thesolution newsletter dec 2011

Designed and printed by www.cotswoldwebservices.co.uk | DECEMBER 2011 TheSolution 01

Local People, Local Businesses, Local News and Information

TewkesburyIssue 4 Winter 2011

Local People, Local Businesses, Local News and Information

Tewkesbury

SEASON’SCHEER!

Photo by Jack Boskett | Pictured: Chuck Pavey, Richard Booth, Anne Bayliss.

Trusted Local Businesses, How to Make a Diff erence, Local Projects, The Rotary Club

£100 WORTH OF PRIZES

TO BE WON!

+our heart felt best wishes for 2012&

Issue 4 Winter 2011

Can you help, or get involved? E: [email protected] | T: 01684 296 555

EDITORIAL

Dear Tewkesbury Resident,“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something”.

Most of us feel that we want to give. Instinctively we feel that it’s important, but it’s

also confusing. Important because we appreciate the need, confusing because

where do we start?. What do we support among the ocean of appeals?. We wonder

what criteria we should use to make our decisions, we agonise over what kind of giving

makes the biggest diff erence. Oft en our giving is reactive, seldom strategic. Rarely are we in

direct touch with the organisations we support, and even more rarely are we in touch with

others asking the same questions, perhaps giving to the same causes.

Th eSolution and Rotary’s aim is to transcend all these questions and to enable the

Tewkesbury community to feel entirely engaged in the process of helping where we can do

most good.

Please join our Giving Circles

A relatively new term for a very old tradition, a giving circle denotes the pooling of

resources of time, skills and money for a common cause or causes within the same

community. A major appeal of such cooperation is that it increases awareness of what is

achieved collectively, and as a consequence enhances feelings of engagement, personal

satisfaction & reward. Th e question we need to ask is what exactly can we achieve when we

come together as motivated individuals with a shared concern for our community?

Share in our vision

Th eSolution are working together with Rotary & other interested parties with a common

goal to help our town and the surrounding villages function more compassionately. We

aspire to contribute to a community that is more humane, more vibrant, more resilient &

peaceful, where the whole community joins with us in taking responsibility for the future

we are creating. We are all only too aware that today’s reality includes shrinking resources,

increased need, decreased impact & a suff ocating sense of doom, & we quietly fear that

against this background there is no hope of re-igniting strong community?

Th eSolution & Rotary however, quite frankly refuse to contemplate anything else. We

believe not only that it is possible to do so, but that it is entirely practical & achievable, just

as long as we each accept certain core fundamentals, namely:

• We accomplish what we hold ourselves accountable for.

• Each and every one of us is creating the future, every day, whether we do so consciously or not.

• Everyone and everything is interconnected and interdependent, whether we acknowledge

that or not.

• Being the change we want to see means walking the talk of our values

• Strength builds upon our strengths, not our weaknesses.

Imagine the potential if we each held ourselves accountable for making our community a

better places to live.

We sincerely hope that more & more local residents will be motivated & indeed inspired

to contribute to our giving circle. It will be the combination of small aff ordable amounts,

whether of time or money that will make the diff erence. Th is is indeed the very essence of a

giving circle. We are all ‘in this together’, so let us work together to make our town one we

can be proud of.

Please turn to the back page where you will fi nd a standing order to facilitate your

donation. Please remember it is combined resources that will make the diff erence. Every

donation no matter how much is hugely appreciated. We promise to use every penny wisely.

Moreover, via this newsletter we will keep you directly informed on what it is you are

helping us to achieve. It is our fi rm intention that you will benefi t from your contribution

because as a consequence we will build a better place to live. If you are aware of or are

involved in any specifi c projects where you believe our pooled funds can be put to good

use please let us know. Th is whole project is intended to be just one big joint venture in all

directions. Th e more of us who get involved, the more successful we will be.

Sincerely,

Th eSolution Team, Rotary & our enthusiastic & growing support network.

Please join with us.

EDIT

OR’

S LE

TTE

R

02 TheSolution DECEMBER 2011 | Designed and printed by www.cotswoldwebservices.co.uk


In partnership with an urban art

company, Severn Vale Housing worked

with the local young people and residents

over a week to paint the hoarding around

a development site to represent their local

area. Since the project there has been a great

sense of pride and ownership of the work

and vandalism on the site has decreased.

About the Project

Th e former youth and community centre

in Northway, now derelict, has been

purchased by Severn Vale to provide eight

new aff ordable homes. While planning

permissions are sought this site has been

the cause for many complaints in the area.

Community Involvement team manager

Kate Calladene said “As soon as we took

over the site, we knew something would

have to be done quickly to help address the

eye sore problem”.

Th e community involvement team

worked over the summer to consult with

the younger residents to design and develop

a mural. Pulling together their pictures,

thoughts and ideas with local landmarks of

the Northway area a design came together,

which was painted over a week. 48 young

people, including a few adults who wanted

to get involved, worked with two Spearfi sh

artists to spray the design onto the hoarding

over the four days. Th e results are fantastic

and a great sense of pride was developed by

the young people who took part.

Objectives:

• To develop community cohesion and

pride in the local area

• To brighten up a local development site

and eyesore

• To engage young people in a positive

urban art experience

• To consult with residents in the area

about local issues and needs

Impacts:

• 48 children and adults being involved

in a positive community activity and

expressing pride in the work they have

achieved

• Positive feedback from residents thrilled

to see the piece developing

• Th e community have taken ownership

of the mural and since completion no

vandalism has been reported on the site

• Residents have commented on how lovely

it is to see the mural and what a great

project it has been

The Future

Th e hoarding will be up around the site

until development begins on the new

housing. When work begins the boards

will be relocated to another site locally

so that the art work can continue to be

appreciated. Severn Vale Housing plan

to develop and deliver many more local

community projects in the Northway area

over the coming years.

Th e community involvement team

are currently undertaking community

consultation to assess local need with the

aim of developing sustainable projects in

the future.

FEATURES

Work has started in earnest on our

new faster, prettier, interactive

and easy to navigate website

which should go live in January 2012.

We have engaged the skills of Richard

Jaques and his professional winning team

at “Cotswold Web Design Services”.

(www.cotswoldwebservices.co.uk)

In fact, we have invited Richard as a

permanent partner to Th eSolution as we

feel our community project needs ongoing

profi cient web design, optimisation and

hosting expertise.

Th e intention is to provide an easy to

use online focal point on the web, for

Tewkesbury residents, where you can

interact with all aspects of your community

and area. It will be one of the fi rst sites you

will fi nd when searching about anything

Tewkesbury related in Google.

An all in one, easy to access place,

Th eSolution website will provide details

about local facilities, what’s on, events,

historical facts, facts and fi gures and

info for visitors, road reports, weather,

important contact numbers, lost and

found, classifi ed ads, free competitions, live

web cam etc. Downloadable coupons and

discount vouchers will also be available

Th e website will also aim to provide

a comprehensive & detailed business

listing. Residents can click through

and see a photograph of the referenced

tradesperson and obtain their full contact

details and read a little about what they do.

An exciting development will be

the free provision of a secure hosted

web area for Tewkesbury sports clubs,

schools, churches and charities. Aft er

an organisation has joined for free,

they can sign in to their own site area

where they may, for instance, post their

latest clubs sports scores, blog, make

announcements and write articles. Within

each organisations area will be the facility

to chat to other like-minded members a la

“facebook” style. Th ey could also choose

to make any important or interesting

information public. Say for example the

Rotary Club were holding an annual

fundraising event. Th ey could chat about

the fi ner detail in the secure area and then

choose to make a public announcement

about the date and time for the event. Th is

would then appear on the Th eSolution

home page and would of course be seen by

all visitors to the site.

We expect to be able to report on all the

functionality and great features of the new

website in the next issue.

TheSolution On the Web www.TheSolutionOnline.co.uk

Over four days in August, 48 local children and adults were

involved in brightening up a local eyesore in their community.

Pictured: Part of the fi nished hoarding

created by local residents and young

people in Northway

Happy Christmas and a wonderful

New Year to all our readers!

“The beginning is always today.”Mary Wollstonecraft


This concert has become an

established event in the Rotary year

as well as for the youth orchestra who

always enjoy the opportunity to perform

at Tewkesbury Abbey in the presence of a

large and appreciative audience.

Th e programme for 2012 will include

Prokofi ev’s Peter and the Wolf for which we

have will have the well known actor Robert

Hardy as narrator. Robert enjoys visiting

Tewkesbury as Patron of the Battlefi eld

Society and we are delighted that he has

agreed to support our charity concert.

Other items in the concert will be

Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights’ Dream

Overture and Incidental Music and the ever

popular 5th Symphony by Beethoven.

Th e concert is being run in conjunction

with the Town Mayor, Chuck Pavey, whose

charities will benefi t from the proceeds, in

addition to the Rotary charities.

Tickets priced £10 each (£5 for children

under16) will be on sale in the New Year

and will be available from Jennings Carpets

in Church Street, Tewkesbury Abbey Shop

or any member of the Rotary club.

Please do support this concert, you will

not be disappointed to listen to these very

talented young musicians.

Rotary Charity Concert 2012The annual Rotary Charity

Concert at Tewkesbury

Abbey will be held on

Saturday 31st March 2012

featuring the Gloucestershire

Youth Orchestra.

ROTARY CLUB

The next one will be on Saturday

February 18th 2012 at the Watson

Hall when there will be aft ernoon

tea and cakes followed by ice cream and

entertainment and a chance to catch up

with friends. Always a very popular event

and so it is advisable to reserve your place

early by calling in to see Alan Verrinder at

Zeiss Opticians in the High Street to make

sure of a seat as the numbers are limited.

Do you remember last year when the

Rotary Club arranged for 15000 bulbs

to be planted in Tewkesbury? Th e

display in late February was wonderful, a

carpet of purple crocus fl owers appeared on

the Stonehills roundabout, along Ashchurch

Road, at Marina Court, Victoria Gardens,

Bredon Road and also at Twyning Green.

Why did we do it? Th e purple crocus

reminds us of the colour of the die that

is used on the small fi nger of each child

to show that they have been immunized

against polio in Nigeria, Afghanistan, India

and Pakistan, the only four countries where

polio is still endemic. Rotary International

has undertaken to raise $200million by

June 2012, having been challenged by Bill

Gates of Microsoft . Th e Gates Foundation

gave $355million and together Rotary and

the Gates Foundation intend to eradicate

polio throughout the world.

Look out for your opportunity to donate

to the End Polio Now campaign when the

crocuses appear again in the Spring.

Crocus BulbsIn the middle of Winter and with the prospect of some

cold and wintry weather to come, it is not too early to start

thinking about the appearance of the crocuses announcing

the arrival of Spring.

Senior Citizens’ PartyDid you know that we organise an annual party for

our Senior Citizens?

Rotary Action!“We can begin by doing small things at the local level, like planting

community gardens or looking out for our neighbours. That is how change

takes place in living systems, not from above but from within, from many

local actions occurring simultaneously.”Grace Lee Boggs


ROTARY CLUB

Work AidPutting old tools in new hands

The response to the request for

donations of old garden tools,

workshop tools, sewing machines,

typewriters, etc has been remarkable! Th e

Rotary Club is supporting this charity

which reconditions and repairs old tools

and equipment before sending them out to

Africa for use in villages and communities

to assist them with growing their own

crops and building their own houses.

Th ere is a collection point at the

Handyman Centre in Bredon Road and so

if you can look in the garage or workshop

for all those old tools that you no longer

need, or which are in poor condition, please

drop them into the box and the Rotary

Club will do the rest.

Since August you have fi lled the box 5

times! Th ank you for your support.

For more information on the WorkAid

charity, visit the web site at

www.workaid.org

Pictured: Local Heroes

Youth Opportunities

Rotary organises several annual

competitions for young students

and this year the Tewkesbury

Club would like to encourage as many

as possible from the local area to take

part. Th e competitions include Young

Musician, Young Photographer, Young

Chef, Young Writer and Youth Speaks.

Details of the competitions are available

at all the schools in the locality or by

contacting Th e Solutions magazine.

Fireworks NightPhotographs from a wonderful event organised by

The Rotary Club

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”Barack Obama

“At a time when everything seems

so out of control and the people

you’ve elected are bogus and there’s

so much random violence and

hatred, it fi lls you with such hope

and admiration to even be part for

a short time in a community where

people have connected to strangers

to try to put out a hand.”Susan Sarandon


Let’s Celebrate!On Thursday October 12th.

TheSolution were delighted

to host their very fi rst

community-networking

event at Basepoint.

Attendance was diverse making for

lively conversation on a wide range

of subject matter, the common

theme being, what can we do individually

& collectively to make Tewkesbury,

Northway & the surrounding villages a

better place to live?

Th e intention now is to make this a major

evening event for the town on a quarterly

basis commencing, January 26th. 2012,

venue, Th e Roses Th eatre. Please consult our

website for full details & to book on-line.

Th e aspiration of the event is to be able

to celebrate on a regular basis our triumphs

& to set goals & targets for the future,

specifi cally the following three months on

each occasion. All are welcome. Th e only

qualifi cation is that you care about our

town & it’s residents, but please remember

to let us know you plan to be with us. Either

pre-book on-line or phone 01684 296 555.

Why not come along & let’s share our

ideas, our pet projects. Let’s talk about our

gripes & our moans. Th en let’s talk about

what we are prepared to do about it!!

Photos by Jack Boskett.

Buff et supplied by Rachael’s

See directory for details on our member companies

including Jack & Rachael.

What people say about

some of TheSolution’s

members:

ThatWinePlace

“I bought some wine recently which was

sensibly priced & very good. Richard was

very helpful.”

Steve Deakin, Bredon

Rachael’s

“Very enjoyable buff et. Lovely & fresh, well

presented, good range & all tasty.”

Gerry Brain, The Money Works, Gloucester.

Gym & Tonic Health & Fitness

“I love it at Gym & Tonic. You have as much

help as you need, whenever you need it.”

Nickie Philipson-Stow

Firmfi x Windows & Doors

“I would just like to thank you and your

team for doing a fi rst class job with

excellent results, it has transformed the

front of my home.“

Mr P, Cheltenham

Cleeve Pest Control

“I called Tim in the morning and by 4pm

he had visited and dealt with it. My pest

problem was gone! Fast Friendly and very

knowledgeable.”

G McColl

First Impressions

“Just to say many thanks for the fab bags

and the unexpected discount – what a

lovely surprise! – not to mention of course

the usual fantastic service. I think you

should call yourselves ‘First Impressions –

Second to None’!”

Diana Thomas, Trilogy Professional Service

Must Be Natural

“Fabulous product (Living Nature Firming

Flax Serum) Easy to apply, made my skin

feel soft and smooth. Also excellent service.

My order was dealt with promptly and

arrived quickly, very well packaged. I will

defi nitely use Must be Natural again for

organic products!”

Jan Westcott, Worcs.

Tewkesbury School students Ben Freke &

Zoe Harrison with issue 3 of TheSolution

newsletter, available free direct to your door

or through our membership.

Alex Crosby of Sign Link, Andrew Turner

Rotarian extraordinaire & Simon Carter of

TheSolution

Outside at Basepoint. There at the beginning! Outside at Basepoint. There at the beginning!

Tewkesbury School students Ben Freke &

Zoe Harrison with issue 3 of TheSolution

newsletter, available free direct to your door

or through our membership.

Alex Crosby of Sign Link, Andrew Turner

Rotarian extraordinaire & Simon Carter of

TheSolution

FEATURES

“There are two primary choices in life: to

accept conditions as they exist, or accept

the responsibility for changing them.”Denis Waitley


Simply Flowers

“From the initial discussion of our ideas,

through to the design and delivery, your

professionalism and happy nature meant

that I didn’t have to worry at any stage.

Th ank you, thank you, thank you!”

Mr and Mrs Piff .

Jeff Leroux Accountants

“Jeff ’s service is fast & effi cient with a no

fuss approach.”

Simon Carter, Tewkesbury Park

My Great Grandfather Restaurant

“Beautiful, rich, tasty Pork and stilton...

very nice, be back for more soon...

Yummy!“

Paul Byard, Gloucester

This is the age of communication.

Messages and conversations can be

transmitted from the comfort of

our homes to all over the world through

use of the telephone and the internet.

Entertainment can be found simply by

turning on the television or the computer

or laptop. But what does this mean for our

children?

Early Years teachers have been reporting

for over a decade now that children are

entering school less able to communicate

eff ectively. Th is diffi culty means that

they are less able to access other areas of

learning successfully, and, if these struggles

cannot be rectifi ed, they are put at a

disadvantage as they progress through their

school lives. Th is has been blamed on poor

parenting by poverty stricken and stressed

families, but it is in fact an issue that all

parents should consider very carefully.

Children begin learning to communicate

before they even leave the womb. From

inside they can hear the voice of their

mother as she interacts

with family, friends

and colleagues. An

understanding of

the give and take of

conversation is begun

as the baby presses on

the wall of the womb

and feels the mother

gently press back. Once

out in the wide world, the baby is happiest

when face to face with another human,

watching and beginning to imitate the

facial expressions and sounds that person

makes. Th is process is interrupted when

new mothers on maternity leave spend their

time watching television as they care for

their child. Th e lights and rapidly changing

images distracts the baby’s attention and

the background noise interferes with him

being able to hear the more important

speech sounds of the real world.

Th e rise in outward-facing pushchairs

and slings has made this issue worse. Th e

baby or child may be able to see the world

more easily from this position, but whom

will they talk about it with? Th ey may be

able to hear their parent’s voice, but young

children oft en do not recognise that they

are being spoken to unless they can see the

person’s face looking at them.

Th is interruption continues as the

child grows and the television is used

as a babysitting device. All very well for

short periods of time, but if it is on too

frequently the child does not fully learn

how to interact satisfactorily with a real

person. Th is is again

compounded by the

surge of ‘interactive’

toys combining sound

and light to stimulate

a child and the rise

in websites providing

games for children as

young as a year old.

Again, the child is

learning to simply be entertained, not how

to interact with a real person.

Fortunately these concerns can be

easily rectifi ed simply by spending time

talking with and listening to your child

without distractions like mobile phones

or computers. Keep television watching

to a minimum and try to watch with your

child, discussing what you see. Why not try

reading and talking about books, playing

games that need imagination rather than

equipment. Keep talking, and don’t forget

to listen to what your child has to say.

Communication and your childby Alaina Storrar, [email protected]

How to combat the dangers when raising a child in the so

called ‘age of communication’.

Richard Jaques, Cotswold Web Services &

Gerry Brain, The Money Works partaking of

our excellent buff et supplied by Rachael’s

Early Years teachers have

been reporting for over a

decade now that children are

entering school less able to

communicate eff ectively.

Thank you to Alaina Storrar of

[email protected]. We

are most grateful to Alaina for her third

article now.

Do you have something interesting

to say? We are only too happy to

include contributions from local

residents.

Richard Jaques, Cotswold Web Services &

Gerry Brain, The Money Works partaking of

our excellent buff et supplied by Rachael’s

FEATURES

“We cannot always build the future for

our youth, but we can build our youth

for the future.”Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Village Agent Jane Griffi ths & Claire Newman

of Severn Vale Housing

Village Agent Jane Griffi ths & Claire Newman

of Severn Vale Housing

Councillor Claire Wright & an animated

Jane Thorndale of Severn Vale Housing

Councillor Claire Wright & an animated

Jane Thorndale of Severn Vale Housing


All are welcome, from first time visitors to loyal regulars. Come & enjoy our cosy ambiance, friendly hospitality & superb British cuisine with an imaginative uniqueness that reflects our passion for providing a memorable eating experience.

84-85, Church Street, TewkesburyTel: 01684 [email protected]

www.MyGreatGrandfathers.com

With so many different styles of blinds & curtains to choose from, combined with our expert quotation and fitting service, we are confident that you will be delighted with the result when you choose Tewkesbury Blinds & Curtains.

Let us make your windows as beautiful as you imagine.

Tel: 01684 296880Mob: 07918 729405Email: [email protected]: www.tewkesburyblinds.co.uk

Tewkesbury

BLINDS

Body2SoulHealth & Beauty Salon

Browse our new website,

we have many new treatments

in our relaxed beautifully

refurbished Therapy Rooms.

Download your

FREE £10 GIFT VOUCHER

from www.body2soul.co.uk

• Sunbeds • Spraytans •

• Gift vouchers • Latenights •

Tewkesbury

T: 01684 273 014

7 Nelson Street

www.body2soul.co.uk

Blinds & Curtains

Car Sales

THE SOLUTION DIRECTORY

Accountancy British Restaurant

Learn to DriveDave HoweLL

with

Qualifi ed DSA® driving

instructor

Patient, friendly & reliable

Dedicated 1 to 1 tuition

First lesson FREE

Easy to drive car

Pick up from home, work,

college or school

For more information, including great rates and discounts for

block bookings, call Dave on: 07500 555440

www.davehowelldrivingschool.co.uk

Computer Services

Beauty Therapy Embroidery

Driving School

“I want to work for a company that

contributes to and is part of the

community. I want something not

just to invest in. I want something

to believe in.”Anita Roddick

TheSolutionDirectory


Unit 16 Highfield Business Park

Deerhurst (A38) Tewkesbury

Glos GL19 4BP

Worcester Road, Mythe, Tewkesbury Glos GL20 6EB

T: 01684 293103 E: [email protected]

www.tewkesburygardencentre.com

Coffee shop serving morning coffees, light lunches and afternoon teas

Open 7 days a week 9.00 – 5.30 Mon-Sat 10.00 – 4.00 Sundays

Coffee shop10.00 – 3.30 Mon-Sat 10.30 – 3.00 Sun

Tel: 01684 275 276 www.ancientgrudge.co.uk

Residential Sales and Lettings

Free Valuations

7 Day Opening

2 Office Marketing

Independent Mortgage Advice

No Sale No Fee

Local Knowledge & Friendly Staff

Gupshill ManorConveniently situated on the Gloucester Road on the edge of Tewkesbury with ample parking. Our philosophy is simple. Delicious food, cooked to the highest standards, great wines and ales to complement, and a warm inviting welcome to all. Our comfortable and stylish setting is complemented by two wonderfuloutdoor areas. We also cater for many private functions.

Open from 11.00am-11.00pm every day, including Sunday. Food is served all day.

t: 01684 292 278

Local, accredited, professional & responsive.

SASEPC

Tel: 01684 299155

[email protected]

www.sasepc.co.uk

• Energy Performance Certificates

for Commercial & Domestic Property

• Display Energy Certificates for

Public Buildings

• Energy Saving Consultancy

• Floor plans service

Estate Agents

Garage Services

Gastro Pub


Garden Machinery

Garden Centre

Energy Assessors

Florist

Hairdressers

Health & Fitness


Tel: 01684 276 210 Fax: 01684 276 212

[email protected]

www.rachaelscafe.co.uk

Zeiss OpticiansZeiss Opticians is an independent

family owned practice

Alan Verrinder, his wife Georgie and daughter Juliet are enthusiastic in providing a professional

& personal service to the highest degree. Our two Optometrists Ian Shapcott & Andrew Croxford are caring and friendly in their approach to all eyecare requirements.

We specialise in providing Top Quality lenses from Carl Zeiss Vision

Opening hoursMonday to Friday 9am - 5am

Saturday 9am - 12.30pm

Phone number: 01684 292 201Fax: 01684 850 968

108 High Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 5JZemail: [email protected]

Outside Catering

Opticians

MOT Testing

Re-discover the benefits of a truly personal local service

located branch office

plus specialist schemes

Opening Hours:Mon – Fri: 9.00am – 5.00pmSat: 9.30am – 12.00pmt: 0800 3081323e: [email protected]

t: 01684 292 154

m: 07929 859 667

e: [email protected]

We are a local and experienced independent

residential letting agency, dedicated to bringing a

new, fresh, professional and personal approach to

the letting and property management market within

Tewkesbury and surrounding areas.

Independent Residential Lettings and Property

Management Free Valuation and Advice With No

Obligation Personal Service Guarantee To Beat

Any Like For Like Quote From Our Competitors

CLIVE WOOLFORD MOTOR ENGINEERS LTD

Established over 33 years

01684 293 067www.clivewoolfordltd.co.uk

Voted Best Garage inthe UK 2011

through the Motor IndustryCode of Practice

A family business where you can always talk to someone

Over forty years combined

experience personally assisting

in all matters financial.

Please email Gerry in the first

instance to request a free initial

consultation in the comfort of

your own home.

kitchensbedroomsbathroomsdesign, build, installation

w w w . s o l l a r s k i t c h e n s . c o . u k

01684 291110

Unit 6 Highfield

Business Park,

Tewkesbury Road,

Gloucester GL19 4BP

Independent Financial Advice

Insurance Broker

Letting Agent

Kitchen Planning & Installation


spas

swim spas

servicing

Unit 1 Highfield Business Park,

Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester

T: 01684 276333E: [email protected]

www.clearnaturalspas.co.uk

David C SlaterBA, DHyp, MHA(RegHyp), MGSCT, MASC

Become a non smokerWeight lossStress ManagementFears and PhobiasBoost Your Confidence

www.davidslater-hypnotherapy.co.uk

8 Lapwing Close, The Park, Northway, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8TN

T: 01684 290 305E: [email protected]

Clinical Hypnotherapist & Counsellor

Hot Tubs

Hypnotherapy


Our hard earned reputation for superb windows doors &

conservatories, manufactured in our own Tewkesbury based

facility, & exemplary customer care, is your guarantee of

total peace of mind & ultimate client satisfaction. We will be

delighted to discuss your requirements & answer any

questions you may have with absolutely no obligation.

t: 01684 296603 f: 01684 296608 e: [email protected]

We hope you enjoyed reading about Rotary

In TheSolution newsletter. Does it perhaps

sound like an organization to which you

would like to belong?

If so, why not fi nd out more?

New membership enquiries are

always welcome.

Email the President of the local club Steve

Deakin without commitment for a chat &

further details:

E: [email protected]

PART TIME / SECOND INCOME

GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY

Small enterprises run from home

are the wave of the future, & they

don’t come any better, or any

easier than this one.

Tel: 01684 296555

to fi nd our why.

Take control of your

fi nancial future.

Organic Beauty Products

Replacement Doors & Windows

Service Club

Serviced Offi ces

Pest Control

Part time/Second income

Photography


Pond Maintenance

Sign Writing



Private Hire

Call: 01684 293916 - 292580

or 01684 273273 - 294122

Avonside

Long established Tewkesbury business

110 HIGH STREETTEWKESBURY GL20 5JZ

Expert Food Matching Service

Weekley Wine Tasting

Free Glass Hire

Free Local Delivery(for orders over £50)

that

placewineT E W K E S B U R Y

T: 01684 292 752www.thatwineplace.co.uk

Tewkesbury's Premier Independent

Wine Merchant

T: 01242 291 995

www.cotswoldwebservices.co.uk

Web Design

Ecommerce

Graphic Design

SEO & Marketing

We are specialists in Web design,

E-commerce, Branding, Adverts,

Print Design and E-marketing.

CotswoldWebServicesDesigners of this magazine

www.facebook.com/RosesTheatrewww.twitter.com/RosesTheatre

Box Office: 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org

Protect your family & your assets with a

Legal Will through a fully Guaranteed

& Professional Will writing service.

If you do not have a Will or your Will

needs reviewing make an appointment

in the comfort of your own home.

Prices from £99 for a Single Will &

from £149 for a double Will.

Call Mark Platten:0800 458 6758 or 07753 688487

Member of The Society of Will Writers

www.getawilltoday.co.uk

‘Avonside’ 63 High Street,

Tewkesbury, GL20 5BJ

Tel: 01684 850 750

www.dfl egal.co.uk

Lawyers Who Listen

Accredited legal excellence by the Law

Society for eff ective & responsible delivery of

the highest standards in client care.

Providing predominantly residential window

cleaning in the area since 2003, our happy

client base continues to expand with every

new customer appreciated & valued. We will

happily provide a quotation without

obligation & will endeavour to tailor our

service to your individual requirements.

Theatre

Solicitors Window Cleaning

Taxi

Wine MerchantsWeb Design

Travel Agent

Will Writing

Promote your business in our next directory...

Call or email for more details:

T: 01684 296555



COMPETITIONS

Win £50... ...to spend with any other

member company of your

choice.

Theo is currently helping out with

another of our members somewhere

in Tewkesbury. If you see him, tells

us where at www.thesolutiononline.co.uk

to be in with a chance of winning a £50

voucher, this time to be spent with any

other of our member companies.

Win £50... ... to spend at Coversure

Insurance Services in

Barton Street.

Theo visited one of our members at

their place of work recently. Brows

through our directory listing to

decide which one. Th e clue is in the photo.

Two £50 Vouchers to be won.

Just go to the prize draw link at www.TheSolutionOnline.co.uk

and answer a simple question to be included in one, or both of

our free to enter competitions.

Competitions

Good Luck to everyone.

Remember, as they say, you

have to be in it to win it !

First Impressions Embroidery was

originally based in Red Lane Tewkesbury.

Since the business was purchased in 2009

by Ann & John Rule it has been run from

their home in Bushley.

As a small company they are able to

off er a personal service, including a cuppa

to customers, many of whom visit their

premises to discuss their needs.

In addition to a full range of garments

which can be supplied and embroidered

or printed they are able to off er many

gift ware items such as mugs, place mats,

key rings, etc. which can be personalised

with an image or design of your choice.

With no minimum order they can

produce one off items or single item

repeats of previous orders if required.

Full details are in the Membership

Directory so why not visit their website to

see what is available.

First Impressions Embroidery

& the lucky winner is... drum roll

... Diana Parke of Mitton, who

correctly identifi ed that Th eo was

featured in our last addition visiting John

& Anne Rule at First Impressions. Diana

is the recipient of a £50 voucher toward

an evening out at My Great Grandfathers

Restaurant in Church Street where she is

assured of a warm welcome & owner/chef

Matt Gabb’s culinary delights.

Meanwhile Ann & John off er a highly

attentive service at First Impressions. Here

is a short over-view of their business. A

personal visit is highly recommended to

discuss your requirements.

Last issues winner...

Coming soon...

Another drum role... Viv Tinker of

Newtown. Viv’s £50 voucher is to be

used at any of of our other members

businesses. Th ere’s a wide choice, so maybe

something practical like an MOT with

Clive Woolford, or PC repair by Complex

Systems, or something for yourself Viv, or

for the home. Brows through our directory

where you will be spoilt for choice. In

addition to wherever you decide to spend

your £50, you have also won a T Shirt in

a size & design of your choice supplied by

First Impressions. Viv spotted Th eo in the

High Street at thatWineplace.

& our second winner is...


FEATURES

Mena writes “First Aid isn’t just

knowing how to put on a bandage,

tie a sling, or administering CPR

(Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), life

saving skills that they are… sometimes

knowing how and when to make the phone

call are just as important.

For instance how do we get help in

this country? Dial 999 or if we are using

a mobile phone did you know that the

number is diff erent? We use 112. Both

numbers work whether we use a land line

or a mobile phone, but if we keep 999

for the land line and 112 for the mobile

network it is more effi cient. If you dial

999 on a landline, the address of the phone

automatically comes up on the emergency

operator’s computer, so if it is necessary

for you put the phone down it doesn’t

matter they will still be on the line until

help arrives at your location, you won’t

cut them off . I am sure you have noticed

that sometimes your mobile phone does

not work in certain locations; you fi nd that

there are ‘dead’ spots. However, even if

you are in one of these areas if you dial 112

then your transmission will still be picked

up by the nearest available mast. Your

call will be answered; your GPS position

pinpointed and help can be called even if

you don’t have any credit on your phone.

“While we are on the subject of mobile

phones, did you know about ICE? In

Case of Emergency. If you put ICE, then

the number you want informed in your

contacts, the Emergency Services will know

who to contact if you were to be rendered

unconscious.

“Children as young as three and four

years old can be taught to use the phone

to call for help if their carer collapses.

We have all heard about young children

who have saved lives when they have been

taught how to call the emergency services

if “Mummy goes to sleep” and they can’t

wake her up”.

Mena has visited several play groups

and preschools to teach the children how

to make that all important call to the

emergency services. More recently Mena

called into POPS, a holiday play scheme

based at Priors Park in Tewkesbury.

Children were given the opportunity to dial

for help using mobile phones, taking it in

turns to speak to Mena ‘the operator’. Not

only did the children have fun, but if they

fi nd themselves in an emergency in the

future, they will know how to get help.

If you are interested in learning lifesaving

skills yourself or need a fi rst aid training

qualifi cation for work, why not get in touch

with Mena on 01452 547 994.

How would you cope in an emergency?The following practical tips are kindly provided by

Mena Canning of MC Training.

Unfortunately, that is not the public

perception. When asked what is the

image of Th e Royal British Legion

(TRBL) the answer is unanimous; it is

Blazers, Badges and Berets and the Poppy

Appeal – and that is only for the two weeks

leading up to Remembrance Sunday, right?

Th at is the perception the reality is very

diff erent.

Th e Legion is involved in many areas of

community life and welfare is at the heart

of what the Legion does. Th e fact is today

the Legion has an image problem, people

do not see what it does and the contribution

it makes.

So what does the Legion do?

1. Remembrance

2. Welfare

• Compensation Advice

• Inquest Advice

• Benefi ts & Money Advice

• Help with Disability Benefi ts

• Immediate Needs Grants

• Jobs & Careers

• Help with starting a business

• Free handy van service

• Companionship at home and in

hospital

• Overseas Support

• Grants and loans

3. Fundraising (Th e Poppy Appeal is only a

part of it!!)

4. Poppy Travel

5. Recovery Centres for serving personal

• Battle Back Centre

• Personal Recovery Centres

6. Poppy Break Centres

7. Poppy Homes

8. Legionline (08457 725 725)

9. Publications

• Legion Magazine

10. Campaigning

11. Legion interactive

• Legionlive

• Twitter

• Facebook

• You Tube

12. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA)

13. Poppy Shop

Th ere are many strands to the Legion’s

work but welfare is the heart of what it does

today. It is estimated that over nine million

people are entitled to help from the Legion

should they need it. Th e Legion’s target is

to help the 500,000 most in need. Anyone

who has served in the Armed Forces for

one week is entitled to ask the Legion for

help. Th is entitlement includes that person’s

dependants too, another facet of the

Legion’s help that is not widely appreciated.

In 2010, the Legion raised over £115

million, and spent £114 million on its

charity work. Today the Legion spends

£200,000 per day or £1.4 million a week;

and that adds up to £72 million a year on

direct support to individual people.

In the next issue, I will show the eff ect

of the Legion’s work supporting today’s

Armed Forces Community.

The Royal British LegionBy Peter Godwin, Secretary, Tewkesbury RBL Club – [email protected]

Without doubt, the facts show that the Legion has become

the largest and most eff ective charity supporting the Armed

Forces community.

First Aid isn’t just knowing how to

put on a bandage, tie a sling, or

administering CPR... sometimes

knowing how and when to make the

phone call are just as important.

Pictured: Mena with a group of

Priors Park children


FEATURES

Jobs are changing so fast that how you

earn your living in 10 years may be in a

job that doesn’t even exist now. Th ere

is no guarantee that a degree will lead to a

well paid career.

Th ere’s a need to think ahead, both whilst

at school/college and at university to seek

out work experience and other ways of

gaining relevant transferable skills that will

enable you to be ready for diff erent options.

Th e conventional choice is a gap year and

then on to university, but even at 19/20

many young people have no idea what they

want to do.

Going to university should not be the

default choice, but carefully thought

through with a plan to develop relevant

skills alongside academic studies. It’s not

just skills, it’s also to develop interpersonal

skills, confi dence, and self determination.

For some young people getting a job,

and trying things out will be the better

choice. Choosing to go to University when

a little older with greater clarity of what

to study and why, thus having enhanced

motivation. It’s less important what the job

is, what’s more important is the gaining

of useful skills. Working in a bar or fast

food restaurant can provide evidence of

being part of a team, showing up on time,

completing a task even when you don’t

want to do it, working with customers,

communication skills and more.

How to decide what to do?

Whether you are deciding what to study

or what to do to earn your income, you

need to think about what you enjoy doing,

really understanding who you are and also

with an eye on what sorts of jobs will be

available.

Th ink about what you enjoy. Do you

like creative interests, are you considered

to be non conforming, do you like self

expression? Are you more interested in

working with people? Are you seen as

caring and helpful, do you like collaborative

working environments? Are you careful

and conscientious, do you like paying

attention to detail do you like to collect and

manage information? Are you analytical,

interested in science, interested in research

and independent thinking? Do you

like to be physically active, are you seen

as practical, would you like to operate

equipment? Or is it business that interests

you, would you like to sell products or ideas,

are you seen as assertive and confi dent?

Th en think about your personality? Are

you outgoing and sociable or more reserved

with a preference for a backroom role. Do

you want to be seen as an expert or do you

prefer variety. To what extent do you want

to focus on detail or ideas?

You may be able to work out the answers

alone, or you may need the help of an

experienced careers coach. the more time

spent refl ecting on these questions and

drawing conclusions the more likelihood of

career success.

Denise Taylor is a double award winning

career coach with

www.amazingpeople.co.uk. Books include

‘How to Get a Job in a Recession’ and ‘Now

You’ve Been Shortlisted’.

The Changing Face of Work & CareersBy Denise Taylor

The world of work has changed; no longer can you climb a

career ladder with one company.

Flicking though the newspapers is not

for the faint hearted. For starters

the punctuation marks will take

your head off , such is their abundance

and brazenness. Th en there is the subject

matter. If the journalists are to be believed

the end of the world happens on a bi-weekly

basis. Frankly, I’m surprised we haven’t

returned to using acorns as our national

currency aft er hearing the media’s bombast

about the global fi nancial markets.

Fortunately, I’m not a journalist. I’ve

recently started working at Basepoint

Business Centre, and consequently am

surrounded by thriving, local businesses.

Whilst business owners and the public

understandably take heed of the recession,

I fully agree with Roosevelt’s assertion

that “the only thing we have to fear is fear

itself.” I spoke to one of our licencees, Dave

Osman from County Coff ee about how he’s

been fi nding business.

“Nobody owes us a living & no one is

going to just hand us business. Th e only

way to succeed is to go out and sell. As

a family business all my staff are very

committed and follow the simple tenet

“Eff ort equals reward”. Many of our clients

are close to our base at Tewkesbury. Th ere

are so many fantastic companies in our

area, most of whom have bought in to

keeping business local. For County Coff ee

this has two obvious advantages. Firstly

our delivery charges are greatly reduced

and secondly and more importantly we can

off er a more complete service.”

Dave’s attitude is pragmatic, honest and

unfazed. Furthermore it is not uncommon

amongst Tewkesbury business owners,

which is why the area is well placed to ride

out the storm.

As a newcomer to the town, I’ve been

impressed by many elements of the local

community. From charities to businesses,

from private enterprises to community

groups; Tewkesbury is taking care of itself

by individuals and groups helping each

other. Coming from an idyllic village in

Devon (idyllic, at least, to tourists), I feel well

placed to comment on community. It may

be harder to fi nd the community-spirit of

yesteryear in this digital, fast-paced world,

but it is still evident. I hope you are already

aware of this, but Tewkesberians have a very

keen sense of community, and that is the

basic ingredient for getting back on track.

Say it loud and say it proud; I’m a

Tewkesberian. If reading the newspaper,

count the exclamation marks instead

of reading the headline; if watching the

news, add the words ‘in your opinion’

between each bong. Support your local

clubs, charities and businesses, and know

you’re part of a thriving and forward

looking community. Dave Osman from

County Coff ee is one of many businesses

at Basepoint diligently working away and

bringing business to Tewkesbury. He’s a

straight talking earnest man, so in case

you’re not sold on what I have to say, I’ll let

Dave have one last word.

‘Stay competitive, off er unrivalled service

and always go the extra mile for your

customers.’ Basepoint’s thoughts entirely.

Shocker!! Tewkesbury not on verge of fi nancial meltdown!!!By Alistair Wilkinson

One man’s uplifting insight.

Say it loud and say it proud;

I’m a Tewkesberian.


Their 2012 productions will be Roald

Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant (Th e BFG)

for 5-11 year olds and Frankenstein

for 11-19 year olds. Both shows will be

presented together, on two performance

days, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April.

‘Th e BFG’ will involve 60 young people,

including members of the Junior Dance

group as well as younger Youth Th eatre

members. Th e production will integrate live

theatre action with paper cinema and large

scale puppetry. Members of the cast will be

fully involved in the writing of the music,

assisted by a professional musician, and

will perform the songs live.

‘Frankenstein’ will be devised, created

and performed by 70 young people

from the Senior Dance group and older

Youth Th eatre groups. Th e show will also

integrate live theatre action and explore the

use of fi lm and digital media. Members will

also have the opportunity to develop script

writing skills and literacy, in addition to

performance skills. Along with a score of

contemporary rock tracks performed live

by an in-house Youth Rock band, this will

be an unforgettable event.

Th e youth theatre show is a celebration

of young people’s creativity, talent and

team work. As Take Part Offi cer Adam

Payne points out ‘It requires dedication and

courage to work collaboratively to create

and perform a show for a live audience.

Participants have the opportunity to work

alongside industry professionals working in

theatre, fi lm, music, technical theatre and

arts-management, and get a unique insight

into the arts as a profession.’ And it’s not

just the members themselves who get stuck

in. Adam adds: Our annual production

also provides a shared family learning

experience involving parents and the rest

of the family in supportive roles behind the

scenes.’

And the young people are involved

behind the scenes too by helping raise the

money to make the shows happen. Look

out for innovative ways Youth Th eatre

members are looking to fundraise this

year and please support them. You can get

involved in other ways too – whether that is

sewing costumes, buying an advertisement

in the programme or… the list is endless.

And, of course, buying tickets to come

along and see some fabulous shows on

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April 2012.

For further information please contact

Take Part Offi cer Adam Payne

tpoffi [email protected] or call

the Box Offi ce 01684 295 074

Pictured: Youth Theatre members

Pictured: Last year’s production ‘His

Dark Materials’ (Photo by Jack Boskett)

Scary shows at The Roses‘I just love being involved and can’t wait to start rehearsals

for next year’s show’ enthuses 17 year old Tom Burgess, and

fellow members of The Roses Youth Theatre

wholeheartedly agree.

Preserving the future...By Brian Calway

The role of a Tewkesbury

nature reserve.

High quality natural environments

foster healthy neighbourhoods:

green spaces encourage social

activity and reduce crime. Th e natural

environment can help children’s learning

Th e above, an extract from the NEA

and Marmot Review, Fair Society, Healthy

Lives and contained in a recent White

Paper emphasises the importance that the

government places upon preserving and

protecting our natural environment and

the biodiversity it contains.

Th e project continues to make progress

under the supervision of Th e Tewkesbury

Nature Reserve Management Board and the

above is written into its Business Plan.

Th e Board has recognised the

opportunities that the location of the

wetlands in the centre of Tewkesbury

provides for the community to become

involved.

With this in mind the Nature Reserve

Voluntary Group and Th e Community

Pay Back Scheme have been working hard

to clear an area of ground to facilitate

access to the area for all members of the

community including the disabled. When

the access is completed it will also provide

information on the species and wildlife of

the wetlands area.

Volunteers have begun the process of

gathering data and evaluating the potential

of the site.

A lot remains to be done however before

we can in Tewkesbury have a nature reserve

which can compete with other similar

schemes in the county

It can and does provide opportunities

for everyone in the community to become

involved. If you are interested in giving

some of your time to our project you will be

most welcome.

If you wish to assist or join the volunteer

group you can do so by contacting the

Priors Park Neighbourhood Project offi ce

on 01684 290069.

FEATURES

“Thousands of candles can be

lighted from a single candle, and

the life of the candle will not

be shortened. Happiness never

decreases by being shared.”Buddha


It started in Northway at Sycamore

Chapel and has since moved to the PPNP

(Priors Park Neighbourhood Project)

offi ces every Monday starting at 12.00am

(noon). Run by volunteers from and for

the community and in conjunction with

Northway Borough Councillors, it is a

support group off ering workability skills

such as help with your CV, writing letters

or job searching. Interested? Contact

George below.

In addition to the Workclub, WEA

(Adult Learning Charity), PPNP and the

Borough Councillors have worked together

to provide you with an opportunity for you

to enhance your work skills – for example

applying maths, English and ICT by

providing courses.

Th e fi rst course is a fun way to learn

maths – but we need suffi cient attendees so

if you are interested see the contact on the

poster on the left . If this is successful then

more courses will follow.

The role of a Village Agent is to provide

older people in Gloucestershire

with easier access to information

and services. We can make home visits

when required, providing information and

enabling direct access to a wide range of

services. If necessary, this visit is followed

up by experts who will provide specialist

information, advice and services.

Th e principal objectives of the Village

Agent Scheme are that:

• Older people (over 50 but particularly

those who are older, frail and vulnerable)

feel more secure, more cared for and have

a better quality of life.

• Older people have easy access to a wide

range of information that will enable

them to make informed decisions about

their own well-being.

• Older people are in receipt of any services

or assistance that can help them remain

independent in their own homes.

• Older people are engaged to enable them

to infl uence future service provision.

Th e scheme has been operating very

eff ectively in rural parishes over the past

few years. In essence, the Village Agent

aims to fi ll a gap created by modern

society. In years gone by, older people

would be supported by a (geographically)

close family, and every parish would be

self-suffi cient, having their own Vicar,

Schoolteacher, shop, pub, Squire etc.

Nowadays, it’s more likely that younger

generations have moved further afi eld for

work, the Vicar covers 6 or 7 parishes,

the school is now a ‘des res’, and the

village shop, which would have been a

meeting place, and somewhere to pass

on information, is long gone. With good

reason, older people feel more isolated,

particularly where they aren’t able to access

good transport links, and are missing out

on vital services and information.

I’ve seen what a diff erence the scheme

makes to people, enabling them to live

independently and more safely in their own

homes. Tewkesbury is a natural extension

of the scheme, and I feel quite ‘at home’,

having relatives in the town, and a youngest

son still at Tewkesbury School. My husband

was born in Barton Street, and I’ve been to

the Mop Fair every year since we met 27

years ago!

If you have any queries about remaining

independent in your own home, I can be

contacted on:

Tel: 07810 630 244, or

Email: [email protected]

Heard of the ‘work club’?It started in Northway at Sycamore Chapel and has since

moved to the PPNP (Priors Park Neighbourhood Project)

offi ces every Monday starting at 12.00am (noon).

Tewkesbury has a Village AgentJane Griffi ths, who has been working as a Village Agent in

surrounding parishes for the past four years, now covers

Tewkesbury, including Mitton and Northway, plus Ashchurch

and Walton Cardiff .

Pictured l to r: George Shelton

(Course Tutor), Adele Carter (Borough

Councillor for Northway),

Carol Batsford (PPNP).

New Year New StartTaster Course on:

‘How to Manage your Money?’

9.45-12.00am

Starts 18th January 2011

Every Wednesday for 4 weeks

Jubilee II Building at Priors Park

Open to residents 19+ who require access

to training to further their changes of

employment. FREE to anyone in receipt of a

recognised means tested benefi t.

Priors Park

WEA Registered Charity No:1112775

Contact:

George Shelton

T: 01684 276 163


Pictured: Village Agents strive

to help older people remain

independant in their own homes.

FEATURES

“The impersonal hand of

government can never replace the

helping hand of a neighbour.”Hubert H. Humphrey


My intention is to update you on

what your local police are doing.

I will be talking to you about all

the diff erent activities we are involved in

and the ways in which we can all help each

other to keep Tewkesbury’s residents safe

from harm.

Over the past three months my

colleagues and I have been looking into

crime associated with unlicensed scrap

metal collectors in the area. Th is came

about following a community meeting

at the end of August where local people

expressed their concern. So far in addition

to regular policing of licenses and driving

documentation, two specifi c operations

have been carried out. Th is involved

police in both marked and unmarked cars

working in partnership with environmental

health offi cers from Tewkesbury Borough

Council. Th e outcome was that a number of

metal collectors were given words of advice,

and one individual had a tannoy system,

which he was using to draw attention to

himself when collecting, confi scated by

our partners from the council. In addition

another driver was found not to have the

required insurance policy for this kind

of work and so had his vehicle seized and

removed from the road at his expense.

Unlicensed individuals not adhering to

the rules represent a risk to the public as

their activities go unmonitored by the

authorities. It is my belief that our recent

actions will help send a clear message to

those in this line of work that the only

acceptable way to operate is when they are

properly licensed, insured and using the

correct equipment.

Plain clothed offi cers recently stopped a

man they believed was acting suspiciously

on Tewkesbury High Street. A subsequent

search found him to be in possession of

a quantity of cannabis. Offi cers went on

to search this man’s home where more

cannabis was found. He was arrested for

possession of a class B drug. Th is is an

excellent example of the type of proactive

policing that goes on every day in the area.

As we approach the festive period I am

conscious that the potential for crime

increases. At this time of year the number

of theft s and burglaries we deal with always

goes up but it is alcohol related crime that

will be occupying much of my time and

thoughts. Th e constabulary’s anti drink

drive campaign is well publicised and

well known all over the county. Here

in Tewkesbury we will be as robust as

anywhere with local offi cer working in

tandem with specialist traffi c offi cers

targeting those who endanger the lives

of others by getting behind the wheel

whilst under the infl uence of alcohol. We

are always grateful for information that

helps us tackle this problem, if you know

of someone endangering lives in this way

please call the police’s new non-emergency

number on 101.

Operation Scorpion is now in full

swing and leafl ets outlining what it’s

about can be picked up from any police

station reception. Op Scorpion looks to

clamp down on violence, disorder, drug

and alcohol related crime and anti-social

behaviour. At Christmas time many people

enjoy relaxing with friends and having a

few drinks, this is fun and also is a benefi t

to the local economy. However, loutish

behaviour is simply not acceptable and a

zero tolerance approach will be taken to

anyone acting this way.

As mentioned in Th e Local Solution

inaugural edition I am the police

community support offi cer (PCSO)

responsible for Tewkesbury’s town centre.

Over the coming weeks I will be pounding

my Christmas beat around the area’s

many shops. I hope this publication will

encourage people to stop me and say hello.

I am always pleased to stop and talk about

any issue or to just meet local people and

provide them with a friendly face they may

be able to use in future as a point of contact

with the police.

Wishing you all a safe and happy

Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Contact us:

Non emergency phone: 101

Emergency: 999


Pictured: PCSO Chris Scott

From your local PCSO...Hello everybody and welcome to what will be my regular

column in TheSolution magazine.

The Solution’s aim is to facilitate

Tewkesbury to help itself. Our focus

will always be projects that encourage

& assist those who wish to build something

where the benefi ts are on-going to our

community. We do recognise however,

that we increasingly live in a global village,

& to be too introspective is perhaps short

sighted.

But if it is diffi cult to decide how to

help on our doorstep, how do we help

beyond our own community? Th e very

questions that are identifi ed on page 2 are

multiplied a hundred fold when we start to

look further afi eld, especially to the most

deprived areas of the world. A big concern

of course when we donate to charities is

whether our giving reaches the people

we are so desperate to help, or does it get

diverted & end up benefi ting, even in part,

some despot or warlord? Th e good news

is, just like we believe we can help address

these questions & quandaries locally, we

also believe we can globally, not that we

are suggesting there are any warlords in

Tewkesbury!

We would like to propose therefore that

as our giving circle grows, a percentage

Lend with careTransform peoples lives with

a £15 microloan.

FEATURES

“Every moment has led to this

moment. Now is the time. We

are the ones we’ve been waiting

for. Together we can create a

better world.”Robert Alan


should be allocated to lendingwithcare.

org. Th e fi rst UK site of its kind,

lendingwithcare uses the expertise of

one of the world’s largest international

development organisations to enable us to

make small loans to those wanting to set

up or run their own business in some of

the world’s poorest countries. It should

be remembered that most of the world’s

poorest people have no access to basic

fi nancial services, and therefore little hope

of lift ing themselves out of poverty. As

such microfi nance as it is described has

enormous potential.

We can start with as little as £15. With

that, not only do we get a chance to

change somebody’s life, but also, via the

lendingwithcare website we get to see

the diff erence we are making as regular

updates about the entrepreneur are posted.

We can follow their amazing progress & see

how our loan is transforming every aspect

of their lives.

Unlike a charitable donation, which

once made is gone forever, a loan through

lendwithcare enables a small amount of

money to be benefi cial over & over again.

Moreover, this is not about handouts, but

a hand up, providing the wherewithal for

people very oft en with enormous pride to

help themselves. Th eir gratitude is apparent

in the less than 2% default rate

We invite, & indeed strongly encourage

you to investigate for yourself this amazing

website & to refl ect upon it’s signifi cance as

we truly believe it facilitates an opportunity

for us to help transform lives in some of the

world’s poorest communities, not just in a

short term sticking plaster type way, but long

term & sustainable, very oft en benefi ting a

whole community, perhaps in many ways

not so very diff erent from our own.

Th e joy is that because it is a loan, it is

paid back oven an agreed period in to our

account, which means it can be used over

& over again. As such one donation can

change many lives.

At present we have approximately

30 volunteers working for us in the

Tewkesbury area alone but we are

constantly on the lookout for more as our

service is greatly in demand.

What people do not always realise is the

extent of our ‘door to door’ service. Our

aim is to ensure our users maintain their

independence – sometimes our drivers are

the only people they see during the week,

so it is as much about having someone to

chat to and taking them out to see what’s

happening in the world as getting them to

where they need to be.

Th ere is a perception that we are all about

health appointments, which of course is

part of what we do, but our remit is so

much wider than that! We recently took

a passenger to London to visit relatives,

returning to take him home the following

week. Th e passenger could not have been

more pleased –

“It was fantastic – I was picked up from

my door and the very friendly driver put

my luggage in the car for me so that I

didn’t have to worry about it. On the way

he was happy to stop for comfort breaks

whenever I needed one. Having ensured he

had safely delivered me and my luggage to

my destination he then reassured me that

he would be back the following week to

take me home – and all for less than a taxi

would have cost!”

Apart from our volunteer driver cars

we also have wheelchair adapted people

carriers and minibuses – so trips for

individuals, groups and families can easily

be arranged as part of the ‘bigger picture’.

Perhaps you have a friend, neighbour

or relative who would benefi t from using

our service – it is amazing how even the

shortest of trips out can lift someone’s

spirits, especially as we have the winter and

its cold short days ahead of us.

Alternatively you may have some spare

time on your hands and could help us

by becoming a volunteer – in the offi ce,

driving or perhaps delivering information

literature to our users.

If you would like any further information

about our service or volunteering please

contact Bev Miles on 01684 297209 or

[email protected] Monday to

Friday 9am – 4pm.

Or call into our offi ce at Unit 1, 78-80

Barton Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5PY

Together we can make a diff erence!As a charity we at Third Sector Services rely on volunteers in

the offi ce and out on the road driving.

FEATURES

“In our hectic, fast-paced, consumer-driven society, it’s common to feel

overwhelmed, isolated and alone. Many are re-discovering the healing

and empowering role that community can bring to our lives. The sense

of belonging we feel when we make the time to take an active role in our

communities can give us a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.”Robert Alan

Make A Diff erence – Give Local

Charity Begins At Home

As you may know, theSolution has teamed up with the ROTARY

CLUB OF TEWKESBURY and will be using their charitable

experience, skills and professional infrastructure to help with

fundraising for the Tewkesbury Community.

We have set-up a special theSolution fundraising account in

which 100% of theSolution donations will be ring-fenced for use

in the Tewkesbury community. We will report on its progress and

where your monies have been spent and how you have helped

individuals and organisations.

Please help us with this special community fund and provide an

ongoing amount that will help good causes in Tewkesbury. Why not

do your bit and give something back to the place where you live. Fill

in and return these form(s) TODAY!

Thank you.

The Wonder of Gift Aid

Gift Aid is a great and easy way for

charities to increase the value of your

donations... by claiming back the basic

rate tax paid by the donor.

How it Works

When an individual, sole trader or partnership gives money to our

charity, we can take their donation under the Gift Aid Scheme –

which is money they’ve already paid tax on – and reclaim basic

rate tax from HM Revenue & Customs on its ‘gross’ equivalent –

the amount before basic rate tax was deducted.

If you are a higher rate tax payer, they also benefi t from the tax

relief as they can claim back the diff erence between their higher

rates of tax at 40 or 50 per cent and the basic rate of tax at 20 per

cent on the total value of their gross donation.

Currently, every £1 YOU give

we can claim an extra 25 pence

for the charity! In order to make

a Gift Aid donation you’ll need

to make a Gift Aid declaration.

See Form on this page.

Technical Stuff

You can use Gift Aid if the amount of Income Tax and/or Capital

Gains Tax you’ve paid in the tax year in which your donation is

made (6 April to 5 April) is at least equal to the amount of basic

rate tax the charity is reclaiming on your gift.

If you make a number of donations you will need to consider the

tax you’ve paid on each donation on an accumulative basis. If you

don’t pay enough tax you may be required to pay any shortfall

in tax to HMRC. You don’t necessarily have to be working to be

paying tax. Keep a record of the total amount of your Gift Aid

donations for each tax year.

REGULAR MONTHLY STANDING ORDER

Complete and return this form to The Solution at the

address below:

To The Manager at:

(name of your bank)

I authorise you to pay ROTARY CLUB OF TEWKESBURY THE

SOLUTION ACCOUNT at HSBC Bank Tewkesbury, Sort Code

40-44-10 and Account No 013355XX the selected gift

amount below starting on / / [Day/Month/Year]

and thereafter on the same day of every subsequent month until

further notice and debit my account accordingly. This standing

order supersedes all previous standing orders to Rotary.

Please accept my continuing MONTHLY gift of (tick):

☐ £5 ☐ £10 ☐ Other £ .

Fill in YOUR BANK DETAILS

Your Bank Address:

and Postcode:

Your Name:

Your Account Number:

Your Sort Code:

Your Signature: X Date:

Fill in YOUR DETAILS

Your First Name:

Surname:

Email:

Home Address:

Postcode:

Please sign the declaration below if applicable

GIFT AID DECLARATION (Reg Charity No: 1027590)

“I am a UK taxpayer. Please treat all gifts of money that I make

today to the Rotary Club of Tewkesbury and in the future as

Gift Aid donations.”

Name:

Your Signature: X Date:

You must pay an amount of income and/or capital gains tax at least equal to tax the charity

reclaims (currently 25p per £1). You can cancel this declaration at any time by notifying us.

If you no longer pay the appropriate tax, you can cancel your declaration. If you pay higher

rate tax you can claim more tax relief in your Self Assessment tax return. If you are unsure

whether your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, request leafl et IR65 from your local tax

offi ce. Please notify us if you change your name or address.

Return whole form to:

TheSolution, 2 Battle Road Tewkesbury Gloucestershire GL20 5TZ

E: [email protected] | T: 01684 296 555

thesolution newsletter dec 2011

Documents