The horse’s Mouth
News and Events in the Parish of Horsley February 2021
Great for value and great for Horsley
OPENING HOURS
Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm Sun 9.00am - 12 noon 01453 836662 | [email protected]
DIRECTORY OF USEFUL HORSLEY CONTACTS SAINT MARTIN’S HORSLEY Caroline Bland Vicar 836536 Stephen Jarvis Associate Priest 884545 Martin Bland Churchwarden 836536 Mark Carden Treasurer 833425
THE HORSE’S MOUTH MAGAZINE Helen Knuckle: [email protected] Editor: Events/News 839441 Lynn Stride: [email protected] Publishing 833026 Mark Carden: [email protected] Advertising 833425 HORSLEY C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL Gary Price Head Teacher 833625 PARISH COUNCIL Kate Kay Chair 833458 Marianne Simpson Clerk 07909 718980 THE HOG PUBLIC HOUSE [email protected] 833843 VILLAGE HALL and 3 IN 1- Karen Butt Bookings and keys 834696 PARISH TREE WARDEN Maxine Relton 832597 HORSLEY ORCHARD PROJECT Ruth Liengaard - Co-ordinator 832895 HORSLEY PLAYGROUP Hannah Vaughan 07929 974982 HORSLEY COMMUNITY SHOP
Email: [email protected] Supervisor - Sarah Huntley HORSLEY VILLAGE EMAIL [email protected] HORSLEY UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB Kevin Drew 07879 464742 GLOUCESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARY Non-emergency number 101
New Baby Welcome
This announcement was received just a little too late for the December issue of The Horse’s Mouth but nevertheless our congratulations are just as warm as we welcome baby Celeste Imogen Eve Conway.
Celeste was born at 9.15am on 24th November 2020 weighing 6lb 13oz. Her proud parents are Abby (nee Hunt) and Sam Conway of Faring- don in Oxfordshire. Celeste is the 5th granddaughter and 8th grandchild of, Abby’s par- ents, Sarah and Peter Hunt of Downend.
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We are pleased to say that our community We have a range of different versions of the shop remains open as usual during this Marrow's veg boxes for sale. Please ask lockdown and we remain very well stocked Sarah at the shop for details. with the essentials and also treats for those Please could we remind everyone entering dull, rainy days! the shop to wear a face mask and be mind- Home deliveries are still available on a ful of social distancing. With the new vari- Tuesday and Thursday. Please ring the ant virus it is more important than ever for shop on 01453 836662 between 9am and us to be alert. It is a small shop and it can 12.00 midday to place your order and it will be so easy to get close to someone. We be delivered to you around 1-2pm. Collec- appreciate you all using the hand sanitiser tions can also be arranged on these days. as you enter.
The monthly artist exhibition continues and keep safe we also have a range of pottery from local Diana Stiles potter, John Forster, on sale.
We have in stock a variety of craft materi- 01453 836662 als, books, paper, pens, crayons, paint etc [email protected] and other toys to keep the children busy. Rover Coach House
Most of us will have no- ticed or heard the demoli- tion of the Rover Coaches depot on the Street!
Here is a drawing from the plans for the 3 houses going on the site. A com- pany called Flint Con- struction, who bought the land from the Hand fami- ly, are doing the demoli- tion and the building of the new houses.
There will be one detached and two semi-detached houses and there will be parking/garage/garden areas to the rear of the properties. There will be more on the history of this site in a future issue of the Horse's Mouth.
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County Councillor’s Report Hopefully this will prevent them from being blocked up with debris. Nailsworth to Stroud Cycle Track LED Lighting Two small sections of the track, one at If anyone is aware of any street lighting in Frogmarsh and the other behind the new the parish which has not been changed apartments at Rooksmoor, will be resur- over to LED, could they please let me know faced when the fencing is removed at as in some parishes, some appear to have Rooksmoor. Funds of £160,000 have been been forgotten. made available from the District CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) monies to Elections carry out major repairs (still in design) to the At the time of writing this article no decision bridge at Gydynap and to replace the deck- has been made regarding changing the ing on the bridge near Bird’s Crossing, date of elections for County, District, Parish North Woodchester. I hope to find funding and Police & Crime Commissioner, due to to resurface another small rough section in be held in May. As a resident you may be the near future. aware that the majority of these elections have already been postponed for one year. Gullies on the A46 During February residents should receive On the A46, just south of Barton End details from Stroud District Council encour- House, there has been an ongoing problem aging them to apply for postal votes. with the road flooding during heavy rain. I have recently paid for two large gullies to be Steve Robinson, County Councillor kerbed, out of my Local Highways Budget. [email protected] 01453 834270
In the Nosebag: A Culinary Contribution
This roast sweet potato hummus from Nina Parker is both easy, delicious and a step above shop bought hummus. This is great with nachos or crudité.
Makes 400g Ingredients 1 tsp turmeric 160g sweet potato 1 tsp paprika 8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 clove garlic, diced 200g tinned chickpeas 1 small shallot, diced sea salt and black pepper
Method
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees and roast the sweet potato with some olive oil, salt and pepper until soft (about 30 minutes).
Keeping ½ the chickpeas to one side, place everything into a blender and blend to a nice rough consistency. Then add in the last few chickpeas and pulse blend to just break them up. Taste for seasoning.
If you do not have a blender, or mini food processor, you can use a potato mash- er, but the consistency will not be as good.
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Obituaries
Colin Jackson Colin Jackson was born in 1946, in Washpool, and apart from travelling the world during 12 years in the RAF including Libya and Cyprus, among other places, he lived in Horsley all his life. After leaving the RAF Colin worked for the MOD at Kemble. Colin and his father and brother Brian were stalwarts of the mysterious "Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes" (R.A.O.B.), based in the Bell & Castle for many years.
He moved into Priory Fields when the houses there were built in1962, where his wife Shirley joined him from Scunthorpe when they married at the turn of the 21st century. Colin became stepfather to her 5 children, and then step-grandad to her 11 grandchildren too! They were married for 20 happy years, including lots of holidays abroad, and notably, running the Bric-a-brac stall at Horsley Fete together for many years. Colin's brother Brian died of an embolism in 2020, and sadly Colin followed him on December 8th, with Shirley beside him.
Andrew Knight Andrew Knight sadly passed away on the 19th December. He had been battling with cancer which finally got the better of him. He had lived with his family in Rockness for the past 21 years.
Andrew was a keen cyclist and was often spotted cycling around the many hills and valleys in the area - not just for pleasure but also to commute to work at Delphi in Stonehouse where he was Chief Design Engineer.
Andrew will be sadly missed by many, especially his wife Stella and his two children Alex and Emily.
Ian Cleaveley Sadly Ian passed away on 23rd January 2021 at Cheltenham General Hospital after a short illness. He was 79 years old.
Ian was well known by many in Horsley where he had lived in Rockness for over half a century. Being a brilliant vegetable gardener he often won prizes at the Horsley Shows. His onion growing was legendary and he supplied many of his neighbours. He was a 'countryman' who had walked all the local footpaths and was in tune with the seasons, crops and weather.
Before retiring he was a carpenter and joiner with local firms, chiefly TDS Bevan. He has worked on many properties and homes in the local area. He was fond of wildlife and could often be seen hand feeding robins and pheasants in his garden as well as spotting the deer when they visited. However he wasn’t so keen on badgers who stole his carrots!
One of his other interests was trains and he undertook many trips on the railways. He was a generous and kind friend and neighbour who will be very sadly missed.
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Vicar ’s Letter
On the last Sunday in January, the church celebrates Candlemas, the time when Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to be presented in the temple, as was the Jewish custom when a baby was 40 days old. Candlemas marks the end of the the whole of the Pandemic, whether in seasons of Christmas and Epiphany with church, at the graveside or at the the birth of Jesus and then the visit of wise crematorium chapel. These are men, the church season then returns to a extraordinary times and we long to get period known as Ordinary time. Ordinary back to some kind of ordinary time. time seems a strange word in the world we From the Ordinary time in the church are living in today, in times that are far calendar, we move to Lent, which begins th from any kind of ordinary. on Wednesday 17 February, with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of reflection on Church services, bible study and meetings our lives, on the way we live, and our in the benefice have moved back on-line, spiritual connection with God. The as we do our best to keep each other safe. pandemic has given Lent even more Vaccinations are rolling out and people are meaning as I suspect we have all in some looking forward to a time when we are free way re-evaluated our lives. from worrying about being ill and the rising loss of life, how we long for times to be We don’t know what church will look like ordinary. as we reach Easter, but whatever happens, the church will still be very much Those important life events, such as continuing with meeting in person, on-line, weddings, baptisms and funerals continue or a combination of these. The church is to depend on government restrictions. At of course always here support you in any this time weddings are not permitted and way we can or simply share a funerals, taken by myself or one of the conversation. clergy team, have of course continued to take place with limited numbers throughout Rev Caroline
Winds of Change
Unfortunately the weathervanes on the tower of St Martin’s Church will have to be tempo- rarily removed shortly, as they are not rotating properly any more, and so are at risk of damaging the tower’s pinnacles in high winds. G & S Steeplejacks will undertake the removal professionally in the next few weeks.
It is hoped that funding can be found to repair and reinstate the weathervanes at some point in the future, and donations for this would be most welcome. The weathervanes were designed by noted local artist Kit Williams.
Martin Bland, Churchwarden
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Horsley Runners & A Cotswold Walk to Work Riders’ List I open the door, to the sun’s reaching arm, Our Vicar, Rev. Caroline To hear cock-a-doodle, from Nupend farm, Bland, is keeping a running Walk out of the gate, to see birds on the wing, ‘good morning Steve’ - it’s the milkman, Alan King. list of those offering or requir- ing help during these tricky The first morning footsteps - free from hassle, times. If you contact her at the As I wander past - the Bell and Castle vicarage on 836536 or email: Fresh Cotswold air - pure country ozones A lovely smile and a greeting - from Lola Jones [email protected] and let her know which ham- Litter free lanes is the golden rule, let or neighbourhood of the a quick downwards glance, towards Washpool, village you live in, and what Onwards I step - the sun crimson red As Chas Cooper attend, the old potting shed. level of help you are able to offer, or need, (and also if that Down to Nailsworth I go, leaving Horsley’s fine charm. changes). Noticing acrobatic fish at the trout farm All natures beauty - there’s even field mice. We appreciate that many ‘Lovely morning Steve’ - it’s Dave and Mary Price. groups in the village are al- ready using WhatsApp and so My journey half completed, still downhill, The old rustic charm - of Ruskin Mill. on, but some villagers may be A beautiful building there is no doubt, outside these loops. Please It’s here when I was younger, I guddled my trout. take care, of yourselves and each other! A fantastic morning - it sure takes some beating As I spot my work mate, Lenny Keating Here the stream dances, full of ripples
As I make my approach to my workplace Dipples.
What an invigorating walk no intruding telly
Not even a rumble from my big fat belly I consider it an honour as I reach the first stair To be walking in Gloucestershire’s wonderful air.
Steve Window, late of Horsley
The December 200 Club draw winner was Rosie Hark! The Horsley Carollers sang... Godfrey of Rockness with her lucky ticket number 136.
The first draw of 2021 in January was lucky number Certain fortunate sections of the village 52 belonging to Min and were treated to some beautiful Carol Singing Oggi Hogg who also live in over three evenings in December, at which a Rockness. total collection of £236 was raised and donated to the 3in1, which had sadly been unable to host the popular Both winners have received Carol Service this year. £55. Huge thanks go to singing superstars Joy Main, Kate Rachel Azcona Love, Sarah Honeychurch, Hannah Hartop and [email protected] Catherine Beard.
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Horsley Orchard
Project
Celebrating our Orchard Heritage by Ally Oliver
We have many ways to celebrate our orchard heritage. As well as being a natural wildlife haven, our orchard is a communal place for people to come together to grow and harvest food; working with nature to nurture the orchard floor, trees and boundaries. It also provides a focal point for community activities such as Apple Days and Wassails.
Last year, a group of us harvested an amazing array of vegeta- bles and herbs grown in our no-dig veg plots, not to forget the juicy pickings of apples, plums and grapes from the surround- ing fruit trees and vines … some of which made their way into juices, chutneys and jams. Meanwhile, a steady crew were busy with the orchard groundwork. With thanks to Rob Kent and Tom Walker, the hedge and trees were trimmed ready for the spring bird-nesting season. This generated a large pile of wood chips, which were spread onto the espalier bed, thanks to Nina Loveridge and David Walls. We’re grateful for all the contributions made by our Sealey Wood neighbours … while David cut the grass, trimmed the paths and wheeled wood chip around, Mike and Elaine Brown freed up the paths of encroaching weeds.
Our Apple Pressing Days brought small groups of people to- gether in socially-distanced times, where households were able to press and juice their fallen apples. As we move through the beginning of the year, when the apple trees are still in their winter dormancy, we are reminded of The Wassail, per- haps one of the most restorative ways of celebrating our or- chard heritage. Early last year, we were able to gather for this festive occasion with singing and circle-dancing, storytelling and mumming, hot apple cider and apple cake; hanging cider-soaked toast and banging pots and pans to awaken the trees from their winter slumber.
As we move through these uncertain times, maybe we can revive and restore through the renew- ing cycles of nature; reminding ourselves of what is certain, as in this poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins....
As sure as what is most sure, sure as that spring primroses Shall new-dapple next year, sure as tomorrow morning Amongst come-back-again things, things with a revival, Things with a recovery...
For more information and to get involved with Horsley Orchard Project, please contact Ruth Liengaard on 07584 074767. < 11 >
Current Planning Applications in or affecting Horsley:
1. Cedar - Reduce (See report) 2.Lime - Fell The Priory Priory Fields Ref. No: S.21/0031/TPO, Rec’d 05 Jan 2021, Validated 19 Jan 2021. Status: Awaiting decision
Construction of rear/side extension, renovation works to the main house & replace- ment garage. Haycorn House Whiteway Bank Downend Ref. No: S.20/2769/HHOLD, Rec’d: 21 Dec 2020, Validated 21 Dec 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Discharge of Conditions 2 (Building works method statement), 3 (Surface water drainage) & 4 (Landscaping management scheme) of S.20/1205/HHOLD Folly Cottage Whiteway Bank Downend, Ref. No: S.20/2771/DISCON, Rec’d 21 Dec 2020, Validated 21 Dec 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Installation of dormer window, velux skylight and garden pergola, Tickmorend Farm Tickmorend Ref. No: S.20/2744/HHOLD, Rec’d 17 Dec 2020, Validated 07 Jan 2021. Status: Awaiting decision
Erection of single storey side extension, Box Cottage Downend Ref. No: S.20/2671/ HHOLD, Rec’d 10 Dec 2020, Validated 10 Dec 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Demolition of both the existing detached house and garage outbuilding and con- struction of replacement dwelling with associated landscaping and two parking spaces. Grange Cottage Upper Barton End Lane, Ref. No: S.20/2669/FUL, Rec’d 09 Dec 2020, Validated 14 Dec 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Two storey extension, Lieramont Downend Ref. No: S.20/2580/ HHOLD, Rec’d 30 Nov 2020, Validated 03 Dec 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Change of use of an existing agricul- tural steel portal farm building to B8 Storage with ancillary B1usage (retrospective) Unit 1 (The Stone Studio) Hay Lane Farm Hay Lane Ref. No: S.20/1829/COU, Rec’d 04 Sep 2020, Validated 04 Sep 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
Demolition of the existing dilapidated side and rear single storey exten- sions, and the construction of a new double storey side and rear exten- sion, and single storey side and rear extension (Annexe) 1 Brookside Cot- tages Wormwood Hill, Ref. No: S.20/1684/HHOLD, Rec’d 17 Aug 2020, Validated 25 Aug 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
New porch 6 Wallow Green Ref. No: S.20/1462/HHOLD, Rec’d 16 Jul 2020, Validated 23 Jul 2020. Status: Awaiting decision
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LED lamps. Dimmed to 50% from midnight, Horsley – a ‘starry sky they have also lowered the emission of green- village’? Part 2 house gases and reduced the amount of light emitted. Some people dislike the increased When we can’t see many stars on a clear glare of these (unfortunately) cool-white LEDs night, this is because excess light pollution when close up, but, importantly, the lamps from our accumulated light sources is project- produce a more focussed down-light, reduce ed upwards, then reflected back to us. In addi- the light-spill on adjacent habitat, and help to tion, lighting that illuminates our immediate eliminate some of the barriers for the move- surroundings can be ecologically polluting. ment of our wildlife. Whilst street and exterior house lights may Do lower levels of street lighting mean that help us to feel safer when out at night, it can you or your property are more at risk? Not so have a significant impact on the behaviour, according to current research – for example, and ultimately the survival, of our nocturnal street lights don’t prevent accidents or crime wildlife.
Predators such as foxes are able to adapt to lit, urban environments, but animals which have eyes designed to see well in the dark are dazzled by artificial light. Owls, hedgehogs, bats (such as the rare lesser horseshoe), frogs and toads will avoid moving around or foraging in habi- tats that are illuminated. Even earthworms which come to the surface of the soil to feed at night, can sense light through their skins! Excessive light can create a mas- sive barrier effect on wildlife. It can also change behaviour. The bird in the song ‘Nightingale in Berkeley Square’ was in fact a robin singing all night in the well-lit city park. This ‘un-natural’ but not un-common according to a 2015 study published in the response is likely to shorten the lifespan of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community robin and similar exhausted birds. A 2018 Health. ‘The researchers looked at data on long-term study of 100 moth species brought road traffic collisions and crime in 62 local evidence, for the first time, that artificial night- authorities in England and Wales and found time lighting contributes significantly to moth that lighting had no effect, whether authorities decline. A sobering thought as moths are on had turned them off completely, dimmed them, the main menu of many nocturnal animals. turned them off at certain hours, or substituted LED lamps’. What can be done to reduce these impacts? Innovative solutions being developed to re- An example of thoughtful lighting design in duce street lighting include a ‘lunar-resonant’ Horsley is the use of low level ‘warm-white’ street light, developed in the USA by the Civil LED street bollards on the Sealey Wood es- Twilight Collective. These smart LED street tate. Porches prevent un-necessary light spill, lights can increase or decrease their intensity directing light where it is needed, and garages depending on the light of the moon! Studies are on motion sensors (PiRs) with lamps that show that red light is tolerated by bats, and are cowled, just lighting up the garages and Worcester County Council have approved red drives. Again, this saves money, cuts carbon LEDs on a trunk road next to a nature reserve emissions and reduces impacts on wildlife. So known to be frequented by several bat spe- if you are considering installing external lights, cies. But closer to home, in a drive primarily do consider this and other guidance on the to reduce costs, about two years ago, almost Institute of Lighting Engineers or Bat Conser- all of Horsley’s low-pressure sodium street vation Trust websites. lamps (the orange ones) were replaced by Jude Smith
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News from Citizens Advice – Help needed with employment problems during Covid pandemic
Please let anyone with difficulties know that we are able to offer advice by Freephone and email, but sadly as yet, not face to face contact.
Unfortunately, the number of enquiries about Employment problems has soared over the last 10 months. Many people have needed advice on whether they are entitled to furlough pay, how this is calculated, and whether they might be able to claim Universal Credit in addition.
Redundancy is also a big issue and many have concerns about how they will get a redun- dancy payment if their employer is unable to pay it.
The reason so many people need further help to understand the system is shown in the following example.
Mrs D was managing by having 2 jobs, this meant that in lockdown her income came from a mixture of paid work and furlough payments. It got further confused by a change in the National Minimum Wage during this time which gave her a small increase. She was then offered redundancy from one job, and again it was important to be aware of the calcula- tion of her redundancy pay, and any other payments which she might be due. Finally, she needed to know if she had any entitlement to Universal Credit to boost her income. Being uncertain of how she would be able to manage and what action she should consid- er, understandably caused Mrs D great anxiety.
By having these payments calculated and explained to her by our adviser meant that she was able to make informed decisions and became able to cope with her situation. We also advise on a whole range of other employment issues. The knock-on effects of job loss can cause financial as well as relationship and housing difficulties.
For help with any of these issues contact Stroud Citizens Advice On Freephone: 0808 800 0510 or 0808 800 0511 Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. or visit: www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk/stroud-cab-email-advice.php
Horsley Playgroup Job Vacancy
Temporary Play Assistant Contract until end summer term 2021
We are looking for someone with warmth, patience and a sense of fun for our creative early years playgroup. Applicants should preferably have a relevant level 3 child care qualification or teaching qualification. Working hours are 12 hours per week, (currently Mon and Weds), term time only.
For more information and an application pack please visit our website or contact us:
Closing date: 12th Feb 2021 Interview, references and DBS check will be required.
www.horsleyplaygroup.co.uk Email. [email protected] Tel. 07929 974982 < 14 >
Horsley Parish Council News be fixed) and indeed in Priory Fields. The track is in a very poor condition with large Village Hub Improvements Vision potholes. We cannot just keep adding grav- Your Parish Council will shortly be opening el and rising the level and so raising the risk a Consultation on the following projects, of flooding. listed here: 2 Extra Parking near the shop. At many Your views are very important to us, and in times the parking along the track is very the next issue of the Horse’s Mouth we will heavy and so needs extra spaces. It may announce how this will happen, together be possible to make some extra spaces with plans of the work that could be under- between the current gate and the Playing taken. These projects, although in the same Field. area, can be undertaken separately and all of them will be subject to how we can fund 3 Extension of the Pavilion. The shop has them. This funding could come from our been increasing in its importance to most of own reserves, from grants or other sources. us and its sales have risen particularly this This may include borrowing at record low year. It needs extra storage and refrigera- interest rates, or a combination of these. It tion that uses less electricity. This combined is important to improve our resilience in the with the fact that the adjacent old garages village for dealing with existing and future need to be redeveloped before they be- issues. come unsafe. This redevelopment could also include a separate work unit for rent, 1 Surfacing the track by the village Pavil- e.g. a hairdresser or flexible office space. ion. One of the problems is the lack of drainage along the track (which will need to Plans and ideas will be published shortly and we will then ask for your views.
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