No. 242 IT S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

30p

No. 242 December 2015

www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk

‘For and about the people of Berkeley’

Berkeley will be buzzing in the run up to Christmas, there’s so much going on. Here’s a sample of the many things for you to see and do.

Why not make a start with a visit to the traditional Berkeley Players pantomime, Ali Baba, at the Town Hall on Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th and Saturday afternoon and evening of the 5th December. Tickets on sale now at Berkeley Pharmacy and they’re going fast. A side splitting outing for young and old alike.

Friday 4th December is the date for the annual Berkeley Primary School Christmas Fair which runs from 4 till 8pm. Great chance for us all to support our local school.

Another bumper Craft Fair awaits you on Saturday 5th December when Dr Jenner’s House Museum opens its doors for some special local gifts, just in time for Christmas.

One for everybody on Sunday 6th December is the Berkeley Bash, an all singing dancing festival of fun for Mums, Dads and kids at Hamfields Leisure. This is a first from the young people of Berkeley Youth Forum who want the chance to meet and greet you all and share the fun of the season. Starts at 3 and goes on till the oldies need to get off for cocoa before bedtime at 8 o’clock.

Berkeley’s hidden gem, the White Hart Court, will be opening late on Thursday 10th until 9 o’clock to give us all a chance to find something really, really special for loved ones and dear friends. You’ll be amazed at what you can find down this lovely little courtyard. Don’t forget all the rest of our local shops. They need you to support them especially at this time of year.

Around the 10th it’s also time to get your Christmas cards across to the collection points (see ad on page 3) for the Berkeley Scouts annual delivery Only 20p and supports a great cause.

Festive entertainment abounds with Berkeley’s very own version of that TV favourite Question Time on 11th December, with a panel of guests from politics to local interests. The Town Hall is the venue starting at 7pm and tickets are free and can be collected at the Library, Berkeley Pharmacy and the Coventry Building Society.

Saturday 12th December is set to be a bumper day, with excitement growing all round, starting off with St Mary’s Church opening it’s doors at 1 o’clock for a lovely Christmas Tree Festival displaying trees decorated by local groups and charities. This promises to be a really special opportunity to get into the Christmas mood. The afternoon continues with Christmas music in the Church at 2.30 followed by a torchlight procession to the Market Place for the start of the Berkeley Christmas Fayre.

Between 4pm and 6pm on Saturday 12 December the centre of Berkeley will be a festive wonderland as we once again host the Berkeley Festival., in Market Place there will be stalls for last minute presents, a funfair for younger children, mulled wine,

mince pies and sausage rolls provided by the Berkeley Arms and maybe even a very special guest sleighing in. Santa Claus will be joining the fun around 4.30 and the day finishes off at 6.

Next up is the annual Salutation Christmas Dinner and Quiz night just after the Christmas Fayre finishes, with food available from 6 and a special quiz night at 7.30 hosted by our very own vicar, Rev. Richard Avery. £5 from every quiz team entry fee will go towards the Church Bell Tower Appeal. Get your team together now.

Sunday kicks off with our famous Salutation Christmas Market at Ham, featuring all the goodies you really need for a merry festive season. It starts at 11 and finishes at 3 in time for you to get to St Mary’s for the much loved Christingle Service at 4 followed by the auction for all those lovely decorated trees that have been waiting for one careful new owner. All proceeds to go to good causes.

On the evening of 18th December the Salutation hosts another traditional Mummers Play, a Christmas celebration with its roots in medieval times and growing strongly since the 18th century. Performers are old Sally favourites, the Ragged and Old Morris Troupe from Stroud. Get there before 7 to get a good seat.

As we get closer to the big day, there’s one more event that you really can’t miss. The Woodford Silver Band will be performing their traditional Christmas Concert at the Salutation in the evening of 22 December from 7 onwards.

Then of course there’s Christmas Day. Well, who said “nothing ever happens in Berkeley”? Get out, join in and share the festive cheer!

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

December 2015 THE BERKELEY FLYER [email protected]

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Hello

Everyone.

This month I am going to share some

information with you that might be of

interest, or even excite the cooks in our

midst!

The GBBO (Great British Bake Off) is

back and they are looking for home

bakers to take part in the seventh series.

Can you bake a technically perfect tart,

an exceptional celebration cake or

beautifully plaited bread? Do you fancy

putting your skills to the test? Or do you

know someone who might? To find out

more contact them at:

[email protected] or

download an application at

www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk The

deadline for applications is midnight on

Sunday 10th January 2016. To apply you

must be over 16 on 1st February 2016

and an “amateur baker”. For full terms

and conditions see the website.

So far this year autumn has been mild

but it is useful to be prepared for the cold

weather. So if you have an older friend or

relative close by, some advice that Age

UK suggests may help them prepare for

the winter season.

Call in or visit more often if the cold

weather stops your friend or family

member from getting out and about.

Calling in on someone can help keep

their spirits up and help them to feel

less isolated.

Pick up prescriptions if it is too cold

for them to go out, or find out if their

local pharmacy offers a prescription

pick-up and delivery service.

Make sure they don’t have a fall.

Bring round a mixture of sand and salt

for putting on steps or paths in icy

weather.

Encourage them to keep warm.

Check with the recommended

temperatures. 21C is the ideal

temperature for living rooms. 18C is

good in the bedroom. Low

temperatures increase the risk of flu

and other respiratory problems and

can raise blood pressure.

Help them get a benefit check. To

make sure they are claiming

everything that they are eligible for. I

can arrange for an benefit check, or

you can use some of the online

benefit calculators available through

Age.UK, Gov.UK, Citizens Advice,

“Turn to Us” and other information

websites.

Make sure there are basic food items

in the cupboard or freezer in case it

gets too cold to go shopping. This is

especially important if the person lives

in an isolated area. Making sure that

there is a safe hot water bottle in the

house is a good idea as well, or if

someone is infirm and pouring boiling

water could be hazardous then a

“wheaty bag” may be a safer option.

Do you know about Cotswold Vale

Talking Newspaper?

It is a free audio news service for blind or

partially sighted people in and around

Berkeley, Cam, Dursley and Wotton-

under-Edge. What you get is a weekly

CD of stories from the Gazette, a

quarterly audio magazine called

Kaleidoscope, with short stories, articles,

poems and interviews, and special

programmes that are occasionally

recorded on location at events and

venues in the area. To request a copy of

Talking Newspaper for yourself or for

someone you know or if you would like to

volunteer to help phone Mike Lyons on

01453 543565 or email

[email protected]

This is my last news until the 2016 so I

will wish you all an enjoyable Christmas

and a Happy New Year.

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Berkeley Educational Swimming Trust (BEST)

November Draw

Winner Pat and Chris Day

Ball No. 61 £25.00

Runner Up Nicola Kate Banks

Ball No. 92 £15.00

The draw took place at Armstrong and North Opticians on 2nd November.

On behalf of BEST I would like to thank Armstrong and North for their continued support



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Not more Lego!

Scratching your head to think of presents for your grandchildren? Why not set up a savings account for them now with the Credit Union and provide them with a fantastic lump sum for when they go off to university, college or working life.

Young people can't withdraw the money themselves until they're adults so there's no danger of them looting their savings. Last year Stroud Valleys Credit Union was able to pay 21/

2% on Children's Accounts which compares very favourably with other banks and building societies.

The Credit Union is a bank run by volunteers for local people. It is fully covered by the FCA so your money is completely safe.

For more information why not call in at the Town Hall any Tuesday morning from 9 until 11am or contact Liz Ashton on 81108 [email protected]

This month we held our annual meeting. Judith welcomed us all to the Town Hall on a very windy and dismal evening.

We do not have a great deal to do this month, we will be otherwise occupied with preparations for Christmas shopping, baking, and buying presents. We are decorating a Christmas tree at St Mary’s Church Berkeley on behalf of the W I on 12th December which will be auctioned off along with other societies trees. There is our group Christmas service at Uley Church on 10th December at 4pm which is the same day as our Christmas party.

So into New Year – there is going to be a walk which starts at Rhodes Memorial Hall, Brockhampton on February 27th at 10.30am. A pancake race will take place on 9th February at 2.30pm at Brunswick Square Gardens, Gloucester. There’s to be another County Skittles Tournament in 2016, teams must enter before 3rd March.

The annual meeting took the usual format. Judith LeRiche was voted in as President once again, Vicki Young as Secretary and Ann Smith as Treasurer. The evening ended with social time where cheese and wine were served.

Our next meeting is the Christmas party on December 10th at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.

I would like to wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and all the very best in the New Year.

1st BERKELEY SCOUTS

Christmas Card Collection Points

The Perfect blend Coffee / Craft Shop in Berkeley

Mal Williams, The Village Shop, Sharpness

Hamfallow Court, Sharpness

Deliver on SATURDAY 12th & 19th

LAST COLLECTION - FRIDAY 18TH

Please post early and tell your friends

Scouts will deliver the cards over the weekend

Berkeley, Sharpness, Purton, Breadstone,

Newport, Ham and the area in between

The 20p stamps will be available from the collection points and any of the leaders, or put

the money in the box with your cards.

Happy Christmas and Thank you for your support

POPPY APPEAL

Hearty thanks from the British Legion to the generosity of the people who live in the Berkeley - Sharpness Area. We have raised over £4,200 this year.

We would also like to thank all the people and organisations that helped.

Ray Chaney Honorary Berkeley and Sharpness District Appeal Organiser

http://www.the-sally-at-ham.com/



DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN

Deck the halls with boughs of holly is the start of the Christmas message this month but there are a few more shrubs and trees

that give beautiful colour at this time of year. Jasminium Nudiflorum has masses of bright yellow flowers on bare branches. Aucuba Japonica Variegate with its wonderful coloured leaves. Mahonia x Media “Charity” - it bears long spikes of fragrant deep yellow flowers, Eleagnus x Ebbingii “Gilt Edge” with lustrous dark leaves with gleaming creamy yellow margins. These are all good for decorations at Christmas time.

I always think that December is a “clean and tidy up” month where the garden is concerned. With lots of jobs which need plenty of elbow grease, such as clearing out sheds and greenhouses and cleaning garden tools and also having your lawn mower serviced and digging over beds and borders. Treat timber sheds and fences with a preservative. There are lots on the market in a range of colours but make sure they are not harmful to plants. Also a job which needs doing is to clean moss and lichen from paths and patios so they don’t become treacherous when wet. There are many proprietary path and patio cleaners and they are easy to use. At the end of the day all these jobs keep us warm when the weather is cold and the exercise keeps us fit (or fit for nothing like me!).

It is not too late to plant garlic. They like a little frost on them to grow well. Split the bulbs into cloves, plant each one individually with its flat base down and upright in the soil. Push into the soil to twice their depth, space at intervals of 6” (15cm) apart. The variety Elephant should be 12” (30cm) apart. They will need very little aftercare.

It is important to protect plants vulnerable to frost as the year is now entering its coldest phase. Take under cover any plants that have been overlooked such as bay trees. Other plants in situ such as herbaceous perennials are easy to protect with a covering of garden compost or manure after you have cut them back for the winter and dug round them. This will build up the humus in the soil and supply new nutrients to the plants themselves.

This is the start of the festive season so spare a little time on the type of gifts you can give to like minded friends such as brightly coloured seed packets in a Christmas card or a pair of durable gardening gloves, a hand trowel or a good pair of secateurs – all very acceptable for a keen gardener.

Do take time off from gardening over the Christmas period and relax with a glass of wine and a mince pie. Sit back and take time to review your garden and make plans for a fruitful year to come. I wish you all the best for Christmas and a Happy New Year

Ann Legg

SIGN UP FOR GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS

The district’s households can now sign up to have their garden waste collected and recycled. As part of improvements being made to its waste and recycling services between now and the end of next year, Stroud District Council is introducing an optional, paid for service, which will allow residents to have their garden waste collected

Councillor Simon Pickering, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Environment Committee, said:

“Residents can sign up to the new service now although collections will run from February to November each year. There’s an initial, one-off £20 charge for the wheelie-bin and an annual subscription fee of £36. Whilst we are already lucky enough to have a large number of residents who are dedicated to home or community composting, this collection service will be a welcome option for many keen gardeners.”

Subscribers to the service will receive a brown wheelie-bin for grass clippings, twigs, leaves, bark, hedge cuttings, flowers, plants, weeds, fallen fruit and small branches, which will be collected fortnightly over the 10-month period from February to November. The annual subscription fee equates to a charge of £1.64 per collection.

Councillor Pickering added:

“When the service begins it will be available to the majority of households, however if you currently have to use a green bag rather than a wheelie-bin for your recycling you should contact the council to see if the service is available to you. Households which generate a large amount of garden waste can have more than one bin and it’s also perfectly fine for neighbours to club together and share their garden waste bin.”

The introduction of the garden collection waste scheme will see the current system, where paid for garden waste bags are used to collect garden waste and sent to landfill, come to an end in January.

The Berkeley Grammar School Educational Fund

The Berkeley Grammar School Educational Fund exists to provide small grants to students attending further education establishments to cover some of the costs of their books or other equipment they need for their courses. If you would like to apply please contact John Stanton at [email protected] giving brief details of your course and what you would propose to use the grant for.

mailto:[email protected]



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Each day at Berkeley Primary

School we have the privilege of

witnessing the unveiling of the

unique story of a child’s life.

Witnessing the joy and pleasure

of new discoveries; negotiating

the rocky terrain of challenges

and the realisation of

achievements which were

thought once to be beyond

reach. Our children’s stories are

not written but created through

the experience of life; a life

which is destined to reach its full

potential through the gift of

opportunities.

Our September intake of

preschool children has been

with us for almost three months

and is happy and settled. Their

world has expanded, making

discoveries through nature

walks, ‘baking’ mud pies and

sharing their amazing moves of

forest animals; slithering snakes

and scurrying squirrels. An

inspirational topic of ‘Friends in

the Forest’ has really got these

little ones eager to put on their

wellies and discover the great

outdoors.

It’s always great to see for

yourself as a parent how well

your child is doing at school. For

the first time on Friday 6th

November parents/carers were

able to watch and listen-in to the

Reception class via Skype as

the youngsters and staff went

about their regular classroom

activities. This was a rare ‘fly-

on the wall’ experience which

has brought about suggestions

from the Governors that this

opportunity could be opened up

to other year groups. To make

this day even more special

parents/carers rounded off the

day by enjoying a slice of cake

and a cup of tea.

We very much appreciate the

contribution that our parents

make to the school and value

their insight and views. In this

respect we would welcome

comments and suggestions

regarding the use of the outdoor

area immediately outside of

Class 1 and how best this area

could be used.

Those who organise successful

events will know that

preparation is key. Our

experienced P.T.A. have been

hard at work ensuring the

school Christmas Fayre,

scheduled for 6.00pm on Friday

4th December, will have

something for everyone. We are

all looking forward to this event

and hope that you are able to

join us to soak up some festive

fun. On 16th October, the P.T.A.

hosted a Film Night, showing

Paddington and the Lego Movie

which thrilled the audience with

gasps of excitement and

mouthfuls of popcorn!

We are privileged to have an

experienced storyteller, Bill

Church, share his art and the

seasonal story of the ‘Christmas

Angel ‘on 14th December with

the whole school. We hope this

will encourage our children’s

appreciation of this art and how

it is intrinsically linked with the

peoples of India and Australia

whom they are studying this

term.

Diversity of worship is also

considered this term as Years

5/6 visit a Bristol mosque while

the predominate religion of

India, Hinduism is explored by

Years 1/2 as Daxa Mehta visits

the school to share her intimate

knowledge of the faith and

teach the children how to make

traditional Indian delights such

as japati.

The traditional Indian dance of

Bhangra, believed to have its

roots in the Punjabi region, is

something of particular interest

to the Year 1/2 children, as they

will be performing such a dance

at the Cheltenham Dance

Festival in February next

year.

Fancy footwork has also been

witnessed at numerous sporting

events which the children have

attended this term including a

Tag Rugby Tournament at the

beginning of September by

children from Year 3/4. It was

the turn of Years 4/5 pupils to

represent the school in the

same sport at a tournament in

Dursley in October. While Year

5/6 represented the school at

the beginning of November at a

local football tournament hosted

by Rednock School. The

children always rise to the

challenge of such events

demonstrating determination,

skill and sportsmanship. These

characteristics are not only

essential in physical sports but

also the sport of chess.

Later this month, some of our

lucky pupils will be participating

in a prestige Chess

Championship at London

Olympia. They will be privileged

to witness a Grandmaster show

and receive master coaching,

before taking part in a

tournament and meeting some

of the top chess players in the

world. We look forward to the

children sharing their stories of

this exciting event on their

return.

Rich stories are created where

adventure and excitement are

found, where opportunities are

seized and an appetite to

discover more exists. Is this not

a place where we desire our

children to be?




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Christmas Is A Time for Charity This season can also be an excellent opportunity to declutter in anticipation of new (or perhaps even, unwanted) presents.

Please don’t forget that Berkeley has two wonderful charity shops who would be very happy to see you and help them raise funds.

The Old Church Great Western Rd Sharpness Docks Berkeley GL13 9UE 01453 819196

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Housing Application Goes To Appeal

Charles Church Developments have lodged an appeal with Stroud District Council for the proposed development at the rear of Canonbury Street which was turned down on the 11th June 2015.

In the appeal paperwork the reasons given are as follows:

“In accordance with the criteria within Annexe 1 of the Appeal Guidelines July 2015 we believe the proposals clearly meet the criteria on the basis of the scale and complex nature of the application proposals. The specialist nature of the reasons for refusal being heritage and landscape will require the need for evidence to be tested through formal questioning by an Advocate. The appeal has also generated local interest and we believe an inquiry is the appropriate mechanism to deal with the proposals. The submitted Full Statement of Case and Statement of Common Ground demonstrate the detailed nature of the issues to be presented.”

The complete correspondence can be read on the Stroud Planning website www.stroud.gov.uk with the application number S.14/0619/FUL

Bell Tower appeal

It is over six months (April 2015) since we last updated you with progress on raising the funds to rehang the ten bells and repair the tower at St Mary’s and just over a year since we launched the Appeal.

Since that last update our major fundraising event has been the Thornbury Orchestra concert at St Mary’s in June. That was an excellent evening, very well supported and raised £1850 for the Appeal. We have also had a very generous individual donation of £10,000 (including the Gift Aid). In addition, friends have organized coffee mornings, tea parties and produce sales which have raised further funds and kept the Appeal alive in people’s minds.

With these existing donations and other pledges made, we can now be confident of about £60,000 of funding, which is half of our Appeal target of £120,000. Our next major fund raising event is on 5th May 2016 when the famous composer and musician Michael Berkeley will be conducting his ensemble for a concert in St Mary’s, followed by a reception in the Great Hall of the Castle.

Before then we also hope to hold two other events in the Castle (by kind permission of Mr Berkeley and the trustees); a tea party and a talk by Coast presenter and archaeologist, Mark Horton. We would be very grateful for your support of these events, further details of which will appear in a future Flyer.

In summary, we are making good progress but have some way to go before we can even begin the necessary work. At the very latest we wish to ring the full peal of bells for the 100th anniversary of the Great War Armistice in 2018, as two of our bells were anonymously donated in 1920 in memory of local ringers who lost their lives in that war, including two from Berkeley.

Clearly we would be very grateful for any donations and for support of the events mentioned above. However, we would also appreciate any ideas and offers to organize other fund raising initiatives, as our creativity and organizational resources are rather limited!

Steve Chandler Chairman of the Appeal Committee

Berkeley Shoppers' Quiz Results

Where can you buy:

edible willies: The Chocolate Shop; an umbrella: Berkeley Pharmacy; a strong magnifying glass: Armstrong-North; fluffy flip-flops: Veils of

Berkeley; printer cartridges: Memorandum; your pet's portrait: La Lune; helium balloons: Berkeley Flowers; a spare key: Aldridges; colour

photocopies: Sema4-graphics.

First Prize : Trish Cook Second Prize : Joan Hosier

Special Prize for originality : Bill Pittaway

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WHAT CAUSES STRESS?

It’s not the events of our lives, which necessarily cause the stress response, rather the way we think about and respond to those events. So, even though the event itself is often blamed, it does not have to be the direct cause of the negative and undesirable psychological state that people often refer to as being or feeling stressed.

Brain chemistry and neurological functioning, combined with physiology, and other psychological factors are what combine to cause the kind of state referred to as ‘stress’.

What causes stress to be triggered?

There are many factors to consider when determining the external triggers that exist in a person’s life. Stress can be present in our personal or professional life -- or a combination of both. And it varies greatly from one individual to another.

Any one of the following examples typically cause stress:

· physical injury or health problems

· death of a loved one

· job loss or having a hard time finding work

· being overwhelmed or finding the work difficult

· breaking up with a partner or getting a divorce

· broken relationships (family, relatives, friends, etc.)

· financial constraints

· being the carer for someone who needs a lot of support

· problems with housing conditions

All of these events can trigger a response form the primitive parts of the brain, which include responses such as Depression, Anxiety, Anger, or Burnout. However, there are always exceptions, and it’s important that we our successes..

What causes these events to be experienced as stressful?

Each and every anxiety we have is caused by negative thinking. Negative thoughts about the past, present, or future are all accumulated and stored for our minds to process later. Of course, when we reach our limits, we can literally lose control of our executive function and ability to function effectively.

Local Hypnotherapist, Liane Ulbricht-Kazan comments “what’s important is to address the thought processes surrounding the events of our lives, because in life, we know that things happen, and that’s not always something we can control”.

Our thought processes influence the stress response

Stress threatens the body’s equilibrium. It is a cause for reaction, adaptation, and change. Stress can increase incrementally over time and the threshold for stress is different for different people. The tipping point can change in response to influences from the environment, our genetics, or our behaviour, or any combination thereof.

The feeling of stress is essentially an emotional echo caused by the underlying stress on your brain cells. As the imagination is taken over by a cycle of negative thinking, we may perceive things, which just wouldn’t stand up to rational interrogation, or that we cannot change anyway.

Our different perceptions, backgrounds, emotional resilience and ability to cope play a big role in how stressed we

become in certain situations. As with the neurochemistry of the brain, our stress threshold is always changing, and can be viewed in terms of:

Our perception of the event – Our past experiences, thought processes and our self-esteem might dictate our perception of the situation.

Our emotional resilience – Our feelings towards the situation – i.e. the more resilient you are, the more likely you can persevere through tough situations.

How we deal with pressure – Our skills we use to deal with pressure.

Everyone is different. There might be an instance where you are doing fine and coping up well with work stress; yet one of your co-workers on your team is already stressed out. What causes stress in one person can sometimes be a source of motivation for another. Take public speaking, for example. Some people find it highly stressful to talk in front of an audience whether big or small. But other people thrive on it, and can do very well when speaking in front of a crowd.

At the heart of people’s issues, are their understanding and perception of the world, and how the interact with it. If you would like help in understanding how you can learn to deal with stress, remain in control, of your thoughts, and your emotions, then perhaps Hypnotherapy would be right for you.

Changes Welcome Hypnotherapy holds regular practice hours at the Marybrook Medical Centre in Berkeley, as well as Nailsworth and Bristol. To book an initial consultation where you can learn more about how this therapy can help you, just call 01453 367 870/ 07825 286 550 and speak to Liane or Sam, or visit www.changeswelcome.co.uk.



Have you seen the colourful van around

Berkeley?

It belongs to decorator Scott Morris

Scott and his wife Carly moved to Berkeley 18 months ago after being specifically requested for a restoration project in Berkeley and being asked to stay on site for a few weeks to complete it. They soon realised that their previous home in inner city Bristol couldn't compete at all and so made the decision to move here themselves.

Scott had always being good with colours from a young age but not considering himself an artist in the traditional sense, it was natural to him that he would be getting into something in design and it was a painting job 15 years ago aged 16 which made him realise it was his niche and this was the place to go, his employer immediately recognised the potential in this young man and made him an apprentice.

Fifteen years later and he is an employer in his own right and has proudly come full circle by taking on a local Berkeley lad as an apprentice himself. While he undertakes all painting and decorating work he specialises in wallpapering and takes it to a whole new level by being able to decorate a piano teacher’s studio in perfectly aligned sheet music so she was able to point to any part of her wall and get the student to play it and a 6 meter reproduction of the John William Waterhouse painting of the Lady of Shalott which was in 10 strips and covered an entire wall.

However, while these were undeniably specialist and bespoke he is just as passionate when considering rolls of wallpaper from B&Q and delivers the exact same quality, his catchphrase of "Decorating - Done the way it should be" perfectly sums up this new local business in Berkeley.

Scott can be contacted at [email protected] and you can look out for his advert in next month’s Flyer as well.

Did you know our Rachel is running a(nother) marathon?

You’ve probably seen flashes of Rachel running past you in Berkeley as she is in training for the London Marathon to raise money for ADDACTION—a charity supporting families of alcohol and drug addicts. This fitness burst has been a recent thing and has utterly transformed her life. She did the Meningitis 10 miles walk in May on her wedding anniversary and it was shortly after this that she decided to run the London Marathon.

She started running and training properly at the end of May and joined Dursley Running Club in June, she’s now done multiple 5k park runs in Chipping Sodbury and got a sub 30 minute run last month. She continued then with 10k runs including one on a family holiday in Torquay in June! Her shortest time was achieved at the Malmesbury 10k in September at 1 hour 3 minutes. She has gone on to complete 2 half marathons (Severn Bridge in August and Stroud end of October) with a best time of 2 hours 27 minutes. With support from Sam Cairns at Fitfix and Margaret Johnson and Kevin Jackson from Dursley Running Club, her marathon training plan is currently to run

3 - 4 times a week and do Fitfix twice a week with a goal completing the London Marathon in under 5 hours

Rachel needs to raise £2000 and will be doing a fashion show and sports event in January and a race night and auction in February and will be happy to accept any prizes for raffle and auction. Check out future issues of the Berkeley Flyer for more details of Rachel’s fundraising.

You can donate directly to Rachel's campaign

at:

http://virginmoneygiving.com/RachaelGoatman

www.armstrongandnorth.com Tel Berkeley 01453 511436

Dursley 01453 545816 Stroud 01453 764753

Private Sight Tests/ NHS Free contact lense trial

Weekend Appointments Frames to suit every budget

Safety spectacles Home visits by appointment

Available from:

The Library

Coventry Building Society

Berkeley Flowers

Berkeley Tea Rooms

2016 CALENDAR

£5.99 each Thank you to all our Sponsors.

All Profits from the Sale of the Calendar go to the Library

Berkeley Books – Your Community Library

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Friday 10.30 – 4.30, Saturday 9.30 -12.30

Tel.: 01453 810520 www.berkeleybooks.org.uk

CANONBURY RESIDENTIAL CARE

H0ME 19 Canonbury Street, Berkeley,

Gloucestershire, GL13 9BE

We are a small residential care home in the centre of Berkeley. We care for elderly

individuals who wish to live in a friendly and homely environment.

‘respite breaks available’ Tel: 01453 810292

www.canonburycare.co.uk

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvirginmoneygiving.com%2FRachaelGoatman&h=nAQEF3YFR



A huge thank you to everyone who came to the Children in Need breakfast at The Malthouse.

£500 was raised from the breakfast and we hope to make the total £1200 by the added sale of raffle tickets and books at the Building Society at Six Market Place. Thank you once again to everyone who has supported us.

From the staff at The Malthouse and Six Market Place.

Dear Editor,

I wrote in last month’s Flyer to advise that Berkeley would have its very own question time on Friday 11th December at 7pm in the town hall and said I would supply details in this edition. My idea is that it will enable people to discuss national and local issues that are important to them in an open forum and to check their thinking verses a panel of well versed and interesting people and other members of the audience. Refreshments including homemade mince pies will be provided by the Berkeley Library so that they can raise some funds.

We have a great list of panellists - Neil Carmichael MP (Conservative), Geoffrey Wheeler Leader of Stroud District Council (Labour), Heather Priestly chair of Hamfallow Parish Council, Prof Mark Horton TV Personality and presenter of “Coast”, Kevin Hamblin CEO of South Gloucestershire & Stroud College which is currently creating Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park on the Berkeley power station site.

Entry will be by FREE tickets available from The Library, the Pharmacy and The Building Society. Each has 25 tickets so if you find that any one supplier has run out try the others. There have been 75 tickets printed as this is the capacity of

the Town Hall.

If you’ve watched Question Time on TV this event will be organised in exactly the same way. On arrival you can decide if you want to ask a question or just be in the audience. Questions will be limited to “National Topics In The News That Week” and “Ongoing Local Topics” If you do want to ask a question you will be given a duplicate question sheet on which you simply write your question and your name, you hand one in and keep the other – when your question is chosen by the chair you will be asked to read it out from you sheet, so there will be no need to feel tongue tied what so ever.

If successful, I hope this will be the first of regular Question Times in Berkeley as uniquely the format gives folks a voice on things that matter to them, whilst at the same time enjoying an evening out and it raises some much needed funds for our community library.

Please collect your free tickets soon and whether you decide to ask a question or be in the audience I hope you have a lovely evening.

Gordon Craig Stroud District Councillor Berkeley Ward

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

We are writing in response to comments made by S.G. Darton in the November Flyer, about the amount of money spent recently on CCTV cameras.

Due to the vandalism we and our neighbours in Berkeley have suffered over several years (to cars and property, costing US thousands of pounds), we are happy that suitable cameras have been installed. Photos and documentation available on request

Frances and Heming Branum Salter Street

A Shining Example

When we decided to replace our 30 year old kitchen, Frances and I thought we should consider our local businesses rather than the big companies. Previously we had looked at B&Q, Magnet, Homebase and Ikea, among others. However, we decided finally on our local Berkeley Interiors, run by owner, Phil Metcalf, with a team of professional builders, electricians and fitters.

Phil outlined what his team would be doing while Frances and I were away on holiday. He came several times, first to help us design the new kitchen, choose the cupboards, doors, worktop and flooring, then to check the layout and make any changes we wanted. When we finally saw the new kitchen, it was fabulous: a top quality professional job, kept within budget, no skimping on quality.

Nothing was too much trouble: on our return, Phil had cleaned up so there was no sign they had been working - they had cleaned and vacuumed - and because we would arrive home in the early hours, he had left us tea & biscuits, coffee, milk and bread! You wouldn't get that from the big boys, would you?

We are so pleased to have used a local business and Phil Metcalf - with the Berkley Interior team of Shane, Rob and Sam - is a shining example of how to get it right, exactly how the customer wants it done.

There is a great deal of talent in our local area that we can all make use of.

Thank you so much, Phil and the team!

Frances and Heming Branum

Have you received this kind of excellent service from a local business? Let us know at the Flyer so we can help support and

promote the business which deserve it.

Email the editorial team at

[email protected]

To all of our customers and patients at Berkeley Pharmacy

I would like you to be aware that Pharmacy 2 U leaflets that you receive via the post are nothing to do with us, or any of the services that we provide. It is an internet based group who are headquartered in Leeds.

Berkeley Pharmacy has been at the heart of the community serving the local people for many years and we provide a service that we hope you both trust and find indispensable. We work closely with the doctors’ surgery offering support with diabetes testing and blood pressure monitoring as well as giving over the counter advice on medicines and your general health. Our qualified pharmacists are always happy to discuss any symptoms or medical issues with you face to face. Repeat prescriptions can now be electronically sent to us direct from the medical centre and if you find it difficult to get to us then arrangements can be made to have these delivered direct to your door. In addition to the medical aspect of our business we also supply a wide variety of competitively priced goods ranging from toiletries, cosmetics, gifts, electrical goods and household cleaning to

perfumes, essential oils and homeopathic remedies. If you have any concerns, or would like

further information about services that

we provide, please do not hesitate to

contact us on 01453 810316.



Useful Telephone Numbers:

Police (non emergencies) 101

West Country CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111

Neighbourhood Warden 01453 754276

Marybrook Medical Centre 01453 810228

NHS (non emergency) 111

Berkeley Pharmacy 01453 810316

Electricity Supply Power Loss 0800 6783105

(mobile users 0330 1235008)

Gas Emergency Service 0800 111999

Water Emergency 0800 7834444

Berkeley Town Council 01453 511964

Berkeley Primary School 01453 810254

Refuse Collection 01453 754424

Stroud District Council 01453 766321

Gloucestershire County Council 01452 425000

Neil Carmichael MP 01452 371630

Citizens’ Advice Bureau 01453 762084

People for You, Barbara Weldon 01453 511964

Samaritans 0845 7909090

National Rail Enquiries 0845 7484950

Traveline 0871 2002233

Village Agent 0777 6245726

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital 0300 4222222

Vale Hospital, Dursley 0300 4218494

The Berkeley Flyer accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of these telephone numbers

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MARYBROOK MEDICAL CENTRE

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

If you have recently received a letter from a company called Pharmacy2U offering to deliver your prescriptions free by post, please consider the following before taking any action.

· This is a Leeds based internet Pharmacy.

· There is no connection either with the Marybrook Surgery or the Berkeley Pharmacy.

· The Information Commissioner’s Office announced on 20 October 2015 that Pharmacy2U was being fined for selling-on its customers personal details without their consent.

· NHS England described this company’s behaviour as “not acceptable”.

· If enough people sign up to this or another on-line pharmacy, the future of our local Berkeley Pharmacy could be compromised.

· Are you aware that Berkeley Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions – why not ask about the service next time you are in.

Gordon Craig Chairman Marybrook Medical Centre Patient Participation Group

8 TOP TIPS TO AVOID A CHRISTMAS

DEBT HANGOVER

1. Plan early for Christmas. Be realistic and budget

accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on

each person – and stick to it.

2. Don’t forget the everyday bills. Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right.

3. Don’t bank on an overdraft. If you do need more money,

don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive.

4. Keep things simple. If you can afford to pay for your goods

outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper.

5. Buy safe to be safe. Whatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. The initial savings and convenience may prove to be a false economy.

6. Read the small print. Check for hidden extras in any credit

agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more.

7. Do your own credit checks. If you are going to use a credit

card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget for all these costs and put the payment dates in your diary.

8. Get advice early as problems can get bigger and more

expensive. Citizens Advice, Stroud District provides advice online, in person and via Freephone. Details are http://www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk/



Young people plan an event to bring the whole community together this

Christmas…The Berkeley Bash!

A group of young people from Berkeley and Sharpness are currently working hard to deliver a fantastic, Christmas themed event for their whole community to enjoy this December – with something for everyone, young and old!

The ‘Berkeley Bash’ will take place on Sunday 6 December from 3pm-8pm at the Hamfields Leisure Centre in Berkeley. This free event is the idea of the Berkeley Vale Youth Forum, supported by local community organisation World Jungle, Youth & Community services and funding from the Stroud District Youth Fund.

Running throughout the afternoon from 3.00pm, the earlier half of the event will include a range of free activities for children and families to enjoy, including face painting, music, cream teas, refreshments and a chance to explore a super Sensory Santa Grotto. From 6.00pm a number of live bands will take to the stage, including popular local group ‘The Ones’. Grace Barber, Youth and Community, explains:

“The Berkeley and Sharpness Youth Forum wanted to co-produce an event that would publicise their group, recruit new members and show a positive image of young people in Berkeley and Sharpness. The group have all been working really hard to organise the event, which we really hope will be well supported by the whole community. They

have come up with lots of good ideas to appeal to all age groups, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The event is being supported by local community organisation World Jungle who has been working closely with the youth forum over the past year. Ben Ward, Director of World Jungle said:

“This event will be a fantastic conclusion to a body of work we have been doing with young people in Berkeley and Sharpness. They have gained lots of valuable skills and experience through planning the event, showing what a hugely positive force they are. The Berkeley Bash will be a wonderful celebration of their achievements and way to bring the whole community together, young and old, in the run up to Christmas.”

For more information, please contact Ben Ward at World Jungle on 01453 548880, email [email protected] or visit the World Jungle website: www.worldjungle.org.uk

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

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

QUESTION TIME COMES TO

BERKELEY

FRIDAY 11th DECEMBER

AT 7 pm IN THE TOWN

HALL

The Panel:

Neil Carmichael – our MP

Geoffrey Wheeler - Leader Stroud District Council

Heather Priestly – Chair of Hamfallow Parish Council

Prof Mark Horton – TV Personality and presenter of Coast

Kevin Hamblin – Chief Executive of South Gloucestershire College

In the Chair: Val Watts ex Mayor of Berkeley

If you would like to be in the audience or to ask a question, please come along to this event. Free tickets are available from the Building Society, Library and Pharmacy in Berkeley

Refreshments will be provided by the Berkeley Community Library

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?


http://www.worldjungle.org.uk/



Santa's coming to Slimbridge

Sat 12 December

to Wed 23 December

Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22 & Wed 23 Dec 2015

Join the elves for breakfast or afternoon tea and visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice gingerbread men, toast marshmallows, get creative making arts and crafts - and don't forget to send a letter to the North Pole at our post office!

Breakfast Times: 9.15 - 10am

Adult Breakfast: 2 sausages, hash browns, bacon, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast plus tea or coffee

Children’s Breakfast: Hash brown, sausage, bacon, egg, beans, toast plus orange juice

Afternoon Tea Times: 3 – 4.30pm

Adult Afternoon Tea: Scone, jam, clotted cream, festive finger rolls, mini cake, mince pie plus tea or coffee

Children’s Afternoon Tea: Child’s finger rolls (turkey, cheese or jam), mini cake, squash or mini hot chocolate, festive treat.

Times of activities:

Marshmallow toasting 11am to 4pm

Elf Den building 11am to 4pm

Arts and crafts – 9.30am to 5pm

Santa’s Post Office – 9.30am to 5pm

Gingerbread decorating – 10am to 5pm

Cost: This Christmas we are offering a full day of festive fun which the whole family will love. The experience including a meal and gift (for children) is £8.50 for adults and £19.95 for children. For under 2s you can book a grotto slot with small gift for £5 or if you wish them to just accompany an older sibling you can bring them for free (however this does not include a gift). Please see the terms and conditions for more information.

If you have any queries regarding your booking please call 01453 891223 (Monday to Friday) or email [email protected]

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

Book an appointment today! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook

Six Market Place Services Available

Local Coventry Building Society Agency - full counter service

Bennett Jones Estate Agents - Thinking of selling or letting? Give us a call for

your free valuation.

Independent Financial & Mortgage Advice call in or telephone for an appointment.

Phoenix Legal Advice Clinic every Thursday morning from 10.00 -12.00.

“Pension Health Check Service now available”

Book an appointment here to see our adviser

Tel: 01453 810383

6 Market Place, Berkeley, Glos GL13 7DH

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am till 4.45pm

Saturdays 9.00am till 12 noon

For free estimates contact Neil

EMAIL: [email protected]

01453 826811 07812 393922

Ronald Swanwick

Local Artist Commissions Invited

Drawings and painting

of Local Scenes

Pet Portraits

Wildlife

[email protected]

Tel 07855966564

We Will Remember Them

One of Berkeley’s oldest and most cherished traditions is the celebration of the Armistice Day tribute to the fallen. At 11 o’clock on the 11th November each year the Town Council launch a rocket to signal the hour and follow it 2 minutes later with another to herald the end of the silence. This has been continued throughout the years and our picture shows Deputy Mayor George Fryer and Mayor Mike Studden preparing to light the “maroon” at the School Field.


http://www.veilsofberkeley.co.uk



DO YOU HAVE SOME TIME YOU COULD SPARE TO HELP US WITH THE FLYER?

We need more volunteer editors and an organised person to volunteer to administer the advertising for us. If you think you can help please email: [email protected] with your contact details and we will get back to you.

BERKELEY

CHRISTMAS

FAYRE

SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2015

4 PM – 6 PM IN MARKET PLACE

FUNFAIR FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

SAUSAGE ROLLS, MULLED WINE AND

CIDER

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WITH

STALLS FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS

SANTA CLAUS WITH GIFT FOR ALL

CHILDREN

GUARANTEED SNOW!

La Lune Art Studio on the High Street would like to wish

all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year.

We are open extra hours over the season and have a

huge range of locally crafted goods and products for

Christmas from jewellery, glass, paintings and toys to

candles and decorations.

St Mary’s, Berkeley Christmas Tree Festival

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December St Mary’s will be hosting a Christmas Tree Festival. Trees will be on display from 1pm on Saturday through to 5pm on Sunday, when we will be auctioning the trees.

There is no admission fee for the event but donations are welcome. Proceeds will be shared amongst participating groups and organisations, which currently include:

Berkeley Brownies Berkeley Community Library

Berkeley Players Berkeley Women’s Institute Friends of Berkeley Castle La Lune (in aid of charity)

Meningitis Now St Mary’s Choir

On Saturday we have an afternoon of Christmas music from 2.30pm, firstly led by St Mary’s Choir followed by carol singing from 3.45pm with a children’s torch-lit procession from the church to the Market Place at 4.15pm to meet Father Christmas at the Berkeley Christmas Fayre.

Refreshments will be available in the church throughout the afternoon. On Sunday we have our regular Christingle service at 4pm after which the trees will be auctioned from 5pm. Once again refreshments will be available in the church. Local delivery to winning bidders can be arranged. If you would like to decorate a tree and promote your group or club please email your details to [email protected] to reserve a tree. Trees will be provided by St Mary’s.

St Mary’s, Berkeley

Christmas Tree Festival

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December St Mary’s will be hosting a Christmas Tree Festival. Trees will be on display from 1pm on Saturday through to 5pm on Sunday, when we will be auctioning the trees. There is no admission fee for the event but donations are welcome. Proceeds will be shared amongst participating groups and organisations, which currently include:

Berkeley Brownies

Berkeley Community Library

Berkeley Players

Berkeley Women’s Institute

Friends of Berkeley Castle

La Lune (in aid of charity)

Meningitis Now

St Mary’s Choir

On Saturday we have an afternoon of Christmas music from 2.30pm, firstly led by St Mary’s Choir followed by carol singing from 3.45pm with a children’s torch-lit procession from the church to the Market Place at 4.15pm to meet Father Christmas at the Berkeley Christmas Fayre. Refreshments will be available in the church throughout the afternoon. On Sunday we have our regular Christingle service at 4pm after which the trees will be auctioned from 5pm. Once again refreshments will be available in the church. Local delivery to winning bidders can be arranged. If you would like to decorate a tree and promote your group or club please email your details to [email protected] to reserve a tree. Trees will be provided by St Mary’s.

St Mary’s, Berkeley

Christmas Tree Festival

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December St Mary’s will be hosting a Christmas Tree Festival. Trees will be on display from 1pm on Saturday through to 5pm on Sunday, when we will be auctioning the trees. There is no admission fee for the event but donations are welcome. Proceeds will be shared amongst participating groups and organisations, which currently include:

Berkeley Brownies

Berkeley Community Library

Berkeley Players

Berkeley Women’s Institute

Friends of Berkeley Castle

La Lune (in aid of charity)

Meningitis Now

St Mary’s Choir

On Saturday we have an afternoon of Christmas music from 2.30pm, firstly led by St Mary’s Choir followed by carol singing from 3.45pm with a children’s torch-lit procession from the church to the Market Place at 4.15pm to meet Father Christmas at the Berkeley Christmas Fayre. Refreshments will be available in the church throughout the afternoon. On Sunday we have our regular Christingle service at 4pm after which the trees will be auctioned from 5pm. Once again refreshments will be available in the church. Local delivery to winning bidders can be arranged. If you would like to decorate a tree and promote your group or club please email your details to [email protected] to reserve a tree. Trees will be provided by St Mary’s.

PANTOMIME

The Berkeley Players are all set to once again thrill and entertain with their pantomime:

Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves written by Ben Crocker

With a full cast of both the children and the adults, wonderful set pieces and musical numbers this years pantomime of Eastern Promise will be perfect for the whole family.

Performing at the Town Hall on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of December at 7.30pm (including a matinees on the 5th at 2.30pm) tickets are available from Berkeley Pharmacy.

Merry Christmas from all at the Berkeley Players.



HA

MF

IEL

DS

LE

ISU

RE Friday 4 December - 7 Till Late

All About The Ladies

Pamper Evening, Tickets £10

Saturday 19 December Christmas Party Night

Robbie Williams/Michael Bublé

tribute & disco, Tickets £12.50

Thursday 31 December - New Year’s Eve

ABBAS Angels tribute & disco

Food available from Hilary’s Kitchen

01453 810931 [email protected]

Hire Hamfields Leisure for Children’s Parties, Birthdays,

Engagement Parties or Wedding Functions

£100 members or £150 non-members

Phone 01453 810413 [email protected]

BERKELEY BOOKS – YOUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Christmas/New Year Closing:

We will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Christmas Cards:

We are selling Christmas cards made by our volunteers which this year include local scenes.

2016 Calendar and Diaries:

We have a few 2016 Calendars left and also have 2016 Diaries.

Craft Fairs:

We are busy at Craft Fairs. During December we will be at Berkeley Primary School Fair on the 4th, (6.00 – 8.00 p.m.), Jenner House on the 5th , (11.00 – 4..00), Berkeley Festival on the 12th (4.00 – 6.00 p.m.) and at Gloucester Craft Fair on Sunday, 20th (10.00 – 5.00).

Please come along and support us.

Question Time in Berkeley:

There is no charge for entry but a ticket is required. These are available from the Library, Coventry Building Society and Berkeley Pharmacy.

Refreshments will be available to purchase.

Christmas Tree Festival:

The Library is pleased to be decorating one of the Trees for the Christmas Tree Festival which will be held in St. Mary’s Church on 12/13th December. All the decorated trees will be auctioned on 13th December.

From everyone in the Library - we wish you a very Happy Christmas.

Berkeley Books – Committee

Berkeley Evangelical

Church Coffee Morning

Thank you to all of you who returned shoe boxes to us, either by proxy or in person. We were surprised and delighted by the number.

There are going to be some very happy children at Christmastime. By the time you read this they will have been collected and be speeding on their way to needy children. There will be an update about the destination early in the New Year.

We shall not be holding our usual coffee morning in December. It has become such a busy month hasn't it with the frantic lead up to Christmas?

We shall be back again in January. The variety of cakes will be as tempting and the teas and coffee as plentiful so do

come along on Saturday 14th January.

All of the coffee morning team wish all our coffee morning visitors a Very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

Berkeley Books - Your Community Library

Raffle

1st Prize: Hand Crochet Blanket The completed blanket, which has been

made by of our volunteers, is on display in the Library

Plus Other Prizes Draw will take place 29th December, 2015

Tickets £2 each

Available from the Library and the Berkeley Tea Rooms

Berkeley Books –

Your Community Library

Raffle

1st Prize: Hand Crochet Blanket

The completed blanket, which has been made by one of our volunteers,

is on display in the Library

Plus other prizes

Draw will take place 29th December, 2015

Tickets £2.00 each Available from the Library and the Berkeley Tea Rooms

The Sally In December

3 Dec 15 Folk Night - The Sally house band (Sally and the Hamonites) will be playing in the front bar of the Sally every first Thursday in the month. Music usually starts about 7.30pm.

12 Dec 15 The Sally Christmas Dinner and Quiz Night - Chef Dan will be serving up a classic, informal Sally-style fork buffet. After dinner, Vicar Richard Avery from St Mary’s Church will be hosting our very first Sally Christmas quiz, teams of up to six can battle it out Two courses and quiz entry is £20 per head and we’ll be donating £5 from every entry towards the St Mary’s Bell Tower Appeal. Food will be served from 6pm, with the quiz starting about 7.30pm. As ever, we’re not reserving spaces so buy your meal tickets at the bar on the night.

13 Dec 15 The Sally Christmas Market - We’ll have meats, cheeses, chutneys, fruit and veg, bottled beers, mulled cider, craft and yule stands, hot dogs, shire horses, Christmas trees and much, much more. We should also be finishing the market off with some festive entertainment as well (TBC). Market runs 11am till 3pm with entertainment to follow!

18 Dec 15 Christmas Mummers Play - Performing for us this year are the Ragged and Old Morris troupe from Stroud so look forward to suitably bizarre but wonderful evenings’ entertainment!

22 Dec 15 Carols with the Woodford Silver Band - The full silver band will be packed into one bar with the rest of the pub hopefully filled with you lot singing your hearts out. It will of course be brilliant!

VERMIN & PEST

CONTROL

Rodents, Bees & Wasps,

Rabbit Clearance, Squirrels, Moles,

Feral Pigeons, Bird Proofing, Fleas etc.

Telephone J.G.L.

01454 416620

Mobile: 07745 209947


Domestic & Commercial

Call for free advice



WHAT’S ON DIARY For a regular entry in the What’s On Diary please email [email protected] before 15th of the month

Community Bank - Town Hall, Tuesdays 9.15am until 11am

Town Planning & Finance Meetings 2nd Tuesday of the month 7.00 pm

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

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Berkeley Community Library Saturdays 9.30am - 12.30pm

Coffee Morning Every2nd Saturday of the month

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 (recycling week) £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 Library 7.30pm

Past-Times Café Marybrook Medical Centre Chat, Crafts, and tea. 2.00pm

Town Council Meeting 3rd Monday of the month 7.30 pm

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

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

Coffee Morning Thursdays, Union Church Schoolroom 10.00 – 11.00am

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

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Bingo in the Mariners Arms Fridays from 3pm

Berkeley Community Library Fridays 10.30am - 4.30pm

Berkeley Rainbows Fridays The Scout Hut 4.15 -5.30pm

Berkeley Brownies Fridays The Scout Hut 6.00pm-7.30pm

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

NatWest Mobile Bank Outside Town Hall 11 till 1 pm

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Roman Catholic Mass Sundays 8.30am 10.30am & 5.30pm St Dominic RC Church, Kingshill, Dursley

Berkeley Union Church Salter Street, Berkeley. (Next to town hall) Sunday Services 10.00 am -11.00 am Coffee, Tea and biscuits to follow

St Mary’s Church 6th 9.30 Parish Communion 11am All Age Worship 6pm Evensong

13th 9.30 Choral Communion 4 pm Christingle

20th 9.30 Parish Communion 11am All Age Worship 6pm Carol Service

24th 3pm Crib Service 11pm Holy Communion

25th 10.30am Christmas Day Communion

27th 9.30 Benefice Communion at Stone Church Quiz Night Mariners Arms Berkeley. 8.30pm start

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The Yurt Tea Rooms at

Berkeley Castle

Opening hours Sun - Weds 10.30am - 4.30pm Open from 1st Apr to 31st Oct

No admission to the Castle is required to visit the Yurt!

Beautiful homemade cakes and pastries

Hot drinks

Light lunches (hot chef specials every Sunday)

Afternoon tea

01454 415716

Berkeley Castle (in the walled gardens) Canonbury St. Berkeley GL13 9BQ

www.napiercatering.co.uk / [email protected]



COTSWOLD MARKETING PRINTING SERVICES

& PHOTO COPY BUREAU SHORT RUN FULL COLOUR

PERSONAL & BUSINESS

STATIONERY

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COLLECTIONS & DELIVERIES

Open 9-5 & Sat morning

Contact: John or Christine Carter Tel: 01453 546645

Fax: 01453 544311

Mobile: 0776 245 8397

[email protected]

Or call in: 22 High St, CAM, Glos. GL11 5LE

BERKELEY FLYER TEAM:

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

WEB PAGE: David Hook [email protected]

ARTICLES, LETTERS AND DIARY DATE ENTRIES: [email protected] DISTRIBUTION: Grace & Dave King 811138

ADVERTISING: www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk or

email: [email protected]

PRINTING: Cotswold Marketing: 22 High St, Cam.

01453 546645 email: [email protected]

With Christmas on the horizon I’m left wondering where this year has gone. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. I pondered on which recipe to divulge this yule tide time around. Should I share a sumptuous dessert or a delicate starter? In the end it was easy peasy! Ever over cooked a Turkey? I have…. I then trawled through my own recipe books and came across a great alternative to dry bland Turkey crown. I’ve served this dish fine dining style and for Christmas banquets…. I hope you like it. Let’s make..

TURKEY ESCALOPE STUFFED WITH A DATE AND CHESTNUT STUFFING, WRAPPED IN SMOKEY STREAKY BACON AND FINISHED WITH A REAL TURKEY AND CRANBERRY GRAVY. Let’s go……. YOU WILL NEED: Ask the butcher for Turkey escalope. One per person. 3 rashers of streaky smoked bacon per escalope.

For the gravy you’ll need a Turkey carcass or chicken carcass. 1 leek, 4 carrots, 1 large onion, 2 sticks of celery, 1 pack of fresh cranberries, 3 bay leaves and a good glug of white wine.

For the stuffing you’ll need 250g chopped dates, 1 pack of vac- pac cooked steamed chestnuts. You can also buy these tinned, but I think the vac-pacs are just as good as spending hours boiling then peeling the buggers, which you can do…. But it’s the singular worst job in the kitchen ever…. Apart from pickling onions…. And washing up! I digress. 250g natural breadcrumbs, 175g sausage meat and 2 eggs.

METHOD: First we’re gonna do the gravy as this takes a little time to cook out. In a baking tray add a little oil or goose fat pop the carcass in with the onion cut into quarters with the skin on, the leek split down the middle and washed. Finally add the carrots, peeled and sliced down the middle. Put this into a pre-heated oven at 220C for about 20 minutes or until the bones start to brown.

Whilst the bones brown for the stock we’ll turn our attention to the stuffing. In a mixing bowl introduce the dates and break in the cooked chestnuts, add the breadcrumb. Boil that kettle and pour on enough boiling water just to moisten the mix. Then add some seasoning and taste. Got the seasoning right…. Good! Now add the sausage meat and beaten eggs and give the ingredients a damn good mix. Set aside in the fridge.

Check the carcass in the oven… Ready for the stock? In a pot

large enough add a little butter and introduce the veg from the browned stock ingredients. Add a nice glug of wine, I’m talking half a bottle here. Then reduce by 1/3. Add the carcass to the pot with enough water to cover the contents but not drown them, add the bay leaves. Bring up to the boil and immediately down to a simmer. We don’t want a rolling boil as this will return any impurities from the surface back into the stock. The key here is to skim the scum… Then keep skimming. Skim some more as the stock reduces. This should take 1 - 11/2 hours. As the stock reduces it will thicken. To finish strain the stock and set aside to cool.

Our escalope’s are dead easy. Lay them out on cling film, cover with cling film then with a rolling pin or meat mallet tenderise and flatten out until they are 1.5cm thick. Remove the top layer of cling film and put a nice blob of stuffing on the bottom half of the escalope and simply fold the top half over. With the streaky bacon wrap around the stuffed escalope parcel. Put the parcels onto a baking tray and pour in the stock so they are laid in a pool of delicious flavour…. Don’t drown them here. Cover with foil and place in the oven at 180C for 100 to 120 minutes or until the escalope’s are cooked through to 76C.

To serve we need to drain the liquor from the escalope tray and add it to our stock, add the cranberries to the stock and bring back up to heat. If you still want the gravy thicker it’s time to add a little gravy powder by mixing the powder with a little wine then adding it to the pot. Voila… A delicious moist alternative to the traditional Christmas Turkey. All you need now are family and loved ones… or someone who might be lonely this Christmas who needs to hear those five magic words, “ Will you come to dinner?”

For me this poem says it all…..

Christmas is coming,

The geese (and/or Turkeys) are getting fat,

Please put a penny In the old man's hat.

If you haven't got a penny, A ha'penny will do,

If you haven't got a ha'penny,

Then God bless you.

Dan Ashford

Head Chef at

The Salutation

Ham

Documents

No. 242 IT S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS