Watermoor House: Activities from mosaic making to choir lessons.

Everyone needs some stimulation! Take part in this friendly
atmosphere.

WATERMOOR HOUSE 

Activities at Watermoor House, Cirencester

Watermoor House knows that activities are central to excellent care. Activities provide opportunities to support feelings of inclusion, occupation, attachment, identity, and comfort. 

We offer a range of different types of activities to ensure that we can meet the needs of all residents, regardless of interests and ability. For example; we run a falls-prevention group and weekly keep-fit, through a partnership with G-Fitness.

We have some art projects coming up, including making a mosaic for our new patio garden. The residents receive visits from local Nurseries and also go out for lunch every month. Recently, we created a mobile shop, which has been well received by residents who can now easily buy some basics and treats!  

Let's do our best to stay happy!

We partner with Mindsong for choir sessions and host piano-playing and poetry sessions. On Fridays, we show a film of the residents’ choice in our comfortable lounge. Watermoor House is committed to providing emotional and psychological support via our full and varied activities programme and our Accredited Activities and Marketing Coordinator, Alison, is kept very busy! Watermoor House welcomes visits and has open days during the year.

Please see our Website and Facebook page for more information. www.watermoorhouse.org.

Cirencester Ramblers: Enjoy Local Walks and Make Friends

The ramblers enjoying a beautiful day.

CIRENCESTER RAMBLERS Sun 10 Mar  The walk will take us past Witcombe Roman Villa and the reservoirs and then will climb the Cotswold escarpment to Barrow Wake. The Cotswold Way is then followed up Cooper's Hill and then downhill to the cars. 10 miles. (Strenuous)  Donation to travel £3. Richard Holmes 07726 566609. Meet at Waterloo Car Park at 9.15am for a 9.30am start.  R A Dogs Only. Visitors welcome. Details http://www.cirencesterramblers.org.uk.

CIRENCESTER RAMBLERS Sun 17 March. From the Old Rail Yard, Tetbury the walk passes by Duchy Home Farm and farms that supply barley to Stroud Brewery. The return route is via old disused railway line.  7.5 miles. Donation to travel. £3. Sarah Wood 01453765683/OTD 07956 861346. Meet at Waterloo Car Park at 9.15am for a 9.30am start.  R A Dogs Only. Visitors welcome. Details http://www.cirencesterramblers.org.uk.

CIRENCESTER RAMBLERS Sun 31 March.  From Great Bedwyn we follow the Kennet and Avon Canal to Crofton Pumping Station, there we leave the canal to visit a working windmill before heading back through woodland. 7 miles. Donation to travel £4. Bob Scott 07807 936674. Meet at Waterloo Car Park at 9.15am for a 9.30am start.  R A Dogs Only. Visitors welcome. Details http://www.cirencesterramblers.org.uk.

The Barn Theatre: The Butterfly and the Lion 2nd April-4th May

THE BUTTERFLY LION

The Barn Theatre open their “Built by Barn” productions with a fantastic family show and arguably one of Michael Morpurgo’s, former Children’s Laureate, (War Horse, Private Peaceful, Running Wild) finest books, THE BUTTERFLY LION.

This heart-warming yet bitter-sweet story of faithfulness, destiny and love, tells the tale of a lonely boy in South Africa who one day adopts an orphaned white lion cub and will be brought to life through great storytelling, music and captivating puppetry.

The Butterfly Lion tells the extraordinary story of young Albert Andrews and the unlikely friendship that he strikes up with the orphaned white lion cub he rescues one day from the African Veldt. It’s an epic tale that spans more than seventy years and takes us from rural Wiltshire to the plains of South Africa, and from the bleeding heart of war-torn France finally back to England and the safety of home. It’s a journey that begins with a solemn promise made by a boy never to forget his friend, a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its startling conclusion.

Tickets start from as little as £10 with some great family and group offers. To book call our Box Office on 01285 648255 or go to barntheatre.org.uk/booking

Goal in Sight For Cirencester Parking Needs

CDC Cabinet agrees key design considerations for Waterloo multi-storey 

Meeting on 14 February, Cabinet Members of Cotswold District Council agreed several key design considerations for the proposed Waterloo multi-storey car park in Cirencester.

Their recommendations included: 

·       Width of bays will be 2.5 metres (wider than the 2.4 m standard)

·       Provision of 15 free bicycle racks.

·       Spaces for motorcycles – numbers to be confirmed.

·       Public toilets – including a ‘changing places’ compliant unit.

·       Electronic signs to display ‘car park full’ information.

When an architect is appointed to design the car park, these recommendations will be incorporated into their brief.  The final design will then be subject to the normal planning process.

Commenting on the recommendations, CDC Leader Cllr Tony Berry said,

“Providing wider parking spaces will increase the ease of use for motorists exiting and entering their vehicles; this would result in a slight reduction of the car park’s capacity, but I am sure that the extra room would be welcomed by many users.  It’s also important to provide for the needs of cyclists and motorcyclists, and I am sure that the proposed spaces will be well used.  Additionally, I am very pleased that this will present the opportunity to build some toilet facilities that comply with the highest standards for people with disabilities.”

Cabinet backs proposal for 100 temporary parking spaces in Cirencester

Cabinet Members of Cotswold District Council have endorsed a proposal to provide a temporary decked car park within Cirencester town centre.

The Waterloo car park – which currently provides 233 parking spaces – will be out of commission from early next year if plans are approved to create a multi-storey car park at that site.  Although the Council is progressing a scheme to create 150 spaces for displaced parking permit holders at Cirencester Rugby Club, there is still a significant shortfall. Subject to planning consent, CDC aims to close that gap by providing 100 extra parking  spaces in the form of temporary decking at a car park within the town (venue to be confirmed) for about two years.

Commenting on the proposal, CDC Leader Cllr Tony Berry said,

“The creation of a multi-storey car park at the Waterloo site would take at least a year to complete so it’s vital that we ensure motorists would still have somewhere to park.  While the proposed Rugby Club car park will offset demand for long-stay permit parking, the temporary decking solution would help meet the needs of short stay visitors.”

A further report, seeking full Council approval of funding for a temporary decking scheme, will be issued once the actual costs are confirmed.

Corinium Radio March 2019: Student Discovers Cirencester History

Radio Student Takes A Walk Through History

Elizabeth Volunteering

A local student spent a short time working with volunteers at Corinium Radio recently and ended up taking a long walk through the history of Cirencester as a result.

Sixth-former Elizabeth came to the town’s community radio station to do a spell of work experience because she is hoping to follow a career in the media.

While she was with us Elizabeth took part in a number of programmes and also learned about some of the technical aspects of the station.  She also volunteered to help Cirencester Civic Society with a project they are involved with at the moment featuring blue plaques, which can be found all around the town.

A-level student Elizabeth met up with John Tiffney, chair of the civic society and a good friend of Corinium Radio, and as a result she volunteered to take photographs of all the blue plaques around Cirencester for a new feature the society is putting online for visitors and local residents alike.

She took over 40 pictures of plaques, which mark historic buildings, people and events. They will now be featured in an online trail to guide people through the history of Cirencester.

As a result of her photographic exploits Elizabeth admitted she had learned a great deal about local history.

John was full of praise for Elizabeth’s efforts.  He said she had done very well and hoped the project might be of some help on her C.V.

Corinium Radio spokesman Tony Coleman said, “It was great fun having Elizabeth working with us.  She was really enthusiastic and if she does pursue a career in the media I have no doubt she will do really well.”

Meanwhile, if you want to volunteer with us ring Carole Boydell on 07776 144033 to find out what’s involved.

What's on at the Corinium Museum March 2019

The Corinium Museum has so many great events on, take part!

March Program

Behind the Scenes: Ruins of Medieval Cirencester 

Wednesday 13th March, 11-12pm

Talk with Heather Dawson at the Museum Resource Centre, Northleach

A unique opportunity to explore the museums reserve collection. Learn about the history and splendour of Cirencester’s Medieval Abbey through our vast collection of stone artefacts discover during the Abbey Excavations in the 1960s.
Cost: £7 per adult, £6 members
Limited to 10 people. For more details & to book, please contact the museum.

The Shape of Water

Corinium Cinema
Thursday 14 March, 7pm

From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes 'The Shape Of Water' - an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963.

Cert: 15
Run time: 2 hr. 03 min.
Cost: £6.50 per adult, £5.50 concession

Rural Cinema

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 March, 2.15pm
The Corinium Museum takes part in the Rural Cinema Scheme. Films are released approximately 4-6 weeks in advance. For film titles contact the Corinium Museum or visit our website.
Cost: £5.60 per adult, £4.80 concession

Roman Gardens

Evening Lecture with Cherry Hubbard
Thursday 28 March, 7-8.30pm
Pliny the Elder wrote that there was a certain sanctity to a garden... In this talk Cherry explores the legacy of the Romans in our gardens, how they created peaceful spaces in the midst of their homes, how they used their plants for food, drink, decoration, medicine and dyes. We look at the primary sources, mosaics, frescos, pollen and seeds. What did they bring with them and what has survived 2000 years on?   

Cherry Hubbard is an engaging professional interpreter of social and domestic history with much experience in public speaking with a wide ranging demographic. Topics ranging throughout history, but with a WW1, Tudor and Roman specialist knowledge.

Cost: £7 per adult, £6 members
Booking recommended

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Mother’s Day Cinema Screening with Tea & Cake
Sunday 31 March, 2.15pm
Join us to celebrate Mother’s Day with this 1961 classic. A young New York writer sponsored by a wealthy woman falls in love with the charming, impulsive and eccentric call girl that lives next door. Based on a story by Truman Capote. Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Tea and cake will be served during the interval.
Cost: £15 per adult, £12 concession
Booking recommended 

Please contact us if you would like any further details or images for any of the events that we are holding. coriniummuseum@slm-ltd.co.uk

Growth Hub March 2019 News

Listen or talk at the Growth Hub!

Hello from the Cirencester Growth Hub

Supporting local businesses is part of our DNA here at Cirencester Growth Hub – chop us in half, and we have Made in Gloucestershire written through us like a stick of rock.

And actually, that food analogy isn’t a bad one, because one area where we offer support is to Cirencester’s and Gloucestershire’s thriving food and drink sector.

Once a month, among the many events we run at Cirencester Growth Hub – and all free to attend – we hold ‘Let’s Graze’. This is a networking event where one local food producer and one local drink producer get to showcase their products. It gives them the chance to introduce their food/drink to a wider audience, and the attendees get to network with fellow business people and sample the food and drink on offer.

We’ve invited a wide variety of producers: from Severn Snacks, which makes pheasant jerky, to British Polo Gin, whose drink is organic; from Golden Sheep Coffee, to the healthy cake producer Fitbakes.

Michael Rickatson, of Golden Sheep Coffee, said: “Let’s Graze was a great opportunity to present our coffee, and we had some great feedback and advice. Our coffee is now served at Cirencester Growth Hub.”

Organic Gin

Like the sound of Let’s Graze? Why not come along to our next event, from 4-5pm on March 21, where attendees will be able to sample wares from two more fantastic Gloucestershire producers: caterer Relish and wine retailer When in Rome.

We have lots of other free events going on in March, from three-hour workshops to one-hour Spotlight sessions with experts. We also offer free, one-to-one business advice, from our expert business navigators. Use of the coworking space can be on a pay-as-you go or membership basis.

Cirencester Growth Hub, next to the Royal Agricultural University, is part of the wider Gloucestershire Growth Hub network. For more information about Cirencester Growth Hub, visit https://www.thegrowthhub.biz/cirencester-growth-hub, email cirencester@thegrowthhub.biz or call 01285 889850.

Alison Fielden & Co: New Builds

New Build Property

When you purchase a new-build property directly from a developer, there are a lot of additional pressures on you as a buyer in comparison to an ordinary purchaser of an existing property. The main one being that the developer will usually put an exchange deadline on the transaction, usually 28 or 35 days, beyond which they reserve the right to withdraw from the transaction and put the property back on the market.

There are a number of tips we can offer that can assist a buyer of a new build property:

· Stay in regular communication with the site office in order that you remain updated on the construction of your property and the proposed completion dates being offered by the developer. The developers do tend to get nervous if their buyers go quiet or ‘off the radar.’ If you have bad news perhaps relating to a related transaction you have, it is important to let the developer know as soon as possible.

· If you have a property to sell, it is always worth asking the developer if they would be happy to buy your property in part-exchange for the new property. If they agree to it, however, they are likely to offer you a lower price than one you would get on the open market. There is an advantage of a part-exchange, in that there is no chain, and no other parties/properties or solicitors involved, just you and the developer.

· Although there is a lot of paperwork being provided, it is important at the outset to read everything that the sales advisers are giving you, as you will be asked to sign to confirm your agreement to the contents of the reservation. This would also include any extras that you are looking to purchase and other options/discounts being offered by the developer.

· It is advisable to have made progress with regard to any mortgage that you are looking to take out for the purchase as early as possible. As the time scales are tight with these kind of transactions, it is always a good thing to have commenced the procedures regarding a mortgage, even more especially if you are intending to use the government Help to Buy scheme. There is extra paperwork and time involved in this, so the earlier it can be put under way the better. The sales office will be able to offer a preferred financial advisor if this is something you would like to take them up on.

· If you are putting any monies towards the purchase of the property that require time to be liquidated or available for use as a deposit, it is key to have such funds available in good time and so a start should be made on this.

· As with the developer information above, it is important again to read all the property information sent to you by your conveyancing solicitor and discuss with them anything that you do not understand or need further explanation on. Any issues that you have with the documentation need to be ironed out prior to exchange of contracts. Prompt attention to the documentation and the return of signed papers is key.

· Whilst the developer will offer you their recommended conveyancers for the transaction, you do not have to instruct them. It is absolutely your right to choose the conveyancer that you want to. All solicitors will be able to meet the deadlines from the developers in order to ensure that you are able to purchase your property.

Both Alison Fielden and Phil Stephens have may years of experience in acting for purchasers of new build properties from developers. For a professional legal service please contact Alison Fielden & So on 01285 653261.

Country Matters March 19: Your Guide to Cow Breeds

The oxen team of Herefords at Cirencester Park

Country Matters

By The Hodge

‘The cow is of the bovine ilk;

One end is moo, the other, milk.’

Ogden Nash ‘The Cow’ 1931

Bovines - or cows to thee and me – are familiar creatures compared with some farm livestock. After all, once spring arrives, we see them in the fields as we drive around in pursuit of whatever it is that drives us. There they are, in all shades of brown, or black or black and white or grey or white or whatever, grazing the fields, chewing the cud, lying under trees to tell us it’ll soon rain or standing threateningly at the gate while we decide if that really was the footpath we wanted to take the dogs along.

Of course, apart from colour – and sex if I’m allowed to mention such a thing in Scene – not all ‘cows’ are the same. For a start, we lazily call them all ‘cows’, the female of the species in just the same way we refer to cats, also female felines, or dogs, the males of that species. Horses and pigs are easier as neither refers strictly to one of the sexes. ‘Cattle’ would be a better term as long as there is more than one in sight although, confusingly, ‘cattle’ used to be a general term for farm livestock; thus a ‘cattle market’ dealt in all farm species.

So, have a look at the nether regions of one of your cattle to see if what is dangling there makes them a cow or a bull. If nothing hangs, you have two further options; it is either a ‘heifer’, being a young female who has yet to develop an udder; or a ‘steer’ or ‘bullock’ being a male who has had his appendage removed. Don’t assume that all males have rings in their noses either. They don’t, and such an assumption can lead to unnecessary exercise if you venture into their enclosure.

Thus, we’ve sorted out colour and sex but there’s another definition to consider – dairy or beef? Dairy animals – or at least the cows as opposed to the bulls – tend to be bony and angular and their udders can be highly developed. They are kept to be milked to supply your local chiller counters with milk and yoghurt and cream and cheese and everything else ‘dairy’. In toto, we eat an awful lot of dairy products although vegans don’t touch them. The other type – ‘beef’ – are, well, beefier. Thick in body and a bit more ponderous, (but please don’t count on my description when calculating if you can get across to the far side of a field of cows or not), they are the specialist breeds used to provide the meat counter with all those steaks and roasting joints and packs of mince and burgers etc.

All cattle breeds, until the Victorian era, had to fulfil both jobs and maybe even traction too since before horses and steam engines and tractors, bullocks, mainly, would be the animals that did the ploughing and the carting around the farm but got superceded by the speedier horses. Interestingly, oxen, as working cattle used to be known, (another definition to learn instead of just ‘cows’), were still used on the Cirencester Park estate until the middle of the 20th century – not exclusively but as a means of keeping a tradition going. 

But farmers in the 20th century soon learnt that it was better to specialise and get your milk from a
dairy breed such as a Holstein or Jersey and beef from your specialist beef breed such as Hereford or Charolais, (a French interloper). 

There you are then – your five-minute guide to bovine animals of all sorts employed upon the land. You could instead go the library and check out a 400-page book on the same subject but that will just give you lots more unnecessary peripheral stuff that will not help you either driving around or running across fields.