Cotswold Link November 2011

NovemberDecember2011

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inside Your Cotswold

Bourton late night poster 2011 v2

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New to the Cotswolds

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The Bourton on the Water Traditional Christmas Fayre

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We showcase several new & exciting businesses across the Cotswolds

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40 Years in The Dolls House Celebrating 40 years of The Dolls House in Northleach

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Turning on the Christmas Tree lights at 6pm

Friday 2nd December 2011

Bourton Traditional Christmas Fayre

Please ask inside for a leaflet www.bourtoninfo.com

Visit the “The Venice of the Cotswolds” this Christmas

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Christmas Decorations from the garden

Great ideas for home-grown decorations

5travel

Viva Las Vegas!

14 local news

Become an Energy Neighbourhood

12 local news

Local people urged to have seasonal vaccinations

16-17 education

‘Help, I can’t do Maths!’

18-19 leisure

Out & About this Winter

22 local news

Corinium Museum News

26 the cotswold sky

NEW

26 competition

Distribution p33

Your chance to win with Gloucester Rugby

33 cotswold link A Christmas Gift from Your Cotswold

34 cotswold link Index

The Andromeda Galaxy

I hope that you enjoy this edition of Your Cotswold . In March we are expanding the distribution so please see page 33 for more details. Please contact us if you would like to advertise your business in this publication.

Best wishes, t: 01609 777401 www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Christine Campbell Editor

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Sue’s

TopTravelTips In this issue...

Viva Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is probably the most spectacular, exciting and entertaining city in the world. A city that has all the travel amenities that only a complete resort destination can offer: luxurious casino hotels, fine dining, world-class live entertainment and state of the art convention and show facilities.

Everything you would expect from a fantastic metropolis and more is right here for your travel pleasure, Vegas has something for everyone.

Recognized all over the world, the famous Las Vegas strip is where tourists can enjoy a walk in the warm desert evening or take a stroll downtown and view a dazzling light show that spans the entire street. Here are five musts to add to your Vegas list:

1.

Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas – 460 feet above the strip this half-size Parisian replica is possibly the best view of the city.

TIP – best place to view the Bellagio water fountain show every 15 -30 mins from noon.

2.

CityCenter – 18 million square foot is the largest environmentally mixed-use development in the world. Art lovers with appreciate the uberchic design and a Label fanatics paradise.

TIP – free CityCenter Tram gets you from Monte Carlo to the Bellagio in 3 minures!

3. Mind Blowing Shows – Whether is Celine Dion or Cirque de Soleil there is bound to be a show that suits.

TIP – Find up to the minute deals, specials and show news following @vegas on Twitter.

4. Las Vegas Welcome

Sign – It’s Vegas, baby!

Snapping the 50 year old sign is a time-honoured tradition.

TIP – The best photo opp is from the 12-car parking lot at the foot of the sign.

5. Fremont Street Experience – the open air

pedestrian mall links the iconic Four Queens, Binions and the Golden Nugget. Its hallmark 90-foot LED canopy features that are awesome!

TIP – Spend an evening in the adjacent Fremont East District with its assortment of live-music venues & nightclubs.

CONTACT THE TEAM • Bourton-on-the-Water

• Chipping Norton

Moore Road t: 01451 822 048 10, Middle Row t: 01608 641 983

www.carricktravel.com

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New businesses & services come to the

Cotswolds

New Businesses & services we’re introducing:

• Batsford Arboretum NEW! Cafe, Garden Centre & Gift Shop

New Café, Garden Centre & Plant Centre & Gift shop Batsford arboretum is cared for by a non- profit making charitable trust.

The new magnificent centre built by local craftsmen has just been completed and contains under one roof a café, garden and plant centre arboretum entrance and large gift shop.

The building adopts a contemporary style which both compliments and respects the surrounding historic landscape.

Completely new to the Cotswolds this unique and beautiful building fits in perfectly with the peaceful and tranquil setting of the arboretum.

• Cherrypick Dating NEW! Internet Introduction Service

• Leah’s Mobile Hairdressing NEW! Business

Open daily from 10am - 5pm Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos.

GL56 9AB Tel: 01386 701441 www.batsarb.co.uk

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please contact

You can also email: Christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk or visit our website at: www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

• Tax Assist NEW! Business

Cherrypick Dating “I set up Cherrypick Dating in 2009 because I felt that there was very little choice for people living in the cotswolds when it came to dating; I realised I could use my knowledge and experience to help others. I decided to combine private introductions, internet dating and singles’ social events to help people find someone special. I give people practical help and support on how to date successfully and safely; whether they chose to become a private client, date on line or come along to our singles’ networking events; there is something for everyone and for all ages.

The majority of my clients are over 40; my oldest client is 70 and I have had clients in their 30s but whatever their age; people still find dating daunting for one reason or another, especially if a long-standing relationship has recently ended. For instance; it can be very tough for people who have been bereaved, it can take up to three years or longer for some people to feel the time is right to move forward. People usually turn to me for one-to-one support and I sometimes recommend my Private Client service because clients know I interview all potential candidates in their homes and check personal identification. My clients know that the person I introduce them to on a first date is; who they say they are.

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I have found that there are a lot of people who want to do internet dating but are put off by the stories they have read in the press about people being “scammed” for money. Other people just lack the computer skills or confidence to navigate around a site or don’t understand how to up-load a photo.

However it’s not for everyone and some people prefer a more “natural” approach so I also host regular networking events for single people who are perhaps stepping out into the singles arena for the first time. People can come along to the events meet other single people who may have had similar experiences and there is no pressure to date; it can be a great first step in building-up confidence.

If you would like to find out how I can help you find that someone special then please get in touch likewise; if you would like help with a particular “dating issue” and need a bit of advice; I am sure I can help. I’m not a dating fairy godmother and I don’t wave a magic wand but I can help you get ready for the ball, help you arrive safely and I can help you to kiss the prince or princess and maybe spot the frog.”

I look forward to hearing from you, Lynette Berry (Director) info@cherrypick-introductions.com 07540 802 118

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Something for everyone...

Local mobile hairdresser Leah Wilmer is looking to expand her customer base across the Cotswolds. Having spent 10 years working in a Cheltenham salon, Leah made the decision to go mobile earlier this year and is already enjoying great local support.

Leah tells us more, “I can offer something for everyone in terms of hair styles, and colouring. My clients range from 16 year olds wanting the latest styles through to more mature ladies. I am highly experienced in Bridal hairdressing to ensure the bridal party look truly gorgeous on the big day!”

Leah prides herself on offering a professional, friendly and reliable service across the Cotswolds. ..............................................................................................................

For more details call Leah on: 07774 362850 or email her at: lezu19@hotmail.com

Tax doesn’t have to be taxing for small businesses Small business champion, Roger Mills, launched TaxAssist Accountants in Bourton-on-the-Water earlier this year, offering small local businesses a dedicated support service.

After more than 20 years running small businesses, Roger set up the TaxAssist Accountants on Bourton Industrial Park, to offer specialist tax and accountancy advice tailored to local small businesses.

He comments; “Over the years I have developed a good understanding of what it takes for a business to survive and the support necessary for it to thrive. Recognising that there was a real need for a dedicated support service for small companies, I set up the business in the hope that the services we offer will really benefit local businesses. Feedback so far has been really positive and we have already had more than 25 small local businesses turn to us for support.”

This January, HMRC is introducing stiff new penalties for late returns and with the deadline fast approaching; small business owners should make tracks to complete their self assessment tax returns now to avoid hefty fines.

“The start of the year can be a hectic time for small businesses. People start making plans to redecorate and make a change, so local traders in particular are in big demand. Before you know it, the deadline for payments and returns is looming. Unless you want to needlessly lose a significant amount of your hard-earned income to the taxman, my advice is to keep on top of your tax return and payment deadlines.”

TaxAssist Accountants on Bourton Industrial Park specialises in providing accountancy services, tax returns, payroll, bookkeeping, tax savings and tax advice to small businesses and sole traders in Bourton-on-theWater and the surrounding areas.

Call Roger on 01451 824094 for more details.

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Become an Energy Neighbourhood & watch your bills go down Could yours be the best energy saving community? Become part of your own energy neighbourhood and watch your bills go down.

Severn Wye Energy Agency and Cotswold District Council are looking for groups of households to get involved in their successful Energy Neighbourhoods competition. In taking part your team will be competing against neighbourhoods in both the UK and 15 other European countries to see who can make the greatest energy savings by simply changing the way they do things around the home.

Participants will get the help and encouragement they need to lead a lower energy lifestyle and by working as part of a team the challenge becomes a united effort! The competition will run from 1 December 2011 until 31 March 2012. During this period all neighbourhoods will save as much energy as possible, taking meter readings to help them gauge the savings they are making. There will be fun community events organised to help support and encourage all those taking part.

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The term neighbourhood does not mean you all need to be neighbours, you can be a group of individuals from a club or society - the last UK winning team were a primary school PTA. The important point is that you all see each other regularly so as to share your energy saving experiences.

Kaye Welfare, Assistant Chief Executive of Severn Wye said “Energy Neighbourhoods is a fun competition that helps people to make genuine changes to the way they use energy around the home without significantly changing their lifestyle, helping to reduce their impact on the environment and their energy bills.”

If you would like to take part or would like more information visit the Severn Wye website www.swea. co.uk or contact Karen Robinson, Karen@swea.co.uk.

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£105.00 £180.00 Call 01609 777401 today for free advertisement design & Royal Mail delivery to over 12,700 homes & businesses!

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Pregnant? 65 & Over?

Local people urged to have seasonal flu vaccination As winter approaches, local GPs and NHS Gloucestershire are urging residents who are most at risk of developing complications from seasonal flu not to delay getting their free vaccination.

For most people, seasonal flu is unpleasant but not serious. However, certain people are at greater risk of developing complications as a result of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which may require hospital treatment.

Flu is responsible for the deaths of around 8,000 people in the UK a year.

The seasonal flu vaccination is offered free of charge to people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and people with a chronic illness (such as diabetes, heart disease or any other long term condition). You should also have a flu vaccination if you live in a long-stay residential or nursing home or are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill. The vaccine is now available.

Dr Helen Miller, GP in Gloucester and Chair of the Clinical Commissioning Group said: ‘Having an annual flu vaccination is extremely important if you fall into any of the high risk groups. Not only will it help protect you from flu viruses, it could keep you out of hospital and may save your life.

People who are eligible to receive the seasonal flu jab will be contacted directly by their GP surgery and should be able to make an appointment.

If you haven’t been contacted and you think that you or a person you look after should have the vaccination, I would encourage you to contact your local surgery to seek their advice and arrange an appointment if appropriate. It is also very important that all health and social care workers have the flu vaccination to protect themselves and the people they care for, from flu.’

Dr Shona Arora, Joint Director of Public Health for NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council, added: ‘It is vital that people who are eligible for the flu jab get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure they are protected before the flu season starts. If there is a flu outbreak and you’re not already vaccinated, then you’re not protected.’

Councillor Andrew Gravells, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “For most of us, getting the flu makes us feel very unwell but we’re fine again after a few days. However, for older people and others in high risk groups, it could potentially be very serious. So, if you’re in one of these groups, or you work closely with people who could be vulnerable to developing complications from the flu, it’s vital to have a flu jab. It’s free to those who qualify, and it will only take a few minutes out of your day, but it could save a life.”

If you have any questions about whether you need the flu jab or other concerns, talk to your GP or ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. For further information about how to protect yourself and your family this winter visit www.nhs.uk/winterhealth

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For Adults Only “Help I can’t do Maths” A great number of adults admit to having had difficulties at school in learning Maths. Over a period of years the mind matures and many can now understand and work out what they now consider basic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Even percentages come as a second nature over the years as do 2 for 1 and 3 for 2 offers.

But there are still many who find Maths difficult. I have met people who in conversation have no difficulty with the shopping situation of calculating percentages and yet when confronted with similar calculations written on paper their minds are completely blank.

WHY? The most important subject that you, the readers have ever been taught is not Maths but English. Before you can run you need the ability to walk, in other words you need the ability to be able to read and interpret questions in mathematics and this is one of the reasons why Maths problems become difficult.

Do not be embarrassed by your weakness: • Remember that education does not finish once you have left school.

• You are not alone; there are many people who have similar problems who want to improve their skills.

• There are Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy (ALAN) courses available, in which one can study to obtain a certificate. However; if you do not wish to have the pressures of examinations, you may just take the course to fulfil your own satisfaction.

Where to find advice • Contact your local council. For example Gloucestershire County Council has 10,000 adults attending an extraordinary variety of courses.

There are numerous organisations and internet sites that offer courses and examination papers, these include: • Edexcel www.edexcel.com/quals/skillsforlife/alan • Maths Made Easy www.mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/ALAN-keyskills.htm • Skills Workshop w w w. s k i l l s w o r k shop.org/numeracy

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Attempt these questions without the use of a calculator

1 Underline the numbers that are multiples of 3 27, 50, 78, 97, 57, 92, 61,

2 In a survey it was found that 30%

of English football fans support a Premiership team. Half support a football league team. The rest support a non league team. What proportion of fans support a non league team? Give your answer as a decimal.

3

Your monthly mobile phone charges are calculated using the following formula:Cost = ÂŁ12 + ÂŁ0.10 x minutes used How much will it cost for:a) 15 minutes use__________ b) 60 minutes use__________ c) 105 minutes use_________

4 How many:

a) mm in a cm_____________ b) cm in a metre? __________ c) metres in 1km___________ d) mm in 1km? ____________

Answers on page 34.

Wishing you all a Happy Festive Season John Harris

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Out and about

this winter 11th - 13th November • The Open, Cheltenham Cheltenham Racecourse The Open at Cheltenham Racecourse, is three days of the best that racing has to offer and is the biggest and most important meeting of the first half of the Jumps season anywhere in the country. It provides thrilling competition between many of the best Jump horses in Europe, large and enthusiastic crowds creating a special atmosphere. www.cheltenham.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

12th November • Prize Bingo St. Davids Centre Moreton in Marsh Doors open: 7pm. Eyes down 8pm. Raffle, teas coffees and cakes on sale. To raise money for Moreton in Marsh Playgroup ......................................................................................................................

15th - 19th November • Charity Tea Party Good Food Barn Tearooms Enjoy a set tea party menu for two in our Good Food Barn Tearooms, and £1 from every pack will be donated to the Meningitis Trust UK. Pack includes pot of tea or cafeteria of coffee, a round of freshly made sandwiches, fruit scone served with Jersey cream and Oxfordshire jam, cheese scone served with butter and two slices of homemade cake, your selection. Menu cost - £10 (for two people).

Call: 01993 867385 for more details. www.foxburyfarm.co.uk | shop@foxburyfarm.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

18th November

Networking Events for Single People

• Masquerade Ball Hatherley Manor Hotel, Down Hatherley, GL2 9QA - £25. 8pm For further information please call 07540 802 118 info@cherrypick-introductions.com ......................................................................................................................

19th November • Christmas At The Castle Hatherop Castle School - 10am to 4pm Join us at Hatherop Castle School for a great day out with over 40 hand-picked stall holders offering irresistible gift ideas for Christmas. Alongside gifts, will be fabulous clothing, fashion accessories and original jewellery, plus beautiful homeware products, bestselling books, stationery, toys and games, as well as gourmet food and fine wine. Relax in our Christmas Cafe and enjoy mulled wine, cakes, coffee and much more. Hatherop Castle School will be raising funds for Helen and Douglas House, a local charity providing hospice and palliative care for children and young adults. Visit their stall on the day for pocket money toys and games for children, gifts and beautiful jewellery. Tickets on the door: entrance fee £5.00 (50% goes to Helen and Douglas House). Children under 14 are free. www.hatheropcastle.co.uk .......................................................................................................................

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27th November • Aldsworth Christmas Fayre Aldsworth Village Hall From 11am to 3pm. As last year, the focus is on local businesses and produce for the local community as Christmas presents or food ideas. www.aldsworthvillage.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

2nd December • Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping 5.30 - 8.30 pm A host of festivities for all the family including carol singers, swing band, horse & carriage rides, street entertainers, pig roast, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and much, much more! ......................................................................................................................

9th December • North Cotswold Rotary Club’s Annual Christmas Charity Band Concert The Cotswold School, Bourton on the Water - 7.30pm Tickets £10 (to include mulled wine & mince pies) Reserved Seats from Christmas Corner, Bourton on the Water or Telephone: 01451 822622 (day) .....................................................................................................................

10th December 2011 • Father Christmas Grotto Foxbury Farm Time: 2pm to 5pm Come and visit Father Christmas in his grotto surrounded by his Foxbury Farm Friends including Mickey the Donkey and Ben the Pygmy Goat. Cost: £5.00 per child, includes a present from Father Christmas Foxbury Farm, Burford Road, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3NX 01993 867385 | www.foxburyfarm.co.uk | shop@foxburyfarm.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

10th - 11th December • The International, Cheltenham Cheltenham Racecourse.

A wonderful two days of the highest class action, featuring one of the most valuable hurdle races of the entire season in Europe. The StanJames.com International Hurdle, a hugely significant race in its own right, is one of the leading trials for the Champion Hurdle at The Festival. www.cheltenham.co.uk ......................................................................................................................

The editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to the events listed. All events are correct at time of going to print.

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40 YEARS IN THE DOLLS HOUSE 1

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A small shop in Northleach is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Michal Morse opened her dolls’ house shop, the first of its kind in the country, back in October 1971, in a quiet corner of Marylebone.

Later she was invited to join

an interesting selection of independent shops in Covent Garden, when the wholesale fruit and vegetable market had moved out, and spent fifteen years there from 1980-95, finally moving to the Cotswolds.

The hobby has grown - and as she warns visitors, it is very infectious!

The miniatures appeal to all ages, from three to ninety-three; you can find tiny plates of food, elegant antique style furniture, as well as robust furniture and dolls’ houses for children. Houses range in price from £40 to £1600, and copies of real houses can be commissioned.

their period. They may have been used to instruct small girls in housekeeping skills. but were not considered as children’s playthings until the nineteenth century, when they were handmade by toymakers, as described by Dickens, until mass-production took over.

Until the late 1960s only antique dolls’ houses or current mass-produced furniture and houses for children were available for collectors, now there is an overwhelming selection of handmade and massproduced (from the Far East) furniture, all in realistic antique styles, in the scale of 1inch=1 foot. To encourage customers to furnish a house in a particular period, Michal wrote ‘Decorate a Doll’s House’, showing details of eight houses from 1630s to modern day, some of them on display in her shop. This followed earlier books ‘Build a Doll’s House’ and ‘Furnish a Doll’s House’.

Open Saturdays 10-5, and most Thursdays & Fridays, please ring to check.

Dolls’ houses have been collected since the mid-seventeenth century, furnished with fine replicas of

THE DOLLS HOUSE MARKET PLACE, NORTHLEACH, nr CHELTENHAM, GL54 3EJ Telephone/Fax 01451 860431 dollshouse@northleach.wyenet.co.uk www.the-dollshouse.co.uk

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Bourton-on-the-Water

Traditional Christmas Fayre Friday 2nd December from 6:00pm onwards

Bourton on the Water is a beautiful village at any time of the year, it’s not known as “The Venice of the Cotswolds” for nothing; but at our annual Christmas evening it has an extra special beauty with our Christmas tree in the river - the profusion of lights reflecting in the rippling water creating a scene never to be forgotten.

The shops and restaurants all emanate a warm glow from within as shoppers happily choose gifts for their loved ones, served by shopkeepers and stall holders in traditional costumes, whilst the smell of hot mince pies, mulled wine and pork rolls stuffed with apple sauce waft across the green. The sounds of the barrel organ, carol singing and the silver band can be heard behind the happy chattering of excited children waiting to see Santa,.

There will be a fabulous selection of bespoke shops, boutiques and stalls offering a fantastic range of gifts for friends and family of all ages, with quaint tea rooms, stylish restaurants, bistros and bars, and food/drink stalls includinga traditional Hog Roast.

We will also have Santa’s Grotto, kiddies roundabout, Christmas raffle with huge range of prizes and FREE street entertainment to include a children’s entertainer, a stilt walking reindeer, silver band, barrel organ, town crier, and a snow machine though we may be lucky enough not to need it!

The Bourton on the Water Traditional Christmas Fayre is a must for everyone who loves the yuletide season, with the senses attacked by a multitude of festive sights, sounds, smells and taste. After attending this evening you will know that your Christmas has really begun.

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News

Corinium Museum

November & December at The Corinium Museum The Corinium Museum has a myriad of lectures, exhibitions and events planned for the coming winter season.

As Imogen Harvey-Lewis’s Bestia exhibition closes on 19th November, the Museum’s exhibition space will be given over to the beauty of stone.

Distillation and Synthesis is the title of a sculptural exhibition by artist Pam Harmer. Pam will exhibit some of her intricately carved stonework alongside drawings which inspire the pieces. Pam started out as a painter but moved to three dimensional work when she left college in 1976. The exhibition runs from 26th November to 7th January.

Putting aside the commercial hustle and bustle this talk offers a quiet and thoughtful celebration of Christmas.

Mail stamps, commissioned by The Palace of Westminster, and examples of his work are held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Over at the Moreton Area Centre, Tim will repeat the above afternoon talk about Medieval Forests on 9th November and on the 15th December, he will explore the Saint Nicholas of old with his reputation for miracles, pilgrimage and his eventual confusion with Santa Claus.

Leave your red bobble hat at home and join us for this strangely seasonal event answering the question Who Was St. Nicholas?

Stamps by Jake Sutton © Jake Sutton

Treasure of the Month at the Corinium Museum explores the First century occupation of the Roman military in Cirencester. So, join Ben Harridge to discover more about the Roman Military Tombstones and what clues they provide about the Roman army.

Dr Steven Blake is our guest speaker for our last evening lecture before the seasonal break in December. Dr Blake will be looking at the variety and craftsmanship of Fonts in Gloucestershire Churches citing some wonderful and unusual examples along the

way. Dr Blake worked at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum for over 30 years as their Museum and Collections Manager. This evening lecture takes place on Thursday 24th November from 7- 8.30pm.

For our younger museum visitors there will be the increasingly popular Christmas trail alongside family drop in workshops. Come along and create mock stained glass decorations on 19th and 20th, stretchy reindeers on 21st and winter mosaics on 29th December. If you’re in need of a break from Christmas shopping, call into the museum for some seasonal arty fun!

For More Details...

Telephone: 01285 655 611 museums@cotswold.gov.uk Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX

Distillation & Synthesis

As popular as ever local historian Tim Porter will return to the Museum to deliver three lectures during November and December. Explore the beauty and mystery of the greenwood forest as depicted in romantic stories such as Robin Hood. Hear about the people, management, landscape and laws of the Medieval Forests on 3rd November from 2pm to 4pm. On 17th November, we invite you to explore The Landscape of English Music exploring how composers like Gurney, VaughanWilliams, Holst and Elgar, used the countryside landscapes to inspire their musical score. This talk, using slide illustrations entwined musical interludes evokes the beauty of the countryside landscape and seeks to unravel some of the mystery behind the music. To celebrate the wonders of Christmas, Tim looks at the interpretation of the Nativity in Medieval Art on the 8th December.

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Roman Military Tombstone

The Corinium Museum’s series of History of Art lectures continue through November and December when local artist Jake Sutton returns to talk about his 30 year professional painting career on 18th November followed by an investigation of the Western European painting tradition on the 2nd December. Jake Sutton i s o n e o f B r i t a i n ’s l e a d i n g c o n t e m porary painters, regularly exhibiting in London since 1977, and enjoying many sell-out shows. His work has been celebrated on Royal

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Christmas decorations

from the garden The more you can pick from your garden, collect in a wood or harvest from the hedgerow to decorate your house at Christmas the better.

Garden seed heads

Among my favourite gardenharvested Christmas decorations are allium seed heads that have been sprayed crimson or silver.

Their structure is complex yet simple: a ray of narrow stems, each ending in a flower and seed head. This combination creates a good silhouette.

Bell-shaped opium poppy seed heads are also ideal. Spray-paint them and link one with another into a long ribbon chain to hang over mantelpieces, around doors and down the length of your table.

When spraying anything, wear gloves, ensure good ventilation and use acres of newspaper. If you forget (as I did) and your fingers get covered in silver, clean them with a mix of two tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of lemon juice and one of olive oil. Forget soap - this

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home-made remedy gets almost anything off your hands.

Globe artichokes

Weighty, chunky globe artichokes are ideal for spray-painting. The paint highlights every wrinkle and ridge and makes them look as if they’ve been cast in silver. You’ll want to pick them up and weigh them in your hand to see if they’re real.

If possible, buy your artichokes when they’re still around in the summer and autumn or, better still, pick them from your garden. Cardoon flower buds will work just as well.

Both should be harvested before they get too blown apart by wind and rain. It doesn’t matter if they’re going brown - you’ll cover them with spray - but make sure they are not too ragged. Cut them with a length of stem and a leaf or two.

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The leaves add a good twist and turn, and provide contrast to the chunky stem. Try to find artichokes or flower buds in different shapes and sizes as this will give your final arrangement more interesting forms and outlines.

Once picked, leave them somewhere airy and cool (not in a damp shed), so they dry out rather than going mouldy. They can be sprayed after a few days. The best colour for artichokes is definitely silver.

S c a t t er t hem over yo ur Ch r ist mas table, or along the length of a mantelpiece or window ledge, or arrange them in a large bowl interspersed with brilliant coloured Christmas baubles.

Chinese lantern chains

For colour, think of growing and collecting brilliant orange Chinese lanterns to combine with fuchsiapink spindle berries, picked from the hedgerow. Bright pink and orange are one of my favourite colour combinations and these foraged seed pods work well together threaded in a chain.

Segment the Chinese lantern stems so that you have one lantern and a bit of stem in each. Then thread these sections on to a length of reel wire. As the stems are almost hollow, this is easy to do. Leave a gap between each lantern and wire the spindle into these. Then brighten and tidy the whole thing by winding ribbon along the length of the chain.

For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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The

Cotswold Sky The Andromeda Galaxy

The Andromeda Galaxy is made up of billions of stars and is the furthest object that can be observed by the human eye; it is so distant that it takes the light about 2.5 Million years to reach Earth so we see Andromeda as it was all those many years ago. Eventually the Milky Way and Andromeda will collide and merge as one, but this will not happen until way beyond the life of our Sun which still has some 5,000 million years of life left in it.

40 minutes prior to sunrise.

Venus – To observe in Venus in November watch it rise in the south west after sunset. By the end of December it will be visible up to 2 hours after sunset.

Saturn - November 22nd at 06.30 look for the waning Moon, to the East of the Moon you will observe Saturn. During December Saturn is observable from about 03.00 hours.

Jupiter is very good for observation during the remainder of the year.

Other Events

Image courtesy of NASA

How to Locate Andromeda 1 Look high in a northerly direction to find the “W” formation of the constellation of Cassiopeia.

2 Locate the square shaped constellation Pegasus.

3 Follow the line of stars between Cassiopeia and Pegasus as in the image to locate Andromeda which is referred to as M31.

Ideally you need to be in an area free of light pollution, it may take a number of attempts and a pair of binoculars may assist in locating the galaxy more quickly.

Diary

November 15th/20th the Leonid Meteors occur between these dates with maximum activity between the 17th and 18th.

December 10th Lunar Eclipse – will only be partially visible in the UK. Will have finished by 17.31, you may see the final penumbral phase prior to this (the Moon will appear reddish).

December 22nd Winter Solstice occurs at 05.30hours, this is when the Sun reaches its most southerly point and is the shortest day of the year.

December 17th /30th Ursids Meteors the maximum activity actually occurs on Christmas Eve and this year the viewing is considered favourable.

Wishing you all a Happy Festive Season - John Harris

Planets Mercury - December 17th – 22nd, Mercury appears approximately

Cotswold Link have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway for Gloucester Rugby’s Heineken Cup match against Connacht Rugby on Saturday 17th December live at Kingsholm.

For your chance of winning answer the following question correctly:

Q: Who is Gloucester Rugby’s head coach?

A) B) C)

Bryan Redpath Carl Hogg Mike Tindall

Please email your entry to: competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk Closing Date: Friday 2nd December.

For more information on tickets and Gloucester Rugby visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

26 Your Cotswold

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For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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28 Your Cotswold

Please mention ”Your Cotswold

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For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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30 Your Cotswold

Please mention ”Your Cotswold

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For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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32 Your Cotswold

Please mention ”Your Cotswold

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A Christmas Gift from

Aston Magna

Your Cotswold homes & businesses

FREE

*

in OX18 (4)!

Contact us today to book your advertisement Christine Editor

March / April 2012

01609 777401 | 07742 595747 Distribution: w/c 5 & 12 Mar ‘12 Copy: 8 February ‘12 christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk

GL56 (9)

Bourton-on-the-hill

Moreton-in-Marsh Longborough

From March 2012 this magazine will be delivered to an extra

2,300

Blockley

evenlode

GL56 (0)

Condicote

Broadwell

GL54 (1)

Winchcombe

Stow-on-the-Wold Icomb naunton

upper slaughter

Whittington notgrove

Dowdswell

Bourton-on-the-Water

GL54 (2) GL54 (4)

Clapton-on-the-hill

turkdean Compton Abdale

GL54 (3)

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Great taynton Barrington

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upton Little Barrington

eastington

Fulbrook

Burford

OX18 (4)

Chedworth

swinbrook

Widford

Westwell signet

Coln st Dennis Aldsworth

holwell Bradwell Grove

shilton

Merry Christmas!

* The additional OX18 (4) distribution will take place at no additional cost to our advertisers and increase the overall distribution to 15,000 homes & businesses

The Cotswold Food Store wins Best Independent Café for 2011 The much loved farm shop and café at Longborough, near Moreton-in-Marsh, received the accolade of Best Independent Café at the inaugural Taste of Gloucestershire Food & Farming Awards held in October.

The Café offers an exceptional all-day menu of breakfast, lunch and light snacks and is re-known for its delicious coffee, teas and homemade cakes and scones.

Ingredients are sourced from local food & drink producers and are available to take-home from the adjoining Food Store as owner Richard Chamberlain explained. “Our Cotswold provenance is strong and very special. We never skimp on ingredients and always buy the best from local producers. Consequently, customers really taste the difference. We also pride ourselves on providing a wonderfully friendly and professional service to all our customers.”

The Cotswold Food Store & Café recently launched its own Loyalty Scheme offering up to 5% off all purchases in both the Café and Food Store. Readers of Cotswold Link are invited to visit the store to collect their card, and to use the extra money off coupon opposite.

For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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38,000 reasons Are youOver advertising in to advertise with us!

Bi-Monthly Royal Mail delivery to over 12,700 homes & businesses!

High Quality

Besides being a medium for our advertisers to showcase their businesses in high quality print, we also include regular features, such as a double page events spread, garden diary and ‘New to the Area’ feature, as well as local stories of interest, to help give our publications retention value.

Great Value

We also know that, particularly in these difficult times, businesses need to spend their advertising budget as wisely as possible and that is why our policy has always been to offer full colour, high quality advertising at black and white prices.

Effective

As more than 70% of our business is repeat business, we know that it works for our advertisers.

Christine Editor

01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk

Art & Antiques

Antique Coin Collector: p5

Architectural Planning Eastabrook Architects: p11 Spirit Architecture: p6

Attractions

Batsford Arboretum: p9 Bourton Victorian Christmas Fayre: p21 Corinium Museum: p22

Builders & Contractors Awkward Excavations: p25 C. Williams Building Maintenance: p26 Country Roofing & Building: p28 Eastabrook Architects: p11 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p6 Just Carpentry & Locks: p25 Loft Company UK: p6 Mustoe’s: p27 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p26 Premier Tiling: p26 Prior Products: p10 Renu Track: p25 Spirit Architecture: p6 Stephen Hill: p14 Thomas Contracting: p25

Business Services

Cotswold Computer Centre: p31 Pendas Computer Services Ltd: p31 Tax Assist: p9

Charities

Helen & Douglas House: p13

Children’s Services

Barn Nursery: p17 Cotswold Tutor: p17 Guiting Manor Nursery: p16 Showcase: p1 Stepping Stones Nursery: p16

Christmas Trees

Dowdeswell Forestry Services: p1

Cleaning Services Casio Oven Clean: p14 Chem Dry: p28 Dial A Dog Wash: p15 Kleen Shine: p28

Dwight

01609 779097 dwight@cotswoldlink.co.uk www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Cook Shop

The Crock Ltd: p2

Counselling & Life Coaching

Is Your Life In Crisis?: p12 Stillwaters: p15 Time For Change Counselling: p18

Education

Barn Nursery: p17 Corinium Museum: p22 Cotswold Tutor: p17 Guiting Manor Nursery: p16 PC Support & Training: p30 Rendcomb College: p17 Stepping Stones Nursery: p16 Youth Education Service: p16

Elderly Services

Hearing & Mobility Store: p12

Electrical Services

Alderminster Electrics: p36 ARC Electrical: p11 Cotswold Aerials: p31 Elecnology: p4 Vision Repairs: p14

Entertainment

Batsford Arboretum: p9 Bourton Victorian Christmas Fayre: p21 Carrick Travel: p5 Corinium Museum: p22 Cotswold Falconry: p20 JDR Karting: p20 Scottish Country Dance Group: p16

Equine

Purple Patch: p15

Fashion & Clothing Chris’ Ladies Fashions: p15

Finance & Legal Tax Assist: p9

January / February 2012 Distribution: w/c 16 Jan ‘12 Copy: 14 December ‘11 ...............................................................

Distribution: w/c 5 & 12 Mar ‘12 Copy: 8 February ‘12 ...............................................................

01904 709462 elspeth@cotswoldlink.co.uk

Cotswold Computer Centre: p31 PC Support & Training: p30 Pendas Computer Services Ltd: p31 Select Systems: p5

...............................................................

March / April 2012

Elspeth

Computers & Internet

When’s the next issue?

May / June 2012 Distribution: w/c 7 & 14 May ‘12 Copy: 11 April ‘12

Food & Drink

Chedworth Farm Shop: p3 Chester House Hotel: p21 Coach & Horses: p18 Cotswold Food Store: p33 Dial House Hotel: p29 Dormy House Hotel: p19 Foxbury Farm Shop: p19 Jeff’s Grimsby Fish: p29 Mrs T. Potts Tearooms: p1 Mulberries Tea Shop: p3 Old Farm: p18 Redesdale Arms: p4 Royal Oak: p11 Simple Suppers: p1 The Lamb Inn: p23 Vine Leaf: p18 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p14

Fuel Supplies

Cotswold Logs: p3 Dowdeswell Forestry Services: p1 South Midland Fuels: p6

Furniture

Armstrong Interiors: p27

Gardening & Hard Landscaping

Awkward Excavations: p25 Dorn Hill Machine Services: p24 Eynsham Park Sawmill: p32 Fosseway Tool Hire: p6 Renu Track: p25 RMH Services: p24 Stephen Hill: p14 Thomas Contracting: p25 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p24 Treetech: p24

Hearing Aids

Hearing & Mobility Store: p12

Heating

Heat Store Ltd: p11 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p6 Fosse Fires: p36

Hire

Dorn Hill Machine Services: p24 Fosseway Tool Hire: p6 Showcase: p1

Home & Interiors

Cherrypick Introductions: p8 Cotswold Dating: p18

Roofing

Country Roofing & Building: p28

Carrick Travel: p5 Stow Taxis: p19

Dream Doors: p36 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p26

Motoring

Little Compton Garages: p29 Never Despair Recycling: p32 Troopers Lodge Garage: p32

ARC Electrical: p11 Heidi Solar: p10

Sports & Leisure Runnerbean: p13

Travel & Tourism Tuition

PC Support & Training: p30 Sewing Tuition: p31

Windows

Milena Windows: p35 Prior Products: p10

Oven Services

Casio Oven Clean: p14 Cookers & Co: p6

Painters & Decorators Cotswold Decorators: p27 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p26 Stephen Hill: p14

Property Maintenance

Charles Wright Massage: p15 Unwinding: p13

Romance

Kitchen Design & Installation

Hair & Beauty Healthcare & Wellbeing

Joe Gilder: p32 Never Despair Recycling: p32

Solar Energy

Pets & Animals

Leah’s Mobile Hairdressing: p9 Vuolo Hair & Beauty: p15

Recycling

Angela Hay Soft Furnishings: p5 Armstrong Interiors: p27 Dream Doors: p36 Fosse Fires: p36 Just Fabrics: p36 Loft Company UK: p6 Parsons Flooring: p28

Gifts

Showcase: p1 The Dolls House: p20

Index

Dial A Dog Wash: p15 Purple Patch: p15 C. Williams Building Maintenance: p26 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p6 Just Carpentry & Locks: p25 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p26 Stephen Hill: p14 TK Chimneys: p7

Answers Q1: 27, 57, 78 Q2: 0.2 Q3: a) £13.50 b) £18 c) £22.50 Q4: a) 10mm b) 100cm c) 1,000 metres d) 1,000,000mm

The Index is a free service offered to our customers. No responsibility can be held for errors or omissions. Multiple entries included on a space available basis

34

Your

Cotswold

Please mention ”Your Cotswold

“ when contacting any of our advertisers

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