Cotswold Link (West Ox) Jan Feb 17

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Bi-Monthly Royal Mail distribution: 18,200 homes & businesses

Jan/ /April Feb 2017 March 2016

DATA DRIVEN FINANCE FOCUSSED HOLIDAY LETTING EXPERTS

Character Cottages is a leading, high performance holiday letting agency, specialising only in the Cotswolds.

With our proprietary pricing algorithm and other bespoke performance tools, welcome to the new way to maximise your holiday cottage’s financial potential. www.character-cottages.co.uk 0208 935 5375 letmycottage@character-cottages.co.uk 2

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inside

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Style Trends for 2017

We look at several exciting new interior design style trends that you can expect to see in 2017

A Garden Haven

How to create a Garden haven for birds this Winter

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Online Safety

How to keep your children safe online

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06 Cash boost for Community Centre 15 Protect your children online garden view: business 08 2 Pages of New Businesses & Services 16 Create a haven for birds interiors: health 10 Essential Women’s Health Checks 18 Interior Design Trends for 2017 astronomy tourism: 12 Cotswold Tourism Guide is published 20 The Cassini Mission local news: events 12 Seasonal events across our area 21 Hook Norton Brewery acquires pub cotswold link seasonal 14 Chinese New Year & Key Resolutions 22 Advertiser Index local news: FEATURED

education: FEATURED

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Welcome to the January - February issue

We greet the New Year with a wide range of interesting articles and updates for you, from Health and Education, to Cooking and Local News. There really is something for everyone!

See pages 8-10 for details of several new businesses and services, whilst we have some fabulous 2017 design trends on p18.

Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories 01609 777401 01609 779097 of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you. cotswoldlink.co.uk I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Spring.

Best wishes,

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

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Cash boost for Carterton Community Centre Organisers of a fundraising campaign to restore a community centre have been given a huge boost after landing a major grant award.

Brownes Hall in Carterton has received £38,361 from West Oxfordshire District Council’s Community Facilities Grant which will cover 25 per cent of the cost of its 50th anniversary refurbishment project.

The Community Facilities Grant funding was agreed by Cabinet members at West Oxfordshire District Council and will go towards replacing the roof of the building in Brownes Lane with environmentally friendly materials as well as improving ventilation, lighting and toilet facilities.  Secretary Alwyn Griffiths said: “The roof has been patched up again and again over the years but now we will be looking to not only replace it but to update the whole building, opening it up to a wider section of the community.

“For example, it is the only building in the town where you can host a wedding reception and we would like to see more of those.”

The grant means the £153,000 project is now on track to start in January 2017 with work expected to be completed by April 2018 in time to celebrate the building’s 50th L-R: Brownes Hall Chairman Andy anniversary.

Bennett and Secretary Alwyn Griffiths

Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Brownes Hall is at the heart of the Carterton community and I am delighted this contribution has been made to help ensure it continues its essential role for many years to come.”

Brownes Hall was originally built with the co-operation of the United States Airforce and the Royal Airforce stationed nearby to give serving personnel a venue in the town outside their base.

It hosts a wide range of sporting and social activities with thousands of people using the facilities every year.

The Community Facilities Grant provides financial support for community led capital projects for the improvement and / or enhancement of existing facilities and the purchase of new facilities and equipment.

Other projects to benefit from the grants which are awarded by West Oxfordshire District Council twice a year are the Woodstock Youth Centre which received £50,000 towards building a new clubhouse and Langston Memorial Fountain in Churchill which received £5,774 for repairs.

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W E N businesses s e c i v r e s & in & around our area

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

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

and ¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 18,200 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

Contact us today to get your business in the Link!

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

What is a Biomechanist?

Most people have never heard of Biomechanists, which isn’t surprising, as there are only 18 in the entire UK; so do Google ‘What is a Biomechanist?’ for a full explanation.

In brief though, a Biomechanist is simply a very advanced expert in Exercise/Fitness and Injury Biomechanics and Alan Gordon is the only one, not just in the Cotswolds, but in all of SE England and the Midlands too. He also has a double first degree in Nutrition, and amongst his Oxford exercise clients has GPs, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Pilates/ Yoga teachers and personal trainers. However, he also has perfectly straightforward, everyday non medical/exercise people, who simply want to feel completely safe, and secure in the knowledge, that their health, fitness and wellbeing is in the hands of a proven expert with over forty years of experience, and who’s total training equates to eleven years.

Alan specialises in the Over 45s of both genders and Women’s Exercise, Injury and Nutrition, with one of the medics who personally recommends

him being Professor Sallie Lamb, Oxford University’s Kadoorie Professor of Trauma Rehabilitation.

As a Biomechanist, Alan is able to devise exercise,fitness,injury/illness recovery and wellbeing measures, that are completely aligned to the unique physical Biomechanics of the person concerned, and nobody else’s anywhere. This means dramatically safe and highly effective exercise/ recovery methods, because the person concerned only does things that their body’s personally unique way of moving, is totally ‘happy’ with. Thus, even the most delicate of bodies can be significantly improved, with Alan’s youngest client being 15 and the oldest 86 With Alan’s advanced expertise, gyms, health clubs and exercise venues just aren’t necessary at all.

You can make perfectly good progress and successfully achieve your goals in the privacy of your own home. www.alangordon-health.co.uk 07833 110364

New Year, New Bathroom...New Savings?

We caught up with Country Bathrooms owners Ross and Deborah recently to find out their plans for 2017 and to hear about some savings that people maybe aren’t aware of!

“We had a really good 2016 and received fantastic feedback from many of our lovely customers,“ says Ross, “But we did notice that some of our customers are entitled to savings that they are maybe not aware of. We completed several projects for disabled or chronically ill customers, who are eligible for full VAT relief on all labour and materials used in their bathroom refurbishment.

We were delighted to inform them of this significant saving, as its something that not everyone is aware of. We think that there are many more customers out there who could benefit from this and do not realise.”

Ross was quick to add that customers would need to check their eligibility and that the basic principle is that you won’t have to pay VAT if you’re having a new bathroom, washroom or lavatory installed or an existing bathroom, washroom or lavatory, extended or adapted if the work’s being done to help you because of your disability.

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Specific examples of VAT relief projects include: • Having a bath removed and replaced with a shower or walk-in bath if, because of your disability, you have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional bath • Having a bathroom installed on the ground floor if, because of your disability, you’re not able to get upstairs • Altering an existing bathroom to allow wheelchair access around the room As well as VAT savings, Country Bathrooms have also noticed an increase in customers looking to modernise and update their current bathrooms, instead of moving house. Deborah tells us more, “We are finding that many of our customers are spending more on their bathroom refurbishments than ever before, as many people are discovering that the current cost of moving, due to higher rates of stamp duty, is prohibitive. They are therefore spending more on making their existing homes comfortable and exactly how they want them to be, regardless of an increased house value or not, as they do not plan to move in the foreseeable future.”

To transform your bathroom, call Ross and Deborah on: 07776 145 878 / 01451 844060 or visit: www.countrybathrooms.co.uk

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Well Hello 2017!

A closer look into the future with a Local Furniture Business It seems that none of us have a crystal ball so planning ahead can be tricky. It’s always nice to know that, when investing your hard earned pennies in home improvements, that you are in safe hands.

For 2017, Cottonwood Interiors have decided to “rub out doubt” and introduce their new loyalty schemes for this year and beyond.

Sophie from Cottonwood Interiors explains, “It’s simple really, our customers can get involved and be rewarded with a smashing gift for friend referrals when a commission is booked, also the chance to win a relaxing “weekend off” from the hustle and bustle of everyday life”. Sophie went on to explain, ”Our team at Cottonwood Interiors work really hard behind the scenes to ensure that our client’s journey with us, no matter how small, or long, is smooth. We have thought about many ways to help potential customers choose to use our services and from consulting our current customers, we have decided to introduce some new housekeeping ideas. We intend to ask our existing clients to complete and return the feed-

back form, (Part of The Guild of Master Craftsman and www.findacraftsman.com monitoring process).

They simply write a review and follow us on our socialmedia sites @cottonwoodhq for home interiors ideas. The general sense of opinion was that it would be courteous to invite every customer to then have the opportunity to be entered into this fabulous quarterly prize draw.” *For full terms and conditions please visit our website.

some really neat storage solutions and ideas for an easier ride. Organised and beautiful solutions together really can be achieved. Creative design and innovative ideas can radically improve the flow of your kitchen. Cleverly Cottonwood Interiors use bespoke tailored shelving and storage ideas, together with their knowledge that good organisation is the vital kitchen ingredient, to seamlessly achieve this!

Springing into life Cottonwood Interiors are delighted to announce the launch of their exciting new Apprenticeship scheme, breathing fresh and modern ideas into the company.

We are welcoming the first, of (hopefully), many young people, like Liam, who has had a very promising start so far. Welcome 2017, it’s certainly a busy start for Cottonwood Interiors!

TIDY...

Getting tidy & organised is next on the list!

With Spring around the corner, that dreaded clean is looming. Cottonwood Interiors have

For more information please contact Cottonwood Interiors on: 01608 643897 cottonwood-interiors.co.uk

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Health Checks all Women Should Know About A routine blood test last year picked up the fact that I had very high cholesterol.

I am 48, healthy, have a low body mass index, eat very little meat, no dairy, and I exercise several times per week, so it had never occurred to me to have my cholesterol levels checked. It turns out I have hypercholesterolaemia – my body makes too much cholesterol, and now I have to take medication to control it so I reduce my risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease in later life.

This got me thinking, and reading. What sort of medical checks should we be considering in our 40s and beyond?

Midlife MOT The NHS Health Check Programme is a free screening open to anyone aged 40 to 74. It targets the top seven causes of preventable death: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, cholesterol, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol consumption – all the things that are more likely to cause us to become ill as we age and / or die prematurely.

You’ll be asked about your lifestyle and

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family medical history, and have some blood tests. It was this blood test which showed up my own high cholesterol levels.

Cervical smear Cervical cancer is most common in women between the ages of 30-35 but a fifth of cervical cancer cases occurred in women over the age of 65 so it is vital to have regular smear tests. You should have one every three years between 25-49, and every five years after that.

A smear involves taking a small sample from the neck of the womb, called the cervix, to check for any abnormal cells that might lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is initially contracted by sexual activity.

It may lay dormant for years before it starts to cause cancerous cells on your cervix. If you have bleeding between periods or after sex you should see your GP.

Mammogram Breast awareness is very important at any age, because breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and affects one in eight women.

A mammogram is an x-ray of both breasts to look for any changes that might suggest cancer. Depending on where you live you will be called for your first mammogram between the ages of 47 and 53.

Regular self-checking is incredibly important too. Familiarise yourself with your family history if you can. If you notice any changes to your own breast tissue, such as irregular lumps, bumps, or skin dimpling, book an appointment to discuss it with your GP.

Eye examination Most healthy people should have an eye examination bi-annually. But if one of your parents has or had glaucoma, or macular degeneration, or you have certain underlying medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or diabetes, or you are aged 70+ attending annually is more sensible.

An eye examination can pick up early signs of eye disease, as well as discover whether you need spectacles. Glaucoma and wet macular degeneration in particular have a much better prognosis if picked up in the earliest stages.

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Bowel checks Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK yet accounts for the second highest number of deaths, so it’s essential to have regular tests.

A test involves submitting a specimen of your stool for analysis through a postal self test kit. The test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool which may indicate cancer or precancerous polyps.

Polyps can be removed before they go on to cause any harm.

Everyone aged 60 to 74 is sent a free home test kit every

two years from the NHS, but you can take the test if you are younger than this and it’s a good idea if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

You can buy a testing kit from good pharmacies.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Most test results will simply give you peace of mind but if a problem is picked up, treatment is more effective the earlier an issue is identified. Take charge of your health in 2017.

By Louise Addison.

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Cotswolds Visitor Guide 2017 is now available!

70,000 copies of the OFFICIAL Cotswolds Visitor Guide have been printed, ready for the 2017 holiday-booking season. The guide’s striking front cover features Cotswolds Tourism’s new logo, which has been designed to reflect the contemporary, unique, friendly and surprising elements of this diverse region.

Sally Graff from Cotswolds Tourism says:

“We are using the 2017 Visitor Guide, and the new branding, to challenge current perceptions about the Cotswolds, by demonstrating there’s a lot more to the area than quaint tea rooms and rolling hills.”

Themed pages in the new Visitor Guide reflect Cotswolds Tourism’s marketing campaigns for 2017. New feature spreads include arts & culture and music & festivals, showcasing the world-class, yet quirky events that help give the Cotswolds its unique appeal.

The Oxfordshire Cotswolds has been incorporated into the Cotswolds Visitor Guide for the first time, to become a comprehensive guide for the whole of the Cotswolds. Five local authorities have worked in collaboration to produce the guide. Hundreds of local businesses in the tourism industry back the guide with their own money by paying to advertise.

Sara Chardin from Cotswolds Tourism says: “The Cotswolds remains one of Britain’s must-see destinations with tourism contributing around £1 billion to the local economy. While lots of visitors come to the Cotswolds in the summer months, our aim is to encourage more people to visit the area in the ‘shoulder’ and winter months”.

According to Visit Britain, tourism has been the fastest growing employment sector in the UK since 2010. Britain is forecast to have a tourism industry worth over £257 billion by 2025.

Distribution of the new visitor guide, which features Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Witney and the villages of the Cotswolds, began in early December.

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Every 4th Thursday

n Chipping Norton Flower Club With demonstrations, outings, workshops and more. Join us in the Lower Town Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Starting 22nd September at 7pm For more information tel: Ann. 01608 683289 or Kaye 01993 831146 ........................................................

n 11th January Cotswold Decorative & Fine Arts Society January lecture

Elements of the new Cotswolds Tourism logo have been separated out and feature individually on the themed spreads, to carry the branding throughout the guide. Another new feature used through the guide is ‘One for the bucket list’, giving visitors ideas about inspiring things to do that provide a unique flavour of the area. Suggestions include: taking to the air for a bird’s eye view; walking the Cotswold Way; or drinking a pint of Cider in Laurie Lee’s favourite pub.

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Out & About

“Marc Chagall’s Poetic Vision”

by Frank Woodgate. During his long life (he died in 1985 at the age of 98), Chagall managed to combine images from his own life, including his happy marriage, with significant themes such as Judaism, Christianity and the Russian Revolution. Frank Woodgate is a guide and lecturer at Tate Britain, Tate Modern and he lectures at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. He also lectures for the National Trust, the Art Fund and several other organisations including NADFAS. Frank is also a script-writer for the Living Paintings Trust, which brings art to the blind and partially-sighted.

Lectures begin at 11.00am with coffee/tea available from 10.15-10.45. Non-members are very welcome, no need to book (suggested donation £10).

Bradwell Village Hall, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4XF www.cotswolddfas.org.uk ........................................................

13th January

n George Monbiot & Ewan McLennan

This very rare live performance will feature Ewan performing the songs a cappella and accompanying himself on guitar and banjo, while George talks about the stories behind them.

Expect a unique and rousing interplay of songs and stories.

8pm. Full £16, Concession £13, Member £10 The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 7JN Contact: 01865 319450 ........................................................

14th - 28th January

Peter Kettle: On Meadow and River

In January 2017, Sarah Wiseman Gallery presents brand new work by acclaimed young landscape

painter Peter Kettle.Inspired by the varied landscape of the British countryside, Peter Kettle turns his attention to the wide expanses and gentle hills of Oxfordshire.

Beginning with a walk along the Glyme Valley Way from Chipping Norton to Woodstock, Peter intends to take in pathways and gently rolling countryside in and around Oxford.The result is painting that is highly attuned to the landscape in all its senses from terrain to the weather elements.

Free admission Open Tues-Sat 10:00 - 17:30 Mondays 10:00 - 16:00 www.facebook.com/ sarahwisemangallery/ Sarah Wiseman Gallery, 40-41 South Parade Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 7JL Contact: 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com ........................................................

18th - 22nd January n Sleeping Beauty

Chase away those winter blues!

Book tickets for Promenade Productions’ traditional family pantomime Sleeping Beauty and be transported to a fairytale world with a beautiful princess, a handsome prince, good fairies and one very nasty fairy plus all the crazy characters you expect to find in pantomime. Lots of boos, lots of laughter, lots of audience involvement.

Tickets: £10.00 - £14.00 Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Box Office: 01242 258002 Wed 18th – Sat 21st January at 7.00pm | Sat 21st – Sun 22nd January at 2.30pm ........................................................

11th & 12th February

n Stow Flea Market and Collectors Fair

Sixteen stalls in the famous historical St Edwards Hall in the middle of Stow selling a multitude of interesting items including Antiques, brica brac, militaria, ephemera, art and crafts, glass, metalware, silver, jewellery, teddy bears, greeting cards, vintage items galore, beautiful powder compacts, toys and gifts. Upstairs is Isabel’s famous cafe with delicious hot or cold snacks, tea and coffee. All this plus more.

Takes place every month - check out our facebook page ’Stow Flea Market and Collectors Fair’ plus Antiques-Atlas’ for more details.

From 10 am - 4pm. Free Entry St Edwards Hall, The Square, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1AF. Contact: 07704 145099 ........................................................

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Having an event?

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

15th - 17th February

n Charlton Kings Community Players present Some Sunny Day

7.30pm: In the Performance Hall at St Edward’s School, Cirencester Road, Cheltenham, GL53 8EY Tickets £ 7.00 and £4.00 for age 16 or under; (2+2 ticket £20.00) available in January 2017 Exhibition of artefacts and documents telling the story of WW2 and the 1940s.

Directed by Martyn Fry; Produced

by Tony Jeans; Storybook & Exhibition by Sandra Jeans Our show is set in 1947 and is based on WW2 reminiscences from the local community together with songs of the period.

More details and contact via our web site: charltonkingscommunityplayers. com ........................................................

16th - 19th February

Carterton Lions Open Art Exhibition

Carterton Lions are staging their 7th Open Art Exhibition at Carterton Community Centre, Marigold Square, Shilton Park, OX18 1AX from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th February 2017.

Times are: Thursday & Friday: 11am – 6pm Saturday: 10am – 5 pm Sunday: 10am – 4 pm Exhibits will be by local and national artists with part of the proceeds of any sales going to the Lions Club to support local projects. On Saturday and Sunday the exhibition will be extended to include artwork from local school and college students.

Entry free.

Refreshments available. ........................................................

17th February

n An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show

Now in its seventh recordbreaking year, An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show is a 5 star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. The original concert celebration of the iconic music from the multi-award winning soundtrack to Dirty Dancing: A high energy, emotional roller-coaster of an evening with breath-taking choreography and buckets of nostalgia. Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to have the time of your life!

“A visually stunning, thoroughly entertaining extravaganza!” ★★★★ The Public Reviews “All singing, all dancing, highly watchable entertainment.” The Stage “Will set your heart and feet alight!” LovingLivingLondon.com 7.30pm stageactsentertainment.com Tickets: £21.00 (£19.00) Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham Box Office: 01242 258002 ........................................................

17th February

n Illustrated History Talk

Robert Foster’s presentation tells the story of Henry VIII’s favourite ship over the last 500 yrs from a historical perspective - from its sinking in 1545 - to 1982 when it was brought to the surface again.

2.30pm at Great Rissington Club GL54 2LP. Visitors welcome £3 (to include ........................................................

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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Chinese New Year 2017 Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 28 January. In China many people will take a whole week off from work to mark the celebration. It is known as the Spring Festival.

On New Year’s Eve, Reunion Dinner is eaten. Many Chinese believe this is the most important meal of the year. It is usually shared by several generations and consists of fish, dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls.

To mark New Year, red lanterns are hung in the street, red couplets are pasted on doors and images of prosperity displayed. Fireworks are lit and it’s believed that the person who launches the first firework of the New Year will have good luck. Lion and Dragon Dances take place and these are intended to scare away evil, and attract health, wealth and wisdom.

Many New Year activities have links with Chinese legends. New Year is called Guo Nian which means ‘celebrate a New Year’ or ‘overcome Nian’. Nian was an ancient sea living monster who came onto land on New Year’s Eve to eat people and livestock. One year, an old man with white hair and a ruddy

New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep All too often New Year’s resolutions seem to focus on doing more of what we don’t enjoy, and less of what we do enjoy. So this issue, we thought we’d give you our suggestions for resolutions you’ll actually want to keep.

Learn something new Whether you want to get a qualification so you can get a better job, or you just fancy trying a new hobby, make 2017 the year you try something new. www.futurelearn.com is a good place to start. It offers hundreds of free, short online courses. Many are delivered by leading UK universities.

You could try writing fiction, exploring digital technologies, or learning about forensic science. If you prefer face-to-face tuition, check out the courses offered by your local college. You could improve your computer skills, take up a new craft, or find out how to delve into your family history.

Enjoy time outdoors Nature is good for you. It’s been proven to help with depression, anxiety, stress and a whole lot of other issues. It may even help you to live longer.

We know the great British weather doesn’t always make it the most tempting prospect. But if the sun breaks through the clouds, wrap up warm, pull your wellies on and head for your nearest green space. You’ll likely find you feel calmer and happier as a result.

Take time to cook Home cooked meals are usually much better for you than ready meals.

They’re higher in vitamins and minerals, and lower in salt and sugar. So, try resolving to cook for yourself a few days a week. If you struggle to find

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Year of the Rooster

complexion managed to scare away the monster by pasting red papers on to doors, burning bamboo which made a loud cracking sound, lighting candles in the houses and wearing red clothes.

Another monster called Sui was said to terrify children whilst they slept. Parents would stay up all night watching and lighting candles to try and keep their children safe. One official’s family gave their child eight gold coins to play with. The child wrapped the coins in red paper and then played at unwrapping them and wrapping them back up until he got so tired he fell asleep. The parents put the coins under the child’s pillow and legend has it that when Sui came and tried to touch the child, the eight coins omitted such a strong light that it scared the demon away. This is the basis for why elders and those who are married give children and young unmarried people red envelopes with coins in them at New Year. The red envelope is called Yasui Qian which means suppressing Sui money and the purpose is to scare away the monster and bring good luck.

According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal symbol. There is a 12 year cycle and 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. The China Highlights website says that those born in the Year of the Rooster are observant, hardworking, confident and courageous. They are best matched with those born in the Year of the Ox or Snake.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

the time, you could try a box scheme. Simply Cook, for example, post you the herbs, seasonings and recipes to make simple (but delicious) meals in around 20 minutes. You just add four to six items of fresh food and follow the instructions. Hello Fresh go even further. They send you everything you need to make a meal, including simple-tofollow recipes.

Appreciate the little things We’re often so busy; we don’t get time to really appreciate the little things in life. A soak in the bath, your favourite radio programme, a chat with an old friend…

Taking a moment to be thankful can make us happier and calmer, and improve our relationships. You could try listing three things that you’re grateful for before you go to sleep each night, or keeping a daily gratitude journal. Or just try to give thanks to the people you love a bit more often.

Whatever your New Year’s resolution, we wish you all the luck in keeping it.

By Kate Duggan

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Are your children in danger of being groomed and / or bullied online?

1. Three-quarters of 12-15s who go online have a social media profile 2. One in ten of all 8-11s and two in ten 12-15s play games against people they have not met in person 3. A quarter of online games players aged 12-15 chat through the game to players they don’t know 4. One in six parents of 12-15s feel they don’t know enough to help their child manage online risks 5. The internet has overtaken television as the top media pastime for the UK’s children The above headlines are all taken from an Ofcom study titled “Children and Parents: media use and attitudes report 2016”. The report itself is full of statistics and is certainly not light reading; all 233 pages can be viewed on: www. ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/ media-literacy-research/children/ children-parents-nov16

Bullying Sadly bullying is not on the decrease with incidences being unchanged since 2015 for both 8 – 11 year olds (11%) and 12-15’s (13%).

HOW TO STAY SAFE ON LINE You do not need to be an expert on the usage of the internet to pacify your fears. Also preventing your children from using the internet or mobile phones will not guarantee keeping them safe, because they can always find ways of overcoming this restriction.

TIPS FOR PARENTS (Taken from https://www.nspcc. org.uk/preventing-abuse/keepingchildren-safe/online-safety/) • Have frequent conversations • Set rules and agree boundaries • Explore online together • Use parental controls to filter, restrict, monitor or report content • Check that your children know how to use privacy settings and reporting tools

A summary of their findings include that children are now spending around 15 hours a week online in comparison to 13.5 hours a week watching television . YouTube is now the number 1 hit for our youngsters, more children own their own digital devices and more importantly online safety awareness is up.

Perhaps; surprisingly; the third most popular activity with primary children is reading, suggesting that some traditional activities are far from a dying pastime.

Unfortunately the report can saturate the mind with numbers and percentages.

TIPS FOR CHILDREN (Taken from (http://www.bullying. co.uk/cyberbullying/how-to-staysafe-online/): • Never give out your real name • Never tell anyone where you go to school • Never give out your address or telephone number • Tell an adult if someone makes inappropriate suggestions to you or makes you feel uncomfortable online • Only meet someone from a chatroom in a public place with one of your parents. If they are genuinely who they say they are they will be happy to do this

Grooming Simplifying the figures; regarding grooming; show that 4% of 12-15 year olds say they have seen something of a sexual nature that made them feel uncomfortable either online or on their mobile phone.

Other useful internet sites: www.internetmatters.org John Harris

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GARDEN VIEW

A Winter Haven In the depth of winter garden birds bring us so much pleasure.

Squabbling on feeders, their colours and songs brighten gloomy days.

Birds play a vital role in our gardens’ ecosystems. They are feathered pest controllers, eating everything from snails to aphids to wind-fall fruits.

If you’d like to attract more birds to your

feeder – Berberis darwinii is a good one, but

try the bird cherry (Prunus padus) or a crab

garden there are several things to consider.

you can also confound cats with a collar, which

apple such as Malus ‘John Downie’.

Lots of people hang up a bag of peanuts when

fits around the bird table stand and prevents

the weather turns grim then become disheart-

them from jumping up.

ened as it hangs there unused. So here are my handy tips.

Nesting - Dozens of bird species make

Water - A supply of

use of nest boxes.

clean water is very

Put up new boxes

Food - When I was a

important for drink-

now because birds

child my dad told me

ing and bathing. A

use the winter to

to only feed birds in

sloping bath is best

scope out good

the winter, but now

to accommodate

breeding spots. If you already have boxes, take

the experts advise

different bird species,

them down, remove any old nests and rinse

putting out food all

and add a flat stone or two to aid with getting

the boxes with boiling water to sterilise them.

year round. There is a

in and out! Keep it topped up and check daily

Come the spring put out some extra nesting

dizzying array of bird food available but a good

to see that it hasn’t frozen. If it has, melt the ice

material for them to grab: sheep wool, pet hair,

starter mix includes sunflower seeds, canary

with warm water. Your feathered friends will

wool scraps can all be pushed inside a wire

seed, hemp and husk-free oats. Use a good

thank you.

cage or a terracotta pot

Plants - Birds like cover so plant shrubs, trees

Hopefully this has given you some ideas. And

tube-style feeder and clean it regularly as a build up of bacteria and old food can kill birds.

and climbers. If you can manage it a mixed

don’t forget to take part in The Big Garden

If squirrels are a problem you can by rodent-

hedge of hawthorn, holly, dog rose, and rowan

Bird watch on

proof feeders. I also have one tube-feeder

offers cover and food, and is also very pretty.

January 28th

which is set within a sort of cage which keeps

Train honeysuckle and ivy over arches and

and 29th

larger birds out, letting the smaller ones ac-

pergolas. Pyracantha’Soleil d’Or’, Cotoneaster

cess the food unimpeded. Protect birds from

frigidus ‘Cornubia’ and rambling roses that will

Rachael

prowling cats by planting something prickly

produce lots of rosehips are great for house

Leverton

and ground-hugging around the bird table or

walls and fences. If you have room for a tree

16

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1. Terracotta Warm materials such as terracotta tiles will replace currently popular cool and white tones.

“Unlike in the 80s, they aren’t used as border tiles. Instead they will have a natural matte finish and be used as feature walls in bathrooms or for cladding fireplaces,” says Lauren Macer of Sisalla Interior Design.

The Interior Trends you will be loving in 2017 2. Cork

“I think that by avoiding terracotta tiles that are too rustic and keeping with a matte finish, this trend could add character and warmth to interiors again.”

Photo: Villa Mammerhills

3. Dark Green

You heard it here first – cork is making a comeback.

Dark shades of green will become the new must-have dark interior colour as we say goodbye to navy and midnight blues.

Not only is cork a stylish material idea that adds warmth and texture to spaces, it’s also ideal for absorbing noise in our increasingly large, open plan homes.

“Dark green as a paint colour for rooms such as a bedroom creates a wintery Scandi backdrop for tan leathers, reindeer furs, brass lamps and natural linen,” Macer says.

“It’s used in coffee table bases in combination with stone tops, and as solid cork stool or side table,” Macer says.

“Used in a feature armchair or cushions and decor items as an accent, it adds depth and can bring in the colours from the outdoors.”

“I predict cork could be used to clad entire walls in the home office and used to pin notes to.”

Photo: Lilly Bunn Interiors by Emily Gilbert Photography

Photo: Petra Bindel

4. Upholstered Bedheads Beds will change dramatically in 2017, with upholstered bed heads set to replace the timber bed frames currently dominating the market.

“They’ve been a staple in luxury hotel bedrooms and celebrity homes for a while, but now we’re all falling head over heels for the bedhead trend,” says Emma Blomfield, stylist at online homewares retailer TheHome.com.au.

“Whether you opt for the classic model in neutral colour with buttons, or a plush one in velvet, a bedhead is an easy way to update and add instant glamour to a bedroom.”

Photo: Bedhead by Heatherly Design

6. Jewel Tones While pastel shades of pink and blue are currently having their day in the sun, they will soon be overtaken by jewel tones inspired by metals, space, stars, clouds and the cosmos.

“Metallics, metals, raw-cut quartz, Lucite and opal will add a dash of sparkle and interest,” says the Nathan + Jac team.

“X-ray materials, transparent fabrics, floaty silks and sheers will create a lightness and soft romantic element to this trend, which embodies an optimism for where we have come from and where we are headed.”

5. Escapism Homes with nooks and places to retrieve will become more popular as humans react to our increasingly technological lives.

“With an ever-increasing amount of time spent in front of a computer or smartphone screen during the day…there will be a greater desire to create spaces in our lives devoid of digital distraction,” says the team at Nathan + Jac. “This may not mean listing the 65 inch flat screen on Gumtree, but we will seek to create havens of calm and tranquility, whether it’s a bedroom or a nook we can escape to, even if it is to lazily scroll our Instagram feeds in peace.”

Relaxed furniture and materials will follow suit, from deep sofas with linen slip covers, to oversized love seats, day beds, Icelandic sheepskins, chunky knit wool rugs and floor cushions.

Photo: Tower House by Andrew Maynard Architects.

Photography by Peter Bennetts

Photo: Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Design

18

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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

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 I can transform your kitchen with the right

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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.

2017 is the year for colour and design A beautifully hand painted kitchen, whether it be a new installation, your existing painted fitted kitchen or natural wood 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.

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Preparation is key to any job to achieve a beautiful space or room within your home.

We work closely with you to create colour schemes and mood boards, choosing the perfect paint, finish and colour for your walls, ceiling and woodwork we can achieve your desired look.

Colour of the Month Jan/Feb Farrow and Ball

Pavilion Gray - Pavillion Gray works well on both walls and woodwork to create a relaxed and warm space

Little Greene Bone China Blue - Used on the walls and ceiling.

Can create a strong, bold and elegant feel.

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

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The

Dark skies & tranquility bring many benefits to Cotswolds

Cotswold Sky

The Cassini Mission



The Cassini Mission is one the most complex and successful of all space missions.

It started almost 20 years ago and includes 12 years of studying Saturn, its rings and moons. The full story of its many adventures can be found on www.saturn.jpl.nasa.gov It is now entering the penultimate phase of its life. On 30th November 2016 it made its first close dive past the narrow F ring (the edge of Saturn’s main rings) and will make 20 orbits of this nature. Cassini will then leap over the rings to make a final series of dives between the planet and the inner edge of the rings. This part of the mission will comprise of 22 orbits commencing on 22nd April 2017.

After almost 20 years in space, the life of Cassini will finally end with its final mission which is to be called “The Grand Finale” on 15th September 2017 at 05.07hours. The story of this part of the mission will appear in a later issue of “Your Cotswold Link”.

Diary

The constellation Orion is a must see site to view each evening. For those new to Astronomy it can be found if you look in a southerly direction as it makes its way from east to west during the evenings over the next 2 months.

Wednesday 4th January – The Earth

is at perihelion –its closest point to the Sun.

Image Courtesy of NASA

The objectives: • The spacecraft will make detailed maps of Saturn’s gravity and magnetic fields, revealing how the planet is arranged on the inside, and possibly helping to solve the irksome mystery of just how fast the interior is rotating.

• It will vastly improve our knowledge of how much material is in the rings, bringing us closer to understanding their origins.

• Cassini’s particle detectors will sample icy ring particles being funnelled into the atmosphere by Saturn’s magnetic field.

• Its cameras will take amazing, ultraclose images of Saturn’s rings and clouds.

Cotswold District Council’s tourism team is keen to promote this relatively unheralded aspect of the AONB, as Cllr Chris Hancock, CDC’s Cabinet Member responsible for tourism, explains: “We are always looking for new ways to promote the charms of the Cotswolds and we want to reach out to the many people who appreciate the value of dark skies and tranquility.

“The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) produces a series of ‘tranquility maps’ covering the country, and the map for the

Tuesday 31st January The crescent

Moon can be seen passing under Venus and Mars. Ensure you observe before the planets set at around 8.30pm

Planets Computer image of Cassini’s orbits of Saturn

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is renowned throughout the world for its unique blend of rolling countryside, idyllic villages, bustling market towns, heritage attractions and fun things to do. However, there has been very little attention focused on its big open skies and low light pollution which make it one of the best places in the south of England to observe stars in peaceful surroundings.

Cotswolds AONB shows that there is much less light pollution and noise in comparison with many parts of southern England. One could say that our AONB acts as an extremely valuable breathing space where people can get away from it all and chill out.

“People should know that the Cotswolds AONB is a great place to visit

Mercury – Can be observed low in the south east before dawn from midJanuary, but will not be visible during February.

Venus – Look towards the South West every evening before 8.45pm to see this exceptionally bright planet.

Mars – appears to be tracking Venus during January and February. It is the dimmer of the 2 planets and will be found a little above and to the left of Venus during January and more directly to the left during February.

Jupiter – Rises in the east around midnight during January and consequently earlier as the weeks progress from 9.30pm at the end of February.

Saturn – Can be observed alongside Mercury during January and on its own rising in the east from 04.30am during February.

Meteor Showers The Quadrantids – January 3rd/4th

all year round at any time of the day – and the night. At this time of year in particular, we are frequently treated to some beautiful clear skies and I would recommend everyone to come and see the stars for themselves.”

Cllr Hancock is very pleased that local tourism providers are realising the benefits of dark skies, and is aware of the vital need to safeguard this valuable environment: “We want future generations to enjoy these wonderful benefits, and the emerging Cotswold District Local Plan will help us counter any development that is likely to result in unacceptable levels of pollution, such as light and noise, and the effects on amenity, health and the natural environment. At the practical level, when new developments are proposed our planners insist that they are equipped with modern and heritage lighting solutions that minimise pollution.”

For more information about the Cotswolds AONB, visit: www.landscapesforlife. org.uk/cotswolds-aonb. html

John Harris

20

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HOOK NORTON BREWERY EXPANDS PUB PORTFOLIO WITH ITS FIRST PUB IN OXFORD

December saw an important landmark in the history of Hook Norton Brewery with the opening of its first pub within the city of Oxford. The Castle Tavern on the corner of Castle Street and Paradise Street opened on Friday 2nd December.

Since the start of its pub estate in 1859 Hook Norton Brewery has been on the lookout for a pub within Oxford City with opportunities over the years being few and far between.

The brewery have always spent time selecting the right premises for them and felt that The Castle was the perfect opportunity.

The pub dates back to 1892 (almost as old as Hook Norton Brewery itself - 1849) and was constructed to designs by HGW Drinkwater in a distinctive mock - Tudor style with tall red brick chimney stacks. It was almost lost forever in the 1960’s with the development of the original Westgate Centre leading to the loss of many historical building in the area.

Ironically, the current re-development of the Westgate Centre was one of the things that attracted Hook Norton to the pub. That, and the chance to have for the first time in it’s history a Hooky pub within Oxford city itself.

The Castle Tavern traded over the Christmas and New Year period, and has now closed for an extensive refurbishment.

Bruce Benyon, Operations Manager of Hook Norton Brewery Tied Estate adds

“This is an exciting time for the Brewery. We have 38 great pubs and The Castle Tavern will really strengthen our portfolio.

We will be serving a great mix of quality cask ales and craft keg beers”

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Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Education Cotswold Tutor: p15 Elderly Services The Langston Care Home: p10 Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p4 PJC Services: p5 Flooring Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Furniture Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 Cottonwood Interiors: p9 Heartwood Furniture: p5 MRK Services: p17 Gardening & Outdoors Get Rid Removals: p17 Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p17 Healthcare & Wellbeing Alan Gordon Health: p1 Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Footworx Clinic: p10

Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p11 Heating Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p23 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p5 Fosse Fires: p1 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p4 Heat Store: p23 Hire Cotswold Marquees: p13 Holidays Character Cottages: p2 Home & Interiors Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Associated Blinds: p24 Chipping Norton Flooring: p7 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p5 Cottonwood Interiors: p9 Country Bathrooms: p8 Fosse Fires: p1 Heartwood Furniture: p5 Paul Dadge Interior Design: p19 Sewing Tuition: p15

Kitchens & Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p8 Cottonwood Interiors: p9 P & S Property Services: p6 Laundry The Laundry: p6 Locksmith P & S Property Services: p6 Logs Walkers Logs: p3 Painters & Decorators PMO Decorators: p23 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p13 Vets Home Visit: p11 Plumbing Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p23 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p4 PJC Services: p5 Property Maintenance Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p23 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p5

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Green light for new parking strategy A comprehensive new parking strategy is on track for West Oxfordshire following approval by councillors.

Cabinet members voted in favour of the strategy which will sets out the need for more parking spaces in key areas, improvements to existing facilities and a review of enforcement. It will provide a blueprint for the Council to help make a decision on any proposed parking changes or improvements.

Cllr Carol Reynolds, Cabinet member for the Environment and Community, said: “We see the provision of free parking as vitally important in supporting our economy as well as the needs of residents and local businesses.

“The parking strategy has taken on board the view of residents and local businesses and it is designed to support their needs until 2031, complementing the draft Local Plan.”

The Cabinet has allocated £35,000 to deliver parking improvements including changes to on-street restrictions which may include consultation on parking permits in certain areas while the strategy is flexible and will evolve as specific needs such as new developments arise across the District.

The strategy has been developed following a car parking survey which took place earlier in the year that was completed by more than 2,600 people along with further in-depth consultation and research into usage and likely future demands for parking.

The key policy of free parking at all 15 car parks across the district which the Council owns or manages remains at the heart of the strategy.

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