no april 2015 nothing ever happens in...

30p

No. 234 April 2015

www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk

‘For and about the people of Berkeley’

NOTHING EVER

HAPPENS IN BERKELEY

Following on from our theme in last month’s edition about some of the air time on national television about the Town, we thought maybe it would be opportune for us to talk Berkeley up a bit and give a more positive view . Last year some of the young people from Berkeley Youth Club made a superb little video piece, which they posted on the internet, likening the Town to one of those old western movies with the tumble weed blowing down the main street and nothing to do. While this has always been the war cry of young people, since most of our early days, they did have a point.

However, it is noticeable when we look at the Flyer What’s On page how much is on offer for people of all ages, so we thought we’d like to highlight some of the good things that Berkeley does. In future editions we propose to feature some of these. For example, each year the Berkeley Community Trust run two events for the townsfolk, the Summer Festival and Christmas Fayre. The aim of these events is twofold, firstly to promote trade in Berkeley by giving local businesses additional opportunities to generate new custom and the chance for local people to spend their hard earned cash in the Town and keep these services local. Use them before you lose them. Secondly these event give local people a chance to get together and have some fun in the sun or “the snow”.

The Summer Festival has been running in its current form for five years and the organisers are conscious of the need to renew and refresh the format so the 2015 programme has some ideas that you might like to comment on. Discussions are underway with Berkeley Books, Berkeley Primary School and St Mary’s Church to include the event they’re promoting on Saturday 13th June as a joint fund raiser featuring Cotswold Male Voice Choir and the School Choir, in the Festival programme. More to follow on this nearer the time but get it into your diary now. Tickets will be on sale soon. As a real bonus, the Choir will also appear at around 9.30pm at the nationally acclaimed Best Pub in Britain, the Salutation at Ham for what is being billed as “the afterglow”. Promises to be a fantastic evening with something for everyone.

The Festival itself will return on Sunday 14th June and start at 1pm

until 5pm, featuring all the old favourites, music by ever popular local band the Broken Stones, real ale and cider, produce, charity and craft stalls and not forgetting some junior fairground rides for the kids. The Festival Committee are particularly eager to hear from local charities and voluntary groups who would like to raise some funds from a stall, an opportunity not to be missed. On the Sunday evening to round off the day, the organisers are looking to organise a fancy dress pizza party at one of the local pubs.

In December each year the Community Trust promote the children's favourite night with funfair, visit by Santa, snowflakes falling, mulled wine, mouth watering sausage rolls and lots of real Christmassy atmosphere. Again the organisers would like to hear from you about what you’d like to see in these events. Drop us a line here at the Flyer and we’ll pass it on.

So over to you now to tell us what you’re doing in and for the community and we’ll feature it in future editions.

MADE IN BERKELEY

Closely connected to the story on the left we’d like to share with you another little success story which highlights the exciting things that are bubbling under the surface in Berkeley. Some years back a group of local craft makers got together to promote and market their products in the Town. Starting up any new business is a difficult task and the first hurdle is always finding somewhere to showcase and sell the items produced.

The Made in Berkeley group started off by hiring the Town Hall twice a year to offer the opportunity to present locally made crafts to local people and have operated very successfully in that format. Many of these small businesses have grown from that simple beginning and are now so successful that they find themselves hard pressed to devote time to organising the “shop window” events. Berkeley Community Trust have stepped in and offered to run these, first of which will be at the Town Hall again, on Saturday 23rd May at 9am.

Whilst the group started off with mainly craft businesses, the Community Trust would like to extend the range on offer and are particularly keen to include produce, cheese, ciders, beers, confectionery and other products made in Berkeley or the Berkeley Vale. If you have anything you think might benefit from the opportunity to offer it locally, drop us a note and we’ll pass it on to the Community Trust.

Keeping with the original theme of Nothing Ever Happens in Berkeley we’d love to hear from you about all those hidden treasures that need to be exposed. Let’s show the world that maybe something exciting actually happens here within the four bridges.

In your Berkeley

Flyer this

month…

Berkeley Bell Tower

Appeal Update

April in Your Garden

Police Report

Berkeley Forum

What’s On

Back Page Recipe

…...and much, much more.

April 2015 THE BERKELEY FLYER [email protected]

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VILLAGE AGENT NEWS

Hello again. It seems to be Springtime now with snowdrops, daffodils and blossom beginning to show their lovely colours; and what joy to see lighter nights and more sunshine. I thought that I would focus this month’s article on some of the wonderful volunteering opportunities available in the area.

Sometimes when I visit people I talk about Benefits such as Attendance Allowance which is there to help pay for support with personal care, or perhaps Pension Credit. Pension Credit is an income related benefit made up of two parts – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it is below £148.35 (for single people) or £226.50 (for couples). Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement. If the person needs help with applying for a Benefit I might refer them to Age UK or an organisation such as Carers Gloucestershire. Age UK are looking for volunteers to visit people in their homes in this area, to help identify the Welfare Benefits they might be entitled to and to help complete the necessary forms. Call Chez Milne, Outreach and Advice Officer on 01452 422660.

Are you someone who loves to sort things and bring order to chaos? Then what about volunteering with P3 who provide housing related support in the Stroud area? Help is required to assist people pack prior to moving home, tidy and organise cluttered houses and gardens. There are also some admin roles available. Contact Gail Bowstead on 01453 750480 or email: [email protected]

Artshape which was established in 1993 aims at providing activities for adults and children facing disabling barriers, particularly learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health service users, survivors of domestic violence and older people. They are looking for people to help out on an inclusive course for 8-18 year olds, with dance, costume making, arts, crafts and film making. They are also looking for people to help on their art courses, preparing exhibitions, helping with concerts and they need help with office admin. Call 01452 863855 or email [email protected]

Gloucestershire Disabled Afloat Riverboats Trust often need canal boat skippers, help with catering, trip managers and support workers. Call Paul Treble on 01242 674 092. If you have access to a computer, the following sites are very

helpful to look at the range of opportunities available:-

www.volunteerglos.org.uk Volunteering Gloucestershire 0300 365 6700

www.gavca.org.uk Gloucestershire Association for Voluntary and Community Action 01242 332 424

www.vcastroud.org Volunteer and Community Action in Stroud 01453 759005 Penny French. Tel: 07776 245 726. Email: [email protected]

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PUBLICATION: Simon Bingham: 01453 811353 Sarah Hall: 01453 511681 Sue Studden: 01453 511131 James Walls: 01453 810703

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BERKELEY W I

Judith, our President gave us a warm welcome to this month’s meeting. There were some lovely tree

paintings in our competition. The baton run will make place on Coaley Peak on 22nd March at 11.45am. There’s a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 2

nd June, as there is only one

person to go per WI there will be a ballot at the next meeting. There is to be a County picnic at Highams Court on June 16th and a visit to Cheltenham Synagogue has been arranged for 22nd June. The quiz date for the area is on Thursday 16th April at Uley Village Hall.

Campaign and Debate Day update is to be held at Maisemore Village Hall on 23rd April. A talk at St Andrews Church Centre Churchdown on Friday 29th May at 7pm-9pm “The Work of a Criminal Barrister” which will be very interesting.

The speaker for the evening of the 12th was John Flynn who is a volunteer for The Woodland Trust. The Trust started in Lincolnshire and the vision is to see a country rich in native woods and trees enjoyed and valued by everyone. They create, protect and restore woodlands throughout Great Britain. Trees and forests are crucial to life on our planet as they generate oxygen, they also play host to a spectacular variety of wildlife and provide us with raw materials. All the woods and forests are open to the general public and the Trust encourages school children to help plant trees; they have free packs of trees to give away so that small woods can be planted. The Trust has different ways of raising money for this work and you can become a member for a fee each year; you can make a donation; or you could dedicate a tree for a wedding, birth or anniversary. Some large companies such as Sainsbury’s and IKEA help also. They also do a lot of research into tree disease such as Ash dieback. The talk was illustrated with beautiful photographs of ancient woodlands and wild flowers.

The evening closed with a vote of thanks to John for his interesting talk. Our next meeting will be on April 9th at 7.30pm in the Town Hall when P Wyton the Radio Gloucester poet will talk to us. The competition will be a “favourite Poem”.

For further information contact Vicki Young on 01453 810929.

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.volunteerglos.org.uk

http://www.gavca.org.uk

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THE TREASURE BOX

What are your recollections of primary school years? The constant reciting of times tables? Ink pots and

blotting paper? The sound of screeching chalk as the teacher etched what seemed another mind-boggling fact on the blackboard? Even with the passing of time, these and other precious indelible memories are stored in a treasure box that we delve into from time to time, just to ponder for ourselves or bring to the light to share with others in a celebration of what has been. Today at Berkeley Primary School, each child is creating memories to store in their treasure box, just as you did all those years ago. What will be in that box?

For five Year 6 children, Matthew Page, Sophie Day, Adam Dobson, Xanthe Curtis and Ellis Castledine it is the achievement of winning the annual Rotary Club Quiz held at Woodfield School on 4th March . The team won a £40 book token for the school, as well as receiving an Easter Egg each, which all the children who entered the competition received. The questions were wide and varied and a real test of the children’s grasp of not only general knowledge but also of history, geography and sport.

Many cherished memories were created while knitting the 10cm squares to fashion a coat for our rather cold and naked Shaun the Sheep sculpture. It is wonderful to hear of stories of parents and grandparents teaching the children how to produce a small but vital part of Shaun’s snazzy new woollen coat. Mrs Jackie Harding of ‘Knit & Natter’ is in the processes of stitching together over one hundred of these little works of art into a masterpiece that contemporary knitwear designer Barry Klein would be proud of. The finished article will soon be modelled by Shaun in the school reception area and then at various venues throughout Berkeley during

the summer (dates and venues will be advertised closer to the time.)

We are all Shaun the Sheep fans at the school, including Mrs Marklove, headteacher. As you may know, over one hundred giant sculptures of Shaun have been created by artists, celebrities and designers, and will be placed in various locations across Bristol from the 6th July to 31st August, and will later be auctioned to raise money for hospitals in London and Bristol who care for sick children from all over the country. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to appreciate the variety of creative designs and mediums used by the artists, the aesthetic impact of art on our environment and the charitable benefits to those in need as a result of the auction of these sculptures. With this in mind, the whole school will be setting off to Bristol to visit Shaun as he takes to the streets in mid July later this year. Another one for the Treasure Box!

The children are no strangers to travel. This term Years 5 and 6 have visited a Hindu temple in Cheltenham as part of their previous term’s topic of India. Year 5 again, were in Cheltenham but this time visiting the Sewage Treatment Works at Hayden. Through experience, the pupils have discovered that memories are not only visual and audible but olfactory too! Some ‘smelly memories’ we may not want to assign to our Treasure Box!

The school does not ‘sleep’ outside of the school terms. During the February half-term break the Explorers team, along with a sports specialist from the Sports Plus Scheme, provided a wealth of activities which would challenge any child who suffers from, “I’m bored!” The Holiday Club’s theme was ‘The Big Smoke’; experiencing the best of our great capital city of London. The children made Cannonball Cakes, (from the Tower of London), Traitors’ Gate Waffles, and moulded statues for Madam Tussauds, raced across the city on the underground and became Wombles and rediscovered recycling and the joy of junk modelling. One day was dedicated

to entertaining some well-known and distinctive guests. On that occasion, the Explorers’ base became the sumptuously decorated Buckingham Palace and we were honoured by the presence of the Windsors. (Well, we pretended by dressing up and wearing masks!)

New, and running alongside of the Explorers team, Mr Emery, kept the children moving with archery, dodgeball, tennis, football and a whole host of other sports for both the older and younger children. Having the option of doing a Holiday Club/Sports Camp Combo every child was catered for. The flexibility also extended to providing childcare for a full, half or school day. It was a tailor made half term that suited both parents and children alike. Given this provision was so popular, we will be open during the Easter break from 30th March – 1st April and 7th – 9th April. The Holiday Club is open to all children from 2 years 9 months to 11 years of age from Berkeley and the surrounding area. Booking forms can be obtained from the Explorers page on the school website www.berkeleyprimary.org.uk or the school office. We are looking forward to creating some fantastic memories this Easter break for the Treasure Box.

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Dr Jenner’s House Receives

Volunteer Boost

Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden is pleased to announce that it has been awarded £61,978 from Arts Council England to start a new volunteer and engagement programme.

The grant has come from the Museum Resilience Fund, which aims to help museums adapt to an ever-changing world so that they can continue to deliver high quality services for visitors and communities. Support from Arts Council England will enable Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden to launch a two-year project to welcome more volunteers and to enhance its visitor experience.

The project will see the museum opening up new areas of its work to interested volunteers and finding new ways of working with the local community in Berkeley. It will also allow the museum to make access improvements, create a new audio tour and embark on plans to restore Edward Jenner’s garden.

Dr Tim Wallington, Chair of The Jenner Trust, which runs the museum, said:

This is an important milestone in the renewal of Dr Jenner's House, Museum and Garden. Active support from volunteers willing to give time to our work is a cornerstone of our plans for the future and The Jenner Trust is very grateful for Arts Council England's support to achieve this.

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said:

The Jenner Trust does an excellent job celebrating the life and work of a remarkable man and we are delighted to be supporting it with this award of £61,978 through our Museum resilience fund. We look forward to seeing the museum move forward with a strong business model for the future.

The museum is already looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can contact the museum office on 01453 810631 or email [email protected]

PLEASE RING KATE AT NKB TRAINING ON 07833 088081 TO BOOK YOUR PLACE

APPEAL OF BELLS

When I wrote about the Berkeley Bell Tower

Appeal in the October Flyer, we had just

held an event in the Great Hall of the Castle

to launch our Appeal. Many people have

been generous at that and subsequent

events, so we now have £25,000 in our fund.

Much work has been taking place since

October on researching other sources of

funding and making grant applications. As a

result we are now fairly confident that we will have

raised over half of the £120,000 that we need before the end of

the year. If possible, we would really like to begin the works by

then.

However, that still leaves us much to do and so there is plenty of

opportunity for people to donate and to help with running fund

raising events. The latest example of such an event was on

Sunday 1st March when the Horton bell ringers hosted a three

course lunch in their village hall. They produced all of the food

and arranged a bar. About 90 people were there, including 14

from Berkeley. Horton donated all of their profit from the event to

the Berkeley fund which, together with the proceeds from a raffle

and game of “Heads and Tails,” raised £1,500 in all. A generous

resident from another village also promised to gift aid us a

donation of £500.

Our next major fund raising event is in St Mary’s on 6th June when

the Thornbury Orchestra will perform a concert of popular English

classics. There is no entry charge, just a retiring collection for the

Appeal so please attend, and show your appreciation generously!

If anyone would like to make a donation, discuss how they might

help with the work or the fund raising, then please contact the

Appeal co-ordinator: [email protected] or the

Berkeley Bell Tower Appeal, c/o The Vicarage, Church Lane,

Berkeley, GL13 9BN.





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THE GARDEN IN

APRIL

April is the month of sunshine and

showers. With the increase in growth of

many plants it is a most exciting time, each

new day plants burst into leaf and flower. It

is all happening – the market stalls and

garden centres are full of seedlings and

young plants. There are fresh green

touches in the hedges and many of our

trees and shrubs have lovely new foliage.

Pieris cultivars are now opening their

orange and red shiny buds and leaves.

The downy buds of Sorbus Aria soon

become a cloud of silver and white and

other blossoms reach a peak this month in

the garden. Osmanthus Delavayi has a small dark green holly like leaf and a

profusion of white flowers the scent of

which is like summer jasmine. Also the

strong fragrance of the apple blossom pink

flowers of Viburnum Carlesii ‘Diana’ in

flower now.

The mild weather throughout the winter

has encouraged the grass to grow non

stop. We have already mown the grass this

season! One important thing to remember

is not to cut the grass too short while there

is a risk of hard frost. This will damage the

roots of the grass plants and will turn the

leaves yellow. Set the mowing blades high

for the first few cuts and then gradually

reduce as the weather improves. Also you

will tend to encourage the build up of moss

in a damp season if the grass is too short.

Take a little thought about weed control at

this time of year and it will help you

throughout the growing season. Some

people (like me) enjoy weeding (sad) but

by weeding early in the year and

maintaining a regime much can be done to

reduce this work to a minimum. Do not let

weeds reach seedling stage. Groundsel,

Chickweed and Bittercress flower and seed

very quickly re-infecting an area in

weeks. Most common weed seeds will

remain viable for up to two or three years

but poppy seeds can still germinate after

80 years in the soil!

Forsythia bushes will be in flower now and

will need pruning when flowering has

finished as they only flower on new wood

made through the summer. Winter Jasmine

also can be pruned and the stems tied to

trellis or wire to cover walls and fences.

Herb seeds can be sown now. I usually

start them in a cool greenhouse. Dill,

Fennel, pot Marjoram, Parsley and Basil.

You can also layer the creeping stems of Thyme outside by burying the runners in

fine soil. The tiny roots at each joint will

quickly establish themselves and can be

separated from the parent plant when

rooted and then planted in a pot or

elsewhere in the garden.

Sweet Peas can be planted outside as

soon as they are growing strongly.

Beetroot, Cabbage, Spinach, Carrots

Leeks and Kohl Rabbi are some of the

vegetables that can be sown outside this

month.

In the greenhouse and cold frame the

changeable weather often experienced this

month can cause violent temperature

fluctuations. During sunny weather shade

your seedlings and newly potted plants

with fleece or newspaper. Keep the

greenhouse well ventilated. Give extra

water to plants which are growing rapidly.

Apply liquid fertilizer at ten day intervals to

zonal and regal pelargoniums.

If you get all these jobs done this month

your garden will look great and so will you

too with all the exercise! Happy gardening.

Ann Legg

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Berkeley Neighbourhood Policing Update

Our neighbourhood panel met with us in the middle of last month and have picked the following two main priorities for us to concentrate on for the Spring and Summer period.

To continue with dedicated patrols in Berkeley during the night time economy.

Perform speeding checks in the area.

Although we have had a drop in the number of shed and out building breaks recently, our panel have requested that we remind residents of some crime prevention advice regarding keeping you sheds and property safe. Most items that can be stolen from a shed can be easily resold online or at car boot sales, if possible anything really valuable should be moved into a secure garage (if you have one) or failing that moved inside during times of increased levels of shed breaks. We would suggest the following tips to help improve shed security.

Install a good lock.

Fit a shed alarm.

Items stored in sheds would benefit from some form of security marking with your post code such as UV pens, or, Smart Water which can be purchased from us (currently £12.50) – a permanent marker

which can’t be removed which is totally unique to the property from where the items have been stolen. High end value bikes are a particular attraction for removal and as such we would suggest removal into more secure locations. Blank out windows making it difficult to see into the shed and plant some form of defensive planting. Use a garden security light & display a warning sign telling thieves that all valuables have been removed. Keep photographic evidence of items. Make sure all access into gardens is kept secure.

If you would like a crime prevention survey please contact PCSO Mike Trebble on 101.

Overall we continue to benefit from a lower crime level in Berkeley than many other locations, our more rural locations are more at risk and lack of space this month prevents a more detailed update, however, 2 crimes of note having taken place towards the earlier part of March include a property broken into at Woodford with a number of jewellery items and an expensive vintage watch stolen. Offenders broke into the property via a kitchen window gaining access to the garden via a low level wall or broken fence to the rear of the property.

Stone with Woodford School also had a break in with an untidy search made in the head teacher’s office. Offenders made off with a laptop case containing personal information, although the items were later discovered abandoned along the A38.

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Babes saved by Robin Hood at Cattle Country

Review by Tim Tynan

The Babes in the Wood was this year’s pantomime offering served up by the Berkeley Amateur Dramatic Society, and this talented company continue to push the boundaries of seasonal entertainment.

As usual they played to delighted packed houses at the Barn Function Centre Cattle Country. Boos and hisses rang out for the Sheriff of Nottingham (Tony Cullimore) as he instructed his hapless henchmen Floggem and Whippem, played with aplomb by Billy Furey and George Knight, to do away with the eponymous children. He was also aided and abetted by Nell Nightshade, the Witch of Sherwood Forest, a ‘hissterical’ performance by Tigre Coleman.

The cheers were reserved for Robin Hood (a sparky performance by Rachel Sheldon) as she of course organised the safe return of the Babes. Morgan Harper and Shannon Woolams deserve special credit for their enthusiastic portrayal of Jack and Jill.

Wolf whistles as well as laughs aplenty were provided by resident dame Bob Hunt, this time playing Nurse Jemima Jollop in a fetching blue polka dot dress and not matching orange and black stockings. This old pro milked the audience for laughs with his customary comic timing and witty ad libs.

The show was directed by V Boobyer who also fulfilled many of the vital backstage tasks to make it a great evening out for the residents of Berkeley.

PCSO Mike Trebble & PC Mel Campbell



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A user’s guide to a healthy mind

Adolescent Problems & Exam Nerves

With exams on the horizon for many teenagers and kids alike, this month’s guide turns it’s attention to finding ways to tackle adolescent problems and deal with exam nerves effectively. Thinking about kids of age 10+, this article aims to introduce ways to remain confident and calm and regain control.

The teenage years can be one of the most challenging periods of someone's life, as they undergo major changes with their body, deal with pressures of education and school life, from peers, criticism and hormonal changes. These pressures can develop feelings of low self-confidence and damage self-worth, which typically results in the teenager feeling inadequate.

Teenagers display their frustration, anger, anxiousness and stress in a variety of ways just like adults do. When youngsters start to have major problems with friends and family or start to become forgetful, fractious or frustrated this could be an indication that they are experiencing feelings of tension and anxiety and/or symptoms of depression. As well as emotional symptoms, they may also present a range of physical symptoms including stomach upsets, tiredness and even hair loss.

Did you know that depression, anger and anxiety are all primitive opt out clauses, which take our control away from the intellectual mind, and remove our brain’s executive function and ability to think, and respond rationally to a situation?

Food for Thought

Depression, Anxiety and Anger are very similar. They are all primitive opt out clauses, which are associated with survival. ‘Depression’ conserves energy and is a kind of semi-hibernation. ‘Anxiety’ keeps us alert to, highlights, and exaggerates potential

danger, and ‘Anger’ increases our physical strength. Unfortunately, although teenagers with depression and anxiety often get some help, those with anger issues are often treated as a bad egg, but the all share very similar causes!

Prolonged periods of anxiety attacks and stress can be very psychologically draining, and this can result in a drop in performance at school. This, in turn increases the amount of pressure and panic attacks experienced by the individual, fuelling the matter. High levels of stress and anxiety can result in a young person developing other problems such as agoraphobia, social phobia and eating disorders which may stop them socialising and making a strong social network which can affect them into their adult life.

Some level of anxiety and stress is quite normal when thinking about approaching exams, and this is often exacerbated by other influences of teen life. Without wanting to blow this out of proportion, the pressure of exams alone can adversely affect performance of otherwise intelligent, stable and studious individuals, who are really just trying to do well.

Many people don’t take teenage problems very seriously as they are not considered an ‘adult’, but in fact they may be struggling with problems, which are just as substantial yet unique to their age bracket. They may be combating bullies, other peer distractions, exam freeze, revising difficulties and of course performance anxiety. And this pressure can come from teachers, parents, brothers and sisters and friends alike.

There is certainly no one size fits all solution for all of these issues; they have to be dealt with on numerous fronts. A combination of elements needs to be considered, including help in managing inner stress, an environment of support and love and a mitigation of the exterior pressures as far as possible. But there are some very simple techniques to maximise focus, and the

brain’s ability to learn and process information effectively. One very effective therapeutic intervention is hypnotherapy, which can assist to alleviate quite a few of the pressures felt by teenagers.

Hypnotherapy helps by changing the subconscious responses, which people have to certain trigger situations. It starts by establishing any factors that may have caused the more severe problems to develop. This could be critical parents or siblings, alcohol or drug related issues, self-pressure or perfectionism, bullying at school or even some type of abuse, verbal or physical.

For a teenager to respond more appropriately to a given situation, they need to genuinely feel positive and in charge of their life. That’s not to say they shouldn’t run away from a dangerous situation, but whatever the response is, it should be measured. Exam fears, for example, can generate reactions, which are more akin to survival. Sure the exam is important, but failure to achieve an ‘A’ is not life-threatening.

Hypnotherapists have a great deal of experience in using specialist techniques to help people accomplish this effectively. The client’s immediate situation is quickly transformed, whilst they are bestowed with valuable resources for life. The outcome of hypnotherapy should be to resolve the current problems and to make people more resilient to any future problems they may encounter. It will give them the tools they need to be able to change their perceptions and view of any future circumstances they may be faced with.

Local hypnotherapist Liane Ulbricht-Kazan practices in Berkeley, Nailsworth, Bristol and Online via Webcam. If you think you, or somebody you know, could benefit from Hypnotherapy, and would like to know more, why not arrange an initial consultation. Just give her a call on 01453 810 691/ 07825 286 550. www.changeswelcome.co.uk

http://www.changeswelcome.co.uk



BERKELEY FORUM The Flyer reserves the right to edit and abridge letters submitted for publication. Anonymous letters will not be published, but we will withhold your name if requested

Dear Editor

I am aware of the meeting that took place where the proposed housing development on the land east of Berkeley was discussed. I wanted to write a letter in support of this housing as a young person from Berkeley struggling to get onto the property ladder.

I have lived in the Berkeley area since birth as did my mother and hers before that. I am 24 years old with a degree in midwifery. I am currently living in rented accommodation within Berkeley whilst trying to save for that ever hard to reach deposit for my own property. I particularly would like to buy a new build property as they offer schemes for first time buyers. The rent I pay for my tiny two bed house is probably more than most people pay for their own mortgages. There comes no security with this highly priced rent: I could be given just sixty days notice at any time before I have to pack up and leave this house potentially becoming homeless or having to move away. This lack of security has a knock on effect for example I do not want to plan to have a family and raise a child in a home which I may have to leave at short notice facing the possibility of having to move from Berkeley and away from family which are a much needed support. Especially when you work for the NHS working 12.5 hour shifts day and night child care would not be easy to come across. As me and my partner both work hard to earn a living we aren’t eligible for a council property so private rent is currently our only option.

I strongly feel that those opposing the new housing probably have mortgages and do not know of the worries those who are

struggling to get onto the ladder face. If you have no interest in buying one of the potential builds on site then don’t worry yourselves with the quality of the land arguing if it is contaminated or not, the potential for the land to flood etc. Let the developers and those who will potentially be buying the houses to take those risks on themselves. As for the houses spoiling the approach to Berkeley for tourists and the concern for the influence it may have on them, it will not stop them coming or returning to Berkeley. The population is expanding I know that working on a busy delivery unit within Gloucestershire so our housing needs to keep up.

Name and address withheld

Veils of Berkeley

Quality Bridal Wear & Suit Hire, Outstanding customer service

Contact Clare, Pippa or Jo on: 01453 810070 [email protected] or call in to see us at:

2A High St Berkeley Gloucestershire GL13 9BJ www.veilsofberkeley.co.uk

April News Update: Sunday 12th April wedding exhibition at The Barn at Berkeley 11am-3pm.

FASHION SHOW at 1pm

Sunday 18th & 19th April huge sample sale at the shop, all sample dresses £300 and under.

Book an appointment today!

Dear Editor

I fully support the plans to develop and build new houses within the local community between Sharpness and Berkeley. I’ve been a home owner for near 10 years however, recent changes to my circumstances have left me near homeless. Unfortunately being an extremely hard working single individual is not all that it's cracked up to be! I earn a very fair salary however, being single means that my financial status will not allow me to afford, let alone obtain a mortgage for any house that is currently for sale within the vicinity. The only houses that are currently up for sale are being sold by those who were fortunate enough to have been born of an age whereby houses were built with sufficient room to breathe in, and where the equity held within them today far outweighs the original buying price. This means that the selling price is far outside of my reach and leaves me in a position whereby I’m unable to get back onto the property ladder within the area I was born in, and love so dearly. I’ve heard various views opposing this development but have yet to hear one that has any real substance. Change is something we should embrace, as did those before us and as did those who were more than happy to snap up a house that was built within recent years, and that too was ruining someone else's view at the time! I hope that you take my views into consideration! I am one voice but one of many in this, or in a very similar situation.

Beverley Atkinson

Dear Editor

I am writing to inform you of my support of the 187 houses at Berkeley. My fiancé and myself are currently in rented accommodation and we are saving for a deposit for a house. If these houses do not go ahead, we will be priced out of buying a home in Berkeley/the surrounding areas (even though both myself and my fiancé have good, well paid jobs!) and will have to move further afield to other places e.g. Dursley/Cambridge/Stroud. I have lived in this area all of my life and I do not want to have to move away! The houses will be affordable for us (2/3 bedrooms) and an essential stepping block onto the housing ladder. I can’t help but notice the people against this development already own their own homes and perhaps do not understand the struggle of the modern day adult in their twenties! Houses are needed unfortunately – maybe if more people had been more interested at the start, they could have had a say in where these houses were being put?

Berkeley is in desperate need of investment and I believe this is a good place to start. The closure of Vale of Berkeley College was a complete mistake and should NOT have been allowed to happen. Maybe if there are more houses in this area, the Council will rethink having another local secondary school so that we do not have to send any future children to Rednock!

It is great to see new businesses opening in Berkeley, and the possible future plans for the Power Station to be turned into a College is also great. I am unsure as to why the people of Berkeley cannot see these plans as GOOD for the town. Local businesses will surely do better and this may bring more new, exciting businesses into the town which will make it a town people WANT to visit rather than HAVE to…I have always thought it such a shame that the Castle brings in much needed tourists, but these tourists then have nowhere exciting to go within the town and spend their money…what an opportunity that is currently being wasted. In my opinion Berkeley needs an overhaul - and a bigger car park to support this! CREATE jobs for local people.



http://www.veilsofberkeley.co.uk



Dear Editor

In response to the letters published in the March edition of The Flyer, whilst I do not feel it necessary to respond to the personal insults, I would like to say the following:

I would agree that the meeting could have been better orchestrated and your comments in this regard are welcome, I know there is room for improvement and have already addressed several of the issued raised. Furthermore, I can understand why so many people are upset that the vote for the development did not go in their favour.

On a personal note, I would like the development to go ahead because I think it will be good for Berkeley. It is most definitely not the case, that as a tradesman I am supporting the project for no reason other than my own pecuniary gain. I am fully employed without enough hours in the day to take on any more work and after a long recession I am very grateful to be in this position. I think it is fair to say that there are not many occupations whether it be lawyers and architects or cleaners and labourers that will not, in the short term, benefit from the development. The fact that it will provide employment and affordable housing for local people is not something to be underestimated.

The proposed development is a very emotive subject and divides opinion throughout the community. I hope you will agree, Berkeley Town Council have been vigilant in their fact finding and the impact that the proposed development would have on Berkeley. The information that we have acquired has been thorough and delivered in a transparent, honest and objective manner enabling all interested parties the opportunity to vote in a fair and informed way.

As a lifelong resident it saddens me to see Berkeley in such decline. We have already seen the local secondary school, hospital, cinema and police station close down, not to mention the eclectic mix of shops that used to attract people to shop locally. Change is never an easy concept but with more young people moving out of Berkeley than moving in, now is the time to regenerate.

You will be aware that there has been a lot of support for this project including a statement from Berkeley Health Centre and Berkeley Primary School both of whom believe that without this regeneration they will not be able to survive. Here’s an extract from correspondence that I have received from one local resident :

“I would really like the housing plan to go ahead in Berkeley. I'm currently paying

£700 rent each month simply because I'm not able to get on the property ladder due to a lack of affordable houses in Berkeley. You could argue that I could relocate! But ask yourself this question, would you? Would you move from the community you were born in, love and have lived in all your life? I'm sure I can answer that one for you! I see everybody's point of view on this matter. We all dislike change but only because our circumstances are fortunate enough to put us in a position to feel put out in the first place. I have to remind myself how fortunate I am too, at least I have a roof over my head, heating, a bed and fresh running water. And I know that if I was asked to give up my back garden for those so less fortunate than myself then I know what I would do! Therefore I ask you to be fair and unselfish when you consider your decision.”

Without a doubt, compromises will need to be made, but I believe that the benefits will far outweigh the detriments. The most overwhelming objection is the impact the development will have on the landscape. It is therefore quite ironic that so many of the ‘no’ voters occupy homes built on the fields that now obscure our once unrestricted views. I was also a little surprised by some of the other objections that were put forward, one Councillor cited one of their reasons for opposing the project was because they were afraid that ‘foreign’ lorry drivers would use the bypass, making it very dangerous. Whilst I do not believe that they were being deliberately provocative, this type of ill-informed prejudice is not only unhelpful but could also cause offence.

Berkeley is a very special place and boasts some magnificent examples of Georgian and post Georgian architecture, not to mention the Church, the Castle and the beautiful surrounding countryside. I would hope that with the right type of development we could not only encourage young aspirational families to move into the area but also provide affordable housing for first time buyers. This would both create jobs for local people and regenerate a very tired and despondent looking town centre.

To those of you that are not happy about the decision reached, I respect both your opinion and your right to oppose the development, but do not believe you are justified in condemning the integrity of Berkeley Town Council who, after all, are a democratically elected body of volunteers that do their best to represent and act at all times in the best interests of the local people.

Kind regards Frazer Brown

0117 200 1000 Home PC problems?

Call our workshop in Almondsbury

Dear Editor

I am a 32 year old married professional, who is struggling to get on the property ladder. I am about to start a family and would love to return to Berkeley to raise my family. My Mum, Dad and Grandmother have lived there for 25 years and I would like to remain close to them. It has become very apparent to me that due to the lack of housing which is affordable, this is not an achievable dream.

I feel that an area, such as Berkeley, which has suffered from the closure of a school, closure/demise of shops in its high street and local services becoming harder to sustain, would benefit greatly from an increase of affordable homes which attract people to join, build and contribute to its community.

We also need to consider the changing needs of those who already live in Berkeley. Following my father passing away, my mother and grandmother are now considering ‘downsizing’. They are finding this particularly difficult to remain in Berkeley due to the lack of housing. The shortage of affordable housing means the older population have almost no change of finding smaller properties to downsize into and stay in the village where they have spent a large proportion of their life if not entire life.

Young families, like myself, want to stay in the rural communities where they were brought up. The role of the extended family is so important – providing childcare so young parents can work, and enabling younger adults to care for elderly relatives. People prefer to be close to their family networks that provide support.

I would be keen to be kept inform of any future developments.


BERKELEY FORUM continued



WHAT’S ON… If your event is taking place near the beginning of the month you may wish

to advertise it in the month preceding so that if the delivery of the flyer

is delayed everyone has the opportunity to attend

COFFEE MORNING BERKELEY EVANGELICAL CHURCH

SATURDAY 11th APRIL 10.00 - 11.00 am

Despite the chill March wind it was good to see so many of you at the coffee morning. Do join us again in April when we hope that the weather will be more Spring like. A welcome as warm as the coffee awaits you and as always there will be a good selection of home made cakes for you to try. There are top ups

aplenty and we make no charge. Hope you can make it. For information or transport requests contact Dawn (810494) or

Grace (811138)

Allen-White Funeral Directors

Crown Mews, Bath Road, King’s Stanley Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3JG

Tel: 01453 822409


An Independent funeral business providing personal care to Berkeley and the surrounding community.

We are here to care for you in your time of need and

offer a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year service.

Pre-paid funeral plans available with good honest advice given.

STROUD AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Charity Registration Number 1096398

OPEN GARDEN

AT

FRAMPTON MANOR FRAMPTON on SEVERN GL2 7EP

by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Rollo Clifford

on

Sunday 31st

May 2pm – 5.30pm

Frampton Silver Band,

‘Copious Notes’ (Close Harmony

Group)

Delicious Teas, Plant Stall, Raffle, Tombola,

Children's Treasure Hunt

Admission £5.00 Children under 16 Free

Ample free parking

PRIVATE HIRE

Local & Long Distance

Up to 6 passengers

Oriana Singers

sing

J.S.Bach

“Magnificat”

plus works by

Handel and Charpentier

Saturday April 18th at 7.30pm

St James’ Church, Dursley

Tickets £10 each (include refreshments) can be

bought from the choir via their website www.orianasingers.org or from Mary Moss 01453

860801

The soloists who have been engaged include International soprano Julie Kench, who has

appeared in La Scala, Milan. As a member of the Swingle Singers, she appeared on TV in the Proms

concerts and can be heard on the soundtrack of “The Hobbit”. Peter Bates, a Tenor Lay Clerk at

Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is part of the team who sings for Radio 4’s Daily Service

The choir and soloists will be accompanied by the Severn Strings orchestra, led by Justine

Tomlinson. This is a fine orchestra with prominent instrumentalists in all parts, including trumpets and drums, to guarantee an unforgettable evening of

music making in Dursley.

FRIENDS of BERKELEY CASTLE 27th April 2015

"The Berkeley Family Mausoleum" talk by Henry Phythian-Adams, and FoBC AGM

The event will start at 4.30pm in the Great Hall with a talk by Henry Phythian-Adams on the Berkeley family mausoleum in St Mary's Church, followed by a tour of the mausoleum itself. The earlier than usual start time for this event is to enable the tour to take place in reasonable light levels. We will return to the Great Hall at approximately 6.30 pm. A pay bar will be available until the AGM starts at 7pm. The AGM will cover the activities of the Friends over the past 12 months and explain our plans for the future.

Price for talk & tour is £9 (£12 for non-members) The AGM is free (members only)

Veils of Berkeley Guess Who? Competition

At Veils of Berkeley we are holding a Guess Who? Competition to help raise

funds for Berkeley Primary School and the Library.

Throughout April our window display will change twice a week (Weds & Sun) to

represent the wedding of someone who works in Berkeley. With the clues provided

can you guess who it is and where they work?

For a minimum donation of £1 you can pick up an entry form from us, the chemist, library and the school. Prizes for the most

correct answers.

If you miss the window display, photos of the weddings will be kept in the window so you can still take part in the competition.

Please join in the fun to help us raise money for Berkeley.

http://www.orianasingers.org



WHAT’S ON DIARY If you would like to place an regular entry in

the What’s On diary please email [email protected] before 15th

Community Bank - Town Hall,

Tuesdays 9.15am until 11am

Town Planning & Finance Meetings

2nd Tuesday of the month

Berkeley Brownies

Tuesdays The Brownie Hut

5.30pm-7.00pm

Berkeley Community Library

Tuesdays 10.30am - 4.30pm

Telephone 810520

Line Dancing/Ballroom Dance Class

Hamfields Leisure

7.00pm to 9.00pm

Contact Daphne 01453 826034

Skylarks Community Choir

Town Hall,

7.10 – 9pm Term Time only

All welcome

Cub Scouts - Scout HQ. Park View 8 to 10½ years old 6.00pm to 7.30pm

Tuesday

Craft Club—Berkeley Library

Last Wednesday of the month.

10.30am-1.30pm. Bring along

whatever project you are working on.

£2.00 all welcome

Dog Training - Sharpness Village

Hall Wednesdays from 7pm contact

Mike Vine 01453 822134

Exercise Classes in Scout Hut

Wednesdays 10.30 am to Noon

Knit and Natter

Town Hall 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Wednesdays fortnightly (the week of

recycling)

£2 - all welcome

Berkeley Under 5’s

Town Hall Toddlers

Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am

Citizens Advice Bureau

Town Hall, Wednesdays 1pm - 3pm

Berkeley Youth Club

Canon Park Pavilion

Wednesdays 6pm - 8pm

Coffee Morning

Sharpness Village Hall

10 - 12pm Call Christy 07970 565099

Berkeley Gardening Club

3rd Wednesday of the month

Wednesday


Saturdays 9.30am - 12.30pm

Coffee Morning

Every2nd Saturday of the month

10.00-11.30 at The Evangelical Church

Town Council Meeting

3rd Monday of the month

Stay & Play Kids - Sharpness Village

Hall 9.45am till 12 noon contact Sue

Boxall on 07526101287

Youth Club - Sharpness Village Hall 6.30pm till 8.30pm contact Darren Brown on 07799067237

Beavers/Scouts - Scout HQ., Park View Beaver Scouts, 6 to 8 years old 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Scouts 10½ to 14 years old 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Monday

Over 60’s Friendship Group Union Congregational Hall, Berkeley 4th Thursday of the month 2 – 4pm

Bingo - Sharpness Village Hall from 7.30pm contact Jimmy Thomas 01453 811339

Coffee Morning Thursdays, Union Church Schoolroom 10.00 – 11.30am

Berkeley Players Rehearsals Town Hall, Thursdays 7.00pm Youngsters / 8.30pm Adults

Circuit Training/Keep Fit Hamfields Leisure 6.30pm - 7.30pm Contact Jess Efford 07866 255325

Thursday

Bingo in the Mariners Arms

Fridays from 3pm


Fridays 10.30am - 4.30pm

Berkeley Rainbows

Fridays The Brownie Hut

4.15 -5.30pm

Little Fishes Music Group

Berkeley Union Church. Free

Fridays 9.15 -11.00 am Term time

People for You

Town Hall Fridays - 9.15am - 1pm

Friday

Saturday

Roman Catholic Mass

Sundays 8.30am 10.30am & 5.30pm

St Dominic RC Church,

Kingshill, Dursley

St Mary’s Church

Every Sunday

9.30am Parish Communion

11am All Age Worship

6pm Evening Prayer

(times & venue differ 5th Sunday of

month)

Quiz Night

Mariners Arms Berkeley. 8.30pm start

Sunday

ELECSA Approved Contractor All work carried out by fully qualified & experienced engineers

Free quotations Trading since 2000

For a friendly and most importantly reliable service call

07717 455 562 or 01453 819 243

1 Poplar Villas Wanswell Gloucestershire GL13 9RR



YOUR BACK PAGE RECIPE

Hello there. I compose this month's offering from the slightly warmer climate of New Zealand. Han and I are on a 10 week voyage of discovery. To boldly taste as much beer, wine and Kiwi ‘kwisine’ as humanly possible.

It's the beginning of Autumn over here and we have got the inkling people are pretty barbequed out after the epic cook outs New Zealanders have all summer. Sooooo my original idea, to give us all a nod to the coming Summer has been put on the backburner.. Instead we are going to tap into the Kiwis’ insatiable appetite for pies.

We were lucky enough to stay with family out here who welcomed us with open arms. As the BBQs had been played out we tasted some amazing homemade curries... Another passion for Kiwis and ex-pats alike. Hannah's cousin’s wife's brother is a top chef here on the North Island and when Stuart isn't creating authentic Asian cuisine he works for one of the islands prestigious pie makers... We traded some recipes.... We then travelled to the Bay of Islands to a place called Pahia (pronounced 'pie here'). So let's make pie... let's make:

Pork, Leek & Cheese Pie....Bonzington...

Serves 6 to 8 hungry peeps.

YOU WILL NEED:

Your bestest large pie dish.

For the pastry:

455g plain flour.

110g lard.

110g unsalted butter.

3 good pinches salt, 3 good'uns of black pepper.

75ml cold water.

For the pie mix:

1.5kg pork shoulder or cheek. Chop/Dice it up good and proper.

2 pints of your favourite farmhouse cider.

2 tbsp dried tarragon.

3 leeks.

2 onions and 2 cloves of garlic.

150g cheddar cheese...or gouda. Cuboids please.

100ml single cream.

A bit of flour, butter and veg oil.

METHOD:

First thing to do is soak that pork overnight in the cider in the fridge. Then next day, retrieve it. Drain the liquid in a jug for later. In the pie dish put the chopped pork in the oven at 220C with a little oil to brown off nicely for 90 minutes.

Whilst all that science is afoot in the oven get a mixing bowl for the pastry. In it sift the flour in a sifty fash. Chuck in the salt and peps then add the butter and Lard. Crumble

it betwixt your deft pastry fingers so it's all mixed loverly. Make a well in the centre and add a little water. Mix well adding the water as you go to form the dough.. We are looking for elasticity here folks... Not too wet. Wrap your prize winning dough in cling film and pop in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Let's turn our attention to the mix. The pork should be about halfway through, check it ain't burnt right about now. In a large saucepan add some butter and a splash of oil and sweat off the onion and garlic over medium heat. We then add flour to make a roux with the onion/garlic. Mix well otherwise it will be like poop on a blanket at the bottom of your pan. Whilst mixing add the cider marinade you saved from earlier a little at a time. Mix, stir, mix until you have a good thick consistency. We add the cream then the leeks and simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes.

Save the pork from the oven.....phew...just in time! Take the pan off the heat. Add the pork to the saucepan with all the meat juices. Stir that mix well. Add the tarragon, cubed cheese and season to taste. We then put all this deliciousness back into our pie dish.

Roll out your pastry on a floured surface 5mm thick. Roll around the rolling pin then lay over the pie dish making sure there is enough excess so we can crimp the sides... We then wash the pastry with a beaten egg. Brush neatly with a pastry brush.

Pop it in the oven at 180c for around 45 minutes or until that pastry is golden brown.

Serve up with some sexy mash and french beans.... or whatever veg you got in the larder…

Until next time.

Dan

Ronald Swanwick

Local Artist Commissions Invited

Drawings and painting

of Local Scenes

Pet Portraits

Wildlife

[email protected]

Tel 07855966564

no april 2015 nothing ever happens in...

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