, the beautiful Egypt Mill and Restaurant, which accepted postal donations and held them for us. Our fi nal order for books was put in late, we only just squeaked in with funds to order all we needed, these were delivered at the eleventh hour. Our wonderful team of ‘wrappers ’ fi nished wrapping the fi nal books at almost midnight the night before our deadline. Our wrapping team were Rotarians, of course, but many other volunteers too, from the youngest aged six to the most senior aged 90 all using eco- friendly wrapping paper supplied by Brutons Hardware. To every single person who donated, allowing 500 children, whose lives are pretty tough at the moment, to receive a beautiful hardback book for Christmas. Thank you! Contact us to arrange a visit or quote Call: 07904058866 Email: sales@myvillagehandymanstroud.com Web: www.myvillagehandymanstroud.com Mark Kelly Plumbing & Bathrooms General Plumbing Bathroom & kitchen refits Tiling No job too small 16 design and installation call 07834318459 or 01453 836096 more than 10 years in Nailsworth John Quinn Plumbing & Heating “Complete Bathroom Specialist ” Over 30 years experience No VAT charges Tel: 01453 836118 Mobile: 07807 882757 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 17 ----------------------------------------------------- LOC A L AFFAIRS Nailsworth Town Archives Like most things the Town Archives, housed in the Town Hall on Old Bristol Road, are currently closed. In normal times they are open from 10am-12noon on Monday and Friday mornings and manned by six volunteers – Ann Brick, Bob Cook, Mike Harvey, Philip Surridge, Brian Middleditch and myself, Joyce Affleck. Allan Beale, who had been the leader for fourteen years, retired last year. The collection, supported by and in the care of the Town Council, consists of a very considerable number of documents, maps, books and photographs has grown greatly in number from the original items gathered mainly by Ann Makemson starting in 1993. Over the years groups and individuals have given a great variety of material to widen and deepen our resources. The archive dilemma is always the competing needs of conservation and accessibility. We are tackling these aspects with enthusiasm and making good progress. For conservation, we are rehousing everything in acid-free folders and box-files – a slow and laborious process. We all help with this and we were very grateful in 2019 when Nailsworth Society members spent an afternoon exchanging old for new very cheerfully. There is still a lot to do. Both conservation and accessibility are advanced by digitalisation. We are making good progress in scanning and cataloguing the whole collection and making it searchable. As a result it is both much less necessary to handle the actual materials and easier to find relevant items. One day all of this will go on line. We have ambitious plans for the future. At present it is enough to rehouse the materials for their safety, digitise them, and make it easier to transfer them to better accommodation when, eventually, that becomes available. We recognise that the current location isn ’t ideal, however we have a dream to relocate to a more central location in the town, probably at the Civic Centre, with better accessibility and opening hours. Joyce Affleck, Nailsworth Town Archives Pandemic Memories As many of us know, the Nailsworth Town Archives, now under the leadership of Joyce Affleck, do a great job collecting, preserving and researching the history of our beautiful town. Once this Covid crisis is over, I am sure that they will open their doors to the public again. At a recent meeting of the Local History Research Group, we decided that in years to come, future residents of the town might look back and ask what it was like to live during these difficult times. We thought it would be useful if we collected some memories of these times and so we are asking for your help. Please send us any memories or thoughts that you might have. These can be of any length, short paragraphs or longer pieces. You might like to consider how you adapted your lives. What couldn ’t you do? How did life change? What did you miss? Were there any positives to take from the months we spent in Lockdown? Were there things that you began to appreciate? Are there any lessons to be learned from such unprecedented times? There are lots of things that you might like to write about and hopefully, we will be surprised by what we get. Please send your thoughts to myself or Joyce at the Town Archives. Hand written contributions can be dropped into my letterbox. The thoughts and ideas of our children and young people will be particularly welcome too. Your local tree experts for over 25 years All the materials will be stored in the Nailsworth Town Archives so that when our grandchildren ask us in years to come, “Granny, what was life like during the pandemic of 2020/21? ” We can direct them to the memories stored in our Town Archives. Thank you. S haron Mansell, sharonjoymansell@gmail.com Garden Cottage Lower Newmarket Road Nailsworth, GL6 0RW Joyce Affleck archives@nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk Surgery, Felling & Stump Removal Pruning and Hedge Trimming Debris Recycling Full Consultancy Service, Free Quotations Tel: 01285 760466 Aston Down, Stroud GL6 8GA 17 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 18 ----------------------------------------------------- HEALTH NEWS cPAD Fund Raising On 18th December Nailsworth Health Partnership (NHP) launched their appeal to raise money for a community access defibrillator (cPAD) at King George V playing fields. The weather was good and firefighters from Nailsworth fire station brought one of the appliances to support us. Two days later, despite atrocious weather, they hosted Santa and his sleigh who visited Nailsworth and Minchinhampton raising money. Their total was £1,700 of which £700 will go to the firefighters ’ charity and £1,000 will go towards the new cPAD. Thank you Nailsworth firefighters. Together with a grant from Nailsworth Town Council, NHP have enough for this cPAD and will now be raising funds for the next one, to be placed in the decommissioned telephone box at Shortwood green. If you wish to donate to the cPAD fund please contact Marilyn Miles on 07801 558931 or treasurer@ nailsworthhealthpartnership.org Marilyn Miles, Treasurer Nailsworth Health Partnership cPAD Saves a Life In Woodchester Valley Village Paul Young who lives in Woodchester Valley Village reported ‘The cPAD in Woodchester Valley Village was used in early December, when a life was saved. Many thanks to NHP which helped us raise the donations ’. Marilyn Miles of the Nailworth Health Partnership, commented that often the cPAD is brought to the person who appears to be ill but in fact the machine detects it is not a cardiac arrest. But when it does - like on this occasion - then it is literally life saving. Tetbury Hospital is open as Usual We are here to see and treat you! Whether it ’s an outpatient appointment, an X-ray, an operation, or if you are unfortunate enough to require our Minor Injuries Unit we are here serving our community. We do not have the facilities to treat COVID-19 patients, so our community hospital is not experiencing the same pressures as other local hospitals. By attending your planned appointment and having your operation you are helping the NHS recover faster by minimising the effect of COVID-19 on normal healthcare 18 services. This will reduce the backlog of patients needing treatment when the UK gets back to normal. We have made sure our services are delivered in a safe and secure way. Read our patient reviews on our website www.tetburyhospital.co.uk . We want to make sure your care is not delayed. Please do not feel that you must cancel your appointment or surgery due to the national lock down, we are here to treat you. We want you to come and see us. We will keep you safe when you visit us, read our COVID-19 Update on our website. We are continually monitoring government advice and guidance and adapting our services accordingly to ensure your safety. For more information telephone 01666 502336 Your local Garden Maintenance & Landscape specialists For a free estimate contact Chris Blackwell on m: 07939 101520 t: 01453 835032 www.goldenstonesgardening.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------- Page 19 ----------------------------------------------------- HE A L T H & S P O R T Demetia- Friendly Nailsworth - still here to help you Although our walks and poetry sessions have had to stop, we want to remind anyone in and around Nailsworth, living with dementia or caring for a loved one with dementia, that the Dementia-Friendly Nailsworth is still here to be of help. We can signpost to professional support and provide a friendly ear either online or by the telephone. We also have activity packs that may help during this period of isolation. When it is deemed safe, we look forward to our walks and poetry sessions restarting. If you know of anyone living in the area who is affected by dementia, please do get in contact, even if it ’s just to chat about the work we do. Contact details are: Clare Janik – clarejanik@hotmail.co.uk, or Marilyn Miles, marilynmi1947@ gmail.com Evie - FGR Sports Ambassador I hope everyone had a good Christmas. players. Liam Kitching to Barnsley and We sure did at Forest Green Rovers with Carl Winchester to Sunderland. Great Dale Vince ’s new book coming out - a moves for the players and welcome great read - and introducing weekly funds in a challenging year to come! testing again. All our results came back Luckily football still can carry on negative in our January testing .Thank during this lockdown, whereas in the goodness!! We are in a great place first all had to stop. So on the weekends starting 2021, with two big sales of we have something to stream on TV. If you want to stream any of the matches go on the FGR website on the match day and buy your streaming pass. Hope 2021 is a better year for everyone. Sending love from everyone at FGR. despite all that is going on we can safely keep the presses rolling. banners, posters, leaflets... and indeed this Nailsworth News! home deliver y, collection or direct mail         e: mjwebbroofing@gmail.com  ANGELA BROWN HYP N O T HERAPY L E O PA R D P R E S S L E T T E R P R E S S • L I T H O • D I G I TA L s t r o u d @ l e o p a r d p r e s s . c o m Do you experience anxiety, sleep issues, panic attacks, exam nerves, issues around food, anger, confidence, IBS or phobias such as spiders, flying, dentists, the dark? Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help 07795 547 070 angela@angelabrownhypnotherapy.com Peter Rushton LANDS C A P E S 1980 Peter Rushton Landscapes Ltd are professional landscapers specialising in hard and soft landscaping services across Gloucestershire. Since 1980 we have been creating beautiful, functional and individual outdoor spaces for domestic gardens and public spaces. Telephone: 01453 832 576 Mobile: 07887 841076 www.landscaper-nailsworth.co.uk 19 EST Email: peterarushton@btinternet.com ----------------------------------------------------- Page 20 ----------------------------------------------------- PANDEMIC HELP News from Citizens Advice Citizens Advice are able to offer advice with employment problems during the pandemic by Freephone and email, but sadly as yet, not by face to face contact. Unfortunately, enquiries about employment problems have soared over the last ten months. Many people have needed advice on whether they are entitled to furlough pay, how this is calculated, and whether they might be able to claim Universal Credit in addition. Redundancy is also a big issue and many have concerns about how they will get a redundancy payment if their employer is unable to pay it. The reason so many people need further help to understand the system is shown in the following example. Mrs D was managing by having two jobs, this meant that in lockdown her income came from a mixture of paid work and furlough payments. It got further confused by a change in the National Minimum Wage, affording a small increase. She was then offered redundancy from one job, and again it was important to be aware of the calculation of her redundancy pay, and any other payments which she might be due. Finally, she needed to know if she had any entitlement to Universal Credit to boost her income. Uncertainty of how she would be able to manage and what action she should consider, understandably caused Mrs D great anxiety. Having these payments calculated and explained to her by our adviser meant that she was able to make informed decisions and able to cope with her situation. We also advise on a whole range of other employment issues. The knock-on effects of job loss can cause financial as well as relationship and housing difficulties. For help with any of these issues contact Stroud Citizens Advice on Freephone: 0808 800 0510 or 0808 800 0511 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. or Email: https://www.citizensadvice- stroudandcotswold.org.uk/stroud-cab- email-advice.php Project Updates from FGR Community We are and lows. For more information please sport and exercise, sporting memories, pleased to contact James Grady, Community talks, walks or just sitting having a chat formally Outreach Coordinator. over a cup of tea. announce Coming soon: Dance sessions for If anyone would like to participate, an extension of The Tackling Loneliness those suffering from MS or Parkinson ’s volunteer or potentially become a partner Together Project until April 2021 in and their carers/partners and Extra Time in our work and support the projects response to the ongoing pandemic Hubs, weekly sessions for like-minded financially, please do get in touch with #TacklingLonelinessTogether. We are people aged 55 and over. Bringing the us at c ommunity@fgr.co.uk or ring all in it together and do not want anyone community together to meet, socialise 07419 333746 to feel alone or isolated at this time. and do the things they enjoy. Each At the end of 2020, we supported 714 session will offer a variety of activities Wishing you well people in our local community and we ’re chosen by the members, potentially Sarah Urquhart continuing to support individuals and including topical conversation, quizzes, Head of FGR Community care homes with telephone calls, letters games, arts and crafts, music, singing, and treats. FGR Community are also currently completing garden gate visits to check on the welfare of residents during this lockdown in the Forest Green Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth GL6 0LA area of Nailsworth. If you know anyone 01453 837537 who would like a telephone call or a Currently there are no exhibitions or music events at Ruskin Mill doorstep visit please contact us. FGR Talk Club: Working with Talk walking gables farm shop cafÉ Club UK we facilitate sessions for The permissive footpath Ruskin Mill College Farm Shop Ruskin Mill Café is along the valley from (Gables Farm, Hay Lane, just currently closed in Ruskin Mill to Horsley behind Tipputs Inn, A46) is open line with government Mill remains closed to the public Monday to Friday regulations. Please FGR. This closed group on Facebook is designed to be a platform for mates college day. You are information on re-opening. talking to mates. In time we hope to welcome to walk bring men together in person running through the valley physical sessions at The innocent New students on our biodynamic farm. Lawn: simply giving men in the group the tools to chat to friends more openly and honestly about everyday highs 01453 837537 events@rmc.rmt.org rmt.org/ruskinmillcollege/events/ 20 www.rmt.org/ruskinmillcollege/events men over the age of 18 to 100+ to talk, share and support one another. We have our own virtual Talk Club, Talk Club to visitors during the 9am – 5pm. check the website for We sell organic, biodynamic produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, grown by our staff and before 8am, after 5pm and at weekends. Dogs on leads are welcome. ----------------------------------------------------- Page 21 ----------------------------------------------------- E N V I R O N M E N T Seeing Stars 2021 A velvety black sky scattered with shining stars is a sight we should all have the opportunity to see. But too often, light pollution obscures our view of stars.Just 3% of people in England experience ‘truly dark skies ’, and 61% of us live in areas with severe light pollution. That ’s why we need your help to map the nation ’s view of the stars, so we can better protect our dark skies in the countryside and our towns and cities. By counting the number of stars you can see in the constellation of Orion this February, you ’ll help us build a better picture of our view of the stars. This year we ’re asking everyone to take part in Star Count from home. Want to take part? Go to https:// takeaction.cpre.org.uk/ Not sure how to take part? Here are our fi ve simple steps for doing a Star Count from home: 1 – Find a good spot to do your Star Count: your garden, balcony, doorstep or even bedroom window. You ’ll need to be able to look south. 2 – Turn off all the lights in your home so it ’s as dark as possible. 3 – Look south in the night sky (the way satellite dishes face) 4 – Let your eyes adjust to the dark – the longer you wait, the better. Count the number of stars you can see within the rectangle formed by the four corner stars. 5 – Head to our website to submit your count and help us map the nation ’s view of the night sky. Happy star-gazing! PS: Please don ’t travel to do a Star Count, and remember to stay safe and observe social distancing rules. Emma Marrington Dark skies campaigner Campaign for Rural England Balti Brilliant Bereft of ideas for dining in, yet again, we decided on a Nailsworth Balti take-away on Saturday night. Great decision! We ordered a portion of Begun Bahar (Chicken and aubergine in a spicy yoghurt sauce), Aloo Gobi (potato and caulifl ower), spicy Dahl, vegetable rice and a garlic naan and settled down to watch Cheltenham play Manchester City in the FA Cup. Our meal was, as always, absolutely delicious. Dining at home is not quite the same experience as eating out, but with no preparation and only foil containers to rinse and recycle, a Balti Nailsworth take- away has to be the next best thing. Their food is consistently good, excellent value and always offered with a smile. Try it – you won ’t be disappointed. Heather Nicholls I NSIDE O UT THE COMPLETE DECORATING SERVICE Painting & decorating undertaken by a dedicated team Advice on colours and soft furnishings Suppliers of fabrics, flooring & accessories Inside Out offers practical & affordable interior solutions Contact Fiona 01249 783636 or 07909 542990 www.inside-outdecorating.co.uk Kendal architecture Alter - Adapt - Extend - Convert - Design Planning and Building Regulations Domestic and Commercial Kevin Kendal MCIAT : 07891 883131 info@kendalarchitecture.co.uk 07970 742727 21 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 22 ----------------------------------------------------- W H AT ’ S ON What ’s On February Due to current Covid 19 restrictions please check directly with providers of services, as some may have been cancelled. To get an entry into our March issue please provide information by 15th February to whatson@nailsworthnews. org.uk. It is also very important for organisations to update us as soon as possible with any changes to their information. Accessible Yoga Arkell Centre, Forest Green. Tuesday evenings with Sally Deacon, also online session available. Booking Essential 01453 751937 Five Valley Sounds Five Valley Sounds is Stroud ’s Talking Newspaper. If you, or someone you know, is registered blind and would like to keep in touch with their local community through our weekly recordings please contact us via 07882 672647 email 5valleysounds@ gmail.com or visit www.5vs.co.uk for more information. Croc n Roll Croc n Roll music classes on Thursdays and Fridays at 9.30am & 10.35am in the Nailsworth Subscription Rooms. And Monday 9.20am at St, George ’s Parish Rooms. Term time only. Price: £4.50 per class charged half-termly. Discounts for siblings. Free class for all newcomers. Info: 07957 235413 or Stephanie@crocnroll.co.uk Christ Church Umbrella Coffee Club Outside Hobbs Bakery, Thursdays 10.00am -12noon. Seats reserved. Wrap up warm. Info 01453 834996 Cotswold Warden Guided Walks See www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk. The programme continues to be suspended consequent on current pandemic guideline practicalities and is hoped to restart when these are relaxed. Flea Market and Collectables sale 1st Saturday of every month, Mortimer rooms 9am-1pm. Meeting Place (Renew Wellbeing) Drop in at the Christ Church Rooms to the 22 Meeting Place (Renew Wellbeing). A safe place to be or just to chat. Some hobbies available or bring your own. Mondays 10.00am-12noon. Inside or outside seating. Info 01453 834996 Nailsworth Library Monday - 10am-1pm General Public; 2pm -5pm General Public Wednesday - 11am -1pm Quiet session; 2pm - 4pm General Public; 4pm-5pm Family Hour Friday - 10am-1pm General Public; 2pm-5pm Booked Collection Only Nailsworth Society Monday 8th February 7.30pm (Local History Research Group) “Religion in and around Nailsworth through the ages ” - Brian Middleditch. Contact Paul Butler on email paul.butler60@outlook.com Tuesday 16th February 7.30pm (Arts, Crafts & Music Group) “Toulouse Lautrec and the Moulin Rouge ” - Allan Phillipson. Note date change. Contact Jane Bodkin on janebodkin@hotmail.com Monday 22nd February 7.30pm (Local Studied Group) “Archaeology of Chedworth Roman Villa ” - Nick Humphris. contact Dave Partington on davidpartington@hotmail. co.uk Monday 1st March 7.30pm (Arts, Crafts & Music Group) “Chagall ” - Paul Chapman. Jane Bodkin on janebodkin@hotmail.com Phonics Classes for kids New Online Classes during lockdown. Phonics with Robot Reg Pre-School (2.5-4 years) Monday @ 1.00- 1.45pm Reception (4-5 years) Monday @ 10.00- 10.45am Pre-School (2.5-4 years) Tuesday 10.30- 11.15am Reception (4-5 years) Tuesday 9.30-10.15am All classes are 45mins and Free Trials are available. To book or for more information please contact: aneesa@robotreg.co.uk WI Zoom Meeting Monday 8th February 7.30pm Zoom Tennis coaching is currently suspended following Government guidelines and the courts are closed. We will do everything we can to inform you when normal coaching can resume but the situation is outside our control. Nailsworth Death Café Nailsworth Death Cafe continues to take place via Zoom on the last Wednesday of alternate months. The next meeting will be Wednesday 25th November. For more information please contact Jane Diamond on 07989 931913 or jane@familytreefunerals. co.uk. Dance Classes Monday Morning 9.30am/10.30am Charleston Fitness, Nailsworth Subscription Rooms. bookings essential through website - www.swingbytesdance. com Contact Nicky 07728 600056 Royal British Legion There are currently no meetings or events planned due to Covid 19. The Thursday evening meetings will resume when it is safe to do so. And it is hoped to organise a coffee morning as soon as practically possible, in the Mortimer Rooms. The Branch is hoping to arrange for an event of some description in May 2021 to celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion. Anyone wishing to make contact, please contact us through the details on Branch Information page http://branches.britishlegion.org. uk/ branches/forest-green-nailsworth/ branchinformation Nailsworth Valley Probus Club Mortimer Room meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month are currently suspended. If you are a retired professional/ businessman, however, and would like to find out more about the Club and/or join in our regular ZOOM meetings please contact the Secretary - John Davis. 833966 Nailsworth Town Council The Council meetings are held every third Tuesday in the month, via Zoom. Details are on the agenda which is displayed outside the Civic Centre and is on the website with joining details. Nailsworth parish residents can contact the Town clerk for a passcode to join the Zoom meeting up to 4pm on the day prior to the meeting. clerk@nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk ----------------------------------------------------- Page 23 ----------------------------------------------------- L OCAL NEW S Royal Visitor at Tetbury Hospital The Prince of Wales visited his local hospital today to thank the staff for their continued hard work and support to the community during this unprecedented year. The small community hospital became a charity 27 years ago and has kept a service running throughout most of the pandemic, and many Nailsworth residents have appointments there. The hospital was delighted to welcome their Patron who last visited in 2015 and were keen to show His Royal Highness how the hospital has adapted to the situation since March. His Royal Highness was met on arrival by the Chairman of Tetbury Hospital, Jeremy Lodwick, and escorted by Hospital Matron Mrs Sarah Taylor for the 30 minute social distanced tour, meeting staff members in the Outpatients Unit and Minor Injury Unit. Mrs Sarah Taylor said “On behalf of the staff at Tetbury Hospital I would like to thank His Royal Highness for giving his time to meet and talk to them today. It was greatly appreciated as the teams have been working hard to provide a service to the local community. This was an enormous moral boost for our incredibly dedicated staff during these unprecedented times, as they shared their stories of the challenges they have faced and how we have overcome them. ” During the Pandemic, the hospital responded in a number of ways, sending staff and equipment to help out at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Debbie Loewenthal, Day Surgery Lead, seconded to GRH for four months and currently still supports the acute hospital, said “It was really lovely to meet His Royal Highness, he spent time with each member of our team and it really lifted our spirits at the end of a diffi cult year. ” During the pandemic, The Minor Injuries Unit and the X-ray Department remained open throughout the initial lockdown in March, and outpatient appointments continued via telephone, where possible. Unfortunately, the Day Surgery Unit was temporarily closed during the same period, but this meant members of staff could be released to work in the frontline hospitals to help support the fi ght against the virus. His Royal Highness ended his visit by signing the Visitors Book and was presented with a copy of The Tetbury Hospital Cook Book and two Tetbury Hospital Mugs. Mrs Zena Dalton, CEO, said “It is always a pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness to our hospital, I am so proud of our staff and what they have achieved this year. Today was the perfect way for us to look back on 2020 and bring it to a close. We can now begin to look forward to the New Year with hope ”. Lian Franklin, Communications Tetbury Hospital, lianfranklin@ tetburyhospital.co.uk 07977 234140 Welcome by Chairman, Mr Jeremy Lodwick & Matron, Mrs Sarah Taylor Administration Staff Day Surgery Team Signing Visitors Book 40 HIGH STREET, STONEHOUSE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL10 2NA Telephone Number: 01453 791461 e-mail: tleeper@leeperprosser.co.uk website: www.leeperprosser.co.uk Residential Conveyancing Commercial Property Wills Probate Trusts and Inheritance Tax Powers of Attorney Civil Litigation and Advocacy Services Opening Times Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm Sarah Purkis Soft Furnishings & Interior Design Hand made curtains and blinds Custom made loose covers Upholstery Full range of fabrics, wallpapers poles, tracks and trimmings Fitting services Tel: 01453 835778 - Mobile: 07721 536536 e-mail: sarahpurkis3@gmail.com Free in house consultation 23 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 24 ----------------------------------------------------- N T C N E W S More NTC News The Positivity Tree With a new lockdown announced in January, Nailsworth Town Council were keen to boost everyone ’s spirits at the darkest time of the year. The Christmas tree at the Clocktower was transformed into a ‘Positivity Tree ’ to leave messages for friends, neighbours and strangers to greet the New Year. The tree soon began to blossom with colourful messages! Nailsworth Town Council Town Councillor Vacancy Following the resignation of Cllr Ron Kerby, Nailsworth Town Council has announced a casual vacancy. The vacancy will stay in place until the town, district and county council elections in May. Often called the first tier of government, the past months have shown that good town and parish councils can be a vital support to their community. Nailsworth Town Council have shown that small, innovative acts can make a big difference to people and look forward to welcoming someone with the enthusiasm and skills to help Nailsworth continue to be a wonderful place to live. Residents living in Nailsworth parish and interested in becoming a town councillor can speak to the Town Clerk on 01453 833 592 or email clerk@ nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk. NAILSWORTH AERIAL SERVICES (TIME SERVED ENGINEER WITH 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE) FOR FAST & EFFICIENT SERVICE Digital Freeview BBC Freesat Telephone Extensions Extra TV Points Fitted Storm Damage 7 Day Service Sky Faults OAP Discount CONTACT JON: 0775 9144979 or 01453 833293 Nailsworth Town Council Coronavirus Nailsworth Town Council has set up a Helpline community telephone Helpline for the Parish of Nailsworth • Are you self-isolating? We have a wonderful team of • Need help with shopping? • Need your dog walked? prescriptions collected, dog • Need a prescription collected? walking or just want a chat, • Would you like a chat or we can put you in touch with a local person to help you out. What should you do? Just call our helpline. 01453 367399 You can call anytime to leave a message. Someone will get back to you during office hours. (Mon to Fri, 9-5) Please do not use the Helpline for emergencies, instead call 111 or 999 01453 367399 Market leaders in SALES & LETTINGS 01453 763542 www.parkersproperties.co.uk 24 FREE ESTIMATES volunteers across the town. If you need shopping or some other help? Helpline number: