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‘For and about the people of Berkeley’ No. 295 May 2020
www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
Supporting You Update from your Berkeley and Surrounding
Area Covid 19 Community Support Group
Our community has really pulled together in quite an
astonishing way, faster and more effectively than in many
other parts of the county and country. It’s a testament to
what a fantastic place this is to live in.
Legions of us are delivering much appreciated food and
supplies to friends, family members and neighbours. Those
of us Shielding or Self Isolating are slowly regaining control
of our shopping thanks to the flexible and compassionate
approach of our fantastic local businesses.
Our Mutual Aid group is also developing, focused on
helping us build a self-supporting community, providing
and accepting practical and emotional support.
• We have a new dedicated phone number,
01453 270067, that directs first to Lucy White, but if she
is not available it automatically redirects to Becky
Sawicki-Gregg, or Gordon Craig, or Rachel Sleigh.
• They are able to provide you with signposting to local
services, and arrange for a volunteer to help you with
shopping from any of our local shops, prescriptions,
and able to help with all manner of problems and
barriers to Shielding or Social Distancing.
• For those of us with no access to funds, or no funds to
access, our town council are working with Gord to
provide Booster Boxes, and if you aren't able to cook
we can supply ready meals through Severn Vale
Community Kitchen.
• There are also several hardship funds, held by the
Town Council, Berkeley Parochial Trust and hopefully
Berkeley Community Trust. Ring our phone line for
details of how to access help.
• Every day more delivery services are becoming
available from our fantastic local businesses, so keep
checking if orders can be placed and payment taken
over the phone. Currently this includes Clayton House
Meats, the Co-op and Berkeley Bakery.
• We have a wonderful delivery team, headed by Sarah
Frankham, picking up orders for Booster Boxes, the
Co-op, and over time, hopefully more businesses.
• Our area has lots more Facebook groups providing
increased social contact. New ones include the little
Neighbourhood groups uniting neighbours, but we
also have Berkeley Food Stories & Recipes, Berkeley
Glossy (magazine type puzzles and funnies), Sewing
for Keyworkers Glos for those creating much needed
PPE, and an old favourite, We Love Berkeley Vale, is
alive with lots of beautiful new photographs.
• If you would like a friendly chat there's a daily
opportunity to talk through a Zoom coffee morning, or
people belonging to Berkeley Benefice are available on
the phone. Becky Sawicki-Gregg is leading provision of
tech support if you have a group or club that would like
to meet over Zoom and you need some help.
All of this has been achieved by ordinary people just doing
their bit, but we must acknowledge the funding we have
had from Gloucester County Council and Stroud District
Council, and wonderful support from Berkeley Town
Council and Hamfallow Parish Council. If you'd like to
make deliveries, make PPE, talk to people, facilitate social
contact, or shape what we can provide please get in touch
Contact us via
New Number for Lucy’s phone team:
01453 270067
(please don’t use the old ones)
E-mail: Rachelberkeleycovid@gmail.com
Facebook Group & Page: Berkeley and Surrounding Area
Covid 19 Community Support
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
Call Chris on 07840338889 Or email your enquiry to
cjstaxis@icloud.com
Up to 6 passengers
Local, long distance,
leisure & business
journeys
CJ’S TAXIS Private hire taxi service
based in Berkeley
MAY IN THE GARDEN What a difference an extra hour of
daylight makes into the evening. It lifts
our spirits and everything starts to grow
very fast in May including the weeds.
The garden is beautiful with Apple
blossom, blue bells, alliums and even
cow parsley in the hedge rows looks
wonderful. The trees clothed in fresh
young leaves and the lawn becoming
richer green which needs cutting more
often. Keep hoeing regularly to keep the
weeds in check. Catch the weeds while
they are small and once hoed they can
be left on the soil surface to dry out on
warm sunny days. It not only kills the
weeds but maintains a crumbly soil
which helps to retain the moisture in the
soil reducing the need for watering. If
you have a strawberry bed start to
remove the runners. This is done so that
all the energy can go into the crop and
not into new runners. Putting straw or
mats around the strawberry plants will
prevent the fruits from being splashed
with soil or rotting as the fruits rest on
wet ground. It also allows good air flow
around the plants. Feed fruit trees and
bushes with a high potash fertilizer. This
will help them to form new fruits. Also
dead head spring bulbs after they have
finished flowering and give them a
dusting of fertilizer so that they will have
the energy to form more flowers for next
year. If some clumps of bulbs have
become overcrowded then now is the
time to lift them carefully and separate
them and replant them in another area.
Do give them a watering after doing this.
Sweet peas can be planted out now but
they will need support. Also biennials
can be sown outside so that they will
flower next Spring time. Sweet William,
Forget me nots and wallflowers are a few
of them. It is a good idea to sow crops
for succession – a little and often is the
best way for growing vegetables. This
ensures that crops can be picked and
used while they are still young and
tender and there will be further supply
following on from a later sowing. Crops
that can be grown in succession include
beetroot, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
lettuce and radish. Sow small rows at
two to four week intervals.
With the children at home at the moment
here are a few things for them to do.
First make a bug home for ladybirds or
lacewings. These insects are very helpful
to gardeners as they will eat up all the
greenfly and black aphids for you. It is
most important that they have a home to
stay in during the winter. Take a plastic
drinks bottle, cut it to 20cm in height –
you could also use an old plant pot or a
cardboard coffee cup. Make newspaper
tubes by cutting the newspaper
lengthways and roll them up to ensure a
hole is left in the centre about 4mm. You
can also use corrugated cardboard. Cut
the material to the length of the bottle or
pot and tape them together. Fit the rolls
of newspaper as tightly as possible into
the container so that they cannot fall out.
Ensure the hollow ends are facing
outwards and will be protected from the
rain. Place your bug home horizontally in
a warm spot with the open end slightly
lower to prevent waterlogging. Bug
houses are best placed no higher than
I.0m above ground level in a bush where
it is quiet.
Another idea is to let the children have a
small garden of their own where they can
sow seeds such as cornflower, nigella
(love in the mist), calendula (marigold)
and nasturtiums. They will germinate
very quickly. I had a little garden from the
age of about 4 or 5 – I loved it and I am
still gardening now after a very good
career in Horticulture.
For the little ones to make – save the
shells of eggs which have been hard
boiled and fill the empty shells with
cotton wool or kitchen roll and moisten.
Then sow cress seed on top. It will only
take about three or four days to
germinate and it starts to grow. It will
look as though the egg has grown green
hair. Why not give the egg eyes, nose
and a mouth. When the cress has grown
to about 50mm long you can cut it and
have an egg and cress sandwich.
I do hope you can take time to enjoy
your garden or have a barbecue with
your family if we get some good weather.
Until next month good health and good
gardening to you all.
Ann Legg
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May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswold – Attendance Allowance
Please note that following
national guidance on Covid-19 Citizens
Advice Stroud has closed its face to face
services at all offices and outreaches, but
will continue to operate a phone and
email service. If you need advice please
do contact by phone 0808 800 0510, or
email by using the email advice page on
our website https://www.citizensadvice
-stroudandcotswold.org.uk/stroud-cab
-email-advice.php
For this month’s article we would like to
give you information about Attendance
Allowance: this is a benefit that helps
with extra costs if you have an illness or
disability severe enough and require
someone else to help you with your
personal care needs. The benefit does
not cover mobility needs only.
Attendance Allowance is not means-
tested, which means what you earn, or
what savings you have will not affect any
benefit you may be entitled to.
You can make a claim for Attendance
Allowance if you have reached State
Pension age, or are older, and you have
an illness or disability, either physical or
mental or both. The benefit is paid at two
rates depending on the level of difficulties
you have and help required, and is
administered by the Department for Work
and Pensions.
You do not have to have someone caring
for you in order to make a claim. If you
receive any Means-Tested benefits they
may be increased if you are awarded
Attendance Allowance.
In order to qualify for Attendance
Allowance, you will need to have
required the help of someone with your
personal care needs for at least 6
months prior to making a claim, unless
you have a terminal illness, in which case
you can make a claim immediately under
the Special Rules.
Please note the claim form for
Attendance Allowance is extremely
lengthy and complex so we advise you
take expert advice before completing the
form. To obtain a claim form call the
Attendance Allowance helpline on:
0800 731 0122.
If you would like more information about
this article, or any other matters please
contact Stroud Citizens Advice on
Freephone: 0808 800 0510. Further
information can also be found at
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/attendance
allowance
Please note that following national
guidance on Covid-19 Citizens Advice
Stroud has closed its face to face
services at all offices and outreaches, but
will continue to operate a phone and
email service. If you need advice please
do contact by phone 0808 800 0510, or
email by using the email advice page on
our website https://www.citizensadvice
-stroudandcotswold.org.uk/stroud-cab
-email-advice.php
Something to do during lock-down.
For everyone currently spending a great deal of time at
home, this is a good opportunity to write all those letters
you’ve been meaning to write for some time! Whether to
Government, regarding the national response to C-19 for
example, or to other organizations, raising matters of
concern or to simply say thank you.
On a personal basis, I’m writing to the Chinese embassy to
suggest markets which sell animals caught in the wild, such
as bats (which, I understand, are where a variety of
coronaviruses naturally occur), should be phased out. This
would reduce the risk of another devastating transmission
of a virus to people.
Wild animal markets are a sign of wider habitat degradation
and loss. These habitats are often forests (the forests of
west Africa are another source of potential disease
transfer). Also, the destruction of natural forests around the
world are a significant contributor towards climate change.
Letter writing is a useful educational tool. If you have kids
and teens at home, why not set them to contacting
government, business or other institutions by letter and
raising an issue they are passionate about?
Letters can be written and held ready to post, for when
organisations have returned to normal functioning.
Best wishes,
Jane Robertson, berkeleyvalecan@gmail.com
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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How the world has changed since our last article. In line with nearly everyone else, the VoBR has been effectively closed since the “lock down” started. As such, all events and projects have been suspended. We will therefore publish a series of articles about the history of the line and the magnificent bridge that once spanned the River Severn.
In 1872 authorisation was given to the Midland Railway Company to construct a branch line from Berkeley Road station to Sharpness docks. In 1875 the branch to Sharpness was opened to goods traffic. A year later, on 1st August 1876 it was opened to passenger traffic.
Also in 1872 the Severn & Wye Railway and Severn Bridge Railway was authorised to join Lydney to Sharpness with a rail bridge over the River Severn. The Severn Bridge Railway was comprised of the union of the original Severn Bridge Railway Company and the Severn & Wye Railway Company (the company that had started life running tramways in the Forest of Dean). The Great Western Railway had been approached, but it did not become part of the venture to build the bridge due to lack of resources thanks to its involvement in the Severn Tunnel project.
The rail crossing over the Severn was opened on 17th October 1879, but by 1883 it was in financial difficulties. Parliament forced joint ownership on to the Midland Railway and the Great Western Railway on 1st July 1894, with the Midland operating the line and the infrastructure controlled by the GWR. Until nationalisation in 1948 it was known as the Severn & Wye Joint Railway. The intention was to provide a relatively cheap and speedy route for Forest coals to Sharpness docks and beyond, as well as other goods which could be transported by sea both import and export. It is likely that the GWR was not too pleased about the diversion of some of their lucrative traffic from north of the river. Without going into detail, they pretty well ensured the financial returns from the operation were heavily in their favour, and the Midland section was giving a lot of financial support to the GWR section.
The track from the junction with the main line at Berkeley Road was originally all double track, but in 1931 it was taken down to single track and only one of the two platforms at each of the stations was used.
Prior to 1923 the Midland Railway supplied motive power, then Lydney (GWR) shed supplied the branch locomotives. After 1960, Gloucester (Horton Road) shed provided the branch passenger shuttle services, but ex-LMS engines were used on freight traffic.
The major items being handled through the docks and on the railway were slate from North Wales, coal from South Wales (going on the canal to the Midlands), oats and grain from Ireland, wine from Spain and
Portugal, and timber from Canada, Russia and the Baltic states. This mix of goods has changed dramatically.
Everything worked reasonably smoothly until the evening of 25th October 1960, when an event took place which had an enormous impact on the future of the line.
That evening a flotilla of 13 vessels was heading upriver to Sharpness, Lydney or Worcester. The significant players in this disaster were a tug named Addie hauling three barges bound for Lydney, a sea-going barge called the Arkendale H and a smaller barge called the Wastdale H.
Both the Wastdale and the Arkendale were
owned by John Harker & Son of Knottingley in Yorkshire. The Arkendale H was launched in 1937, and on the night of 25th October was carrying nearly 300 tons of heavy oil loaded at Swansea. This oil was so thick and heavy that the vessel carried an extra engineer to look after the boiler which kept the oil thin enough to pump. Its skipper had only done this trip once before.
Although a smaller vessel, the Wastdale H which was launched in 1951, was carrying about 350 tons of petrol. It was not a sea-going vessel. When loaded its freeboard was so low that even a moderate sea would have overwhelmed it. It worked from Avonmouth to the Sharpness canal and thence to Gloucester or Worcester.
As it got dark a dense fog descended, and ten of the vessels successfully made it into Sharpness dock. The tug Addie with its
three barges in tow decided the fog was so thick that it couldn't make it into Lydney safely. She turned into the entrance to Sharpness dock, and would cross to Lydney the next day.
Just as the tug reached the dock entrance the Arkendale was also nearly there, saw the tug at the last minute and veered off. The Wastdale was also carried by the very rapid tide and found reasonably slack water at the entrance to the old dock just upriver.
Having veered off, the Arkendale was also carried by the tide and in the fog heard voices and too late saw the Wastdale. The two were pushed together by the current, and in their attempts to separate using full
engine power merely edged out into the current.
They had almost become dislodged when they struck pier 17 of the bridge. The impact brought down two sections of bridge on to the stricken vessels. There was an explosion and a fireball. Burning fuel spread out right across the surface of the river. The scene was witnessed from the nearby Sharpness gasworks, and some-one had
the foresight to close off the supply to the large gas main which ran beneath the bridge.
Out of eight crew on the two vessels, five lost their lives. The two captains survived, but one was badly injured by a revolving propeller as he jumped for safety.
It was decided that demolition of the bridge would be cheaper than repair, so after 81 years the line once more became two short branches each side of the river, and in the early 1960's became uneconomic and closed. A few enthusiasts' charter trains ran, but then the Berkeley Road to Sharpness side carried special trains taking nuclear flasks from the decommissioned Berkeley power station to Sellafield on a line maintained by Network Rail with Direct Rail Services as the train operating company.
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May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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A
message from the team at Dr Jenner’s
House, Museum and Garden
For as long as I can remember, my precious
time off has been spent exploring historical
sites. From prehistoric monuments to
excavated Roman villas, and from medieval
palaces to the dockyards of the Age of Sail
and giant factories of the Industrial
Revolution, I simply love the feeling of
walking in the steps of those who have gone before us. It is a
real privilege then to know that I can still experience some of
that thrill each and every day as
I take my exercise around our
wonderful historic town.
From Jumpers Lane, where I
imagine the hustle and bustle of
the porters as they unloaded
precious cargo from the boats
moored in the Pill, I might head
out of the town in the direction
of the first commercial nuclear
power station to produce
electricity for the National Grid.
I go along Hamfield Lane, past
the abandoned Sea Mills where
oil was once produced from
seeds. As I return to Berkeley
and up to St Mary’s Church, a site where people have been
worshipping for over one thousand years, I glimpse Berkeley
Castle, where kings have met their end and where our nation’s
future has been decided. Finally, I am standing outside The
Chantry, the beautiful house where Edward Jenner made
perhaps the greatest discovery in medical history: vaccination.
Vaccination is not just Jenner’s gift to the world, but Berkeley’s.
Jenner gained his inspiration from the farms and the fields
around the town, and our forebears were participants in his
clinical trials. From here came something that has proved
crucial in humanity’s fight against disease, something that has
saved more lives than any other innovation.
Today we see a little something of a world before vaccination,
but we also know that there is hope because we have been
here before. We may not be able to completely eradicate
coronavirus (COVID-19) as we did with smallpox, but we hope
that we will soon be able to control its spread through
vaccination. From that first vaccination in 1796, we can now
protect against 25 vaccine-preventable infections. Globally,
between two and three million lives are saved each and every
year as a result of vaccination. All of this, and any new
vaccine, can effectively be
traced back to our town and to the
work of Berkeley born and bred
Edward Jenner.
At Dr Jenner’s House, Museum
and Garden we celebrate Jenner’s
achievements and show how
curiosity changed the world. This
message is now more relevant
than ever, yet the museum of
course is closed and we are having
to adapt to some very different
ways of telling our story. We want
to support you through this time in
the only way we know how, by sharing inspiring content from
the birthplace of vaccination. Please follow us on social media
or look at our website, which we’ll be adding to over the
coming weeks. We may even try and secure some regular
space in the Flyer, if the Editors will let us! At the same time,
we would like to ask whether you will please consider
supporting us in one of two ways.
As a museum, we are collecting stories relating to the current
outbreak. Would you be interested in keeping a diary of these
strange times for the benefit of future researchers? We would
love to hear about your experiences, from the mundane to the
profound, anything that sheds light on daily life in the midst of a
pandemic. You can find out more and sign up at
https://jennermuseum.com/covid19-diary-project
When this is all over, we want to be here to tell the story of
lives saved through vaccination and to provide a tranquil and
beautiful place for the people of Berkeley and for visitors from
around the world. But, as an independent charity taking over
70% of our annual income from visitor-related activities and
with significant costs that cannot be avoided, each day that we
cannot open puts us at risk of permanent closure. So we are
asking anyone who might have considered visiting us this year
to ‘pay it forward’ and make a donation now in return for a
ticket which can be use when we are able to reopen. There are
a few other treats on offer, some very limited edition. You can
even adopt an object. To find out more, please head to
https://crowdfunder.co.uk/drjennershouse
So on behalf of all the
team at Dr Jenner’s
House, Museum and
Garden, please take care,
stay safe, and know that
we’re planning something
very special for you all
when this is finally over.
Owen Gower
Museum Manager
Maths Tutoring in Newtown/Berkeley Area Penny Robinson PGCE (Maths) DBS checked I am a qualified maths teacher with significant experience at GCSE and A level especially with students who find learning and earning difficult. I tutor all ages either in my home in Newtown or will travel up to 5 miles to tutor in yours. £20 per hour plus travel expenses Text or call me to see how I can help you 01453 811921 or 07901 984125
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE
Message from The Mayor - Councillor
Philip Stevenson
What a remarkable town Berkeley is and
how quickly we have all had to adapt to the
coronavirus, not just for ourselves and our
families but for our friends, neighbours and
work colleagues during the lockdown
period. As the Town Council we are also
having to adhere to the government
guidelines. Our Clerk, Justine is still at the
end of a computer as well as periodically
checking the answerphone, you can also
contact various members of the council
(see Berkeley Town Council website).
A group of local residents have set up a
Facebook page called ‘Berkeley and
surrounding area covid-19 support group’
where you will find a wealth of support, and
new leaflets will be dropping through your
letterboxes soon with updated information
for anyone wanting additional help.
Life has changed within the town and thank
yous go to all the heroes within the town.
Both the One Stop & CO-OP for doing their
best to keep the shelves stacked, the
pharmacy for coping in this challenging
time, the bakery for still opening ridiculously
early and Gordon at Greens, who is
arranging for food boxes to be available for
collection and delivery as well as our other
essential shops for staying open.
We also must thank Miss Robins and her
amazing team at Berkeley Primary School
for not only still allowing key workers
children to attend but for making us parents
home teachers, I have had to expel both my
children and I have resigned from my post,
fortunately my wife has taken over. But the
most important thanks goes to you all, for
checking on each other, whether you’re
making daily phone calls or buying the
shopping for your next door neighbours, it’s
the little things than mean a lot and if we
can pull together we will get through this
sooner. The most heartening sounds that
are heard thundering around this fabulous
market town are the Thursday night 8pm
applause for our NHS.
Canon Park Development – Residents
Update - Councillor Robbie Heaven
Berkeley Town Council have assembled a
subcommittee to help with the up and
coming development of Canon Park
Recreational Facility.
As Canon Park is an area used and
enjoyed by all ages and abilities, we wanted
to ensure that prior to the development
taking place, we as a committee got a
better understanding of the towns
requirements and preferences.
Members of the Canon Park Development
Committee ran 2 consultations days with
one being held at Canon Park on Saturday
7th March and the other taking place at
Berkeley Town Hall on Saturday 14th
March. During these consultation days we
interacted with over 65 people, ranging from
families with young children to older
residents. For residents who were unable to
attend either of the consultation days, there
was an online feedback form which was
accessed via the Berkeley Town Council
website which was available to complete
throughout the whole month of March.
I am pleased to confirm we have received
responses from 177 people and the results
are currently being processed, with the
outcome being discussed at the next
committee meeting. We as a committee are
excited with the feedback from the residents
of Berkeley and look forward to seeing the
development move forward.
Town Improvement Plan - Residents
Update - Councillor Quentin Somerset
As a town council we hope we are doing
lots of good work in the background which
we hope make the quality of life in Berkeley
better in lots of little ways. However, over
the years we feel there has been some
degradation in a number of services and
facilities in and around Berkeley – we’re
sure you have noticed them too. The
reasons why are numerous and complex,
so let’s not try to address that right now, but
every time we lose a service, it makes the
town smaller and less attractive.
So, to ensure Berkeley continues to grow
and prosper, Berkeley Town Council feel it’s
time for some big changes. The concept is
to work on making the town more attractive,
thus more inviting to residents, visitors, new
shops and new businesses. With this
comes more justification for extra buses,
retain the public toilets, more investment etc
We recently initiated a ‘Town Improvement
Plan Committee’ and are currently engaging
with Gloucestershire County Council, local
developers, and very soon all the residents
of Berkeley. Some of the big items currently
being considered are (but not limited to) -
Speeding – we have been monitoring traffic
speeding at various key points around
Berkeley and we are aware that some
action is definitely required. Speeding is not
acceptable, it is dangerous and anti-social.
As new houses are being built, and more
people will be walking, running, cycling on
our roads and pavements, reduction of
traffic speed is imperative. A reduction in
speed limit to 20mph is one option on the
table (although difficult to enforce),
alongside many other ways of reducing
speed such as priorities and street furniture.
Parking – More residents, more shoppers,
and more visitors, will naturally result in
more cars. All these factors have to be
considered holistically, with longer term
needs also a consideration (including
electric vehicle charging points). We are
also looking at taking over the car parks
from Stroud District Council, to allow us to
change parking restrictions as required. We
will encourage alternatives to driving,
ensuring safe pavements for pedestrians,
cycle parking, and public transport options.
Town Market – Berkeley used to be a
thriving market town, and we feel that
reviving this will bring visitors and shoppers
to the town, potentially on a Saturday
morning. We have the new Berkeley Green
Park Run on a Saturday, and this will add
further footfall to a market, and the local
shops. Farmers produce direct to you, local
crafts, cheese, wine, beer. We certainly feel
there is capacity for a small town market
every Saturday.
Aesthetics – Lots of thought is being given
to improvements to the town aesthetics,
improving the environment for pedestrians.
The town centre could benefit from a new
layout including a market area, some
planters, seating areas and larger
pedestrian zones. A new layout would also
enable speed reduction measures to be
considered (not just in the town centre but
on all the major roads exiting the town), and
parking considerations.
So where are we going from here ?
Initially the committee are developing some
concepts for everyone to review and
provide comments at a public consultation
(s). This iterative planning phase is likely to
take a year and is worth spending the time
to get it right as it will shape our town for
quite some time. All the while,
Gloucestershire County Council will be on
board, along with local planners to ensure
the concepts are realistic and achievable.
Unfortunately, to get this project going we
have had to add £25k to the local precept
for 2020/2021. Without the planners and
architects, the town improvement doesn’t
get started, and we continue to limit the
improvements we can apply to our lovely
town. The other two biggest contributors to
the precept increase are some urgent
repairs to our beautiful town hall (£2k), and
supporting our increasing successful youth
club (additional £2k). The overall increase is
offset by a considerable reduction in the
contributions to the Canon Park
Improvement budget as this has now
achieved the funds required for the project.
We hope you understand and support the
decision to make some positive changes.
We feel that Berkeley will truly benefit in the
long term.
Should anyone wish to discuss this topic
further then there will be an opportunity at
the Berkeley Town Council annual meeting,
for which the date and time have been
impacted by Covid-19 and will be advised.
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
7 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
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Sew For Keyworkers Glos needs your help!
PPE is urgently needed for keyworkers in our local care
homes, surgeries, hospitals and clinics.
Can you sew, knit or crochet?
Or donate buttons, elastic, fabric, duvets, pillow cases etc?
Do you need anything for you, or your place of work?
We are a local group of enthusiastic amateur crafters
providing maskbands, laundry bags, face masks & paired
hearts in Dursley, Cam & Berkeley area.
If you can only sew a button on, you can make a valuable
contribution. We have projects suitable for beginners of any
age. If you can help in any way, please get in touch with
Sarah Lancaster Email: sewkwglos@gmail.com
Phone: 01453 580175
Facebook: Sew For Keyworkers Glos
Maskbands are very simple to
make, protect sore ears, and
hold the mask on tightly.
Scrubs can be placed in laundry
bags made from pillowcases,
carried home safely, put straight in
the washing machine, and the
scrubs tumble out during the wash
cycle.
Need a good chat?
Someone to listen?
Or just want to talk to somebody different?
Berkeley Benefice are here for you, offering support to
the whole community.
Throughout the Benefice we have people happy to help.
Whether you are shielding, self isolating, or simply
feeling alone at a difficult time, we can provide
assistance, even if it’s just someone to talk to.
Our first points of contact are:
Berkeley, Jan on 01453 820752
Hill, Mark on 01454 260750
Stone, Naomi on 01454 260376
When you call, we'll match you up with the right person
for you.
Our offer is not limited to those locations, or by
denomination. We are here for everyone.
Booster Boxes
Gord from Greens the Grocer, Berkeley's veg shop, is
working together with the Town Council to provide
Booster Boxes. These were initially intended as a
companion to a Trussell Trust Food Parcel. Designed
to make it stretch that little bit further, they provide
fresh fruit and veg, with a few basics like rice or pasta,
and tinned tomatoes thrown in.
To get one delivered contact Justine at
clerk@berkeley-tc.gov.uk or call her on 01453 511964.
Subsidised by Berkeley Town Council, they are
available free if you are struggling financially, or you
can make a donation direct to the Town Council's bank
account when you feel able. The Co-operative Bank
Plc, Sort code 08-92-99, Account no.65338788
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
8 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
Each year, Thornbury Camera Club invite other local camera
clubs to a challenge, in memory of Tom Crowe, a former
chairman of their club. The invited clubs submit eight entries and
each image must be from a different photographer. There are
four categories to fulfil Landscape, People/Animals, Creative and
Night/Nightscape/Low Light, the remaining four images will be
placed into open categories.
In October last year, Tyndale Photography Club entered the
competition with the following images:
Landscape – River Thames Richmond – Steve Varman
LRPS
People/Animal - Mohandas – Christine Ryske
Creative – Seascape New Zealand – Jenny Fryer
LRPS
Night/Nightscape/Low Light – Pero's Bridge – Barry
Wilson
Open – Little Owl – Mike Smith
Open – Path to the Loch - Elizabeth Restall ARPS
Open – Ghosts of a Modern Life – Peter Whitfield
Open – Boys Toys – David Bishop
The competition was judged by an independent
judge, Neil Stangan, who gave constructive
comments and marks as he went along. Sadly
because of the COVID-19 situation we find
ourselves in, we were not able to view the results
of the competition at a club meeting, however, the
audio visual was sent out to all club members and
we were able to view it in the comfort of our own
homes. After round 7, Tyndale Photography Club
were equal first with Thornbury Camera Club
making for a very tense eighth round.
Come the end of the competition,
Tyndale Photography Club scored 152
points ending up in second place to
Thornbury Camera Club who scored
153 points.
Congratulations to those whose images
were entered, a great team effort!
Tyndale Photography Club enter the Tom Crowe Competition
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May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
9 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
Berkeley Forum The Flyer reserves the right to edit and abridge letters submitted for publication. Anonymous letters will not be published, but we will withhold your name if requested
BERKELEY’S NEW MEDICAL TEAM IS NOW IN PLACE
Following the merger of Marybrook Medical Centre with Culverhay Surgery on the 1st April the surgery will be renamed
‘Culverhay Berkeley’. The aim is to merge the practices and the IT systems and run it as one practice over two sites.
Although many of the staff at Berkeley will remain the same they are boosting their numbers and bringing in a largely
new clinical team. There are lots of exciting plans and developments for the practice in the future.
As a result of CoVid-19 and in common with practices throughout Gloucestershire you will have noticed that our surgery
has adopted a telephone triage system. This means that your appointment will initially involve a telephone consultation, if
as a result of that, the doctor needs to physically see you, you will be invited into the surgery. This means that people
who need to be seen can attend in the knowledge that the environment is as safe as it is possible to make it and the
vulnerable will feel more secure. I am sure you will agree that this county wide approach is the right approach.
During this time the surgery are only taking repeat prescription requests by telephone.’
If you are not feeling well for reasons other than CoVid19, it is important to have that telephone conversation, don ’t put
off seeking medical advice because of CoVid19. You will find the doctor takes all that into account when advising next
steps.
Gordon Craig, Chairman PPG
It’s been a strange old month. So many of
the problems that had us all tearing our
hair out have turned out to be miniscule in
the scheme of things and too many people
have been taken from us before their time.
Locally we have fared very well and it’s
been good to see most people sticking to
the social distancing rules. In its simplest
form, this virus needs fresh humans to
stay alive for any length of time and if we
can deprive it of them, we will minimise the
risk. When I’ve been out for exercise walks
I’ve noticed many people not simply
leaving 2 metres between them and others
but crossing to the opposite side of the
road where possible. The looks and words
of appreciation for this caring approach
are just great to behold and I know this
attitude is one of the things that makes
everyone pleased that they live in
Berkeley.
We were one of the first communities in
the county to get a support group set up.
Elsewhere in the Flyer you will see a list
of some of the key local resources
currently in place and only a phone call
away. If you are a Facebook user you will
see also that Rachel Sleigh who has been
a real live wire in this, is constantly posting
news of things happening on the
“Berkeley and Surrounding Area
Covid19 Support” page. Indeed things
are changing on a daily basis so it’s a
great page to like and follow.
Stroud District Council and Berkeley Town
Council are supporting Berkeley’s plan
and we are constantly searching for more
offers of help and funding. Stage 1 of the
plan has clearly been to support the
vulnerable and needy and as you can see,
much of this is now in place. Stage 2 of
the plan anticipates that some families in
particular may need grant support to carry
them through gaps in income and
Berkeley being Berkeley we want to help
so this is currently being worked up.
Finally on your behalf, I would like to pay a
huge tribute to the amazing band of local
volunteer helpers who treat a request to
go to the shops for a needy resident or to
help them in other way as a privilege
rather than a task. You all know who you
are and you are Just Great !
Whilst on this theme let us not forget the
local NHS staff and Carers who slip in and
out of homes in Berkeley each day to fight
the good fight for us all. Let’s give them all
an extra loud applause on Thursday.
Gordon Craig
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
10 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Police (non emergencies) 101
West Country CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111
Neighbourhood Warden 01453 754276
Culverhay Berkeley Medical Centre 01453 810228
NHS (non emergency) 111
Berkeley Pharmacy 01453 810316
Electricity Supply Power Loss 0800 6783105
(mobile users 0330 1235008)
Gas Emergency Service 0800 111999
Water Emergency 0800 7834444
Berkeley Town Council 01453 511964
Berkeley Primary School 01453 810254
Refuse Collection 01453 754424
Stroud District Council 01453 766321
Gloucestershire County Council 01452 425000
People for You, Barbara Weldon 01453 511964
Samaritans 0845 7909090
National Rail Enquiries 0845 7484950
Traveline 0871 2002233
Community Wellbeing Agent 0345 863 8323
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital 0300 4222222
Vale Hospital, Dursley 0300 4218494
Citizens’ Advice Bureau 01453 762084
www.armstrongandnorth.com Tel Berkeley 01453 511436
Dursley 01453 545816 Stroud 01453 764753
Private Sight Tests/ NHS Free contact lens trial
Weekend Appointments Frames to suit every budget
Safety spectacles Home visits by appointment
Berkeley Town Council Art competitions:
Berkeley Town Council are running four competitions to help us get through these trying times and to try to help lift people’s spirits:
1. 'Street Party Poster' - We will be arranging a large street party when the Coronavirus situation changes (with help from residents hopefully!). We would like the children to design a poster/flag which will be used to advertise it when the time comes (leave a blank area for the dates/times etc). There are 2 age groups: up to 10 and 11-16 years
2. Picture of 'Rainbow and/or Bear Windows'. We know a lot of you have already done this, so please ask your parents/carers to post your photos on here
3. Photography - Any age group - Are you a budding photographer, we are asking for photos about 'What kept you occupied during the Coronavirus Outbreak'. Please ask permission if you include photos of people.
4. Ideas for a 'Mural/Noticeboard for the new Canon Park Recreational Ground Entrance' - Any age group - This could be a painting/drawing or digital artwork.
Please either post on the Facebook page ‘Berkeley Town Council Competitions Page’ or email a picture to clerk@berkeley-tc.gov.uk and include which competition number you are entering.
Please ask your parents/carers to post your pictures on Facebook as we can only accept these, also parents/carers by posting your entries you are agreeing to post on a public page.
The competition will close on 31st May and will be judged by the Mayor and the Councillors. There will be prizes for each category.
Self Isolating and missing the sights of Berkeley and our
beautiful surroundings?
Have a look at the We Love
Berkeley Vale group on
Facebook. It is only there for
people to post their photos of the
local areas, so make a cuppa
and take a look. From sunsets at
the Deer Park to flowers in the hedgerows, inquisitive cows
to furry moths it showcases our area beautifully.
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
11 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANISER TO CHECK THAT THESE EVENTS ARE GOING AHEAD IN THE CURRENT EPIDEMIC
For a regular entry in the What’s On Diary please email editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk before 15th of the month
Berkeley Community Library 10.30am - 4.30pm
Berkeley Rainbows The Scout Hut 4.15 - 5.30pm
FitFix Exercise - St Dominics Hall 9.30am with Sam 07793 755240 Fat burning & toning for all
Friday
Extend Exercise Classes for 60+ Scout Hut From 10.30am Contact Barbara 01453 766421
Bingo - Sharpness Village Hall from 7.30pm contact Jimmy Thomas 01453 811339
Coffee Morning Union Church Schoolroom 10.00 – 11.00am
Art Group Berkeley Library . £3.00 per session 10.00am—1pm. Bring own materials
NatWest Mobile Bank Salter Street 10.15am -12.30 pm
Beavers Scouts for 6 to 8 years old Scout HQ, Park View, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Berkeley Brownies The Scout Hut 6.00pm - 7.30pm
New Berkeley Harriers Running Club 6.30pm at Canon Park Pavilion
Berkeley Players
Meet in the Town Hall
From 7pm—8.30 Young People
From 8.30 Adults
Thursday
Berkeley Community Library 9.30am - 12.30pm
Coffee Morning Every 2nd Saturday of the month 10.00 - 11.30 at The Evangelical Church
Physio-Led Modified Pilates Class
Town Hall— Advance Booking essential
Contact Miranda 07813513516 10am -11am
Craft Club - Berkeley Arms Last Wednesday of the month. 10.30am - 1.30pm. All welcome
Dog Training - Sharpness Village Hall from 7pm contact Mike Vine 01453 822134
Berkeley Under 5’s Town Hall Toddlers - 9.30am - 11.30am
P3 Community Based Drop In Town Hall, 10am - 12pm
Citizens Advice Bureau Town Hall, 1pm - 3pm
Berkeley Youth Club Canon Park Pavilion 6pm - 8pm
Berkeley Gardening Club 3rd Wednesday of the month Library 7.30pm
Past-Times Café Marybrook Medical Centre Chat, Crafts, and tea. 2.00pm
FitFix Exercise - Stinchcombe Village Hall 6.30pm with Sam 07793 755240 Fat burning & toning for all
Alcoholics Anonymous Berkeley Steps Town hall, 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Town Hall
Town Council Meeting 3rd Monday of the month 7.30pm
Stay & Play Kids - Sharpness Village Hall 9.45am - 12 noon contact Sue Boxall on 07526101287
Youth Club - Sharpness Village Hall 6.30pm - 8.30pm contact Darren Brown on 07799067237
Beavers/Scouts Scout HQ., Park View Scouts 10½ to 14 years old 7.00pm - 8.30pm
FitFix Exercise - Stinchcombe Village Hall 6.30pm with Sam 07793 755240 Fat burning & toning for all
Physio-Led Modified Pilates Class
Town Hall— Advance Booking essential
Monday
Community Bank - Town Hall, Tuesdays 9.15am - 11am
Poetry Circle: 1st Tuesday of the month 2-3pm at Berkeley Library. Informal group for reading, writing and enjoying poetry. Bring your favourites along
Town Planning & Finance Meetings 2nd Tuesday of the month 7.30pm
Berkeley Community Library Tuesdays 10.30am - 4.30pm Telephone 810520
Line Dancing/Ballroom Dance Class Hamfields Leisure 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Daphne 01453 826034
Skylarks Community Choir Town Hall, 7.10 - 9pm Term Time only. All welcome
Cub Scouts - Scout HQ. Park View 8 to 10½ years old 6.00pm - 7.30pm
FitFix Exercise - Cam Memorial Hall 9.45am - 10.45am
Crochet Group - Berkeley Library 11.00am. £1 per session. Everyone is welcome. Just bring a crochet hook and some wool.
Berkeley Walking Group
Meet 10.a.m. The Library Car Park. (Free) Coffee
optional afterwards in The Library.
Coffee Morning Sharpness Village Hall 10.30 - 12pm Call Christy 07970 565099
Thornbury Macular & Low Vision Support
Group 1st Tuesday of month, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, Thornbury
Tuesday
Wednesday Saturday
Sunday
Roman Catholic Mass Sundays 8.30am, 10.30am St Dominic RC Church, Kingshill, Dursley
Berkeley Union Church Salter Street, Berkeley. (Next to Town Hall) Sunday Services 10.00am -11.00am Coffee, Tea and biscuits to follow
St Mary’s Church
Services not currently taking place
Berkeley Evangelical Church
The monthly Coffee Mornings
will not now go ahead due to the
current pandemic
BERKELEY FLYER TEAM:
PUBLICATION: Simon Bingham: 01453 811353 Sarah Hall: 01453 511681 Gwen Chaney: 01453 811545
WEB PAGE: David Hook email: david@davidhook.info
ARTICLES, LETTERS AND DIARY DATE ENTRIES: email: editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
DISTRIBUTION: Grace & Dave King 811138
ADVERTISING: www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk or email: advertising@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
PRINTING: Cotswold Marketing: 22 High St, Cam. tel: 01453 546645 email: cotsmark@btopenworld.com
If you want to make a contribution, please contact one of the Flyer Team on the numbers shown, place your contribution in the collection box in the Berkeley Pharmacy in the Market Place, or e-mail: editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk by 15th of each month
PUBLICATION DATE : 1st of each month
While every effort is made to ensure accurate reporting of events and information supplied to us, we regret we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur. Publication © 2020 The Berkeley Flyer. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Editorial Committee. Copyright of individual articles or pictures submitted for publication vest with their authors, but may not be reproduced as published within this publication without the permission of the publishers. Publication of trade adverts in this newsletter does not constitute our recommendation of their services.
Due to Covid-19 groups and clubs are
not running. They have been included
so people have contact info and
details of what clubs normally run so
you can make plans for when
restrictions are eased.
May 2020 THE BERKELEY FLYER editor@theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
12 Please mention ‘The Berkeley Flyer’
when responding to adverts www.theberkeleyflyer.co.uk
BERKELEY FABRICATION
& WELDING LTD For all your commercial and domestic iron and
steelwork needs From made-to-measure wrought iron gates and
railings to pre-drilled universal beams
For free quotes
phone Brian or Bobby on 01453 811806
THIS CoVid19 PANDEMIC IS MAKING LIFE TOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
BUT YOU LIVE IN BERKELEY WHERE THE COMMUNITY IS RIGHT BEHIND YOU.
ADVICE
Don’t quietly worry, call these organisations for free help and advice.
Don’t be put off by the 08 numbers, they are free on landline and mobile, and will automatically link you to the
first available advisor, all working from home just now.
P3 - 0808 168 2443 – Gloucestershire Community Based Support, this flexible service works with
people who are in crisis, including: Accessing financial support, Improving daily living skills, Accessing
specialist services, Dealing with debt, Mental ill health, Education and employment, Addiction issues.
Also able to provide Food Bank Vouchers
Citizens Advice 08088 000510 – Advice on Benefits, Work, Debt and money, Consumer, Family,
Housing, Law and courts, Immigration, Health
Stroud Employment Law - 01453 763384 – 30 minutes free advice on furlough and all employment
related issues
PRACTICAL HELP WITH FOOD
Trussell Trust Foodbank - 01453 367077 (If you don’t have a voucher, call P3 on 0808 168 2443 first)
Delivery service to your door.
Booster Box – call Justine on 01453 511964 – Fresh fruit, veg and some basics, designed to make a
food parcel stretch a bit further, funded by Berkeley Town Council, free if in need, donate when or if you
can.
Subsidised Ready Meals – call the phone line on 01453 270067 - we have an arrangement with
Severn Vale Community Kitchen 01453 708338, and can fund meals from Karen's Kitchen if you are
unable to heat food up yourself.
HARDSHIP FUNDS
Both can supply grants to assist with financial issues
Berkeley Town Council, call Justine on 01453 511964, will also know about other Hardship funds as
they become available
Berkeley Parochial Trust, call Sue Watson on 01453 542208
TRADES
Operating an emergency, PPE aware, service in Berkeley.
West Country Plumbing - 01453 843981 - Plumber
Energy Heating Solutions - 07742 227375 - Boiler breakdowns, repairs and plumbing issues
Direct Electrical - 07501 090430 - Electrician
And don’t forget, our Mutual Aid group is also developing, focused on helping us build a self-supporting
community, providing and accepting practical and emotional support. If you are in need of support and are
unsure of which numbers above to use, have a need that doesn’t fit one of the groups above or are looking to
help by supporting others please call our new dedicated phone number - 01453 270067.
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