Nailsworth News

A free monthly community paper for the parish of Nailsworth Tel/Fax: 01453 832619 [email protected] Issue 52 www.nailsworthnews.co.uk May 2005

Relegation! Yes, but it’s still a great team for a town the size of Nailsworth. See page 9.

Don’t forget to vote on May 5th See page 12 to take a look at the candidates. You need to vote for your Parliamentary candidate and for one County Councillor.

Ever wondered about the Stamp Office in George Street? Does anyone know who did this beautiful drawing, sometime in the 19th century? Ann Makemson tells you about Stamp Offices on page 16 We thought you’d all like to see a picture of Nailsworth’s Our theme this month is about ‘where things happen’. See new roundabout at pages 18 & 19 to discover the amazing range of halls and meeting rooms in Nailsworth and some of the things Newmarket! which happen there - lace-making or jive, skittles, Photograph by Martin Stone snooker, darts - you name it, we’ve got it. NAILSWORTH GARDEN MACHINERY TOGGLE INTO Suppliers of a large TOGGS range of FOR ALL YOUR Domestic SUMMER LEISURE and NEEDS: Commercial CLOTHING, WALKING BOOTS, Garden CAMPING ACCESSORIES ETC. Equipment 1-2 WHEELWRIGHTS CORNER, NAILSWORTH Tel: 01453 834787 Mob: 07966 149539 25A Nailsworth Mills Estate, Avening Rd., Nailsworth GL6 0AN 01453 839152

The Mayor’s column - ~ LOOSE COVERS ~ Lesley Williams-Allen writes: ~ CURTAINS ~ BLINDS ~ Nailsworth Boys' and Girls' Club SOFT FURNISHINGS The National Association of Young Peoples' Clubs For advice and estimate ring Jenny Powell (NACYP - remember who tried to sell this building under Wright Interiors ~ 01453 768899 our noses?), has made another attempt to shoot across the bows of the Nailsworth Subscription Rooms ship which is Police in Nailsworth sailing steadily towards its renaissance. A few Committee Tuesday 20 April saw one of the largest gatherings of members were able to meet at short notice during the police officers for some considerable time in Nailsworth. Easter holidays with two representatives of the NACYP I invited Inspector McFarlane of the Stonehouse who had asked to visit the building. They appeared Inspector Neighbourhood Area (of which Nailsworth is a woefully ill-informed of the progress which has been part), to address Councillors and members of Forest made, and were even unaware of the solicitor's letter sent Green Residents' Association on current policing issues. by the Town Council, which made it clear that, since The Inspector brought along the newly-appointed Nailsworth Boys' Club is still in existence and has never Sergeant for Nailsworth, Steve Irvine, and Debbie been wound up, any matters concerning the day-to day Hughes and Claire Slark, our Police Community running and business plans are the business of the Support Officers (PCSOs), who can be seen on regular Nailsworth Trustees and Committee. We are awaiting visits to Nailsworth. On the number of occasions when I their response to our request to know under what legal have met Debbie and Claire, I have been impressed at circumstances they feel they can intervene with the Club's their local knowledge of our town. activities at this stage. April Fool - Not! As mentioned in my column in January, the car parking It was unfortunate that we chose to advertise for a Snow area at the front of the building has been reclaimed to Plough Operator to replace Dave Lear in the April enable access to the site for contractors and bona fide edition of Nailsworth News, at the same time as news of a visitors to the Club, and also for the erection of turntable drive-through at The Olive Tree, because we scaffolding to enable repairs to the main windows. Any were deadly serious. The Town Council is probably not additional spaces will be available for rent on a month-by- best known for its sense of humour (although our month basis, to be bid for at a minimum cost of £10 per meetings are often quite jolly), but we can see why some week, payable in advance. Please submit bids to Michael people might find this amusing. The point is, we really are Conroy, Treasurer, Nailsworth Boys' and Girls' Club at looking for someone to step into Dave's shoes (or boots), [email protected] or 833303. All money collected and he assures us that the job is not onerous. Remember, in this way will be used for the renovation of the building. you need to have an appropriate vehicle, and training will Forest Green Football Club be given. For further information please contact the Town So, at the time of writing, it appears that our Football Clerk on 833592. Club cannot avoid relegation, just when there were Nailsworth Youth Worker whoops of joy over the completion of the final hurdle of You will see elsewhere in this edition a report on the the planning application for the New Stadium. We still recent successes in our fight for a full-time Youth Worker have a lot of work to do to make sure that the new site in Nailsworth. Congratulations all those who worked so will be a real financial asset to the Club. It will certainly hard - Youth Club Chairman Steve Robinson, Cllr provide some first-rate facilities for our community. We Norman Kay and of course the young people themselves. must also support the team during the next season so that We have successfully covered the coming year, but the we can return to where we belong. fight continues to make this permanent.

OldstoneOldstoneOldstone MARTIN GREEN RestaurantRestaurantRestaurant Building Contractor On the corner of Old Market and Market Street Extensions NailsworthNailsworthNailsworth Renovations 01453 832808 Carpentry/ Joinery Dinner served from 7pm Tuesday to Saturday Saturday brunch 11am to 3pm Tel: 01453 834009 Al fresco dining in our sheltered courtyard garden Fax: 01453 833950 Dinner reservations recommended 2 Mobile: 07775802047 Steve Robinson writes The Editor writes: Success if only for one year. Our newly designed Website is now up and running! Over the past year a lot of effort has been put in to trying Catherine Hutchinson of Webunlimited has done a to convince the County Council that they should employ a great job, as she did for the Festival. Let us know what full-time qualified youth worker in Nailsworth. This has you think of it - or of any aspect of the Nailsworth News included our young people presenting a petition to Shire for that matter. www.nailsworthnews.co.uk Hall as well as endless lobbying from the Town Council, As I write this, the Festival has just started and our the Youth Club and our MP David Drew. French friends from Lèves have, sadly, already left us. We are pleased to report that the County Council has now We look forward to making the return visit at the end of agreed to enter into a funding partnership with the Town May. There’s still time to join in this event; it’s always Council to provide a full-time qualified youth worker in great fun - our French hosts are always so welcoming and Nailsworth on a one-year contract. After this, because of a so generous and, simply, so nice. change in the structure of the Youth Service, the position Still on the subject of the Festival: the theme is based will be looked at again. around St. George & the Dragon but apparently nobody We would like to thank three local businesses which have thought to involve our Parish Church which is, of course, contributed to the partnership: E.A. Chamberlain, Snow dedicated to St. George. A rather sad oversight. Business and Trade Plas and also our local County We hope that the new arrangements at the Police Station Councillor Sybil Bruce and Town Councillor Norman may lead to our being able to resume the monthly police Kay who have made a determined effort to succeed. reports we used to publish. For some time it has been Although we are pleased about having a full-time worker difficult to get any sort of reply to our enquiries. We may for just one year there is a sense of disappointment that the even get a report from the Fire Station as well. It’s not young people were not listened to by the Administration at that we’re short of things to print but it’s good for people the County Council. We still feel that we deserve a full- to have closer contacts with these organisations and to time qualified worker on a permanent basis and over the know what they do. next year we shall certainly be continuing to press our The news about the Subscription Rooms/Boys’ Club is case. fundamentally good. Would anyone like to sponsor the (Steve Robinson is Chairman of the Management refurbishment of one, or part of one, of the magnificent Committee of Nailsworth Youth Club) windows? Ring Andrew Wright on 832875. A Not-so-Green Piece We welcome a new member of our team, Pauline Those who worry about traffic and car parking in Simpson. She and her husband, Jim, have recently Nailsworth will have found little of comfort in a study in moved here from South Africa. The Times. Notwithstanding Mr Prescott’s 1997 pledge to Phone home! ‘far fewer journeys by car [in 5 years time]’ the annual distance travelled by car has increased by some 20 billion Graham Wood, the Jeweller, wants to thank whoever miles since 1997. The car population, nationwide, is picked up his mobile phone in Norton Wood and took it growing by 600,000 a year, there are now more to the police station. (It must have been open on that households with two or more cars than car-less households day!). The police then very cleverly phoned the last and ‘parking is [nationally] an even worse problem than number and restored it to him. Thanks and congestion’. Perhaps three quarters of the traffic in city congratulations all round! centres is made up of drivers searching for somewhere to park. A third of drivers claim to have abandoned a journey Churches Together in Nailsworth Main Sunday services and gone home, unable to find a parking space at their destination! The good news for Nailsworth is that we 9.30 am St George, Church St contribute only very modestly to the £1billion paid out 10.30 am Christ Church, Newmarket Road annually by motorists in parking fees and fines. For the 10.30 am Priory Church, Inchbrook 10.30 am Quakers’ Meeting House, Chestnut Hill record, those 20 billion ewww.nailsworthnews.co.ukxtra vehicle miles will have resulted in some 870,000 Everyone welcome. Children’s activities included at all these services. additional tons of CO²2 going Paper Team This Month, THANK YOU!! Distribution Co-ordinator Bill Affleck:(832619) Kathleen Beard, Mike Brinkworth, Harold Butterworth, Lucy Carter, Jonathan Duckworth, Rhona Fox, Barry Hathaway, Catherine Hutchinson, Maire Jarman, Just Traiding, Stella Knight, Don Luke, Ann Makemson, Ann Marshall, Ollie Payne, Rachel Pegler, Tamzin Phillips, David Penn, Richard Kendall, Joan Rowbotham, Pauline Simpson, Martin Stone, Barry Wade, Hazel Webb, Lesley Williams-Allen. 3

Community News NAILSWORTH TYRE CENTRE

Excellent value and Rev. Stephen Earley writes: always there to help! I love gazing out of my study window at this time of year and watching as the tree buds burst into leaf and 46 George Street, Nailsworth Tel: 01453 836161 the garden explodes into growth. Our church garden replanting is now complete and we hope it will be a Margaret Smith, Head of St. Dominic's Catholic picture for all who drop down the Bath Road into our School, writes lovely town for years to come. It never ceases to amaze me how varied life in School can At the recent Annual Parochial Church Meeting I be. Over the last year half of our staff (2) has been on reported that we have officiated at 5 Baptisms, 7 maternity leave and we were proud to announce the birth of weddings and 28 funerals. This got me to thinking about Isabella and Alexander, but it also necessitated several baptism and wondering why people no longer bother to changes in the School. Two newly qualified Teachers were have babies baptised - I'm sure that 5 must represent a appointed to cover the absences and they have brought with very small proportion of babies born in our town. We them a wealth of new ideas. The children have benefited welcome people with open arms and make no charge! from new talents and enthusiasms in football, rugby, guitar Some people say "We let them make their own decision and flute playing and art. when they're old enough" but that's just a cop out. Good These unexpected talents have supported our focus on the parents would not let their children decide whether they extended curriculum and our implementation of the wanted to go to school, what to eat or what time they Government Strategy-‘Excellence and Enjoyment’-bringing went to bed - we know what is good for them and we fun back into the curriculum while maintaining excellence teach them! And it always used to be the same with the in the core subjects. The School already benefits from the church - most people wanted their children to grow up expert teaching from St Peter’s High school who visit the with Christian faith and values. If you do want to have School in six week blocks –this year we have enjoyed your baby or child baptised, please give me a ring French, Music, Design and Technology and Science. Our (832181) and I would be very happy to talk to you. after School clubs continue to flourish and the children have Still on the subject of "new life" - for that is what once again taken part in the local football tournaments, cross baptism represents - we are always very pleased to see country running and country dancing. new faces in church. I am intrigued why more people do This year has also seen a closer networking with our local not come to church regularly and will not be satisfied cluster Schools. We visited Gloucester Cathedral to see until our churches are full every week with people of all Anthony Gormley’s ‘Field of People’ and this inspired all ages. Please give me a ring or stop me in the street and the children to make clay heads and write poetry. The tell me why you don't come to church and I'll see what I results were exhibited in the Museum in the Park and later can do to help!! in Gloucester Cathedral where it received ‘rave reviews’. The exhibition culminated in a readings and carol service in the Cathedral at Christmas with all seven Schools taking The Town Meeting part-it was a truly spiritual experience. This year we intend There is a story of a speaker who, near the end of a to take our learning An exclusive, appointment only long and gruelling conference, had presented his paper network even further so to an audience of just two. Having finished he went that all children will down into the auditorium and thanked the two for continue to benefit from staying to hear him. One said ‘Oh, that’s OK. I’m the the small school next speaker’ and the other said ‘and he’s my ride experience but with home’. The Town Meeting (April 11th) is a bit like access to a wealth of that, and perhaps ‘long and gruelling’ isn’t too far resources and expertise. from the mark, but there was a great deal of interesting The ‘Cool Cats’ After stuff presented. Particularly noteworthy is the School Club opened in reminder of just how many of the town’s activities are November. Children Personal Training Studio totally dependent on the willing participation of enjoy the relaxed Call and book a free consultation volunteers who expect no reward for long hours of atmosphere with the The involvement in what are, to them, good causes. Also focus on real play-even PERSONAL B E S T noteworthy was the absence of anything from the some of the teachers Studio Nailsworth Chamber of Trade and Commerce. have been found playing Restoring the balance within you” Nailsworth is, after all, primarily a working town and with the remote control 01453 873811 it would have been nice to hear from the people who cars! Unit One, Frogmarsh Mill, South Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5ET make it work commercially. 4

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ists 01453 833132 www.ridersproperties.co.uk Tel: 01453 836736 Fax: Richard Valentine (1939-2005) honoured Richard as a man who inspired others with his warm and ongoing conversations. He will be Roger Duncan writes: remembered with great love by everyone who knew him. Richard Valentine grew up in and Helene Perrin Summers adds: rural Cumbria and went on to - study at Oxford University. He ‘I recall dancing with him many years ago at the barn then worked for the BBC where he dances (where have they gone?) His music and bright considered his greatest face lightened us all. I doubt he ever went to a live opera achievement was shaking the hand – but he often came round to borrow my tapes of operas of the young Bob Dylan of whom – he especially loved Mozart. I should have got tickets to he was a life-long fan. Later he Covent Garden and taken him. I can’t now. Let that be a moved to Horsley and taught lesson to us all’. English. His passion for literature Travel tokens led him to open a second-hand bookshop and an equal Don’t forget that if you haven’t passion for music brought him fame as a musician, playing collected your tokens from the Post the piano, singing, calling and later playing the fiddle. Office by May 18th you’ll not only Richard was co-founder of the Nailsworth Festival with the have to go to Ebley Mill to collect poets and artists Tom & Laurie Clarke and Allie Haywood. them, you’ll lose some! He was also a founder member of the Rockness Mummers’ Alex Joiner Play. Both events continue and are infused with Richard’s Alex, Kathleen Beard’s son-in-law, understanding of the connection between music, land and will be passing through Nailsworth community and sense of place. on his planned 1,000 mile solo bike He died on Easter Day at home in the heart of his ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats during May in community. His funeral took place on the beautiful spring st aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and to help day of Friday 1 April. He left Yew Tree cottage, carried build a new children’s home in Mae Chaem, Northern by friends and family, in a willow coffin decorated with Thailand. This project provides an opportunity for spring flowers and accompanied by music. Hundreds of young people from poor remote mountain villages to family, friends and neighbours then walked along study at High School. Alex’s son visited the building Rockness to Horsley parish church following his coffin on project this March and helped lay the concrete a horse-drawn cart. foundations. Kathleen will be delighted to accept Richard had planned his own service which was filled with sponsors. 832138. music and song. Tom Clarke, who gave the address

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Events Indian Music with great Indian food Lunch followed by ragas played on tabla and sitar at The Emerald concerts Passage to India is also being presented by the Stroud & District Arts Festival. 12.30 on May 8th. The last of the current series will be on 22nd May. Dvorak and Beethoven with tea and delicious cake to follow. Not until June but …. 10 Box Gardens will be open to the public on the 12th Despite relegation there’s still lots to June from 2-6pm - and you’ll be able to enjoy a cream celebrate at FGR. tea as well - all for various charities. We’ll give you more On Thursday 5th May there’ll be a Sporting Dinner with information next month. entertainment by David ‘Supersub’ Fairclough and Ian Festival ‘Sludge’ Lees. 4 courses, £38, 7 for 7.30. Then, the next By the time you get this, most of the Festival will be day, Friday, there’s a Showtime Evening featuring over, but there’s still an opportunity to catch some of the ‘Looney Tunes’ and a Disco with a hot Buffet, all for £25. later events: Saturday is Ladies’ Night featuring Spangles Galore— On Sunday you can have a go at Bowling in the comedy drag artiste and top male strippers, Double Impact morning, enjoy Roy Palmer‘s delicious pot-pourri of and Stallion and lots more. All for £5. Finally, on the folk-song and tradition at the Town Hall in the afternoon Sunday there’s the End of Season Dinner and Awards and relax to the music of Mike Silver and Johnny Presentation. Tickets for the meal (at 1 for 1.30) are £20 Coppin in the evening. and are going fast. Fans are welcome to come to the On Monday the Morris Men will be jingling about all presentation ceremony at 4pm. All of these events will be over Nailsworth and in the afternoon there’s the chance in the Marquee. 834860. to find out a lot more about our heritage woollen industry

Stroud College Classes at Egypt Mill and Dunkirk Mill. Alternatively you can The college is offering some nice little ‘taster’ courses in join David Walton & Mike Brinkworth on the Festival June including French, Italian, Wine tasting (Yes, Wine- Walk. tasting!), aromatherapy and other good things. For the full In the evening there’s the final event of the Festival when schedule see page 7. These are just one or two session you can sing and dance with our own local group, ‘Sweet introductions. More should follow in the autumn. To enrol, Fresh Air’ at the Town Hall. ring any of the following numbers: Shopping trips 761126, 761187, 761225, or 761226. Gloucester Bus St., 28th May (Return 12.15)

Plants for Free Cirencester Mkt. Place, 11th June (Return 12.00) Cheltenham High St., 14th May (Return 12.30) Chris Smith On May 16th will be telling you how to use Forest Green Club 9am: Bus station 9.10am. £4 Return. the plants growing around you in the countryside to brighten up your salads, etc. 7.30pm in the Mortimer Room.

Personalities & Politics in the Stroud Valleys Come and find out about some of our local celebrities. John Howe will be telling you all about them in the Mortimer Room on May 9th at 7.30pm.

Schubert, Chopin, Liszt Piano music at Christ Church on 11th May at 7.30pm. This Community Day at Ruskin Mill is part of the Stroud & District Arts Festival. 40 volunteers helped with landscaping, fencing, planting and weeding on Saturday 16th April.

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Why not think of joining us? Tel: 01453 832576 Mob: 0788 7841076 To find out about possible vacancies please ring us. Brentmoor House, Newmarket Rd, Nailsworth, Glos. GL6 0DQ Abbeyfield House, Nailsworth. 01453 834987 Visit our Display Ponds at: World of Water, Highfield Garden Centre, Industrial & Provident Society 22425R 6 Whitminster, Glos on the A38 Stroud College summer ‘taster’ courses in Nailsworth The college has put these one- or two- session courses into the town as part of their plan to bring more classes here. We hope you will take advantage of them and let the College know of other courses which you might like during the coming academic year. (Have you handed in your questionnaire to ‘Not Foxed’ or the Information Centre?) All of the sessions marked Seniors/UE are for people over 50 or anyone over 19 who is unemployed. These are free! All of the courses are introductory but they should provide a useful first step. These basket making sessions will involve making willow wigwam plant supports for gardens or pots. To enrol, ring 761126, 761187, 761225 or 761226.

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Baptist Hall, Seniors/UE ‘Think you 7 July Thurs 1 1-4pm Free Bill Rickinson Minchinhampton can't draw’

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Mortimer Room Calligraphy 22 & 29 Wed 2 1-4pm £12 Wendy June Thompson

Mortimer Room Seniors/UE French 20 June Mon 1 1-3pm Free Rose Langston

Mortimer Room Italian 23 & 30 Thurs 2 9.30- £12 Rose Langston June 12.30

The Barn, Seniors/UE Wine Tasting 27 June Mon 1 7-9pm £5 for Nikki Jarrett Nailsworth FC ‘material’

Christ Church Soft 21 & 28 Tues 2 9.30- £12 Betty Hebditch Room Furnishings June 12.30

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Focus on Youth Ollie Payne writes Remember a few months ago? I talked about a buddy system at the school. Chris Raymond, Headteacher of At Sir William Romney's School we have a new system in place, Bully Busting. In April, 8 volunteers (including Nailsworth me) learned a lot in a 3 hour training session. We talked Primary School about different approaches to a conversation and how to writes gain as much information from a situation as possible. We practised different types of conversation with a partner. We Could I start by saying played a few games to find out more about each other and that I am delighted to did some ‘hot-seating’, to learn about the person in the ‘hot be the new Headteacher of Nailsworth Primary School seat’. We also learned how to keep each other comfortable and I’m really looking forward to working with the in answering questions, how to turn a simple question into dedicated and totally committed staff already here. one with more thought and how to get more from an Following Ross Workman’s legacy will be hard, he answer using different tones. The three hours went well. At moved the school on in so many ways. I am extremely the end we were asked to describe our strongest quality. fortunate to have the support of Carol Lambden We have another three hours of training to go and then (deputy head) who worked tirelessly as Acting Head we will be able to mentor students who are being bullied. during the Spring Term to make my transition very The project is a "pilot scheme". If all goes well it might smooth. run next year as well.

Firescape I am in my eleventh year of teaching having taught at This year some Year 10 pupils have again taken part in the three previous schools in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service course, ‘Firescape’. I took a break during this time for three years to This aims to provide key skills such as Communication, pursue a stress-free, professional, rugby career with Leadership, Teamwork, Discipline and Self-reliance. We Worcester RFC. attended an induction day in April. Those who passed will

go on a 10 week course which starts on 3rd May. My previous post, as deputy head at Greatfield Park Then they will go to Stroud Fire Station every Tuesday and Primary, provided me with excellent learning will not be at school for the entire day. It is free and they experiences that have given me a firm grounding for also get a free uniform. At the end there will be a the role of Headteacher. I was sad to leave Greatfield, graduation ceremony on July 12th. especially as two of my three children go there but their sadness was hidden under the smirk of the Work Experience realisation that dad wouldn’t be watching over their From July 11th to 22nd, students from year 10 will be every move at school. Living in Cheltenham means working within a company and experiencing everyday commuting everyday, but I can use this time in the car work life. Students have successfully sent letters out to to reflect on the day’s events before and after school. companies and found themselves placements. These include engineering, library work, teaching assistance, I can’t tell you how impressed I was at the annual childcare, computing, journalism, healthcare and youth th town meeting, on Monday 11 April, with how much work. No pay will be given to students. They have been is actually going on in Nailsworth and the endless interviewed and aims have been set. Students will fill in commitment from the residents. It has made me realise log books about their time within the company and then what a supportive community this is and I really look prepare presentations for September. forward to working in.

Mediterranean Restaurant & Pizzeria

“Clothes you’ll want to live in” • Open for evening dining on Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 7pm Whitestuff - Great Plains • Fine wines from around the globe French Connection - Crew • Weekly fish, meat and vegetarian specials In Wear - Matinique - Nougat For reservations please call us on 01453 834802 George Street High Street Nailsworth Malmesbury (Opposite Somerfield) 01453 832999 01666 826820 8 Sport in Nailsworth Sport in Nailsworth Please contact Don Luke (832812) or Martin Stone (833132) for inclusion on this page. Forest Green FC Dominos It's hard to know what to write now that the Team has Apologies to the Jovial Foresters dominos team. It is of almost certainly* been relegated. I have been supporting course the dominos team who are hoping to restart the the Team through thick and thi n for years (as many of you league and not the darts team! Anyone wishing to take have as well!) and it has been a great time on the whole ... part should contact the landlord Craig Daly those days in Cup Nailsworth Mills Bowls Club. finals at Wembley We are pleased to report that the ladies won there and Villa Park! .... Cotswold lnterclub game. Well done to both the men's those promotion and ladies' team! wmmng seasons .... For the coming season starting until mid September those were the days! anyone is welcome to come along on a Thursday evening But it hasn't been all and have a go. Special "tasting" sessions are arranged gloom this season. every year. The next one is on the st May- all day. We could all think o There is also a new event this year. Eight organisations loads of IFs and have been invited to the Novice Introduction to Bowls BUTs along the way competition on 12 June. Some training wi ll be given the and one can easily previous week and it should be great fun! cri . ·se decisions by~~,~~~--­ the ·rootball Club, Peter Reed who was in the winning Oxford team in but we don't have to 1----~~---~~-~~~----l the boat Race has now been picked for the GB Squad. dig into our pockets ------Congratulations, Peter! and pay the way or buy new players. Perhaps having so Nailsworth Tennis Club many new players appearing on the field of battle had The club's headquarters in the Subscription Rooms/ meant that there was no real cohesion on match day ... Boys' Club is now having its two courts resurfaced and perhaps?! Who knows? new fencing and lighting installed at a cost of £15,000. All we can hope for now is that FGR rises again next The next stage will be setting up a new court mainly season with a settled side and gets back into the aimed at younger users. Facilities in the Club are steadily Conference as soon as possible. The Club knows, by now, improving as the main building is being renovated. that it is not good enough to stay in the Conference ... a good dust down and rest and get things sorted for the 2005 Facilities at Forest Green -2006 season will have to take place. There is a new Our theme this month is about places for activities and it stadium to build and to fill!! We all need a good rest from seems more appropriate to put FGR's facilities on this soccer and hope that next season we will be back in our page. They have a superb Fitness Suite available to thousands(??!) to back the team all the way. anyone, with changing rooms and an automatic tanning O~hou l dn ' t leave this page without thinking of the huge machine - j ust right for that pre-holiday tan! They have a co?.~bution that Trevor Horsley has made to FGR. boardroom with a bar suitable for meetings, equipped Without him leading the way, I am not sure that FGR with projectors, etc. as well as their 'green room' with a would have been in the Conference in the first place. kitchen where catering can be arranged. 834860-2. Thank you for the great times and we look forward to even In 18 months to 2 years they expect to have a huge range more good ones in the near future! of facilities for all kinds of meetings for young people as well as the general public at large. *Final decision will be in June.

Nailsworth NAILSWORTH Recreation Centre Nailsworth Primary School, Nympsfield Road 1-\.,t:Lfu rea,£ Tel (01453) 836951 • Get Fit, Stay Fit classes Health Centre • Badminton and Table Tennis facilities • Function rooms available for hire Call in for our brochure or to arrange a free 15 minute • Soccer pitches and training areas available consultation with the practitioner of your choice • Indoor 5 A-side and basketball facilities for hire Tel: 01453 836066 OPENING HOURS- Monday to Wednesday and Friday Smith House, George Street, Nailsworth, GL6 OAG 6pm to 10 pm STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL

9

10 the main feature. A highlight of my cinema-going was Feedback & Letters to watch my paternal grandparents, who were staunch republicans, purposefully march out of the cinema Julian Brown writes when the national anthem struck up! The building adjoining the cinema housed a barber's shop and In the April issue Ann Makemson asked whether anyone Nailsworth public library. remembers the Fountain Café. In 1956 I moved to Stroud and since then I have lived I, and my friends, used to use the Fountain Cafe a great deal in Horsley, Woodchester, Gloucester, Leonard Stanley, during the 1950s. I remember well the white, opaque, thick Stonehouse, Eastcombe, Churchdown, Hillesley, Yate, glass cups and saucers containing stewed tea and the Coaley, Quedgeley then back to Stroud! I have finally, Rockola juke box which gave one play for 3d., two plays for in March this year, made it back to live in Nailsworth 6d. and five plays for 1/-. where I plan to spend my remaining years! My wife I must have spent a has been appointed Resident Scheme Manager fortune endlessly playing ('Warden' in old money!) at the SDC Ringfield Close/ records such as "Boney Park Road/Tanner's Piece sheltered housing scheme. Maroney" by an artist I work in Chalford for a wine importing agency and I whose name I can no also buy and sell antiques and collectables from a unit longer remember, in Cirencester Arcade as well as on the internet. "Teenbeat" by Sandy I love being back in my home town. We have a small Nelson, "Rock Around but lovely garden with oodles of wildlife including my The Clock" by Bill Haley favourite creatures - frogs - for whom I have made a and the Comets etc. etc. small pond. Overnight my amphibious friends I was born at Tetbury rewarded me with tons of frogspawn! Bless! Maternity Hospital in 1943 (it was the only Drawing by Rachel Pegler Ged Lennox writes place to be born locally at that time!) and I lived in I am privileged to live in the Horsley Valley and I Nailsworth from then until 1956. My father was a local man overlook the lovely Ruskin Mill Lake. But what has and grocery assistant at Fawkes's Stores in Tetbury who happened to it? At the most important time of breeding lived in Bath Road, Nailsworth, but he was killed in Italy season there was no water, and hadn't been for two during the war in 1944 and I was brought up by my mother months. When it is flooded again countless water voles and maternal grandparents in the large, imposing house then will be out of a home, not to mention the loss of nesting called 'Glenholme', opposite what is now the Somerfield habitat for the many waterfowl. In addition to this loss supermarket in George Street. we have the clear felling of many beautiful and mature My maternal grandfather was Henry Herbert ("Harry") trees. This destruction looks set to continue. The place Bircham who came to Nailsworth in, I believe, the 1930s looks like the Somme circa 1915. What has become of from London to help run the Chamberlain's fibre board mill the caring, holistic, nurturing and inclusive doctrine of which operated the Ruskin crew? Remember people of John Ruskin, on what is now William Morris and Rudolf Steiner would not sanction the Somerfield this destruction; you do not live alone in this valley, site. Grandad aside from the human occupation there is an uncounted also helped to number of tiny and vulnerable creatures who deserve keep the George your respect and consideration. Hotel profitable He who can take no great interest in what is small by being a (very) will take false interest in what is great - John Ruskin regular customer at the bar! Christine Stockley writes Further to my letter in last month’s NN. Who cares 'Glenholme' was a company house - it came with my where the fountain is? What’s wrong with its present grandad's job - and we shared it with the old Nailsworth position, and what happened to the £40,000 Nailsworth Urban District Council. I well remember George Mills, then Town council earmarked for its move? a council official, possibly saving my life by slapping me vigorously on the back when I got a gobstopper stuck in my ‘NOT FOXED’ throat! BOOKSHOP I also remember Nailsworth Cinema in the building which NAILSWORTH later became the Boys Club and which you now refer to as the Subscription Rooms. In the 1950s the proprietor of the Book Tokens - Children’s Corner Order (in print) books and cinema was 'Ticker' Beech, the film was changed twice a Collect next day (usually) week and I usually went into the 1/9s to see a Randolph 11 2, Market Street, Nailsworth Tel: 835833 Scott 'B' picture followed by news, advertisements and The National Parliamentary election 2005

Neil Carmichael David Drew Peter Hirst Edward Noble Martin Whiteside Conservative Labour & Co-operative Lib. Dem. UKIP Green

Parliamentary candidates standing for Stroud, which includes Nailsworth, appear above. In the last election, in 2001, David Drew, Labour, was elected to represent us in the House of Commons with a majority of 5,039. In that election Labour took 46.6% of the vote, Conservatives, 37.4% and Liberal Democrats 10.9%. 69.95% of the electorate voted. To vote you must be over 18, have your name on the electoral roll, have registered a postal vote or else go to the Mortimer Rooms on Thurs. 5th May. … and the Gloucestershire County Council Elections …. The candidate below are standing for election to represent Nailsworth & Minchinhampton.

For more information, consult the

website: www.

gloucestershire.gov John Bowen John Appleton John Waddington Aaron Hamblyn .uk Lib. Dem. Labour & Co-operative Conservative Independent

There are 63 councillors serving on Gloucester County Council - 26 Conservative, 19 Labour, 16 Liberal Democrat, 1 Independent and 1 PAB (People against Bureaucracy). Since the last election there have been some boundary changes so it is difficult to make comparisons with the earlier situation. On May 5th we can vote for one of the above candidates to represent us on the Gloucestershire County Council. This body is responsible for a wide range of services including Education, Environment (roads, planning, waste, travel & transport, etc.), Social Services, Fire & Rescue, Trading Standards, Libraries & Information, the County Record Office and Registration Services.

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Coral Cook writes from Keighley The Bowen Technique In reply to your request for information about A straightforward, no-nonsense remedial therapy Longfords workers (NN 50) I thought the following that is non-intrusive, gentle and very effective. might be of interest to you. Affects the body in ways that promote healing, My uncle, Fred Newman, was born in 1899 and lived pain relief and recovery of energy. as a child in Brewery Road, Nailsworth. He was badly wounded in the ‘14 -18 war, but afterwards he worked Telephone Pauline Brayne E.C.B.S. on 01453 833908 at Longfords Mill. He started in the boiler room but later became the lorry driver, frequently travelling long fruitcake we trundled happily along the quiet roads often distances. singing loudly from our repertoire of jolly songs. Trips to Longfords Mill was a subsidiary of Hunt & London took us along Western Ave straight thro’ Marble Winterbottoms which manufactured fine navy cloth Arch to the heart of London where Fred left me to wander up used for naval officers’ uniforms so Fred was Regent St while he completed his business. Those days with sometimes sent to London. Glastonbury was another Fred have left me with some of my happiest memories of the destination because Longfords made the soft fluffy holidays in Nailsworth. material which Morlands of Glastonbury used for For some years Fred cultivated a walled garden up at the lining slippers. A similar woollen cloth was used to Longford’s site. It was a good garden and on one of the walls cover tennis balls. there was an espalier nectarine which bore delicious fruit. Fred married Doris who worked for much of her life in Nectarines then were unknown and were unlike the ones we the office of BW Johnson. My mother was Doris’s now buy in supermarkets as they were about the size of a sister but we lived in Yorkshire. Sometimes Fred came Victoria plum. to Yorkshire because the Glos firms did business with the renowned textile mills in the West Riding at places This month’s Local Hero! such as Huddersfield, Halifax, and Keighley where fine worsteds were made for men’s suitings. When he Rosemary Liles, came Fred always stayed at our home. In winter, these Enterprising, journeys could be hazardous because in the days compassionate, friendly, before motorways and big A roads his route took him runs Just Traiding, a lovely across the bleak Saddleworth Moors. He always shop which helps in the fight carried a spade in the lorry as it was not unknown for to ‘make poverty history’. him to have to dig his way through snowdrifts. Fred was a man with a great sense of fun. As his niece Next month? I had a very happy relationship with him. During the We welcome your suggestions. holidays while I was at Grammar School I regularly spent several weeks with Doris and Fred. Fred sometimes took me with him on his longer journeys. We set off early in the morning and, supplied with a bottle of milk and large pieces of Doris’s homemade TerrascapesTerrascapes LtdLtd Views in ‘Nailsworth News’ are not necessarily those of the Paper Team. We reserve the right to edit or omit material. No liability is accepted for loss or Hard and Soft Landscaping

damage arising from any omissions of copy or advertising. Nailsworth News is published and distributed entirely by volunteers. Printing and paper are financed GILES GRAINGER HND by advertising. More volunteers are always welcome. Tel: 01452 740533 Mob: 07866 515715 If you would like to join the Team, please contact the Editor: 832619. www.terrascapesltd.co.uk

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A great place to work… Mayday Mayday on the Hill by Lucy Carter Shops...offices...factory units by Lucy Carter sometimes available It is almost the anniversary of the weekend, five years ago, when I went out to the garage to fill the log basket, saw a To register your interest, please call 832754 long lost baby car seat in the chaos and gloom, tugged at it and toppled a cast iron radiator on my foot. I remember hearing the bone break and then realising that I was lying on Nigglesworths the ground. I was trapped under an enormous weight but Old Horsley Road has suddenly been attacked by a grateful that I was having a fag at the time because at least I major dog-poo dropper. Until recently, apparently, could lie there and smoke while I worked out what to do there was no problem but suddenly - whoops! Dog next. Hanro (my husband) was on his year off at the time owner - if you like your dog, watch its reputation down in Sussex but had arranged for some friends of his to and clean up after it! come and stay for the Badminton weekend (presumably so The cycle track has another kind of litter problem. that I wouldn’t be lonely) which is why I was lighting fires Two dogs have had their paws cut by broken glass in and cooking banquets. The children (all under 6) were the stream. Very painful for them. safely tucked up in bed, which was good, but there was no Praiseworths one to rescue me, which was not.

Congratulations to all those people who gave The story had a happy ending. I pulled my leg out, put my presentations about their various activities at the broken foot into a home made slipper of a bag of frozen Town Meeting on 11th April, especially to the two peas, found a walking stick and got on with greeting the young girls from the Youth Club and the guests and serving their supper. I hadn’t met them before representative of the Scouts. It’s amazing how much that night and I’m not sure what they thought of my goes on in this town. footwear. The next day I got a friend to take me to hospital Maude Franklin’s Period Fashion Show on April 7th and had it x-rayed and plastered. During the following six raised £455 for NSPCC. weeks Jane and Mike of MR Taxis in Shortwood (835868) and my neighbour Sue Smee ferried the children about Who’s the villain of the piece? patiently and graciously and I will always be grateful to We know that there are no really nasty people in them. I bought a computer so that I could order our Nailsworth and anything suggestive of anti-social groceries on line and got hooked on chat rooms, but that’s activity must have been perpetrated by bad people another story. We didn’t eat the peas as they had gone a bit coming from places like Bristol or Birmingham. soft by the end of the evening. The foot made a full Sometimes there seem to be a lot of B or B motorists in recovery. the town. Drivers who will totally ignore one way This month I have managed a similar injury and shot myself systems in the scrabble for a car parking space, who in the foot, figuratively. Hanro’s barn started to look quite have more idea of flying than how a roundabout, let impressive, but then I got to thinking. In the six years since alone a mini-roundabout, should work, who would we moved into this house we have made a few changes, but rather die (or, in some cases, apparently, kill) than give nothing ever seems to get finished. So where does a fellow way on Nailsworth’s de facto one way roads, who’ll get off building a whole ‘nother building when the inside of hurtle down Spring Hill as if the possibility of someone the first one is still what my son would call ‘rough’. I filtering out from Old Market was a personal affront, cautiously aired my mild disquiet (we had a massive row) who race round the corner from Spring Hill into Bridge and asked if perhaps we might finish off our house Street in the obvious hope of catching and killing sometime. All work stopped on the barn. Apparently we someone trying to cross the A46 outside Sport of have a stand off AND another unfinished project. Neither Kings(!), who would rather park on and block the of us has mentioned it because to raise the issue would be to pavement than walk 20 yards to the cash machine. So concede defeat and to reveal a level of aggregation. many B or B drivers - or, could it be that there is a substantial core of Nailsworth motorists for whom I always wondered why there were so many Folly Cottages consideration for others is an alien concept? and Folly Farms and now I know.

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Tree Felling, Re-shaping, Crown Reductions, Hedge Trimming, Pruning, Banking hours Stump Grinding, Jungle Clearance - Free Estimates - Fully Insured 01453 824728 - 07005 931219 From June 12th the HSBC Bank in Nailsworth will be e-mail: [email protected] closing at 3.30 rather than 4.30. The reason? Too few people come through the bank after 3.30. (Does that mean the staff will be home for tea? This suggestion drew a wan to continue as treasurer. Linda Platts remains the smile). Those of a certain age will be reminded of when Secretary for the Chamber. The car park arrangements we had to do all our banking, if we were members of that for Chamber members reported previously are now up fairly select group who actually used banks, between an and running. Contact Liz O’Dell or Peter Blackwell for immutable 10 o’clock and 3 pm. It wasn’t quite quill pens details. You’ll need to take out a monthly ticket – and and handwritten ledgers, but it was certainly before the there aren’t an unlimited number of spaces! Watch out credit and cash cards, cash machines and telephone and for the new Chamber website, coming soon. Part of it internet banking which today make trips to the bank will be open to anyone, part will only be accessible if almost an optional extra. [Lloyds TSB have no plans to you’re a Chamber member and have the appropriate change their opening hours – 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, but registration and password. 10 to 5 on Wednesdays] The Cotswold Craftsmen Gallery In Market Street it’s hard to avoid noticing the very spring-like yellow paint job which the old cobbler’s Newly opened in Market Street is The Cotswold shop (next to Léves Café) now boasts on its boarding-up. Craftsmen Gallery. The Cotswold Craftsmen have mounted regular displays at shows since the 1960s – The National Trust and the Common they’ll be at the Spring Garden Show at Malvern in May and at the 3 Counties show in June. The Nailsworth Visitors will have noted the latest round of activity by gallery will be their first ‘permanent shop’. Every two the National Trust on the Common. New earth bunds weeks a new group of five makers will display their work have appeared outside Beaudesert School and there are and man the shop. Amongst those showing in May will be logs obviously destined to further restrict vehicle access. Jeremy Cornwell who makes beautifully designed modern Necessary, desirable, or a waste of effort – you can take furniture in Worcestershire, Mike Finch who runs your pick. They have also put down surfacing on a 100 probably the longest running craft pottery in the country at meter stretch of the car park either side of the reservoir. Winchcombe and Vikki Leober from Swindon who does Since this is almost the first breach in an otherwise smashing animal portraits from photographs. Hazel unblemished record of neglect for the car parking areas Morris, a designer jeweller from Brinscombe – see her created by the National Trust it must be welcomed. But work in the second half of May - is Secretary of the cautiously. The gravel and stone dust mix used for the Cotswold Craftsmen. She says “It’s particularly good to be surfacing tracks tenacious, white deposits from shoes in Nailsworth as it’s gaining a reputation as a place well and dog’s feet onto car carpets as soon as it gets wet. worth visiting for its arts, crafts and speciality shops”. Really the NT should cease and desist from further Visit the shop to find out who’s showing what, when and activities designed to channel motorists onto restricted where or call Hazel on 07961 914957. parking areas until it can demonstrate an ability and Nailsworth Chamber of Trade and willingness to maintain all these areas so that they are not a mass of mud and water filled pot-holes most of the Commerce year. Make them attractive places to park and motorists Peter Blackwell is to hold the chair for another year; Phil will be less keen to see them as parking spaces of last Platts was elected vice-chairman and Richard Burdett is resort!

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15 Email: [email protected] www.aesmith.co.uk

Local History — Ann Makemson This large Copper Kettle, said to have an 82 gallon — capacity and bearing a lid with a miniature kettle knob, The Old Stamp Office and the Copper still hangs from its ornate wrought iron bracket on the old warehouse in George Street. The footpath running along Kettle in George Street. underneath it, leading to Station Road, is affectionately Stamp Offices were usually found in known as Kettle Alley. cities and it was somewhat unusual to It is said that the kettle was obtained by Mr. find one in a small town like Heath who ran an ironmongery shop on the Nailsworth. I have often been asked ground floor of the warehouse, in the what it was for. late1800’s. Painted on the underside of the The Stamp Act originated in 1694 to kettle are the words ‘1887 my Jubilee’. At manage the new stamp duties on sometime the legend ‘Mazawattee Tea’ was advertisements, lottery tickets, painted in gilt lettering around it. apprentices indentures, playing cards, The shop later became Whitings storeroom, dice, hats, gloves, patent perfumes, and the adjoining shop was first taken over by insurance policies, gold and silver Cotswold Stores then Fryers grocers which plate, armorial bearings, and hair local people can remember. Fryers was a basic powder! Duties were also due on a shop with bare wooden floorboards and large wide range of licences for carts, wooden counters. I always remember the wagons & horses, horse dealers, game mixed aromas of freshly ground coffee and certificates, insurance policies, and various cheeses that were weighed up on the wine. balance scales as the customer required. There There was also a tax on whole and half sheets of was also a bacon and ham slicing machine, where the newspaper of 1d and 1/2d. This ‘tax on knowledge’ as it meat was pressed carefully against a large circular was called, was not so much to generate income for rotating blade. We children were always fascinated by Government as to curb the power of the Press. Most small watching what went on, and that the shopkeeper never publications of the time went out of business, while others lost any fingers! found ways round the rules. Instead of producing a news The old warehouse building was used by Chamberlains paper some put their stories in the form of poetry instead. as a Laboratory for testing mixtures, chemicals and From 1831-1835 hundreds of papers appeared without tax colours etc. for use in their Board Mill opposite. After stamps, which led to prosecutions, too many for the that I can remember Millmans old fashioned wooden system to cope with. In 1836 stamp duty was reduced to Toys and Games being made there for a while. Then it 1d, and this resulted in a lot of new crime sheets and was an upholstery shop, followed by the wonderful sensational Sunday papers like the News of the World Copper Kettle Antique Centre which is a very which began in 1843. The Stamp Act was repealed in appropriate use of the premises covering two floors. 1855. I don’t think that postage stamps were ever sold It is a very enjoyable experience just walking around this here as Nailsworth had a Post Office elsewhere, in the fascinating shop, and a real education in how our town. grandparents lived and the things they used in their It is not known when the Stamp Office in Nailsworth everyday lives. A wide variety of items is available, opened, or indeed when it closed! It doesn’t appear to including furniture, clocks, china, domestic wares, books have been a separate concern as the shop bearing the sign & postcards, jewellery, clothes, toys, records & musical was also Whitings Tea Warehouse. The shop became items etc. Behind this tiny façade lies a wealth of Harley Musical Instruments for many years and is now nostalgia! Do call in and listen to the Pianola which is The Travel House. usually playing on Saturdays. Has anyone got any further useful information?

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Open: Mon – Sat 16 Open: Mon – Sat

Nailsworth folk: - Daphne Turner Ruskin Mill by Mike Brinkworth Centre for Cultural Development Ruskin Mill is inspired by the work of William Morris, Rudolf Steiner and John Ruskin

Daphne’s fascination with flowers Sat 30 April / Sun 1 May began in her childhood. She vividly Nailsworth Festival/ Ruskin Mill Craft Weekend remembers the vases of roses and See Nailsworth Festival Programme for further details. daffodils in the living room, freshly Sat 7 May 8pm £7/£5 picked from the garden by her Roland Chadwick and the Modern Guitar Trio mother, and this made a lasting The UK’s most exciting, adventurous & entertaining impression on her. Her first hands- classical guitar group on experience of flower arranging Friday 13 May & Sat 14 May came after watching Percy Thrower Exploring Life Elements preparing a Christmas decoration on FIRE: the fourth of four weekend workshops Friday Blue Peter. Thanks to TV she was 7.30-9.30pm & Saturday 9.30 –5.00pm. hooked. Exploring the work of Goethe, Steiner, Ruskin and When she moved to Nailsworth with husband Geoff just others through story, artistic activity, movement and discussion. Cost £50, includes lunch, concs. available. over 40 years ago, she took up this hobby much more seriously. Having attended college courses in flower GALLERY: 10–5 daily: Regular exhibitions of art, craft and the environment arranging, she joined the Stroud & District Floral Society, and, as a result of her expertise, represented them at a flower REGULAR EVENTS: Rag Rugs, Felting, Indigo Dyeing with Margaret Docherty 833320: Plant festival in St. Paul’s Cathedral where she was responsible dyeing with Marianne van der Tas 762862: Soap making with Jonathon Code for the arrangement of two large displays linked to an 766931: Stonecarving with Greg Tricker 755352: Community Art Classes 833472: Yoga with Chris Hewett 834304: Children’s Storytelling overall interior colour scheme. Later she joined the Dursley 837537:Voice & Performance Work with Robin Labron 07977 174758: Community Art Classes 833472. & District Flower Club, and for a number of years was a committee member of both Stroud & Dursley. The Organic Vegetable and Craft Shop will be closed until further notice Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, Glos GL6 0LA Tel: 01453 837537 In 1974, the Nailsworth & District Flower Arrangement For workshops please park at Horsley Mill or use the public parking in Society was formed. Daphne, together with like-minded Nailsworth. For evening and weekend events please park at Gigg Mill. See web site for full listing of events: www.ruskin-mill.org.uk enthusiasts, organised a coffee morning in the Mortimer Rooms and raised enough money for stationery to be printed. An inaugural meeting was held, and by the end of the year there were 100 members. Daphne was its founder Elsie King Chairman and President, and is now an Honorary Life The family of Elsie King, wife of the late Harry King Member. Since the formation of the Society, over £30,000 of Egypt Mills, wish to thank friends for their kind has been raised for charity. support during their recent bereavement, and everyone The Society is affiliated to the Three Counties & South who attended the funeral at St. George's Church. Wales Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies which gives it access to judges, demonstrators, speakers and education. For six years Nailsworth Ironmongers Daphne was its secretary and is currently secretary for the coming 2005 Assembly in Wales. She has been actively LOOSE grass seed, ‘Scarlet Emperor’ runner beans, ‘The Sutton’ broad beans, French beans and peas. PACKETS OF SEEDS: involved in flower festivals across the whole region and has Johnson’s, DT Browns and limited range of Moles Commercial been secretary of many Area Day events. The list of venues Seeds. LOOSE fertilizers, lawn dressings, compost maker & composts. NEW IN:- GREEN GEM orange range of garden tools. at which she has arranged flower displays is an impressive For all your household, gardening, DIY & motoring needs one. It includes Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester 24 Fountain St, Nailsworth Mon-Sat 9- 5.30 Tel: 01453 832083 Cathedrals, Tewkesbury Abbey, the Assembly Rooms, Bath and St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. Daphne has a number of hobbies; not surprisingly gardening Environmentally Sensitive comes top of the list. She collects coffee cups and saucers and has more than 100 displayed in her Dining Room. But Tree Surgery nothing would give her greater pleasure than to discover that Local family business her great love of flowers has been passed on through the Clare Overhill & John Rhodes family; her granddaughter, Emily, has just attended her first Fully Insured: 20 years experience lesson in flower arrangement. All Types of Tree Work Undertaken plus - Stump Grinding: Planting: Fruit Tree Pruning Nailsworth & District Flower Arrangement Society would welcome new members and visitors. For more Landcare Services 01452 812709 information ring 832766. 17 6 Pullens Rd, Painswick Pigeon Fancying club? Royal Order of Buffaloes? Bingo? Where do all those things happen? This month our theme is about useful public buildings in the town.

The main function of the Town Hall, up in the Old Bristol Road, is, of course, to house the Council Chamber, the Town Clerk’s office and the Archives (open Mon. 10-12). The big hall with the stage is used for performances by the N. Dramatic Society and others. Every morning Mrs. Stewart’s Town Nursery meets here and, on Thursday evenings & Saturday mornings, there are classes in dancing (ballet & tap) while on Fridays and most Wednesdays there’s dog training. Ruskin Mill uses the hall regularly for staff training, etc. and various organisations hold their The Mortimer Room & the Library meetings here - Guides, Brownies & Rainbows (Mons The Town Hall & Thurs), flower arranging (1st Wed in the month) and folk dancing (Wed pm). Then there are sporadic events like the Mayor’s reception, Town meetings, the odd ceilidh, exhibitions & wedding parties. There’s a kitchen and when the lift is finished disabled access will be quite good. To hire it, wedding receptions cost £65, meetings £26, rummage sales £13 or you can use the lower rooms for £15 per session.

The town is also responsible for the Mortimer Rooms in Old Market. This costs £13 a session, £24 a day, £110 a week. It’s used by the Nailsworth Soc. on most Monday evenings and the two Probus Clubs meet on alternate Wed. mornings. On Friday mornings there’s the Country Market, on Tues morning and Thursday afternoons, the Art Group and on other afternoons there’s Yoga (Wed), Embroidery (Mon), Weight Watchers (Tues) and two Bridge groups. Pilates meet one evening and then there are occasional gatherings for Lace-making, Gloucestershire Wildlife and various exhibitions. It’s also the place to register your vote on Election Day. The town’s other responsibilities are the Pavilion & changing rooms on the King George V field. The Pavilion has had a new roof and floor and is used for Family Day and for private parties. It’s especially good for summer children’s parties because the field is available. There’s a kitchen and 2 toilets. The changing rooms are great …. for footballers ….(2 rooms, 2 sets of showers). The Primary School up at Forest Green is well used outside its normal school hours. It’s open on weekday evenings, 6- 10.30, except Thursdays, weekends by arrangement. It has a Function Hall with a bar & a stage, home to the Film Club on some Fridays, a Gymnasium and other function rooms all available for hire. Wado-Ryu-Karate is held on Fridays from 5.45- 7.15pm and in the summer there’s the Summer The Primary School Kapers Playscheme (754332). There are lots of opportunities for various sports. For more details ring 836951(evening) or 754333(daytime). The Band Room in Brewery Lane is just that. It has two rooms, a meeting room holding about 40 (£7.50/hr) and a smaller room (£5/hr), a kitchen with a microwave, and 2 loos. The Silver Band meets here on Monday evenings and it’s sometimes used for Council interviews, The Band Room classes (art, a writing course, etc.). It’s soundproofed but not sufficiently for really loud pop groups! It hasn’t got full disabled access - you have to go up steps.

Specifically for young people are the Youth Club on Nympsfield Road and the Scout Hut behind Bailey’s the Newsagents. G OLDEN STONES Nailsworth Domestic G ARDENING Appliance Repairs

General Garden Maintenance and Soft Landscaping Matthew ~ 833310 *Hedges *Patios *Paving *Decking *Turfing *Fencing A fast, local & reliable service No job too small. For a free estimate contact: Chris Blackwell or Brian Goldstone Most makes of washing machines, dishwashers, on 07990 987202 or 01453 835032 18 fridge/freezers, tumble dryers & electric cookers 1Communibj Spot by Stella Knight 11 The Subscription ' 1~--!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~=!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~====~ Rooms/Bo'js' Club is still Christ C hurch is a being refurbished but the Ladies' wonderful and flexible Badminton Club meets here on place to hold all sorts of Wed. mornings and there are functions. The Church is spaces for meetings. The lavatories' a lovely setting, has are now in working order! The marvellous acoustics and Tennis Club also meets here & is perfect for anything uses the courts at the back. musical. The Emerald T he Comrades' Club has a 1!11!111ili -~~~~~~~ Ensemble are regular members' bar on the ground floor, visitors and play to a a skittle alley with a bar downstai "'""'"'-s~ubscription Rooms packed house. It is also ideal for recitations and poetry and a very large room upstairs as well as kitchens and readings. some small rooms. Membership is £5/year (drinks are As well as the Church, Christ Church has two halls cheaper for members). On available for use. The older and larger of the two, called Monday nights the Steve Sawyer Hall, used to be the old school hall. It can be Holmes School of Dancing used for badminton as the court lines have been marked (791206) runs classes in out, or for general exercise classes or yoga. As it also :.. Ballroom & Latin Dancing has a kitchen it can cater for large parties. from 7-8pm. (£4/person). he second hall, called the C hrist C hurch Rooms is Shortwood FC holds bingo co as it has been carpeted. It is light and airy and its sessions on Tues evenings from onL .drge room can be divided into two. Various 7.30-9 and on Wed. it's Jazz & exercise classes are held here as well as more community Jive. On Fridays the Pigeon based societies like the Alzheimer's and Macular Fanciers meet as well as the societies. Again, it has a kitchen. Royal Order of Buffaloes. It's Both halls are extremely well used both during the day used for private parties and the evening and the money originally raised to (£50+£50 deposit) and buffets renovate them came from various charities with the can be provided. About four times a year there are proviso that the halls have to be used for community excellent jazz nights. There' s a skittles club, 2 snooker purposes. Alcohol is not allowed. To find out more tables, darts, etc. Phone 832646. about booking procedures please contact the caretaker, T he Fire Station has a nice little room suitable for Mr Pat Burgess on 834342. meetings or classes, available free of charge. - At St. George's Parish rooms there's one room (can be divided) used for -----. Christian Aid Lunches, Mothers' Union meetings, Street Dancing on Thursdays -===-==r and Little Angels on Fridays. It's also used for Church functions (Parish Council ~ Meetings, choir, etc.) Hire is £15 session. Phone 833966. Most ofNailsworth's pubs and restaurants are available for use of course, generally over a meal or a drink. T he Barn at Forest Green and the Jovial Foresters welcome people to pub games like darts, dominoes, snooker, etc. and most have teams. They a lso have programmes for entertainment of various kinds. The Britannia has a small upstairs room which saw the beginnings of the Nailsworth News. Egypt M ill has excellent facilities for meetings and conferences of all kinds both large and small and it has a nice little boules court.. It is also residential - and very comfortable. Ruskin Mill's facilities have often been used for social gatherings as for instance during Twinning events and at the start of the Nailsworth Festival. When food is involved it is always outstandingly good! T he Social Club in Brewery Lane is a bit of a mystery. You can apply to join if you just turn up. It has a traditional English pub atmosphere with beer, skittles, table tennis, darts and dominoes. Wot.Qgral!lJs bv M-a-rt-in- s-=-t-on- e-,1 For facilities at Forest Green Football C lub see page 9.

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What’s On - May. For free listing ring Small Stuff Maire Jarman 832933 Prinknash Abbey Coffee Set. Brown. Coffee Pot, jug, Nailsworth Society Theatregoers. Now Booking: sugar bowl, 6 cups & saucers. £33. 834171. ‘Swan Lake’. Australian Ballet. Cardiff Millennium Centre. £36. Carpenter/Joiner with experience of building July 14 Thurs. 1.30pm. Depart Nailsworth Bus Station 11.30am. replacement sash window frames wanted for occasional ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. Musical. Bristol. £17. casual work. Own tools & work space. 861025. 1pm.Sept 28 Wed. 2.30pm. Depart Nailsworth Bus Station. 1pm. Volunteer Committee Member. Regular monthly 1 Sun Festival events. Bowling. Avening Road. 10-12 & 2-5pm. evening meetings. Professional with experience in ‘As I Roved Out on a May Morning’. Talk. 3pm. Town Hall £4. Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin. 8pm. Christ Church £10. fund-raising, accounting & legal issues. Expenses paid. 2 Mon Morris Dancing. 12-2.30 around the town. [email protected] Family Day at Egypt Mill & Dunkirk Mill. 10-4pm. Large Project office desk, 30”x58”, wooden top, ‘Sweet Fresh Air’. Concert. 8pm Town Hall £3 Bar. metal detachable legs & Tiny Pentium 3 PC with 2 Mon Festival May Day walk with David Walton & Mike Brinkworth. 2.30pm from the Library, finishing at Horsley Mill where Samsung monitor, Windows 2000 Professional. refreshments are available. Wear boots or stout shoes. Both free. 839422. 4 Wed Children’s Storytime for under 5‘s, 2.30-3.00 Library. The Youth Club needs help in serving coffee, etc. this 4 Wed ‘Munches & Bunches’, Bob Harris. Flower Society 7pm Town Hall. 5 Thurs Election Day. is a paid position. Ring Tracy on 833212. 5 Thurs ‘Running Water in the Drought 1975-6’, Anthony Burton. Luncheon Group, Nailsworth Society. 11.30am Egypt Mill. Sign up by Tues 3rd. 5 Thurs Sporting dinner with David ‘Supersub’ Fairclough & Ian ‘Sludge’ Lees. FGR Marquee. 7 for 7.30. 4 courses. £38. 5 Thurs Learn to Jive on Thursdays at the Comrades Club. Beginners 7.30pm, Intermediate 9.00pm. No need to bring a partner. £4, students £2.50. 01666 824285. 6 Fri Showtime Evening. 7 for 7.30. FGR Marquee. Hot buffet. £25. 6 Fri Country Market, every Friday, 9-10.45, Mortimer Room. 7 Sat Ladies’ Night Out. FGR Marquee. 7.30pm. Strippers! Prizes. £5. 8 Sun Lunch at the Passage to India restaurant with music. 12.30. 8 Sun End of Season Dinner (1 for 1.30) £20. Awards presentation (4pm) FGR Marquee. 834860. 9 Mon High/Low aerobics with body conditioning, Mondays 9.30-10.30am & 7.15-8.15pm. Pilates on the Ball, Weds & Fridays, 9.30-10.30am. Christ Church Hall, £4 a session. Tina Gomer 53895. 9 Mon Iyengar Yoga every Monday 11-12.30 Christ Church Rooms. Kevin 762838. Nailsworth News Editorial Information

9 Mon Public Affairs Debate and Auction for funds. Nailsworth WI. 7.30 St EDITOR: ~ Joyce Affleck, 832619 or C/o Not Foxed Bookshop, George’s Parish Rooms. 2 Market Street, Nailsworth or [email protected] 9 Mon ‘Personalities & Politics in the Stroud Valleys since 1880’, John or [email protected] Howe. Local History Research Group, Nailsworth Society 7.30 PHOTOGRAPHS/Asst.Editor: ~ Martin Stone 833132. Mortimer Room. DEADLINES for copy and advertising:15th of month 11 Wed Pianist Mark Bebbington playing Schubert, Chopin & Liszt at Christ ADVERTS: Copy, payment and queries please to Ann Marshall Church. 7.30pm. C/o Just Traiding, 7 Fountain St. Nailsworth or 833857. 11 Wed ‘In Search of Orchids’, a leisurely walk suitable for families led by N.B. Advertising space is limited to approx 50 per issue: payment in Cotswold wardens. Start from the Amberley Inn at 10am. 2 hours, 4 advance, please. Nailsworth advertisers given priority. miles. Small 9.5 x 3.75 cm: £17 or £48 for 3; 16-20 Christian Aid Shop in Christ Church Hall. Every day 9-4pm. Medium 9.5 x 6 cm: £29 or £80 for 3; 16 Mon Bookbinding workshop. Ruskin Mill. Ane Weare. 01285 760328. Large 9.5 x 14 cm: £56 (Editorial discretion: only if space). 16 Mon ‘Plants for Free’, Chris Smith. Gardening Group, Nailsworth Society Payment to Nailsworth News. Requests for front page £5 extra. 7.30 Mortimer Room. POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION: £6/year ~J Rowbotham 833110 17 Tues Town Council Meeting. 7pm. Town Hall. DISTRIBUTION: organised by Bill Affleck. Please ring 832619. 17 Tues Royal British Legion meeting at 7.30, Nailsworth Social Club. PAPER MEETING: 7pm Wed. 11th May at Barley Hill. 18 Wed Stroud & District Macular Disease Society 3rd Wed each month, 10-12, Christ Church Rooms. 22 Sun Emerald Piano Trio; Dvorak, ‘Dumky’ Trio; Beethoven, Trio in E flat Op 70 No 2. Christ Church 3pm £7, or £6 in advance. 0117 924 3159. Westaff 23 Mon Blood Donor Sessions, 1.30-3.15pm & 5.00-7.15pm Town Hall. Appointments 0845 7 711 711. P R O V I D I N G E S S E N T I A L P E O P L E 23 Mon ‘Gloucestershire & other Ephemera’, Ron Nott. Local Studies Group, Nailsworth Society 8pm. Mortimer Room. £2, members £1. Great opportunity to join a Market Leader in the Financial Services Industry. 25 Wed Alzheimer Café 4th Wed each month 2-4pm Christ Church Rooms. Sales Associate - c£14K+ Phone 834714 for details. Customer Services Process Technician - c£15K+ 26 Thurs Rambling Group, Nailsworth Society. Meet outside Library, see Customer Service Reps c£11.5K+ notice board for time & details. Excellent package includes: 27 Fri Frank Sinatra Tribute Cabaret Night at Egypt Mill. Three course • Life Assurance Discount card dinner, dancing and Frank, (tribute singer Jay), performing throughout • Stakeholder Pension Bonus Scheme the evening. £35 per person. 01453 833449. • Staff Investment Account Support Car Parking 27-30 Twinning visit to Lèves. If you are dedicated to high level Customer Care call us now: Tel: 01453 757951 Email: [email protected] 28 Sat Farmers’ Market 9-1pm Mortimer Gardens. 20 1 JUN ‘A Kind of Magic’, Mary Fielden. Flower Society 7pm Town Hall. Stroud House, Russell Street, Stroud GL5 3AN