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BISLEY OPEN GARDENS
SUNDAY JUNE 4
GARDEN DETAILS AND MAP
Open Gardens is upon us again - and here are the details of the lovely gardens in our village which will be open on Sunday 4th June:
Nowell House, School Lane, GL6 7BE
The garden was designed and planted by Eileen Worsely in the mid 20th century. She was a connoisseur of plants, though some have reached the end of their lives.
At present the garden has an elderly owner so it resembles a secret garden which is being re-wilded. However it does have two kiftsgate climbing roses, a handkerchief tree, a collection of acers and a number of other interesting plants and trees.
Overcourt, School Lane, Bisley, GL6 7BE
A peaceful garden with extensive lawns and mature trees. The avenue of limes at the entrance is a feature, as are the beech trees by the tennis court. The central lawn has a Judas tree with purple blossoms.
Look out for the cornus kousa (a type of dogwood) with its dramatic white bracts. There are extensive flower beds both behind the main house and in front of the cottages.
A vegetable garden is located behind the cottages.
Wells Cottage, Wells Road, Bisley, GL6 7AG
Just under one acre, this garden is terraced on several levels with formal topiary and beautiful views over the valley, and much informal planting of trees and shrubs to give colour and texture.
There are lawns and herbaceous borders, a collection of grasses, a formal pond area and rambling roses on chain pergola, as well as a vegetable garden with raised beds.
Paulmead, Bisley, GL6 7AG
This is an approximately one-acre landscaped garden constructed in stages over last twenty-five years.
Terraced in three main levels, it has a natural stream, formal herbaceous and shrub borders, yew and beech hedges, a formal vegetable garden, lawns, a summerhouse with exterior wooden decking by a pond and a thatched roof over well head.
There's also an unusual treehouse and development of new garden around The Hen House, including a ha-haa.
Paulmead Barn, Wells Road, GL6 7AG
The garden is a haven of peace on the bottom edge of the village.
A level lawn with curved herbaceous borders is overlooked by a rockery with a cascade, which is topped by a patio with a beautiful valley outlook.
Cricketty Mill, Lower Nashend, GL6 7AJ
Cricketty Mill nestles in the Toadsmoor Valley surrounded by fields with ponies and sheep.
The main feature of the garden is the water. Two streams feed a mill pond and then the water wraps itself around three sides of the house. The garden is a mix of woodland, lawn and flower beds. At every turn you will find stone benches along with other interesting and unusual architectural features.
By the woodland is a “gothic cottage” (workshop) based on the Keeper’s Cottage, a garden folly, at Stourhead.
You can sit on a bench/table with your feet in the stream to enjoy the tea and cakes.
NOTE: Deep water mill race without barriers, not appropriate for young children.
Manor Corner, Manor Street, GL6 7BJ
Once a rather neglected tangle of overgrowth and old panel fencing, this terraced-cottage garden has been gradually reclaimed as a verdant and sunny space for relaxed family life, with a fragrant pergola, climbing roses spilling over the wall, and quiet corners to sit and enjoy the birdsong.
Now planted with flowering trees and shrubs selected for colour and scent, and lush foliage in bronzes, greens and yellows for year-round structure and form, it is underplanted by ferns and grasses with can cope with dry shade.
Admission: £5 aged 14 and up (u14s free)
Teas: 2pm to 5.30pm at the Village Hall, Manor Street, GL6 7AX
Parking: Bisley Bluecoat School, School Lane, GL6 7BE
A special thank you goes to the School for allowing the organisers to use their playground as a car park for the day.
Nowell House, School Lane, GL6 7BE
The garden was designed and planted by Eileen Worsely in the mid 20th century. She was a connoisseur of plants, though some have reached the end of their lives.
At present the garden has an elderly owner so it resembles a secret garden which is being re-wilded. However it does have two kiftsgate climbing roses, a handkerchief tree, a collection of acers and a number of other interesting plants and trees.
Overcourt, School Lane, Bisley, GL6 7BE
A peaceful garden with extensive lawns and mature trees. The avenue of limes at the entrance is a feature, as are the beech trees by the tennis court. The central lawn has a Judas tree with purple blossoms.
Look out for the cornus kousa (a type of dogwood) with its dramatic white bracts. There are extensive flower beds both behind the main house and in front of the cottages.
A vegetable garden is located behind the cottages.
Wells Cottage, Wells Road, Bisley, GL6 7AG
Just under one acre, this garden is terraced on several levels with formal topiary and beautiful views over the valley, and much informal planting of trees and shrubs to give colour and texture.
There are lawns and herbaceous borders, a collection of grasses, a formal pond area and rambling roses on chain pergola, as well as a vegetable garden with raised beds.
Paulmead, Bisley, GL6 7AG
This is an approximately one-acre landscaped garden constructed in stages over last twenty-five years.
Terraced in three main levels, it has a natural stream, formal herbaceous and shrub borders, yew and beech hedges, a formal vegetable garden, lawns, a summerhouse with exterior wooden decking by a pond and a thatched roof over well head.
There's also an unusual treehouse and development of new garden around The Hen House, including a ha-haa.
Paulmead Barn, Wells Road, GL6 7AG
The garden is a haven of peace on the bottom edge of the village.
A level lawn with curved herbaceous borders is overlooked by a rockery with a cascade, which is topped by a patio with a beautiful valley outlook.
Cricketty Mill, Lower Nashend, GL6 7AJ
Cricketty Mill nestles in the Toadsmoor Valley surrounded by fields with ponies and sheep.
The main feature of the garden is the water. Two streams feed a mill pond and then the water wraps itself around three sides of the house. The garden is a mix of woodland, lawn and flower beds. At every turn you will find stone benches along with other interesting and unusual architectural features.
By the woodland is a “gothic cottage” (workshop) based on the Keeper’s Cottage, a garden folly, at Stourhead.
You can sit on a bench/table with your feet in the stream to enjoy the tea and cakes.
NOTE: Deep water mill race without barriers, not appropriate for young children.
Manor Corner, Manor Street, GL6 7BJ
Once a rather neglected tangle of overgrowth and old panel fencing, this terraced-cottage garden has been gradually reclaimed as a verdant and sunny space for relaxed family life, with a fragrant pergola, climbing roses spilling over the wall, and quiet corners to sit and enjoy the birdsong.
Now planted with flowering trees and shrubs selected for colour and scent, and lush foliage in bronzes, greens and yellows for year-round structure and form, it is underplanted by ferns and grasses with can cope with dry shade.
Admission: £5 aged 14 and up (u14s free)
Teas: 2pm to 5.30pm at the Village Hall, Manor Street, GL6 7AX
Parking: Bisley Bluecoat School, School Lane, GL6 7BE
A special thank you goes to the School for allowing the organisers to use their playground as a car park for the day.
STIRRUP CUP PUB QUIZ
SUNDAY JUNE 11
A date for your diary...
Another of our regularly occasional pub quizzes at The Stirrup Cup is heading your way.
Date: 4pm Sunday June 11th.
Cost: £5 pp, teams of 4 - please book your table at the pub.
All proceeds to Winston's Wish - the childhood bereavement charity based in Gloucester.
The big question on everyone's lips: can anyone defeat The Wells Angels?
Another of our regularly occasional pub quizzes at The Stirrup Cup is heading your way.
Date: 4pm Sunday June 11th.
Cost: £5 pp, teams of 4 - please book your table at the pub.
All proceeds to Winston's Wish - the childhood bereavement charity based in Gloucester.
The big question on everyone's lips: can anyone defeat The Wells Angels?
BISLEY TENNIS TOURNAMENT...
...is nearly upon us.
It's held annually at four courts at different houses in the village, with the semis and final held at Jaynes Court.
This year's event will be held on Sunday, June 11 (ideally in time for participants and spectators to take part in the Stirrup Cup pub quiz the same afternoon!).
If you'd like to play, please contact Evelyn and Mike Bowman by email or on 07454 934879.
It's held annually at four courts at different houses in the village, with the semis and final held at Jaynes Court.
This year's event will be held on Sunday, June 11 (ideally in time for participants and spectators to take part in the Stirrup Cup pub quiz the same afternoon!).
If you'd like to play, please contact Evelyn and Mike Bowman by email or on 07454 934879.
BISLEY IN THE TIMES
Bisley's Coronation street party on Sunday featured quite heavily in The Times. Since most people won't have a subscription, here are some screenshots:
There were 400 or 500 people there, and a good time was had by all - so good, in fact, that the Monday afternoon skittles match at The Stirrup Cup was called off because of hangovers.
We will be creating a page on this website to host photos from the Coronation weekend - if you would like some of your photos to appear there please email your favorite few to bisleyvillage [at] yahoo [dot] com.
We will be creating a page on this website to host photos from the Coronation weekend - if you would like some of your photos to appear there please email your favorite few to bisleyvillage [at] yahoo [dot] com.
CORONATION WEEKEND
Here's a rundown of events for the weekend of the Coronation.
It should be a great weekend for the village, kicking off with a live band at The Stirrup Cup on the Saturday evening and continuing on Sunday (after a church service) with a street party in High Street.
Please note: the street has been closed off - for more details, and to let the organisers know if you're planning to attend, please contact them via the posters in the pubs or the Bisley Community Facebook page).
Matters will conclude with a family fun afternoon at the playing fields (unless it's raining, in which case it's off to the Stirrup for skittles, or the Bear for a few pints.).
It should be a great weekend for the village, kicking off with a live band at The Stirrup Cup on the Saturday evening and continuing on Sunday (after a church service) with a street party in High Street.
Please note: the street has been closed off - for more details, and to let the organisers know if you're planning to attend, please contact them via the posters in the pubs or the Bisley Community Facebook page).
Matters will conclude with a family fun afternoon at the playing fields (unless it's raining, in which case it's off to the Stirrup for skittles, or the Bear for a few pints.).
STIRRUP CUP NAMED PUB OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Julian and the team at The Stirrup Cup - it's just been named Towergate's Pub of the Year for 2022.
If you're reading this from outside Bisley, why not make a trip over to enjoy a pint or a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal in this traditional village pub?
It's a really friendly place, full of dogs and chit-chat, and you'll mingle with locals and tourists alike - highly recommended!
If you're reading this from outside Bisley, why not make a trip over to enjoy a pint or a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal in this traditional village pub?
It's a really friendly place, full of dogs and chit-chat, and you'll mingle with locals and tourists alike - highly recommended!
FLOWER SHOW PUB QUIZ RAISES £466!
The Bisley Flower Show Stirrup Cup quiz on Sunday March 26 raised £466 - thanks on behalf of the committee to all those who paid for tables and donated raffle prizes, and thanks, too, to Julian and the team at the pub, who did a great job hosting.
Pictured above - the victorious team, The Wells Angels (who also won the Flower Show quiz proper last summer).
The Flower Show generally makes no money - it essentially pays for itself (or doesn't), and in particular for the hire of the marquee.
This money will help address the annual shortfall.
Last year's Flower Show was a tremendous success, but the committee is looking for ways to make the 2023 event even better.
Please email them with any ideas, suggestions or, dare we say it, complaints.
In 2022 they were short on table sponsorships - please consider donating £10 to sponsor your table for this year's event.
Pictured above - the victorious team, The Wells Angels (who also won the Flower Show quiz proper last summer).
The Flower Show generally makes no money - it essentially pays for itself (or doesn't), and in particular for the hire of the marquee.
This money will help address the annual shortfall.
Last year's Flower Show was a tremendous success, but the committee is looking for ways to make the 2023 event even better.
Please email them with any ideas, suggestions or, dare we say it, complaints.
In 2022 they were short on table sponsorships - please consider donating £10 to sponsor your table for this year's event.
BEAR CAR PARK
A while ago, the company that owns The Bear Inn - Punch - installed a controlled parking system at the pub's car park.
This happened after the area manager called at the pub one lunchtime and found the car park full and the pub virtually empty. (On other occasions, people arriving for lunch and dinner have had to park down the road rather than in the car park.)
We thought it might be worth explaining how the system works.
Whether you're from Bisley or just visiting, if you use The Bear all you need to do is see Ambra or Giovanni (or any staff), input your car reg into their gizmo, and it's completely free to park.
There are very large signs pointing this out.
Further, if you accidentally forget to give them your reg, and you subsequently get a fine, and you mention it to the staff, they will sort it out for you.
Even if you're not actually using the pub, and you ask permission, Ambra and Giovanni are quite happy to give you that permission; for those dropping and collecting kids at school, the pub has already agreed reasonable leeway.
But they are not in control of the new parking system - a private company contracted to Punch operates it, and sends wardens round to check now and then.
To repeat: just let the pub know your car registration number, and you are fine.
This happened after the area manager called at the pub one lunchtime and found the car park full and the pub virtually empty. (On other occasions, people arriving for lunch and dinner have had to park down the road rather than in the car park.)
We thought it might be worth explaining how the system works.
Whether you're from Bisley or just visiting, if you use The Bear all you need to do is see Ambra or Giovanni (or any staff), input your car reg into their gizmo, and it's completely free to park.
There are very large signs pointing this out.
Further, if you accidentally forget to give them your reg, and you subsequently get a fine, and you mention it to the staff, they will sort it out for you.
Even if you're not actually using the pub, and you ask permission, Ambra and Giovanni are quite happy to give you that permission; for those dropping and collecting kids at school, the pub has already agreed reasonable leeway.
But they are not in control of the new parking system - a private company contracted to Punch operates it, and sends wardens round to check now and then.
To repeat: just let the pub know your car registration number, and you are fine.
BISLEY’S PUBS:
USE THEM OR (MAYBE) LOSE THEM
There aren’t many villages of our size in the Cotswolds – probably the country – which still have two good pubs.
A log fire, a nice pint, and the company of friends (and strangers) – these are the among greatest things about English rural life.
(And it may be worth bearing in mind that surveyors say a good village pub adds 10% to the value of your house.)
But while around 1,000 people live in Bisley, many rarely use The Bear Inn or The Stirrup Cup – and we should be careful not to take them for granted.
Both are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Inflation is high for all of us, but it’s hitting hospitality businesses harder than most.
Both pubs are owned by giant, remote ‘pubcos’ which set very high rents – and increase them way above inflation – and require the landlords to buy drinks from them.
A barrel of real ale on the open market costs around £80 – from the required suppliers it’s at least £120 (it can be much higher, depending on the beer). Lagers are more expensive still.
So if £5 a pint feels pricey, bear in mind the cost of buying that barrel, running the pumps, and paying the staff – the profit on a pint is very small, and the occasional 10p increase on the price you pay at the bar isn’t profit, it’s just an attempt to stand still.
And that's without considering the general overheads - at The Stirrup Cup, Julian is seeing huge price rises – from minor things like loo roll (up from £9.99 a box to £16.49, a 65% increase in a matter of months), to a trebling of his electricity bill (now £2,200 per month).
Gas has more than doubled to £800 a month, and food prices are up around 15%.
It’s a similar story at The Bear, where it costs Giovanni and Ambra around £5,000 per week just to open the doors.
Rent and utilities are £1,350 per week, and food and drink close to £2,000.
And there are many costs we probably don’t even think about – for instance, just to play music in the pubs, both have to pay a licence of around £700 a year.
They pay to rent their tills, they pay for rubbish collection – and of course they pay tax and VAT as most businesses do.
As someone who uses both pubs I would hate to see them close, and I’m by no means alone.
Many of us are feeling the pinch, and no-one expects everyone in the village to use both pubs every day.
But please consider dropping in once a week for a pint or a glass of wine, and maybe even a meal now and then – it might mean the difference between closure and survival.
We need to use them or very possibly lose them.
PS The same obviously goes for the George Stores and Post Office and the other businesses in the village.
This piece was originally written for the Bisley News.
A log fire, a nice pint, and the company of friends (and strangers) – these are the among greatest things about English rural life.
(And it may be worth bearing in mind that surveyors say a good village pub adds 10% to the value of your house.)
But while around 1,000 people live in Bisley, many rarely use The Bear Inn or The Stirrup Cup – and we should be careful not to take them for granted.
Both are struggling to keep their heads above water.
Inflation is high for all of us, but it’s hitting hospitality businesses harder than most.
Both pubs are owned by giant, remote ‘pubcos’ which set very high rents – and increase them way above inflation – and require the landlords to buy drinks from them.
A barrel of real ale on the open market costs around £80 – from the required suppliers it’s at least £120 (it can be much higher, depending on the beer). Lagers are more expensive still.
So if £5 a pint feels pricey, bear in mind the cost of buying that barrel, running the pumps, and paying the staff – the profit on a pint is very small, and the occasional 10p increase on the price you pay at the bar isn’t profit, it’s just an attempt to stand still.
And that's without considering the general overheads - at The Stirrup Cup, Julian is seeing huge price rises – from minor things like loo roll (up from £9.99 a box to £16.49, a 65% increase in a matter of months), to a trebling of his electricity bill (now £2,200 per month).
Gas has more than doubled to £800 a month, and food prices are up around 15%.
It’s a similar story at The Bear, where it costs Giovanni and Ambra around £5,000 per week just to open the doors.
Rent and utilities are £1,350 per week, and food and drink close to £2,000.
And there are many costs we probably don’t even think about – for instance, just to play music in the pubs, both have to pay a licence of around £700 a year.
They pay to rent their tills, they pay for rubbish collection – and of course they pay tax and VAT as most businesses do.
As someone who uses both pubs I would hate to see them close, and I’m by no means alone.
Many of us are feeling the pinch, and no-one expects everyone in the village to use both pubs every day.
But please consider dropping in once a week for a pint or a glass of wine, and maybe even a meal now and then – it might mean the difference between closure and survival.
We need to use them or very possibly lose them.
PS The same obviously goes for the George Stores and Post Office and the other businesses in the village.
This piece was originally written for the Bisley News.
THANKS TO COLIN HASSALL...
...for his ten years editing the village magazine, The Bisley News.
Colin has finally decided to give up this voluntary role and is handing the magazine over to Debs Edmonds and Lucie Debrot.
The magazine is a great part of village life and Colin has done a sterling job in what I'm sure is at times a difficult and frustrating task.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you to him for all his efforts.
We recently started hosting the Bisley News on this website - Colin has just supplied us with his final edition, covering February 2023 to April 2023, and you can read it here.
As ever, some 500 hard copies of the magazine will be delivered around the village in the next few days.
Please support the magazine and those who advertise in it if you can.
Colin has finally decided to give up this voluntary role and is handing the magazine over to Debs Edmonds and Lucie Debrot.
The magazine is a great part of village life and Colin has done a sterling job in what I'm sure is at times a difficult and frustrating task.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you to him for all his efforts.
We recently started hosting the Bisley News on this website - Colin has just supplied us with his final edition, covering February 2023 to April 2023, and you can read it here.
As ever, some 500 hard copies of the magazine will be delivered around the village in the next few days.
Please support the magazine and those who advertise in it if you can.
A MESSAGE FROM DAVE PARTRIDGE
ABOUT THE BISLEY MUMMERS
Thanks to everyone who came out the week before Christmas to The Woolpack, The Carpenter's Arms, The Bear, and The Stirrup Cup to support us in very poor weather conditions.
The street collections raised a grand total of £220.71, which we have divided between Longfields Hospice in Minchinhampton and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Thanks also to all four landlords for their support, and special thanks to Julian Partridge at The Stirrup Cup for allowing us to use his skittle alley for rehearsals, and his hot bacon rolls and pints before we set off on the day itself. They really hit the spot, and without without Julian more generally the Mummers plays would not be possible.
A massive thank you to Dan Collins for writing the script, to Mark Rogers our melodeon player, to Sam Collins for make- up, and to Sam, Jo Partridge, Antonia Lawson and Lizzie Morris for getting us to and from the pubs and rattling buckets.
Last but not least, thanks to our Mummers - Jake, Luca, Rob, Amber, Doug, Neil and Dan.
Editor's Note: thanks to Dave, too - without his enthusiasm and organisation, the Mummers really wouldn't happen.
The street collections raised a grand total of £220.71, which we have divided between Longfields Hospice in Minchinhampton and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Thanks also to all four landlords for their support, and special thanks to Julian Partridge at The Stirrup Cup for allowing us to use his skittle alley for rehearsals, and his hot bacon rolls and pints before we set off on the day itself. They really hit the spot, and without without Julian more generally the Mummers plays would not be possible.
A massive thank you to Dan Collins for writing the script, to Mark Rogers our melodeon player, to Sam Collins for make- up, and to Sam, Jo Partridge, Antonia Lawson and Lizzie Morris for getting us to and from the pubs and rattling buckets.
Last but not least, thanks to our Mummers - Jake, Luca, Rob, Amber, Doug, Neil and Dan.
Editor's Note: thanks to Dave, too - without his enthusiasm and organisation, the Mummers really wouldn't happen.
THE 2023 WI CALENDAR...
...has been uploaded here.
TOM RYAN GERICKS
As many villagers will know, Tommie Ryan Gericks sadly passed away this year.
He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease a while ago.
He and Lucie were for some years the village shop-keepers, and they both did a brilliant job of rescuing the George Stores and post office, and turning it into a facility the village could be proud of.
They were both also very well-liked in Bisley, and Tommie will be greatly missed.
The village website's sincerest condolences go out to Lucie and their children, Thomas and Jazmin.
Tommie's funeral was held on Monday September 16 at All Saints Church in Bisley, followed by cremation at 4pm at Cheltenham.
In the evening, a significant wake was held at The Stirrup Cup .
Donations can be made in his memory to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease a while ago.
He and Lucie were for some years the village shop-keepers, and they both did a brilliant job of rescuing the George Stores and post office, and turning it into a facility the village could be proud of.
They were both also very well-liked in Bisley, and Tommie will be greatly missed.
The village website's sincerest condolences go out to Lucie and their children, Thomas and Jazmin.
Tommie's funeral was held on Monday September 16 at All Saints Church in Bisley, followed by cremation at 4pm at Cheltenham.
In the evening, a significant wake was held at The Stirrup Cup .
Donations can be made in his memory to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
FETE REPORT FROM SUE BRADLEY
Bisley’s annual Flower Show and Fête returned on August Bank Holiday Saturday with lots of fun for all the family.
We were delighted to invite Jim Hill, the long-serving conductor of Avening Silver Band, to crown our flower queen and king, Esme and Jacob.
Believe it or not, Jim turned 90 this year but is still the man with the baton in his hand.
Happy birthday Jim, and thank you to you and the Avening Silver Band for many years of music!
Other highlights included performances by the Illusioneer Barrie Westwell, who delighted audiences with his magical tricks, a well-supported dog show, and country dancing by children from Bisley Blue Coat School.
Many, many people play a part in making Bisley Flower Show and Fête a success.
Thank you to everybody who gave up their time to help, donated items to sell or win, and came along and supported us.
We are hoping to reunite flower queens and kings and their attendants from over the years at next year's Fête - holders of previous titles should please email us.
Below is a selection of photos from the day - the calm before the storm (ie before the hordes arrived). Pls click to see full photo:
We were delighted to invite Jim Hill, the long-serving conductor of Avening Silver Band, to crown our flower queen and king, Esme and Jacob.
Believe it or not, Jim turned 90 this year but is still the man with the baton in his hand.
Happy birthday Jim, and thank you to you and the Avening Silver Band for many years of music!
Other highlights included performances by the Illusioneer Barrie Westwell, who delighted audiences with his magical tricks, a well-supported dog show, and country dancing by children from Bisley Blue Coat School.
Many, many people play a part in making Bisley Flower Show and Fête a success.
Thank you to everybody who gave up their time to help, donated items to sell or win, and came along and supported us.
We are hoping to reunite flower queens and kings and their attendants from over the years at next year's Fête - holders of previous titles should please email us.
Below is a selection of photos from the day - the calm before the storm (ie before the hordes arrived). Pls click to see full photo:
FLOWER SHOW UPDATE FROM LOU PAINTER
The Flower Show was very well-attended and we had lots of lovely entries, including seven in our new class of a painting of a single fruit or vegetable.
We had some new judges this year who did a very thorough job, leaving useful tips for entrants for next year, as well as old hands including Lance Vick - who has been judging the vegetable classes for us for 25 years!
Our Pimms and beer bar did very well with people enjoying a cool drink in the sunshine.
All funds raised from the flower show go towards to the substantial cost of hiring the marquee.
All in all a smashing day was had by all!
- Lou Painter, chair of the flower show committee.
Please note: Both Flower Show and Fête committees are already looking for volunteers to help run the 2023 events - and suggestions for how they could be made even better.
We had some new judges this year who did a very thorough job, leaving useful tips for entrants for next year, as well as old hands including Lance Vick - who has been judging the vegetable classes for us for 25 years!
Our Pimms and beer bar did very well with people enjoying a cool drink in the sunshine.
All funds raised from the flower show go towards to the substantial cost of hiring the marquee.
All in all a smashing day was had by all!
- Lou Painter, chair of the flower show committee.
Please note: Both Flower Show and Fête committees are already looking for volunteers to help run the 2023 events - and suggestions for how they could be made even better.
A TOUCH OF MAGIC AT THE FETE
Just 10 days to go until the Flower Show and fête on Saturday August 27, and Sue Bradley has been in touch with the exciting news that she has conjured up the services of renowned magician Barrie Westwell to entertain visitors.
Barrie runs The Illusioneer in London, and is famous for his performances at weddings, corporate events and black tie dinners.
He also runs various ‘Art of Magic' courses which will be of interest to anyone who would like to learn a few tricks of the trade.
Other highlights will include performances by Avening Silver Band and the country dancers from Bisley Bluecoat Primary School, a marquee bursting with produce, crafts, flowers and cakes, a variety of stalls, a grand raffle, a dog show and Bisley’s famous teas.
Gates open at 1pm for early perusal of the fête stalls, with the crowning of the flower queen and king and official opening of the Flower Show by Caroline Stephen at 2pm.
Barrie runs The Illusioneer in London, and is famous for his performances at weddings, corporate events and black tie dinners.
He also runs various ‘Art of Magic' courses which will be of interest to anyone who would like to learn a few tricks of the trade.
Other highlights will include performances by Avening Silver Band and the country dancers from Bisley Bluecoat Primary School, a marquee bursting with produce, crafts, flowers and cakes, a variety of stalls, a grand raffle, a dog show and Bisley’s famous teas.
Gates open at 1pm for early perusal of the fête stalls, with the crowning of the flower queen and king and official opening of the Flower Show by Caroline Stephen at 2pm.
FLOWER FESTIVAL - LIVE SKA AT THE STIRRUP
When you've been to the Flower Show and fête (Saturday August 27), perused all the fruit, veg, jams etc (and perhaps bought some in the end-of-show auction), knocked down a coconut or two, enjoyed the brass band and dog show, and no doubt had a few beers (or wine/Pimms), what could be better than rolling unsteadily down to The Stirrup Cup for more beer, wine or Pimms, or some of the special summer cocktails the pub will be creating?
Julian's also planning ‘garden games' (no, we're not sure, either) and two sets by the excellent A'la Ska - a rudeboy band with their hearts in Yard (Jamaica, mon) but their postcodes in and around the Cirencester area, who will delight your earholes, bamboozle your eyeballs, and move your feet with covers by everyone from Prince Buster to The Specials, and no doubt a few tunes of their own.
All free of charge.
Enjoy yourself... it's later than you think!
Julian's also planning ‘garden games' (no, we're not sure, either) and two sets by the excellent A'la Ska - a rudeboy band with their hearts in Yard (Jamaica, mon) but their postcodes in and around the Cirencester area, who will delight your earholes, bamboozle your eyeballs, and move your feet with covers by everyone from Prince Buster to The Specials, and no doubt a few tunes of their own.
All free of charge.
Enjoy yourself... it's later than you think!
FLOWER SHOW RAFFLE PRIZES
Under three weeks to go before the premier event of the Cotswolds summer social season/chance to have a few pints and a burger and marvel at our village's gardening, cooking, artistic and craft expertise - and there are some amazing raffle prizes this year...
- Lunch or dinner for two with drinks at The Wolseley (courtesy of Michael Foster)
- Two tickets to a Premiership or Heineken Cup game at Gloucester Rugby
- Two tickets to Gold Cup Day 2023 at Cheltenham (courtesy of Perry Bishop Estate Agents)
- Two tickets to any remaining Chelsea FC Premier League match in the 2022/23 season (courtesy of Michael Foster)
- Sunday roast for two with house wine at The Stirrup Cup (courtesy of Julian)
- A £35 celebration cake from What's Cooking @ Dove Cottage (courtesy of Vanessa Ridler Dutton)
- Sunday roast for two at The Bear (courtesy of Ambra and Giovanni)
- Bespoke designer cushion by Jane Fleming of Cotswold Soft Furnishings
- Silverback bike (donated by a villager)
- Four books individually signed by Jilly Cooper
- Voucher for 30 minutes' sports massage therapy (courtesy of Sarah Clatworthy)
Tickets available from The George Stores, the farm shop, The Stirrup Cup, The Bear or the Greenshop.
Last year we managed to sell out all tickets, so make sure you get yours early so you don't miss out.
Draw on Saturday August 27 at the flower show and fête.
- Lunch or dinner for two with drinks at The Wolseley (courtesy of Michael Foster)
- Two tickets to a Premiership or Heineken Cup game at Gloucester Rugby
- Two tickets to Gold Cup Day 2023 at Cheltenham (courtesy of Perry Bishop Estate Agents)
- Two tickets to any remaining Chelsea FC Premier League match in the 2022/23 season (courtesy of Michael Foster)
- Sunday roast for two with house wine at The Stirrup Cup (courtesy of Julian)
- A £35 celebration cake from What's Cooking @ Dove Cottage (courtesy of Vanessa Ridler Dutton)
- Sunday roast for two at The Bear (courtesy of Ambra and Giovanni)
- Bespoke designer cushion by Jane Fleming of Cotswold Soft Furnishings
- Silverback bike (donated by a villager)
- Four books individually signed by Jilly Cooper
- Voucher for 30 minutes' sports massage therapy (courtesy of Sarah Clatworthy)
Tickets available from The George Stores, the farm shop, The Stirrup Cup, The Bear or the Greenshop.
Last year we managed to sell out all tickets, so make sure you get yours early so you don't miss out.
Draw on Saturday August 27 at the flower show and fête.
FLOWER SHOW UPDATE
The Bisley Flower Show is less than four weeks away, so we've just started updating the website.
Please click on the above link for this year's categories, rules, cake recipes, and some handy judges' tips.
There's also an entry form which you can download and print off if you've mislaid the one that goes out with the Bisley News.
The Flower Show and fête are a really great longstanding tradition, attracting thousands of people from all over the south west and leaving the poor folk of Oakridge and other, lesser villages gnashing their teeth, green with envy, and wondering why they can't match it.
Answer: you just can't, sorry.
It costs a lot of money to put on, obviously.
So if you can spare £10 to sponsor a table please do so - the easiest way is probably by clicking on this Ticket Source link, but if you're more old school you can always give a cheque to Allan Sapsed or Ollie Miles.
The Ticket Source link is also the place to buy tickets for the annual inter-village quiz, where the brainboxes of Bisley generally - and graciously - allow unwashed incomers from lower IQ settlements such as Eastcombe or Lypiatt to win (usually by whispering the answers to them).
Alternatively you can email Fiona Gill for tickets.
As ever, the ticket price (a mere £5 per person) will include a ploughman's supper, lots of ribald humour, some intriguing questions, and copious wine and beer at knockdown prices.
Please click on the above link for this year's categories, rules, cake recipes, and some handy judges' tips.
There's also an entry form which you can download and print off if you've mislaid the one that goes out with the Bisley News.
The Flower Show and fête are a really great longstanding tradition, attracting thousands of people from all over the south west and leaving the poor folk of Oakridge and other, lesser villages gnashing their teeth, green with envy, and wondering why they can't match it.
Answer: you just can't, sorry.
It costs a lot of money to put on, obviously.
So if you can spare £10 to sponsor a table please do so - the easiest way is probably by clicking on this Ticket Source link, but if you're more old school you can always give a cheque to Allan Sapsed or Ollie Miles.
The Ticket Source link is also the place to buy tickets for the annual inter-village quiz, where the brainboxes of Bisley generally - and graciously - allow unwashed incomers from lower IQ settlements such as Eastcombe or Lypiatt to win (usually by whispering the answers to them).
Alternatively you can email Fiona Gill for tickets.
As ever, the ticket price (a mere £5 per person) will include a ploughman's supper, lots of ribald humour, some intriguing questions, and copious wine and beer at knockdown prices.
BUTTERFLY SKY'S HAND-SEWN GIFTS
Kirsty Harris runs Butterfly Sky's hand-sewn gifts from her home in the village.
Please support her if you can; everything she makes - from tea-towels to aprons to cushion covers - is hand-cut and stitched to a very high standard, and very reasonably priced given the work she obviously puts in.
Visit Kirsty's Facebook page or her shop on Etsy (where she has amazing reviews).
Please support her if you can; everything she makes - from tea-towels to aprons to cushion covers - is hand-cut and stitched to a very high standard, and very reasonably priced given the work she obviously puts in.
Visit Kirsty's Facebook page or her shop on Etsy (where she has amazing reviews).
FREE TO A GOOD HOME
Our 10ft trampoline - outgrown by our children - is available free of charge.
A few of the springs are slightly rusty, but it is otherwise in very good condition.
Lovely for youngsters on summer days.
Must be collected - please email the webmaster (or apprehend him in the Bear or the Stirrup) to arrange.
A few of the springs are slightly rusty, but it is otherwise in very good condition.
Lovely for youngsters on summer days.
Must be collected - please email the webmaster (or apprehend him in the Bear or the Stirrup) to arrange.
GIFFORDS CIRCUS
This year's Giffords Circus season kicked off on April 14 at Fennell's Farm, the circus's home on the edge of Bisley.
After two weeks at Fennell's, the troupe will go on tour until September, taking in venues elsewhere in Gloucestershire, as well as in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and London.
The show this year is called ¡Carpa! , and it has a Mexican theme, with Mexican performers joining the circus for the season; director Cal McCrystal promises lots of ‘skill, humour, turmoil and excitement'.
See our Giffords Circus website page for more details and links for tickets and so on.
After two weeks at Fennell's, the troupe will go on tour until September, taking in venues elsewhere in Gloucestershire, as well as in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and London.
The show this year is called ¡Carpa! , and it has a Mexican theme, with Mexican performers joining the circus for the season; director Cal McCrystal promises lots of ‘skill, humour, turmoil and excitement'.
See our Giffords Circus website page for more details and links for tickets and so on.
STROUD: TIMES ‘BEST PLACES TO LIVE 2022'
Stroud has once again been named one of the country's best places to live by the Times and Sunday Times newspapers.
(For visitors to Bisley, Stroud is four miles away, and our closest town.)
In 2021 it was named the overall* best place to live; this year it is one of eight runners-up in the South West regional section.
The newspaper praises the ‘vegan football club' and the town's ‘radical edge' and ‘eco-conscience', which includes ‘mung beans and beanies, changing the world one sustainable soya latte at a time'.
‘It’s one of the contradictions of Stroud,' it says, ‘that many of the people who say they love it choose to live in a village in one of the valleys or on one of the commons, rather than in the town itself.'
We couldn't possibly comment.
There's more on Stroud in our ‘About Bisley' section above.
*This year the Times gives that accolade to Ilkley, where they like to perambulate without hats; the South West regional title goes to the Chalke Valley in Wiltshire.
(For visitors to Bisley, Stroud is four miles away, and our closest town.)
In 2021 it was named the overall* best place to live; this year it is one of eight runners-up in the South West regional section.
The newspaper praises the ‘vegan football club' and the town's ‘radical edge' and ‘eco-conscience', which includes ‘mung beans and beanies, changing the world one sustainable soya latte at a time'.
‘It’s one of the contradictions of Stroud,' it says, ‘that many of the people who say they love it choose to live in a village in one of the valleys or on one of the commons, rather than in the town itself.'
We couldn't possibly comment.
There's more on Stroud in our ‘About Bisley' section above.
*This year the Times gives that accolade to Ilkley, where they like to perambulate without hats; the South West regional title goes to the Chalke Valley in Wiltshire.
JAMES WHITESTONE'S BRILLIANT ART...
...has just been added to our ‘Local Artists' tab (please click on the drop down men u at the top).
James, a former Bisley Bluecoat School and TK pupil, who graduated from the University of Gloucester with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, is based at the Tivoli Press and specialises in letterpress and design.
Here's a beautiful hand-printed letterpress villagescape showing the George Stores in Bisley. Available on heavyweight A4, deluxe recycled stock, a print costs just £10, and framed would make a lovely keepsake (as well as being a great way to support a young local artist).
James, a former Bisley Bluecoat School and TK pupil, who graduated from the University of Gloucester with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, is based at the Tivoli Press and specialises in letterpress and design.
Here's a beautiful hand-printed letterpress villagescape showing the George Stores in Bisley. Available on heavyweight A4, deluxe recycled stock, a print costs just £10, and framed would make a lovely keepsake (as well as being a great way to support a young local artist).
STAFF WANTED AT GEORGE STORES
The village shop is looking for staff.
Please pop in and enquire if you would like more information.
Please pop in and enquire if you would like more information.
PLEASE SUPPORT BISLEY BUSINESSES
The government lockdowns and vast, inflationary money-printing have caused a great deal of damage to the country's economy.
Across the country thousands of little firms - collectively our biggest employers - have closed down, and millions of people have lost their livelihoods.
These are hard times for everyone, but please do everything you can to support our local businesses.
If everyone in the village spent five pounds a week in one of the pubs and the shop it would go a long way towards ensuring their survival, and the jobs of the people who work there.
You could buy your vegetables from the farm shop - and an occasional takeaway from What's Cooking at Dove Cottage.
You could buy your fuel at the garage, and have your car serviced and repaired locally.
If you need a driver to take you somewhere, use Phil Bradley or Ian Neighbour.
If you know people who are thinking of a spring or summer ‘staycation', point them to the places to stay in Bisley.
The ‘Local Business' tab above gives more local services you can use - and if you run a local business, please get in touch. We're happy to put your details on this website free of charge.
We're all very lucky to live in this wonderful village - the more we can help each other the better!
Across the country thousands of little firms - collectively our biggest employers - have closed down, and millions of people have lost their livelihoods.
These are hard times for everyone, but please do everything you can to support our local businesses.
If everyone in the village spent five pounds a week in one of the pubs and the shop it would go a long way towards ensuring their survival, and the jobs of the people who work there.
You could buy your vegetables from the farm shop - and an occasional takeaway from What's Cooking at Dove Cottage.
You could buy your fuel at the garage, and have your car serviced and repaired locally.
If you need a driver to take you somewhere, use Phil Bradley or Ian Neighbour.
If you know people who are thinking of a spring or summer ‘staycation', point them to the places to stay in Bisley.
The ‘Local Business' tab above gives more local services you can use - and if you run a local business, please get in touch. We're happy to put your details on this website free of charge.
We're all very lucky to live in this wonderful village - the more we can help each other the better!
FAREWELL, MICHAEL
Michael Wiggins' daughter Allyson Wilkes has been in touch to thank all those who attended the recent celebration of his life at The Stirrup Cup.
Michael - a popular and long-time villager - sadly died at the end of January, aged eighty-five.
In lieu of flowers, Allyson and her family have asked that donations be made to the Woodland Trust.
There are some nice pictures of Michael and a copy of his (very amusing) eulogy at the above link for those who would like to see them.
