To celebrate World Photo Day we thought we would share some of our pictures that we think best sum up the Cotswolds. Farming This harvest image was taken near Stow on the Wold during the lovely recent weather, Horses With many yards and Cheltenham Racecourse on our doorstep, horse racing is very popular in the Cotswolds! This was taken at Jonjo O'Neill Racing in 2015! Landmarks It is almost impossible to take a bad picture at Broadway Tower but this is one of our favourites with the low clouds in the distance hovering over the Vale of Evesham. Giffords Circus Taken at their 2015 production - Moon Songs. We are always amazed how they transform a tent in a field into a magical arena! Awesome Doors There are many quirly looking doors all over the Cotswolds! This one at St Edward's Church is one of Stow on the Wold's best kept secrets Quirky Events There are many quirky events around the Cotswolds including Wool Sack Races, Football in the River and Cheese Rolling. This was taken at the Cotswold Olympiks in Chipping Campden! Wildlife This is William - Broadway Tower's resident stag! A Good Local You are spoilt for choice when it comes to good pubs in the Cotswolds! Quaint Cottages The Cotswolds is full of stunning houses. This one can be found in Bourton on the Water! A Good Bonfire Night Many towns and villages make a huge effort on Bonfire Night! This was taken in Stow on the Wold last year! Local Produce In every town and many villages you will find lots of delicious local food and drink! Sunsets This stunning sunset was taken at The Big Feastival 2015! Views There are amazing views all around the Cotswolds! All images taken by The Cotswolds Gentleman
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My wife and I have been staying in the Little Rissington since April and until last week there was one very important piece of The Cotswolds we were yet to experience, Gifford’s Circus. Since arriving in England and finding ourselves in the unique world that is The Cotswolds, time after time we have been told that we must go to Gifford’s. Now I’ll be honest, the idea of a circus didn’t overly tickle my fancy. When I think of a circus I think of a sad looking clown (probably with a flower on his top that squirts water) and some even sadder looking animals. Well, never have I been happier to eat my own words! We were met in the field of the Barringtons by vintage wagons selling fairy floss (or candy floss as the English call it), popcorn, pizza and lollies. We wandered about the field and took in our surroundings as we waited to be granted access to the big top tent. As we entered the tent I was impressed by the set and surprised by the space inside. It felt like they had used an undetectable extension charm, like something out of Harry Potter. We carefully chose our seats, near the front and in the middle, but hopefully in a spot that wouldn’t have us selected for any audience participation. It wasn’t long before we finally met Tweedy. He was the Gifford’s staple that we were told would be the highlight. Let me establish something early... I hate clowns. In fact, I might even be scared of them. Their creepy make up, massive shoes and wigs just don’t sit well with me. All in all they just seem awkward. I’m happy to admit Tweedy is the exception to my hatred of clowns. Thankfully he didn’t have any of the above mentioned shoes, wig and makeup combination. Most importantly, he was incredibly fun. He had a cheer about him that seemed completely genuine and was unbelievably contagious. He did the opposite of any other clown and made me feel comfortable, almost to the point of being willing to join in if asked upon, almost! For the next hour we were enthralled by whip cracking, singing, dancing and a small array of happy (thank goodness) looking animals. Even intermission provided a highlight for us, with a good old-fashioned English cup of tea (poured from an enormous Emma Bridgewater pot) and some banana cake. The second act was when Gifford’s really began to shine. The performances went up to another level with juggling, some sort of rug twirling that was quite incredible and amazing acrobatics. Tweedy again provided great entertainment and kept the crowd laughing throughout. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the whole show was the genuine enjoyment the performers seemed to have in doing what they do. It was completely contagious and had everybody in the crowd smiling and laughing from start to finish. The conclusion of the show highlighted this more so than any other moment, with the entire cast dancing as they thanked the crowd. Gifford’s Circus well and truly lived up to the hype and is an experience I will forever recommend to any friend that visits The Cotswolds. A win for Gifford’s and a win for clowns everywhere!
Cameron Taylor |
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