Corinium Radio June 18: Fleece Fayre

Corinium Radio Volunteers Flock to the Fleece Fayre
Volunteers at Corinium Radio enjoy spinning a good yarn or two so they were never going to be sheepish about covering Cirencester’s annual Fleece Fayre.

We had a team of reporters out and about on May 7th to capture the event and one of the station’s long-standing volunteers, Cameron MacGregor, was the official MC.

A whole flock of helpers offered their services in a variety of ways and the result was an in-depth programme, including music, telling the story of this fun-filled community festival.

The sun got his hat on and residents and visitors alike turned out in their droves to enjoy a host of activities aimed at pleasing all ages.

Cirencester’s own community radio station interviewed the trio of VIP openers as well as many other personalities who helped make the day the success it was.

Our Fleece Fayre Special will have been broadcast by the time you read this but you can catch it on our listen again facility. Just visit www.coriniumradio.co.uk and enjoy the day.

Station spokesman Tony Coleman said, “It was a brilliant day in every way. The weather was great and the community spirit couldn’t have been better.”

As you read this the station will have already held a very special event at which we hosted a visit by Dame Janet Trotter, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, to our studio.

Added Tony, “At the time of writing we were putting the final touches to this very special day. We’ll bring you up-to-date with all that went on in the near future.
Meanwhile if you feel you would like to be part of our ‘family’ here at Corinium Radio just ring Carole Boydell on 07776 144033 and find out what we’re all about.

Country Matters by the Hodge June 2018 Farm Shops

Do you buy from the farm shops?

“"When I wear a pair of Armani trousers
they do not become part of me.
But when I eat a slice of ham it does.
That’s why I spend money on food.”

Carlo Petrini, President of Slow Food

So, what is a farm shop? It’s obviously not a supermarket. Nor is it a butchery where cuts and joints of meat are bought in and resold after refining and processing. A farm shop is associated with a farm and logically sells the produce of that farm. That’s straightforward then.

Except of course when a butchery decides to jump on the bandwagon and call their new enterprise a farm shop even though there is no connection with a farm, so we’ll ignore that one for now!

There are two real farm shops in the area around Cirencester competing with a huge number of supermarkets, convenience stores and specialist butchers and greengrocers. This means that you, the consumer, have a wide choice of produce based on price, quality and variety.

Most choose to go to the supermarkets for convenience and cheapness. When it’s cheap and convenient, it’s unlikely to be high quality. Take meat. We all love to think of farm animals enjoying the good life with space and freedom, companionship and warm shelter; the sort of thing you see week in, week out on BBC 1’s Countryfile. But I’m afraid you’re deluding yourself if you think this is the environment supermarkets source from. Their suppliers are mainly large scale, super-efficient, industrial type units that farm intensively – they are the only sort that can survive the meagre prices paid by their supersize customers.

Convenience stores source from the same well. They are supplied by huge wholesalers – the largest just having been taken over by Tesco – so you shouldn’t expect much difference there.

Some butchers will try and differentiate themselves by buying locally but most will just source whatever their wholesalers offer so that then brings us to the two specialist farm shops.

Abbey Home Farm Shop and The Butts Farm Shop both sell their own produce. The former is an organic farm and you can see their stock in the surrounding fields. The Butts Farm specialises in native rare breeds and their conservation and is open to the public throughout the summer months.

Judy Hancox runs both The Butts Farm and the farm shop. She is passionate about everything associated with the farm but especially the animals. Whenever a visitor expresses concern that the lambs they have just bottle fed will end up on the butcher’s slab, she responds immediately that she is much happier cooking and eating something she knows has had a good life from birth rather than an anonymous piece of meat with no provenance and probably no quality of life from the mass market. If an animal is kept for meat, we owe it to that animal to eat every part of it and not waste an ounce of it. Thus stock from the farm goes to a local abattoir and is delivered back as a carcase and then carefully butchered. Those parts that are not sold as fresh or cured meats are converted into sausages, burgers, pies etc., all of the highest quality. Food miles are as low as they could ever be.

Of course you will pay more for the experience. Buying produce from a supermarket is like buying the cheapest, most basic east European car that smokes and rattles and shakes as it plods along. Going to one of the two genuine farm shops is opening you up to the sleekest, fastest Italian supercars. But it’s not just for the ultra-rich – the price difference isn’t that great. Wouldn’t you rather pay a bit more, see openly how the animals are kept, how comfortable they are, how naturally they live with their cohorts - than save a few pounds buying anonymous produce, not always from this country – or continent even! – whose likely miserable existence is hidden away so that no one can know how they were produced?

Alison Fielden & Co: Mailing lists and GDPR

GDPR: What Do We Need To Know?

Introduction

Advances in electronic data systems have come at the price of heightened risks for data security. There have been some widely publicised cases where personal data has not been sufficiently safeguarded. Talk Talk recently lost the data of 150,000 customers, including the sensitive financial information of 15,000 of them. An employee of Morrisons recently stole the personal data of 100,000 of Morrisons’ employees. There has been an alarming increase in cyber fraud, malware and ransomware.

Most countries have taken steps to safeguard personal data. The GDPR is a piece of direct legislation from the EU which is already part of English law and comes into effect on 25th May 2018.

Some provisions, including the definition of personal data, are much the same as in the 1998 Data Protection Act, but there are some new definitions and provisions.

What do we need to know as data subjects?

As individuals we are entitled to expect the six principles set out in Article 5 of the GDPR to be adhered to by anyone who processes our data. These provide that personal data shall be:

a) Processed lawfully, fairly and transparently

b) Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes

c) Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed

d) Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

e) Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the data are processed

f) Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the data

As data subjects, we have the following rights (subject to certain conditions):

a) Right of access to personal data.

b) Right to rectification of incorrect or incomplete data.

c) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten).

d) Right to restriction of processing.

e) Right to data portability i.e. the right to receive the personal data which has been provided in a structured, commonly used and machine readable format, and transmit those data to another data controller.

f) Right to object to the processing of personal data.

What do we need to know as data processors?

Anyone who processes data, not just data controllers can be liable for a breach. In the Morrisons case mentioned above, the employee who stole the data was liable as well as Morrisons themselves.

As data processors we need to be aware of the principles mentioned above and also the bases on which we are permitted to process personal data. There are six lawful general bases of data processing, as well as some specific ones. These are:

a) Consent – this must be “opt-in” rather than “opt-out”.

b) Contract

c) Legal obligation

d) Vital interests of data subject or a third party.

e) Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out the public interest.

f) The processing is necessary for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by the data controller or a third party.

As data processors/controllers we will need to consider the use of a Privacy Notice to individual data subjects, setting out the purpose for which their data will be processed and the legal basis on which this is done. It is advisable to have these in place by 25th May 2018.

Penalties under the GDPR are much heavier than under the Data Protection Act 1998. If there is a breach of data security, we must now report this to the ICO and the data subject within 72 hours.

For more information, the ICO website (https://ico.org.uk/) is strongly recommended. There are some very useful and readable guides and a simple ten step procedure.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact Alison Fielden at Alison Fielden & Co, The Gatehouse, Dollar Street, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 2AN on 01285 653261 or alison@alisonfielden.co.uk.

Cirencester Hypnotherapy & Health Centre: The Tide is Turning

Nicola Griffiths, hypnotherapist 

The Tide is Turning by Nicola Griffith

A few years ago I took myself off to a ‘serviced apartment’ for a couple of days as I had to finish some significant work that wasn’t getting done with all the distractions of home and the clinic I run. Someone had suggested that if you get writer’s block, then it’s good to put yourself into a different place – so I did.  On arriving at this lovely place, overlooking the sea, I walked in thinking to myself “Nicola Griffiths, you have arrived” with a big grin over my face.  It was rather nice.

The next day, at approximately 7.42am, I was stood daydreaming looking out at the sea trying to get inspiration on what to write.  I was stood there a good 5-10 minutes when I noticed that a rock had become visible on the shore line.  I’d noticed the tide was coming in when I first stood watching and during my daydream state the tide had turned. 

Nothing unusual in that I hear you say.  I agree.  But it brought something home to me.  In that 10 minute space of time, the little waves had started retreating rather than coming higher up the shore – a small change.  Yet as I looked out over that vast ocean, it struck me that the whole ocean was now moving in a different direction.  And that’s one heck of a lot of water to start shifting in the opposite direction!

When working with hypnotherapy clients, you’ll hear us say “It’s the small steps that count”.  The small steps lead to big changes.  But do we take notice of the small changes?  I suspect the answer may be no!  Yet the small changes signal a potential big change around the corner, in the same way the small waves aren’t lapping quite so far up the beach is signalling a whole ocean is changing direction.  Can we see that ocean moving? No.  Not all changes are visible immediately.

So if you want to change something about yourself, don’t look at the whole big picture expecting it to change overnight. Certainly you need to have a goal or know how you want to be and then look at the first individual step you can make towards that change.  It might be to pick up the phone to our lovely clinic or maybe email us to ask if we can help.

I once worked with a client who climbed Everest.  I remember them saying they looked down at their boots when on a vertical incline, in the pitch black of the early hours of the morning, and thought of my words “Just one small step”. So they took the next small step. That client went on to reach the summit of a rather large mountain, so don’t ever let the size of a problem put you off. 

Vets4Pets: The Importance of Puppy Parties

Socialise Your Puppy with Vets4Pets!

Veterinary Nurse Lydia Chappell RVN talks to the Cirencester Scene about the importance of socialisation for puppies.

At Vets4Pets Cirencester we encourage owners to bring along their puppies to one of our puppy parties.   Socialisation at young age is crucial for puppies to grow into happy, well behaved dogs.

As Lydia says “It is very important for your puppy to learn social skills in their early stages of life with positive experiences.   Doing this in a safe and controlled way at a puppy party maximises a puppy’s chance of successful interaction with other dogs.

This helps prepare your puppy for the big wide world where they will meet other dogs and people."

At Vets4Pets Cirencester, we are proud to offer our own puppy classes and talks, tailored to meet all basic training needs for you and your new addition!

Get in touch for more information!

Our training sessions are based upon positive reinforcement, with lots of rewards and praise, covering a range of commands, loose lead walking, clicker training, and much more. Your puppy will play and socialise in a controlled environment, with classes kept to a maximum of 5 puppies aged between 10-20 weeks.

Places are limited, so call now to reserve your place at our next puppy party on 01285 886360 or find our event on Facebook at facebook.com/cirencestervets4pets.

ONE MINUTE – The Barn Theatre, Cirencester.

19 May till 16 June 2018 - Review by Carlo Vuolo

Following the resounding success of ‘The Secret Garden’, the first professional show at The Barn Theatre, the latest production, Simon Stephens’ ‘One Minute’, reaffirmed the theatre’s promise to bring West End standard entertainment to the Cotswolds. This was a brave move from musical theatre to straight drama, completely unlike previous performances here at the Barn, and was eagerly anticipated. Some of the regular supporters were curious and a little doubtful it would be able to match up to them.

Once seated for the 90 minute performance (with no break, please note), the audience was thrilled and captivated by the most spectacular piece of theatre ever to be seen in Cirencester - although the Romans might disagree were they still around.

The production was gripping and the time flew by.

One would expect professional actors to deliver high quality, faultless and utterly engaging performances and the cast members of ‘One Minute’ most certainly did. The story of a missing child and the five characters whose lives are both connected and affected by her disappearance was told both sensitively and with such raw emotion that the audience were swept up in a maelstrom of pure drama.

The highlight had to be the Barn Theatre’s incredible audio-visual technology which was exploited to the full by director Iwan Lewis and the design team of PJ McEvoy, Benjamin Collins and Christopher Cleal. A relatively simple set, consisting of two concentric lens-like circular arches plus a few versatile props, became a tube train thundering through a tunnel; a car in which the two detective characters staked out a suspect (with some superb audio/visual comedy thrown in); and the drawing room of the missing girl’s mother, amongst other things.  

Very clever. The pre-filmed background bios of each character were a great touch, realistically reflecting both their individual inner turmoils and the essence of the streets of London where the action took place.

Just like ‘The Secret Garden, ‘One Minute’ is another must see production. It runs until the 16^th June.  

Warning: Contains some bad language. Not suitable for children.

Tickets from £14 from barntheatre.org.uk / 01285 648255.

Carlo Vuolo, Cirencester Scene Magazine, 24.05.18

Pet Talk with Corinimum Vets: Why Look After Your Pet's Teeth?

Visit www.coriniumvets.co.uk for more details!

Bettina Gruninger of Corinium Vets helps us answer: Why look after your pet’s teeth?

Clean teeth?

Unfortunately, although everyone appreciates the need for dental care, most pets do not receive adequate attention and may end up suffering as a result. It is important for your pet’s teeth and gums to be checked regularly to look out for any signs of problems.

How do I know if my pet is suffering from a dental problem?

A healthy mouth usually has pink gums, and bright white teeth. Bad breath is often the first indication that a pet has problems with teeth and gums. Bad breath is often caused by plaque bacteria, which also cause inflammation of the gums. This will be noticeable as redness, swelling and a tendency to bleed. Inflammation over time results in damage to the fibres that hold the teeth in their sockets in the jaw bone. Plaque turns into tartar, a hardened and calcified form of plaque. This attracts more plaque to form. Tartar is hard and can usually only be removed by a vet under general anaesthesia. Severe gum disease, tooth ache and eventually tooth loss can follow if dental disease remains untreated. Furthermore there is evidence that links untreated dental disease with other conditions such as heart and kidney disease, reducing the life expectancy of pets.

How can I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?

Tooth brushing started at puppy or kitten age is the best way to remove plaque. Feeding kibble, veterinary dental diets and chews can be help. Food supplements, mouth rinses and gels are also available.  If you suspect that your pet suffers from dental disease don’t ignore it. Book an appointment with our team of vets and vet nurses at Corinium Veterinary Surgery who will discuss the best options for dental prophylaxis and treatment with you. Please let us advise you on caring for your pet’s teeth.

Bettina Gruninger (Veterinary Surgeon)