Cotswold Link (North Cotswolds) July August 2018

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North Cotswolds

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Bi-Monthly Royal Mail distribution: 16,100 homes & businesses

July / August 2018

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inside

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Community Transport Service vital to the area

We catch up with Cotswold Friends and hear about the fantastic work they are doing with volunteer drivers

Expansion Plans

Carterton Leisure Centre is set for expansion

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06 Barrington’s win clean up award business: 08 New businesses & services local news: 10 Leisure Centre expansion local news: 12 Cotswold Friends update education: 14 The origins of money events 16 Local events across the area local news: FEATURED FEATURED

FEATURED FEATURED

Take a walk!

Take a lovely family walk this Summer

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18 Eye exam importance local news 20 Local author publishes book garden view: 22 Feeling Fruity! astronomy 26 What is SETI? walk: 28 Enjoy a local family walk out cotswold link 30 Advertising Details & Index health

FEATURED

FEATURED

Welcome to the July - August issue

Summer is now here and we welcome it with a wide range of local news and updates from various local organisations, including the Cotswold Friends (p12), the Barrington’s clean-up team (p6) and Carterton Leisure Centre (p10).

Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you.

I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in September.

Best wishes,

01609 777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

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 advertis-

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 Your Cotswold LinkLink Magazine carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. appearing in Cotswold 4ingadvertisers Please YourforCanyotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannotmention be held responsible errors or omissions.

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Barringtons team wins 2018 Great Cotswolds Clean-up competition

 A group comprising almost 40 environmentally-conscious residents from the Barringtons has won the £500 first prize in Cotswold District Council’s 2018 Great Cotswolds Clean-up competition. A runners-up prize of £300 has been awarded to a team from Coln Valley while the third prize of £200 goes to Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School.

Judges from the Council reviewed the efforts of the volunteer litter picker groups who signed up for the competition and - after drawing up a shortlist of six contenders - they visited each site and met the organisers to discuss their projects in more detail.

Photo shows Barringtons representative Cllr Lizzie Watson (centre) with judges Nigel Poole (CDC Customer Services) and CDC Cabinet Member for Environment Cllr Sue Coakley.

The standard was excellent but the unanimous choice for the first prize was a team from the Barringtons, led by Jan de Haldevang and drawn from local families, estate workers, and even weekend visitors. The event was very well publicised and the organisers created a real party atmosphere to lighten the task, helping to build new social ties across the community. The judges were impressed by efforts to make the day an enjoyable experience, including a preparatory hearty breakfast which was served at the Fox Inn, Great Barrington. Working together, the participants filled 30 large sacks with rubbish and recycled over 100 cans that they found along roadsides. They also uncovered a wide range of dumped items such as car tyres, an iron sheet and an old mattress.

The judges were also very impressed with the second placed entry – a 23-strong Coln Valley team drawn from local families and organised by David Blezard. They have been gradually extending the area they cover and this year they collected a record 26 large bags of rubbish in the parishes of Coln St. Dennis and Winson. An entry from Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School was also a worthy third prize winner, and involved almost 80 children – accompanied by several teachers and relatives – collecting litter along principal routes to the school. Commendations were also given to the other three short-listed entrants: Ampney Crucis, Down Ampney and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council.

Commenting on the results, Cllr Sue Coakley, Cabinet Member for the Environment at CDC and head of the judging panel, said: “All the teams who entered this competition deserve a huge ‘well done’ for their efforts – it makes a real difference when communities come together and carry out litter picks and other environmental improvements, and I know that many people are doing this on a regular basis throughout the year.

“At the Barringtons, the judging panel was particularly impressed by the way in which meticulously organised litter picking efforts had boosted community morale to the extent that many locals have now formed new friendships.

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W E N businesses

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West Oxfordshire Sept / October 2018 Dist: w/c 27th August ‘18 Copy: 3rd August ‘18

18,500

Aston Magna

Bourton-on-the-Hill

homes & businesses

Moretonin-Marsh

Little Compton Evenlode

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in & around our

Businesses are invited to submit their adverts to this feature at the regular price

West Oxfordshire

Dist: w/c 27th August ‘18 Copy: 3rd August ‘18

Blockley

s & servicearea

“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.

North Cotswolds Sept / October 2018

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and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 16,100 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

Chipping Norton

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Great Rollright Little Rollright Over Norton Heythrop

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KinghamChurchill Dean Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Whittington Rissington Church Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Dowdeswell Andoversford Little Wychwood Chilson Rissington Fifield Shipton Milton-under- Ascott-underClapton-on-the-Hill Great Fawler Wychwood Wychwood Turkdean Rissington Compton Finstock Abdale Langley Ramsden Great Withington Leafield Barrington Fulbrook Taynton Hailey Asthall Windrush Little Leigh Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley Chedworth Asthall Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village Aldsworth

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Upper Slaughter

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North Cotswolds

16,100

Shilton

Brize Norton

Carterton

homes & businesses

Gigaclear – Ultrafast full fibre broadband for rural Britain Gigaclear was founded in 2010 and is

For the residents of Appleton,

one of the fastest growing broadband

a village in Oxfordshire, the

suppliers in the UK – by the end of 2017

choice of internet connectivity

Gigaclear operated networks in rural

was between slow and noth-

locations across some 17 counties mainly

ing at all – applications such as

in the south of England, with more in

iPlayer were virtually impos-

the pipeline. The company is dedicated

sible to use and downloading

to providing reliable, ultrafast, full fibre

a one hour programme would

broadband directly to homes and busi-

take all night. Appleton’s broadband

nesses in rural Britain.

connection used old-school copper wire

What does this mean for you?

Enjoying the freedom of working flexibly, streaming seamlessly and getting the latest entertainment or box-set with the speed you need – wherever you are. We also understand that rural communities

and major network providers had no plans to upgrade it any time soon – even with Government funding. Villagers got together to take matters into their own hands and researched what alternatives were available.

made people realise what they’d been missing out on for years because of poor broadband. Since connecting to Gigaclear, we’ve been able to take full advantage of the Internet in a way that just wasn’t possible before. We watch TV shows using BBC iPlayer without interruption, access our daily newspapers online and most importantly have regular and reliable Skype conversations with our

rely on high speed broadband to thrive

Local resident, Julian Morris, comments,

grandchildren. Additionally, I’m now able

enabling schools, village halls, shops and

“There were a number of rural broadband

to work just as efficiently at home as in

surgeries to better serve the people of

initiatives out there, but they required

the office. This means that I can miss the

the community. At 1000Mbps, we offer

significant time and investment from resi-

rush hour completely and have a better

a significantly faster service with FTTP

dents to run and manage the service. We

work/life balance.”

connection than standard copper-based

needed a solution from a sound commer-

ADSL connection. All part of our commit-

cial organisation which we could simply

ment to ensuring that rural communities

subscribe and easily connect to. That’s

have access to the latest and very best

why we chose Gigaclear.

technology.

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The company held an Open Day which

One of many comments from happy customers which have contributed to our Trust Pilot 4 Star rating.

To find out more call 0370 224 0600 or visit Gigaclear.com

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Planning go-ahead for Leisure Centre expansion Plans for a major expansion of Carterton Leisure Centre were approved unanimously in May by West Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee.

The plans are part of a 10-year, £9.3m, investment programme secured by the Council last year with GLL Better, its leisure services contractor.

Plans include new changing rooms, a four court badminton sports hall and an indoor ‘extreme zone’ trampoline park. The Centre will benefit from a new café, its gym will be upgraded and some of the original building reconfigured to create new fitness and spinning studios and

a crèche. The car park will also be extended.

Councillor Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, said: “This is an incredibly exciting development that will provide first-class leisure facilities for people in Carterton and the surrounding area.

I’m delighted to see it progressing so well and that we’re on track for the build to start later this year.”

Following planning consent the Council will now tender to appoint a contractor. It is expected that this will be done by July 2018 and that work will start on site early autumn.

Carterton Leisure Centre was opened in 2003 on

a site allocated as part of the Shilton Park development. The Leisure Centre had been developed with the intention to allow scope for a future extension.

GLL Better manages Carterton Leisure Centre, along with Bartholomew Sports Centre in Eynsham, Carterton ATP, Carterton Pavilion, Chipping Norton Leisure Centre, Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney, Witney Artificial Turf Pitch and Woodstock Open Air Pool, on behalf of West Oxfordshire District Council.

Illustration of the proposed extreme zone trampoline park. Also attached illustration of the sports hall and café.

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We aim to make your travel arrangements as hassle free as they can possibly be - now that must be worth talking to us about!

Being an independent agency, we can use any airline/tour operator that we feel can offer us the prices and services that we are happy to offer our clients. We also work hand in hand with a luxury award winning internet travel company

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So from weekends away, weddings and honeymoons to cruising and family holidays, we even arrange group and business travel. Just give us a call or email us at: stowtravel@holidaysplease.com 01451 810255 Facebook page - Stow Travel

Our opening times are Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.00pm and on Saturdays we open from 10.00am until 2.00pm.

However we are happy to talk to you outside of these hours if it is more convenient.

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Understanding

Travel Insurance It can seem like just one more extra cost you could do without, but travel without it and you could be in trouble.

Crippling costs - You risk footing a very large bill should you need healthcare or have your baggage lost or stolen. something as simple as a stomach bug in California with a stomach bug, which requires treatment and later flights home, could cost in the tens of thousands of pounds. A broken hip in a European destination could lead to a bill of £15,000 Don’t forget - If you are planning any sports or other activities, mention it. Skiing and extreme sports are obvious examples, but scuba diving and other activities you may not think of as “extreme” may still need extra cover. Know how much it would cost to replace baggage, from suitcases to clothes, to jewellery, including wedding rings.

Why it matters where you’re going - EU countries tend to be less expensive while Canada, the US and the Caribbean are much more so due to the incredibly high cost of medical care in those regions.

Declare pre-existing conditions - certain medical conditions will add to the cost of your insurance, because insurance is about risk and certain ailments make it more likely that you might require medical attention. It may be worth looking at insurers which specialise in providing this type of insurance.

Tell them everything - Even if it feels like you are hiking up the cost of your insurance policy. You don’t want your insurance to be invalid if you need to make a claim.

Read! - When you get your policy, make sure you read the full terms and conditions and the medical declaration carefully, so you understand exactly what you’re covered for.

By Tom Hancock

Cabinet Member urges people to stay safe and cover up Following on from national Skin Cancer awareness month, Cllr Norman MacRae, West Oxfordshire’s Cabinet Member for Health, is urging people to stay safe over the summer and avoid the potential harmful effects of over exposure to sunlight.

Cllr MacRae has suffered from skin cancer. He said, “I was lucky that my skin cancer was diagnosed early and could be treated, but I know that others are much less fortunate than I was. However, it hasn’t stopped me going outside and enjoying the sunshine, but I am now really careful and always use high-factor sun cream and dress sensibly.”

Cllr MacRae was treated at the Churchill Hospital by Consul-

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tant Dermatologist, Dr Richard Turner. Dr Turner said, “Whilst we all enjoy going out in the sun, think about timing (later in the day or first thing is safer).”

He added “Look to your clothes to protect you, longer sleeves and dresses do a good job, even if the fabrics are relatively light. Find a hat you like and get into the habit of wearing it especially if going out for the day. Sun screens are important too, look for higher factor (30 is sufficient) and high star ratings to prevent burning and aging. Don’t forget to reapply. Look out for your own skin and friends and if you see something new or changing, make sure you see your GP or a trained skin specialist.”

For further information about skin cancer visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

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COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICE VITAL TO THE NORTH COTSWOLDS As everyone who lives in the North Cotswolds knows, getting out and about can be tricky. Beautiful rural geography, small highly dispersed villages and very limited public transport force many of us to depend upon our cars. Factor in the loss of a driving licence due to failing eyesight, limited mobility or the onset of dementia – conditions which affect many of us as we get older – and getting out and about becomes even harder.

The North Cotswolds is in the

driving for Cotswold

lowest 10% of areas in Eng-

Friends for four years

them, safe in being looked

land for Accessibility of Ser-

now. She said “People could

after. And when we get to

vices, has the oldest popula-

get in their car and go out

the doctors they walk me in. I

tion in Gloucestershire (which

and see friends and so on but

feel that I will be cared for.”

is older than the national aver-

then not being able to drive

age) and we live longer than

anymore changes their lives.

the national average. Over

No longer having a car is a

a third of us are past retire-

huge lifestyle change and we

ment age and many of us are

become their lifeline. The job

approaching our eighties, an

isn’t just the driving, the rest is

age when people often give

listening, talking, helping and

up their driving licence.

suggestions – it’s becoming a

For these reasons the Com-

friend.”

The CEO of Cotswold Friends, Amanda Howard, says of

tants to help those needing

the transport service, “Our

additional support or assis-

low cost flexible service is

tance during their journey. All

so important in the North

these roles are very flexible

Cotswolds. Average jour-

and rewarding so do get in

ney distances are more than

touch if you would like an

three times greater than in

informal chat about volun-

the South Cotswolds, which

teering. I would also like to

is much closer to the acute

emphasize that our transport

hospitals in Cheltenham and

service is open to anyone

Gloucester and has a much

who is not able to drive or

greater population density

finds public transport difficult

across larger urban areas. Our

to use, so if we can help you

aging population needs the

please give us a call.”

munity Transport Service, run

Sue Ansdell is no longer

for 40 years by local charity

able to drive due to macular

Cotswold Friends, is vital to

degeneration and often uses

the North Cotswolds commu-

the service to get to the Eye

nity. The service is supported

Department at the Gloucester

by over 100 volunteer drivers

Royal Hospital. Sue says, “…

using their own cars plus 10

the drivers have never let me

volunteer bookings desk op-

down. They always come

erators who take telephone

when they say they will come,

and drop-in bookings. The

I enjoy their conversation and

transport service operates

I hope they enjoy mine and

7 days a week, 365 days a

it takes the sting out of the

year, undertaking day time

hospital appointment if you’ve

and evening drives and costs

got a lovely driver to take you

a maximum of 50p per mile.

and bring you home. Now

Many people who use the

that I can no longer drive you

service require additional sup-

are an absolute lifeline.”

ell says, “Please consider

Patricia Batty also uses the

Friends Community Transport

service and says of Cotswold

Service. The demand for the

Friends, “One of the nice

service is growing rapidly

things is that because my

and we need more booking

walking balance is very

desk operators to work in our

precarious the drivers always

Moreton offices, more drivers

come to the door with me

and more passenger assis-

port such as help with their shopping or an escort to help them to the hospital waiting room. A familiar, friendly face is reassuring and volunteers regularly drive for the same people.

Jacqueline Newton has been

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and see me in. I feel safe with

one to one support that the Cotswold Friends Community Transport Service can offer.”

The Cotswold Friends Transport Service has grown by almost 400% since 2013 with 8798 journeys undertaken in the 2017/18 financial year.

Community Transport Service Manager Julie Mitchvolunteering for the Cotswold

Contacting Cotswold Friends: Transport Service Bookings Desk: Monday to Friday, 9.30am -3.30pm, Tel: 01608 651115 or call in to the office in the Moreton Area Centre, Moreton High Street.

Volunteering enquiries: Contact Sheryl on Tel: 01608 697007, Email: volunteering@ cotswoldfriends.org or visit the website to apply at www. cotswoldfriends.org Funding enquiries: Contact Celia on Tel: 01608 692812, Email: celia@cotswoldfriends. org or visit the website to make a donation at www. cotswoldfriends.org

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13

How Did The Concept Of Money Originate?

A Good Read Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

n Dai Siji This is a remarkable little book, considered by many to be a modern classic – so much so that it has already found itself on some GCSE English Literature syllabuses. Don’t let it put you off though. I really urge you to give it a try – after the first few pages you will be hooked.

Recently the whole world appeared to come to an abrupt halt when the computer systems controlling bank accounts and their respective credit and debit cards crashed. Overnight the thoughts of a cashless society were put on the back burner.

The thought crossed my mind, “How did the concept of money originate?”

Set in 1971, Sijie’s novel follows the story of two middle class city boys, forcibly removed to the Chinese countryside for re-education as part of the Cultural Revolution. Guilty only of having doctors and dentists for parents, they are subjected to punishingly hard physical work and appalling living conditions.

Two things make their lives bearable – the presence nearby of the beautiful Little Seamstress, and a collection of books, first borrowed and then audaciously stolen from a friend, which open up a world beyond the mountains.

Sijie’s story crackles with wit and humour throughout – the opening scene, in which the narrator finds himself playing a tune hastily retitled ‘Mozart is Thinking of Chairman Mao’ sets the tone instantly. But this is also a story about the power of words and the power of desire, and as such is beautifully told.

Comic episodes are interwoven skilfully with passages exploring the transformative power of literature, and before you know it you have reached the inevitable yet poignant conclusion, which will stay with you for a long time afterwards.

Flat Stanley n Jeff Brown

Stanley Lambchop is a rather unusual boy. After an accident with a bulletin board, he is four feet tall, about a foot wide – and half an inch thick. Of course, being flat has its advantages – Stanley’s trip to California in an envelope is great, and his brother Arthur would love to be able to slide under their bedroom door like Stanley does. And, if Stanley was round, he would never have been able to assist his neighbour in catching thieves intent on stealing the world’s most famous painting.

But there are downsides too – while it is great to be a kite for half an hour, it’s not so much fun when Arthur gets bored and leaves Stanley stuck in a tree. People can be cruel too, and eventually the name calling gets too much. Luckily, Arthur is on hand with a solution to his brother’s problem...

This picture book manages to make an impossible situation seem perfectly plausible, thanks to the matter of fact style and simple, convincing illustrations. Ideal to read aloud to younger children or as a first book for newly confident readers, it has stood the test of time since its first publication in 1968. If it isn’t already a family favourite, then it is destined to become one very, very quickly.

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Early Origins Our distant ancestors had no need for money they would barter using their skills and talents. Surprisingly bartering has stood the test of time for thousands of years because we still barter amongst ourselves in efforts to obtain what we consider a “good deal”.

Our ancestors no doubt came across some complex deals which made it difficult to barter and so something more tangible was needed, and this physical ingredient is what we refer to as money.

Examples of Different Kinds of Money • The shekel was the unit of a specific weight of barley, and equivalent amounts of silver, bronze, copper and other metals. The first records of the shekel date back to 3,000BC in Mesopotamia.

• The ancient Egyptians used “Ring Money”. This was an actual ring made of bronze, copper or gold.

• The Celts in ancient Ireland also used a form of “Ring or Bracelet Money”.

• The Aztecs used small doll figures made of solid gold.

• In ancient India, people used “Money Trees” to store their coins. A money tree was a flat piece of metal, shaped like a tree, with metal branches. At the end of each branch was a round disk with a hole in the centre.

Each of these disks was an ancient Indian coin.

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Bourton Library Opening Times • You do not have to go back thousands of years for a different type of money. At the end of World War 2 In parts of Germany that had been devastated by the conflict, it was not unknown for cigarettes to be used as money.

Societies Early Rules for Money As societies developed they soon learnt that to be useful money must follow a few simple rules: • It had to be accepted as a bartering piece by other people • It had to have an assigned value by all • Needed to be easy to carry • Had to be made of a strong material that could be conveyed between people.

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 am - 01:00 pm Wednesday: 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 10:00 am - 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm Saturday : 10:00 am - 01:00 pm Sunday: Closed .........................................

01451 820964 bourtononthewaterlibrary@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Paper money However there were exceptions to the latter rule.

The Chinese introduced paper money. It was light in weight, and could be colourfully decorated and had the added advantage to merchants of avoiding the difficulties in transporting large sums of heavy metallic currency.

The Future of Money?

No doubt developments in money and payment technologies will continue to transform our methods of transferring money. New currencies such as Bitcoin may or may not survive, but we are only a small step away from the next catastrophic failure of an international computer system. I wonder if we are fully prepared for such an event?

Further Reading: A History of Money from Ancient Times to the Present Day by Glynn Davies www.jamesrobertson.com/book/historyofmoney.pdf www.ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/money.html John Harris

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What’s On? Monday 9 July - Sunday 22 July

ON CHESIL BEACH (15) 7:30pm Adults £10. Under 16s £7.50 CONTACT BOX OFFICE Dominic Cooke (2018) 110mins Adapted by Ian McEwan from his bestselling novel, this romantic drama follows a young couple of drastically different backgrounds in the summer of 1962. Florence (Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird, Loving Vincent) and Edward (Billy Howle, Dunkirk) find their idyllic romance colliding with issues of sexual freedom and societal pressure, leading to an awkward and fateful wedding night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thursday 12 July - Friday 13 July

ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL: ROBIN AND THE SHERWOOD HOODIES The students of St. Mary’s Primary present their school play. A hilarious musical written especially for children. Based in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Robin Hood’s village, a stone’s throw away from where Robin and Marion wed! It’s crammed full of Merry Men and Robin’s arch enemies; King John, the Sherriff of Nottingham and Gladys of Gisbourne! A tale of tights, fights and footlights!

TICKETS £5, SOLD THROUGH THE SCHOOL Please contact the Box Office for more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday 30 July - Wednesday 1 August

3 DAY DRAMA For 5-7 year olds: 10am-3pm This interactive workshop aims to build confidence, creativity and imagination. Improvisation, mime and storytelling will be explored in this fun and exciting experience. Participants perform on the stage on the Wednesday.

We also have another 3 DAY DRAMA workshop taking place on: 13th-15th August 10am-1pm: £70 For more information or to book, please call the Box Office. Prices start from £70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Saturday 4 August - Wednesday 8 August

OCEAN’S 8 (CERT. TBC)

7:30pm Adults £10 Under 16s £7.50 CONTACT BOX OFFICE Debbie Ocean gathers a crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala. A starstudded ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Sandra Bullock, James Corden and Helena Bonham Carter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

www.chippingnortontheatre.com

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Out & About n L.A.S. DEMOS 2018

The Pavillion, Burford Road, Lechade Friday 24th-Tuesday 28th August incl. ANNUAL ART EXHIBTION Monday 3rd September 1-3pm.

Caroline Chappell The Professionals’ techniques in acrylics and correct use of the medium Tuesday 9th October 6-9pm.

Pam Stone. Waterscapes in watercolour.

Tuesday 13th November 6-9pm.

Stuart Roper. Acrylics Landscapes.

Non L.A.S. Members £4. Refreshments provided.

LAS WEBSITE – www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk ........................................................

7th July

Milton-under-Wychwood Grand Fete

2pm on the village Green. Lots of stalls, live stage and arena entertainment, exhibitions, activities and competitions for all, refreshments, fairground, special activities for children. Come and join the fun.

For details: 01993 831739. ........................................................

11th July

n The Arts Society Cotswolds Lecture

11.30 to 12.30 July 11th, 2018 will see the next lecture of The Arts Society Cotswolds entitled “Angels from the Realms of Glory: the Wilton Diptych and the Roof of Westminster Hall by Mark Cottle. The former is described as one of the most beautiful yet enigmatic paintings ever made and the latter as the most outstanding in the history of English art. Both appear in the last decade of Richard 11’s turbulent reign and represent a high watermark of a period rich in artistic achievement.

Full details: theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk ........................................................

Showcase 01242 224144 orpromenadeproductions.co.uk. ........................................................

14th July

n Ebrington Traditional Village Fete & Family Dog Show Ebrington Cricket Ground, GL55 6NF. 2 pm – 5 pm. Free parking. Entrance £1 for adults and children over 12.

Plenty for all the family to enjoy – Campden Swing Band, dancing display, classic vehicles, family dog show, children’s obstacle course, traditional stalls, teas, BBQ and much, much more. Proceeds for the church and village organisations. ........................................................

14th July

n 20th Anniversary Celebrations

1.00 - 4.00pm at New Beaconsfield Hall Station Road (A361), Shipton under Wychwood. Family Fun Afternoon - bring a picnic and join us for an afternoon of fun, games and entertainment for all the family.

6.45pm - midnight Supper Dance to the sounds of the New Starlight Big Band.

Tickets £25 per head. For more information contact anita@fiddlershill.co.uk ........................................................

21st July

n Windrush Valley Flower Show and Fete

From 1:00 p.m.

Come for a delightful family day out in the country. Held at the Great Barrington village hall, set in the beautiful landscape of the Windrush Valley: a traditional fete with refreshments including teas, cakes, BBQ, ice creams and Pimms; competitions for fruit and vegetables, flowers and flower...

12th - 14th July n Love of Musicals

Promenade Productions and Young Promenaders invite you to share their Love of Musicals at 7.30pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th July at The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. The varied programme will include excerpts from Oklahoma!, Les Miserables, Whistle down the Wind, Hairspray and many others.

Tickets £11 .00 to £14.00 from

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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 p30.

...arrangements, arts and crafts and children’s classes; stalls and traditional games; a tombola and raffle; and band. Bring your dog for the Dog Show and Agility Competition! Entry £2 per adult (children 15 and under free) ........................................................

Saturday 25th-Monday 27th 10am-6pm Tuesday 28th 10-4pm Not to be missed! www.lechladeartsociety.co.uk ........................................................

n Cornwall to the Cotswolds

Join us on August Bank Holiday Sunday for a selection of cask ales, ciders, wines and prosecco as well as soft drinks, BBQ, cakes and teas at this picturesque riverside setting on the banks of the beautiful River Windrush.

There’ll be music, children’s rides, duck races and a variety of stalls raising money for village organisations. Keep up to date with plans on Facebook events Minster Lovell Beer Festival.

Wash Meadow, Old Minster, Minster Lovell, Near Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 0RN ........................................................

18th - 24th July

Exhibition of paintings by Alan Holmes and John Hutchens, capturing the landscapes of Cornwall and the Cotswolds, and many places in-between.

Lower Slaughter Village Hall 10.00 - 5.00 daily. Admission free OVER 70 PAINTINGS WILL BE ON DISPLAY - all paintings are for sale The full exhibition will be available to view online at www. johnhutchens.co.uk from 10th July ........................................................

28th July

n Compton Abdale Village Fete

Traditional Village Fete set in beautiful gardens. Stalls include: Produce, Plants, White Elephant, Tombola, Books. Fun Dog Show – starts at 3pm. Entrance fee £2 per class. Many games & activities for the whole family. Teas & Ice Creams, Barbecue, Pimms tent, Gloucester Excelsior Band.

Lower Farm, Compton Abdale, GL54 4DS. (just off A40 near Northleach) 1.30 pm - 4.15 pm Admission £2.50 for adults, Children & Parking Free. ........................................................

24th -28th August n Lechlade Art Society Annual Exhibition

Showing in the Memorial Hall, Burford Road, Lechlade GL7 3YP Brand New Hall with extended Extra Parking!

Friday 24th Private Viewing (Members Only) 6pm-8pm

26th August

n Minster Lovell Beer Festival and Village Day

27th August

n Winchcombe Show

Organisers of the Winchcombe Country Show are promising another bumper show this year.

The event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday at Winchcombe Senior School Playing Fields and brings you the best in country show fun. ........................................................

29th August - 1st Sept n North Cotswold Arts Association – Art & Craft Exhibition and Sale

Warwick Hall, Burford: 10am to 5pm. Free entry wide range of different art work, including oils, acrylic, pastel and watercolour, photography, sculpture, pottery and other crafts.

Contact Sandi Garrett on 01451 822550 or email alexa_buffery@yahoo.co.uk for more information .......................................................

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Your CotswoldLink

17

Never too Early Book an eye examination for your child

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

A child’s development and learning can be hindered by undiagnosed or uncorrected sight defects, so early and regular eye examinations are essential to give them the best chance of succeeding in their education.

Rapid visual development takes place between birth and 3-4 years of age.

Many visual defects such as long-sight (hyperopia), short-sight (myopia), a turning eye (strabismus) or a rugby ball-shaped eye (astigmatism) can be inherited.

Most visual problems are treated better if they are diagnosed early on. It’s not necessary to wait until a child can read the letters on a conventional chart before taking them for an eye examination. Special picture charts and tests can be used and it’s quite possible to take certain measurements without any interaction from the child at all.

Doctors, health visitors and some school nurses will carry out rudimentary vision checks, but only an optometrist will be able to provide a comprehensive accurate assessment.

Here are some signs to look out for but it’s important to say that some children show no signs of anything being wrong at all, yet they may still have a serious underlying vision defect.

• Frequent eye rubbing • Dark circles under the eyes • Obvious discomfort in bright sunshine

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Your CotswoldLink

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• watery eyes • One eye larger than the other • One or both eyes turning inwards or outwards, even if it’s only sometimes • A white pupil visible in family photos, particularly where flash has been used • Holding books very close • Aversion to reading • Sitting right next to the TV • Red-rimmed eyes, or sorelooking eyelids • Excessive blinking • Short attention span for closeup tasks • Poor eye-hand co-ordination It might sound obvious but choose an optometrist who likes children (not all of them do!) and who puts them at ease. When you go into the practice there should be children’s books or possibly a toy or two available to keep them occupied while they wait.

A child-friendly optometrist will understand if your toddler

wants to run around the room periodically or alternatively doesn’t want to engage at all. If your child has special needs such as autism or anxiety and needs to visit the practice to see the room and meet the staff before attending for an appointment this should be an option.

Choose someone you feel comfortable with and your child will probably feel comfortable too. Your child’s sight is precious.

Book an eye examination today.

By Louise Addison

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19

Local Author publishes fascinating book on local family John Keble is best remembered for the Oxford College founded in his memory; his role in the seminal Oxford Movement, and for the hymns that he wrote and which are still sung today. Both John Keble and his brother were educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford and followed their father into the church.

Born in 1792 in Fairford, John Keble was curate of the Cotswold villages of Eastleach, Southrop and Coln St Aldwyn, with his younger brother Thomas (Born 1793). The brothers left for Oxford in 1806 (John) and 1808 (Thomas). John left Fairford and the Cotswolds to become vicar of Hursley in Hampshire where he stayed until his death. He served as vicar of Hursley for 30 years and founded the John Keble School in 1839. He died in Bournmouth in 1866.

His brother, Thomas, became vicar of Bisley, near Stroud in 1827. Thomas remained vicar there for over 30 years.

A fascinating, informative and highly researched account of John and Thomas Kebles life in Gloucestershire

He died in 1875 and was suceeded as vicar by his son, Thomas.

This is a fascinating, informative and highly researched account of a great and distinguished family, whose legacy continues today.

About the Author: Allan Ledger lives in the Cotswolds’ and his interest in the Keble family lies in the villages of Eastleach and Southrop near his home. Allan is a historian, former history teacher and, before his retirement, Deputy Head of Cheltenham School. He published privately ‘The History of Eastleach,

Available to purchase on:

Gloucestershire’ as part of his degree course at Bristol University. Some of his research has been published, including his ‘Life of John Keble’. He is the author of ‘A Spencer Love Affair: Eighteenth-century Theatricals at Blenheim Palace and Beyond’, published by Alan Sutton

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Your CotswoldLink

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21

GARDEN VIEW

Feeling Fruity Have you ever wished you could grow fresh fruit in your garden but worry the space is too small, or it won’t look pretty, or it’s too difficult?

What if I was to tell you that even a beginner can successfully grow a wide variety of fruit from apples and pears to plums, cherries, blueberries and raspberries, and possibly even figs or nectarines?

The first thing you need to know is that the sweeter the fruit is meant to be the more sun it will require.

Sun boosts sugar levels. If you have a sunny wall it’s an ideal place to train a sun-loving fruit tree like a peach or an apricot. Plant the tree at the base of the wall but not too close (about 30cm is about right) in soil enriched with fertiliser and good quality compost. As it grows splay the branches evenly and attach them to the wall. As the plant grows gradually cut out old straggly branches and tie in new healthy branches. The idea of splaying or ‘fanning’ is that as much sun as possible gets to the fruit, so it can ripen beautifully and maximise your crop. It also has the benefit of being a great space saver. Choose a variety that won’t grow too large.

In slightly shadier spots you can grow gooseberries or raspberries, or my favourite morello cherries. Most of these come in compact varieties and can also be fan-trained against a wall if space is an issue.

I have a tiny orchard of minarettes - space-saving apple, pear and plum trees bought as single vertical stems which I grow in pots. They grow to a maximum of 6 feet / 2m high and no wider than 45cm. My

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Your CotswoldLink

children love them! Simply cut back the side stems to about 10cm at this time of year and you’re good to go. Just remember that pot-grown plants rely totally on you for their food and water. Thick glazed / non-porous pots are best because they retain water and act as insulation in extreme cold. Use the correct compost and food for the plant but most will do well with a regular high potash liquid feed from early spring to late summer.

As a gardener I was quite late to fruit-growing, but I realised quickly that it becomes an addictive hobby.

And as a complete bonus I’ve noticed a definite increase in my bee population over the past few years.

Free food, and good for the environment too. What could be better?

By Rachael Leverton

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23

Trio to complete Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge for Childrens Cancer Charity Simon, Steven & Dwight vs The Yorkshire 3 Peaks

The walk

Dwight Scaife (Graphic Designer for the Cotswold Link), Simon Wilson and Steven Hermon, will be attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 21st July 2018 in aid of childrens cancer charity, Henry Dancer Days.

The Challenge is a 24 mile circular walk that climbs the tallest mountains of Yorkshire.

How you can help...

Help us to raise as much money as we can for our chosen charities by making a donation to any of the fundraisers in our team.

Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the fantastic Henry Dancer Days. HDD is a charity which raises funds to help children with cancer and support their families particularly those undergoing treatment for primary bone cancer. They also support projects in paediatric oncology wards in the NE of England.

Every penny that HDD raise is put to good use. A guide to where your donation will go is shown below. £5 pays for a book for a child in the Storyteller project

Recipe Pimm’s Jelly • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 50 minutes • Yield: Makes 4 - 6 jellies Ingredients: • 4 oz/115g golden super fine / caster sugar • ½ cup/100ml water • Juice of half a lemon • ½ oz/12g gelatine leaves • ¾ cup/175ml Pimm’s No. 1 • 2 cups/500ml diet fizzy lemonade • 8 oz/250g fresh strawberries, roughly chopped • Few torn fresh mint leaves

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Your CotswoldLink

• Whernside • Ingleborough • Pen-y-Ghent.

The trio will begin their challenge in the early morning starting at Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Pen-y-Ghent is the first peak to be ascended followed by Whernside and then Ingleborough and back to the starting point, all within the 12 hours.

£50 pays for a distraction session in the kids oncology ward. £500 pays for a full grant to a family who have a child with cancer For further information please see the charity details opposite and link on this page which details the unbelievable work that HDD do including the Storyteller project, the 340+ grants they have already provided and other unmeasurable support.

Childhood cancer is something we hope that no family has to face. Whatever you can spare we truly value the support.

Thanks Simon, Steven & Dwight

The charity Henry Dancer Days supports children and young people with cancer. The charity was set up in memory of Henry John Dancer, who died in 2010 from Osteosarcoma, aged just 12. Henry’s Mum, Jane, founded the charity in 2012 to support children and young people with primary bone cancer.

We provide grants to the families of children undergoing treatment for primary bone cancer, a rare type of cancer which can lead to

unimaginable difficulties. Our grants provide practical support when it is most needed, with additional support given to those in palliative care.

We also run the hugely successful Storytelling Project at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary. Our magical Storyteller helps children with cancer escape their troubles and enter a world of pure imagination!

Registered Charity Number: 1147982

www.henrydancerdays.co.uk

Donations can be made online and all amounts are welcome, thankyou for your support.

www.mydonate.bt.com/teams/sistedwight

Enjoy Pimm’s Jelly this Summer Pimm’s is Britain’s number one summer drink but also takes on a great role as a refreshing Pimm’s Jelly.

A Pimm’s jelly recipe is so simple that you will be making Pimm’s jelly all summer long. Don’t feel restricted to just using strawberries in the Pimm’s jelly recipe. You can ring the changes with other summer fruits, raspberries work very well.

Preparation: Place the sugar into a small saucepan, add the water and lemon

juice, stir.

Gently dissolve the sugar over a low heat. Once dissolved simmer for a few minutes then remove from the heat.

Break the gelatine leaves into small pieces and cover with cold water.

Leave to soak for 5 minutes then add to the sugar solution and stir until thoroughly dissolved.

Pour the sugar syrup into a bowl, add the Pimm’s and the lemonade.

Place the bowl over a bowl of iced water and leave to cool until the jelly is just starting to set – about 30 minutes. If you stir the jelly from time to time this will speed up the

process.

As soon as the jelly begins to set add the strawberries and stir, add the mint leaves and stir again.

Pour the jelly into large wine glasses, or glass bowls and place in the refrigerator, preferably overnight.

Serve with extra strawberries and mint and cream or vanilla ice cream.

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1

bledon m i W t u o b a s Fun fact 1. The Grass Is Always Greener

3. Strict Dress Code

Wimbledon is one of the world’s most celebrated tennis events. Taking place at the All England Club in London, it runs for two weeks and attracts over 500,000 spectators. Get an up-close look at Wimbledon with these awesome facts. balls. Months before the tournament, BBGs go through intense training sessions to prepare for Wimbledon.

6. We Are the Champions

the course of three days.

Wimbledon is one of four tennis Grand Slam events held each year. These tournaments are considered the most important competitions of the tennis season. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event to be played on grass courts. The grass is tended to yearround. And during the event, it’s cut to a height of exactly 8 mm.

Wimbledon rules state that all players must be dressed almost entirely in white. Umpires can ask a player to change if they don’t meet the dress code. For instance, in 2013, Wimbledon champ Roger Federer was told to switch his shoes for his next match because they had orange soles.

4. It’s All About the Ball

2. It Goes Way Back R i g h t : The first winners of Wimbledon in 1887(Photo clockwise from top left: Lilian Watson, runner-up in Wimbledon final 1884, Herbert Fortescue Lawford, Wimbledon singles champion 1887, Maud Watson, first female tennis champion 1884, and Ernest Renshaw, Wimbledon singles champion, 1888) The first Wimbledon championship took place in 1877, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. Men’s Singles was the only event played that year. Ladies’ Singles and Men’s Doubles events came on the scene in 1884. And, in 1913, the Ladies’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles events were added to the tournament.

9. Look Out! The record for the most Wimbledon titles in Ladies’ Singles belongs to retired Czech and American player Martina Navratilova with nine victories.

In Men’s Singles, the record for most titles is shared by William Renshaw, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer, who each won the event seven times.

7. Bring on the Trophy

During the tournament, 54, 250 tennis balls are used. The balls are replaced after every seven to nine games to make sure they’re in perfect shape throughout the match. Those not in use are even stored in a refrigerated container to keep them in tip-top condition. Interestingly, Wimbledon once used white tennis balls. But they were replaced with yellow balls in 1986 to make them more visible to TV cameras.

5. On the Job

10. An Earsplitting Sound

In 2014, the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Champions each took home a prize of about $3 million. Aside from cash winnings, champs are also presented with a trophy. The Ladies’ winner is awarded a round platter called a salver that was made in 1864. And the Men’s champion receives a golden cup that dates back to 1887. Neither winner keeps the trophy. They remain on display at the All England Club’s museum. But winners do go home with a small replica of the trophy.

8. Are You Tired Yet?

About 250 ball boys and girls - known as BBGs - have the tough job of keeping track of all those fast-moving tennis

The record for fastest men’s serve at Wimbledon belongs to US player Taylor Dent, whose ball clocked in at 238 kph. And American Venus Williams holds the record for the fastest women’s serve after smashing a tennis ball about 205 kph.

Some tennis players let out a loud grunt on the court while hitting the ball. The loudest known grunt during Wimbledon came from Russia’s Maria Sharapova in 2009. It reached about 105 decibels - the equivalent of standing beside an accelerating motorcycle!

The longest match ever played at Wimbledon took place at the 2010 tournament. John Isner of the United States defeated French player Nicolas Mahut in a match that lasted 11 hours and five minutes and was played over

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25

The

Cotswold Sky

The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) For 50 years, serious efforts have been made by using up to date technology in attempts to communicate with any alien life that may exist in outer space.

So far no contact has been made but the search goes on. The SETI Institute is now in the process of building 350 radio telescopes in California to locate that first communication with outer space. The research does not stop there, it is being carried out throughout the world by many highly respected radio telescope observatories.

The ethics of SETI have created deep intellectual discussions amongst theologians, astronomers, politicians, philosophers to name but a few of the professions. This does not mean of course that we the ordinary people of the world should not have a view; on what is to some; a controversial subject. So who are the people who run SETI?

The SETI Institute (SETI.net)

The SETI Institute is a not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to explore, understand and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe and is well worth a read by any budding scientist and for that matter by anyone with an interest in astronomy, scientific exploration or just plain curious.

ing used throughout the world are equivalent to a few substantial computer systems. You; the user are helping with the development of a potential scientific discovery.

So, if it is a rainy day and you have nothing to do with the children?

Challenge them to find out about SETI@home. The excitement of participating in a genuine experiment will help in the Search for Extra- Terrestrial Intelligence and further their knowledge in the progress of science.

Detailed information can be obtained from: http://setiathome. berkeley.edu/

Diary

Mercury – Is always difficult to spot.

Look to the right of Venus as the sunsets during the first 2 weeks of July. Mercury appears again around 05.00 hours during the last 10 days of August.

Venus – Can be observed during July in the north western sky after sunset. However; August will be the best time to observe Venus. Look for this brightest of Planets high in the western sky immediately after sunset.

Mars – Rises in the east between 9.15 and 11.15 pm during July and can be seen in the south east during August.

Jupiter – Is most prominent in the southern skies during July and towards the south west in August to the left of a very bright Venus.

Saturn – Is difficult to locate, look to the left of Jupiter, but you need to be up between 01.00 and 04.00 in the early hours during July. By August it will be setting by 01.30 hours

Meteor Showers SETI@home

The SETI@home project utilisers a screen saver which is free of charge and from which the SETI Team download information they have obtained from outer space.

The idea of SETI@home is that that thousands of screen savers be-

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Delta-Aquarids - July 28th / 29th May be difficult to see because of a nearly full Moon.

Perseids – August 12th / 13th We could be in for an excellent show this year.

John Harris

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27

Woodchester Park boathouse walk Nestled in the Cotswolds, the secluded valley of Woodchester Park is home to the remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscape park, a Victorian mansion, a chain of five lakes fringed by woodland and pasture, and an abundance of wildlife.

Start: Car park, grid ref: SO797012

1 From the car park turn right, down the hill, following the pink waymarkers of the Boathouse Walk into the woods.

2 As you emerge from the woods, take a look at the pasture to your right, restored from conifer plantation in 1997.

It’s now grazed by traditional Welsh black cattle.

3 Bear left at the waymarked junction.

You’ll see the remains of the coach house and stables that were associated with the Georgian mansion to your left.

Property details prepared for the sale of the Woodchester in 1846, describe these buildings as everything the most fastidious Gentleman can desire - a coach house for eight carriages and stables with twelve stalls and harness

fountains playing in ornamental ponds.

5 Entering the pasture, continue downhill to where you’ll see Brick Kiln Pond.

Brick Kiln, Old and Middle ponds are the first three of a chain of lakes created by the middle of the 18th century.

Keep your eyes open for birds, such as kingfishers and herons, as well as mandarin and tufted ducks. The dam was breached in the 1940s and there’s now a plan to restore the lake. Larch

again.

Woodchester Mansion

6 Having walked the length of Middle

William Leigh, a wealthy ship

Pond, turn right onto the dam. These

owner from Liverpool, bought the

deep lakes were created through the

Woodchester Estate in 1845.

plantations have been removed so that the historic views can be enjoyed once

damming of a small stream.

He demolished the old house and

7 From a series of boardwalks the

began work to replace it with a

Boathouse comes into view. Continue to

Victorian mansion. However, work

4 Continue onwards to the Temple Site

follow the pink waymarkers.

was abandoned for unknown

(now a small ruin). The wooded valley

8 Passing Woodchester Mansion on

unique, unfinished Victorian Gothic

your right, continue up the hill to the car

building that you see today.

rooms.

enclosed by the curve of the track contains the remains of terraced gardens, which were created in the early 1800s.

Historic records describe a temple overlooking Italian-style gardens with

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reasons after 16 years, leaving the

park.

End: Car park, grid ref: SO797012

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How to pack the perfect picnic Whether you’re enjoying an

kit and stow away your spread

fully. Cold boxes and ice packs are

alfresco feast or a simple, laid-

in style. Choose your equipment

essential to make sure that items

back lunch, eating outdoors

carefully - nothing dampens

normally stored in the fridge stay

requires planning ahead. From

spirits more than a leaky cool box.

as cool as possible, so keep things

choosing your kit to transport-

Before you set off, check your

like meat pies, fish or dairy dishes

able treats, we’ve got everything

Tupperware is shut tight, and

stowed away, and don’t delay

you need for the best picnic

wrap any particularly pungent

tucking in once you’ve reached

ever...

items in a plastic bag. Plastic

your destination.

How to pack the perfect picnic

cups or bottles are best for little ones to avoid breakages. If you’re

While it may look appealing to

bringing wine glasses for the

lay out your fare for all to see,

Venturing into the great outdoors

grown-ups, consider packing a

keeping your food on ice for

with a heaving picnic hamper is

lightweight tray to perch them on

as long as possible will reduce

one of the great joys of summer.

during pouring and between sips,

the risk of having to throw out

But before you settle into a shady

and if you’re sampling cork-sealed

anything that’s sat in the baking

spot to snaffle your sandwiches

wine, don’t forget the bottle

sun all day. Assistant food editor

and Scotch eggs, there’s plenty of

opener!

Miriam suggests cutting dishes

prep to be done...

Pack with panache Read our pick of the best picnic

Food safety

such as quiche into wedges, and serving them up directly from the

There’s no need to risk a funny

cool box. Finally, carry some hand

tummy if you plan and pack care-

wipes or anti-bacterial gel, and

make sure that everyone’s hands are clean before they chow down.

Final flourishes Miriam’s top tip to avoid soggy salads and sandwiches is to keep components such as dressings, fillings and optional extras stored away in separate containers (chilled if necessary) until they’re needed. Add ingredients like goat’s cheese or pre-chopped fruit to your dessert at the last minute, and serve up with confidence.

Council will undertake evaluation of potential National Park designation Members of Cotswold District Council have agreed a cross-party motion requesting officers to carry out an evaluation of the potential benefits and disadvantages

Cabinet Member for Housing, Health

tion process and – hopefully – it will

and Leisure Cllr Stephen Hirst - was

provide us with a significant body of

given unanimous support.

evidence to inform our views.”

Following the vote Cllr Harris said:

Echoing these views, Cllr Hirst added:

of designating the Cotswolds as a National Park.

“We know that local MPs have gen-

“About 80% of the District comprises

erated interest in this issue and it

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

is important that we now gain a full

so there is already a good level of

Working with counterparts from other

understanding of all of the issues

protection afforded to our landscape

local authorities that would probably

involved in designating a new National

and communities. However, National

fall within the footprint of a Cotswolds

Park area. While it is clear that there

Park designation is a significant step

National Park, CDC will aim to gain a

are benefits for the tourism sector,

further and raises the prospect of key

better understanding of the implica-

we are concerned about the possible

decision making powers being taken

tions for residents, including possible

impact on future affordable housing

away from democratically elected

increases in housing costs.

provision, and local responsibility for

councillors working on behalf of local

planning matters. Setting up this eval-

residents.”

The motion - which was proposed by

uation with other affected authorities

Liberal Democrat group leader Coun-

means that we should be well placed

cillor Joe Harris and seconded by CDC

to respond to any possible consulta-

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29

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West Oxfordshire Sept / October 2018 Dist: w/c 27th August ‘18 Copy: 3rd August ‘18

Aston Magna

North Cotswolds Sept / October 2018

Dist: w/c 27th August ‘18 Copy: 3rd August ‘18

Blockley Bourton-on-the-Hill

Moretonin-Marsh

Little Compton Evenlode

Longborough Condicote

Oddington Broadwell

Winchcombe

Stow-onthe-Wold

Great Rollright Little Rollright Over Norton

Chipping Norton Cornwell

Heythrop

Lidstone

West Oxfordshire

18,500

KinghamChurchill Dean Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Whittington Rissington Church homes & businesses Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Little Dowdeswell Andoversford Wychwood Chilson Rissington Fifield Christine Shipton Ascott-underMilton-underClapton-on-the-Hill Great Fawler Wychwood Wychwood Turkdean 01609 777401 Rissington Compton Finstock 07742 595747 Abdale Langley Ramsden Great Withington christine@jkanorth.com Leafield Barrington Fulbrook Taynton Asthall Hailey Windrush Dwight Little Leigh Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley 01609 779097 Chedworth Asthall dwight@jkanorth.com Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Bradwell Village Aldsworth Upper Slaughter

Icomb

Bourton-onthe-Water

Charlbury

Northleach

North Cotswolds

16,100

Burford

homes & businesses

Shilton

Brize Norton

Carterton

Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com

Index Art Classes Seasons Art: p3

Cleaning Services Casio Oven Clean: p17

Finance & Legal Northcot Bookkeeping: p11

Hire WHC Hire Services: p23

Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p32

Dental Cirencester Dental Practice: p5

Flooring Parsons Flooring: p13

Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p7 Calarel Developments: p7 Hill-top Joinery: p6 Hooper Joinery: p30 Morgan Roofing Services: p4 N & D Construction: p23 North Cotswold Builder: p23 Phil Dadge: p26 RJB Window Restoration: p6 Solid Roofs 4U: p31 Thomas Contracting: p27

Education Cotswold Tutor: p15 Youth Education Service: p15

Furniture Armstrong Interiors: p3 Graham Lane Furniture: p13 Hooper Joinery: p30 Phil Dadge: p26 Roundabout: p18

Home & Interiors Armstrong Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p32 Country House Curtains: p27 Graham Lane Furniture: p13 Parsons Flooring: p13 Paul The Painter: p21

Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p15 Walkers Day Nursery: p32

Elderly Services Hearing & Mobility Store: p18 Newlands of Stow: p5 The Langston: p13 Electrical Services ARC Electrical: p13 Cotswold Aerials: p27 KR Electrical: p1 P Wheeler Electrical: p26 Fencing Logs & Fencing: p23

Gardening & Outdoors Adrian Hale Tree Work: p23 Coln Clearances: p21 Get Rid Removals: p21 Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p26 Logs & Fencing: p23 Mower Medic: p23 Thomas Contracting: p27 WHC Hire Services: p23 Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p19 Cirencester Dental Practice: p5 Feng Shui Engineer: p18 Paul Brookes Foot Health: p19 Runnerbean: p19 Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p18

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Holiday Cottages Character Cottages: p2 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p9 Locksmiths Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Logs & Fuel Logs & Fencing: p23 Motoring Cotswold Garage: p1 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p17 Cookers & Co: p16 Painters & Decorators Paul The Painter: p21 Richard Luckett Decorators: p21 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p17 Plumbing Chris Smith Plumbing: p27 Gas & Oil Services: p4

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Property Maintenance Coln Clearances: p21 Hill-top Joinery: p6 Hooper Joinery: p30 Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Phil Dadge: p26 Solid Roofs 4U: p31 Recruitment Burford Garden Centre: p3 Removals Coln Clearances: p21 Get Rid Removals: p21 Sports & Leisure JDR Karting: p1 Runnerbean: p19 Sound & Vision ARC Electrical: p13 Cotswold Aerials: p27 Taxi Andy’s Taxis: p17 Tree Surgery Adrian Hale Tree Work: p23 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p15 Seasons Art: p3 Windows RJB Window Restoration: p6 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

Have you got a Greenhouse tacked to the side of your house?

A Conservatory is not a habitable room, being too cold in winter and too hot in summer.

Research at Cranfield University has shown that the average south-facing conservatory reaches a comfortable temperature for only two hours a day, unless energy is expended on artificial heating or cooling. The glass or polycarbonate roof and walls have a minimal insulation value, and a conservatory is little more than a greenhouse tacked onto the side of a house.

Unfortunately, instead of paying just a few hundred pounds for a lean-to greenhouse, many people have been persuaded by glossy advertising to pay £20,000 or £30,000 or more, for a conservatory. The conservatory industry has relied on huge profits on a few slick sales points-that a conservatory is a cheaper way of providing space than a proper extension; that it will be erected with little disruption in a week or so; and that conservatories do not require Planning Permission or Building Regulation approval. They do! * The planning permission* argument has always been suspect. Like any addition, a conservatory fell under “permitted development” rights only so long as it was not too big- no more than 10 per cent of the existing building (or 50 cubic metres) for a terraced house, or 15 per cent (or 70 cubic metres ) for any other house.

The Building Regulations situation is more complex. There are in fact several aspects of the Building Regulations that conservatories have always had to comply with-such as those governing structural stability and fire safety.

But the one that was stressed by the salesman was Part L – the conservation of fuel and power.

A conservatory was exempt from Part L as long as it was separated from the house by a closing door, and had a roof area of at least 75 per cent glazed and a wall area at least 50 per cent glazed.

It was this fact that was promoted as a “loophole” by the salesman, and a result in thousands of shoddy boxes being sold, with no oversight from local authority Building Control officers.

For what it’s worth, the percentage glazed area requirement was dropped for the 2010 edition Part L, so there is no longer any difference between a

conservatory and a more solidly built extension. But people continue to be sold the false dream of a habitable “room in the garden”.

The firms that fit insulation and plasterboard beneath conservatory roofs are clearly hoping to cash-in on householders’ disappointment, but I would urge caution. The figures claimed for the expected improvements in thermal performance sound highly theoretical, and I am not aware of any independent evidence to support these claims in practice.

Furthermore, fitting insulation and plasterboard inside an existing glass or polycarbonate roof entails some risks.

Condensation forming on the underside of the glazing on winter nights might drip onto the insulation and damage the plasterboard ceiling. The Companies claim that crossventilation will prevent this happening but- as we have seen with loft insulation in normal house roofs - some degree of condensation is inevitable.

The main reservation, however, concerns over the long term water tightness of the existing conservatory roof. Polycarbonate roofs have a life expectancy of 10 years or less, and even the most expensive glass roofs can suffer rubber gasket deterioration within a similar time frame. Then what happens when the roof leaks onto the new plasterboard ceiling below?

This system should be treated with suspicion.

Estate Agents and valuer’s may list your conservatory on their particulars, showing its attributes, but you will find that no added value has been put onto the property because of it!

Advice - if you want your extension to be truly habitable, with a tangible value, then put your money towards removing the glazing altogether and fit a proper roof.

Fitting a real roof can have a true use and value added to your home.

Solid Roofs 4U Ltd can Engineer, Produce and Build in a choice of Styles and Roof Coverings including Real Tiles.

Call 01904 200 212 or Visit solidroofs4u.com

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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