NEXT BEAR PUB QUIZ
- SUNDAY AUGUST 11
The next Bear pub quiz will be on Sunday August 11 (they're always on the second Sunday of the month, unless England fluke their way to a football final which happens to be held on the same evening).
July's event was sold out, with various teams having to be turned away, so it's a good idea to book your table early.
It's only £2 per person to enter, with all the money collected going to a village charity*.
As well as a lot of fun, you also get a delicious steak pie and peas supper free of charge, courtesy of Stefan and Lou.
As the poster says, reserve your table at the bar, or by calling 01453 702353.
*July's quiz raised £89 for All Saints Church; August's will raise money for the Community Speedwatch project. If you know of a good cause in the village which could do with a (small) boost, please email the webmaster.
July's event was sold out, with various teams having to be turned away, so it's a good idea to book your table early.
It's only £2 per person to enter, with all the money collected going to a village charity*.
As well as a lot of fun, you also get a delicious steak pie and peas supper free of charge, courtesy of Stefan and Lou.
As the poster says, reserve your table at the bar, or by calling 01453 702353.
*July's quiz raised £89 for All Saints Church; August's will raise money for the Community Speedwatch project. If you know of a good cause in the village which could do with a (small) boost, please email the webmaster.
BISLEY FLOWER SHOW AND FETE QUIZ
- BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!
The premier quizzing event in Bisley's hectic social calendar is just poking its head over the horizon - yes, it's time to book your table for the Annual August Bank Holiday Sunday Flower Show and Fête Quiz, in which teams from lesser villages such as Oakridge and Eastcombe travel optimistically to our sunlit uplands in the vain hope of carrying off the prestigious trophy awarded to the winning team.
There are from memory 26 tables, and they always get booked up long in advance - leaving disappointed wannabe quizzers watching the fun unfold with their noses pressed up against the canvas of our vast marquee.
This website can exclusively reveal that there will be at least two exciting new rounds this year, plus a tweak to an old favourite.
So don't delay, book today!
It's a mere £36 per table (with a maximum of six people per team), and the entry price includes a free ploughman's supper thrown in, which you can wash down with libations from our extensively-stocked and fully-licensed bar.
When: Sunday August 25, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Where: Bisley Flower Show Marquee.
Tickets: available from TicketSource or Fiona Gill via the contact details below.
There are from memory 26 tables, and they always get booked up long in advance - leaving disappointed wannabe quizzers watching the fun unfold with their noses pressed up against the canvas of our vast marquee.
This website can exclusively reveal that there will be at least two exciting new rounds this year, plus a tweak to an old favourite.
So don't delay, book today!
It's a mere £36 per table (with a maximum of six people per team), and the entry price includes a free ploughman's supper thrown in, which you can wash down with libations from our extensively-stocked and fully-licensed bar.
When: Sunday August 25, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Where: Bisley Flower Show Marquee.
Tickets: available from TicketSource or Fiona Gill via the contact details below.
BISLEY HIGH STREET PARKING:
PUBLIC MEETING *UPDATE*
JUNE 26 2024
Last night's meeting was well-attended, and lots of people had their say about the issue of parking and speeding in High Street.
Most of the discussion focused on speeding (echoing the results of a survey undertaken by the Parish Council, which found that very few respondents were bothered by the parking situation).
Opinions differed among villagers as to how serious an issue the speeding actually is.
Some said that they didn't really think it was an issue, though they tended to live further down the street towards the Wells.
One villager who lives near to the Post Office was particularly exercised about cars diverting off Cheltenham Road into High Street at The Stirrup Cup, and it does seem that whatever problem there is is mostly at that point.
Martin Brown provided data compiled by Highways which showed that the vast majority of drivers using High Street are either at or below the 20mph limit.
However, a small number of drivers do exceed the speed limit, if not by much, particularly in the mornings and afternoons.
For obvious reasons, it's hard to ascertain why these particular people are speeding at those particular times, but the consensus appears to be that they're probably rushing through Bisley to work after dropping off at a school outside the village, or rushing back to the village to pick up from our school.
In either case, it seems at least possible that the small number of drivers who are causing whatever issue there is are not even Bisley residents.
That does leave open the question of what to do about them.
One suggestion put forward by the Parish Council was to close High Street at the Stirrup Cup junction.
This was decisively and nearly unanimously rejected on a show of hands, with people making various objections, including that it would inconvenience law-abiding residents and other drivers, and would only shift the traffic elsewhere. It would also make the snarl-ups opposite The Stirrup Cup worse than they already are, and might adversely affect trade at the shop and post office.
A further ground for rejection was that of cost: it would cost in the region of £25,000 to seek and gain permission to close the road there and carry out whatever works were needed, and this would have to come mostly (perhaps entirely) from village fundraising.
A woman who pointed out that there was little chance of getting the village to fundraise for something which would inevitably inconvenience villagers received a fairly rousing cheer.
The possibility was discussed of introducing into High Street a Speed Watch camera similar to that now installed on Cheltenham Road; leaving aside that these do not produce enforceable evidence, High Street is apparently unsuitable for such cameras because there isn't the necessary line of sight.
A number of people wanted proper Gatso-style speed cameras placed at various points around the village but it was made very clear by Martin and Roger Utley, who co-chaired the meeting, that they are simply too expensive and will not be approved.
Other suggestions included:
-making the Stirrup Cup junction one-way
- installing a stop sign there
- closing High Street at the cemetery junction
- making High Street accessible to residents only, with surveillance cameras to enforce
- installing more and different signage
-introducing a 10mph limit in High Street
- and introducing traffic calming measures such as sleeping policemen.
This onlooker got the feeling that they would all be controversial, and probably impossible (for reasons of funding, if nothing else).
This is a personal opinion, and made by someone who doesn't live in High Street (though I use it regularly), but it did feel to me as though this is not a terribly serious problem, albeit that people living near the shop do have concerns, and insofar as it is a problem it is probably insoluble by any means that would make everyone (and perhaps anyone) happy.
One woman made the point that she has lived in the village for many years (she may have said all her life) and that she didn't want its streets despoiled by garish signs, road calming measures, cameras, and the like.
This was a position with which I sympathised; you can get all this in cities, and one of the reasons people moved here, or grew up here and didn't leave, is because of the character of the place. My family and I certainly feel immensely privileged to live here, and we love it the way it is!
It seems to me that we need to find a way to persuade anti-social drivers, who may not live in the village, to adhere to the speed limit.
This is not easy, or else everyone would be doing it everywhere.
We ended not much further forward, but at least the meeting was held and people had the opportunity to comment. The Parish Council will circulate its own minutes in due course, and will think further about what, if anything, is to be done.
- DC
Note from the Parish Council:
An open meeting to discuss problems with traffic and parking in Bisley High Street – and to come up with possible solutions– will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday June 25.
It starts at 7pm, and all residents of the village are invited to attend and participate.
Last night's meeting was well-attended, and lots of people had their say about the issue of parking and speeding in High Street.
Most of the discussion focused on speeding (echoing the results of a survey undertaken by the Parish Council, which found that very few respondents were bothered by the parking situation).
Opinions differed among villagers as to how serious an issue the speeding actually is.
Some said that they didn't really think it was an issue, though they tended to live further down the street towards the Wells.
One villager who lives near to the Post Office was particularly exercised about cars diverting off Cheltenham Road into High Street at The Stirrup Cup, and it does seem that whatever problem there is is mostly at that point.
Martin Brown provided data compiled by Highways which showed that the vast majority of drivers using High Street are either at or below the 20mph limit.
However, a small number of drivers do exceed the speed limit, if not by much, particularly in the mornings and afternoons.
For obvious reasons, it's hard to ascertain why these particular people are speeding at those particular times, but the consensus appears to be that they're probably rushing through Bisley to work after dropping off at a school outside the village, or rushing back to the village to pick up from our school.
In either case, it seems at least possible that the small number of drivers who are causing whatever issue there is are not even Bisley residents.
That does leave open the question of what to do about them.
One suggestion put forward by the Parish Council was to close High Street at the Stirrup Cup junction.
This was decisively and nearly unanimously rejected on a show of hands, with people making various objections, including that it would inconvenience law-abiding residents and other drivers, and would only shift the traffic elsewhere. It would also make the snarl-ups opposite The Stirrup Cup worse than they already are, and might adversely affect trade at the shop and post office.
A further ground for rejection was that of cost: it would cost in the region of £25,000 to seek and gain permission to close the road there and carry out whatever works were needed, and this would have to come mostly (perhaps entirely) from village fundraising.
A woman who pointed out that there was little chance of getting the village to fundraise for something which would inevitably inconvenience villagers received a fairly rousing cheer.
The possibility was discussed of introducing into High Street a Speed Watch camera similar to that now installed on Cheltenham Road; leaving aside that these do not produce enforceable evidence, High Street is apparently unsuitable for such cameras because there isn't the necessary line of sight.
A number of people wanted proper Gatso-style speed cameras placed at various points around the village but it was made very clear by Martin and Roger Utley, who co-chaired the meeting, that they are simply too expensive and will not be approved.
Other suggestions included:
-making the Stirrup Cup junction one-way
- installing a stop sign there
- closing High Street at the cemetery junction
- making High Street accessible to residents only, with surveillance cameras to enforce
- installing more and different signage
-introducing a 10mph limit in High Street
- and introducing traffic calming measures such as sleeping policemen.
This onlooker got the feeling that they would all be controversial, and probably impossible (for reasons of funding, if nothing else).
This is a personal opinion, and made by someone who doesn't live in High Street (though I use it regularly), but it did feel to me as though this is not a terribly serious problem, albeit that people living near the shop do have concerns, and insofar as it is a problem it is probably insoluble by any means that would make everyone (and perhaps anyone) happy.
One woman made the point that she has lived in the village for many years (she may have said all her life) and that she didn't want its streets despoiled by garish signs, road calming measures, cameras, and the like.
This was a position with which I sympathised; you can get all this in cities, and one of the reasons people moved here, or grew up here and didn't leave, is because of the character of the place. My family and I certainly feel immensely privileged to live here, and we love it the way it is!
It seems to me that we need to find a way to persuade anti-social drivers, who may not live in the village, to adhere to the speed limit.
This is not easy, or else everyone would be doing it everywhere.
We ended not much further forward, but at least the meeting was held and people had the opportunity to comment. The Parish Council will circulate its own minutes in due course, and will think further about what, if anything, is to be done.
- DC
Note from the Parish Council:
An open meeting to discuss problems with traffic and parking in Bisley High Street – and to come up with possible solutions– will be held at the Village Hall on Tuesday June 25.
It starts at 7pm, and all residents of the village are invited to attend and participate.
PUB QUIZZES - OAKRIDGE
Next two pub quizzes at The Butchers Arms - Monday June 24 and Monday July 8.
Bisley teams should get over there and show them how it's done!
Bisley teams should get over there and show them how it's done!
SPEED CAMERA INSTALLED
Note from Bisley Community Speedwatch:
The village now has a permanently-installed camera to detect speeding vehicles.
More than 50% of vehicles on the Cheltenham Road exceed the speed limit, with at least 10% over 40mph in a 30mph zone. Registration numbers of offenders will be reported to the police.
Please help to keep our villages safe by obeying speed limits.
Note from webmaster:
We're investigating the possibility of installing another camera on Bisley Road (leading from the village past The Bear and out through Stancombe and down to Stroud).
Going on both the naked eye and the occasionally-installed speed sign, people routinely break the 20mph limit in the village, and the 30mph limit when it begins by Little Close; neither Cheltenham Road nor Bisley Road have footpaths in places, and drivers seem to think they can put their foot down once they get the the allotments.
Our cat Monty was run over outside our house (we saved him and his leg - at significant cost - never mind the pain and distress he suffered), and people have come close to being hit, as well.
It's extremely anti-social and irritating, not least because it's often deliberate; while it's very easy to hit 35mph in a 30mph without really noticing, no-one hits 50mph and doesn't know it.
Slow down for Monty!
The village now has a permanently-installed camera to detect speeding vehicles.
More than 50% of vehicles on the Cheltenham Road exceed the speed limit, with at least 10% over 40mph in a 30mph zone. Registration numbers of offenders will be reported to the police.
Please help to keep our villages safe by obeying speed limits.
Note from webmaster:
We're investigating the possibility of installing another camera on Bisley Road (leading from the village past The Bear and out through Stancombe and down to Stroud).
Going on both the naked eye and the occasionally-installed speed sign, people routinely break the 20mph limit in the village, and the 30mph limit when it begins by Little Close; neither Cheltenham Road nor Bisley Road have footpaths in places, and drivers seem to think they can put their foot down once they get the the allotments.
Our cat Monty was run over outside our house (we saved him and his leg - at significant cost - never mind the pain and distress he suffered), and people have come close to being hit, as well.
It's extremely anti-social and irritating, not least because it's often deliberate; while it's very easy to hit 35mph in a 30mph without really noticing, no-one hits 50mph and doesn't know it.
Slow down for Monty!
IF YOU'RE FED UP WITH GIGACLEAR...
...sticking their fibre WiFi prices up as soon as you go out of contract, you may soon have a bit more leverage.
A story on the daily email service Punchline on Tuesday May 28 says that (BT) ‘Openreach has announced that it is upgrading a further 21 cities, towns and villages in Gloucestershire as part of its commercial investment in digital infrastructure across the UK.'
Lo and behold, the list includes Bisley.
The story seems to be linked to this Openreach press release, but unfortunately neither Punchline nor the Openreach press release says when the fibre will be installed here (and if you use the postcode checker on the Openreach website it just says 'Not yet available').
When you go to this page on their website and find Bisley, it says ‘We've built to, or will be building to, the majority of this area' and ‘We're planning to build in this area in the future'.
The future is obviously quite a long time, but still - on the basis that lots of expressions of interest might persuade them to move quicker, it's probably worth adding your postcode in and asking to be notified of the date that it will be completed.
Many people in the village use Gigaclear, and it was absolutely great when it first arrived (and to be fair to them, they did put a lot of work into its provision).
But they are operating something of a monopoly and there is no incentive for them to reduce their prices. Competition will presumably help with that.
A story on the daily email service Punchline on Tuesday May 28 says that (BT) ‘Openreach has announced that it is upgrading a further 21 cities, towns and villages in Gloucestershire as part of its commercial investment in digital infrastructure across the UK.'
Lo and behold, the list includes Bisley.
The story seems to be linked to this Openreach press release, but unfortunately neither Punchline nor the Openreach press release says when the fibre will be installed here (and if you use the postcode checker on the Openreach website it just says 'Not yet available').
When you go to this page on their website and find Bisley, it says ‘We've built to, or will be building to, the majority of this area' and ‘We're planning to build in this area in the future'.
The future is obviously quite a long time, but still - on the basis that lots of expressions of interest might persuade them to move quicker, it's probably worth adding your postcode in and asking to be notified of the date that it will be completed.
Many people in the village use Gigaclear, and it was absolutely great when it first arrived (and to be fair to them, they did put a lot of work into its provision).
But they are operating something of a monopoly and there is no incentive for them to reduce their prices. Competition will presumably help with that.
BEAR INN BREAKFAST - REVIEWED
The Bear's new breakfasts are going down well, as evidenced by this (unpaid for) review by Visit Stroud on FaceBook.
ARISE, DAME JILLY
May 2024: Bisley's own Jilly Cooper has been made a Dame for her services to literature and charity. Well deserved!
LIAM GALLAGHER SEEN IN THE
VILLAGE? DEFINITELY MAYBE
Truculent bucket-hatted Manc popstar and Britpop enfant terrible Liam Gallagher was apparently spotted in Bisley recently, though we can rest easy - it seems he has moved to the area, but to Selsley, which, for non-locals, is four or five miles away near Stroud.
Far enough.
For older villagers, Liam was the lead singer of the 1990s Beatles tribute act and musical beat combo, Oasis, m'lud, best known for the feud which he and his guitarist brother Noel have enjoyed for many years, and a few admittedly good songs.
Far enough.
For older villagers, Liam was the lead singer of the 1990s Beatles tribute act and musical beat combo, Oasis, m'lud, best known for the feud which he and his guitarist brother Noel have enjoyed for many years, and a few admittedly good songs.
Rumour has it that Liam is now renting Stanley Park, which was built in the 1800s for Sir Samuel Stephens Marling - the cloth magnate and Liberal MP for Stroud who lent his name to the boys' grammar school in the town.
The main reason for sharing this non-story though is to link to this interesting site showing the dilapidated state the place was in when it was last for sale in 2014, and, conversely, what it's like now.
Some renovation job, that!
The main reason for sharing this non-story though is to link to this interesting site showing the dilapidated state the place was in when it was last for sale in 2014, and, conversely, what it's like now.
Some renovation job, that!
EXCITING NEWS ABOUT COMPOST
OK, maybe ‘exciting' is the wrong word, but Lesley Greene has been in touch with the news that Bisley's brilliant community composting scheme has been shortlisted as a finalist in two sections in the Stroud Community Awards 2024 - Environment and Neighbourhood.
Lesley and Co are celebrating the looming International Compost Awareness Week with a workshop with Cranham Scouts.
If you have a garden and you need compost, the scheme - based next to the allotments - is very cheap to join and saves a trip to town.
Lesley and Co are celebrating the looming International Compost Awareness Week with a workshop with Cranham Scouts.
If you have a garden and you need compost, the scheme - based next to the allotments - is very cheap to join and saves a trip to town.
LATEST BISLEY NEWS NOW ONLINE
The latest edition of The Bisley News is now available on this website, courtesy of Debs and Lucie, and can be read at this link.
NEW FARM SHOP MANAGEMENT
Ashley Dickenson is retiring from the farm shop after many years (he'll still be farming), but the good news is that it will continue to operate under the new management of Kate and Mark Andrews.
Already known in the area for their excellent free range meat, Kate and Mark will take over in September.
They'll continue to supply locally-grown and fresh produce and will also be selling their pork (a combination of Gloucester Old Spot, Duroc and Pietrain), Texel lamb, venison, and Pedigree Shorthorn beef at the shop.
Keith will continue to produce and sell the family's brilliant honey.
Already known in the area for their excellent free range meat, Kate and Mark will take over in September.
They'll continue to supply locally-grown and fresh produce and will also be selling their pork (a combination of Gloucester Old Spot, Duroc and Pietrain), Texel lamb, venison, and Pedigree Shorthorn beef at the shop.
Keith will continue to produce and sell the family's brilliant honey.
BEAR SERVING BREAKFAST
The Bear has started serving breakfast from 8.30am.
Stefan and Louise have certainly hit the ground running - they're already serving food from midday until 8.30pm Monday to Saturday, and until 4pm on Sunday, and the pub has been busy.
Stefan and Louise have certainly hit the ground running - they're already serving food from midday until 8.30pm Monday to Saturday, and until 4pm on Sunday, and the pub has been busy.
NEW FOOTPATH SCHEME AT DILLAY FARM
Bisley walkers who find themselves wandering near Dillay Farm between Bisley and Sheepscombe/Slad might like to hear of the new permissive footpath scheme being trialed by owners Xavier and Alicia Robert.
The idea is that hikers will get to see more of this beautiful valley, while the farm gets a little more privacy.
It sounds a good scheme, balancing the needs of the owners with the right of others to enjoy the area.
Alicia writes:
Dear neighbours
Since November, new temporary permissive footpath diversions at the Dillay give access to some especially lovely areas, previously private.
One diversion (shown in yellow on the map below) is a well-groomed track through an enchanting alder grove traversed by the Dillay Brook, via a path through ancient woodland.
The other (shown in blue) crosses a beautiful beech and mixed species wood with occasional far views over the valley.
These scenic routes, embedded in nature, allow one to avoid passing through the bottom of the tarmac drive and the middle of the curtilage, our often busy centre of domestic and farm activity, which isn’t itself very scenic and houses vehicles, machinery and animals.
They should also help to reduce contact with grazing animals from April through October.
Importantly, as you can see on the map below, these diversions create an elegant, looping route, connecting seamlessly to all the arriving footpaths.
We wish to improve them further to allow greater access by adding steps to the ascent in Down Wood, stone to the muddy stretches and a better stile for people and dogs, in the hope that one day they may replace like-for-like, in distance, the portions of the footpath shown in green and red below.
Ultimately, the aim is to create a system which allows us, our neighbours and the general public to work, live and enjoy this beautiful spot alongside one another happily and peaceably.
It is important to know that while we trial these paths, the definitive PROWS are of course open for use.
Please do try the temporary diversions and let us know what you think. We would also like to hear from neighbours with specific access or activity issues.
Anyone with any comment to make is welcome to email Alicia here.
The idea is that hikers will get to see more of this beautiful valley, while the farm gets a little more privacy.
It sounds a good scheme, balancing the needs of the owners with the right of others to enjoy the area.
Alicia writes:
Dear neighbours
Since November, new temporary permissive footpath diversions at the Dillay give access to some especially lovely areas, previously private.
One diversion (shown in yellow on the map below) is a well-groomed track through an enchanting alder grove traversed by the Dillay Brook, via a path through ancient woodland.
The other (shown in blue) crosses a beautiful beech and mixed species wood with occasional far views over the valley.
These scenic routes, embedded in nature, allow one to avoid passing through the bottom of the tarmac drive and the middle of the curtilage, our often busy centre of domestic and farm activity, which isn’t itself very scenic and houses vehicles, machinery and animals.
They should also help to reduce contact with grazing animals from April through October.
Importantly, as you can see on the map below, these diversions create an elegant, looping route, connecting seamlessly to all the arriving footpaths.
We wish to improve them further to allow greater access by adding steps to the ascent in Down Wood, stone to the muddy stretches and a better stile for people and dogs, in the hope that one day they may replace like-for-like, in distance, the portions of the footpath shown in green and red below.
Ultimately, the aim is to create a system which allows us, our neighbours and the general public to work, live and enjoy this beautiful spot alongside one another happily and peaceably.
It is important to know that while we trial these paths, the definitive PROWS are of course open for use.
Please do try the temporary diversions and let us know what you think. We would also like to hear from neighbours with specific access or activity issues.
Anyone with any comment to make is welcome to email Alicia here.
LITTER
Ed Willett has been in touch with a photo of the litter he collected in just half an hour in the short stretch between his house next to the allotments and the Stancombe turning.
Good effort. There are few things worse and more thoughtless than just lobbing your empty crisp packet or chocolate wrapper out of the window. If you've had a can of that Monster energy nonsense you ought by definition to have the energy to carry it to a bin when you've finished it and got to wherever it is you're going.
Ed's interested in convening a Bisley litter-picking group - anyone who would like to join in should contact the webmaster vila email so your details can be passed on to Ed.
Good effort. There are few things worse and more thoughtless than just lobbing your empty crisp packet or chocolate wrapper out of the window. If you've had a can of that Monster energy nonsense you ought by definition to have the energy to carry it to a bin when you've finished it and got to wherever it is you're going.
Ed's interested in convening a Bisley litter-picking group - anyone who would like to join in should contact the webmaster vila email so your details can be passed on to Ed.
GEORGE STORES REVAMP
The George Stores is undergoing a bit of a revamp, with some lines discontinued and new ones brought in (you can ask them to stock particular items you like by filling in a form on the counter).
Additionally they have installed four tables to serve tea, coffee, home-made cakes and bacon rolls, and plan eventually to offer more food.
Support them if you can!
Additionally they have installed four tables to serve tea, coffee, home-made cakes and bacon rolls, and plan eventually to offer more food.
Support them if you can!
COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Councillor Martin Brown writes:
Community Land Trust for affordable housing
Would you like to be involved in creating a community-led, affordable, sustainable housing project? This might be a small development of half a dozen or so houses, on the edge of one of our villages, built to the best environmental standards, and genuinely affordable for local people.
Join other local residents to explore the possibility of setting up a Community Land Trust.
‘Community land trusts are democratic, non-profit organisations that own and develop land for the benefit of the community. They typically provide affordable homes, community gardens, civic buildings, pubs, shops, shared workspace, energy schemes and conservation landscapes.’
Community Land Trust Network. https://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/
If you’d like to know more, please contact either the Parish Clerk [email protected], 01452 771089; or District Councillor Martin Brown [email protected], 01452 770878
Community Land Trust for affordable housing
Would you like to be involved in creating a community-led, affordable, sustainable housing project? This might be a small development of half a dozen or so houses, on the edge of one of our villages, built to the best environmental standards, and genuinely affordable for local people.
Join other local residents to explore the possibility of setting up a Community Land Trust.
‘Community land trusts are democratic, non-profit organisations that own and develop land for the benefit of the community. They typically provide affordable homes, community gardens, civic buildings, pubs, shops, shared workspace, energy schemes and conservation landscapes.’
Community Land Trust Network. https://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/
If you’d like to know more, please contact either the Parish Clerk [email protected], 01452 771089; or District Councillor Martin Brown [email protected], 01452 770878
MUMMERS 2023 REPORT
The Mummers duly trod the streets of Slad, Miserden and Bisley yesterday (Sunday December 17) , performing first at The Woolpack, then at The Carpenter's Arms, and finally back on home turf at The Bear Inn and then The Stirrup Cup.
This year's 007-themed tale was From Oakridge With Love, and involved those jealous and dastardly wannabes, Oakridge, sending three glamorous spies (Jake, Rob, and Sam) to find out the secret of Bisley's success - or, as Sir Plenty O'Toole (Rob) put it, ‘What makes Bisley so flipping awesome, while Oakridge is so blooming boresome?'
The three spies are unmasked, James Bum (Double-O Septic, Doug) steps in to save the day, gets killed by the head of the oxymoronic Oakridge Intelligence Sir Tess Tickles (Sam), and is revived by Doctor Doctor (Imogen) with her special potion (whisky and beer). The Oakridge hussies are driven back across the border by Pc Plod (Dan) as Sir Trudi Wench, head of Bisley Intelligence (Antonia) looks on with Santa Claus (Neil) and the Town Crier (Dave).
If you find that confusing, spare a thought for the performers.
The whole thing was in aid of two hospices, Acorns and Longfields, and this year's bucket collection raised £350, up from £240 last year. Thanks to all who gave so generously.
The Woolpack turned out a nice crowd, and were very welcoming; The Carpenter's less so, and we won't trouble them again.
It has been mooted that next year - instead of Miserden - the Mummers might stage a daring commando raid right into enemy territory, with a parachute insertion (or probably just driving over) into Oakridge itself, so that we can perform on their very doorsteps at The Butcher's Arms.
Watch this space!
As ever, the home crowds really turned out at The Bear and The Stiz, with Karen at the former and Julian at the latter going above and beyond to welcome us all; a warm thank you to both pubs and their staffs.
It's worth noting further that Julian and The Stirrup Cup are the long-time sponsors of the whole thing; the Mummers practise every Wednesday evening in the skittle alley for a few weeks beforehand (not that you can tell), and on the day itself Julian always provides a much-needed bacon roll and a 9am pint, just to set the tone and begin the whole shambolic process.
For Doug losing his lines in an amusing way (to be fair, this was five hours and three pubs in), see below:
This year's 007-themed tale was From Oakridge With Love, and involved those jealous and dastardly wannabes, Oakridge, sending three glamorous spies (Jake, Rob, and Sam) to find out the secret of Bisley's success - or, as Sir Plenty O'Toole (Rob) put it, ‘What makes Bisley so flipping awesome, while Oakridge is so blooming boresome?'
The three spies are unmasked, James Bum (Double-O Septic, Doug) steps in to save the day, gets killed by the head of the oxymoronic Oakridge Intelligence Sir Tess Tickles (Sam), and is revived by Doctor Doctor (Imogen) with her special potion (whisky and beer). The Oakridge hussies are driven back across the border by Pc Plod (Dan) as Sir Trudi Wench, head of Bisley Intelligence (Antonia) looks on with Santa Claus (Neil) and the Town Crier (Dave).
If you find that confusing, spare a thought for the performers.
The whole thing was in aid of two hospices, Acorns and Longfields, and this year's bucket collection raised £350, up from £240 last year. Thanks to all who gave so generously.
The Woolpack turned out a nice crowd, and were very welcoming; The Carpenter's less so, and we won't trouble them again.
It has been mooted that next year - instead of Miserden - the Mummers might stage a daring commando raid right into enemy territory, with a parachute insertion (or probably just driving over) into Oakridge itself, so that we can perform on their very doorsteps at The Butcher's Arms.
Watch this space!
As ever, the home crowds really turned out at The Bear and The Stiz, with Karen at the former and Julian at the latter going above and beyond to welcome us all; a warm thank you to both pubs and their staffs.
It's worth noting further that Julian and The Stirrup Cup are the long-time sponsors of the whole thing; the Mummers practise every Wednesday evening in the skittle alley for a few weeks beforehand (not that you can tell), and on the day itself Julian always provides a much-needed bacon roll and a 9am pint, just to set the tone and begin the whole shambolic process.
For Doug losing his lines in an amusing way (to be fair, this was five hours and three pubs in), see below:
++PRE-CHRISTMAS STIRRUP CUP QUIZ UPDATE++
THANKS TO JULIAN AND THE TEAM, AND TO ALL WHO TOOK PART (SUN DEC 10) -
CLOSE TO £450 WAS RAISED TOWARDS NEXT YEAR'S FLOWER SHOW MARQUEE
THANKS TO JULIAN AND THE TEAM, AND TO ALL WHO TOOK PART (SUN DEC 10) -
CLOSE TO £450 WAS RAISED TOWARDS NEXT YEAR'S FLOWER SHOW MARQUEE
DISAPPOINTING TWINNING
CURRY AND QUIZ NIGHT UPDATE
Bisley-with-Lypiatt Twinning Association's John Hughes writes with terrible news:
We held a successful Curry and Quiz evening at Oakridge Village Hall on 11th November. The Quizmaster was Gaza Westfall, ably assisted by Paul Holley.
We are pleased to report that - out of the nine teams taking part, the first, second and third places were all taken by Oakridge teams.
Come on Bisley and Eastcombe, there's a challenge to you for next year to beat the Oakridge dominance!
We are planning further events into the new year, leading up to a weekend trip to Brittany later in the year.
If you would like to be kept in touch with what's going on, or might be interested in coming on the trip to Plessala, please contact John Hughes on [email protected]
Oakridge nabbing all the medal spots? Surely this must have been some kind of fix? Please inform the website as to the identities of the Bisley teams so that they can report for extra quiz training. We're coming for you, Oakridge!
We held a successful Curry and Quiz evening at Oakridge Village Hall on 11th November. The Quizmaster was Gaza Westfall, ably assisted by Paul Holley.
We are pleased to report that - out of the nine teams taking part, the first, second and third places were all taken by Oakridge teams.
Come on Bisley and Eastcombe, there's a challenge to you for next year to beat the Oakridge dominance!
We are planning further events into the new year, leading up to a weekend trip to Brittany later in the year.
If you would like to be kept in touch with what's going on, or might be interested in coming on the trip to Plessala, please contact John Hughes on [email protected]
Oakridge nabbing all the medal spots? Surely this must have been some kind of fix? Please inform the website as to the identities of the Bisley teams so that they can report for extra quiz training. We're coming for you, Oakridge!
BISLEY ARTIST'S CHRISTMAS CARDS
Bisley artist Alison Merry's brilliant and charming mediaevally-inspired Christmas cards are once again on sale.
They're reproduced on very good card, and Alison has kept the prices very low in recognition of the increased cost of postage.
If - like us - you're fed up with the overpriced tat, smut, and juvenilia which passes for cards in most supermarkets these days, these are a great way to mark Christmas (while at the same time supporting a local small business).
Visit Alison's shop by clicking on this link.
IF YOU'RE A CREATIVE BISLEY PERSON OR BUSINESS, AND YOU WOULD LIKE US TO FEATURE YOUR WORK ON THESE PAGES, (AND ON THE LINKED TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM PAGES), JUST GET IN TOUCH. WE PROBABLY WON'T MAKE YOUR FORTUNE, BUT WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF READERS EACH WEEK AND IT'S FREE!
They're reproduced on very good card, and Alison has kept the prices very low in recognition of the increased cost of postage.
If - like us - you're fed up with the overpriced tat, smut, and juvenilia which passes for cards in most supermarkets these days, these are a great way to mark Christmas (while at the same time supporting a local small business).
Visit Alison's shop by clicking on this link.
IF YOU'RE A CREATIVE BISLEY PERSON OR BUSINESS, AND YOU WOULD LIKE US TO FEATURE YOUR WORK ON THESE PAGES, (AND ON THE LINKED TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM PAGES), JUST GET IN TOUCH. WE PROBABLY WON'T MAKE YOUR FORTUNE, BUT WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF READERS EACH WEEK AND IT'S FREE!
NEWSLASH: MUMMERS EN ROUTE
SUNDAY DECEMBER 17
AUBREY WATSON RIP
We're sorry to report that our Flower Show inter-village quiz quizmaster Aubrey Watson has died. Aubrey had piloted the annual quiz for some time, and his trademark dry humour will be missed by all. Born in May 1946, he was married to Gill and had two daughters, Hollie and Vicki. A leading figure in the marketing industry - whose clients included many household names - he lived in Chalford Hill and was a school governor who loved entertaining, performing magic tricks, and cricket, hosting an annual match at Sheepscombe CC every May. Our condolences to all of his friends and family members.
(The quiz will go ahead this year under the auspices of a new quizmaster.)
(The quiz will go ahead this year under the auspices of a new quizmaster.)
MEANWHILE IN THE JILLYVERSE
Bisley's favourite novelist gives an interview in today's Sunday Times to promote her new book, Tackle!
The book - which is published later this week - features Jilly's roguish and devilishly handsome hero Rupert Campbell-Black, who is probably based on the webmaster, and is said to do for football what her previous books did for polo, horse-riding, and village life.
The interview is only available to paying subscribers, so we've taken the liberty of sharing it below (click on the arrows
It covers a lot of ground - Joan Collins (‘has she had work done?'), Dale Vince (Jilly's not keen), wokery (also not keen), the Saudis ( ‘shockers'), the office affair (she laments its decline), sex (she's gone off it), Alex Ferguson (apparently, and somewhat implausibly, he's ‘very giggly'), and her late and much-lamented husband, Leo - and is a nice Sunday morning read.
Jilly is a lovely person, and very popular in Bisley, and we wish her the best with the book.
Update: there's also a (non-paywalled) interview in today's Observer.
(November 4, 2023)
The book - which is published later this week - features Jilly's roguish and devilishly handsome hero Rupert Campbell-Black, who is probably based on the webmaster, and is said to do for football what her previous books did for polo, horse-riding, and village life.
The interview is only available to paying subscribers, so we've taken the liberty of sharing it below (click on the arrows
It covers a lot of ground - Joan Collins (‘has she had work done?'), Dale Vince (Jilly's not keen), wokery (also not keen), the Saudis ( ‘shockers'), the office affair (she laments its decline), sex (she's gone off it), Alex Ferguson (apparently, and somewhat implausibly, he's ‘very giggly'), and her late and much-lamented husband, Leo - and is a nice Sunday morning read.
Jilly is a lovely person, and very popular in Bisley, and we wish her the best with the book.
Update: there's also a (non-paywalled) interview in today's Observer.
(November 4, 2023)
PHOTOS: WHEAT FIELDS
NEAR BATTLESCOMBE
If you have nice photos of our beautiful village that you'd like to share, please email them to the webmaster (jpegs only, sent individually, and a maximum of 3MB per image please).
BISLEY CYCLING CLUB
LOOKING FOR MEMBERS
Bisley has some very serious and competitive cyclists, and the best of luck to the lunatics!
Bisley Cycling Club is for those of us trending more to the unserious, non-competitive, thoroughly casual side of cycling.
We do wear lycra, but it doesn't look very good on us.
The idea for a village cycling club was first mooted two or three years ago, but the pandemic and the appalling lockdowns meant it didn't get off the ground.
Another setback came when one of the potential organisers suffered a serious back injury and was unable to cycle for nearly a year.
But all of that is behind us, we hope, and the Bisley Cycling Club has taken its first few tentative rides under the command of our Routefinder General, Kim McCroddan.
We arrange weekly rides of fifteen or twenty relaxed, fair-weather miles through the beautiful countryside around our village (a couple of recent routes are shown below).
We boldly strike out most Tuesdays and some weekends - if it's not raining - at anywhere from 12mph to about 15mph (downhill).
Sometimes we stop for coffee, or even a pint.
Currently we are few in number, but stout of heart (and in some cases physique), and we are keen to grow the group.
If you have what it takes to cover fifteen to twenty miles at slightly better than walking pace, and you'd like to join us on a friendly, no-pressure ride, please email the website at [email protected], ideally with your mobile number so that you can be added to the WhatsApp group.
If you can't do a Tuesday because of work, but would like to join anyway, just let us know when you are available and we'll try to fit around you.
Electric bikes welcome.
Lycra optional.
Drug testing relaxed.
Bisley Cycling Club is for those of us trending more to the unserious, non-competitive, thoroughly casual side of cycling.
We do wear lycra, but it doesn't look very good on us.
The idea for a village cycling club was first mooted two or three years ago, but the pandemic and the appalling lockdowns meant it didn't get off the ground.
Another setback came when one of the potential organisers suffered a serious back injury and was unable to cycle for nearly a year.
But all of that is behind us, we hope, and the Bisley Cycling Club has taken its first few tentative rides under the command of our Routefinder General, Kim McCroddan.
We arrange weekly rides of fifteen or twenty relaxed, fair-weather miles through the beautiful countryside around our village (a couple of recent routes are shown below).
We boldly strike out most Tuesdays and some weekends - if it's not raining - at anywhere from 12mph to about 15mph (downhill).
Sometimes we stop for coffee, or even a pint.
Currently we are few in number, but stout of heart (and in some cases physique), and we are keen to grow the group.
If you have what it takes to cover fifteen to twenty miles at slightly better than walking pace, and you'd like to join us on a friendly, no-pressure ride, please email the website at [email protected], ideally with your mobile number so that you can be added to the WhatsApp group.
If you can't do a Tuesday because of work, but would like to join anyway, just let us know when you are available and we'll try to fit around you.
Electric bikes welcome.
Lycra optional.
Drug testing relaxed.
PHOTOS: OVERCOURT, BISLEY SUMMER 2023
THE STIRRUP CUP QUIZ...
...on Sunday June 11 raised £145 for Winston's Wish.
Thanks to Julian and the team for hosting it.
It was won by The Lady Pirates, and revealed - inter alia - that the singer Prince's first name is Prince, that men do have larger brains on average than women, and the sound tortoises make when mating.
Hint: it's very like the velociraptors at 1 min 50 sec in this scene from Jurassic Park:
Thanks to Julian and the team for hosting it.
It was won by The Lady Pirates, and revealed - inter alia - that the singer Prince's first name is Prince, that men do have larger brains on average than women, and the sound tortoises make when mating.
Hint: it's very like the velociraptors at 1 min 50 sec in this scene from Jurassic Park:
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.
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 often 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 often 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 (2022) 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 2022 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.