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May / June 2018

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inside

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The Race is on!

We learn about a new partnership between Andoversford Races and Rendcomb College

Ground Control

Take control of your garden with Geraniums

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New Sports Pitch

New sports pitch unveiled at Witney

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06 New businesses and services 16 Naming the days of the week general interest: general interest 10 How to deal with rumours 16 Local Elections local news: garden view: 10 New Sports pitch at Witney 18 Ground Control events local news 12 Local events across the area 20 Council efficiency balances books astronomy: local news: 14 How long is the longest day? 20 Recycling Coking Oil local news: cotswold link 15 New partnership launched 22 Advertising Details & Index business

education

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Welcome to the May - June issue

Summer is just around the corner and we can’t wait! You can keep upto date with lots of local updates throughout this issue, as we learn about an exciting partnership between Andoversford Races and Rendcomb College, as well as a new sports pitch in Witney, and much more. 01609 777401 Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories 01609 779097 of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com cotswoldlink.co.uk and we’ll do our best to publish them for you.

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

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W E N businesses

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

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MEL WIGLEY TAKES OVER THE HR DEPT EAST COTSWOLDS

An HR professional with two decades of experience has set up her own business offering advice and support to SMEs in the East Cotswolds. Based in Faringdon, Mel Wigley will offer services to businesses in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, in towns across the Cotswolds including Cirencester, Tetbury, Burford, Lechlade, Moretonin-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Carterton and Kemble, through her company The HR Dept East Cotswolds: www.hrdept. co.uk/licensees/east-cotswolds. A keen motorcyclist who also volunteers as a Sergeant in the RAF’s local Air Cadet Squadron, Ms Wigley has started the company to give herself a better work life balance. Having worked for charities, the NHS, major corporates like Thames Water and as a consultant to smaller firms, she said the time was right to set up on her own. “I wanted more flexibility, and time around my family,” she said. “I have a great deal of past experience to draw on and having not spent the past 20 years with just one company gives me wider scope and more flexibility. “The skills and experiences I’ve picked up along the way are all transferrable, as employment law and the principles

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behind contracts can be applied across the board. So I’m not expecting to come across anything from an HR point of view which I haven’t seen before. “Of course what is new is that it’s the first time I’ve owned and run my own business, although I’ve overseen similar operations of organisations I’ve worked with before. But it’s certainly like getting a new job, with all the challenges you’d expected. I’m really excited about it though – there’s lots to learn and it’s going to stretch me, but it’s all going to help me grow as a professional.” Ms Wigley said that the current business climate was challenging for SMEs, with a raft of employment legislation to come to terms with. “There have been several changes recently for business owners to adapt to,” she said. “Now, with GDPR set to impact all businesses in 2018, there’s another thing to be aware of and prepare for. “For The HR Dept, our key message is that we can offer business owners confidence in letting us look after their people, so they can focus on the business.

“SME owners don’t Mel Wigley of The HR Dept need to East Cotswolds try and be legal experts and tie themselves up in knots with what’s happening in employment law. We are experts who can look after that for you and let you concentrate on your business. The HR Dept currently has a network of over 70 franchisees providing HR services in 100 territories in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Managing director Gemma Tumelty said: “Mel will be a great asset to the business communities across the East Cotswolds and we are pleased to see someone of her calibre and experience offering HR services to SMEs there. We wish her all the best operating the licence and are sure she will make it a great success.” 01367 622133 Mel.Wigley@ hrdept.co.uk

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Want to Hear Some Juicy Gossip? How to deal with being the target of a malicious rumour. Last year I became the target of mailicious gossip. I’m ordinary, in my forties with a husband, children and a small group of friends I’ve known for several years, so to be a target of an unsubstantiated character assassination blindsided me. No smoke without fire the saying goes, but there was no fire I could think of. *Jen was a newcomer to our social group and was the instigator of wild allegations about me almost immediately. ‘She’s nuts,’ a close friend said, ‘Ignore her.’ Easy to say but when long-standing friends turned their backs on me it hurt. Usually if someone dislikes us we rationalise it: they are loud, and we are quiet; they

have different core values; we represent a minority group they have a visceral reaction to. None of these applied. I had no idea what had caused this or how to react. I stopped going for drinks and left the yoga group we both belonged to. I felt sad and isolated. In desperation I emailed a friend who is a clinical psychologist. Her advice changed everything, and I offer it to you here. Ignore: My first friend was right about ignoring the gossip. Rumours often have a short lifespan if they are deprived of oxygen. Don’t deny too hard: If anyone questions you say, ‘That’s not true,’ then change the subject. Laugh it off: A roll of the eyes and a smile can give the impression that only an idiot would believe the gossip.

New cutting edge pitch to boost grassroots sport A state-of-the-art football pitch has been opened in Witney giving a major boost to local youngsters and clubs. The facility at Henry Box School has seen a hi-tech artificial surface installed at a cost of almost £370,000 which was raised thanks to a grant from the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund delivered by the Football Foundation and capital investment

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from West Oxfordshire District Council. The facility, which replaces the old artificial pitch, comprises a full size 3G football pitch which can be used for a variety of different football uses due to the multiple pitch markings, goalpost options and dividing net as well as associated changing rooms and social area.  

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People don’t want to be idiots, so this approach may make them question the rumour. Don’t react: Like ignoring. Don’t shout or cry. Gossips love to create drama. If you don’t react, there’s no drama…move along, nothing to see here. Keep your real friends close: Gossip at least reveals who you can trust. Those who stand by you are true friends. Let them know how much you appreciate them, but never bitch about the gossiper. Keep yourself above all that. It’s hard to do but worth it…believe me! Don’t seek revenge: It’s tempting, it really is, but don’t. The best revenge is to live the best life you can. Acceptance: If someone decides to go full character assassination on you there is little you can do. The best

The site will be used by local clubs including Tower Hill FC and Witney Vikings FC as well as pupils from Henry Box and other schools and organised small-sided leagues. There will also be supervised coaching/ training sessions organised by Oxford United FC and GLL Better which will manage the facility on behalf of the Council. The Oxfordshire FA and the

policy is to carry on being the person you are. Stay true to you and wait it out. I had to accept that because of the actions of one woman, my friendship group changed. Some friends stood by me, others turned their backs. But things settled to a new normal. I joined a new yoga group, which turned out to be better, started a ballroom dancing class and made some new friends along the way. I may never know why Jen tried to ruin my life, but I’ve moved on and can honestly say it no longer matters. *Not her real name

By Tracey Anderson

Council worked alongside the Football Foundation to compile a Football Development Plan, which is a vision of how sport will be played on the site with an emphasis on increasing participation and maximising the enjoyment of regular users.

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Out & About Charlbury Museum

Charlbury Museum, Market Street, Charlbury, has a new exhibition about Charlbury and the Wychwood Forest. Opening hours are on Saturdays from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, and on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2.30 - 4.30 pm.  Admission £1, children free.  Come along to our Plant Sale and Coffee Morning on 2nd June, and to the Open Gardens, including the Museum’s garden, on 10th June.  ........................................................

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 21st September at 7pm More details: Ann 01608 683289 or Kaye 01993 831146 ........................................................

wick Hall, Church Green, Burford OX18 4RZ. Non-members are welcome (suggested donation £10). For more information see: theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk ........................................................

12th May

n Leafield Fete, Dog Show and Car Boot Sale with Leafield Beer Festival 2pm on the playing fields, Lower End, Leafield, nr. Witney, OX29 9QJ. Music throughout afternoon and evening. For further information please contact Jo 07891 074375 or Nicky 01993 878000 ........................................................

17th - 19th May

n CHAOS present: High Society the musical

There will be a sale of 19th & 20th century prints, watercolours and oil paintings at Asthall Leigh Memorial Hall on Saturday 5th May between 10am and 3pm. The paintings cover a wide variety of subjects so it will be an ideal opportunity to buy some unique presents. Prices start from just £5. There will also be a selection of photographic art works for sale. All the photographs are unique images signed by the artist. Many are of locations in West Oxfordshire. Tea and coffee will be available. Entrance free. ........................................................

The Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society CHAOS are following their 2017 sell out production of Kiss me Kate with the wonderful musical show “High Society” The whole show is full of wonderful Cole Porter songs including - Who wants to be a millionaire, Just one of those things, I Love Paris, Lets misbehave and Well did you evah The show will be performed at the Theatre Chipping Norton from 17th May until 19th May with a matinee on Saturday The show starts at 19:30 in the evening and 14:30 on Saturday matinee. Tickets are priced at £14:00 and £12:00 concessions, these prices include a booking fee of £1:50, tickets are available from the theatre box office ........................................................

n Oxfordshire Artweeks in Charlbury 2018

n Rissingtons Local History Society

5th May n Art Sale

5th - 13th May

18th May

From Saturday 5 to Sunday 13 May, thirty Charlbury Artists will be showing outstanding work throughout the village from 11 am to 6 pm daily. There are some outstanding new artists this year.  Trail maps are available from a variety of sources. ........................................................

7.30pm - The History of RAF Little Rissington preceded by a short AGM. David Brown will give an illustrated talk on the history of the RAF Base from construction in 1938 to the present day. Upper Rissington Village Hall GL54 2QW. Visitors welcome. £3.50 to include refreshments. Sue Brown: 01451 820233. ........................................................

9th May

n The Arts Society Cotswolds

11.30 to 12.30: “New York, New York: an Architectural Discovery” by Andrew Davies. We will be guided past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to marvel at the Empire State Building, the Chrysler, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection and much, much more. Lectures begin at 11.30 at the War-

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25th - 27th May

Lechlade Music Festival  

3 Days, 3 Nights, 4 Stages - a fantastic weekend of live music and family entertainment. 100+ bands & performers, The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue, Comedy Stage and much, much more. Headline acts for 2018: Scouting For Girls, From The Jam and Doctor and the Medics. Friday night tribute acts include Whole

Lotta Led celebrating 50 years of Led Zeppelin and Flash - A Tribute to Queen. A packed programme of free workshops include circus skills, music & dance, crafts and relaxation. Kids 16 & under go free. Fabulous food, artisan ale and cider – the perfect family-friendly festival! www.lechaldefestival.co.uk ........................................................

27th May

n French Market in Moreton-in-Marsh

10.00am - 4.00pm Pick up a few unique items for yourself or a gift for someone special, or to stock up your food cupboard with unique items, the French Market in Moreton on Sunday 27th May is a must visit. For further details contact: Muriel Charles - Manager France at Home: fahmarkets@gmail.com ........................................................

26th May

n Hailey Plant Sale

The famous Hailey Gardening Club Plant Sale will be held on Saturday 26th May from 10:00 - 12.00am in Hailey Village Hall, Middletown, Hailey OX29 9UA .  Arrive early for the best choice of vegetables, geraniums, annuals, perennials and shrubs. Free entry. Tel 01993 899125 for details .........................................................

2nd June

Chadlington Beer Festival

From midday until 11pm Chadlington Memorial Hall, Chapel Road, Chadlington, , OX7 3NA The fantastic Chadlington Beer Festival – beer, cider, lager, wine, Pimms, gin, live music all day, BBQ, tea tent, kids stuff. Gate price is £10 - this includes a Festival Glass, programme and some beer tokens. There are around 20 ales to enjoy -  beer tokens can also be used to purchase cider, Pimms and wine too. Non-beer drinkers are free.  Children’s entry is £3 per child, with all activities then free and unlimited (except for the face painting). For more information, please go to: www.chadlingtonbeerfestival. co.uk or www.facebook.com/ ChadlingtonBeerFestival ........................................................

2nd & 3rd June

4th Annual Lechlade Vintage Rally & Country Show Opening at 10.00 am both days. Cars, Motor Cycles, Commercial, Vehicles, Collections, Miniature Steam, Tractors, Models, Craft, Fun Fair. `Time Out` Animals and much more.

Trade Stands | Car Boots| Auto Jumble | Craft Tent | Refreshments. Parking: FREE Raffle & Tombola each day. Admission:- Adults £4.00 | Concessions £2.00 | U16` Free (with paying adult) Come along bring the family have an enjoyable day out. Rough Grounds Farm, Burford Road, Lechlade, GL7 3EU Visit our website: lechladecollectorsclub.co.uk info@lechladecollectorsclub.co.uk. Also see us on Face Book ........................................................

5th - 7th June

n Bledington Music Festival St Leonard’s Church, Bledington Three concerts in a Cotswold village church 5th June - Alissa Firsova, piano with Daniel Rowland, violin 6th June - The Cann Twins, piano duo 7th June - Clare Hammond, piano All concerts begin at 7.30pm. Tickets £22 to include interval canapes. www.bledingtonmusicfestival. co.uk or phone 01608 658669 ........................................................

8th June

n Hailey Annual Rounders Match

6.30pm, Hailey Recreation Ground. Competition for the coveted ‘Hailey Bat’. Licensed Bar, BBQ, stalls. Free entry. Open to all ages - especially family teams. For info and to register you team Tel 01993 703070 ........................................................

8th June

n Charity Fashion Show

In aid of Kate’s Carers. Tickets: £8 7pm - The Dial House Hotel Tickets available from Chestnuts, High St, Bourton on the Water: 01451 820017 ........................................................

9th - 24th June

n Hailey Festival Scarecrows

They’re back! This year’s theme – SPORT. Free maps from Lamb & Flag. Competition to identify all of the sports closes on Thursday 21st. Tel 01993 700162. ........................................................

10th June

n Hailey Gardening Club Open Gardens

As part of the Hailey Festival, explore gardens in Hailey, Delly End and Poffley End. From 1.30pm. Start at any location. Tea & Cake available. Free maps from Lamb & Flag. Garden admission £3.00 pp. Children free. Tel 01993 899125 ........................................................

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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.

10th June

n Churchill Vintage and Classic Car Show

Three miles west of Chipping Norton 12 noon - 17.00 This is a popular day out for locals, tourists and car enthusiasts alike. For one day only this picturesque village will be transformed into a cavalcade of cars, music, food and drink. As well as showcasing some spectacular vintage and classic cars, it’s a great summer day out for all the family, and raises hundreds of thousands for community projects and local charities. Tickets: Adults: £7 Children: Free. Free Parking 01608 658603 dhcbirchwood@outlook.com ........................................................

16th June

n Hailey Summer Fete

12.00-4.00pm. Hailey Recreation Ground. Radio Cherwell, Bar, BBQ, TugO-War, Stalls, Bouncy Castle, Bouncy Slide, Traditional Fair Ground rides, Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee and Cakes, Flight simulator, Radio controlled banger racing, Reptile enclosure, Sheep shearing and lots more. Free entry. ........................................................

17th June

n Hailey Fathers’ Day Celebration

Sunday 17th June, from 4pm. St John’s Church, Hailey. Info 01993 703070 ........................................................

23rd June

n Benjamin Britten – War Requiem

7.00pm-Tewkesbury Abbey Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ. As 2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, The Burford Singers are combining forces with the distinguished Surrey-based English Arts Chorale and the choristers of Bristol Cathedral in performing this landmark work. An earlier performance will take place on 9th June in Winchester Cathedral. Full details at: www.war-requiem.org.uk www.burfordsingers.org.uk The Burford Singers Box Office at the Mad Hatter Bookshop, High Street, Burford is open until June 21st. Tickets will also be available at Tewkesbury Abbey shop until midday on June 23rd. ........................................................

30th June

n Taynton Village Fete

OX18 4UH. 2pm – 5pm. A traditional village fête set in an idyllic Cotswold garden. Come and enjoy the many stalls, games for children of all ages. Pimms Bar, afternoon teas, Chedworth Silver Band and much, much more at Taynton’s traditional garden fête. Forage around the White Elephant stall for that bargain, choose a delicious homemade cake to take home for afternoon tea, browse a while at the book stall, get lucky at the bottle stall, Tombola and Raffle and many more inviting stalls. Don’t forget the children – There’s Splat the Rat, a Duck race, Beat the Goalie and more. Entrance £2 and under 12s are FREE. All proceeds are for Taynton Church and Village Hall. ........................................................

30th June

n Charlbury Beer Festival

The date for the country’s biggest independent one-day beer festival has been announced. The 21st Annual Charlbury Beer Festival will take place on Saturday 30 June at Charlbury Cricket Club, Oxfordshire from 12 noon to 10pm. For further details, please visit the Charlbury Beer Festival website at: charlburybeerfestival.org or email nick.millea@btinternet. com ........................................................

7th July

Milton-under-Wychwood Grand Fete

2pm on the village Green. Lots of stalls, live stage and arena entertainment, exhibitions, activities and competitions for all, refreshments, fairground, special activities for children. Come and join the fun. For details: 01993 831739. ........................................................

12th - 14th July n Love of Musicals

Promenade Productions and Young Promenaders invite you to share their Love of Musicals at 7.30pm on the 12th, 13th and 14th July at The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham. The varied programme will include excerpts from Oklahoma!, Les Miserables, Whistle down the Wind, Hairspray and many others. Tickets £11 .00 to £14.00 from Showcase 01242 224144 orpromenadeproductions.co.uk. ........................................................

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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The Cotswold Sky

How long is the Longest Day?

The Earth orbits the Sun once a year (365.25 days), because the Earth is tilted at about 23.5 degrees we obtain our four seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter. In summer the UK is tilted towards the Sun and as a consequence we receive more daylight hours. Schematic view of the Earth’s position on Thursday 21st June 2018 (Courtesy of NASA) The diagram illustrates that the North Pole has 24 hours of light and the South Pole 24 hours of darkness during this time of the year. The June solstice occurs when the Sun’s direct rays reach their northernmost point with respect to Earth’s equator. At that moment, the Sun shines directly overhead along the Tropic of Cancer, at 23.5 degrees north latitude. It’s a yearly astronomical turning point that humans have celebrated for centuries, if not millennia (just think Stonehenge or the Ancient Maya). The precise point of time that Summer Solstice occurs this year is Thursday 21st June at 11.07 hours BST.

For us folk in the UK it means the longest hours of daylight and for some, the beginning of summer. However; Meteorologists use June 1st has the marker for the commencement of summer. Summer Solstice also marks the end of progressively long light evenings, and slowly one will notice the daylight hours becoming ever a little shorter as we progress towards autumn.

Daylight hours at Summer Solstice

These will vary from region to region. The figures used in this article refer to the Cotswolds the further North one goes the longer daylight hours one will benefit from. Readers will notice that the earliest sunrises commence on June 12th and remain constant for a period of 11 days up to June 22nd. The later sunsets oc-

cur for the 8 consecutive days from June 21st to June 28th. However; even with these fluctuations the longest daylight hours happen on June 21st as the following table illustrates: Date

Sunrise

Sunset

Daylight Hours

June 12th

04.44

21.30

16hrs 45mins 22secs

June 20th

04.44

21.33

16hrs 49mins 32secs

June 21st

04.44

21.34

16hrs 49mins 35secs

The Longest Day

04.44

21.34

16hrs 49mins 35secs

June 22nd

04.44

21.34

16hrs 49mins 31secs

June 23rd

04.45

21.34

16hrs 49mins 21secs

June 24th

04.45

21.34

16hrs 49mins 04secs

June 28th

04.47

21.34

16hrs 46mins 55secs

June 29th

04.47

21.33

16hrs 46mins 07secs

Diary

Summer Solstice: Thursday 21st June 11.07 hours British Summer Time.

Planets

Mercury – Virtually lost in the bright sunlight during May, but may be located to the lower right of Venus during the latter part of June. But it will take a good astronomer to observe the smallest planet. Venus – Can be observed after sunset as the bright object in the West during May, but becoming less observable during the latter weeks of June. Mars – rises around midnight in June but not easily observable. Jupiter – During May Jupiter moves to the evening sky and is quite observable all night long. However; towards the end of June Jupiter will be set by midnight. Saturn – Rises around midnight during the month of May and is low but visible all evening during June, but due to the light days Saturn will not be at its best for observation. John Harris

Cotswold village car show set to celebrate 15th year supporting local causes A popular day out for locals, tourists and car enthusiasts alike, the 15th Vintage & Classic Car Show will be held on 10th June 2018 between 12.00 and 17.00 in the Cotswold village of Churchill, near Chipping Norton. The show - held on Churchill’s large green every two years - will for one day see the picturesque village transformed into a cavalcade of cars, music, food and drink. Visitors in their thousands are expected, with the chance to get up close with hundreds of classic and vintage motors, soak up the relaxed village atmosphere and sample the stalls - all while raising funds for local causes. The first Churchill Car Show was held in 1988 as part of an event to raise funds for the restoration of the All Saints’

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Church, which overlooks the village green. It attracted a grand total of 38 cars, and proved so popular that it has returned biannually as a larger, separate event ever since. The last show attracted more than 550 cars and 3,000 members of the public, and to date the event has raised in excess of £230,000 for community projects and local charities.

Entry to the car show is £7 for adults and free for children. There is free local parking. For more information please contact David Chambers on 01608 658603 or email dhcbirchwood@outlook.com

As well as showcasing some spectacular classic cars, it’s a great summer day out for all the family, and raises hundreds of thousands for community projects and local charities. There will be a jazz band during the day, attractions and stalls for people to browse. Breakfasts, lunches and teas are available and real ale can be enjoyed at the bar. Away from the show itself, everyone can relax, drink or dine at the Chequers pub opposite the green. The church will play host to a themed floral display and the Heritage Centre Museum will also be open.

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RENDCOMB COLLEGE BRINGS HORSERACING ON TO THE CURRICULUM Rendcomb College, the leading co-educational day and boarding school in Gloucestershire, is to bring horseracing into the classroom through an association with Andoversford Races and a local trainer. Rendcomb, which caters for children aged from 3 to 18, aims to cement its place as a school for parents seeking an all-round rural education. The school will become a Partner of Andoversford Races, supporting the two fixtures at the course on consecutive Sundays April 8th and 15th. In addition, parents and children will undertake an educational visit to trainer Graeme McPherson at his successful yard near Stow-on-the Wold. “We’re delighted to welcome this partnership which reflects the significant contribution Jump racing makes to the rural economy here in Gloucestershire,” commented Race Committee Chairman Peter McNeile.

“Racing plays a very special part in the county’s sporting and social culture, and this extends far beyond the world’s leading Jumps course at Cheltenham and into the grass roots of the sport at places like Andoversford. This acknowledgement of the sport’s place in the local community is both gratifying, a great creative stimulus to the students, and a wonderful social occasion for current and prospective parents as well as Rendcomb alumni.” Graeme McPherson, who will host a visit from parents and students over the next few months, added “Racing has an important part to play in educating young people of the employment opportunities that exist beyond the school room. I juggle this role with work as a QC; the workplace nowadays is not always a one-role task. Illustrating the diversity of ways in which to earn a living will help prepare our youth of today for their future in the workplace and I welcome it.”

Rebecca Grant-Jones, Marketing Director for Rendcomb College, added, “We’re all looking forward to the yard visit and to the races too. Rendcomb sits firmly amidst this community and it makes good sense for us to use this both socially and as a tool of wider learning. Andoversford is best of class in the Point-to-Point sector, and the Grand Annual Chase meeting just goes from strength to strength. We can’t wait!”

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How did the days of the week obtain their names?

A Good Read The Private Patient n PD James

At a private clinic in Dorset, Rhoda Gradwyn has booked an operation to remove a serious facial scar – one which she has borne for many years, but ‘no longer has need of.’ The operation is a success, but by morning Rhoda Gradwyn is dead, and suspicion falls on the staff of Cheverell Manor. Commander Adam Dalgliesh, poet and policeman, is summoned from London to investigate, and before long finds himself dealing with not one, but two unexplained deaths and a whole host of dark secrets. This is the latest in James’ Dalgliesh series, and it bears all the familiar hallmarks of the earlier novels – a death in a closed community, a complicated back story and a steady move to the conclusion. As ever, the supporting characters are just as important as Dalgliesh himself – both those on his team and those who inhabit Cheverell Manor – and they are deftly drawn, with real and believable traits. For the reader, the experience is more about contemplation than guesswork – the identity of the killer is revealed three quarters of the way through, and the rest of the novel is concerned with motivation and moral dilemmas. There is also a significant amount of tying up of loose ends from the ongoing stories of Dalgliesh and his colleagues, and the ending is rich and reflective. Some would argue that James’ novels are an acquired taste, being so far from the run of the mill ‘whodunnit’ – I would say they are a taste well worth the acquiring.

The Foggy, Foggy Forest n Nick Sharratt

This delightful picture book may take some tracking down, but the effort is well- rewarded. Each page takes the reader on a journey through the ‘foggy, foggy forest’ of the title, asking ‘What can this be?’ The beauty is that each page is printed on acetate, and shows a mysterious silhouette, encouraging us to guess at what lies beyond. The answer, of course, is never straightforward! The book works on a number of levels – younger children will love the repetition and the rhyme as each shadow is revealed, whilst older readers will appreciate the fine details of Sharratt’s colour illustrations and the humour which finds ‘Cinderella and Snow White in a water pistol fight’. Like the best fiction for very young children, the book stands up to reading and re-reading (and re-reading, and re-reading....). It deserves to become a children’s classic.

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If we go back in time to the Babylonians (circa 4,500BC – 500BC), we find a great intellectual civilisation that developed a calendar and introduced the 7 day week. At that time only 5 planets were known to exist namely, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn so if we add to them the Sun and the Moon we have our complement of 7 days. The Romans continued with this custom designating Sunday and Monday as the first two days of the week. A number of modern day societies continue with this process for example the days of the week in our Mediterranean countries still follow the names of the planets with the exception of Sunday. To give comparisons of this the French days of the week are mentioned in the following explanations:

SUNDAY

Some may argue that Sunday is the first day of the week but it is our starting point, it is also one of the easiest to understand. Sunday is named after the largest object in our Solar System i.e. the Sun, and was originally known as Sunnandaeg in Old English which can be translated as “Sun’s day”. In French Sunday is Dimanche meaning the day of grace.

monDAY

Monday is named after what appeared to be; to our ancestors; the second largest object that can be observed in the sky. In Old English it was known as Monandaeg which can be translated as “day of the Moon”. In French it is Lundi (Lune being the word for Moon).

Local Elections On May 3rd the first local elections will take place since the dramatic General Election last year. Voting in local elections is almost more important than voting in a general election because the decisions local councillors make have a greater impact on our dayto-day lives.

What are local elections for? To elect the people who run our local services.

What do they mean to me? Local councillors are consulted on everything which happens in your area and thus everything which affects you directly.

Like what? Things like parks, footpaths, street lights, public toilets, car parks, allotments, bus shelters, community centres and the future of local schools. They also have a hand in road improvements, street signs, planning applications and deciding what sort of facilities your area has access to.

Yes but the Government controls 80% of the money spent by local councils so their vote doesn’t count for much does it? It counts for a lot. Councillors elected now will affect your life and the life of your family and neighbours for the next four years.

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TUESDAY

Originally Tuesday was named after Mars in modern French it is called Mardi so it is easy to see the connection. However; we were invaded by the Vikings and they had a God of War called Tyr. The Old English referred to it as “Tiw’s day” thus we arrive with our Tuesday.

wednesDAY

France still continues with its original derivation of “Mercredi” named after the planet Mercury. Once more the Vikings had their way and transformed it into another of their gods “The God of Woden”, and so it became “Wodnesdaeg” which through the ages has become known as Wednesday.

thursDAY

Thursday was originally named after the planet Jupiter, in French Thursday is called Jeudi. Once more our invasive ancestors changed the name to honour their God Thor hence we are handed down the name Thursday.

friDAY

The French somehow escaped the Viking intrusion and they continue with their days being named from the planets, so Friday in French is Vendredi named after the planet Venus. Whereas our Friday was named after Frija, Freya or Frigg all being derived from Goddess’s of our Viking ancestors.

SaturDAY

Somehow the Vikings did not change the name of Saturday which the French call Samedi, and Saturday remains named after that most beautiful of the planets; Saturn. May I take this opportunity of wishing all those young and old Good Luck in their approaching examinations. John Harris

I don’t even know who’s standing in our local elections The information is generally displayed on parish notice boards and in local post offices and newspapers.

I don’t like any of them. I could do better. How do I become a councillor and what would my responsibilities be? Good question. Most councillors work around three to six hours a week in their post depending on their other commitments. The duties include: attending meetings of organisations, taking up issues on behalf of the general public, and running surgeries so that residents may bring up any issues bothering them.

It’s a largely unpaid post but is a rewarding way to become involved in your local community. A good place to begin if you’d like to be a councillor is the NALC website www. nalc.gov.uk/becomeacouncillor/howtobecomeacllr. html It might be said that ‘people get the local council they deserve’. If you don’t vote, those who do are making decisions which may change your life. Think about it! By Hannah Fenton

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GARDEN VIEW

Ground Control You can’t go wrong with a geranium. They grow well where other plants struggle, particularly those shady areas, or parts of the garden with poor soil. And they are so useful - they provide hundreds of pretty flowers and also smother the ground with a welter of leaves that prevent weeds from taking hold. Don’t confuse these hardy geraniums with the tender bedding plants with the horseshoe leaf-markings. They may be commonly called geraniums but they are in fact pelargoniums and not hardy so would perish in a hard frost. True geraniums are as tough as old boots. There are loads to choose from offering a wide range of colours and habits. If you want a carpet of tiny pale pink saucer flowers try Geranium sanguineum striatum. It’s great for growing in the crevices of a garden path, or even in a shallow tub or sink where its finely cut leaves show of the flowers to their best advantage. Geranium macrorrhizum is probably the most reliable ground cover of them all. It creates a low dense mass of aromatic hairy leaves about 30cm / 12 inches high. The flowers open in late spring and there are varieties in white, pale pink or magenta. These are followed by bright red seedheads providing interest well into the autumn. Propagation is ridiculously easy. Simply rip up a clump of the thick creeping stems and push them into the ground where you want them to establish. Make sure they don’t dry out and you can be assured of success.

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If you’d like a plant with a bit of height go for Geranium psilostemon. This grows to about 1.5m / 5 feet. It has deep magent flowers with a black eye, and is a great self-seeder. If you struggle with a patch of denser shade I can recommend the blue-flowered Geranium himalayense, and also ‘Johnson’s Blue’. Both will form clumps about 30cm / 12 inches high. Whether you have a new garden which needs to be filled with colour, or an established garden with a few bald patches, plant hardy geraniums and you won’t be disappointed. By Rachael Leverton

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News from

Your Council Council efficiency balances the books

Sound financial management and efficiency savings have meant West Oxfordshire District Council is able to produce a “truly balanced budget” for the year ahead. Councillors have approved the budget for 2018-19, promising to protect services and maintain grants to the voluntary sector as well as meeting future challenges, despite reductions in central Government funding.   Council tax will rise by just £2.75 a year to £94.38 for the average Band D property, the second lowest charge for district councils in England and reserves will actually be replenished by almost £200,000 as part of an improved medium term financial position.   The council’s revenue has been boosted by the new 10-year leisure contract with GLL Better while sharing services with Cotswold and Forest of Dean District Councils has saved £1m a year with a further £1.5m worth of efficiencies predicted following the establishment of the local authority owned company Publica in 2017.   Presenting the budget at a full council meeting, Cllr James Mills, Leader of the Council, said: “We will be setting a truly balanced budget in so far as we will not need to draw on our revenue balances to balance our budget over the next year.   “Not only are we meeting the budgetary challenges but we also continue to provide first class services to our residents which help to ensure our district continues to be recognised as one of the best places to live, work and visit with local decisions being taken by local people.”   Cllr Mills added that the Council was “proud” to maintain its policy of free parking throughout the District with tourism income continuing to rise and more people using improved leisure facilities.

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Residents urged to recycle cooking oil With the problem of recurring major blockages in sewers caused by fatbergs, people living in West Oxfordshire are reminded that cooking oil can be collected as part of their household recycling service. Fatbergs are putrid fatty masses that occur in the sewers when cooking oils, fats and unflushable items such as sanitary products mix together and solidify.   Cllr James Mills, Leader at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Fatbergs can block sewers and cause disruption and so it is important to avoid pouring oil down the sink.   “In West Oxfordshire we have for many years been collecting used cooking oil; it is part of our weekly household food waste service and it is recycled and used for energy.”   He added: “Residents simply need to pour cooled oil into a clear plastic bottle and put it out next to their recycling boxes or food waste caddy on collection days.”   Thames Water is running a ‘Bin it – don’t block it’ campaign to raise awareness of the problems caused by disposing of cooking oil and wet wipes in drains and sewers.   Alex Saunders, Waste Networks Manager for Thames Water, said: “All too often people do not realise the problems caused by pouring oil down the sink. West Oxfordshire residents are fortunate that they have a free oil recycling collection service and using this goes a long way to avoiding the costly and horrible experience of sewage backing up into homes, gardens and the wider environment.   “We also ask that people don’t flush wipes, cotton buds, nappies and sanitary products down toilets even if they are labelled as flushable. Our message is clear: bin it – don’t block it.”   Last summer Thames Water revealed that it clears at least three major blockages from Witney’s sewers every fortnight.   Engine oil is also collected at the kerbside. However, it is not recycled with food waste, but as a separate process to be reused as motor oil and hydraulic oil.

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Flooring Chipping Norton Flooring: p9 Food & Drink Horse & Groom: p15 Shaven Crown: p23 Watercare: p1 Furniture Bob Dadge Carpentry: p8 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Phil Dadge Furniture: p4 Gardening & Outdoors Churchill Surfacing: p18 Get Rid Removals: p18 Greensleeves: p19 Russell Nicholls Tree Services: p19 WHC Hire Services: p19 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p5 David Brookes Foot Health: p10 Feng Shui Engineer: p10 Footworx Clinic: p11 Three Valleys Osteopathy: p10 Heating Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p8 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p2 Heatstore: p8

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Hire WHC Hire Services: p19 Home & Interiors Associated Blinds: p24 Chipping Norton Flooring: p9 Cotswold Bathroom Company: p2 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p21 Heat Store: p8 Paul The Painter: p1 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p7 Kitchens & Bathrooms Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p21 Goose Joinery: p1 P & S Property Services: p4 Laundry The Laundry: p17 Locksmith P & S Property Services: p4 Painters & Decorators Paul The Painter: p1 PMO Decorators: p8 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p22 Vets Home Visit: p11 Plumbing Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p21 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p8 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p2

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Property Maintenance Churchill Surfacing: p19 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p8 Cotswodl Stoves & Chimneys: p2 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p2 Heatstore: p8 JA Shirley Building Services: p19 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p8 P & S Property Services: p4 The 50 Plus: p21 Removals Get Rid Removals: p19 Renewable Energy Ecosunpower: p4 Sport & Leisure Cotswold Archery: p13 Cotswold Riding: p13 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p17 Tree Surgery Russell Nicholls Tree Services: p19 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p17 Water Services Watercare: p1 Windows CN Glass: p2 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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