Cotswold Link (North Cots) May-June 16

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Celebrate ‘The Year of the Garden’

a tour of some stunning gardens across the Cotswolds as we 24 Take celebrate the ‘Year of the Garden’

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Raising Vital Funds Walk or cycle 50 miles for the SMA Trust

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Afternoon Tea

We look at a new take on an old tradition

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08 Cotswold Building Success 18 Calling all photographers! business local news: 10 New Businesses & Services 20 Walk or cycle to raise vital funds advertorial: advertorial: 13 A new take on Afternoon Tea 22 Maximise your Holiday Cottage rental education: garden view: 14 Ever thought of an Apprenticeship? 24 The ‘Year of the Garden’ event advertorial: 16 Seasonal events across our area 26 Creative Interior Painting & Decorating local news Cotswold Link 18 Bourton Summer Fun Day 30 Advertiser Index local news

local news

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Welcome to the May - June issue

We welcome the beginning of Summer and the lighter nights with a number of exciting news, events and updates. The brand new Bourton Family Fun Day is taking place this June (See p18 for details), it’s promising to be a fabulous day! Page 13 looks at a new take on the historic tradition of afternoon tea, as The Fish re-invent it in style!

For those of you looking to enjoy Cotswold gardens this Summer, see p24, as we take a tour of some of the finest.

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

01609 777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

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

or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers Cotswold Link carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. All information is appearing Your in Cotswold Link Magazine 4reports mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannot be held Please responsible for any errors or omissions.

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Cotswold building projects bid for award success Building Control Officers at Cotswold District Council believe that local architects and developers have every chance of winning prizes at this year’s regional Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Excellence Awards.

Three building projects nominated by the Council will now be assessed at the Western Region LABC awards ceremony which takes place at the Bristol Marriott Hotel on 6 May. The nominations are as follows: LABC Residential Site Agent of the Year - land adjacent to Rozzers, Arlington, Bibury.

Developer - Hills Homes Developments Best Individual New Home - Silver Birches, Cirencester Architect – Cotswold Architects Contractor – A and L Builders Best Small New Housing Development and Best Social and Affordable New Housing Development - J W Sly (Northleach) Charitable Trust, Sly’s Yard, Northleach Architect – Mungo Park Architects Contractor - Wildmoor Construction Ltd Photo shows the first tenants - the Mustoe family - preparing to move into Sly Close, Northleach: back row l to r) Steve Mustoe, Jo Mustoe, Enid Sly (benefactor), Cllr Chris Hancock, Cllr Sue Jepson, (front row l to r) Esmae Mustoe, Amelia Mustoe.

During recent years, new construction projects nominated by CDC for the awards have been very successful at the regional level, culminating in near misses at the National Building Excellence Awards when the nominations impressed the judges but narrowly failed to land the top prize.

Commenting on this year’s nominations, CDC’s Joint Building Control Manager Andy Jones said: “We’ve put forward some excellent projects for the awards this time around, and we’re quietly confident that the regional judges will be very impressed. From a Council perspective, helping to ensure the success of these projects has been a real team effort, drawing on the expertise of not only our building control staff but also the skills of our planning officers and the Heritage and Design team.”

CDC Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, Cllr Sue Jepson added: “I am really impressed by the high quality of the nominations that we continue to put forward every year. The Cotswolds has come very close to a national award on several occasions, and this has encouraged everyone to try and go one better in 2016. It’s great to see so many locally-based architects and contractors who want to get involved – obviously just being nominated for the awards brings prestige to the developments, and these three nominations reflect very well on all those involved.”

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W E N businesses

To feature within this section of the magazine please contact us on: 01609 777401 / 01609 779097 | christine@jkanorth.com

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 15,350 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

NEW Garden Route Launched across the Cotswolds See p24 for full details

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JACQUELYNE MORISON HYPNOTHERAPY TRAINING The HYPNOTHERAPY PRACTITIONER COURSE with Jacquelyne Morison Hypnotherapy Training is designed for those who wish to become sincere and dedicated professional practitioners of analytical hypnotherapy as a psychotherapeutic and stress-trauma management discipline.

The HYPNOTHERAPY PRACTITIONER COURSE focuses principally on Analytical Hypnotherapy or Hypnoanalysis – a therapeutic approach which Jacquelyne Morison has pioneered and promoted for 20 years. The analytic approach centres on dealing with the underlying originating cause of the client’s distress by providing a deeply investigative therapeutic environment.

Analytical Hypnotherapy practice means not just treating the client’s symptoms superficially or providing a method of coping with life’s problems but actually handling cases of intense psychological malaise by resolving dilemmas naturally and effortlessly at the root of the problem. The client can thus deal with distressing conditions, such as really deep-seated fears, crippling anxieties, stubborn habit disorders, low confidence, stressful-traumatic manifestations, relationship difficulties, grief-bereavement issues and the devastating effects of childhood abuse, neglect and abandonment. Analytical Hypnotherapy can, of course, still equally be applied to relatively simple problems for which clinical hypnotherapy is popularly renown, such as weight management, smoking cessation and pain management, without inferring that hypnotherapy is a quick-fix methodology and, thereby, giving the profession a disreputable name.

Jacquelyne is a wonderful teacher whose approachable, accommodating demeanour makes studying to be a hypnotherapist a life-changing experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this course for anyone seeking a stimulating and holistic approach to hypnotherapy training.

Kazia Tyszka-Baxter, Kazia Tyszka-Baxter Hypnotherapy, Kent

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New Taxi Service Going the extra mile!

We recently spoke to Harry Eve about the launch of his exciting new taxi company, ‘Cotswold & Burford Taxis’.

“I have many years experience in driving Taxis and felt that the time was right to start my own business. Cotswold & Burford Taxis will provide a professional and friendly service for people in the North Cotswold Towns and villages around Bourton, Stow and Burford.

We pride ourselves on being courteous and happy to go the extra mile to ensure our customers are happy with our service and that they arrive at their destinations on time.

We offer Special Rates for return journeys and letting us drive allows couples to enjoy a night out without the worry of getting home.“

For more details contact Cotswold & Burford Taxis on: 07985 651493 or 07514 496542.

Family-run Business goes from strength to strength BB Glazing and Locks are a Cotswold based business that focuses on customer care and total satisfaction.

We understand the importance of security for your home or commercial building, if something breaks or needs replacing, it needs to be fixed as quickly as possible, professionally with the added bonus of very competitive rates.

Services for glazing ​• Replacement of double glazed units.

• Shop fronts • Cat flaps • Boarding up Services for locks​ • Gain entry • Lock-replacement • Window locks • Lever locks • Patio door locks

For more information call us on: 07495 581015 or 01285 720056 We are happy to provide a free quote for all your window & lock replacements We can also book a visit by one of our fully trained experienced fitters.

Stay safe & secure with BB Glazing & Locks

• Broken windows • Patio glass • Window filming • Safety glass

• Door handles • Garage door locks • Security bolts Cabinet locks

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Just What The Duchess Ordered The Fish Hotel on Farncombe Estate has just launched its own retro take on afternoon tea, but what is it about the Victorian-era snack tradition that has made it so popular in the modern day?

Anna Russell, seventh Duchess of Bedford, got rather peckish in the afternoons. Back in 1840, it was a long haul between breakfast and dinner, and that light, new-fangled ‘luncheon’ meal certainly wasn’t enough to sustain her.

So, to combat the inevitable three o’clock slump, Lady Anna would retire to her boudoir with some sandwiches and a pot of tea. Her friend, Queen Victoria, thought this was an absolutely spiffing idea, and the ladies of the land’s most distinguished households began following suit. A great British tradition had been created – all thanks to the rumbling stomach of a famished duchess.

Now, nearly two centuries later, afternoon tea occupies a special place in British culture.

It’s not an everyday meal, but a luxurious treat for an occasion worth celebrating, whether that’s the marking of a special event or just a moment of spontaneous indulgence. It’s an excuse to relax, to while away an hour or two chatting, supping a pot of steaming cha, and stuffing your face with sandwiches and cakes. It’s impossible to be stressed while taking afternoon tea; essentially, it’s the culinary equivalent of a hot bath and a scented candle.

That’s certainly the philosophy of the Fish Hotel near Broadway, which has just launched its own take on the afternoon-tea tradition. From 2.30pm until 5pm, the hotel’s bar and lounge plays host to a deliciously old-school tea service, bringing residents and visitors a cavalcade of classic tea-time treats, including sandwiches (cucumber, of course, plus the perennially popular combos of smoked salmon and cream cheese, beef and horseradish and ham and mustard); scones with jam and clotted cream, and colourful platters of mini Victoria sponges, fondant fancies, Viennese whirls and, naturally, the marzipanlaced patchwork wonder that is the Battenberg. A bit 1970s, you might suggest, and you’d be entirely right. This is, after all, the same hotel that has just relaunched its restaurant with a mission to rehabilitate surf ’n’ turf for the modern day – and has got Cotswolds gastronomes very excited as a result.

The fact is, in an age when the world of dining is always on the lookout for the next new thing, it’s all too easy to forget the tasty glories of the old ones.

Luckily, the Fish hasn’t, and, if Lady Anna were to find herself cosied up by the Fish’s fireside one afternoon, with pot of Darjeeling to hand and a slice of Battenberg laid out before her, we’ve no doubt the Duchess would be proud.

Full Afternoon Tea is served at the Fish 2.30pm–5pm, Monday to Saturday, for £18 a person, or £25 including a glass of prosecco.

Tel: 01386 858000 The Fish Hotel. Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LJ www.thefishhotel.co.uk

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Have You Ever Thought of an

Apprenticeship?

Recently a great deal of emphasis has been placed on encouraging youngsters to take an apprenticeship as opposed to going through the academic route of a degree. The government have set a target of having 3 million additional apprenticeships by the year 2020.

What is an Apprenticeship?

A generation ago Apprenticeships were associated with blue collar workers such as electricians, mechanics, plumbers, gas fitters, bricklayers etc. Apprenticeships have now expanded to include 1,500 job roles covering more than 170 industries and are available at the following levels: (taken from www. gov.uk) Intermediate: Level 2: 5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C Advanced: Level 3: 2 A Level passes Higher: Levels 4-7: Foundation Degree and above Degree: Levels 6,7: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

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

You can apply for an apprenticeship while still at school. To start one, you’ll need to be:

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• 16 or over • Living in England • Not in full-time Education A child born after September 1st 1997 must stay in some form of Education or Training until at least their 18th birthday.

This does not necessarily mean staying in school; young people have a choice about how they continue in education or training post-16, which could be through: • An Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

• Full-time Study in a School, College or with a Training Provider.

• Full-time Work or Volunteering Combined with Part-Time Education or Training.

Advantages • The Apprentice does not have to pay for being taught valuable work skills.

• The Apprentice is paid during training.

• The opportunity to advance their education is apparent, even to degree level in certain cases.

• There is a possibility of being fast tracked into management.

Disadvantages • There is no guarantee of having employment on completion (latest figures show that 70% of apprentices are given employment by their parent company and a further 20% go on to find appropriate work).

How to find an Apprenticeship Now comes the difficult part of the exercise. Visit https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch Using this site I carried out a search for apprenticeships within 30 miles of Northleach, the centre of the Cotswolds, and came up with 538 Apprenticeships being advertised.

Ok, these appointments will not suit all but there may very well be a place for someone who is fully suited to some of the positions being advertised. There will be stiff competition to attain a position, so be well prepared for a rigorous interview.

For those who cannot get an apprenticeship: A Traineeship is an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that Employers are looking for. For further information on Traineeships go

to www.gov.uk/find-traineeship The apprenticeship scheme is not without its critics, and it is sad that our politicians have had to look abroad to see how other countries obtain their skilled work force.

However; the opportunities are there for those who are looking for an alternative approach to that of following an academic career via a University.

For Further Information: http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/ https://www.gov.uk/topic/furthereducation-skills/apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/a-parents-guide-toapprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship http://semta.org.uk/ http://www.accaglobal.com/uk/en/ qualifications/accountancy-career/ ukschoolleaver/apprenticeships.html May I take this opportunity in wishing all our youngsters Good Luck and Good Fortune in the forthcoming Summer Examinations John Harris

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Out & About 15th-21st May

n Burford & Windrush Valley Rotary Club and Christian Aid Week The Rotary Club in Burford is supporting this year’s annual Christian Aid Week, from May 15-21, and seeks volunteers from your readers who are prepared to spend a little of their time delivering envelopes to houses in Burford (& surrounds if they are so inclined!) and return later in the week to collect donations.

Could anyone interested please make contact, preferably by email to xtianaidburford@gmail.com or by post to “11 Windrush Court, 175 The Hill, Burford”. ........................................................

21st - 30th May

n Oxford Artweek at Great Rollright Site No 357. 13 talented and individual artists working in Photography, Textiles, Glass, Sculpture, Paper and Paintings.

Daily demonstrations, delicious tea and cake. Come and see us in this picturesque village hall. Meet the artists and see how the artwork is made.

A warm welcome awaits. Car park, WC, and wheelchair access.

For more info: 01608 730268 Free Entry. ........................................................

18th June

n Traditional Village Fete Brass Band, Maypole Dancing, Teas, Stalls, Games, a Parade and a Duck Race, plus much more.Entrance £2 per adult,(accompanied children free), to include prize draw.

2-4.30pm at Sycamore House Withington. GL54 4DA ........................................................

25th June

n Naunton Country Market & Donkey Derby Exciting Family day out: 10.00am 6.00pm. Naunton recreation ground (Sat Nav GL54 3AS). Entrance: £1.00 (under 16s free). Free parking. Over 40 stalls of

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local produce. Cookery demonstrations.

Teas/Coffees, cakes. Bar-be-que. Bar and refreshments. Tote. Children’s races 12.00. Six Donkey races starting at 13.00hrs. Jockey’s final, 17.30hrs.

Terrier Racing, Fun Dog Show. Grand Raffle.

For more information see: www.nauntoncountrymarket anddonkeyderbyday.co.uk www.facebook.com/nauntonCMDD Twitter: @nauntoncmdd ........................................................

2nd July

n Taynton Traditional Garden Fête Set in an idyllic Cotswold garden there will be fun and games for all the family.

Forage around the many stalls which include The White Elephant, Handbags, Belts & Jewellery, Tombola, Raffle, Books, Cakes & Home Made Produce, The Bottle Stall. Have fun with Guess The Weight of The Cake, BBQ, Pimms, Afternoon Tea and Cakes, and, for the children (and grownups) Splat The Rat, Duck Race along the stream, Beat The Goalie and other surprises all to the accompaniment of the Chedworth Silver Band.

All proceeds in aid of the Restoration of Taynton Church Bells and Taynton Church. Come and enjoy an entertaining summer’s afternoon.

Taynton House: 2 – 5pm. Entrance is £2 and children under 12 FREE. (OX18 4UH) ........................................................

2nd & 3rd July

n Withington Open Gardens Weekend Spend an enjoyable afternoon in a typical honey coloured Cotswold Village. Visit the Norman grade 1 listed Church which will be decked out, under the supervision of an exhibitor at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, with flowers depicting life in the Cotswolds. The range of gardens will delight both the serious gardener and those who prefer to sit and enjoy their beauty. Light refreshments available in the Village Hall. A plant stall, produce stall, and ice cream will be located at various places around the Village. (cont)

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.

The Church and school garden will be open from 11am and the main gardens from 1.30pm. Last admissions 5.30pm.

Lunches available at the Mill Inn. Picnics in the sports field car park.

Adults £10 (accompanied children under 16 free). Tickets allow access to all open gardens -approximately 7 in all, as well as the Church and School. Post Code for sat. nav. GL54 4DB, and follow the signs.

(Proceeds are for repairs to the Church Roof) ........................................................

8th -18th July

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

4th June

n Medieval Pardoner Re-enactment 10:30am – 4pm. Come and experience life in medieval times when a pardoner and his apprentice will be setting up camp in the courtyard at the Cotswolds Discovery Centre. Find out about everyday living, food, drink and fun! Learn about the wondrous holy relics of Gloucestershire and then try your hand at writing with a quill pen! Free entry.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre: Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/discoverycentre 01451 861563 ........................................................

11th June

n The Folklore and Medicinal Properties of Plants illustrated talk 2pm-3:30pm. An hour’s talk, with time for questions, looking at a variety of plants and discussing their medicinal virtues and folklore. Free, but please book.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre: Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/discoverycentre 01451 861563 ........................................................

Chedworth Roman Villa 28th May – 5th June

n May half-term activities Dress up as a Roman and enjoy children’s craft activities. Some craft activities at an additional charge.

2nd June

n Children’s mosaic workshop 10.30am-12.30pm Be inspired by our beautiful surroundings and mosaic expert. Make your very own mosaic to take home. Booking essential; charge £15. Materials and a light snack provided. Call 0844 249 1895.

3rd – 4th June

n Roman coin mint 10.30am-4.30pm A special living history event: watch demonstrations of how Roman coins were minted and listen to chats about coin production in the Roman period.

12th June

n Roman coin display 11.30am-4.00pm An opportunity to see a private collection of coins from the Roman and Medieval periods.

18th & 19th June

n Father’s day gladiator arena Legio II Augusta, a premier Roman reenactment group return with their gladiator arena.

25th June

n Tablet weaving workshop 11am-3pm Enjoy a fascinating workshop where you will learn the ancient art of tablet weaving. Make something special to take home. Lunch and materials included.

Booking essential; charge £35. Call 0844 2491895. ........................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed. Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.

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Bourton Family Fun Day Sunday 12th June: 2pm-5pm The Parish Council is moving forward with its plans to hold a Family Fun Day on the Naight playing field in June.

There’ll be a mix of background activities and games going on throughout the afternoon, some of these will have a nominal charge, others will be free to take part. There will be a 7 metre, 4-person climbing wall, face painting, an inflatable bungee run, as well as traditional fete games such as splat the rat, wire buzzer etc. We‘re still finalising details of some of the games and more details will be provided nearer the time. There will also be a number of stalls (tombola, book stall etc) as well as an arena for displays and timed events. It’s intended these will include fancy dress competitions, dog shows, family races, and dance and gym displays.

We’re also hoping to have a Police Car and Fire Engine on site, as well as a Police Speed Sign run, and free bicycle security marking. The RBL has kindly offered the Council use of the Hall next door so that refreshments can be served indoors, for which we’re very grateful. The Council is also hoping to provide some form of dance/ music entertainment in the Hall throughout the afternoon.

Local groups are being invited to display information stands within the RBL Hall so residents can get to understand more about the different activities going on in the village. We hope this will prove popular and would ask group organisers to contact the Council office to book a place.

Appeal for Volunteers/Books: Given the number of different activities we hope to provide we’d be grateful if residents would come forward to help councillors with manning dif-

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ferent stalls and games. We hope to get enough people coming forward so we can spread the load thinly (ie shifts of ½ hr or 1 hr, maximum), to ensure volunteers also have the chance to enjoy the afternoon. Please contact the Council office if you can spare any time at all.

We’re intending to have a stall to sell 2nd hand books and would be grateful for donations. Residents can drop off books at the Community Centre any weekday between now and then (Mondays before 2pm only) – we can also perhaps arrange to collect large numbers, if necessary, or collect from those less mobile. Please give generously!

Once we’ve managed to finalise details for the games and competitions we’ll make sure information is circulated as widely as possible via the website, social media and Parish Council notice-boards – do keep an eye out for further details between now and then, or give us a call/drop us an e-mail if you have any specific questions.

Tel. 01451 820712

Capture the Cotswolds Calling all photographers!

With Spring now upon us, the Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Council tourism team are on the lookout for some iconic images of our glorious rural landscape, lively events and wonderful local towns.

A newly launched 2016 competition is offering keen amateur photographers of all ages the opportunity to capture stunning images of the local area. There are five different categories and competitors can enter up to ten images. The winning photos will be used to promote local tourism in the coming year and will also feature in 2017 publications that entice visitors to the area.

One overall winner will receive a fantastic prize package which includes a luxurious spa treatment and refreshments voucher at The Cotswold House Hotel in Chipping Campden, and a family pass to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Additionally, the owner of the winning image will receive a special canvas picture of the photograph, courtesy of Blue Print Imaging in Witney who have been a regular supporter of the competition over the years.

Chris Jackson, Shared Tourism Manager at Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Councils, said: “The idea behind the photo competition is to celebrate our local area which is enjoyed and appreciated so much by local residents and visitors.

The competition allows the tourism service to feature more lovely iconic images of people, towns and events within The Cotswolds which help to attract visitors. Destinations have

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become more image-led through social media, websites and other publications so we always need new images. We hope everyone will want to get involved in this competition.”

Competition entries can focus on any of the following themes: 1. Cotswold village life – capturing rural life in our beautiful villages, local people and distinctive character.

2. Beautiful Cotswold towns showcasing our market towns across the area.

3. Taste of the Cotswolds – featuring the best of local food and drink, local produce, farmer’s markets, pubs and inns, restaurants, and tearooms.

4. Cotswold live events – encompassing village fetes, food, music, arts, literature festivals, sports, quirky events.

5. Stunning rural landscapes – our glorious countryside and outdoor pursuits, such as for walking, horse riding, and cycling.

So, if you are an amateur photographer with some fabulous shots to share, or a beginner with a unique image you are proud of, then pick up an entry form from your local Visitor Information Centre or visit www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/ photocomp for details about how to enter.

Closing date for entry is Friday 10th June.

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Walk or Cycle to raise vital funds Stratford based charity The SMA Trust launches two local sporting fundraising challenges.

Walk or Cycle to raise vital funds for research into Spinal Muscular Atrophy The SMA Trust is asking people to walk 50 miles of the stunning Cotswold Way or cycle a choice of distances between Great Ormond Street Hospital and Ilmington to raise funds for vital research into finding a cure and treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a progressive neuromuscular condition which is littleknown and yet, in its most severe form, is the leading genetic cause of death of children under 2.

Walkers can take part in the Cotswold Way 50 mile walk

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through the night on June 25th from Painswick to Chipping Campden, watching the sun rise on some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes.

The walk finishes on 26th June with a welcome reception for walkers, family and friends. There are 20 and 10 mile options on Sunday 26th for people who can’t face the thought of 50 miles!

Tom Allison, Edward van Cutsem and Hugh Crossley did the full 50 mile Cotswold Way Challenge in 2015: “For anyone looking for a really good and unusual challenge, that tests you in so many different ways, all in aid of a terrific cause, we firmly recommend signing up to do The SMA Trust Cotswold Way Walk.”

Cyclists can sign up for Ride Scorpion on 7th May cycling 100, 60, 20 or 8 miles …all finishing with a welcome reception to celebrate their achievement at The Howard Arms in Ilmington. The 100 mile ride starts at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where many children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy are treated.

The Howard Arms in Ilmington is sponsoring the event. Pub Manager Rob Jeal says “It is with great pleasure The Howard Arms has been given the opportunity to host and support The SMA Trust in their charity bike ride on 7th May. As a show of local support we even have our very own Howard Arms team!”

A national charity based in Stratford, The SMA Trust is the only UK charity solely focussed on funding research into finding a cure and treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

SMA is a genetic disease that affects motor neurones causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement. In its most common and severe form children rarely live beyond 2 years old, whilst milder types of the condition can still cause severe disability.

Thousands of UK families are affected by SMA, which is little known even though one in 40 of us carry the gene that causes it.

So… get a team together with family, friends and work colleagues to...

join them for a challenge to remember!

Joanna Mitchell, Chief Executive of The SMA Trust, said: “The SMA Trust relies entirely on fundraising & donations to fund vital research, so events like this are really important to raise awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and raise the funds needed to continue our work. The first clinical trials are now under way, bringing real hope, but with so much work still to do.” The SMA Trust has spent over £3m since it was founded and now funds 75% of all UK charity funded research into the condition.

Find out more about The Cotswold Way Walk , Ride Scorpion and how to sign up at www.smatrust.org or give them a call on 01789 801155.

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The Old Farmhouse

Maximise Your

Holiday Cottage Rental Income This Summer

Cotswold Link talks to Character Cottages, a local holiday letting expert, about what cottage owners should do to ensure they make the most of this year’s summer letting season

Glebe House

Lammas Cottage

When does the summer season start?

Why does offering flexibility mean higher profits?

people, then get in touch! We provide a range of

Prices start to increase from April onwards, reaching a peak during the school holidays, which run from

Flexible break strategies typically involve splitting

two weeks to get your cottage ready to holiday

the middle of July until the end of August, when

a week into two main time slots: a mid-week slot

let.

demand is high from families seeking a beautiful

and a weekend slot. The key to higher profits is to

country holiday. Prices reduce a little in September,

ensure that the price of these shorter slots is not

Once the property marketing has started, many

however, this can still be a popular month in the

just a pro-rata of the weekly rate, but that they

Cotswolds, with the famous towns and villages a

are priced according to market demand. Typically,

little quieter than during the school holidays.

this means that weekend rates are 70-75% of the

What booking values can I expect during this time?

weekly rate and mid-week rates are 65-70% of the

The prices that can be charged vary depending on

During the summer, a popular property can expect

the size and quality of your cottage, however, a

to get a good mix of week long, weekend and mid-

typical, well presented four bedroom cottage,

week bookings. In those weeks where there is both

capable of sleeping eight adults, could fetch over

a weekend and a mid-week booking, the owner

£1,650 a week in August.

will earn approximately 135-140% of the weekly

An important aspect of the holiday letting market in the Cotswolds is the demand for short, flexible breaks. As long as booking slots are correctly priced, owners who offer guests flexibility can typically make significantly higher profits than those who only offer week long bookings.

guidance and support, and it can take as little as

owners are amazed at how quickly the bookings start to come in!

weekly rate.

price! While there are two turnarounds to deal with in such a week, rather than one, owners should still make much higher profits than if they stick to the old adage of “weeks only in summer”.

I am sold! What are the next steps in order to get started?

If you have a characterful property finished in a modern, contemporary style, sleeping five or more

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Your CotswoldLink

Pie Cottage

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

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GARDEN VIEW

Celebrate

‘The Year of the Garden’ in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are home to some of the finest English gardens ever created and spring is the perfect time to witness their beauty first hand.

As memories of the long cold winter melt away, garden visits are a wonderfully optimistic way to mark Visit England’s Year of the Garden. As spring bulbs and blossom replace the snowdrops of late winter, Cotswold gardens offer world-class design and planting in a traditional and intimate country setting.

For stunning spring colour, head for Batsford Arboretum – famed for outstanding autumn colour but a fairy tale picture of confetti blooms thanks to the collections of Japanese flower cherries and magnolias.

Discover exotic animals living amongst equally exotic plants from all around the globe at the Cotswold

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Wildlife Park and Gardens. An RHS

sociated with quintessentially English garden design. Lovers of the Arts and Crafts Movement should head for Kelmscott Manor (below)– home to William Morris and the inspiration behind many of his famous designs.

flare for design and passion for plants make every visit a treat. And don’t miss Painswick Rococo Garden, (below) created nearly 300 years ago as a flamboyant pleasure garden in an era when gardens were glorified theatrical sets!

Partner Garden for the second year running, RHS members get free entry from September 1st to October 31st when the prairie planting and grasses come into their own.

Bourton House (above) and Hidcote Manor Gardens (below) are full to bursting with ‘garden rooms’, blowsy borders and gorgeous lush planting as well as more formal elements as-

Further south, Westonbirt Arboretum (below) open their treetop walkway in April. Fully accessible to those in a wheelchair or using mobility scooters, the new attraction will give visitors spectacular views across the countryside and a taste of life in the tree canopy.

Just minutes from Westonbirt are The Royal Gardens of Highgrove, created

by HRH The Prince of Wales whose

A new Cotswold Garden Route leaflet is also being launched to highlight the wonderful gardens open to visitors including many smaller gardens, hidden gems and private gardens that open as part of the National Gardens Scheme. With information about 35 gardens ranging from the stately Blenheim Palace to the small Herbs for Healing at Barnsley House, it’s a great way to explore the wealth of gardens on offer in the Cotswolds.

The new publication is available in printed form and available to download from Cotswolds.com

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25

Creative & Imaginative Interior Painting & Decorating From a single room to a complete home transformation...

Painted Furniture

Falling in love with that treasured piece of furniture all over again • Wardrobe • Dressing table • Chest of draws

I can transform your kitchen with the right colour and finish, working with the finest quality oil or water based eggshells from Farrow & Ball to Little Greene amongst others.

• Kitchen Table & Chairs • Welsh dresser • Bookcases

Giving the piece an exciting, fresh look by painting it in a subtle shade of grey or warm off white to work with your room scheme.

Why not give your piece of cherished furniture a clean and classic feel with a soft chalky finish.

Or even a distressed and shabby chic look.

Painted Kitchens & Built In Wardrobes Bespoke Furniture For a Professional Finish

Call Paul Dadge

A beautifully hand painted kitchen, whether it be a new installation, or your existing painted fitted kitchen, can be truly bespoke as the colour palette choice is infinite, it has the power to transform your kitchen...

Your bespoke bedroom furniture, bookcases and home office can also being easily painted and transformed to create a modern feel within your home.

From Painting a Single Room, to a complete Home Decoration If your looking for the painting and redecoration of a single room to a complete home transformation. kitchen to home study and the all important snug...

Professional | Qualified | Experienced

Also perfect for the family home Second home and holiday lets...

From painting a single room, to a complete home redecoration, bathroom to bedroom, living room to hallway, stairs and landing,

Providing ideas and inspiration to create the design you desire...

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Your CotswoldLink

I can also help you transform the rest of your home, working from the modern to the traditional . Making it easy for you to feel confident in choosing beautiful colour schemes for your own home.

Hallways, stairs and landings don’t have to be dull and characterless, make a feature of the woodwork. I.e the skirting boards, architrave and doors can be painted in the same shade as the walls, or even darker, to create a classic, strong space.

The famous “cream and white” combination is “so 2010”. Painting the walls cream and the woodwork gloss white has had its day.

2016 is the year for colour and design Bedrooms should be a relaxing haven. Picking a soft taupe or warm white really does help to create a calm environment.

Livings rooms can have the opportunity to be exciting and daring, we entertain in the living room, we watch Emmerdale in the living room.

So make it inviting and creative...

For a reliable service Very competitive prices For a free quote & consultation Please call or email:

07527 017914 pauldadge@hotmail.co.uk

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1/8 Page from only

£65!

1/4 Page from only

£105!

1/2 Page from only

£180!

This Space from only £65!

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There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us...

Aston Magna

West Oxfordshire

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

15,350

Charlbury

Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com

Northleach

Burford

homes & businesses

Shilton

West Oxfordshire July / August 2016

Dist: w/c 4th & 11th July ‘16 Copy: 10th June ‘16 ............................................

North Cotswolds July / August 2016

Dist: w/c 4th & 11th July ‘16 Copy: 10th June ‘16

Icomb

Bourton-onthe-Water

North Cotswolds

homes & businesses

Lidstone

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 Upper Slaughter

18,050

Next issues

Dwight 01609 779097 dwight@jkanorth.com www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com

Brize Norton

Carterton

Index Agricultural Services Norton Air: p1 Attractions & Events Chedworth Roman Villa: p16 Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p7 Calarel Developments: p7 FFH Trade Services: p27 Hill-top Joinery: p28 Hooper Joinery: p25 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Morgan Roofing Services: p27 N & D Construction: p29 North Cotswold Builder: p29 Standard Building: p27 Thomas Contracting: p29 Children’s Services Stepping Stones Nursery: p15 Cleaning Services Campden Cottages: p23 Casio Oven Clean: p12 Chem Dry: p6 Maid in the Cotswolds: p20 MRK Services: p25 Dentists Cirencester Dental Practice: p19 Education Cotswold Tutor: p14 Stepping Stones Nursery: p15 Youth Education Service: p14 Elderly Services Abbeyfield: p20 Hearing & Mobility Store: p21

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Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p28 KR Electrical: p5 P Wheeler Electrical: p29 Vision Repairs: p12 Fashion & Clothing Chris’ Ladies Fashions: p19 Flooring Kingham Carpets: p5 Parsons Flooring: p6 Food & Drink Cacao Bean: p3 Cotswold Farmer: p23 Inn at Fossebridge: p16 Kilkeney Inn: p17 Redesdale Arms: p17 The Fish: p13 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p12 Furniture Armstrong Interiors: p9 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Dunford Woodwork: p8 Hill-top Joinery: p28 Phil Dadge: p4 Roundabout: p14 Vale Bridgecraft: p2 Gardening & Landscaping Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 FFH Trade Services: p27 Get Rid Removals: p4 H & H Groundworks: p27 Logs & Fencing: p25 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Mower Medic: p24

Thomas Contracting: p29 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p25 Hair & Beauty Cotswold Beauty: p1 Mobile Hairdresser: p20 Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p18 Cotswold Coaching Retreats: p21 Cirencester Dental Practice: p19 Jacquelyne Morisson Hypnotherapy Training: p10 Paul Brookes Foot Health: p18 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p21 Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p21 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Home & Interiors Amanda Hanley: p31 Armstrong Interiors: p9 Chalford Blinds: p6 Core Ceramics: p9 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p8 Country House Curtains: p9 Fosse Fires: p3 Homechoice Blinds: p24 Kingham Carpets: p5 Parsons Flooring: p6 Woodentop Oak Restoration: p5 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p23 Kitchens Cottonwood Interiors: p3

Real Wood Kitchens: p9 Woodentop Oak Restoration: p5 Locksmiths BB Glazing & Locks: p11 Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Logs & Fuel Butler Fuels: p30 Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 Logs & Fencing: p25 Metal Fabrication MRK Services: p25 Motoring Cotswold Cars: p28 Norton Air: p1 Troopers Lodge Garage: p12 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p12 Cookers & Co: p20 Painting & Decorating Paul The Painter: p26 Richard Luckett Decorators: p5 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p23 Photography Jenny Aston Photography: p1 Studio Blanche: p19 Plumbing Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p4 Property Maintenance Coln Clearances: p29 FFH Trade Services: p27 Get Rid Removals: p4 Hill-top Joinery: p28 Hooper Joinery: p25

Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Recycling Joe Gilder: p29 Removals Coln Clearances: p29 Get Rid Removals: p4 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p14 Sports & Leisure Cotswold Archery: p17 Cotswold Riding: p16 Runnerbean: p21 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p28 Vision Repairs: p12 Taxis Cotswold & Burford Taxis: p11 Travel & Tourism Campden Cottages: p23 Character Cottages: p22 Tree Surgery Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p14 Sewing Tuition: p14 Weddings Studio Blanche: p19 Windows BB Glazing & Locks: p11 Homechoice Blinds: p24 Milena Windows: p32

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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