----------------------------------------------------- Page 1 ----------------------------------------------------- FEBRUARY 2022 NO. 218 A free monthly community paper for the parish of Nailsworth, available in colour on our website www.nailsworthnews.org.uk 2022 - The Year To Celebrate! Christmas, celebrated with a little more constraint than in pre-pandemic years, gave us all some respite from the months of restrictions, anxieties and concerns experienced throughout the year. Our fi rst NN of the New Year, conveys a distinct feeling of things returning to something near to normality in our town. My own Christmas always begins, somewhat dewy-eyed, with a Nativity performed by angelic tots, with wings askew, halos that never stay put and tea- towels that need re-positioning with alarming frequency. Next year, perhaps! However, as our image of the entire cast shows, the children of Horsley School were able to perform their Nativity, albeit to an audience of their peers and playgroup children. During the weekend, when we start distributing NN, the Nailsworth Winter Wanderland will be taking place. Many houses across Nailsworth will have coloured pictures in their windows, lit up so they show well at night. Led by local arts partnership Artsparks and funded by Awards For All and Gloucestershire County Council, Winter Wanderland will transform the streets into a magical outdoor gallery for all to enjoy ! If you didn ’t get a chance to see it, we will have an article with photos in our March Issue. Nailsworth Festival is back in May and we also look forward to the Queen ’s Jubilee celebrations in June. All this and more in 2022 ’s fi rst edition. Heather Nicholls - NN In this issue … Town Council Page 3 A Word from the Mayor Nailsworth Wassail Page 4 Nailsworth Festival Page 6 Saturday 21st May Business News Page 11-12 Cotwold Costumes, Blushes and CW Wealth Management Stroud Court Page 13 Winter Wonderland 2021 Vumilia Link Page 15 Friendship with a Tanzanian Village Schools News Page 16&17 Nailsworth & Horsley Primary Valley Bridge Restoration Ruskin Mill Bridge From the archives The Diamond Jubilee Page 18 Page 20 What ’s On GREAT SAVINGS ON MANY RANGES Page 22-23 FRIENDLY EXPERIENCED STAFF 12,000 PRODUCTS INSTORE 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 Family YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE Kitchenware • DIY • Garden Cleaning • Electrical • Household Key Cutting & other services available see our website for details www.brutonshardware.co.uk SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR STOCK Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 0DD Tel: 01453 832826 Run • ----------------------------------------------------- Page 2 ----------------------------------------------------- L O CAL AFFAIRS 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 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 £10 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 John Quinn Plumbing & Heating “Complete Bathroom Specialist ” Over 30 years experience No VAT charges Tel: 01453 836118 Mobile: 07807 882757 2 RBL Nailsworth & District Poppy Appeal 2021 Following another successful Poppy Appeal in 2021, the Forest Green & Nailsworth Branch raised a total of £8063.45 towards the National Appeal due to the kind generosity of the Townsfolk. Whilst the majority was raised by donations at the manned stall outside Morrisons, the purchase of wreaths, Church collections and monies raised by the Branch throughout the autumn contributed to this fi gure. On behalf of all Branch members may I extend a very warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone. For those who would like a challenge there will be a quiz night on Friday 18th February 22 in the Church Rooms, with a bar and raffl e, where teams from the PCC will pit their wits against RBL teams. An entry fee of £10.00 per team will be payable on the night. Anyone who might like to take part is asked to contact Tim Godden at Vivian.godden@btinternet.com. Nailsworth News appeals for volunteers Distributors Nailsworth News relies on a large team of willing and loyal volunteers, who deliver the paper directly to households in town and in outlying areas. Our distribution team is currently appealing for more volunteers to join them, to deliver mainly in the Tynings area or in the centre of Nailsworth. Distribution is a very important element of our work: without our delivery volunteers many of our readers who are housebound or have mobility issues, would be unable to access the NN. If you feel you can help and are interested in joining our happy band of volunteers, please email our Distribution Team at distribution@nailsworthnews.org.uk , or call our Voicemail on 030 040 1150 and leave a message – normal ‘phone rates apply. Advertising Manager Despite several appeals, we still have a vacancy for an Advertising Manager. The current Advertising Manager is keen to retire and give up his volunteer role. We need someone to liaise with advertisers and manage the monthly advertisements: an extremely important role for NN as adverts are our only source of income. If you are interested in joining us, please contact David Cox by email: treasurer@ nailsworthnews.org.uk or telephone/Voicemail on 0303 040 1150 . The March issue of Nailsworth News will be published on Friday 4th March. THE GEORGE INN in NEWMARKET THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN NAILSWORTH Now opening seven days a week from 4pm (Saturday and Sundays from 12pm ) PIZZA D ’GEORGIO PIZZAS COOKED FRESH TO ORDER DURING OPENING HOURS EAT IN OR TAKE AWAY Anna Marie and her team serving excellent beers –only pub in Nailsworth featured in the 2021 Good Beer Guide, as well as a excellent wine selection. Higher Newmarket Road GL6 0RF TELEPHONE: 01453 833228 KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EVENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ----------------------------------------------------- Page 3 ----------------------------------------------------- TOWN CO U NCIL A Word from The Mayor I ’m very pleased to report that the Town Council recently approved an 8.5% decrease in our precept for the next financial year. The bulk of your council tax goes on County Council and Stroud District Council services, and our precept is a relatively small portion of your council tax which we use for delivering town services. Although the great majority of councils are expected to increase their council taxes again this year, we were determined to keep our precept as low as practicably possible, in order to do what we can to help offset the financial squeeze which will hit us all later this year due to rising costs and inflation. One way that the Council helps to manage resources is by getting grant funding and I ’m delighted that the Council was successful with both the Welcome Back Fund (£12,373) and the Build Back Better Fund (£15,160). The Welcome Back Fund will be used for buying “free car park ” signs, new benches and fencing in Mortimer Garden, new planters for brightening up the Civic Centre car park and, planning ahead to the end of the year, for buying Christmas trees and lights for the Clock Tower and town centre, and Christmas lights for the Civic Centre, Library and Mortimer Room. The Build Back Better Fund will be used to support a range of new and exciting community events which are in the early stages of planning and will take place as the year goes on. These events will be a chance to bring us together as a community, tackling isolation, boosting the local economy, creating new traditions and generally revitalising the town and giving us all a chance to get out and enjoy ourselves. The Festival of Flags will bring colour to the town with a chance to help design and make new sets of flags to go on the flag brackets in the town centre. The Festival of Words will combine poetry, storytelling and art and include a competition to find a ‘Poet Laureate ’ for the town. A dementia friendly mini arts festival will be taking place at the end of April, based in Three Storeys. We ’re also bringing local community, social, church and children ’s groups together to help them plan an exciting programme of events to mark the Queen ’s Platinum Jubilee during the first weekend of June. If you can help by getting involved and planning any of these new ventures, please contact NTC ’s offices at the Civic Centre. More good news is that the Council has 860 trees to be planted in King George V playing field, Norton Wood and Miles Marling Field. The trees will make new hedgerows, dotted with standard native fruit trees, bird cherry, wild cherry and crab apple. We are working with Stroud Valleys Project, Norton Wood Orchard Group and residents to plan community tree planting days this season. Unfortunately, a heavy frost prevented tree planting in KGV at last month ’s well-attended wassail event, but we all had a great time learning about the traditions of the ceremony, singing the Nailsworth wassail, being entertained and sampling some very welcome hot spiced apple juice.... I hope that you had a good Christmas and wish you a happy, peaceful and healthy year ahead. Mike Kelly Platinum Jubilee Weekend Planning The four-day Platinum Jubilee weekend will be celebrated across the UK from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June 2022, with Thursday 2nd June and Friday 3rd June both being Bank Holidays. The town ’s first Jubilee weekend planning meeting took place in January. There was a great turnout with representatives from many local community groups and the meeting provided an opportunity for everyone to discuss initial ideas for activities and events. Ideas included yarnbombing, decorating the town in festive colours, joining in the national Big Jubilee Lunch h ttps://www.edenprojectcommunities. com/the-big-jubilee-lunch , displays covering the Queen ’s reign and lighting a beacon. The next meeting will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday 8th February in the Mortimer Room and the focus will be to pull together all of these ideas and to start to develop a timetable of events for the Jubilee weekend. If you are part of a community group and would like to get involved with plans, please get in touch with Nailsworth Town Council. Kirstie Trueman – Deputy Clerk to Nailsworth Town Council www.nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk 01453 833592 3 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 4 ----------------------------------------------------- W A SSAIL Nailsworth Wassail! A crowd of people took to King George V playing fields on Saturday 15th January to celebrate ‘Old Twelvy Night ’ with a Winter wassail. The event was organised by Nailsworth Town Council who teamed up with Stroud Valleys Project to plant trees and new hedges around the fields. The ground was frozen solid, but that didn ’t stop Ragged and Old Morris dancers from putting on an energetic display, helped by hot apple juice and cakes served by Nailsworth WI. Thanks to Tesco for generously donating cakes and juice. Trees were planted at Miles Marling Field on Tuesday 18th January and more will be planted as the frost allows. If you ’d like to join in tree planting and aftercare, please get in touch with Nailsworth Town Council to find out more about plans to involve people more in where trees are planted and how you can help. At a Wassail the youngest person and oldest person exchange gifts and a photo was taken in front of the recently planted Oak tree which was blessed with apple juice and toast during the Wassail. The photo is of Virginia Hawkins who wrote a special Nailsworth Wassail, Tony Evans (oldest person at the wassail and Town Crye) and Isla Hawkins (16mths, the youngest person), Wassail Butler Phil Tomlinson is also in the photo. Katherine Kearns – Clerk to the Town Council www.nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk 01453 833592 The Ragged & Old Dancers The Nailsworth Wassail 2022 Written and performed on 15th January 2022. By Virginia Hawkins To the tune of the Gloucestershire Wassail Wassail, wassail all over the town Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree With a wassailing song we ’ll drink to thee And here ’s to Merv and his bright eyes May God send him patience to make lots of pies To make lots of pies that we all like to eat Now he ’s hung up his bag and put up his feet Wassail, wassail etc. And here ’s to Dale who might save us all May God make his team play some very good football Some very good football, that we all want to see With a wassailing bowl, I ’ll drink to thee Wassail, wassail etc And here ’s to our Town Band who play sweet and loud May God send them success to make us all proud To make us all proud, that we all want to be With a wassailing bowl, I ’ll drink to thee Wassail, wassail etc. And here ’s to our Cryer and his bright bell May God send him good lungs to cry loud and well To cry loud and well, and we all want to hear This wassail song that ’s full of good cheer Wassail, wassail etc. The Nailsworth Wassail 2022 By Virginia Hawkins save the world with his sustainability and The fourth verse refers to our Town I found this clip of a man called Archie eco-friendly philosophy, and, of course Cryer. Gardner singing a Nailsworth Wassail in to Forest Green Rovers, his football Let ’s hope this revives the tradition of 1972. team. the Nailsworth Wassail and that, in the http://www.gloschristmas.com/ The third verse refers to Nailsworth future, we can feature more women who wassail/wassails-h-p/wassail-song- Silver Band and hopes for their are prominent in the town. nailsworth/ continuing success. Virginia Hawkins - January 2022 It was noted that he included verses about local people so I thought I ’d carry on the tradition. The first verse is about Mervyn Rudge who was a postman in Nailsworth for many years. When he left the Post Office (hence he ’s hung up his bag and put up his feet) he went to work part time making pies. The second verse refers The Oldest and the Youngest The Exchange of Gifts to Dale Vince who might 4 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 5 ----------------------------------------------------- LOCAL A F F A I R S District Councillors ’ Report We wish all our readers a safe and happy 2022. Let ’s hope Covid and life in general improves this year Two of your Councillors attended the Environment Committee in December where it was decided that £52,000 will be allocated to a fl ood prevention scheme in the centre of Nailsworth. Concerns about air quality monitoring in the District. We are asking for offi cers to measure the level of miniscule ‘particulates ’, that can enter the lungs and offi cers were asked to cost this and report back. There is a consultation with residents in the District on SDC ’s economic development strategy. This continues until February 10th. You can fi nd it here https://www.stroud.gov.uk/council-and- democracy/about-the-council/have- your-say/consultations/the-economic- development-strategy and can we encourage you to give your views. Stroud District Council is inviting applications from organisations for access to funds to help support communities recover in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Community Wellbeing Grant is for groups who work with their communities to reduce inequality and promote aspects of wellbeing, such as physical, mental and fi nancial health, social connection, arts, culture, heritage and the environment. It is intended for applications between £1,000 and £20,000, payable in instalments over three years. The longer term will give voluntary and community organisations more security and resilience. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2022. And The Small Grants Fund is a new fund for awards of less than £1,000. The simple two-page application form is designed to support small groups with less experience of bid writing, to get small scale projects off the ground. Contact us for more information. Steve Robinson, 01453 834270 cllr.steve.robinson@stroud.gov.uk Natalie Bennett, 07769 847049 cllr.natalie.bennett@strooud.gov.uk Norman Kay, 07809 715644 cllr.norman.kay@stroud.gov.uk County Councillor ’s Report Mini Roundabout and Flood Alleviation Groups that have already benefi tted projects are being proposed to run in are: Nailsworth Dementia Action tandem. Hopefully they will start in June Alliance – grant towards their Dementia with some disruption to traffi c, but the Friendly Mini Arts Festival; Read for end result will be of great benefi t to the Good – one of their amazing ‘Boxes town. Recently Stroud District Council of Books ’ for Nailsworth Primary agreed to put a further £50,000 towards School and Artsparks – a grant towards the fl ood alleviation, making a total of ‘Nailsworth Window Wanderland ’ Please £200,000 to be spent on the scheme. go to:- https://www.gloucestershire.gov. Each County Councillor has been given uk/build-back-better-councillor-scheme/ £40,000 to spend on projects in their own to apply for a grant. Division over the next 4years under the Extra funding has been made available Build Back Better Fund. My Division for ‘B ’ and ‘C ’ roads in Gloucestershire. includes Amberley, Horsley, Kings I have put forward the following schemes Stanley, Nailsworth and Woodchester. for consideration having listened to Example of projects include lunch residents: Spring Hill, Nympsfi eld Road clubs, food projects, on-off events and and Tinkley Lane; Homefi eld Estate, celebrations, cycleways, and supporting Shortwood; Shortwood Road following community groups. Who can apply for the completion of works by Gigaclear a grant? - Registered charities, Town & and Utility Companies to the new Parish Councils, Community Groups, development off Pike Lane. Sports Groups, and Schools. Children ’s Services at GCC are still waiting for an OFSTED inspection, originally due last September. This means the service remains deemed to be inadequate. An overspend of £8.3m has been reported, similar to the previous year. In the next fi nancial year an extra £12m has been allocated to the budget. One of the main reasons for the overspend is the increase in the number of children taken into care in the county: now standing at 848. The average weekly cost of care is £5,000 per child. Changes to Adult Social Care will be launched with partners in July as a result of Adult Care legislation coming from central government. Changes will include the mode of delivery, place-based care and more joined-up care provided locally. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me on 01453 834270 steve.robinson@gloucestershire.gov.uk Tea - time concerts M I N S A W G R T O H A L L R T H I L S R Y J A N ! Christ Church, Newmarket Road, Nailsworth Sunday 20 February at 3pm Bristol Ensemble ’s professional musicians perform Mozart ’s Clarinet Quintet K.581. One of the master composer ’s best-loved works, it was written to showcase the clarinet ’s beautiful tone and lyrical quality.   Tickets £10 on the door MON DAY FI TN ESS CL A SS ES 9A M ZU MBA 1 0A M A ER OBI CS: L EGS, BU MS, TU MS 1 1 AM P IL ATES T: 07799 620117 E: Be fit@live.co.uk W: www.be fitlocal.co.uk 5 C O Y E , W O U A N A I N ----------------------------------------------------- Page 6 ----------------------------------------------------- L O C A L N E W S Nailsworth Festival is back in May 2022 Last year ’s Festival was postponed until August due to the Pandemic, but this year it ’s back to its usual slot at the end of May. Running from 21st to 28th May the Festival returns with a very full programme of events, activities, workshops and performances. Topping the bill, the Committee are very pleased to welcome the Brodsky String Quartet back to Nailsworth, as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Since forming in 1972, they have retained a pre-eminent position amongst British string quartets. At a different end of the musical scale, Ken Wood and The Mixers and the Moscow Drug Band Club will provide rather more outrageous musical performances. There will be drama from Liz Grand, storytelling with Chloe, talks on a range of subjects and comedy. And of course, entertainment across the town on Festival Saturday (21st May). If you would like to become involved with the Festival or explore sponsorship options, please contact the Committee using the following email: festival@nailsworthfestival.org.uk A full programme of activities will be published in future editions of Nailsworth News and on the Festival website www.nailsworthfestival.org. uk. You can also follow the Festival on Facebook and Twitter. Tim Hughes, Publicity Nailsworth Youth Club The youth club is open again with a new addition to our equipment, an arcade style air hockey table! It has been a huge hit with the young people (and staff!). During Club sessions we continue to follow Covid guidelines set out by the National Youth Agency which aims keeps our young people and staff safe while at the youth club. We aim to restart our youth café at the Arkell after Easter and we continue to deliver our outreach project which meets young people out                                                                                 e: mjwebbroofing@gmail.com              ANGELA BROWN HYP N OTH E R APY 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 in the town and parks. Our session times are as follows: Tuesday Seniors 7pm-9pm 13 years+ Wednesday Juniors 5.30pm-7pm 8-11year olds Wednesday Outreach 7pm -9pm Thursday Inters 6pm-8pm 11 –14-year-olds Friday Outreach 7pm-9pm Tracy – Nailsworth Community Youth Worker Book with your local Award Winning Travel Agent • Low Deposits from £21pp • FREE drinks packages on many cruises • Flexible amends • Total financial protection Call in to pick up one of our inspirational new holiday brochures 07795 547 070 angela@angelabrownhypnotherapy.com 6 www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk Phone lines open until 10pm 01453 836186 The Old Stamp Office, George Street, GL6 0AG ----------------------------------------------------- Page 7 ----------------------------------------------------- ENVIR O N M E N T 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 Web: www.nailsworthcan.org Instagram: @nailsworthclimateactionnetwork FB: Nailsworth Climate Action Network Energy prices are rising rapidly which is a worrying prospect for us all, but what can we do to reduce our bills? Firstly, if you are concerned about how you will afford the increases talk to your supplier to find out what support they can offer. You can also contact home energy advice service Warm & Well (0800 500 3076; warmandwell.co.uk) for help and tips. Insulate your home as much as you can afford to. If you can ’t afford much then do everything you can to eliminate draughts - hang heavy curtains, add weatherstrips to windows and use draught excluders at the bottom of doors. Get a smart meter to see where your energy is going and adjust your habits. Some electricity providers charge lower rates at night meaning you can save money by charging phones and doing wash loads off peak. Always switch off appliances at the wall when not in use. Turn your thermostat down by a degree if it is comfortable to do so. Wear extra layers, add thick blankets to beds and use hot water bottles for extra warmth. Try to keep showers under five minutes - make it a family challenge to see who can shower most quickly. For more ideas visit nailsworthcan.org and warmandwell.co.uk Make a difference If you ’re feeling inspired to reduce your carbon footprint in 2022, here are some ideas to start you off. Remember that small actions collectively can make change happen. Up your veg intake, it ’s great for the planet and for your health. Grow some yourself if you can. Reduce meat consumption and buy the best welfare you can afford. Choose local, organic and seasonal produce as much as possible. Walk or cycle whenever you can, this has a very positive impact on air quality and is great for your health. Support an environmental pressure group, from £3 per month, to help fund campaigns and create change. Join your local climate group too - find out how on our website. Make your garden nature friendly by not doing very much at all. Avoid mowing the grass too often and leave fallen leaves in the borders to encourage biodiversity. Volunteer for local environmental causes like tree planting and litter picking. This really helps get things done, it ’s great to meet new people and a boost for mental health too. Come to the Climate Café! A huge thank you to everyone who popped into the Climate Café in November, we were delighted to see so many of you there. We know that lots of you were able to get great advice from our retrofit experts and we really enjoyed chatting to you all. We will be hosting our next Climate Café in late March, further details to be announced soon. The theme will be Nature and Wellbeing and we are inviting some fantastic guests to chat about topics including the mind, body, nature and art. Make sure you are following us on Instagram and Facebook for updates. Help the NHS and the planet Did you know that medicines account for 48% of the carbon footprint of healthcare in the community? A staggering £300 million pounds of medication is estimated to be wasted every year. Here are some ways you can help reduce wastage, save money and save carbon. When ordering repeat prescriptions only tick the medicines you need. Medicines you don ’t tick will still be on the form next time for you to order then. If someone else is ordering medication on your behalf, such as your pharmacist, please ask them not to order medication every month that you only take when you need it (such as painkillers, for example); tell them that you will ask for it when you are running out. Don ’t reorder medicines unless you have less than two weeks supply left. If you need to order early for a holiday please add an explanatory note. Never order medicines you no longer use or need. Always finish your current containers before opening new ones. Discuss with your GP if you are using a medicine less frequently than prescribed, if you don ’t believe a medicine is helping or if you wish to stop taking a medicine. Your GP will work with you to find the best solution. This will help to reduce wastage and unsafe stockpiling. Never flush medicines down the toilet. This goes straight into the water supply and is very damaging to wildlife. All medicines and empty inhalers should be returned to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Empty blister packs can be recycled at many Superdrug stores. Read more on our blog post at www. nailsworthcan.org/blog 7 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 8 ----------------------------------------------------- CHURCH & FAIT H Church Letter With the excitement, the wonder of giving and festivities of the Christmas season over for another year, we look to a change of season, in the Christian year and in the world around us. February seems to be one of those months that feels like a time of waiting. It can feel a gloomy time as the mornings remain rather dark. The evenings however are drawing out, snowdrops are beginning to bloom and bulbs are popping up through the soil – spring is on its way! For the Christian church, February can also feel like a time of waiting. The seasons of the church tell the story of Jesus. In some seasons we remember joyous times and in others, times of suffering and hardship. As we leave the joyous season of Christmas, the celebration of Jesus ’ birth, we wait for a new season, the Season of Lent, a season of reflection and preparation, coming to an end with Holy Week, when we remember Jesus ’ final journey to crucifixion, to his death on the cross, before the joy of Easter Day and the celebration of Jesus ’ resurrection. There are different seasons in the church, in the world around us and in our own lives. Some seasons in life are joyful and some are hard and challenging. I wonder what season you are living in at this time? Spring is often seen as a metaphor for the hope and promise of new life. This we see with the appearance of life after winter changing to spring and in the church, as we look towards new life in the resurrection of Jesus. Whatever life has for you at this time, may you look towards the future with hope to joy. Rev ’d Caroline, St George ’s Churches together in Nailsworth St George ’s - Rev Caroline Bland, 01453 836536, rev.carolinebland@gmail.com Christ Church - Rev Esther Mason, 07956 657759, www. nailsworthchristchurch.org.uk Quakers – Oliver (Warden), 01453 832396, nailsworthwarden@gmail.com The Priory - 01453 822121, https:// www.woodchesterpriory.org.uk Church Together - Lent Study Course “It is not enough to pull people out of the poverty in a world of plenty? river. We must look upstream to find out “Plenty! ” is the title of Nailsworth why they are falling in. ” Churches Lent Study course this year. Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The aim is to investigate the economic People of good will excel at helping drivers of climate and ecological crises others, whether through foodbanks, and to work out how to encourage a charities of all kinds, encounters on sustainable economy that allows all to our streets or personal contact. This is thrive. wonderful. Archbishop Tutu tells us The first meeting is at 2pm on Tuesday to do more: to look at why this help is 8th March in St Georges Parish rooms, needed. Why are foodbanks necessary? Church Street. All are welcome, Why are floods and wildfires wrecking regardless of church attendance. people ’s lives? Why is there so much Daphne Tomlinson Churches Together Nailsworth 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 8 Is there such a thing “Your kind way of steering us all in the right direction, and ensuring that things ran smoothly without a lot of fuss, was very much appreciated. It was very pleasing for us all to be able to play our part under your quiet guidance. ” Mrs C. B., Nailsworth f a m ily tree f uneral company No.1 Middle Street • Stroud • GL5 1DZ 014 5 3 7 6 7 7 6 9 www.familytreefunerals.co.uk as a good funeral? ----------------------------------------------------- Page 9 ----------------------------------------------------- LO C A L N E W S Rotary Nailworth News Speakers of Community Interest Sadly, we thought better of holding this event in January because of new Covid restrictions in January. Future issues of Nailsworth News will have details of when further talks are to take place. The next three speakers planned are: “Being a Paramedic ”, “What is Restorative Justice ”, and “Why Peat Free ” Eradicating Polio Worldwide Purple Crocus for ending Polio Nailsworth Rotary love a spot of planting and at the end of November we had the call. Nailsworth ’s Groundsman, Richard, had just received two very large bags of bulbs which needed planting quickly. Six members were mobilised on a very wet morning at KGV fi elds where we had the honour of planting around Norman Mansell ’s memorial bench, Norman was our previous Groundsman. The sun shone on the righteous and all was achieved in no time. So sometime this month take time to sit on Norman ’s Bench and take in the daffodils and crocuses and the amazing view of the ‘W ’. Over the years Rotary and more recently, Nailsworth in Bloom have arranged for a mass planting of Purple Crocus in October, timed to bloom and give us joy on and around 23th February. Last year we were all confi ned to our houses and unable to enjoy them, or the lighting of Williams ’ Willow on the A46, sponsored by Clive Chinnick of Chinnicks Older Drivers Forum - Blue Flashing Theatre Services www. lights chinnicktheatreservices. Older Drivers Forum for com/ . Gloucestershire is Nailsworth Rotary ’s During the week of commitment to the community to lobby the 23rd February the and bring awareness of older drivers bulbs will pop up again and vulnerable road users. Each month to celebrate UN World Rotary Day and we offer tips on how to keep safe on our End Polio Now, celebrating Rotary county ’s rural road. and its partners ’ 35 years leading the This month blue fl ashing lights. Does fi ght to eradicate polio worldwide and your heart miss a beat or do you panic vaccinating children on a massive scale. when blue fl ashing lights appear in the As a core partner in the Global Polio rear-view mirror? Apparently, many Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary people do, leading to very erratic road focuses on advocacy, fundraising, craft. When asked, during a presentation recruiting volunteers, and raising from ODF to the local Traffi c Police awareness. Our partners in the GPEI about their greatest concern, they said provide technical support, investigate many drivers don ’t know what to do outbreaks, manage vaccine distribution about blue lights, which puts emergency and Melissa and Bill Gates Foundation vehicle drivers in danger. So you could double the funding. The end is very read the Highway Code Rule 219 close.! (very interesting on Smart Motorway This experience working together procedure) but far easier is this YouTube: now plays a crucial role in responding https://youtu.be/sgQKoxcV-QU by to the COVID pandemic — from the Gwent Police. infrastructure it helped build to our The Older Drivers Forum for Glos community engagement strategies next Public Zoom is on 19th February and the hundreds of thousands of at 10am “Driving Safely for Longer ” trained workers now fi ghting polio and joining details from odfglos@gmail.com COVID-19. Next Month: Tail Gating. If you would like to support now also Alexandra Lloyd-Jones making the world safer from COVID-19, President of Rotary in Nailsworth fi nd out more by visiting https://www. rotarygbi.org/our-causes/end-polio- now/ Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth GL6 0LA 01453 837537 www.rmt.org/ruskinmillcollege/events All days and times subject to change 07970 742727 Gallery Taking Shape A textile exhibition by Mary Oliver Furnival Friday 4 Feb - Saturday 5 March Artist in residence for the half-term week beginning Monday 21 Feb Open Thursday to Sunday 10am - 4pm gables farm shop Ruskin Mill College Farm Shop, Gables Farm, Hay Lane GL6 0QE is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Organic and biodynamic produce and trout music Friday 25 March 7.30pm (please note new start time) Tom Moore (viola) & Archie Moss (accordion) cafÉ 10am – 4pm, lunch 12.30 – 2.30pm Closed Mondays 01453 837527 walking The permissive footpath along the valley from Ruskin Mill to Horsley Mill is open to visitors. Dogs on leads are welcome. 01453 837537 events@rmc.rmt.org rmt.org/ruskinmillcollege/events/ 9 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 10 ----------------------------------------------------- C OMMUNITY Nailsworth In Bloom The Jubilee is Coming ! Belated Happy New Year wishes! I am writing this early in January, at the start of yet another Covid affected year but, despite that, Nailsworth in Bloom has been planning for the coming June and for the Queen ’s Platinum Jubilee. We look back at 2021 with much pleasure as we managed to provide colour and lovely floral displays to brighten everyone as they went around Nailsworth. Liz tells me that, in total, we are responsible for 106 tubs, troughs, baskets and flower beds around the town, which is amazing. No wonder we are always desperate for helpers! But I am not going to ramble on about that today. Our sights are firmly fixed on June and preparing for the Jubilee. In December we met to see what colours and plants had been chosen, by Liz, our planting coordinator. A photo was presented of white, royal purple and splashes of red with an impressive variety of plants; verbenas, petunias, fuchsias. It should be magnificent. We were inspired by the official logo which is purple and white, not the traditional red, white and blue but also, by some of our planned tubs for next year, just practising! Maybe you could plant a similar colour scheme in your own troughs, planters and gardens? We also discussed planting a tree to mark the celebration, something which the Queen has requested to mark the occasion, and its possible siting to be in Old Market, perhaps opposite the tree planted by Princess Anne. The choice of tree is yet to be agreed but no doubt that will be chosen soon. Our other photo shows Santa ’s sleigh which was decorated by Liz, Sheila and Jane for the annual Santa journey around the locality, run by the Firemen and donating to charity, both for the Fire Service and locally. As you can see, a good time was had by all. Thank you, all of you. New Year is a strange time full of looking backwards and forwards at the same time but we are more determined than ever to continue to make Nailsworth beautiful for all of us to enjoy and, I can ’t resist this after all, maybe you would like to join us? Adopt one of the 106 areas? Help us fundraise? If so, we would love to welcome you. Jacquie Joyce – Secretary to Nailsworth in Bloom brummiewhale1@gmail.com Amberley Gardening Club News Happy New Year gardeners all, let ’s hope for a great year of gardening in 2022 and a great summer! Our members have been keeping busy, despite the festive season ’s distractions. Matthew has been deciding what to plant in his new border (not surprisingly rejecting members helpfully advising potatoes!). He ’s going for a mixed border of flowering shrubs underplanted with spring bulbs and perennials. It will be interesting to track his progress over the year (no pressure, Matthew!). Rosemary has already spotted signs of spring in St. Chloe in the shape of early blooming daffodils. How heartening to see this in light of recent weather: lashing rain and pea souper fog. Most of us are cosying up indoors in front of the fire, studying seed and plant catalogues, and planning for the coming year. On Thursday 9th December, we enjoyed a talk and demonstration of Christmas wreaths from Gemma Carter of Coaley. Members then tried their hand at making wreaths and other festive decorations including printed cards, gift tags, and decorated fir cones. Aided by mulled wine and mince pies, we all found our inner Christmas creativity! This was just one of the year ’s monthly meetings, which take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30 at the Parish Rooms in Amberley. Our next event will be our AGM on Thursday 10th February, followed by a quiz. Then on Thursday 10th March, photographer Richard Harvey will be treating us to a “Visual Tour of Gloucestershire and Cotswold Gardens ”. Do come and join us. You can keep up to date with our latest news via the Amberley website and Everything Amberley Facebook page. For membership details, please contact christo.p.bailey@outlook.com. We look forward to seeing you soon. Nailsworth Community Orchard As the spring starts to emerge the volunteers at the Nortonwood community orchard are busy. Mulch has been spread around the trees and pruning has begun. Coppicing is ongoing, as is the clearing of brambles where the ash trees were and where 10 new apples trees will be planted. The snowdrops we planted last year are still to come up but the site is north facing and the hill means not much sunshine hits the trees in winter! The group has decided to meet monthly on the first Sunday afternoon of the month – see What ’s on - and everyone ’s welcome to join in. Contact Richard Keating for more information by email: keatree@icloud.com Marilyn Miles Nailsworth Community Orchard ----------------------------------------------------- Page 11 ----------------------------------------------------- B USINESS NEWS Cotswold Costumes Photo Request Cotswold Costumes, Nailsworth ’s own costume hire business, is turning 40 years old in 2022! To celebrate the occasion we are putting on an exhibition of photos, stories and costumes as part of Nailsworth Festival in the Mortimer Rooms on Festival Saturday, the 21st of May. Many local people will have photos featuring our costumes over those 40 years, and we are hoping that you will be willing to share them with us, together with any stories that may accompany them. Photographs can be brought to the shop (in the Tradeplas Building), or emailed to us at post@cotswoldcostumes.com . Please contact us on 01453 833817 or email if you have any questions. Many thanks and we look forward to seeing your fantastic photos of our costumes. Ruth Killey, Cotswold Costumes Editor: Nailsworth News will be publishing a full article about Cotswold Costumes in a future issue. Blushes re-launch in true party style On a chilly Friday at the end of November, Blushes held a re-launch party at their newly refurbished Nailsworth salon and I was invited to see, first-hand, how things had changed. In the new colour scheme throughout the salon, subtle shades of blush and pale green predominate perhaps no coincidence, as blush echoes the name of the salon and green reflects the countryside surrounding Nailsworth and the Cotswold collection of Blushes ’ salons. A spacious area now welcomes clients into the reception, where the blush, green and white décor continues with a stylish mural. New solid, ceilings replace the old and Paige, who has been responsible for much of the colour planning and décor, has been busy reclaiming the wooden ceiling stanchions. Many features of the original building remain and blend well with the fresh, bold, yet subtle, new décor. On the stairway, black and white images of the building in its former life, add to the feel of the salon ’s refurbishment, rather than the creation of a new space. Upstairs, the far room boasts a long ash work space, beautifully crafted from locally sourced wood, fitted with round ash-framed mirrors along its length. Bottles of hair product in toning shades, displayed on shelving made from ash off-cuts, reflect the overall scheme and the wooden floor creates a spacious, yet warm and inviting environment. Throughout the salon, bare windows, overlooking the clock tower and the heart of Nailsworth, seem to draw the hustle and bustle of the town, into the warmth of the building. The theme continues into a second room, with a nail bar, more wooden work stations and a stylised plant and flower mural, again in muted tones of blush, beige and white. Adjoining, is a smaller room with more basins: a quiet consultation space, where client and stylist can discuss styling and treatment options. Downstairs the party ’s in full swing and the Prosecco is flowing, but my wedding anniversary meal at The Olive Tree calls and I make my excuses and thank the team for their hospitality. Why not pop in and take a look at the new decor? Make that appointment to treat yourself in the New Year: the Blushes team would be delighted to see you! Heather Nicholls, Editorial Team despite all that is going on we can safely keep the presses rolling. banners, posters, leaflets... and indeed this Nailsworth News! home delivery, 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 stroud@leopar d press . com 11 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 12 ----------------------------------------------------- A DVICE PAGE New Advisers in Nailsworth Alex has recently moved his business C & W Wealth Management from Bristol to Nailsworth, setting up home in Newmarket together with his wife Hannah, baby Rupert and their spaniel Maggie. Alex is no stranger to the town; his wife having grown up in the area and they are now looking forward to raising their family here and being a part of the community. Making good use of having achieved the highest qualification in pension advice, Alex has helped individuals and business owners from a wide variety of backgrounds to plan their finances, whether planning for retirement, managing inheritance tax to school fee financing or simply saving for the future. With the fluid times that we ’re all currently experiencing; working from home, new careers and opportunities, Alex hopes to add to the community by drawing on his experience as a qualified financial adviser and a business owner. He enjoys getting to know his clients, which is of course a cornerstone to building a successful financial plan. When asked what Alex does, “I like to say that I draw pictures for a living. Through asking you the right questions, I piece together an image of what you want your life to look like and where you want it to go. Like an Ordinance Survey map, every detail gives clarity on how to reach your destination. ” You can contact Alex on the number below, he is always up for a chat, be it about finance, rugby or cycling! Alexander Wheeler BSc(Hons), DipFA & AwPETR Director of C&W Wealth Management Mobile: 07789 204598 Website: www.cwwealth.co.uk/ Citizen Advice - Stroud & Cotswold Don ’t forget to claim your State Pension! In years past you would have received your State Retirement Pension automatically. This is no longer the case and you will need to claim it to receive it! We have been contacted by an increasing number of people who did not realise this. You should get a letter from the Pension Service no later than 2 months before your 66th birthday (the current State Pension Age), telling you what to do to claim your pension. If you do not receive this letter you can still make a claim in the four months up to reaching your state pension age. It is important to claim your State Pension as soon as you can, as there may be delays in payment if you leave claiming it too close to your 66th birthday, which may lead to financial difficulties for some people. How to claim - The quickest way to get your State Pension is to apply online at www.gov.uk/get-state-pension but if you don ’t have access to the internet you can request a form by calling the Pension Service on 0800 731 7898. You can check your State Pension age online at www.gov.uk/state-pension-age Get a forecast of how much money you might get at www.gov.uk/check-state- pension Further information on the State Pension is at www.gov.uk/new-state- pension or see our website – www. citizensadvice.org.uk. If you need help to claim your State Pension or experience problems with Your local tree experts for over 25 years claiming, contact one of our friendly advisers at Stroud and Cotswold Citizens Advice. Please call 0808 800 0510 or 0808 800 0511 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (calls are free from landlines and most mobiles). or use our online email page at www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold. org.uk/stroud-cab-email-advice.php If you know anyone who might need help on this or any other issue, particularly those who do not have access to the internet, please pass on our contact details above. We recognise there is a need for face to face advice, for people whose problem cannot be dealt with on the phone or by email. We intend to resume this part of our service, which we have not been able to offer due to Covid, in the coming months. We also plan to gradually re- open our outreach sessions this year. Sheila Orson Citizens Advice Stroud District PR & Fundraising Committee Surgery, Felling & Stump Removal Pruning and Hedge Trimming Debris Recycling Full Consultancy Service, Free Quotations Tel: 01285 760466 Aston Down, Stroud GL6 8GA 12 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 13 ----------------------------------------------------- C H AR I TY Stroud Court - Winter Wonderland 2021 Last year at Stroud Court, we faced various Covid-19 restrictions on Christmas celebrations, so we decided to hold a special event here at home for all our autistic residents. This proved to be so popular we had no choice but to do it again this year – so welcome to Stroud Court ’s Winter Wonderland 2021! This year we had a special visit by Santa who was very happy to be able to meet all of our residents and staff in his own grotto. We had fresh hot dogs, doughnuts, and refreshments all served in our brand new, carbon neutral activities hub, a special sweet stall, gingerbread men, and other traditional fairground stalls such as Tin Can Alley and Hook a Duck. Autism is a lifelong development condition that affects how people communicate and interact with the world, but how it impacts on individuals can be very different, so we made sure each client ’s experience was specifi cally tailored to their particular preferences and interests. This year ’s event was planned with safety fi rmly in mind and all Covid-19 measures were in place to ensure all of our clients and staff were as safe as possible to enjoy the various attractions. Even Santa was happy to wear his face mask! Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jane Fenwick, said “It really is inspiring to see how the staff have all pulled together to provide a real Christmas treat for our residents – we have all found the past 18 months incredibly challenging for a number of reasons, but being able to see our residents enjoy themselves in a perfectly safe yet traditional Christmas environment has made all of the effort so worthwhile – our very special thanks go to Sam, Sean, Sharon, Adrian, and all the Coordinators who made this wonderful event possible! ” Stroud Court Community Trust, established in 1982, is an independent charitable trust based near Nailsworth, providing a range of care and support services for autistic adults. Further details can be found on our web page at www.stroudcourt.org and we can be contacted on 01453 834020. Chris Atkins – Chief Executive Offi cer Stroud Court Community Trust 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 N e w l k n e w p r e m i s e s Tel: 01453 835778 - Mobile: 07721 536536 e-mail: sarahpurkis3@gmail.com Free in house consultation Your local health food store N o w at George St, Nailsworth. Tel: 01453 832986 www.shinygoodness.co.uk 13 : ----------------------------------------------------- Page 14 ----------------------------------------------------- C H ARITY Longfi eld Hospice ’s Ale Amble The perfect day out for beer and back at the brewery to a rugby fans. hero ’s welcome with a free Longfi eld Community Hospice is pint (or soft drink for under organising the perfect day out for beer 18s) on offer and the chance and rugby fans to look forward to, with to catch a Six Nations rugby its new Ale Amble event taking place at match on the big screen. Stroud Brewery on 26th February 2022 Boasting an airy from 11am-3pm. entertaining space, exterior Starting and fi nishing at Stroud ’s balcony and a spacious iconic brewery, the Amble will follow outside seating area with a scenic four-mile circular walk, direct canal access, Stroud with pit stops for a tipple and warm Brewery is the perfect venue welcome at two pubs along the way. for a Covid-friendly event, The route takes in the majestic hills of with room to enjoy drinks the Heavens surrounding the parishes outside. Vicki Hayward, of Thrupp and Lypiatt. It ’s the perfect Longfi eld ’s Community and opportunity to boost your physical and Events Manager, is organising the event. air, beer and rugby – we think it offers mental wellbeing with some fresh air She said: something for everyone. Please register and exercise. Get outside, blow away the “We ’re delighted to be holding this and encourage family and friends to join cobwebs and enjoy some quality time new event; it ’s been a challenging couple in too! Your donations or sponsorship with your family and friends! of years and it ’s great to have something will really make a difference to our If you decide to take part, you ’ll arrive to look forward to in February. Fresh care for patients with life-limiting conditions and their families across Gloucestershire. ” To sign up for the event, visit www. longfi eld.org.uk/event/ale-amble Registration is £15 for an adult or Bespoke designs and £10 for a child or sign up to raise sponsorship. You will also receive a Longfi eld t-shirt to wear proudly on the day! Tel: 01453 836996 Mob: 07800 932098 • Windows Gloucestershire • Garden Furniture and GL6 0BS Gates A purpose-built Nursing Home, Day Centre, Social Club & Home Care Services. At Horsfall House we can provide free respite care partnered with The Stroud Hospitals League of Friends. Eligibility is not based on means, but upon clinical need and being registered with one of the 11 local GP practices covering the Stroud area. Enquiries are welcome please call us on 01453 731 227 for an Information Pack or go to: www.horsfallhouse.co.uk Day Centre & Social Club • Home cooked lunch plus teas/coffees • Group activities, craft sessions and companionship Home Care Services • Help with Personal & Domestic tasks • Sitting Service • Meals on Wheels locally Nursing Home • General & Specialist Dementia Nursing • Registered Nurses on duty 24 hrs a day • Pre-arranged Respite Care available all year round T h e Steppes R esidential Care H ome Est 1981 Patron: HRH The Princess Royal, Minchinhampton Centre for the Elderly, Registered Charity No: 287479 A great place to work ... Shops, offices, factory units sometimes available Give us a call on 01453 832754 Nailsworth email: ja sper @eachamberlain.co.uk www.eachamberlain.co.uk 14 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 Ian Cherry and Rob Tuttle enjoying a pint of ale at Stroud Brewery. craftsmanship including:- • Doors Nailsworth Mills • Furniture Estate • Stairs Avening Road Nailsworth keith@amosjoinery.co.uk www.amosjoinery.co.uk Mills Estate ----------------------------------------------------- Page 15 ----------------------------------------------------- C H ARITY News from Nailsworth - Vumilia Link Friendship with a Tanzanian Village New Year in Vumilia has begun with work starting on the second phase of the project to refurbish the primary school. This will add two more bright and welcoming classrooms and a teacher ’s offi ce to the three classrooms already refurbished. The school which accommodates some 550 children between the ages of 4 to 14years was in a very bad state of repair with leaking roofs; cracked walls and crumbling fl oors. We hope eventually to fi nance its complete refurbishment – just three more classrooms to go! Photos of the action from Augustin, our project coordinator show the building is being stripped back to its original 1970 walls and almost being rebuilt and re-roofed. Students who have completed their apprenticeship courses at the Folk Development College in the nearby town of Urambo, are pictured with equipment such as toolkits and sewing machines to help them in their future trades. We are also sponsoring students on A level courses and continue to give grants to needy secondary school pupils towards their books, uniform and solar lamps, to enable them to study in the evenings for their GCSE level exams. We were relieved to hear that our friend Augustin has been recently vaccinated against covid. Evidently the vaccine is now being offered to the ‘over fi fties ’ in Tanzania and we hope the latest funding from the IMF for covid relief will accelerate support for much more testing; treatment and protective measures, sadly sparse until now We are incredibly grateful to all those in Nailsworth, and further afi eld, who have given generous donations to make Jo Smith on behalf of Nailsworth the refurbishment of the school and Vumilia Link our education sponsorship programmes Telephone 01453 834714 if you would possible. For almost two years now like more information. we have been unable to hold our usual fundraising events because of covid restrictions. It almost seems a miracle that this money has been so timely gifted so that we can continue helping children and young people in Vumilia reach their fullest potential. Thank you. 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First of all, congratulations to our superb chess team. Our chess club members work hard all year to learn about the game with some children entering the CSC London Chess Classic in December. This year Nailsworth team won the whole tournament, with some of the youngest competitors in the whole event! So well done - a fantastic achievement. We are very proud of your perseverance and hard work. The children in year three are currently working on a topic about the ancient Egyptians. They went on a trip to Bristol Museum to see their extensive collection of artefacts and used these sources to help them learn about the people who lived during those times. They were particularly fascinated by the mummifi cation process and were surprised to encounter child sized sarcophagi in the museum display. Year 3 at Bristol Museum Volunteering opportunity at Nailsworth School The Governing body of Nailsworth would love to hear from any interested chair@nailsworth.gloucs.sch.uk Primary school is looking for a new, co- person who feel they have something Clare Tyler-Sell – Deputy Head opted member to join the board. We are to contribute to our great and thriving Nailsworth Primary School especially keen for anyone who has some school. experience/interest in school funding In addition, the and value for money and a desire to get current Chair of involved in school life. Governors, is looking Governors meet at regular intervals to stand down after the over the year as a full board, and we next Ofsted inspection have two committees which focus in a year to 18 months ’ on different aspects of the school. time. Anyone who is Resources, which mainly looks at keen to get involved, fi nance, estate management and health should please get in and safety. The Standards committee touch with Gill Saville, looks at the quality of teaching and pupil Chair of Governors. progress, as well as Ofsted preparation. We meet on Tuesdays at 5pm. We NAILSWORTH AERIAL SERVICES (TIME SERVED ENGINEER WITH 12 YEARS EXPERIENCE) FOR FAST & EFFICIENT SERVICE Digital Freeview BBC Freesat Market leaders in SALES & LETTINGS 01453 763542 www.parkersproperties.co.uk Telephone Extensions Extra TV Points Fitted Storm Damage 7 Day Service Sky Faults OAP Discount CONTACT JON: 0775 9144979 or 01453 833293 16 FREE ESTIMATES ----------------------------------------------------- Page 17 ----------------------------------------------------- S C H O O L S Horsley C of E Primary School After a somewhat tricky 2021 we fi nished on a theatrical high with our infants ’ Nativity performance of ‘Whoops-a-Daisy Angel ’. Sadly, we were unable to have a parent audience but this did not supress the children ’s enthusiasm at all. They all thoroughly enjoyed playing their parts, singing, dancing and delivering their lines perfectly for their junior peer and playgroup audience. The angels shone brightly while the shepherds guarded their sheep proudly and there was even a rainbow star! The performance was fi lmed, and an online copy was made available to parents so they didn ’t miss out completely. Still on a theatrical note on a wet Thursday afternoon in January two coaches transported the whole school to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham to see their production of ‘ Jack and the Beanstalk ’. Much to the children ’s delight the pantomime dame took a liking to our headteacher, Mr Price, but try as she might was unable to get a date! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their theatre experience so hopefully we will be able to do it all again next year. Back in the classroom we kicked off the new term with a cross- curricular project in which the children learned about the Christian festival of Epiphany and how it is celebrated around the world. The key means of learning were through the medium of art, drama, dance and cooking. Each class looked at a different country and how its people celebrate this festival. We have lots more exciting learning planned for the children this term and will look forward to sharing this with you over the coming months. Lynn Stride Horsley School Administration 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 MOBILE PAINT & POLISH UNIT E2 INCHBROOK TRADING ESTATE, BATH ROAD, NAILSWORTH GL5 5EY – ESTABLISHED 2011 MINOR 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 Your local Garden Maintenance & Landscape specialists For a free estimate contact Chris Blackwell on m: 07939 101520 t: 01453 835032 www.goldenstonesgardening.co.uk 17 Car Servicing Specialists ----------------------------------------------------- Page 18 ----------------------------------------------------- COMMUNITY Valley Bridge Restoration The Restored Bridge Restoration of the Ruskin Mill Bridge in the Horsley valley. Back in 1994 Ruskin Mill and the Horsley MIll and Fishery, once separated by a security fence along the footpath, were united. The stream that needed to be crossed in order to reach the concrete causeway, spine of the Fishery, presented another obstacle. Crossing that stream became a project that involved the college students. A temporary scaffolding bridge was made while the new bridge was designed by David Austin and the student team, which included a trip to a timber laminating company in Bristol. The components were made in front of the derelict Horsley Mill, with the arches bent against a semi-circular steel beam, using strips of prepared Douglas Fir. Expert carpenters, Cliff Dressel and Keith Ramsden, were enlisted to help. The pieces were transferred to the site and assembled, the abutments built and the 1997 date plaque added as the fi nal touch. Twenty-four years later, time had taken its toll and I am grateful to Aonghus Gordon, the Founder of Ruskin Mill as it is now, that he asked me to undertake the restoration of what has become a landmark feature in the valley and used by many people every day. Assisted by Joe Langford, a new non-slip deck was overlaid on the original and secret steel reinforcing plates added to the inside of the arches below the deck with cross bracing. In August, the paint coating was removed, the abutments re-aligned, more steel reinforcing added and re-coated with a wood stain. Finally, this New Year ’s Day, new profi led steel capping and a handrail were installed by Joe and myself. It has been pleasing to hear the encouraging comments from the many users of the permissive way through the beautiful valley and we hope the bridge will be good for at least another 25 years. The photo at the top of this article is of the Bridge as it is now, after restoration, and the other photos on this page are of the original construction, which was mostly done with Students of Ruskin Mill. David Austin RIBA January 2022 THE WHITE PRACTICE OSTEOPATHY & WELLBEING WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU Symptoms suitable for Osteopathic treatment include:- • Back pain/neck pain • Leg pain/sciatica • Headache/migraine relief • Frozen shoulder • Sporting injuries • Osteopathy for Mother and Baby Open Monday to Saturday Early morning and evening appointments available 14 Market Street, Nailsworth, Glos, GL6 0BX Online booking www.thewhitepractice.co.uk 01453 832515 18 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 19 ----------------------------------------------------- W E L L B E ING Death of a Pet In July 2019, my family and I said goodbye to our beloved Labrador Barley. At 14years, life had become a struggle for her. The vet left us alone to say our good byes then returned to gently send her to sleep. We sat with her during the process, laying hands and stroking her while she took that next journey. We had bred Barley ourselves and both my children had not known life without her. When Bracken arrived an 8-week-old Boarder terrier, our elderly Labrador made room in her bed and the two dogs had as close a bond with each other as they did with the humans in the family. We make deep connections with our animals and losing a beloved pet can be every bit as traumatic as losing a human family member. Cat owners are only too aware of the anxiety they feel when a feline disappears for a few days and the relief when they pad back into the house as though they ’d never left. Animals also grieve after a death. In 1972 Dr Jane Goodall witnessed a young male chimp named Flint die just a few weeks after his mother Flo. Flint was despondent and stopped eating and socialising and simply didn ’t survive. The UK is known to be a nation of animal lovers. In February 2020 the People Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) found that 51% of UK adults own a pet. That number has almost certainly increased since the first lockdown that year. Pets share some of our most intimate relationships: we see them every day, they depend on us, we adjust our lives around them, book holidays and take them with us or hire pet sitters to look after them. Horses for example take a tremendous amount of devotion time and money and need attention early morning and at the end of the day, blankets in the winter to keep them warm, haircuts in the summer to keep them cool etc and anyone who keeps a Rabbit properly will know that they also need attention, specialist diet and housing. The death of a pet is often a person ’s first exposure to the loss of a close relationship, particularly for a child. Parents may feel they should try to shield their children from the sadness of losing a pet by pretending the animal ran away, or went to sleep; but this can leave a child feeling even more confused, frightened, and betrayed when they finally learn the truth. It ’s far better to be honest with children and allow them the opportunity to grieve in their own way. Holding a pet funeral or creating a memorial for the pet can help your child express their feelings openly and help process the loss. Grief is healthy so don ’t rush out to get the child a replacement pet before they ’ve had a chance to grieve their loss. I think it ’s true to say that publicly grieving the loss of an animal is not as socially acceptable as it is for grieving for a person. Displaying these feelings is neither weak nor misplaced. It just means you ’re mourning the loss of an animal you loved - nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. For real healing, it is necessary to face grief and actively deal with it. In time we heal but seldom forget those we have loved - even the furry variety. Tracey Clements, Nailsworth Death Cafe 19 Established since 1988 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 20 ----------------------------------------------------- F R O M T H E A R C H I V E S Memories Of The Jubilee 2012 We have a lot in this issue about the preparations for the Queen ’s Jubilee in June this year, so we thought we would give you a glimpse of the celebrations ten years ago. Below is a page from the Nailsworth News of July 2012. The Diamond Jubilee The Queen ’s Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in style last month! People of all ages turned out for no less than five days of celebrations to cheer, wave flags, worship, give loyal toasts and simply enjoy themselves. It was a weekend never to forget. Unfortunately, the district papers Stroud N&J and Stroud Life didn ’t choose to cover what happened in our town, so on these two pages we give a handful of the many pictures we have been sent by Nailsworth residents. At the time of going to press, more of them can be seen in the window of the Town Information Centre. On page 3 of this paper, the Mayor particularly thanks all those who organised the public events, and the shops. We agree, but we would also like to pay further tribute to the unsung army of people who worked so hard for many weeks beforehand to hold their own celebrations - in schools, clubs, community centres, streets etc as well as private homes. This really was a whole-town affair. 20 9 ----------------------------------------------------- Page 21 ----------------------------------------------------- LOCAL NE W S FGR Home Match Days Forest Green Rovers have been discussing the issue of congestion caused by parking in Forest Green on home match days with Councillor Steve Robinson, and it was felt that residents In Memoriam Mike and Mary Brinkworth, of Watledge, would like to thank everyone would appreciate prior warning of those fi xtures. As a result, Nailsworth News has been asked to publish details of future Home fi xtures, and we publish forthcoming fi xtures in each issue, depending on space available. League – 5th February, 3pm Newport County who sent their condolences and fl owers, following the untimely death of their League – 8th February, 7.45pm Rochdale League – 19th February, 3pm Walsall League – 12th March, 3pm Bradford City League – 15th March, 7.45pm Leyton Orient NN Editorial Team daughter Claire. Claire passed away recently, following a period of illness, and was only in her 50 ’s. Claire had enjoyed living in Watledge, prior to her university education. Mike and Mary were very touched by the warm responses they had from neighbours and friends at a time of very sad loss. Peter Rushton L AND S C A P E S GREAT SAVINGS ON MANY RANGES FRIENDLY EXPERIENCED STAFF 12,000 PRODUCTS INSTORE 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. Family Run YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE Email: peterarushton@btinternet.com Telephone: 01453 832 576 Mobile: 07887 841076 www.landscaper-nailsworth.co.uk Kitchenware • DIY • Garden Cleaning • Electrical • Household Key Cutting & other services available see our website for details www.brutonshardware.co.uk The highest quality of dementia care Newly opened Holly Oak , provides the ultimate in state-of-the-art accommodation. Spacious, beautifully designed rooms and living areas along with pretty gardens provide residents with a high quality of living. A dedicated team of nurses and carers ensure a thorough person-centred care. We welcome immediate and planned admissions. For tours or further information: Call 01453 541400 , email info@thehollies.co.uk or visit thehollies.co.uk Holly Drive, Drake Lane, Dursley GL11 5HA SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR STOCK Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 0DD Tel: 01453 832826 21 EST • ----------------------------------------------------- Page 22 ----------------------------------------------------- W H A T ’ S ON What ’s On February To get an entry into our March issue yoga, dance is available as “A room of please provide information by 15th one ’s own ”, lending itself to short or February to whatson@nailsworthnews. long residencies or working sessions org.uk for individuals and small teams. Info: Viviana 07970 648126 or info@ Accessible Yoga nutshellstudios.uk Sawyer Hall, Christchurch. Wednesday evenings and online classes too. contact Sally Deacon 01453 751937 Newspaper. If you, or someone you know, is registered blind and would Charleston Fitness classes like to keep in touch with their local At Nailsworth Subscription Rooms community through our weekly Monday 9.30am to 10.30am recordings please contact us via 07882 Booking essential on www. 672647; email 5valleysounds@gmail. swingbytesdance.com . Price £6.00 per com or visit www.5vs.co.uk for more class. Everyone welcome. Contact Nicky information. on swingbytesdance@gmail.com. Flea Market and Collectables Sale Christ Church Events 1st Saturday of every month, Mortimer Bee Creative Christ Church Rooms rooms 9am-1pm Fridays 2.00pm - 4.00pm Knit, draw, colour, write etc. Do your own or join in with the group project. Christ Church is open Wed mornings 10.00am - 12.00. Come and listen to the having their next working group between 2 and 4. All are welcome. Please bring Cotswold Warden Guided Waks secateurs and loppers if you want to help Cotswold Warden Guided Walks: see with pruning the fruit trees. Access from www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk (look for Northfield Road or Nortonwood “guided walks ”) for the walks planned, mostly you can just turn up on the day (all) Mondays 6pm-7.15pm, (7 +yrs) Mondays 4pm-4.45pm and 5pm Croc n Roll children ’s music classes -5.45pm, The Nutshell Studios. Joyful, Fun packed weekly children ’s music dynamic martial art based on Aikido. classes including guitar-led action songs, FREE taster session. Info: Viviana 07970 rhymes, prop box, stories, percussion 648126 or info@nutshellstudios.uk instruments & bubbles. Mondays and Fridays in Nailsworth. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at Egypt Mill, 11.00am. Contact Richard on 07814 223567 for more details. Dance in a Nutshell Every other Thursday, 4pm-5.30pm, The Nutshell Studios. Dance improvisation and movement research group exploring levels) and 10.30am-11.30am which is suited to those with Pilates experience Info: Viviana 07970 648126 or info@ Classes run in courses of 6-8 weeks during term time and are pre-booked Ballet Classes only. For more information visit www. Ballet classes for adults of all levels pilatesinstroud.com or contact Elizabeth at the Nutshell Studios in Nailsworth. on 07732 697991 Drop in at the Christ Church Rooms to The “Dojo ” at the Nutshell Studios the Meeting Place (Renew Wellbeing). The space dedicated to martial arts, A safe place to be or just to chat. Some 22 hobbies available or bring your own. Mondays 10.00am-1200noon. Wed 10.00am till 1.30pm with a light lunch. Inside or outside seating. Info 01453 834996 Nailsworth Community Workshop We run various groups teaching wood and silverwork. Our groups include a Men ’s Shed, Home Education groups and Production Workshops making Guitars and kitchen goods. All groups are held in Nailsworth Subscription Rooms. Please see our website - practicalintelligence.org.uk - or call Pam on 07971 737626 Nailsworth Subscription Rooms We rent out a hall and an upstairs room at the Sub Rooms. Among the groups currently using the space are - Table tennis, Thai Ci, Charleston Fitness, Nailsworth Voices Choir and Circus Skills. See our website for contact details and more information - nailsworthsubrooms.org.uk Nailsworth Death Café Our next death cafe will take place at the Canteen on Weds 30th March from 7.30- 9.15pm. For more information, please contact Jane Diamond on 07989 931913 or jane.e.diamond@hotmail.com. Nailsworth Friday Market Every Friday in the Mortimer rooms from 8.45am until 12 noon Nailsworth Film Club Date: Friday 18th February: ‘Jo Jo Rabbit ’. Venue: The Arkell Centre, Forest Green, Nailsworth. Time: doors open 7.00pm, film starts 7.30pm. Please note earlier start-time - pre-booking no longer necessary - for further details go to www.nailsworthfilmclub.co.uk Nailsworth Library. Climate Corner 10.30am-12.30 first Friday of the month. Come along with your questions for a one to one chat with Dr Richard Erskine. All welcome with any queries related to climate change. Baby Bounce and Rhyme- every Monday at 11.30am. Free session but please book on the Gloucestershire Libraries site or through the Library. Five Valley Sounds Five Valley Sounds is Stroud ’s Talking or philandsally30@yahoo.co.uk Jovial Foresters/Nortonwood Community Orchard 7th February The Jovial Foresters/ Nortonwood Orchard group will be music on the piano or organ. Kinomichi (though pls book if so indicated). M E Support Group For prices and to book please see the Croc n Roll Facebook page or email stephanie@crocnroll.co.uk. Mat-Work Pilates Pilates on Tuesday mornings in the Youth Club at 09.15am-10.15am (all the connection with others, music, and silence. Suggested donation £2. and who want to be more challenged. nutshellstudios.uk Tuesday morning 11am-12noon Meeting Place (Renew Wellbeing) Contact Jennifer on: 07818 293999. ----------------------------------------------------- Page 23 ----------------------------------------------------- W H A T ’ S O N What ’s On February Nailsworth Rotary St George ’s Dragons, children ’s drama Nailsworth Rotary 1st & 3rd Thursdays, group, Wednesdays 5.15pm-6.15pm an all-inclusive Community and Exploring Poetry, first Thursday of the International Service Organization. month 7.00pm Public webinar 10am 19th February St G ’s Stitchers, first Saturday of the “Driving Safely for Longer ” to keep month, 10.00am older drivers safe in Gloucestershire, Next coffee morning, 26th February, please email: odfglos@gmail.com for 10.30am –12.30pm details. Speaker of Community Interest For further information please visit will be on 17th February, details on our www.thenailsworthbenefice.co.uk website www.nailsworthrotaryclub.co.uk 07490 220773 nailsworthrotaryclub@ All standards and ages welcome Nailsworth Town Council and 1st session free. The Council meetings are held every Saturday mornings 9am to 12 noon. third Tuesday in the month. Details are For information contact; on the agenda which is displayed outside Andy Hammond 07777 642378 Coaching at Nailsworth Tennis Club residents can contact the Town clerk for a passcode to join the Zoom meeting up to 4pm on the day prior to the meeting. Nailsworth Valley Probus Club email, joewaters07@outlook.com or For retired professional/businessmen phone 07497 618240. For membership of every 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings Nailsworth Tennis Club, please contact 9.45am - 12 Noon in the Mortimer Sally Phillips on sally.phillips1966@ Room. Info: John Davis 833966 gmail.com Nailsworth WI VRKSYOGA (formerly YOGA FOR 14th February at the Mortimer Rooms, MEN) 7.30pm. ‘Valentines ’ a talk be Katherine In Christ Church rooms, on Mondays Kear, come and join us and feel the 19.00 till 20.30. Brendan 07970 626374. love!! For information contact Christine Looking for strength, flexibility, and Holmes, 01453 836291 longevity. Royal British Legion YOGA - Hatha Yoga Flow. The next meeting of the Nailsworth & Wednesday - Nutshell Studio- Forest Green Royal British Legion will Nailsworth, 6pm-7pm and 7.15-8.15pm be on the third Thursday of each month Limited Spaces available. Block at 7pm in the Social Club, Brewery Booking 7 sessions- £63 Lane. Thursday- Nutshell Studio-Nailsworth, 6pm-7pm -Limited Spaces available. Block Booking 7 sessions- £63 / £9 £20 per 2 hr session. Book online Friday-Horsley Village Hall, 9.15- 10.15am. 7 weeks - £52.50 or £9 drop-in. Saturday- Warrior and Wild, 9.15-10.15 5 week class pass £50 or £12 drop-in. Squash Coaching Contact ginny.burbidge@yahoo. Junior squash coaching with Stroud com 07876 280359, instagram@ Squash Club. Sunday mornings at ginnyburbidgeyoga Wycliffe College. All standards – beginners particularly welcome. Contact: Sawyer Hall, Christ Church, on Tuesday evenings 6.00pm - 7.30pm. St George ’s events Please book in advance. Contact: St George ’s Parish church Christine on 07815181361 or email: St G ’s Bees Knees, toddler group, chrishewettyoga@hotmail.com Tuesdays, 9.30am-11.30am New Fun and Creative Yoga Classes Creative and fun Vinyasa style yoga class, suitable for all levels. Every Monday 9.15am-10.15am at The Nutshell Studios with Lisa. Booking: momoyoga.com/ peacefulmeyoga Contact: lisa@peacefulmeyoga.co.uk Instagram: peaceful_me_yoga Nailsworth Society scheduled meetings for February. 7th Arts/Crafts/Music: “Caravaggio ”. 14th Local History: “Nailsworth Hills & Quarries ”. 21st Gardening: “Labour Saving ”. 24th Ramblers meet 9.30 at Library. 28th Local Studies: “Tredington Rise ”. All (except Ramblers) at 7.30 in Sawyer Hall, Newmarket Rd, full details in Library foyer or on www. thenailsworthsociety.co.uk davidpartington@hotmail.co.uk or 832034 Nailsworth Society Performing Arts Les Miserables -Bristol Hippodrome Thursday 21st July 2.30pm Deadline for booking Wednesday 23rd March Tickets £54 members, £60 non-members Transport provided at a small cost. Please contact Susan Staniforth at susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk or 07891 436917 for full details and to book. Stroud Arts Festival Dave Ayre ’s Baroque Night – Celebrating 10 Years! Lansdown Hall, Stroud GL5 1BB Friday 18 February, 7.30pm – 10pm Enjoy the glorious music of Bach, Handel, Monteverdi and others, performed beautifully by an ensemble of wonderful professional musicians. Refreshments available. Tickets: £16 / under 18s free Stroud Arts Festival John Tavener ’s The Protecting Veil St. Laurence Church, Stroud GL5 1AP Sunday 27th February, 4pm-5.30pm An extraordinary musical experience performed by internationally acclaimed duo, cellist Kathryn Price and organist Charles Matthews. Q & A at the end of the performance. Tickets £15 / under 18s free. For more details visit www. stroudartsfestival.org.uk 23 Table Tennis Nailsworth Subscription Rooms. gmail.com the Civic Centre and is on the website with joining details. Nailsworth parish Sessions: Mondays 3.45 – 8.30 and Fridays 3.45 – 6.45 for all ages from 5 to Adults. For further information and pricing, please contact Joe Waters by School of Larks Nailsworth Subscription rooms, drop-in. at schooloflarks.com, contact schooloflarks@gmail.com. Various ages, see website for details. Yoga For All ewen.denning@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------------- Page 24 ----------------------------------------------------- TO W N COUNCIL Nailsworth Town Council News Have Your Say: Carters Way land for community gardening? A piece of land in Carters Way, Forest Green, which has been unused for around 25 years could be put to use as allotments or a community garden. The owner has agreed to lease the land to Nailsworth Town Council for a period of 10 years if there is enough interest from residents. The land is very overgrown and will require clearing, together with a badger survey for our furry friends who might be in residence there. Once it is cleared it could be used as a community garden or allotments. Nailsworth Town Council want to know if enough people are interested in this proposal. We are asking residents to let us know what they think about this idea and whether they would like to be involved. We ’d like to hear from you by Friday 25th February. Where is the land at Carters Way? Carters Way is off Nortonwood, near Miles Marling Field. The piece of land is behind houses in Carters Way and can only be accessed by a footpath. How much will it cost? We don ’t know yet. We hope the cost of the lease will be very small, but it will cost to clear the land of rubbish and vegetation, and to make it into a community garden. We may also need to carry out an ecological survey, to check for badgers and other important species. It will also depend how many people want to get involved and what help they can offer. The Town Council will want to consider all possible costs before going ahead. How can you have your say? 1. Come to a public meeting on Sunday 20th February at 11am in Miles Marling Field. 2. Tell us if you think taking on the land is a good idea 3. Tell us if you would like to be involved and how 4. Come to a follow up meeting will take place at the Arkell Centre on Wednesday 2nd March at 6.45pm, for anyone interested in being part of a gardening group. For further information please contact the Clerk, Katherine Kearns, at the Civic Centre, Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 0DU. Telephone: 01453 833592 email: clerk@ nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Patsy Freeman: patsy.freeman@ nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk Nailsworth TIC Tours The Town Council ’s TIC volunteers had another interesting fact-finding trip in January, this time a tour of the FGR ground. Keen to keep TIC volunteers up to date with what our town has to offer, the monthly tours have included a trip to Dunkirk Mill Museum, a behind the scenes look at Three Storeys and a fascinating talk and look at our iconic Clocktower. It may have been cold, but the smiles say it all! Annual Headstone Safety Check During February, Nailsworth Town Council will carry out the yearly ‘manual push test ’ on headstones in All Saints ’ Churchyard, Shortwood. Any headstones which are unstable will be carefully lowered to the ground. Nailsworth Parochial Church Council will contact the family concerned and they will be 24 asked to make the memorial safe at the family ’s cost. A list of any headstones laid flat will be posted on All Saints ’ Churchyard entrance gate for general information. Any headstones or memorials identified as being unstable must not be put upright by anyone other than a professional monumental mason. This is dangerous and could lead to further damage or injury. For more information please contact Katherine Kearns, Town Clerk, Nailsworth Town Council Telephone: 01453 833592 or email: clerk@ nailsworthtowncouncil.gov.uk