Tewkesbury Mustard Scandal

This story caught my eye and is something I really think needs broadcasting around the world, so please share with as many friends as you can.  Something simply must be done!

An Outraged Robert Boazman

(April, 2011 - Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds)
WHEN Robert Boazman bought a jar of his favourite condiment, he found its ingredients just didn't make sense.

The 69-year-old, of Upper Lode Lock, near Tewkesbury, was horrified to see that Sarah Darlington's Tewkesbury Mustard contained 85 per cent Dijon Mustard.

He believes Tewkesbury Mustard ought to contain English ingredients and certainly not be made of mostly French mustard. He said: "There are other foreign ones calling themselves Tewkesbury Mustard, but they should be based on the original recipe. The original mustard was made from mustard seeds collected locally and horseradish."

The precise recipe for original Tewkesbury Mustard is said to have been lost but the modern day product normally contains wine, mustard flour, horseradish, honey, lemon juice and sugar.
Sarah Darlington, who is based in Cheshire, said she was supplied with Tewkesbury Mustard made in Glasgow. She said she would look into changing the ingredients as a result of Mr Boazman's complaint.

Follow Up Story
(June, 2011 - Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds)

A FIRM can carry on selling Tewkesbury mustard, much to the disgust of a town resident.

Earlier this year, Robert Boazman, 69, was annoyed to find Sarah Darlington's Tewkesbury Mustard contained 85 per cent Dijon mustard.

He had bought a jar in the town, without knowing about its French ingredient.

He believes the product ought to contain English ingredients in order to be like traditional Tewkesbury mustard and so complained to the Cheshire-based firm.

Now, after seeking advice from trading standards officers, Sarah Darlington has written to Mr Boazman. She said her jars would, in future, make it clearer that Dijon mustard was used.

But Mr Boazman is still not happy, saying: "What gets me is that they can still call it Tewkesbury mustard. It's all wrong but there's nothing I can do about it."

The Chap Launches Petition to Save Savile Row

This may be a little 'off piste' from the usual Cotswolds-themed posts, but the cause is just too worthy to ignore. And we have to do our bit to support our friends over at The Chap and, more importantly, the legendary tailors of Savile Row. Read on....

In response to the appalling news about Abercrombie & Fitch proposing to open a children’s store on Savile Row, The Chap has decided to take a stand.

We have created a Petition, targeted at Wesminster Council, which we will present to them when enough signatures have been collected. We urge you to sign – it takes about three seconds and by doing so, you will be contributing in no small part to preserving 200 years of bespoke tailoring tradition on Savile Row.

A letter has also been written to London Mayor Boris Johnson, in the hope that he will understand how foolhardy this move could be, not only for the future of bespoke tailoring but also for the London tourist industry. Visitors to the capital do not come all the way here, put up with overpriced hotels and an appalling transport system, only to roam aimlessly around the same dull chainstores they can find in any other city in the world. Many of them come to London to see where Beau Brummell had his waistcoats made – which we are pretty certain was not Abercrombie & Fitch.

Honestly, what's next... a bloody McDonald's in The Dorchester?

Sign the petition here: www.petition.co.uk/save-savile-row-from-abercrombie-fitch

Hobbit House in the Cotswolds

A while ago I posted about this very unusual 'hobbit house' in a secret location in the Cotswolds. Although no one has yet been able to pinpoint the location, I thought people might enjoy some more news on the house.



If you know where it is, please share- I'm sure there are some well-mannered ramblers here that would love a look!

An update on "The Beast of Stroud"

There have been two very contradictory pieces of news regarding the so-called Beast of Stroud this past week.  Firstly, the DNA that was taken at the site of the deer killings has been analysed and was revealed to be that of a fox (see the article here).  Surprising as it may seem, fox have been known to attack and eat deer (and, hey, why not a wallabe?).

At the same time, a video has turned up in The Sun (certainly the least credible paper in the UK), showing two scientists viewing a "big cat" caught on tape, then verifying that it is indeed some much-larger-than-normal feline.  The video is here.... you be the judge!

The Wildcat of Woodchester

For those of you who enjoy tales of the supernatural, or just the bloody weird, read on.  You may recall the old story of The Beast of Gloucester, a legendary big cat that roamed the Cotswolds killing big game (deer, cattle, etc.).  There is a good thread about the Beast here:  http://tinyurl.com/747on65  Anyways, it seems there could be a new big cat stalking the wolds, now being referred to as either The Wildcat of Woodchester or The Beast of Stroud.

 I’m sure these reports should be taken with a grain of salt, but they do make interesting reading.  The past week there have been articles filling up many UK papers about a host of attacks in the Cotswolds that are being attributed to a big cat.  Along with a series of deer kills, there was an incident where three wallabies (held in a private farm) were eaten, despite being kept behind a seven foot fence.  DNA tests are being carried out right now to confirm whether the killer was a cat, so watch this space.

Big cat sightings in the area are rather common, with over 75 sightings being logged by local police between 2005 and 2011 in the areas between Stroud Common and Woodchester (see the list here http://tinyurl.com/73pco5x)  A full article in the Daily Mail is here: http://tinyurl.com/7vyyh8b

The suspicion, as with most big cat stories, is that some fool illegally bought a panther, jaguar, or similar as a pet and then let it loose, or it escaped.  If you have any stories of sightings, theories, etc., please do share them!

Enchanted Woodland Christmas at Westonbrit

The Enchanted Christmas will return this year with a new children's winter wonderland, the magical illuminated trail route through the Old Arboretum and gifts and festive fare.

Pre-book now!

Book in advance online or call 03000 680400 (booking fee applies). You can also buy tickets on site from the Forest Shop.

The Enchanted Christmas takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 25 November - 18 December 2011.
5.00 - 8.30pm (last entry at 7.15pm). Adults £9, concessions £8, children £5.

Meet Father Christmas and his real reindeer at the big switch-on, Friday 25 November at 4.45pm!

Meet Westonbirt Arboretum's special Father Christmas, his helpers and real reindeer at our launch event.
You have the chance to become one of Father Christmas' helpers by entering our Christmas poster competition - find out more here.

Taking the trail

The illuminated trail is approximately one mile long and follows the hard paths of the Old Arboretum. These paths are accessible for buggies, wheelchairs and electric scooters which can be booked in advance by calling 01666 881218.
Sorry, dogs (except assistance dogs) are not allowed on the trail because it is in the Old Arboretum, our dog free zone.

NEW Children's winter wonderland

The Education Centre will be transformed into a wintry delight with snow, icicles and festive decorations. Take part in Christmas crafts, find out about winter customs, learn about the history of Christmas trees.

Courtyard

Here you can find all the caterers serving food ranging from BBQ, burgers and chips, mulled wine and mince pies. We will also have a children's carousel, a traditional sweet stall and hot roasted chestnuts. Every evening, you will find a choir singing, you will also be able to meet our special Father Christmas and our Christmas stilt walker. 

Friends' Friday admission offer

On Fridays, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum members will receive a 50% discount on the full ticket price. Children (under 19s) accompanying parent/ guardian members go free.

Discounted entry for pre-booked groups

Special admission rates for groups of over 10 people apply. Visit ourgroup travel pages, call 01666 881200 or e-mailhelen.d.daniels@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Christmas tree sales

Real Christmas trees and wreaths are for sale from the opening night of the Enchanted Christmas event. Available from the Westonbirt Plant Centre(01666 880544).

Christmas gifts

Discover great gift ideas in the Christmas Market and Forest Shop. Both stay open until 8.30pm each evening.

Eat, drink and be merry

Extend the festivities by booking a two-course Christmas Carvery at Maples Restaurant.
- £16.95 for adults and children aged 8 years and above
- £8.95 for children under 7 years
- under 3s eat free
Served between 5.30pm-7.30pm. Advance booking required, call 01666 880064.
Caterers will also be available in the Courtyard Café area, selling hog roast, BBQ plus hot and cold drinks.

NEW for 2011 - Christmas Carvery and trail ticket package

Pre-book our Maples Carvery festive package and receive a discount on your Enchanted Christmas illuminated trail ticket!
- Adult £23.95 (save £2)
- Concession £22.95 (save £1)
- Child 8-16 £20.95 (save £1)
- Child 5-7 £12.95 (save £1)
- Child 3-4 £8.95 (paying for meal only)
- Child 0-2 Free
Booking of the trail and meal package is only available via the Box Office on 03000 680400. This special package rate has limited availability and is not applicable with the half price Friends tickets on Fridays. See the terms and conditions for more details.

Christmas choirs

Local choirs gather visitors in festive spirit, singing well known classics and modern Christmas carols.

4th North Cotswold Beer Festival!

The is coming Friday and Saturday (23rd & 24th September 2011) promises to be a banner weekend.... provided you make it down to the North Cotswold Beer Festival, compliments of the good people at  North Cotswolds CAMRA.


The Festival takes place at the Moreton-in-Marsh Cricket Club.


At your service are over 50 Real Ales and Ciders.  Food, including breakfast, will be served, there will be live entertainment Friday night and Saturday, and camping is available.  The current list of ales and ciders planned for the festival is here.


Friday's performance will be by renowned folk rock artists The Roving Crows, and some of the band members will also play during the day on Saturday.  Saturday night will feature local Gloucestershire rock/pop cover band Zool.


The Festival runs 6pm - 11pm on Friday and Noon -  11pm on Saturday, and admission is £3 + £2 for your souvenir pint glass.  CAMRA members enter for free.


To gain free entry as a CAMRA member you must be in possession of a valid membership card.

On payment of the entry cost, a souvenir glass will be required for an additional £2. If you return your glass a refund of £1 will be given (The other £1 goes towards washing the glass etc before it can be re-used), You will also need to purchase Beer Tokens. (No cash sales at the bar). Any unused tokens can be exchanged back for cash, or donated to charity.

Car parking £1 per car (Free for staff pass holders).

Camping cost will be £4 per night, and £6 per caravan or Mobile Home (Free for helpers).

Showers will be available in the pavilion from 10 am to 11:30 am for men, 11:30 am till 2 pm for ladies.

There will be a Saturday late bus departing the Festival going to Cheltenham. Departing 8 pm & 10 pm.  To book your seat, contact Martyn Herbert.

Hope you can make it & Happy Drinking!