Eastleach our home in the Cotswolds countryside

Cheqs Magazine – August 2021

Welcome to the August edition of the new CHEQS Magazine!  Your community magazine – supported by representatives of the five village communities, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Quenington, East­leach and Southrop.


Hello from… Kelly Smith

Kelly Simth

I feel very privileged to have been asked to write this piece. Having moved to Southrop only a few years ago with my husband and two small children (our youngest, Rupert, is in the photo), we’ve become highly involved with life in the village and met some wonderful and interesting people. I’m the current Chair of Southrop School PTA as well as more recently becoming the General Manager of Friends of Fairford and Lechlade Communities.

In my ‘spare’ time I have created a small business aptly named ‘Kelly in the Cotswolds’. Just after having our first child, I felt like I needed to find some ‘me’ time and an outlet for my creativity was born! I love making things from fabric: quilts from baby clothes, personalised bunting, birthday badges and sashes, plus lots more! You can see more at www.FollyViewSouthrop.com

Since being at university, I have always found volunteering to be an important part of my life – whether fundraising, promoting a campaign, or simply helping a friend. I thoroughly believe in the power of the volunteer and the positive impact that giving your time can have. It can make a huge difference to the lives of others, no matter how big or small your contribution.

Throughout the CHEQS villages there are pockets of activity that can only happen due to local support and the volunteers holding them together. Although Covid has stopped many planned events, there are so many people still putting time and effort in behind the scenes to ensure that all organisations can and WILL come back successfully – to anyone and everyone doing this, we thank you. You are maintaining the foundations of village life and creating a community in which we can support each other, while enjoying the beautiful place in which we live.

I love the idea of empowering people to believe in themselves, and helping them reach their full potential. Volunteering can be a great way
to achieve this, revealing new skills and increasing confidence, benefitting both individuals and the wider community, so it’s a win-win! So, if you have the time and energy, I encourage you to use your power, and volunteer. It’s a great way to meet people and it’s good for the soul


Margaret Stranks – Editor

Click Here to read this months magazine, online

CHEQS Archive can be found here.

steve clarke
Author: steve clarke