Cotswold Link (West Ox) July August 2016

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July / August March / April 2016

Fairview Cottage, Longborough

Holiday Letting Large Cottages What’s The Secret?

Cotswold Link interviews Character Cottages, a local holiday letting expert, to understand the local market for large holiday cottages

Millers Cottage, Chipping Campden

Manor Cottage, Poulton

Owners of large houses are often under the impression that the demand for holiday letting is low and unprofitable. Are you able to shed some light on the market and the holiday letting opportunity?

groups of people, who want to get together to

At Character Cottages we are very experienced

celebrate an event, such as a 40th birthday party,

at marketing and maximising the returns on large

family gathering or a university reunion. Hotels

properties. We can offer owners a wide and detailed

often don’t appeal to large groups, as they some-

range of support and advice on many key holiday

times lack the desired communal feel and can of-

letting factors, including furnishing, pricing,

ten be too expensive.

occupancy, security deposits and overall property management. To find out what your large house

The great news is that big properties in the Cotswolds, especially those with traditional

A further attribute of the demand for big Cotswold

character, do very well as holiday lets! To under-

houses is that, being event driven, it is less impacted

stand why, a good place to start is by looking at

by seasonality. For example, if Grandpa’s 70th

the history behind the area…

birthday happens to be in January, then that’s

can do for you, just get in touch with us!

when the group will want to book their break, The Cotswolds has a long history of working with

regardless of the fact that this is traditionally a

wool, silk and other raw materials. As a result,

quieter month for holiday letting. This means large

many of the cottages in the area were built for the

properties can command strong prices through-

farm labourers and factory workers, and are quite

out the year.

small, typically with one or two bedrooms. Larger properties are less common and, consequently,

When you combine the limited supply of

this creates a restricted supply of big houses for

properties with the strong and constant demand,

the holiday letting market.

our experience has been that large holiday homes perform exceptionally well in the Cotswolds. For

Many people are surprised to learn that the

example, we have successfully generated more

underlying demand for large holiday lets in the

than £100,000 per annum of gross income, from

Cotswolds is very high. The central location of the

over 55 bookings, for a beautiful, detached, six

Cotswolds makes it the perfect location for large

bedroomed house in the North Cotswolds.

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The Lodge, Meysey Hampton

www.character-cottages.co.uk letmycottage@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375

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inside

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New artists exhibiting for 2016

We take a look at the wonderful range of sculptures available to view at the Elemental Sculpture Park, Cirencester.

Bereavement

We look at how to plan for when bereavement occurs

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Astronomy

plans to crash into 20 Spaceship Jupiter

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08 New Businesses & Services 16 2 books reviewed education: local news: 09 Council helps with Universal Credit 16 Alternative career paths finance: local news 10 After death financial support 16 Children practice debating local news garden view 12 Wychwood Project Open Day 18 Garden Ornaments events astronomy: 12 Seasonal events across our area 20 Spaceship to crash into Jupiter local news: news: 14 New artists at Sculpture Park 20 local Charity Race Night raises thousands a good read

business

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Welcome to the July - August issue

Fingers crossed we get some lovely weather in the next few months so we can all enjoy our gardens. Page 18 offers some handy tips on how to tastefully decorate your garden with ornaments (Gnomes not included I’m afraid!). We have a wide range of fantastic events to enjoy on pages 12-13, as well as an update from the Elemental Sculpture Park on p14. They have a great 01609 777401 01609 779097 selection of new artists exhibiting their sculptures, definitely a great day out! cotswoldlink.co.uk I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Autumn.

Best wishes,

Christine Campbell | Editor Cotswold Link Magazine is published in good faith and the editors cannot be held responsible in any way for inaccuracies in reports or advertising in reports or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers Your Cotswold Link carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. All information is appearing in Cotswold Link Magazine correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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W E N businesses

New council leader unveils his priorities

s e c i v r e s & in & around our area

“New To The Area” is a new business feature specifically designed to help new businesses and those that are offering new businesses and services to promote themselves cost effectively.

Businesses are invited to submit their adverts to this feature at the regular price (Advert sizes available: 1/8 and

¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*.

This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 18,050 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

Contact us today to get your business in the Link!

01609 777401 / 01609 779097 / 01904 709462 / cotswoldlink.co.uk

Newly elected council leader James Mills has set out his vision for the future of the district.

Cllr Mills has set out key areas which he sees as priorities for residents during the coming year.

These include: · Overseeing the completion and implementation of the Local Plan · Ensuring contract negotiations such as waste and recycling and leisure deliver the best value · Working to create as near 100 per cent superfast broadband coverage as possible · Continuing the development and roll-out of the 2020 Vision programme to provide the most advanced shared services programme of any council in the country · A guarantee that the “flagship policy” of free parking will continue throughout the district to the benefit of residents and local businesses

Cllr Mills was formally elected leader at the annual meeting of the Council in May. At the meeting he paid tribute to his predecessor, Sir Barry Norton.

Local Wedding & Event Wedding and Event is based in Planner Wins Best in UK planning Carterton,Oxfordshire, Local wedding and event planner Christina Barker of Chantilly Rose Weddings and events has won the top prize in the Guides for Brides national awards for the best wedding planner in the UK.

After being short listed for the 2016 wedding industry awards 5 star customer services, Christina is delighted to have won the award after only her second year in the wedding industry. Voting opened for the awards at the end of July 2015. Clients and suppliers had to nominate and vote their favourite suppliers in each category. There are 27 categories altogether and the awards were judged by the largest and most expert panel in the wedding industry.

Unfortunately, Christina could not make the awards ceremony on 10th March at London’s prestigious No.4 Hamilton Place as she had just given birth to a daughter but was informed by fellow suppliers who had also been nominated of her win.

Christina Barker owner of Chantilly Rose

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UK. Originally from Portsmouth but relocated via the Royal Air Force. Married to an airman and part of the military community as well as a mum of two, she fell in love with the area and the beautiful countryside and soon discovered it’s the perfect place to get married!

Christina is passionate about organising and delivering high standards of events and will have your vision in mind at all times. Christina has always been exceptionally organised and thrives off making others happy. After planning a wedding competition for a military couple alongside Lula Mai Events she realised she had found her true passion and went on to train with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) who follow a strict code of business practice with their planners.

Christina Barker Chantilly Rose Weddings & Events T - 07792812470 E - christina@chantilly-rose.co.uk W - www.chantilly-rose.co.uk

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Helping hand for new Universal Credit claimants With the roll out of Universal Credit underway, West Oxfordshire District Council is providing extra help and support for benefit claimants getting to grips with the new system.

Applications for Universal Credit, and for reporting changes in circumstance, can only be made online. To help customers, the Council has installed self-service computers at their main reception points in Witney.

Council officers will be on hand to assist customers to set up and manage their own online accounts and they will also help anyone wanting to make job searches and complete online job applications.

Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member responsible for resources said, “Universal Credit is a new simpler, single monthly payment for people in or out of work, as it merges together some of the existing benefits and tax credits that currently have to be applied for separately. It is important that we offer a helping hand as Universal Credit is a major overhaul of the UK’s benefits system and the biggest change since the 1940s.”

The move ties in with the Councils’ ‘Default to Digital’ initiative which encourages more online transactions.

The new computers are funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. Claimants unable to access the Council’s Elmfield Reception in Witney or its Town Centre Shop, can use computers at Jobcentre Plus offices or at some local libraries.

What you need to know about Universal Credit Universal Credit is paid in the following ways: It will be paid monthly into a bank account of your choice.

If you get help with your rent, this will be included in your monthly payment – you’ll then pay your landlord directly.

If you live with your partner and you are both eligible, you will get one monthly joint payment.

It can take several weeks after you make your claim to get your first payment.

Universal Credit and waiting days If you make a new claim for Universal Credit you will not be paid for the first seven days. These days are known as waiting days. However, you should not let this delay your claim and apply as soon as you are eligible to do so.

The seven days’ waiting period won’t apply if you are in certain circumstances, for example if you’re terminally ill or vulnerable, have previously claimed Universal Credit, are splitting up from or moving in with a Universal Credit claimant, or are moving on to it from another benefit.

More Information Visit: moneyadviceservice.org.uk for free, impartial financial advice.

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Dealing with bereavement A guide to estate administration & Probate When someone close to you dies, it can be difficult working out what to do and in what order. One task that you will need to consider fairly soon after the death is the process of dealing with all the assets and liabilities associated with the person – this is known as estate administration.

Estate administration (sometimes referred to as probate) deals with a person’s legal and tax affairs after they’ve died. This means valuing and distributing all of their assets (such as property, shares and personal possessions), settling debts and paying any tax that may be due on the estate.

In addition to specialist legal and tax work, there will also be a host of administrative tasks that need to be completed. These will include things like dealing with utilities companies, closing bank accounts and redirecting post. All of these tasks can be very time consuming and often cause a great deal of stress and hassle for the family at an already difficult time.

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Estate administration is a long and complex legal process; so many people choose to appoint a professional to do the hard work for them. Lionheart Later Life Planning are your local estate administration experts and our friendly advisers are able to help you understand your options

and provide a guaranteed, fixed fee, free quote for our comprehensive service.

For more information and an informal chat, call us on 01993 220281 or 07769 730616 www.lionheartlaterlifeplanning.co.uk

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Wychwood Project Family Open Day

Out & About 8th -18th July

From 1st June 2016 the Wychwood Project will be managing many aspects of the Woodstock water meadows under a contract from the Town Council.

The Wychwood Project has been interested in the water meadows for many years including writing a conservation management plan for the area in 2014. More recently, as part of the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, they have been involved in restoring a section of the River Glyme just upstream from the meadows to help improve river habitat and river quality and the resulting impacts downstream.

With funding from Thames Water they will be hosting a Family Open Day on Thursday 11th August from 10.30 – 3pm for local people and visitors to come and find out more about the water meadows and the diversity of wildlife that call it home.

On offer will be opportunities to meet the resident cows, identify native and non-native flowers, discover the creatures that live in the water and explore ways to use wood, plus many other attractions for all the family.

Wychwood Project Director, Sharon Williams, says “We very much look forward to playing a pivotal role in managing this important site for nature conservation. The water meadows offer many benefits to local people including quality of life, health and well-being as well as providing opportunities for education, enjoyment and recreation, helping to attract visitors and preserve links with the local community’s past. It is a place with plenty of wildlife which gives people the chance to study and learn about, enjoy and have contact, with nature. Look out for some inviting new notice boards that we plan to have in place by the end of the year.”

Cllr Elizabeth Poskitt, the Mayor of Woodstock says “It is splendid that the Wychwood Project has become involved with our water meadows.

The meadows were given to the Town by Henry VI in the town’s Royal Charter of 1453. Historic green spaces like this benefit from the help of experienced professionals and we feel that the Wychwood Project will help us with management of the meadows magnificently.

We look forward to working with them.“

www.wychwoodproject.org

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n North Cotswold Arts Association, Summer Exhibition St. Edward’s Hall, The Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. Pictures, sculptures and craft work by Cotswold artists. Free admission. 10.00am to 5.00pm daily. ........................................................

23rd July

n An Evening with Bill and Bob (Celebrating William Shakespeare and Bob Chilcott) Commotio is excited to perform for the first time in Chadlington, with internationally renowned composer and choral expert, Bob Chilcott.

Highlighting the versatility of Chilcott’s work, Commotio will perform both a capella works and with acclaimed jazz pianist Alexander Hawkins and jazz trio. Commemorating 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, 7:30pm Tickets £12/£8 available online from www. commotio.org or on the door St Nicholas Church, Church Road, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire OX7 3LX ........................................................

23rd July

n Windrush Valley Flower Show and Fête 1pm: Taking place at Great Barrington at the wonderful village hall, in the stunning Windrush valley. A delightful family day out in the country with Home Produce, BBQ, Electric Folk Band, Games, Races and Competitions. Fun Dog Show and Gun Dog Scurry. Vintage Cars ........................................................

30th July

n Compton Abdale Village Fete Traditional Village Fete set in beautiful gardens. Stalls include: Produce, Plants, White Elephant, Tombola, Books, Girls’ Goodies. Activities area including Punch & Judy, Plate Smashing, Fun Dog Show Teas & Ice Creams, Barbecue, Gloucester Excelsior Silver Band.

Lower Farm, Compton Abdale. 1.30 - 4.15 pm (just off A40 near Northleach) Admission £2.50 for adults, Children & Parking Free. ........................................................

21st September

n Chipping Norton Horticultural Association Holding a special evening to celebrate 160 years of a Gardening Association To be held in Chipping Norton Town Hall at 7.30pm. (Light refreshments served from 6.15pm.)

Guest Speaker: Tony Russell (Writer and Broadcaster) “British gardens through time – Victorians to the Present Day”.

Tony’s books on sale at the meeting; he will be happy to sign book/s at the end of the evening.

Tickets @ £5 from Eileen Forse, 38 Hailey Avenue, Chipping Norton OX7 5JF and Jaffe and Neale Bookshop, Chipping Norton. www.cnha.uk ........................................................

16th July

n Strawberry Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Care This is an afternoon tea where a selection of home made fresh cream and strawberry themed cakes are served to you by waitress service. Tea served in tea pots with cups and saucers. This is in aid of Breast Cancer Care. It is the 12th year i have hosted this event and it gets more popular each year. We also have a raffle and home-made cakes to buy. As this is the 12th year i am hoping to make it an extra special event. Please come along and show your support. You will not be disappointed. A really lovely atmosphere.

2-4pm £3.50 for tea/cake (approx) 01993 775532 St Kenelms Hall Brize Norton Road, Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire OX29 0SE ........................................................

16th July

n Summer Fete In aid of Children’s Cancer. Chipping Norton Rugby Club from 11am-3pm. ........................................................

30th & 31st July

n Burford Antiques Fair ART ~ ANTIQUES ~ DESIGN for Interiors and Collections, displayed for sale by 40 dealers from across the UK. Located ideally at the gateway to the Cotswolds just West of the Burford Roundabout on A40, close to the highly picturesque centre of Burford, the fair will take place in two halls either side of the school’s Art Deco façade. Around 40 dealers are expected to exhibit at this friendly event where quality and variety can be found. Open 10 - 5 Saturday and Sunday. Admission £3. But Complimentsary E-Tickets available via www.burfordantiquesfair. co.uk Parking in the School grounds.

Burford School, Cheltenham Road (A40), Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PL ........................................................

14th August

n Bourton House Garden - Open Garden for NGS Award winning 3 acre garden featuring imaginative topiary, wide herbaceous borders with many rare, unusual and exotic plants, water features, unique shade house and many creatively planted pots. Fabulous at any time of year but magnificent in summer months.

For NGS: Sun 14 Aug (10-5). Admission £6, Children free. Home-made teas in Grade I listed C16 Tithe Barn.

Times:10:00 to 17:00. Telephone:01386 700754. Open for charity.

Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-theHill, Gloucestershire GL56 9AE ........................................................

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Having an event?

Email us your event details to: events@jkanorth.com and we’ll publish it for you. Magazine distribution dates are on p22.

Chedworth Roman Villa 16th – 29th July

n Festival of archaeology Join us as we celebrate the British festival of archaeology with specialist tours, talks and hands on activities.

20th July

n Evening talk 7.00-8.30pm Martin Papworth, a National Trust consultant archaeologist will be giving a talk on recent excavations and archaeological discoveries at Chedworth Roman Villa. Drinks included. Booking essential; charge £7.

Call 0844 2491895.

30th July – 5th August

n The Romans are coming The Roman Military Society is at Chedworth Roman Villa all week. During the weekend watch exciting military displays and chat to Roman soldiers. In the week there will be demonstrations featuring civilian life in ancient Rome.

Also enjoy children’s craft activities. A week of great family fun! Some craft activities at an additional charge.

1st – 31st August

n Summer activities Join us this summer for a fun children’s trail. Every day there will be seasonal craft activities.

8th & 10th August

n Ranger workshops: bug hunt 10.30-11.30am Join James the ranger for a fun-filled bug hunt. Look for creepy crawlies and play a game. Included in admission.

13th – 14th August

n Traditional crafts market Browse a range of stalls selling traditional crafts such as pottery, basketry, jewellery and much more. Be tempted to purchase something special or simply enjoy watching craftsmen demonstrate their skills. Please note that due to limited WiFi reception, stall holders will only be able to accept cash.

15th – 25th August

n Big Dig Watch as the archaeologists excavate more of the North Range and clean the finds. Chat to the experts and be the first to see what discoveries are made this year.

10th Sept – 9th Oct

n Art and sculpture exhibition Enjoy a range of artworks from artists,

sculptors and mosaicists. Contemplate the exhibits in the context of Chedworth’s beautiful surroundings and history of artisanship. Most exhibits are for sale.

10th Sept

n Heritage Open Day Chedworth Roman Villa will be celebrating heritage open day with free admission.

Phone: 01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworthroman-villa ........................................................

Old Prison - Northleach 16th & 17th July

n Escape! Family Camping Event Adult £20/child £10 Spend a night under the stars in the Old Prison courtyard! Children’s activities, BBQ, live music and free breakfast.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre Booking is essential, call 01451 862035

21st July

n An illustrated talk exploring the diversity of birdlife in the Cotswolds.

2:30pm-3:30pm. Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre 01451 862035

5th August

n Children’s Flax Making Workshop. Free!

Learn how string and rope is made and have a go for yourself. 10:30 – 4pm www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre 01451 862035

26th August

n Wind in the Willows Outdoor Theatre 3pm – 4:30pm. Adult £8/concession £6/ under 3s free Outdoor production of this brilliant, hilarious and breathtaking story, set in the grassy courtyard of the Old Prison.

An illustrated talk exploring the diversity of birdlife in the Cotswolds.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH Booking is essential, contact the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham for tickets 01242 572573 ........................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed.

Oxfordshire in 50 Objects A fascinating exhibition to learn about, and explore, the history of Oxfordshire Running May - Sept The Oxfordshire Museum, Park Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. OX20 1SN.

Tel: 01993 811456

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The Elemental Sculpture Park ‘Elemental Sculpture Park’ sits on a 10 acre site very affectionately known by the Hartlands as simply the ‘Land’ and was bought 21 years ago as a wild thistle field. Though the thistle field had its own beauty the Land has now been transformed into a mixed deciduous and conifer woodland with ponds, gardens and glades. Joining these diverse spaces are meandering paths that take you on a journey around the park providing an international centre for contemporary Art. The Land itself is an ongoing project which will continue changing, producing a biodiversity of natural ecosystems, providing Artists both established and emerging, with a wonderful and diverse enviroment to exhibit their work. In 2016 we are planning a wildflower garden to embrace the area around the glade providing a pallete of colour and flowing texture.

We would love to share the land and the Artists work with you.

SCULPTORS We have new artists and work arriving throughout the year but here is a list of artists currently exhibiting with us.

Lynn Baker Helene Barrott Kevin Blockley Alison Bowyer Dick Budden Hilary Cartmel Luke Dickinson Dido Martin Duffy Angela Farquharson Pam Foley Lynette Forrester

Stephen Fox Peter Gerrard Alex Glass Anne Gingell David Hartland Peter Hays Richard Jack Antoinette Jackson John Jebb Renee Kilburn Martin Lynch Ian Marlow

Simon Meiklejohn Angela Palmer Antonia Spowers Serena Stevens Phil Thompson Sally Anne Tottle Lucy Unwin Nathan Whittaker Nigel Williams

Elemental Sculpture Park The Paddocks, Somerford Keynes Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6FE EMAIL david_hartland@aol.co.uk TEL 07927028558 Opening Times (1st April to 30th September) 10:30 - 17:00 (last admission 16:00) Admission: £5 of which £1 will be donated to charity.

Gallery will also be open throughout December.

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A Good Read

Don’t have the required A Level Grades?

The Time Traveller's Wife

Other Options are available

n Audrey Niffenegger

Published in 2004, Niffenegger’s debut work has become an international best-seller.

In 1991 20-year-old Claire is an artist who makes paper sculptures for a living. She bumps into 28-year-old Henry, a librarian at the local library.

He has never met her before, but Claire has known him all her life; for Henry is not an ordinary man.

He was born with a genetic disorder which causes him to time travel. He has no control over it, and cannot predict how long he will stay in one time. He jumps around his own timeline and experiences events in his own history.

So, on this day in 1991 when he and Claire meet, she becomes a part of his experiences and therefore his timeline. He begins to travel within her life and their ‘first’ encounter is when Claire is just 6 years old. Over his many ‘visits’ as she grows into

adulthood they form a close relationship and eventually fall in love.

Written in the first person this novel alternates between Henry and Claire. We follow Claire’s timeline chronologically, with a note at the start of each chapter reminding us how old they each are at that point.

Henry’s age does of course jump around.

Niffenegger wanted to create the perfect soulmate. If that is what Henry is then it explains why Claire spends her life waiting for him to appear in hers. It raises the question of whether a brief moment of pure happiness is worth the pain when that moment is over.

By Willow Coby

In this novel aimed at young adult readers we learn what Lady Jane Grey’s life might have been like.

Published by Usborne books, Francis’ novel takes the real-life Jane and creates a semi-fictional account of her short life. Jane is a young girl in love with Ned, a Catholic woodsman: a secret and forbidden love.

Trapped by her upper-class life, she sees freedom and an escape in Ned. This is just one example of the

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Clearing is a UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) service that matches students without a course with Universities that have open places.

Last year 10% of applicants for University places amounting to 61,300 students went through clearing. It is a worthwhile way of assessing a new path for one’s desired career.

Review your Career Path Should you not be able to find a suitable place to pursue your preferred choice then seriously consider reviewing your career path. An offer from another University may have advantages that had not been obvious prior to your original application. However; take care; do not jump at the first offer, seek advice from parents, teachers and the University itself before commitment.

This is may not be too much of a problem if you have only just missed out on your selected place of preference however; there are questions to be addressed.

n Pauline Francis

Jane usurped Edward’s sisters Mary and Elizabeth, but she was merely a pawn in a political game of power. A few days later it was declared that Mary was in fact the rightful queen and Jane was accused of treason.

Just nine days after her accession to the throne she was beheaded at the Tower of London.

The Clearing System

Retakes

The Raven Queen The death of Edward VI at the tender age of 15 saw the throne pass to a Lady Jane Grey, just 16 years old.

Now comes the inevitable wait for the examination results and regrettably life does not always go according to plan. So what avenues are open to the students who have worked so hard and not gained the grades they required for their preferred University or career path?

clever way that Francis weaves the historical factual (Jane) with the fictional (Ned) to provide an insight into this turbulent era of British history.

It provides a nice reminder to the young reader that the British monarchy wasn’t always the mostly peaceful institution it is today.

It is of course first and foremost a fictional novel so there are historical inaccuracies. However, the Tudor period is brought to life in a clever and memorable way. And Jane becomes more than just a footnote in a history book.

By Willow Coby

Are you capable and confident enough to resit the examination without additional tuition? This is a tall order, and not advised. In these circumstances you are best advised to enrol at a local college or take a distance learning course but, beware Universities may change their acceptance grades if you are applying with retakes.

If resitting the exam independently expect to pay in the order of £80 to take a full A-Level.

Children exercise debating skills in Council Chamber Schoolchildren from Cokethorpe School in Witney made use of West Oxfordshire District Council’s Chamber in May to debate a motion titled “should all zoos be banned”.

On their arrival they were welcomed by Council Chairman, Cllr Norman Macrae. He explained how democratic debates take place in order to ensure that everyone wishing to speak can be heard and that time is allocated fairly for each speaker.

The children, aged 10 and 11, were also given a brief insight into local democracy by Cllr Duncan Enright and Cllr Julian Cooper.

Democracy is part of the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) syllabus covered by the school and each of the twenty nine pupils had prepared their arguments in advance and took turns to speak on the topic.

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Gap Year Take a break; you have spent the past +13 years of your life in an educational system that has been results focussed. A year’s break may in certain circumstances be beneficial. You will be able to relax, gain life experience and learn new skills. It will appear on your CV and can be a definite positive on re-application the following year. Be aware that many of the Gap Year activities on the internet request a payment particularly if the work entails flights or distant travel. Do not discount including voluntary work for charities at home or for that matter getting a part time job to tie you over and gain a better understanding of life.

Overseas University Look overseas for a University. There are English taught degrees available in continental Europe and throughout the world. This route will give you the opportunity to observe other cultures, you will gain the skills and confidence to compete in a global environment and perhaps learn another language all of which will be priceless attributes for your future.

For further advice and information: www.ucas.com www.savethestudent.org http://gapforce.org https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs John Harris

Class teacher Mark O’Connor said, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience how a debate takes place in a Council Chamber.”

Cllr Norman MacRae added, “All local schools are welcome to use our Council Chamber for debating and it’s an ideal way of learning more about local democracy.

Today’s session was very lively and I thoroughly enjoyed chairing it.”

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GARDEN VIEW

Garden Ornaments Ornaments polarise gardeners.

They’re a love ‘em or hate ‘em subject.

I fell firmly into the hate ‘em category. I thought they had a place in big country gardens but looked slightly tacky in suburbia. This antipathy may date back to my childhood and Mrs. Frost, our elderly neighbour, who had a front garden stuffed to the brim with gnomes, windmills and concrete toadstools. If our ball ever strayed into this shrine to kitsch she’d burst from her house with a bansheelike scream, brandishing a broom at us.

Somewhere along the way though I’ve mellowed As I’ve studied show gardens and magazines I’ve realised that ornaments have a definite place in a garden as long as two important considerations are met: Context The ornaments complement the style of the garden. Classical statuary doesn’t work in contemporary spaces, while traditional gardens might need to avoid stainless steel or modern, abstract sculptures.

Rules are there to be broken of course and whatever your garden type or size the ornament you choose should be special to you.

My father had a grumpy gargoyle-like creature, set among ferns at the bottom of his patch. It made everyone who saw it smile in recognition of my dad’s own avuncular manner. A girly friend of mine has a series of small bronze faeries set around her tiny plot, which are perfectly in tune with her personality.

I favour natural materials myself but several years ago I purchased beautiful and rather elegant heron created from recycled metal. I adore it because it reflects both my love of birds and my passion for recycling. It stands near a boulder fountain and I occasionally brandish a broomstick at my sons when their football strays too near...

Ornament Ideas… ...not a gnome in sight!

To set off ornamental grasses try ceramic balls in vivid blues and greens set among cobbles.

For minimalist contemporary plots, mirrored columns and pyramids look striking.

Classical statuary and urns look best in more formal, traditional settings. They are best made from marble or stone. Resin copies can look tacky.

Don’t be frightened to show your sense of humour. Quirky can look brilliant in the right setting.

Sculptor Dennis Fairweather’s best seller is a stone face and hands which emerge from a tub of water as if the figure had just been for a dip!

Natural materials can be a good starting point for garden ornament novices. Balls and sculptures made from willow are subtle and elegant additions to any garden.

By Rachel Leverton

Size Ornaments should be an appropriate size for the setting.

5 Tips to keep your garden looking great this Summer 1

Beware of insects such as aphids or white flies that become rampant as our plants grow larger and have less circulation between them.

Remember to spray both upper and lower leaves with neem or pyola oil on a seven to 10 day cycle to keep these critters from destroying your plants.

Also, order some beneficial insects such as ladybugs to help keep these insects under control.

2

Prune back your rose bushes after the first bloom. You can either dead head the spent blooms or do a major cutting back to keep them tame and under control. I tend to do the latter. Cut

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back all weak and dead wood as well. Lastly, clean up all spent leaves - especially if they suffered from black spot. Plus, if black spot is a problem, use this homemade formula: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and a 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in one gallon of water.

3

Continue to pinch back all late summer and autumn perennials to keep them bushy and healthy and to stagger blooming times.

4

summer so that they can begin their new growth for next spring.

5

It is still not too late to plant summer blooming bulbs like dahlias or cannas. It’s also not too late to plant quick-blooming summer seeds such as sunflowers, nasturtiums and cosmos.

Enjoy and have patience during the ensuing hot summer months!

Finish pruning all spring blooming bushes such as azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs by mid-

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Race night raises thousands for local charities

The

Cotswold Sky

Juno the Spaceship to be crashed into Jupiter Launched on Friday 5th August 2011 the spacecraft Juno will finally reach Jupiter on Monday 4th July following a journey of almost 5 years.

tally crashing into Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter. If this were to happen, it could cause contamination on Europa where future missions will be searching for signs of extra-terrestrial life.

Astro News

Image Courtesy of NASA

Stowed away on the spacecraft is a plaque dedicated to Galileo Galilei, who discovered moons in orbit around Jupiter in 1610, and three Lego figures – of Galileo, the Roman god Jupiter and his wife, Juno.

In all Juno is expected to complete 37 orbits, each orbit taking 14 days. The orbits are highly elliptical taking Juno within 4,300 km (2,672 miles) of Jupiter’s poles. Following each polar contact Juno will be projected well away from the planet in order to avoid any long term contact with Jupiter’s penetrating radiation belts that can cause damage to the spacecraft’s electronic systems and solar panels.

The objectives of the mission include: • Give a better understanding of how the Solar System was formed from the Solar Nebulae some 4.5 billion years ago.

• Determine the ratio of oxygen to hydrogen (effectively measuring any abundance of water) • Obtain a better estimate of Jupiter’s core mass.

• Precisely map Jupiter’s magnetic field which is 20,000 times greater than that of the Earth.

• Precisely map Jupiter’s gravitational field to assess the distribution of mass in Jupiter’s interior.

The intense radiation will eventually overcome the operating systems of Juno. Close to this point Juno will be crashed into the gaseous atmosphere of the Solar System’s largest planet.

This method of destruction is to prevent any chance of Juno acciden-

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Expansion of the Universe Nobel Prize winner Adam Riess has discovered that the Universe is expanding 5 to 9% faster than previously thought. This discovery may be important in producing a better understanding of dark energy, dark matter and dark radiation.

For more information: www.space. com/33061-universe-expanding-fasterthan-thought-hubble.html?cmpid=NL_ SP_weekly_2016-6-06 Satellite discovers unreported sources of toxic air pollution 39 unreported emission sources have been discovered using a new satellite-based method of detection. The emissions have been found notably from the Middle East, Mexico and Russia.

These account for 12% of all human made emissions of sulphur dioxide.

In addition 75 natural sources of sulphur dioxide were also found from non-erupting volcanoes. For more information: www.nasa.gov/press-release/ nasa-satellite-finds-unreported-sourcesof-toxic-air-pollution

A special fundraising event in Witney generated thousands of pounds for Oxfordshire charities.

The race night, organised by the Rotary Club of Witney and West Oxfordshire District Council, saw 130 guests donating £3,000 which will be split equally between the Helen & Douglas House hospice in Oxford and Yellow Submarine which operates the café at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney.

Helen & Douglas House, which offers respite and end of life care for children, young adults and their families, is the chosen charity of West Oxfordshire District Council chairman Cllr Norman MacRae.

Cllr MacRae said: “Every family in the district and across the county has the potential to use the facilities at Helen and Douglas House and you cannot fail to be touched by the amazing work the staff and volunteers carry out.

“I am delighted to be able to help this fantastic charity.”  The cash from the race night, where people bet on recordings of horse races, will be used to contribute towards the £5m a year medical and running costs of Helen & Douglas House. Community Fundraiser Alison Hooker said: “We are very grateful to Norman MacRae and the Rotary Club of Witney. Their generous donation helps us raise the funding we need to provide exceptional and wide ranging care and support.”

The £1,500 donated to Yellow Submarine, which helps people with learning disabilities, will be used to buy equipment for the café.

Rotary Club of Witney President Ashley Farmer said: “This was the first time we have held this type of event and it was great fun as well as being a huge success. It is wonderful to have raised so much for the charities.”

Sky Diary During the whole of July at around 23.00 hours Saturn and Mars can be clearly viewed in the southerly skies drifting a little westward each day.

July 8/9th Look west at around 22.00 hours to observe Jupiter close to the Moon.

Meteor Showers (Peak dates shown) July 26th / 29th July: Delta Aquarids August 1st / 2nd: Alpha Capricornids August 11-12 Perseids John Harris

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Quadcopters

Quadcopters, or drones as they’re also called, are similar to remote controlled helicopters, but have four rotary blades.

They’re a lot of fun to fly, but there’s more to quadcopters than just a zoom around the park. Many of them come with inbuilt video cameras, or the ability to attach a camera, so you can film a bird’s eye view of the area they’re flying over.

you pay for. The camera quality on the cheaper models is pretty poor. They’re also usually smaller, harder to fly and have a lower range, so can’t go as high or far. A high-end quadcopter with a professional high definition video camera can set you back more than £3,000.

With a quadcopter, you could take aerial shots of your village, check out places that are inaccessible by road or foot, and capture some of the beauty of gliding over a lake or fields. Quadcopters can also be used for practical purposes, such as checking whether there are any loose tiles on your roof. You will want to be careful where you fly your quadcopter; as your neighbours likely won’t appreciate you taking shots of them sunbathing in their garden.

Drone racing is becoming increasingly popular, with events held around the UK, and you can buy kits to make and customise your own quadcopter.

Some quadcopters are primarily designed for outdoor use, some indoor, and some are multi-purpose. They start at around £30, but you do get what

If you just want one for fun, the Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider is a good beginner’s model. Priced at around £50, it has large detachable wheels, so you can

If you’re looking to use a quadcopter for commercial purposes, you will need to register it with the Civil Aviation Authority, and undertake a training course to get a Permission for Aerial Work. You’ll also likely need to get public liability insurance.

manoeuvre it along the ceiling and up and down walls, as well as in the air. The wheels also protect the blades when it crashes (which it will). You control it using your smartphone and it’ll do tricks such as 360° flips. I’ve never had much luck flying remote control helicopters, but find this one surprisingly responsive for the price. Outdoors you can get speeds of up to 11mph and a height of 20 metres. It is very small and light, so the camera isn’t the best, and you’ll want a spare battery as each charge only lasts a few minutes, but all in all it’s a good entry model.

Even if you just buy a small, cheaper quadcopter for personal use only, there are some restrictions on flying it, so do visit www.quadcopters.co.uk for more information.

Kate Duggan

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Index Attractions & Events Elemental Sculpture Park: p14 Home & Garden Show: p13 Summer Party & Village Shindig: p15 Builders & Contractors CN Glass: p9 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p23 FFH Building Services: p20 JA Shirley Building Services: p19 P & S Property Services: p6 PJC Services: p23 Standard Building: p23 The 50 Plus: p6 Carpets & Flooring Chipping Norton Flooring: p7 Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p17 Chimney Services Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p23 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p4 Cleaning Services MRK Services: p19 The Laundry: p4 Computer Support My Computer Tutor: p17

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Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Education Cotswold Tutor: p17 Elderly Services The Langston Care Home: p10 Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p6 PJC Services: p23 Finance & Legal Lionheart Later Life Planning: p11 Furniture Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 Cottonwood Interiors: p23 MRK Services: p19 Gardening & Outdoors Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p19 FFH Building Services: p20 Garden Wizard: p19 Get Rid Removals: p6 Minster Paving: p19 MRK Services: p19 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Footworx Clinic: p10 Jacquelyne Morisson

Hypnotherapy Training: p10 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p11 Heating Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p23 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p4 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p19 Holidays Character Cottages: p2 Home & Interiors Chipping Norton Flooring: p7 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p23 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 & 23 Country Bathrooms: p6 Edwards & Godding: p5 Sewing Tuition: p17 Kitchens & Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p6 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Edwards & Godding: p5 P & S Property Services: p6 Laundry The Laundry: p4 Locksmith P & S Property Services: p6

Motoring Dowleys: p24 Oxford Performance Autos: p1 Painters & Decorators PMO Decorators: p3 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p13 Vets Home Visit: p11 Photography Jenny Aston Photography: p1 Plumbing Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p9 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p4 PJC Services: p23 Property Maintenance Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 CN Glass: p9 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p9 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p23 FFH Building Services: p20 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p4 Get Rid Removals: p6 JA Shirley Building Services: p19 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p4 P & S Property Services: p6 PJC Services: p23

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The 50 Plus: p6 Recruitment Burford Garden Centre: p3 Removals Get Rid Removals: p6 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p17 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p6 Travel & Tourism Character Cottages: p2 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p17 My Computer Tutor: p17 Sewing Tuition: p17 Weddings Chantily Rose: p8 Windows CN Glass: p9 Milena Windows: p1

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

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