BISLEY NEWS
If you have news items for the village that you would like included on this page, please email us
IT'S NEARLY PANTO TIME! (oh yes it is)
BISLEY WI 2022 PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
Jane Jones has been in touch to pass on details of this year's WI programme.
(She actually contacted us earlier in January, but we've been laid low by the dreaded lurgy/mild cold. So apologies for missing the details of January's meeting.)
Full details can be found at the WI page on the website.
(She actually contacted us earlier in January, but we've been laid low by the dreaded lurgy/mild cold. So apologies for missing the details of January's meeting.)
Full details can be found at the WI page on the website.
VILLAGE HALL BOOKING NOW ONLINE
The system for booking the WI Village Hall has now moved online-only.
Please visit the website to make a booking.
If you've already arranged a booking for 2022, please check non the website to make sure it has been uploaded; if you have any issues please call the booking helpline on 07443 747468.
Please visit the website to make a booking.
If you've already arranged a booking for 2022, please check non the website to make sure it has been uploaded; if you have any issues please call the booking helpline on 07443 747468.
LITTER
We're very lucky to live in Bisley, and lucky also that almost everyone who lives here appreciates it.
We don't have a vast litter problem, but we do have the odd person who will throw a cider can or crisp packet out of their car, rather than taking them home and using the bin.
The photograph below illustrates perhaps the most egregious example we've seen in recent times, though - in the grounds of our beautiful church, no less, and a matter of a few feet from the bin (within the red square).
Please don't do this.
If you want to live in a place populated by the kinds of people who think this is acceptable, perhaps you might consider moving there.
We don't have a vast litter problem, but we do have the odd person who will throw a cider can or crisp packet out of their car, rather than taking them home and using the bin.
The photograph below illustrates perhaps the most egregious example we've seen in recent times, though - in the grounds of our beautiful church, no less, and a matter of a few feet from the bin (within the red square).
Please don't do this.
If you want to live in a place populated by the kinds of people who think this is acceptable, perhaps you might consider moving there.
PLEASE SUPPORT BISLEY BUSINESSES
+ + NEW SHOP OPENING HOURS + +
FURTHER TO THE BELOW, THE SHOP IS NOW OPEN UNTIL 5PM ON WENESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, AND THE OWNERS HOPE TO EXTEND THE 5PM CLOSING TIME THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AS MORE STAFF ARE TAKEN ON.
The lockdowns imposed on us by our government have caused a great deal of damage to the economy, with small businesses taking much of the brunt.
Across the country thousands of little firms - collectively our biggest employers - have shut down, and many will never reopen.
Many of those which have so far managed to weather the storm have only done so by borrowing - the Bank of England issued a report earlier in October saying that a third of small businesses now have a high level of debt (defined as those whose debts are ten times greater than their cash balances, a level where historically companies have struggled to repay loans).
Before the lockdowns the figure was 14%.
Millions of people have lost their jobs or are in greater uncertainty than they were.
What can we do about it?
Well, we can at least support our local businesses.
If everyone in the village spent five or ten 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.
Or buy your fuel at the garage and have your car serviced and repaired locally.
If you need a car to get somewhere, use Phil or Ian.
If you know people who are thinking of a ‘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.
Zoë Thomas of The Iron Lady - an ironing service - got in touch this morning for just that reason.
Zoë is based in School Lane and will collect, iron and redeliver your laundry for a very reasonable £12 an hour.
(Collection is free in Bisley - outside the village she charges only an extra £5 for that additional service.)
You can contact her by email or by calling 01452 771012.
We're all so lucky to live in this wonderful village - the more we can help each other the better!
FURTHER TO THE BELOW, THE SHOP IS NOW OPEN UNTIL 5PM ON WENESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, AND THE OWNERS HOPE TO EXTEND THE 5PM CLOSING TIME THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AS MORE STAFF ARE TAKEN ON.
The lockdowns imposed on us by our government have caused a great deal of damage to the economy, with small businesses taking much of the brunt.
Across the country thousands of little firms - collectively our biggest employers - have shut down, and many will never reopen.
Many of those which have so far managed to weather the storm have only done so by borrowing - the Bank of England issued a report earlier in October saying that a third of small businesses now have a high level of debt (defined as those whose debts are ten times greater than their cash balances, a level where historically companies have struggled to repay loans).
Before the lockdowns the figure was 14%.
Millions of people have lost their jobs or are in greater uncertainty than they were.
What can we do about it?
Well, we can at least support our local businesses.
If everyone in the village spent five or ten 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.
Or buy your fuel at the garage and have your car serviced and repaired locally.
If you need a car to get somewhere, use Phil or Ian.
If you know people who are thinking of a ‘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.
Zoë Thomas of The Iron Lady - an ironing service - got in touch this morning for just that reason.
Zoë is based in School Lane and will collect, iron and redeliver your laundry for a very reasonable £12 an hour.
(Collection is free in Bisley - outside the village she charges only an extra £5 for that additional service.)
You can contact her by email or by calling 01452 771012.
We're all so lucky to live in this wonderful village - the more we can help each other the better!
BISLEY HISTORY GROUP
Bisley Local History Group grinds into action again tonight (Thursday October 28) at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, with a talk by Chas Townley on an ancient, Roman and medieval route through Bisley.
Entry is £3 for visitors and £2 for members of the group (expired membership remains valid for now, and members of the
group's Facebook page are welcome to join for £5 per annum or just attend as visitors).
Entry is £3 for visitors and £2 for members of the group (expired membership remains valid for now, and members of the
group's Facebook page are welcome to join for £5 per annum or just attend as visitors).
KIM McCRODDAN...
...has written and recorded an album.
Called ‘Byzantium', and recorded under the name Kim Lambert, it's inspired by a recent period he spent living and working in Istanbul, and by musical influences including Mark ‘Talk Talk' Hollis, Robert ‘King Crimson' Fripp, and Vaughan ‘Vaughan Williams' Williams.
It features thirteen instrumental tracks, with haunting strings, keyboards, and occasionally beats, laid over the sounds of everyday life in the city - police sirens, street vendors, the call to prayer, and so on.
It marks both a departure and a return - a departure from Kim's main line of work, TV, and a return to the music making of his younger days.
Highly recommended - it's playing as I write this - and you can pick a copy up from Kim for a tenner. Email him or see him in either The Bear or The Stirrup Cup.
Called ‘Byzantium', and recorded under the name Kim Lambert, it's inspired by a recent period he spent living and working in Istanbul, and by musical influences including Mark ‘Talk Talk' Hollis, Robert ‘King Crimson' Fripp, and Vaughan ‘Vaughan Williams' Williams.
It features thirteen instrumental tracks, with haunting strings, keyboards, and occasionally beats, laid over the sounds of everyday life in the city - police sirens, street vendors, the call to prayer, and so on.
It marks both a departure and a return - a departure from Kim's main line of work, TV, and a return to the music making of his younger days.
Highly recommended - it's playing as I write this - and you can pick a copy up from Kim for a tenner. Email him or see him in either The Bear or The Stirrup Cup.
BISLEY SUNFLOWERS...
...are still on sale at the farm shop.
The sun may have dipped and the nights are drawing in, but you can still brighten up your house with a bunch of these beautiful sunflowers, grown not in Tuscany or Provence but in a field in the village.
On sale (very reasonably priced!) at the farm shop.
The sun may have dipped and the nights are drawing in, but you can still brighten up your house with a bunch of these beautiful sunflowers, grown not in Tuscany or Provence but in a field in the village.
On sale (very reasonably priced!) at the farm shop.
THE W.I. IS BACK!
A message from Jane Jones:
‘We are delighted that Bisley WI is up and running its regular monthly meetings once again.
Many members and guests thoroughly enjoyed the talk Sue Williams gave on The History of Nursing at our September meeting.
Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday October 14 at the village hall.
Our speaker is Judy Sawyer and her talk is A Bisley Girl.
We have our AGM on Thursday November 11 - we'll get the business bit done quite swiftly and move on to share an enjoyable evening.
Thursday the 9th of December will be our Christmas Party.
Looking ahead, we are planning a programme of interesting speakers for 2022 and we will update you as soon as it is finalised.
New members and guests are always made very welcome.
If you would like any further information about Bisley WI please email me. '
A message from Jane Jones:
‘We are delighted that Bisley WI is up and running its regular monthly meetings once again.
Many members and guests thoroughly enjoyed the talk Sue Williams gave on The History of Nursing at our September meeting.
Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday October 14 at the village hall.
Our speaker is Judy Sawyer and her talk is A Bisley Girl.
We have our AGM on Thursday November 11 - we'll get the business bit done quite swiftly and move on to share an enjoyable evening.
Thursday the 9th of December will be our Christmas Party.
Looking ahead, we are planning a programme of interesting speakers for 2022 and we will update you as soon as it is finalised.
New members and guests are always made very welcome.
If you would like any further information about Bisley WI please email me. '
BISLEY BLUE COAT SCHOOL FUNDING PLANS
We're very lucky to have retained a junior school in Bisley while many other villages have lost theirs.
A school attracts younger families to balance out the ‘greying' of places like this, bringing much needed life and vibrancy.
But funding is always an issue.
Below, local mum Leilia Broadley reveals new plans to address that issue:
The Current Position:
A village school plays an important role in our lives, it is both the heart and the future of our village!
You may have attended Bisley Blue Coat yourself; you may have sent your children to the school, or you may have particularly fond memories of seeing local children ‘dressing the wells’ – all of these contribute to our local story.
It is a well-known fact that village schools receive lower funding due to smaller numbers and with such schools closing - including in the surrounding areas - it is more important than ever that we work together as parents, former parents and pupils, and as a local community to support our school so that these memories can continue to be made into the future.
Currently, the school itself has no capacity to receive financial donations.
For example, if someone were to gift money in their will it would have to be held in trust by a solicitor, and would also be subject to tax and other charges.
The PTA does an amazing job but it is restricted by only being able to purchase actual items for pupils; it could not, for instance, pay for a new roof if the existing one blew off (and we all know how windy it gets in Bisley!). Instead, such expenditure would have to be met from the already very tight school budget, meaning that there would be less money to fund the children’s actual education.
A small group of parents have therefore established the ‘Bisley Blue Coat School Trust Fund’ registered with HMRC so that the school can benefit from the generosity of our local community.
Our Strategic Aim:
Through co-ordinated fundraising activity we hope to provide Bisley Blue Coat School with a cash fund that can be called upon to ensure appropriate facilities and infrastructure are in place, both providing financial security and ensuring the school’s longevity.
Our Trustees:
Kate Beamish
Leilia Broadley
Bev Chambers
Nadia French
Essia Harding
2x vacancies
Objectives:
1) Establish a fundraising and marketing plan to include both regular and one-off donations and legacy bequests.
2) Develop a framework to ensure all donors are thanked and acknowledged consistently.
3) Involve the school and children where possible in fundraising, marketing and recognition of donors (i.e. thank you cards designed by the children / thank you included in school newsletter or school website for local businesses contributing to fund).
4) Ensure minimum fund value is in place and set a target for both on-going sustainability, and for future investment.
5) Set criteria and pro-forma for school beneficiary requests so that both Trustees and donors have clear understanding of how funds are used.
6) Hold a minimum of two annual meetings where fundraising strategy, income and expenditure are reviewed.
7) Ensure compliance with Charity Commission once the Trust’s income reaches £5,000 per annum.
8) Consider other fundraising initiatives such as applications for grants from charities for specific capital investments and operating activities.
To find out more, or join in and help:
Please email bbsctrustfund@gmail.com or visit the Trust Fund's new Facebook page .
We're very lucky to have retained a junior school in Bisley while many other villages have lost theirs.
A school attracts younger families to balance out the ‘greying' of places like this, bringing much needed life and vibrancy.
But funding is always an issue.
Below, local mum Leilia Broadley reveals new plans to address that issue:
The Current Position:
A village school plays an important role in our lives, it is both the heart and the future of our village!
You may have attended Bisley Blue Coat yourself; you may have sent your children to the school, or you may have particularly fond memories of seeing local children ‘dressing the wells’ – all of these contribute to our local story.
It is a well-known fact that village schools receive lower funding due to smaller numbers and with such schools closing - including in the surrounding areas - it is more important than ever that we work together as parents, former parents and pupils, and as a local community to support our school so that these memories can continue to be made into the future.
Currently, the school itself has no capacity to receive financial donations.
For example, if someone were to gift money in their will it would have to be held in trust by a solicitor, and would also be subject to tax and other charges.
The PTA does an amazing job but it is restricted by only being able to purchase actual items for pupils; it could not, for instance, pay for a new roof if the existing one blew off (and we all know how windy it gets in Bisley!). Instead, such expenditure would have to be met from the already very tight school budget, meaning that there would be less money to fund the children’s actual education.
A small group of parents have therefore established the ‘Bisley Blue Coat School Trust Fund’ registered with HMRC so that the school can benefit from the generosity of our local community.
Our Strategic Aim:
Through co-ordinated fundraising activity we hope to provide Bisley Blue Coat School with a cash fund that can be called upon to ensure appropriate facilities and infrastructure are in place, both providing financial security and ensuring the school’s longevity.
Our Trustees:
Kate Beamish
Leilia Broadley
Bev Chambers
Nadia French
Essia Harding
2x vacancies
Objectives:
1) Establish a fundraising and marketing plan to include both regular and one-off donations and legacy bequests.
2) Develop a framework to ensure all donors are thanked and acknowledged consistently.
3) Involve the school and children where possible in fundraising, marketing and recognition of donors (i.e. thank you cards designed by the children / thank you included in school newsletter or school website for local businesses contributing to fund).
4) Ensure minimum fund value is in place and set a target for both on-going sustainability, and for future investment.
5) Set criteria and pro-forma for school beneficiary requests so that both Trustees and donors have clear understanding of how funds are used.
6) Hold a minimum of two annual meetings where fundraising strategy, income and expenditure are reviewed.
7) Ensure compliance with Charity Commission once the Trust’s income reaches £5,000 per annum.
8) Consider other fundraising initiatives such as applications for grants from charities for specific capital investments and operating activities.
To find out more, or join in and help:
Please email bbsctrustfund@gmail.com or visit the Trust Fund's new Facebook page .
BISLEY FETE UPDATE FROM SUE BRADLEY
Thank you to everybody who helped make Bisley Fete a huge success, and the many, many people who came along, including the many people who once lived in our village and returned for the day.
It was so lovely to see so many people, young and old, enjoying themselves at the fête and flower show. The weather was kind, the queen and king and their attendants looked great and it was brilliant to see Tommie and Lucie back among their many friends.
Sealed bids can still be made for the wonderful mountain bike donated by a kind villager. Please contact Sue Bradley for more information.
Our village fête would not happen without the kindness and hard work of many people, who come together to make it a true community event.
Plans are already underway for our 2022 fête, which we hope will be equally joyous and possibly have more stalls and activities – we kept it simple for 2021 due to the Covid-19 factor.
The fête ‘committee’ is always looking for new people to play a part in organising the event – we know people lead busy lives, so we wouldn’t expect anybody to take on more than they can manage. In addition, we don’t hold lots of meetings, preferring to have a more devolved structure.
If you feel this is something you’d like to be a part of, give Sue Bradley a call on 770337.
We’re also keen to hear from anybody who can offer a great prize for our grand raffle next year – we’ve already had a couple of offers and are keen to get the ball rolling for 2022... It’s amazing how quickly the August bank holiday comes around!
Bisley Fete is a great event for meeting old friends and making new ones, but it’s also a vital fundraiser for the upkeep of All Saints’ Church, a building that almost all of us have reason to use throughout the year even if we’re not regular attenders.
Here’s to 2022 – it will have a lot to live up to!
On behalf of the village, the webmaster would like to thank all of those involved in organising both the Flower Show and the fête - a lot of hard work goes into making these events happen, and we are all very grateful to them.
Thank you to everybody who helped make Bisley Fete a huge success, and the many, many people who came along, including the many people who once lived in our village and returned for the day.
It was so lovely to see so many people, young and old, enjoying themselves at the fête and flower show. The weather was kind, the queen and king and their attendants looked great and it was brilliant to see Tommie and Lucie back among their many friends.
Sealed bids can still be made for the wonderful mountain bike donated by a kind villager. Please contact Sue Bradley for more information.
Our village fête would not happen without the kindness and hard work of many people, who come together to make it a true community event.
Plans are already underway for our 2022 fête, which we hope will be equally joyous and possibly have more stalls and activities – we kept it simple for 2021 due to the Covid-19 factor.
The fête ‘committee’ is always looking for new people to play a part in organising the event – we know people lead busy lives, so we wouldn’t expect anybody to take on more than they can manage. In addition, we don’t hold lots of meetings, preferring to have a more devolved structure.
If you feel this is something you’d like to be a part of, give Sue Bradley a call on 770337.
We’re also keen to hear from anybody who can offer a great prize for our grand raffle next year – we’ve already had a couple of offers and are keen to get the ball rolling for 2022... It’s amazing how quickly the August bank holiday comes around!
Bisley Fete is a great event for meeting old friends and making new ones, but it’s also a vital fundraiser for the upkeep of All Saints’ Church, a building that almost all of us have reason to use throughout the year even if we’re not regular attenders.
Here’s to 2022 – it will have a lot to live up to!
On behalf of the village, the webmaster would like to thank all of those involved in organising both the Flower Show and the fête - a lot of hard work goes into making these events happen, and we are all very grateful to them.
Flower Queen and King Skye Greenway and Neo Jeffries, with their attendants Millie Davis,
Isla Newton-White and Gracie Painter and Tommy and Lucie Ryan Gericks.
Isla Newton-White and Gracie Painter and Tommy and Lucie Ryan Gericks.
GIFFORDS CIRCUS COOKBOOK WINS TOP PRIZE
The Giffords Circus Cookbook - written by the late Nell Gifford and the Circus Sauce restaurant head chef Ols Halas - has been named the country's best cookbook in the Guild of Food Writers' Awards 2021.
Many Bisley folk can testify to the quality of the circus fare, having used the Gifford's takeaway service during these interminable lockdowns - so this is an award well won.
For more information about the circus, visit the website.
The Giffords Circus Cookbook - written by the late Nell Gifford and the Circus Sauce restaurant head chef Ols Halas - has been named the country's best cookbook in the Guild of Food Writers' Awards 2021.
Many Bisley folk can testify to the quality of the circus fare, having used the Gifford's takeaway service during these interminable lockdowns - so this is an award well won.
For more information about the circus, visit the website.
++UPDATE++
The collection for Tom and Lucie had absolutely smashed its original target of £750. As things stand, £10,570 has been raised. If you haven't donated and would like to please click on this link.
COLLECTION FOR TOM AND LUCIE
By now, many villagers will be aware that Tom and Lucie Ryan-Gericks are leaving the George Stores after five years.
Their departure has happened suddenly, and for personal reasons.
It's a great shame - the shop was slowly dying under its previous owners, and Tom and Lucie injected new life and enthusiasm into the place and brought about an immediate and dramatic improvement.
They have been very good for Bisley, and we're all sorry to see them go, particularly under these circumstances.
Michael Batten has set up a fundraising page for people to make donations, both to thank them for their hard work and to help them as they move forward.
If you would like to donate, please visit Just Giving.
The shop has been sold to new owners who we're sure will continue the excellent service Tommy and Lucie have provided.
The collection for Tom and Lucie had absolutely smashed its original target of £750. As things stand, £10,570 has been raised. If you haven't donated and would like to please click on this link.
COLLECTION FOR TOM AND LUCIE
By now, many villagers will be aware that Tom and Lucie Ryan-Gericks are leaving the George Stores after five years.
Their departure has happened suddenly, and for personal reasons.
It's a great shame - the shop was slowly dying under its previous owners, and Tom and Lucie injected new life and enthusiasm into the place and brought about an immediate and dramatic improvement.
They have been very good for Bisley, and we're all sorry to see them go, particularly under these circumstances.
Michael Batten has set up a fundraising page for people to make donations, both to thank them for their hard work and to help them as they move forward.
If you would like to donate, please visit Just Giving.
The shop has been sold to new owners who we're sure will continue the excellent service Tommy and Lucie have provided.
THE BEAR REOPENING - SATURDAY JUNE 5
The new landlady and landlord at The Bear are Ambra Tessitore and her husband Giovanni.
They intend to focus on retaining and enhancing The Bear's traditional ‘country pub' atmosphere, with a range of good food (including breakfast and afternoon tea) and wines on offer, as well as the usual real ales (Dartmoor Brewery's Jail Ale, one of the Otter beers and London Pride).
Giovanni was head chef at The Vines in Blackbourton, Oxfordshire, for seven years, and became well-known for his blend of Italian and traditional English dishes cooked with fresh local ingredients.
If the reports from there are anything to go by we are in for a culinary treat.
Please support both pubs - and the village shop and Post Office (and indeed all our local businesses - see the tab above). A village like ours needs these amenities to keep going, and they'll only keep going if we use them.
The new landlady and landlord at The Bear are Ambra Tessitore and her husband Giovanni.
They intend to focus on retaining and enhancing The Bear's traditional ‘country pub' atmosphere, with a range of good food (including breakfast and afternoon tea) and wines on offer, as well as the usual real ales (Dartmoor Brewery's Jail Ale, one of the Otter beers and London Pride).
Giovanni was head chef at The Vines in Blackbourton, Oxfordshire, for seven years, and became well-known for his blend of Italian and traditional English dishes cooked with fresh local ingredients.
If the reports from there are anything to go by we are in for a culinary treat.
Please support both pubs - and the village shop and Post Office (and indeed all our local businesses - see the tab above). A village like ours needs these amenities to keep going, and they'll only keep going if we use them.
STROUD - BEST PLACE TO LIVE 2021... AND BISLEY IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S TOP TEN PROPERTY ‘HOTSPOTS'
The Times recently named Stroud as the best place to live in the UK in 2021.
‘Saturday morning in Stroud is always a spectacle,' says the newspaper, ‘and last weekend was no exception. Families queued at stalls selling doughnuts, the smell of Thai food filled the air and a lone woman strode past carrying a large piece of cardboard bearing the words “stop racism”.'
Yep, that's Stroud, alright.
‘Novelist Jilly Cooper has lived in Stroud for nearly 40 years.'
No she hasn't.
‘It’s one of the contradictions of Stroud,' The Times continues, ‘that many of the people who say they love it choose to live in a village on one of the commons, rather than in the town itself.'
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail - which is continually obsessed by property prices, and surprising things that will give you/will cure cancer - has revealed that Bisley is one of ‘ten hotspot villages where house prices have soared the most as buyers escaped to the country'.
‘Lockdown has seen a surprise property boom,' says the Mail, ‘marked by deep-pocketed buyers escaping to the country - driving prices in some popular villages up substantially. The top 10 villages listed by estate agent Savills have all seen average property sale prices rise more than 50 per cent, as demand outweighed supply in locations where homes rarely come up for sale.'
In the mix is ‘Bisley-with-Lypiatt, in Stroud, Gloucestshire (sic), where the average price of a property has risen from £462,163 to £792,500 during the same 12 months, up 71.5 per cent.'
If that were true it might be good news for people who already own houses here (like your webmaster, to declare an interest), and very wealthy people who would like to move here, but it would be terrible for youngsters who live here already and those who rent but would like to buy.
It isn't true, of course - the Mail doesn't understand averages, and can't spell 'Gloucestershire' - though property prices are definitely insane.
All in all, not a great performance by the Fourth Estate.
The Times recently named Stroud as the best place to live in the UK in 2021.
‘Saturday morning in Stroud is always a spectacle,' says the newspaper, ‘and last weekend was no exception. Families queued at stalls selling doughnuts, the smell of Thai food filled the air and a lone woman strode past carrying a large piece of cardboard bearing the words “stop racism”.'
Yep, that's Stroud, alright.
‘Novelist Jilly Cooper has lived in Stroud for nearly 40 years.'
No she hasn't.
‘It’s one of the contradictions of Stroud,' The Times continues, ‘that many of the people who say they love it choose to live in a village on one of the commons, rather than in the town itself.'
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail - which is continually obsessed by property prices, and surprising things that will give you/will cure cancer - has revealed that Bisley is one of ‘ten hotspot villages where house prices have soared the most as buyers escaped to the country'.
‘Lockdown has seen a surprise property boom,' says the Mail, ‘marked by deep-pocketed buyers escaping to the country - driving prices in some popular villages up substantially. The top 10 villages listed by estate agent Savills have all seen average property sale prices rise more than 50 per cent, as demand outweighed supply in locations where homes rarely come up for sale.'
In the mix is ‘Bisley-with-Lypiatt, in Stroud, Gloucestshire (sic), where the average price of a property has risen from £462,163 to £792,500 during the same 12 months, up 71.5 per cent.'
If that were true it might be good news for people who already own houses here (like your webmaster, to declare an interest), and very wealthy people who would like to move here, but it would be terrible for youngsters who live here already and those who rent but would like to buy.
It isn't true, of course - the Mail doesn't understand averages, and can't spell 'Gloucestershire' - though property prices are definitely insane.
All in all, not a great performance by the Fourth Estate.
FORMER BISLEY VILLAGER
...Alastair MacLeod (whose mother Aly is a leading light in the Flower Show) is now running a smallholding on Exmoor with his wife Louise.
To order rare breed pork and lamb, as well as goose and turkey, and for more about Red Deer Farm, please click here.
...Alastair MacLeod (whose mother Aly is a leading light in the Flower Show) is now running a smallholding on Exmoor with his wife Louise.
To order rare breed pork and lamb, as well as goose and turkey, and for more about Red Deer Farm, please click here.
ANOTHER BISLEY ARTIST
...has been added to our site. Please click here for a look at Karen Grainger's lovely and unusual paintings.
...has been added to our site. Please click here for a look at Karen Grainger's lovely and unusual paintings.
ALISON MERRY CHRISTMAS CARDS
If you're as late buying your Christmas cards this year as we are in our house, why not buy them from Bisley artist Alison Merry's website?
Every year, Alison produces amazing and amusing cards, beautifully drawn and painted, with a suitably religious theme.
Some are available at only £3 for ten, which is extremely good value - a single card from a supermarket can cost that, and you're supporting a fellow villager into the bargain.
One of her designs is below - others and not just Christmas cards) can be seen on her page under ‘Local Artists' on this website.
If you're as late buying your Christmas cards this year as we are in our house, why not buy them from Bisley artist Alison Merry's website?
Every year, Alison produces amazing and amusing cards, beautifully drawn and painted, with a suitably religious theme.
Some are available at only £3 for ten, which is extremely good value - a single card from a supermarket can cost that, and you're supporting a fellow villager into the bargain.
One of her designs is below - others and not just Christmas cards) can be seen on her page under ‘Local Artists' on this website.
BISLEY ARTISTS
With Art @ The Stirrup in temporary abeyance, we are now hosting paintings by artists from Bisley and nearby on the website.
To see each artist's paintings, please click on the new ‘Local Artists' tab in the menu above and follow the drop-down menu to each individual artist's page (and please email us if you are an artist living in or near Bisley and you would like us to host your work).
The first artist featured is Ollie Miles, who paints beautiful watercolours such as this snowy Bisley scene:
With Art @ The Stirrup in temporary abeyance, we are now hosting paintings by artists from Bisley and nearby on the website.
To see each artist's paintings, please click on the new ‘Local Artists' tab in the menu above and follow the drop-down menu to each individual artist's page (and please email us if you are an artist living in or near Bisley and you would like us to host your work).
The first artist featured is Ollie Miles, who paints beautiful watercolours such as this snowy Bisley scene:
A snowy view over Bisley / © Ollie Miles
CHRISTMAS SPARKLE TRAIL
The Christmas Sparkle Trail opens on Saturday December 12, bringing a little much-needed festive cheer to the village at this very strange time.
There are fifty homes in Bisley with Christmas decorations visible from the road or pavement, and a trail guide will be available from Tom and Lucie in The George Stores from Thursday December 10.
There are also on-line Advent Calendars at the Bisley Benefice website and Facebook page - the one for adults, with contributions from many local people, opened on November 29, and the children's on December 1.
The Christmas Sparkle Trail opens on Saturday December 12, bringing a little much-needed festive cheer to the village at this very strange time.
There are fifty homes in Bisley with Christmas decorations visible from the road or pavement, and a trail guide will be available from Tom and Lucie in The George Stores from Thursday December 10.
There are also on-line Advent Calendars at the Bisley Benefice website and Facebook page - the one for adults, with contributions from many local people, opened on November 29, and the children's on December 1.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON GREEN ISSUES
(Posted in response to a request by Parish Councillor Martin Brown)
HELP DEVELOP OUR LOCAL RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY:
HOME INSULATION, COMMUNITY ENERGY, CAR SHARE, RE-USE AND REPAIR, SWAP AND TRADE, SAFER CYCLING, NATURE RECOVERY, GROW YOUR OWN, HEALTHIER WILDLIFE, HEALTHIER LIVES... AND YOUR IDEAS!
BE CREATIVE!
JOIN US FOR A ZOOM MEETING IN EARLY 2021:
please contact :
MARTIN BROWN martinandrewbrown59@gmail.com
01452 770878
or LESLEY GREENE lesleygreene2@googlemail.com
01452 770018
or ROGER BUDGEON roger@greenshopgroup.co.uk
01452 770272
(Posted in response to a request by Parish Councillor Martin Brown)
HELP DEVELOP OUR LOCAL RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY:
HOME INSULATION, COMMUNITY ENERGY, CAR SHARE, RE-USE AND REPAIR, SWAP AND TRADE, SAFER CYCLING, NATURE RECOVERY, GROW YOUR OWN, HEALTHIER WILDLIFE, HEALTHIER LIVES... AND YOUR IDEAS!
BE CREATIVE!
JOIN US FOR A ZOOM MEETING IN EARLY 2021:
please contact :
MARTIN BROWN martinandrewbrown59@gmail.com
01452 770878
or LESLEY GREENE lesleygreene2@googlemail.com
01452 770018
or ROGER BUDGEON roger@greenshopgroup.co.uk
01452 770272
STIRRUP CUP REOPENS
The Stirrup has reopened for food with ‘substantial meals', as per the bizarre new law.
Julian is serving two menus - a main one and a smaller one with bar snacks (which are always available, and will still qualify).
Current opening hours are as follows:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 5pm till 10pm
Wednesday - 5pm till 10pm
Thursday - 5pm till 10pm
Friday - 2pm till 10pm
Saturday - 2pm till 10pm
Sunday - 12pm till 6pm
The Stirrup has reopened for food with ‘substantial meals', as per the bizarre new law.
Julian is serving two menus - a main one and a smaller one with bar snacks (which are always available, and will still qualify).
Current opening hours are as follows:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 5pm till 10pm
Wednesday - 5pm till 10pm
Thursday - 5pm till 10pm
Friday - 2pm till 10pm
Saturday - 2pm till 10pm
Sunday - 12pm till 6pm
MEDICINE RUN VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed for the medicine rota.
Every eight weeks or so you would collect filled prescriptions from the chemist and drop them off at the shop.
It's a great way to help and support less mobile villagers who would otherwise struggle to get their medicines.
Please see Lucy or Tom if you would like to help out.
Volunteers are needed for the medicine rota.
Every eight weeks or so you would collect filled prescriptions from the chemist and drop them off at the shop.
It's a great way to help and support less mobile villagers who would otherwise struggle to get their medicines.
Please see Lucy or Tom if you would like to help out.
CALLING BISLEY BUSINESSES
With the economy taking a huge hit from COVID, we are keen to do our admittedly tiny bit to help Bisley businesses.
If you run a business in Bisley (or live in or very near to Bisley and run a business outside the village), and you would like us to feature details on our ‘LOCAL BUSINESSES' pages, please just email us the relevant details.
There is no charge!
Some local businesses are already on the tabs above, but we have added almost all of these ourselves; if you own one of these businesses and would like us to add to or amend your details please just say.
Please do continue to support the Bisley News with your advertising, too.
With the economy taking a huge hit from COVID, we are keen to do our admittedly tiny bit to help Bisley businesses.
If you run a business in Bisley (or live in or very near to Bisley and run a business outside the village), and you would like us to feature details on our ‘LOCAL BUSINESSES' pages, please just email us the relevant details.
There is no charge!
Some local businesses are already on the tabs above, but we have added almost all of these ourselves; if you own one of these businesses and would like us to add to or amend your details please just say.
Please do continue to support the Bisley News with your advertising, too.
BEAR INN REFURB
The Bear is currently in the early stages of refurbishment; it was hoped that it would be open in December, but that might change now that the second lockdown has been brought in. More information will be posted as we get it.
The Bear is currently in the early stages of refurbishment; it was hoped that it would be open in December, but that might change now that the second lockdown has been brought in. More information will be posted as we get it.
WELFARE PACKAGES
There are people in the village who are struggling financially with lack of work and so on. Lucie and Tom at the George Stores are coordinating welfare packages - meat, fruit and veg, household essentials - for those who need them.
If you would like to receive such a package, please call in or email Lucie in complete confidence; there is absolutely no need to be embarrassed to ask for help - that's what it's there for.
Likewise, if you would like to help with donations of food, cleaning products, or cash, please email Lucie. Money donated will be used to buy essentials for those who need them.
There are people in the village who are struggling financially with lack of work and so on. Lucie and Tom at the George Stores are coordinating welfare packages - meat, fruit and veg, household essentials - for those who need them.
If you would like to receive such a package, please call in or email Lucie in complete confidence; there is absolutely no need to be embarrassed to ask for help - that's what it's there for.
Likewise, if you would like to help with donations of food, cleaning products, or cash, please email Lucie. Money donated will be used to buy essentials for those who need them.
LONELINESS
Stella Mulligan, who in happier times helps to run the excellent Flicks in the Sticks evenings in the village (now confirmed cancelled in in June, July, and August, with hopes to return in September if the Hall has been reopened by then), has been in touch to make the point that the effects of the lockdown are likely to lead to many people, especially those who live alone, feeling very lonely.
Stella suggests that people do as much as possible to contact friends and family members - a quick phone or FaceTime call, or an email or text message (for those who have the mobile phone coverage) can go a long way to breaking up a humdrum day and making people feel wanted and valued. You can also still write letters, of course!
For slightly more technically-minded people, the Houseparty app (which is available for iPhones, iPads, Macs and systems running on Android) allows groups of family and friends to ‘meet up' and see and talk to each other online. (I say ‘slightly more technically-minded' because it is extremely easy to use.)
Stella Mulligan, who in happier times helps to run the excellent Flicks in the Sticks evenings in the village (now confirmed cancelled in in June, July, and August, with hopes to return in September if the Hall has been reopened by then), has been in touch to make the point that the effects of the lockdown are likely to lead to many people, especially those who live alone, feeling very lonely.
Stella suggests that people do as much as possible to contact friends and family members - a quick phone or FaceTime call, or an email or text message (for those who have the mobile phone coverage) can go a long way to breaking up a humdrum day and making people feel wanted and valued. You can also still write letters, of course!
For slightly more technically-minded people, the Houseparty app (which is available for iPhones, iPads, Macs and systems running on Android) allows groups of family and friends to ‘meet up' and see and talk to each other online. (I say ‘slightly more technically-minded' because it is extremely easy to use.)
BISLEY CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY GROUP
If you are self-isolating and need assistance with fetching food or medicine, or anything else, please contact Lucie in the George Stores (01452 771203) or any of the parish councillors on the telephone numbers or email addresses below.
If you would like to help, please also contact the same people.
If you are self-isolating and need assistance with fetching food or medicine, or anything else, please contact Lucie in the George Stores (01452 771203) or any of the parish councillors on the telephone numbers or email addresses below.
If you would like to help, please also contact the same people.
