Contacts – Village Organisations 4 ORGANISATION & MEETINGS Contact Gotherington 1st Gotherington Beaver Scout) Fri Ady Joy – (07795 097704) 1st Gotherington Cub Scouts Thu Sarah Phillips – (07899 885294) 1st Gotherington Cub Scouts Fri Michelle Rails – (07748 536510 1st Gotherington Scout Troop Fri Craig Sprigmore – (678423 Topics Membership/waiting list [email protected] enquiries Summer 2019 1st Gotherington Brownies Mon Kirsten Stillman (673218) 6.00pm Cricket Club There really is nothing like a Village event to bring everyone together, Rob Sharp (678057) / Brian Cosgrove (676216) so I’m very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Summer Church of Richard Reakes (675559) [email protected] th Churchwardens Sarah Whitehead (674489) / Michael. Bower (672900) Fete on Freeman Field from 12.30pm until dusk on Saturday July 27 . (Woolstone) Support from our Clubs and local businesses has been overwhelming Football Club (Junior) Rob Sharp (678057) with just about everyone organising something or helping out. There Gardening Club 3rd Wed 8pm Rob Cronin (321644) will be a “Bake Off” Competition and Tea Room in the Tennis Pavilion Gotherington Singers 1st,3rd&5th Mon 8pm Chair Sally Newbury ( 317276). Secretary: Lesley Nicholls (222853) with “Post Mistress” Kate judging the Competition - so don’t forget to Local History Society 4th Tue 7:30pm Caroline Meller (677489) / Pat Sory (620681) get your entry form from Gotherington Stores. For lunch there will be a Parent and Toddler Group Tue, Fri 9.30am Emily Charnock (07855 279778) delicious “Hog Roast” and bar serving wines, beers, ciders and soft Neighbourhood Watch John Hicks (676848) / Mary Manders-Trett (674592) Howard Samuels (672492) drinks. Les Howard 677949 / Berian Thomas 674397 There will be a fun Dog Show/Competition (judged by one of this Old Chapel Bookings Bev Osborne (07974101659 [email protected]) year’s Cruft Judges no less!) and a Nine Hole Crazy Golf Course. Village Hall Chairman: Jenny Lockwood (676597) / Secretary: Linda Oxenton Village Bookings Howard There will be music with Shepherd’s Crook singers, Border Morris Valerie Martin (673233) Dancers and Chedworth Silver Band and in the evening there’ll be Council 2nd Tue 7.30pm Howard Samuels (672492) [email protected] Parish Council Clerk Robert Stone (07943398987) [email protected] entertainment by local singer/guitarist Sam Strachan. The bar will Parochial Church Council Secretary Sarah Whitehead (674489) continue into the night and there will be a delicious BBQ for anyone Playing Field/Rex Rhodes Building Bookings Bev Osborne (675741) wanting supper. Petanque Club Sun, Wed, Fri Mary Manders-Trett (674592)/Christine Godsell (672821) Full details are included inside Topics and all profits will go towards the Rec. Club (For Nov 5th Bonfire) Gary Thompson (676708) / Robert Swinson (675693) renovation of the War Memorial – so fingers crossed for the weather! Tennis Club Ian Donnelly (674404) Howard Samuels Village Hall (Gotherington) Rotating Chairman Committee Kevin Gowing (672240) Secretary gotherington.org.uk/bookings/ Bookings Howard Samuels (672492) Treasurer Village Hall Coffee Mornings. 1st Sat excl Jan & Christine Godsell (672821)/ Bev Osborne (675741) Aug Wine Club Chairperson Howard Samuels (672492) 3rd Tue 8pm Secretary [email protected] Christine Godsell (672821) [email protected]

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 24 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 1 GOTHERINGTON TOPICS SUMMER 2019 INDEX TOPICS OF INTEREST Topics is distributed to everyone in our three villages in Spring, Summer, and Winter. Brownies Page 3 The next edition (Autumn 2019) is due out during the week starting Monday 21st October 2019. Church Of England Page 4 You can find the most recent edition of Topics on the village website at www.gotherington.org.uk Cricket Club Page 5 Contributions for Topics should be emailed to the Editor at [email protected] Gardening Club Page 6 Gotherington Film Club Page 7 YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS Gotherington Nurseries Page 8 Colin Brown 07941 880699 Gotherington Primary School Page 9 Allen Keyte 674446 Lewis Harmer 671050 Gotherington Singers Page 10 Beverly Osborne 675741 Mavis Rear (Vice Chair) 674470 Junior Football Club Page 11 Howard Samuels (Chair) 672492 Simon Tarling 677514 Neighbourhood Watch Page 12 David Ward 675080 Old Chapel Community Project Page 13 Parent and Toddler Group Page 14 As at 15/6/2019 Contacts – General Parish Council Report Page 15 Police (01452 726920) Civic Award for Ian Wilson Page 16 Gotherington P.O. & Stores (672249) Gotherington Nurseries (676722) Ian Wilson Verse Page 17 www.gotheringtonnurseries.co.uk Petanque Club Page 18 The Shutters (01242 300240) Gotherington Primary School (675454) Tennis Club Page 19 Doctor’s Stoke Road (674676) Doctor’s Greyholme Surgery (672669) Village Hall Coffee Mornings Page 20 Hospital Transport (Gill Lofts) (674129) W.I. Page 21 GOWNS (07752 152485) Village Agent (07810 630244) or 01452 426868 Wine Club Page 22 Borough Councillor Mel Gore (07970 429832) [email protected] County Councillor Rob Bird (07711 269 096) robert.bird@.gov.uk Garden House Nursery School (07913256364/01386 81886) Yoga [Tuesdays] Sarah Martin (269765) [email protected]

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 2 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 23 GOTHERINGTON BROWNIES Contact: Kirsten Stillman 673218 [email protected]

We have had a busy term with lots of new activities and badges completed. The girls are enjoying the new programme and have tried pitching tents, making their own advertising campaigns for Girlguiding, learning about fire safety and next week we are off to do some fire lighting.

We took 18 girls to the PGL centre in Swindon for our Brownie Holiday this year and enjoyed a variety of adventurous outdoor activities including canoeing, the zip wire and the giant swing!

Martha and Sophie have achieved their Brownie Gold Awards, the highest achievement in Brownies, and are the first to reach this level in Gotherington – congratulations to them both.

Over the Summer we have some adventure days planned at Cowley, the Gloucestershire Girlguiding HQ, which we are all looking forward to.

Brownies meet on Monday evenings in the Village Hall and is for 7-10 year old girls. Our Brownie pack is currently full, but if you would like to add your daughter to the waiting list then please do get in touch. If anyone would like to come and help out as a Leader, regularly or occasionally, then please do contact me.

Unfortunately Gotherington Rainbows has closed for the time being, but we are hopeful that it will reopen later in the year.

Kirsten

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Thank you to everyone who contributed to Christian Aid week last month and a huge thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to carry out the door-to-door collections. Just over £1000 was raised – wonderful! Kirsten

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 22 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 3 NEWS FROM THE VICAR! GOTHERINGTON, WOOLSTONE & OXENTON W.I. Contact: email: [email protected] or phone:01242 675559 Contacts President - Sally Newbury (01242 317276) - [email protected] Churchwardens (Woolstone): Sarah Whitehead (674489) / Michael. Bower (672900) Secretary - Rosemary Bishton (01242 677290) - [email protected] Church life isn’t ‘politics’ (I hear you cheer!), but perhaps an interest in Treasurer - Myra Card - [email protected] ‘turnout’ is one thing we have in common. Politicians talk about ‘getting We have been entertained and educated recently by: Chris O’Grady, out to vote’ on election day, as we’re urged to ‘turn out’ and do our who walked on a pilgrimage from Pershore to Rome sustained along civic duty. Certainly it’s taken as a sign of a healthy democracy when the way largely by the kindness of strangers; Paul Denney, who people respond in numbers. explained his fake snow business; Allan Wells, who told us all about Our (Sunday) turnout is, in turn, a mark of the health of our Churches. bumble bees; and two excellent main speakers at the GFWI Annual The number of people making the choice to come to Church on a Meeting in the Town Hall talked about climate change and women’s Sunday is a big deal when there’s so much competition for our time, rights over the past 100 years. energy and attention. W.I. is not all about talks though. As well as celebrating our 66th For a Church, however, turnout, isn’t the only sign of good health. Birthday in April with visitors from other Institutes and a lovely meal, Alongside the importance of showing up, we know that teamwork is we enter Quiz and Skittles competitions, have monthly lunches at the also vital. The Shutters Inn and run Tai Chi classes. We also enjoy craft sessions That’s something we acknowledged when we chose to make ‘serving and recently learnt to make very attractive café flowers using a form of as part of a team’ one of our core commitments, describing what it Japanese paper folding. And two members of our Art Group went to means to ‘count me in’ to the life of our Churches. We did so because, Denman, the W.I. College in Oxfordshire, for a course on Chinese in God’s Community, not a single one of us is disposable. Each of us Brush Painting which was very different from our usual styles. Our Art has a part to play in the health and life of the Church. Group members put some of their work on display at the Art Exhibition held in the Old Chapel in May and were quite proud of what they had And teamwork absolutely isn’t just about filling a slot on a rota. It’s put together! about recognising that a healthy Church is built by people using the We are going to be serving strawberries and cream at the Village Fete gifts and energy they have to serve. Our Churches are built on those on 27th July so do come along and treat yourselves. teams of volunteers: people who, yes, ‘turn out’ Sunday-by-Sunday, but who also serve, one way or another, as part of a team. Future meetings will feature ‘Fun with a ‘G’ String’, ‘Quaint and Quirky Gloucestershire’, ‘The Books of John Moore’ and ‘Gloucestershire’s Queen, So, if you’re already a Volunteer, thank you for your willingness to Katharine Parr’ serve and for giving your time. And if you’re not yet part of ‘Team We meet in Gotherington Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. on the 4th Church’ but would like to know more, please let us know - we’d love to Wednesday of the month and new members and visitors are always hear from you. very welcome. Do go to our website to find out more – With kindest regards www.gwowi.org.uk. Richard Reakes, The Vicarage, Malleson Road, Gotherington We look forward to seeing you! Jill Parsons

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 4 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 21 VILLAGE HALL COFFEE MORNINGS CRICKET CLUB Contact: Christine Godsell on 01242 672821 or email [email protected] www.gotheringtoncc.org.uk Contact: Brian Cosgrove on 676216 or [email protected] Coffee Mornings in the Village Hall are the perfect place to meet up The 2019 season is well underway with plenty of highlights but also with old friends, make new ones and enjoy a cuppa with homemade some challenges. We have a great fixture list but unfortunately some cakes. There are normally stalls selling all types of crafts and cards - Clubs who were unable to raise a side have called off at short notice. and sometimes we have someone selling homemade wood items and This trend has spread to Saturday cricket with some Clubs having to pottery. merge or fold. If you fancy a freshly cooked bacon roll or just a cake then both are on Against that backdrop we should be grateful that Brian and Yvonne offer for you to enjoy with that cup of tea or coffee or even a soft drink Cosgrove do such an amazing job running the ‘junior section’. This Coffee Mornings are in the Village Hall on the first Saturday of every opens up the game to a new generation of children, which in turn month except January and August. Each Coffee Morning is sponsored feeds the more senior levels of the game. Under the guidance of Brian by a different Village Club or Society who make all the cakes and and Yvonne, and with skills development from Gecko the company we serve the drinks and do a great job. All profits from the Coffee use to provide specialist coaching on a Saturday morning, we have Mornings go towards the running and maintenance costs of the Village children from age 7 upwards, an u11 side, an u15 side – and an u13 Hall. side that is currently top of their league. We have also invested Christine Godsell, Gotherington Village Hall Coffee Mornings significantly in junior development with the purchase of a bowling machine which was funded in large part by our 100 Club and some much appreciated one off donations. Pitch and practice facilities are now way above what you would expect for a local Club again down to the work of ‘Groundsman Cosgrove’ and helpers. We recently enjoyed our 5th game against the Royal Household Cricket Club who now lead us 3-2 in the series after this year’s win in the grounds of Windsor Castle. We took a party of 40 along to enjoy the day after having negotiated increased security due the fact that the pitch is pretty close to some new high profile residents! They were wonderful hosts and we hope to see them back in Gotherington in 2020. It has been nice to welcome 2 new residents of the village (Steve Bunn and Andrew Shakespeare) as regular players and they have made a really positive impact on the team. Anybody else who is keen to get involved as player, administrator, umpire, scorer, groundsman, fundraiser, coach or supporter is more than welcome as any additional help is always appreciated and it can be a lot of fun. Rob Sharp

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 20 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 5 GARDENING CLUB GOTHERINGTON TENNIS CLUB Contact: Rob Cronin (321644) Contact: Andrew Harrington 677039 or Ian Donnelly on 674404 www.gotherington.org.uk/gardening-club http://www.gotherington.org.uk/tennis.asp Summer is here and hopefully our gardens will soon be full of colour Well, everything was set for a great start to the season - the courts and interest – roses, perennials and summer bedding plants. I hope were cleaned, new balls purchased, rackets dusted off and all set to the weather will have delivered a balance of warming sun and gentle go….and then we have the wettest start to a season for many a year! rain so that we can enjoy lovely long evenings! Despite that our hardy members continue to enjoy their social tennis The ever-growing club has enjoyed our Spring talks and we’re now on Monday and Wednesday evenings - when not dodging in and out of looking forward to our Summer visit to Hampton Court Gardens the showers. Hopefully, something resembling Summer will appear (Leominster), closely followed by our annual Garden Party in June. shortly! Jerry Green gave a fascinating talk in March on the National Trust 17th Despite the weather, we still have a healthy number of juniors taking century Dutch Water Garden at Westbury-on-Severn - if you haven’t part in our coaching sessions on a Sunday morning. It’s great to see visited, put it on your list! In April, Liz Fallon of the “Cotswold Posy the courts full of happy smiling young faces enjoying our great game. Patch” charted the development of her growing cut-flower business A big thank you to Club Coach Liam Gough for the enthusiasm and and inspired us to try growing Sweet Peas by the cordon method. In sense of fun he brings to these sessions and thanks also to our May, we had an entertaining and practical ‘show and tell’ (and sell!) of parents - their support and positive feedback is very much quality plants by Paul Green of Greens Leaves Nursery, Newent. appreciated. We still have a couple of spaces free on a Sunday, so if At the Gotherington Village Fete on July 27th June, the Club will be your child is interested in picking up a racket and having a go then hosting an eye-catching, colourful and interesting Summer display of please call me or message us on our Facebook page. plants in pots and containers. Do come and have a look, pick our League tennis is now underway, with a stuttering start across the brains, or just have a chat - we’d love to see you! teams. The Men’s A are finding it tough in the higher league this year, We have a varied programme of talks for the Autumn followed by our not helped by injuries, while the season has hardly started at all for the Christmas party. If you’d like to join us for a free taster session, we Men’s B and Lady’s teams due to weather postponements. Hopefully meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (except August) in the Village we will enjoy our traditional strong comeback in the second half of the season and start climbing those leagues. Hall and talks start at 8 p.m. September ‘Africa from Summit to Sea’ Climbing Kilimanjaro & Fingers crossed that the Summer will eventually arrive and, with Wimbledon just 18th scenic visit to South Africa and Cape Town by Ray round the corner, why not dust off that old racket, come down to Gotherington tennis club on a Monday or Wednesday evening and see what we’re all about? For further Sturdy, photographer and traveller information please contact Ian Donnelly on 01242 674404 or at October 16th Wild Orchids of the South Midlands by Colin & Angela Scrutton facebook.com/GotheringtonTennis gotherington.org.uk/tennis.asp Kate Button Ian Donnelly

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 6 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 19 GOTHERINGTON PETANQUE CLUB GOTHERINGTON FILM CLUB Contact: Mary Manders-Trett on 674592 or Christine Godsell on 672821 Contact: Peter Rhodes & Alan Waine, [email protected] www.gotherington.org.uk/petanque Facebook Group – Gotherington Film Club

We are already well into our Summer activities. We have celebrated the 20th May saw the launch of the Gotherington Film Club in the Old Chapel anniversary of our ‘Invitation Doubles’ tournament with a record number of entries starting with a Children’s Matinee of ‘Small foot’ and a sell out from other Clubs and a most acceptable lunch to make the day a little more special. evening performance of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. We opened our Friday night play with the usual ‘Men vs Ladies melee’ with supper to follow. And the ‘limited ends melee’ with cream tea will take place in June. It’s been a crazy first month! We have been busy reviewing feedback, planning our next film day, fixing the surround-sound We now have a notice board in the shelter on the piste so you can see the other speakers and shopping for supplies. Happily, the feedback was events that are planned for the year ahead and contact numbers for joining. If you wish to give petanque (or boules) a try, do get in touch or just come along to one of very positive and showed that going to see a film in your own village our sessions. We would be very pleased to see some new faces. really can be quite special!

And – last but certainly not least – the Club have a variety of fun things planned for Stopping the films for an interval has proved popular, with ice the Summer Fete – so don't forget to visit us, have a go and test out your skills. creams going down well (and a few alcoholic beverages) and a Have a lovely summer and maybe we shall...... chance to chat and stretch the legs being appreciated.

SEE YOU ON THE PISTE! We are always looking for recommendations for our future monthly showings – you can vote or add your own ideas on our Facebook page.

Christine Godsell Secretary Tickets for showings are available in Gotherington Stores.

To receive details of future showings and to be added to the mailing list, please email us at [email protected].

The Film Club is extremely grateful to Gotherington Rec Club who very generously donated the projector for the Film Club. We would also like to thank Paul Dixon and Tim & Avril Badham who kindly gave the screen and surround-sound speaker system to the Old Chapel Community Project.

Peter and Alan

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 18 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 7 NEWS FROM THE NURSERIES I AM A VOLUNTARY LITTER COLLECTOR www.gotheringtonnurseries.co.uk Contact: Phone 01242 676722 I am a voluntary litter collector, and I think I do a good job.

th I go out every morning, with my little dog. This is our 28 year in business and no two years have had the same He’s a Jack Russell, and we call him Bertie. weather patterns. A dry Winter and wet May/June have contrasted He is a little sweetie and he always accompanies me. sharply with the beautiful Easter weekend we enjoyed. Nature always seems to balance itself out and this brings it’s own challenges in all We go around our village and country lanes as well, our gardens. Picking up the litter and making it look swell. We do the public footpaths and bridle paths too, The Nursery has been a hive of activity, from seed sowing, to potting Picking up the litter and occasional doggy pooh! on, and re-stocking and supplying our Garden Centre at Toddington. Production of Summer bedding plants continues throughout the Our country lanes are beautiful and pleasing to the eye. summer until Autumn and Winter bedding plants become available in So why do people leave rubbish when they drive by? late August/early September. In the meantime, we have been very Don’t they know it’s an awful sin? busy making up Customer orders for planted hanging baskets and They should take it home, and use their bin? containers as well as ensuring there are plenty available for sale in the Bert and I are getting on and soon won’t be here. glasshouse. Who’ll pick the litter then, that’s what I fear. In the plant area, the wide variety of cottage garden plants provide Who’ll keep things tidy like we’ve always done? instant colour and offer good value for money and are great to fill a I have my doubts, I really do, for the future of Gotherington. space in a border. We have a good choice of shrubs, roses, conifers, So if you go out late at night in the fog climbers, rockery plants and herbs. Our expanded tree area has a And see ghostly figures of a man and his dog. great range of ornamental and fruit trees. Don’t be frightened, it will only be Bertie and me The shop is well stocked with a range of gardening goods including We’ll have come back down to see if Gotherington is still litter free. tools, Hozelock products, lawn, plant & garden care products, solar We won’t mean to frighten you or cause you any pain lights and bird care products. Bulbs for Autumn planting should be So, very soon we’ll go back to from where we came. making their way onto our shelves during August. Where’s that you may ask - why it’s Heaven of course. Our website can be found at gotheringtonnurseries.co.uk and check Hopefully a place there is reserved for us. our Facebook page for regular updates It’ll have been a difficult task I know to achieve. (facebook.com/gotheringtonnurseries). We are open Monday to But Bertie and I will have done it with ease. Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sundays between 10 a.m. With extra years thrown in for good measure and 4 p.m. Then Bertie and I will have a life of leisure! We wish you well for the season and thank you for your continued Ian Angus Wilson, January 2019 support. Happy gardening! Mark and Liz, Gotherington Nurseries

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 8 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 17 CIVIC AWARD FOR 32 YEARS SERVICE GOTHERINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Contact: [email protected] Tel: 01242 675454 Residents of Gotherington will more than likely recognise Ian Wilson - http://www.gotherington.gloucs.sch.uk a regular sight in his bright yellow jacket, walking the streets, picking I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Gotherington up litter and accompanied by a Jack Russell terrier. community for such a warm welcome. I feel privileged to be the Headteacher of such a wonderful school with a long history of Ian is one of a small band of volunteers that helps to keep educational excellence. I am keen to build on the strong foundations Gotherington looking so neat and tidy. This year, as he approaches his already in place and to promote a life-long love of learning – 90th birthday and after a staggering 32 years of service, the Village encouraging children to be independent, resilient and curious. thought he should be presented with a special award. As a school family, we are passionate about experienced based It all started in 1987 as just a daily walk with his dog. Then it occurred learning and Gotherington offers an exceptional natural environment to him that perhaps his walks could be a little more useful and he for the children to learn in. Our school family are keen to design ways began taking a bag and picking up litter. For a number of years, his in which we can all work together for the good of the Community. walks extended beyond the village and went as far as Gotherington Fields. However, as traffic increased, it became too hazardous to We are currently designing a Forest School within our school grounds venture that far and he was decided to limit his activities to within the which will provide an inspirational outdoor learning environment for all village. our children. If you are able to help us by donating your time or materials we would be extremely grateful. We are also planning to Although the Parish Council provided new wellington boots from time create raised beds so children will be able to grow their own to time, they felt Ian’s selfless service now deserved formal vegetables as part of our ‘Food for Life’ project. If you are able to help, recognition. or if you would like any further information, then please get in touch. We have had a really busy summer term so far which has already Howard Samuels, Chair of the Parish Council, said “Ian is a true included some fantastic learning experiences including: Community hero and the Parish Council is honoured to recognise his  We welcomed our School Dog Hero to our Community with an contribution in the form of a Civic Award for Outstanding Service to the excellent assembly and workshops from the Dogs Trust to help village of Gotherington.” us learn how to be safe around dogs and how to care for them. On receiving the Award Ian said “It keeps me going. I’m fit and healthy  School visits to a wide range of places including Waitrose, and will carry on until I’m one hundred, if I live that long”. The residents Cotswold Farm Park, Cranham Woods, Science of Gotherington certainly hope so! Festival, Manor Adventure and the Three Counties Show.

(Editor’s Note: The following verse was written by Ian in memory of Katie Langley, Headteacher Gotherington Primary School Bertie, the Jack Russell terrier, who died mid November 2016).

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 16 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 9 GOTHERINGTON SINGERS GOTHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Contact: Howard Samuels (672492) or [email protected] Chairman: Sally Newbury (Tel. 317276) Secretary: Lesley Nicholls (222853) www.gotheringtonsingers.co.uk At the local Elections on May 2nd only 8 people put their names forward to As well as our Monday practices at 7.45 p.m at Gotherington Village join the Parish Council so there was no need for a vote. Three Councillors Hall, we now practice at St. Nicolas’ Church in Swindon Lane on stood down (Rodney Churchill, Cora Patel and Caroline Ryman) and we alternate weeks. Our Choir continues to flourish with several new welcome two new Councillors, Colin Brown and Simon Tarling. I would like to members joining us after our recent Open Singing event. thank Caroline, Cora and Rodney on behalf of the Council for all their work and commitment during their time as Gotherington Parish Council Councillors. In June the Choir spent a singing weekend at Denman College to # develop our vocal skills, prepare for our Summer Concert, and also to We had the Annual Parish Meeting at the Village Hall in May with a full enjoy some social time together. Our Summer concert on 13 July at agenda and a variety of speakers including the School Head, Village P.O. & St. Nicolas’ Church will support the FOCUS local charity and features Stores and many others representing Village Clubs and Societies. Zoe Tan, a talented young pianist. Tickets from 01242 620775 It was also a special occasion in that we presented Ian Wilson with a plaque and a plant for his outstanding service to Gotherington in keeping our village We will have a break during August, but will resume again in clean of litter for the past 32 years and counting! September. There will be Open Singing events at Gotherington The Rex Rhodes Building has had a make over and looks far more nd th Village Hall on 2 September and at St. Nicolas’ Church on 9 appealing with new facia boards and guttering plus 2 new doors. The September, both starting at 7.45 p.m. Visitors and prospective new windows have lost the metal grills and we have two lovely planters members are all welcome to come along and listen or join in with the made for us by Paul from the Village Store. singing and enjoy cake and chat with our members. Our new online booking system, Hallmaster, is proving to be very Another date for your diary is Saturday 14 December when we will be successful and all bookings are now being made using this facility. returning to St. Nicolas for our Christmas Concert, in support of the Preparations for the Summer Fete on Saturday July 27th are Headway charity. progressing well and all proceeds will go towards the restoration of the The Choir is available to sing at weddings, funerals, parties etc. You War Memorial. can find more information about the Choir and how to contact us on We still have an opening for one more Councillor on the Parish Council so our website – www.gotheringtonsingers.co.uk. and on Facebook. New please get in touch if you would like to become a local councillor. members are always welcome and we look forward to seeing you at Howard Samuels, Chair of the Parish Council one (or all) of our events.

Sally Newbury

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 10 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 15 PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP JUNIOR FOOTBALL Contact: Emily Charnock 07855 279778 Contact: Rob Sharp on 01242 678057 or [email protected] [email protected] The 2018/19 season was yet another very good one for the Club. The Toddler Group has continued to thrive this year with lots of new Around 170 players were involved in the Club from u6 to u17. Our u17 families joining and in April we had our annual Easter party. The side, managed by Rich Major, completed a remarkable double winning weather was beautiful,. We were able to have our Easter Egg hunt the u17 league (pipping the likes of Tuffley Rovers) and then securing outside and were lucky to have a visit from the Easter Bunny! The the Cup in the final at Cheltenham Town’s ground, coming from 0-2 children really enjoyed it and went home with a haul of chocolate eggs. down to gain a hard fought victory against Leckhampton. This Vikki Kelly, a local photographer, came to the group in May and took achievement is even more noteworthy as it follows up league some amazing photos of the children outside. This was a really championships at u15 and u16. popular session and one we will repeat later on in the year. Our younger sides have also enjoyed excellent seasons and did very In June it was time for the annual summer trip which this year was to well with a raft of tournament wins and good league performances. All Things Wild. Unfortunately the weather was not very ‘summery’, Two of our sides visited the St Georges Place England Training but luckily there was a lot to do inside and everyone had a great day. Complex to see the facilities and also participate in an FA coach led The group will continue to run throughout the Summer, but during training session. August we will be meeting in the children’s playground opposite the The Club has again maintained FA Charter status and strives to Rex Rhodes Building instead of the Village Hall - so please come improve the coaching levels we provide players. We have a Schools along and join us. We start back in the hall on September 3rd. Liaison Officer and all coaches and assistants are CRC checked and It will soon be time to hand over the reins to a new Committee. have to complete Child Safeguarding courses alongside their First aid Although we have already had a lot of interest from people, if there is and coaching qualifications. anyone else that would like to get involved please do let me know. Or We have a hard working Committee but, as four of those involved no if there are any residents who would like to come along to help at our longer have children at the Club, we do need the next generation of sessions (e.g. making drinks/preparing snacks etc) that would be most managers, parents and administrators to take on more responsibility to appreciated. Our contact details are below. We meet on Tuesday ensure the successful development of the Club. mornings in the Village Hall from 9.30am until 11.30am and welcome Talking of development, we will be running our first ever Girls Side all with babies and toddlers up to pre-school age. It costs £2 per family next season under the management of Stewart Peters covering u9/u10 and we have a large selection of toys and a craft activity every week age bracket which will be great to see. as well as a singing session. It is run by parents on a rota basis. We held an end of season ‘Funday’ in June which was very well Please see our Facebook page for updates, or email us at attended and gave everybody a chance to see the scale and scope of [email protected] if you would like to receive further the Club, whilst awards were handed out and lots of fun games played. information. Planning for next season is well underway as we look to ensure the Emily Charnock Club is well placed to continue providing a healthy sporting outlet for a large number of children. Rob Sharp, Chairman and Secretary GJFC

Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 14 Gotherington Topics Summer 2019 Page 11 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH THE OLD CHAPEL www.gotherington.org.uk/neighbourhood-watch Contact: Andy Stillman 673218 [email protected] www.gotheringtonoldchapel.org.uk Contact: John Hicks(Long Furlong Park) 676848 Mary Manders-Trett (Malleson Road) 674592 It’s been another busy period at the Old Chapel with a number of Howard Samuels(Shutter Lane)672492 special events and many more planned. Of particular note has been Report a Crime - Contact the Police: the launch of the Gotherington Film Club. The first screenings have Reporting an emergency 999 or 112 Reporting non-emergencies been very successful and full details can be found in the separate 101 Film Club entry in this edition of Topics. There has also been the Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 Crime Stoppers 0800 555 launch of a new Book Club, a sell out night of entertainment from 111 ex-Gotherington resident Peter Gill in March and our first ever Art exhibition in May – thank you to everyone who shared their work What is Neighbourhood Watch? Many thanks also to everyone who completed the Old Chapel In essence, it concerns crime prevention plus, just as importantly, it questionnaire that was distributed earlier this year. We received a involves neighbours working together as a Community to make their total of 83 responses which have provided us with many ideas for area a safer place. This in turn instils in the residents a sense of how you would like to see the Old Chapel used. security, knowing their homes and other property are being cared for by their neighbours. This, and improved social contact, are the As the Old Chapel Community Project grows and develops we will hallmarks of a successful Watch. need a few more hands to help out. If you are interested in helping with events, grant funding, communications, refurbishment or Improve the Quality of life bookings, then please drop us an e-mail. Whatever the problem in your neighbourhood, you have the power to There are a number of special events coming up starting with our do something about it - but a lone voice can go unheard. Success can next big fundraiser – look out for the hedgehogs popping up all over be achieved when several people act together as a group. That is the village in July and join the trail by picking up a guide from where Neighbourhood Watch comes in because it provides a Gotherington Stores. nationally recognised opportunity to act together to tackle local The Old Chapel will take part in the Summer Fete bake-off on 27 concerns. July. A Bingo night is planned for 28 September, and we have a musical evening with Matthew Sproston on 4 October. Regular If you would like to get involve please contact one of the people listed events include the Traditional Games Club on the 1st Sunday of the above. month from 2-4pm and Café Church on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 10.30. PCSO Visits We are now having regular visits by our local PCSO (Police The Old Chapel is available to hire – call 07974 101659 or email Community Support Officer) to the Village Store. Please go along for a [email protected]. chat and any advice that you may have concerns about. Details in the Andy Store.

Howard Samuels

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