Cotswold Link (North Cotswolds) November December 2016

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Landgate House

Successful Holiday Letting ‘Out Of Season’ What’s The Secret?

Cotswold Link talks to Character Cottages, a Cotswold holiday cottage expert, about how to successfully holiday let a property through the off peak season

Forge Folly

Norman Chapel

“Many cottage owners are worried

beautiful rolling countryside, all provide the

“If you are planning to let your holiday home,

about not being able to generate enough

setting for perfect weekends away.”

there is absolutely no need to wait until the

bookings during the off-peak season,

spring or summer to get started. It can take

which runs from the week after October

“The key to maximising bookings out of season

us less than four weeks to get a well pre-

Half Term through until March, excluding

is to continue marketing a property effectively.

sented property completely ready to let, so

Christmas and New Year.”

At Character Cottages, we maintain our

there is still plenty of time this year to start

marketing spend throughout the year,

benefitting from the off peak market. ”

“If you live in the Cotswolds, it is easy to forget

rather than just focusing on peak months,

that booking a holiday home in the area out

so that interest is constantly generated and

of season is actually an extremely attractive

bookings are taken all year round.”

idea. The region is easily accessible from both the north and the south, and is less

“We have also devised a dynamic pricing

than two hours by train from London’s Pad-

system, allowing us to accurately match

dington station. Most importantly, the area

holiday prices with the level of demand from

retains its charm and appeal all year round,

guests. This has been a very successful strategy

whatever the weather.

for our owners and has allowed them to Spring Cottage

generate profitable income in months when Holiday homes with real fires and cosy furnishings,

some people perceive it to be too quiet to

welcoming country pubs, walks in the clean

be able to make any money.”

country air, and picturesque villages in

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www.character-cottages.co.uk letmycottage@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375 Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

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inside

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Keep warm, keep well

We look at several key ways to ensure you, your family, relatives and neighbours stay warm and healthy this Winter

War Poets

A look at poetry in the tragic time of war

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28

Driver Survivor

Essential items for the car this Winter

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02 Maximise Lettings in low season local news: 06 New Boundary Proposals business 10 New Businesses & Services local news 12 Council backs flood scheme education 14 Enjoy our Christmas Quiz events 16 Seasonal events across our area advertorial

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18 Tips to enjoy Christmas Preparation recipe: 18 How to make Easy Mulled Wine editorial: 20 War poets garden view: 24 How to choose a Christmas Tree editorial: 26 Stay warm & well this Winter editorial: 28 Winter Driving Essentials christmas

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Welcome to the November - December issue

Christmas is fast approaching and we have a handy guide for helping to make the preparations a little easier this year! (p18), as well as how to successfully choose a Christmas Tree (p24) and how to stay warm and healthy this Winter (p26).

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

I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in the new year.

Best wishes for a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year.

01609 777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

Christine Campbell | Editor Cotswold Link Magazine is published in good faith and the editors cannot be held responsible in any way for inaccuracies in reports or advertising in

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

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Your chance to find out more about new constituency boundary proposals 

The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is currently conducting a national public consultation to gather views on proposed changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries.

This follows a decision by Parliament to reduce the number of constituencies in the UK to 600 from 650, ensuring that the number of electors in each constituency is more equal. The BCE has been asked to make independent recommendations about the boundaries of English constituencies and will report its findings to Parliament in 2018. If agreed by Parliament, the new constituencies will be in use from the next scheduled General Election in 2020.

The current parliamentary constituency known as ‘The Cotswolds’ encompasses the area served by Cotswold District Council plus the wards of Kingswood, Minchinhampton and Wotton-under-Edge within Stroud District Council. The proposed new constituency - also called ‘The Cotswolds’ -would comprise 75,000 electors in the same Cotswold District Council area plus the wards of Minchinhampton and Nailsworth within Stroud District Council.

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To assist with this consultation, the BCE is planning a series of 36 public hearings across the country. Assistant Commissioners from the BCE will be in attendance at each event to listen to views and field questions. The public will be invited to speak on any aspect of the proposals, such as the location of boundaries and the suitability of the constituency’s name.

From a Cotswold perspective, the nearest public hearing venues are as follows: Bristol - Council Chambers, City Hall, College Green 17-18 November The full list of venues is available online.

The BCE recommends that those who want to speak at a public hearing should book a slot to make sure they have the opportunity to have their say - public hearings tend to get busy and they cannot guarantee attendees will have a chance to speak if they haven’t made a booking.

All bookings can be made online.

With the exception of videographers engaged by the BCE, all public hearing attendees should not film or record the proceedings of public hearings. Many attendees will not be used to public speaking and the BCE feels that they will not want the added pressure of being filmed or recorded unofficially.

For those interested in watching the public hearings at a later date, BCE is required by law to make video recordings and will then publish them on the Commission’s YouTube account. All participants making a representation will be informed of this requirement prior to the public hearings and will have the option of deciding not to speak if they do not wish to be filmed.

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Council calls for reversal of hospital overnight closure decision  Members of Cotswold District Council met in September and called for the Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (GCCG) to reverse their recent decision to close Cirencester Hospital’s overnight minor injuries service.

A motion proposed by Cllr Joe Harris and seconded by Cllr Nigel Robbins noted the strong public feeling against the decision and gained full support from their fellow Councillors.

CDC Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said that he will be writing to the GCCG outlining the Council’s opposition to the closure: “This decision to close the overnight unit is short sighted and will have a significant impact on a large number of people who will now have to travel much further afield to seek medical help out of hours. Ambulance response times are poor in the Cotswolds so we are losing out in more ways than one. Our residents deserve better.”

Cllr Harris was pleased with the outcome of the motion: “About 2,500 local people signed a petition opposing this overnight closure and the effect it will have on the community, and the Council took this into account. The population of the district is set to rise by a considerable amount over the next few years and the GCCG ought to be factoring this into their future plans rather than cutting back on out of hours medical provision.”

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

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

Air Source Heat Pumps are set to replace Gas Boilers, Oil based heating and LPG within 10 years Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP’s) are a more economical way to heat your home and business. And environmentally friendly too. So why are many people still relying on fossil fuels and paying increased prices from energy providers?

Most people don’t know about this renewable energy choice that’s available on the market.

An ASHP absorbs heat from outside air and releases it inside the building, as hot water-filled radiators, underfloor heating and/or hot water supply.

The Alderminster team are passionate about growing renewable energy use in the Stratford and Cotswolds area, to save people money and help the environment. Alderminster’s new business premises in Shipston on Stour uses an air source heat pump which provides energy for heating and hot water. And the savings made help fund the Group’s electric car.

unaware that they can benefit from reduced running costs from having an ASHP, compared to a Gas Boiler / LPG / Oil based heating. Plus, there is a Government funded Renewable Heat Incentive which means that you will get your investment paid back within 4-7 years, depending upon the size of your property and type of heating you are switching from.“ To find out more about how you could heat your home or business premises with renewable energy, register for our Open Day on 9th December at: www.alderminstergroup.co.uk or give us a call.

Tel: 01789 450314

Founder Paul Clack is looking to raise awareness of the savings people can make now in heating their homes and businesses. “ Most people are

Council supports the launch of a new helpline number for power cuts 

Cotswold District Council is drawing attention to the launch of a new telephone number that aims to support members of the public if they experience a power cut.

Many people don’t know who to contact during a power cut and wrongly call the electricity supplier shown on their bill. A new telephone number has been set up to help people get through to their local electricity network operator - the company responsible for the power network that delivers electricity to their door.

As of now, the new number to call is: 105.

It’s a free, easy-to-remember number that people can call to report or obtain information about a power cut in their area. It puts callers through to the people who will repair their local power network and restore their power.

The Council is supporting the introduction of calling 105, as it will make it quicker and easier for residents to call for help and

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information.

Cllr Sue Jepson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We welcome the introduction of this new 105 telephone number as it should be of benefit to local residents.

“Sudden power cuts can occur at any time and can place some people under severe stress, especially older and vulnerable residents living alone, and the 105 telephone number will help them to find out what is happening as quickly as possible.”

The 105 number will be available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales.

The number can be accessed from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy electricity from anyone can call the new number.

The number is jointly funded by electricity network operators - the companies that manage the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses.

Network operators can also be contacted directly by phone or via their website, and most network operators can be contacted through social media too.

The public can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put them, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, the emergency services should also be contacted.

Visit www.powercut105.com to find out more about the new 105 telephone number and electricity network operators.

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New Premises for local gym Established in 2004, Runnerbean has been going from strength to strength and in August 2016 we opened our brand new premises in Upper Rissington.

Open seven days a week, we offer a wide variety of services from Personal Training, Gym memberships, Group Exercise Classes and Alternative Therapies.

Alongside the traditional gym setting, we offer Reformer and Matt Pilates sessions or if you are looking for something more relaxing then come along and try one of our Yoga or Stretch classes in our purpose built studio.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

We also have a beautiful new Therapy room in which you can have a Deep Tissue or Sports Massage or book in to see our Chiropractor, Foot Health Professional, Hairstylist or Nutritionist.

NEED SOME WINTER SUN?

If you want to top up the Vitamin D then come along and try our Infra- Red quick tanning Sun Tower.

We have the reputation of being the Cotswolds friendliest gym and it really is. Whatever your shape or size, gender, age or fitness level we can offer something for everyone. For us, it isn’t just a job. We LOVE what we do!

Themore Cotswolds’ Friendliestor Gym For information to book an appointment please call us, e-mail us or simply pop in.

We hope to see you soon Laura & Antony

CLASSES We pride ourselves in providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, our weekly classes are available to everyone wanting to get that bit fitter.

TO BOOK A CLASS PLEASE CALL US ON O1451 822541 or email: enquiries@runner-bean.co.uk

Find out more at: www.runner-bean.co.uk

CLASS Timetable.indd 1

04/05/2016 13:01

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Council reaffirms backing for flood scheme’s affordable insurance 

Cotswold District Council is reminding residents that it is fully supportive of a government scheme which offers affordable insurance for home owners in flood prone areas.

Since April 2016, insurance companies have been working alongside the government on the ‘Flood Re’ scheme which will run until 2039. The scheme, which is also backed by Gloucestershire County Council, will: - Enable flood insurance cover to be more affordable for households at highest risk of flooding - Increase the availability and choice of insurers for customers - Allow time for the government, local authorities, insurers and communities to become better prepared for flooding, and reduce the likelihood and cost of dealing with it.

CDC drew attention to the ‘Flood Re’ scheme when it was first launched earlier this year, and – with the winter season fast approaching - Cllr Sue Coakley, Cabinet Member for Environment, has reaffirmed her support: : “It’s distressing enough for householders when their homes are flooded, but this misery is compounded when they cannot obtain competitively priced insurance options and have to settle for very expensive deals. The ‘Flood Re’ scheme addresses this problem for many people, including those living in areas in the Cotswolds with a history of flooding. Under the terms of the scheme, insurance companies continue to collect payments and deal with any claims arising from policies. However, portions of these payments are redirected to ‘Flood Re’ who take on the flood risk element for a fixed price thus keeping down the cost of the policy. ‘Flood Re’ receive a levy on all insurance policies which funds their reinsurance scheme.”

The ‘Flood Re’ scheme applies to homes that were built before January 2009 and it is expected to help up to 350,000 homeowners across the UK. The properties must fall within a Council Tax band and should be insured in the name of an individual. The scheme will not apply to leasehold flats in blocks of four units or more, nor is it open to businesses.

For more details about the scheme, visit www.floodre.co.uk/eligibility.

Additional information on flood risk and protecting you property can be found here www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood.

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A Christmas Family Quiz Relax and chill out. Gather the family around and crack the Cotswold Link’s Annual Family Christmas Quiz.

Good Luck, Wishing All Readers a Happy and Joyous Festive Season – John Harris (Answers p30) 1: Whichever direction you look you are facing north. Where are you?

2: Abigail’s mum has 3 daughters; one is called Rebekah and the other is Naomi. What is the name of the third daughter?

11: Who was Scrooge’s dead business partner in “A Christmas Carol”?

12: Which record was a Christmas number one in 1975 and 1991?

13: Whose coronation took place on Christmas Day? 14: Who walked from Gloucestershire to London and married Alice Fitzwarren?

15: In which pantomime do Robin Hood and Maid Marion appear?

16: On which day of the week is Christmas Day this year?

4: What do the numbers 11, 69 and 88 have in common?

17: From which country did the Christmas tree originate?

5: Using only addition, how do you add eight 8’s and get the number 1,000?

18: How many Reindeer does Santa have?

7: In the song 12 Days of Christmas “….my true love brought to me nine …” what?

8: What Christmas item was invented by London baker and wedding-cake specialist Tom Smith in 1847?

9: How many points does a snow-

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10: What is New Year’s Eve called in Scotland?

3: What has hands but cannot clap?

6: What colours are the berries of the mistletoe plant?

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flake have?

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19: How many ghosts visited Scrooge?

20: In Christmas Carol what is the name of Bob Cratchit’s son?

21: What did the first ever text message sent on December 3rd 1992 say?

22: Which famous scientist born on Christmas Day was the first scientist to be buried in Westminster Abbey?

23: From which town did Mary and Joseph come from before arriving in Bethlehem?

33: If I was born on Christmas day, yet my birthday falls in the summer. Where was I born?

24: Which singer of the Eurythmics was born on Christmas Day 1954?

34: Which type of thin biscuit has the same name as a Christmas novelty which goes bang when pulled?

25: Which Christmas Carol includes the lyrics “In heaven the bells are ringing”?

35: Known as Father Christmas in the UK, but in France he is called?

26: Which historic playwright quoted “At Chrima I no more desire a rose, than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows; but like of each thing that in season grows”?

36: Which socialist state officially ceased to exist on 25th December 1991?

27: In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone what Christmas present does Harry receive in his first semester at Hogwarts?

38: Which country donates a Christmas tree to London each year?

28: Which 2010 3D fantasy film is an adaptation of a famous ballet by Tchaikovsky?

29: What was the name of Cain and Able’s mother in the Bible?

30: Who discovered Christmas Island?

31: To which main city in Judea did the Wise Men first go to ask where they might find Jesus?

32: In which year of the 1960’s did the UK Post Office first introduce Christmas stamps for postage?

Bourton Library Opening Times

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10am -1pm Wednesday: 2pm - 5pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm 5pm Saturday: 10am - 1pm ......................... gloucestershire.gov.uk/ libraries Tel:0845 230 5420

37: Name the Angel that brought the news that Jesus was to be born to Mary?

39: Where does the Queen traditionally spend Christmas?

40: Who composed “Auld Lang Syne” More Seasonal questions can be found on: www.the-quiz.com/christmas-quizquestions-four.htm#.V-4rxvArKM8 http://the-quiz.com/questionswith-answers-christmas-quiz.htm www.everythingmom.com/ parenting/45-riddles-and-brainteasers-for-kids

Promote your business or service to over 15,350 homes and businesses from only £45 per issue More details on p30 Call Christine on: 01609 777401 or Dwight on: 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

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Out & About n Fosseway Café Orchestra (Shipston-on-Stour U3A group) meets every Tuesday from 10.00-12.00 in Todenham Village Hall @GL56 9PL. No auditions. We can write special parts for players of 4 notes, but generally players are Grade III - VI. Total cost is £3.00 per session. 07967 423550. n Via Fossa (Shipston-on-Stour U3A group) Advanced Recorder Consort meet on Mondays @GL56 9SR. We play in 4 parts. Cost is 50p.

Contact Christine on 07967 423550. n Recorder Ensemble - Beginners (Shipston-on-Stour U3A group) meet on Fridays @GL56 9SR. Cost is 50p.

Contact Christine on 07967 423550. ........................................................

5th November

n The Kingham Fireworks From 5.30, Fireworks at 7pm The event will take place next to The Royal British Legion, Kingham and there will be plenty of free parking available behind The Legion and next to The Football Club.

We will be serving drinks. There will be a hog roast, mulled wine and hot chocolate and lots of family fun including fair rides, sparklers and live music The Event is free but please bring some cash for a donation to support the event and local charitable causes.

Kingham Events is run by a group of local volunteers. ........................................................

9th November

n Cotswold Decorative & Fine Arts Society: November Lecture 11.00am -12.15 A lecture by Lars Tharp “Hogarth: Harlots, Rakes and Crashing China” Bradwell Village Hall, Burford )X18 4XF. Non-members welcome (suggested donation £8). ........................................................

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18th November

n Illustrated Talk An illustrated talk by David Harrison entitled Naughty Samuel Pepys the great Diarist with the roving eye! The talk will include plague, fire, drink, sex, music, marital conflict, corruption, the fall of Kings and courage in public life to name but a few topics covered.

Visitors welcome £3 (to include refreshments) further details 01451 820233 or just turn up!

2.30pm Great Rissington Club GL54 2LP ........................................................

18th November

n Christmas Flower Arranging Cotswold Flower Club present a wonderful evening of Christmas Flower Arranging.

Browne’s Hall, Carterton. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. Tickets £8.00, available on the door. Light refreshments. Raffle.

Further details from 01993 843236. ........................................................

20th November

n Burford Singers – Mendelssohn’s Elijah 7.30pm at Church of St John the Baptist Church Green, Burford OX18 4RY Mendelssohn’s Elijah has been a great favourite with singers and audiences alike, ever since Mendelssohn himself conducted the first performance - in Birmingham Town Hall - 170 years ago. Its dramatic depiction of Elijah’s overthrow of the priests of Baal and his conversion of the people to the worship of the one true God clearly inspired Mendelssohn to create his great choral and orchestral masterpiece.

Tickets in advance reserved at £21, £17 and £13, unreserved £10.50. Telephone booking: 01993 822412 Booking in person: The Madhatter Bookshop 122, High Street, Burford OX18 4QJ Full details and booking form available on our website www.burfordsingers.org. uk ........................................................

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.

20th November

n Cheltenham Bach Choir presents: HANDEL Dixit Dominus and MOZART Requiem Cheltenham Bach Choir launches its 70th Anniversary Season with two of the most exciting and popular choral works in the repertoire. With four fantastic soloists, the excellent Regency Sinfonia and the choir on top form under music director David Crown, this is going to be an evening to remember!

Tickets £20, £15, £10 and £8 (students and children £8). Email boxoffice@ cheltenham.gov.uk or phone 0844-576-2210.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA ........................................................

26th November

n Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Moreton’s 7th Christmas Market with over 50 stalls lining the High Street selling a great selection of Christmas gifts and food including soaps, candles, jewellery, hand made products for the home, wooden gifts, festive wreaths & garlands to name a few. Further Charity and Local Organisation stalls in the Redesdale Hall, also from 9 am. Local singers and carol singing by the local schools will be on the stage during the day. Carol Service in the afternoon followed by the arrival of Father Christmas & Light SwitchOn. Father Christmas will then be in his Grotto in The Redesdale Hall for Children to visit him.

Starts at 9am. Free Entry. ........................................................

27th November

n 7th Aldsworth Christmas Fayre Locally produced Christmas food items and gift ideas. Raffle, refreshments and festive cheer. Café offering light homemade ‘soup and roll’ lunches, sausage rolls, mulled wine and mince pies, tea or coffee and home baked cakes Aldsworth, Glos GL54 3QS From 11.00am to 2.30pm in Aldsworth Village Hall

Shipston has a thriving U3A, including several music groups, involving approximately 80 people.

As St Cecelia is the patron saint of music, the members of the music groups thought that it would be an excellent idea to enjoy a concert together on St Cecelia’s Day. So they will be putting on a concert, in Shiptson Townsend Hall on Tuesday 22nd November, starting at 7.30pm.

The musicians are all amateurs showing a complete range

£2 programme entry & children FOC Tel Shona on 07803029943 ........................................................

3rd December

n Ramsden Christmas Market 1pm - 4pm The biggest and most magical Christmas market in West Oxfordshire, with over 50 stalls selling hand-made, ethically sourced or local crafts and gifts, locally produced and organic food items.

The entire market is under cover and there will be musical entertainment throughout the afternoon. Santa Claus for the children, hot mulled wine and a bar for the grown-ups, cakes, teas come and enjoy. £2 for adults, free for children under 16. Visit the Ramsden Events facebook page for regularly updated details.

The Market is on Saturday, 3rd December, from 1pm to 4pm at Lower Farm, Ramsden, OX7 3AZ. Ramsden is 4 miles north of Witney just off the B4022 road to Charlbury and Chipping Norton. ........................................................

6th December

n Winchcombe Christmas Festival Christmas Advent Festival. Organised and partially funded by the the Winchcombe Forum, the festival will see shopkeepers, restauranteurs, businesspeople and publicans alike joining forces to celebrate the festive season in style by laying on Christmas offers, events and entertainment for shoppers and visitors who visit the Cotswold town throughout December. More details will follow nearer the time.

For full information and events diary go to www.winchcombe.co.uk Time: 5pm to 8pm.

Also ….Shops open late every Tuesday in December. ........................................................

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.

of skill levels and dedication to performances.

Many have maintained their playing for 60 years and some have resumed after a 50 year ‘resting period’! Of course all the groups also welcome those who have taken up the ‘musical muse’ in the last few years.

All those taking part will be celebrating the fun, enjoyment and health benefits of live music-making and hope that the audience will share their enthusiasm and maybe some will be inspired to sign up for one of the groups. What a feast it will be!

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It’s just around the corner… …Christmas that is. Now we all know someone who buys their prezzies in the January sales, has their cards written and addressed by Easter and their turkey ordered before the first frost. We hate their smugness and lack of proper festive spirit but mainly we hate them because we know that we could never ever be that organised...until now!

We’re not suggesting that you start planning Christmas while on your summer holidays but it does pay to be a little bit organised. You’ll arrive at December 25th with far fewer grey hairs and much lower blood pressure if you plan ahead.

Clear out food cupboards Be ruthless. Chuck out all the out-of-date items and things you know will never be eaten. Make room for all those festive goodies.

Clear out toy cupboards Be ruthless. Involve the kids. Donate outgrown and unplayed-with items to charity. If you are an eBayer, spend an afternoon listing items for sale.

Order meat early Farmers’ markets and shops are teeming at this Christmas time. Don’t imagine you’ll get what you want if you leave it until the last minute.

Who’s coming to dinner?

Are there any vegetarians, vegans or dairy intolerances among your guests. Are you planning a party?

List all the food, alcohol and gift items you think you will need and add to it as you go along.

Study your list Are there items which can be bought online? Do any of your local shops offer home delivery? Look into local veg-box schemes. Divide the remaining list into manageable chunks and purchase a few things each week. For foodstuffs, begin with items which can be frozen and end with the fresh items which need to be purchased just a day or two before.

Puds and cakes Make these early to give them time to mature. Stir up Sunday is the last Sunday before advent and this year is on November 30th. This is traditionally the time when Christmas puddings are made. I make my

Christmas cake during the first week of December which gives me time to feed it as much brandy as it will hold. Yum! Write the cards It’s bit of a chore but put the carols on, pour a glass of something festive and get into the spirit. You’ll feel really virtuous when they’re done.

Tree lights and outdoor lights Test them well in advance so they can be replaced if necessary.

Check bed and linen status!

Will you need to buy or borrow fold-up beds, or extra bedding for your guests? What about elderly guests?

They may be able to lie down on a Z bed but will they ever be able to get up again!

By now you should be feeling organised and in control. You may even feel the beginnings of a smug smile twitch at the corners of your mouth. Enjoy it…you earned it. Just be aware that someone somewhere hates you for it!

Easy mulled wine About this recipe: This mulled wine recipe couldn’t be easier to do. Don’t bother with expensive wine - a cheap red will work beautifully and no one will ever know the difference! Start with a little sugar, then add more to taste. This recipe can be easily doubled or trebled. ................................................................................................................................................

Ingredients Serves: 4 1 litre dry red wine 2 (5cm) cinnamon sticks 1 dessertspoon whole cloves 1 dessertspoon whole allspice 1 large piece orange rind (avoid the pith) 1 large piece lemon rind (avoid the pith) 4 tablespoons sugar, or to taste ................................................................................................................................................

Method

Prep:3min › Cook:20min › Ready in:23min In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon rind and orange rind. Heat gently, but don’t bring to the boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and once dissolved, taste to see if you’d like to add more.

Keep hot on medium to low heat for 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse the wine.

Serve your mulled wine hot in glasses or mugs.

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A Good Read Fortune’s Rocks n Anita Shreve

It is the summer of the final year of the nineteenth century in the New Hampshire town of Fortune’s Rocks on the east coast of America.

Women are expected to behave in a certain way and young Olympia Biddeford is no different. An impressionable 15 year old she is about to discover what it means to grow up. She meets John Haskall, a physician and friend of her father.

Despite the fact that he is married and 26 years her senior, Olympia falls madly in love with him.

Finding herself pregnant Olympia must carve out a new place in society as she finds herself

ostracised by those around her.

Late Victorian society does not take kindly to her behaviour and there are elements of a feminist struggle as she forges a new life.

The prose is eloquent and the descriptions of Olympia’s life and environment are spell binding.

Shreve went on to write two more novels set in this town, ‘Sea Glass’ and ‘The Pilot’s Wife’: each dealing with unique struggles of women over the course of the twentieth century. But it is here, with Olympia, that the story of the converted convent in Fortune’s Rocks really begins...

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The 16 are; Richard Aldington, Laurence Binyon, Edmund Blunden, Rupert Brooke, Wilfrid Gibson, Robert Graves, Julian Grenfell, Ivor Gurney, David Jones, Robert Nichols, Wilfred Owen, Herbert Read, Isaac Rosenberg, Siegfried Sassoon, Charles Sorley and Edward Thomas.

Now often studied as part of the English curriculum, the work of these poets is particularly notable for being violent and realistic and challenging earlier poetry which had a pro-war message. Their work expresses extreme emotions of fear, anger and love.

The War Poets Association says; ‘the young soldier poets of the First World War established war poetry as a literary genre. Their combined voice has become one of the defining texts of Twentieth Century Europe.’

Wilfred Owen is generally accepted as the greatest war poet to have written in the English Language. After being blown up, suffering concussion and being shell-shocked, Owen was sent to a psychiatric hospital in Edinburgh were he met Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon who inspired him to develop his poetry further.

n Noel Streatfeild

The three Fossil sisters are growing up in London. They aren’t really sisters, but adopted by ‘Gum’, a paleontolgist. Each one is a treasure he brought home from his travels.

And each is very different. When Gum disappears on one of his expeditions money gets tight and the family take in lodgers. One of them, a dancer, spots a talent for dance in Posy, the youngest, and before they know it, all three girls are enrolled in The Children’s Academy of Dance and Stage Training.

As we head towards Armistice Day, it’s a pertinent time to reflect on the work of the ‘War Poets.’ The phrase is generally taken to refer to the 16 men who wrote about their first-hand experiences of the First World War and who are commemorated in a slate memorial at Poets Corner.

Some such as, Isaac Rosenberg, Edward Thomas, Charles Sorley and Wilfred Owen died in action, whilst Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves survived but went on to express their emotional distress through poetry.

Ballet Shoes

“I wonder, if other girls had to be one of us, which of us they’d choose to be?”

War Poets

What ensues is a glimpse into life on the stage in 1930s London.

Since it was first published in 1936 generations of children have indeed considered which of the girls they would like to be. Is it Pauline, who discovers a talent for acting? Or Petrova who would much rather be fixing car engines than performing on stage. Or Posy, the budding ballerina?

This children’s classic, though a bit dated in its language and style, never fails to entrance readers and no doubt will continue to do so for years to come.

By Willow Coby

Owen was awarded a George Cross in October 1918 having seized a machine gun and shot and captured several Germans, but just a few weeks later, he was killed at Orps.

His most famous poem is ‘Dulce Et Decorum Est’ meaning ‘it is sweet and right’ with the last line going on to mean ‘to die for your country.’ In his poem The Sentry he talks about how one of his sentries was blinded. He said ‘All a poet can do is warn. That is why the true poet must be truthful.’

Anthologies celebrating the best of the genre often include: Charles Sorley’s ‘When you see millions of the mouthless dead’, Isaac Rosenberg’s ‘Break of Day in the Trenches’, ‘Lights Out’ by Edward Thomas, ‘To his love’ by Ivor Gurney and ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke.

Whilst not written by one of the commemorated 16, the most quoted poem of this era remains ‘In Flanders Fields’ which was written by former doctor John McCrae during the second battle of Ypres.

Many widely renowned British poets also have war poems covering a wide range of conflicts within their collections, including Kipling, Tennyson, Hughes, Larkin and Hardy.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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Beware of fraudsters claiming to represent HM Revenue & Customs Residents in the Cotswolds are being warned of a phone scam that is currently taking place across the country.

Fraudsters pretending to be from HM Revenue & Customs are calling unsuspecting residents and telling them that they are under investigation and are due to appear in court.

The automated phone message then asks the person being called to press 1 so that they can speak to a case officer.

PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION. Instead, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY this is a scam and if you continue with the phone call it could direct you to a premium-rate number which may accumulate very expensive charges on your phone bill without your knowledge.

This reminder follows recent appeals to be extra vigilant about any emails from GOV.UK which claim that the recipient is eligible to receive a tax refund. The email indicates that the refund can be recovered by completing and submitting a tax return form which asks for the recipient’s banking details.

We advise all residents to be wary of any unsolicited calls and emails from unknown companies. If you cannot verify the identity of the caller, do not give out any personal details, especially banking information.

To report a suspected scam please contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre: · Call: 0300 123 2040 · Visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk

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GARDEN VIEW

How to choose the perfect

Christmas Tree

Measure your space Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the outlet. Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. The trees in the field look small when the sky is the ceiling.

Don’t overbuy. Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper. So a tree that’s 10’ tall will be 8’ wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.

Ask questions about the trees at the outlet Ask the retailer when he/she gets the trees: are they delivered once at the beginning of the season, or several shipments during the season?

Often, a tree obtained soon after its arrival on the outlet will be very fresh because it was cut recently. Also ask the retailer which tree type performs best in your climate. Some species last longer and remain fresh longer than others in different climates.

Do a branch/needle test for freshness Run a branch through your enclosed hand - the needles should not come off easily. Bend the outer branches - they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.

Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration Indicators might include: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. A good rule-of-thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one. If none of the trees on the outlet look fresh, go to another outlet.

Once at home: Christmas tree positioning and decorating Choose a well-lit spot where the tree will stand out and be noticed.

Don’t put it somewhere where excited children or pets are likely to crash into your masterpiece.

Avoid standing the tree next to radiators and fireplaces - they can dry out the tree, and are also fire hazards Display larger decorations evenly on branches around the tree from bottom to top, then repeat with smaller ones, to create an even spread Caring for your tree Ensure your tree is getting enough water - they need a lot, and thrive best on approximately 1-2 litres daily.

Christmas tree afterlife Call your local council and ask if they will collect and recycle If it has roots, plant and care for the tree in early January to enjoy it again next year

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Keep warm, keep well Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

In 2013 there were 2.35 million households in England in fuel poverty. This is when a household is living below the poverty line and has higher than average energy bills.

The chances of these problems are higher if you’re vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following: - you’re over 65 - you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating) - you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease - you are disabled

Keep your home warm If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night if you can. During the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer. Make sure you wear enough clothes to stay warm.

If you’re under 65 and healthy and active, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable.

You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed.

How to fight flu Flu is a highly infectious illness that can spread rapidly. You may be eligible for a free flu jab if you’re at risk of complications from flu.

Find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS. Fuel poverty facts On average, there are around 25,000 excess winter deaths each year in England.

There is strong evidence that some of these winter deaths are indeed ‘extra’ and are related to cold temperatures as well as infectious diseases such as flu.

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Eat well in Winter Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

Stay Active We all know that exercise is good for your

overall health - and it can keep you warm in winter. If you can stay active, even moderate exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Remember to speak to your GP before starting any exercise plan.

Wear warm clothes Wrap up warm, inside and out. Wear lots of thin layers - clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good and help to maintain body heat. Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls when walking outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Help your neighbours in winter Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.

If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.

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The

Cotswold Sky

What We Don’t Know about the Universe There is much that we do not understand about the universe. We look into the sky and see thousands of stars. We are told that the universe is expanding because of the “Big Bang Theory”, this lead scientists to believe that the expansion of the Universe would slow down. Then in 1998 from information obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope and against all expectations it was found that the expansion of the Universe was actually accelerating as shown in the image below.

The Expanding Universe - Image courtesy of NASA/STSci/Ann Feild Scientists believe that the composition of the Universe comprises of Normal Matter, Dark Matter and Dark Energy but what are they?

Normal Matter (5% of the Universe) This is best described simply as the matter that we can see. It has been known for some decades that there was too little visible matter in the Universe to account for the movement of the galaxies.

Dark Matter (27% of the Universe) Dark Matter is an unidentified type of matter comprising of the mass and energy in the observable universe that is not accounted for by dark energy. Although it cannot be observed, its existence and properties are influenced by gravitational effects and its influence on the sheer size of the universe. The search for Dark Matter has been ongoing for the past 40 years and although there are many theories, we do occasionally appear to be getting closer to the solution but it appears to be a question of so “near yet so far”.

Dark Energy (68% of the Universe)

According to NASA, Dark Energy appears to be a complete mystery; there are many conflicting theories as to how the universe works. Scientists know that there is a gap in our knowledge that needs to be filled. It may be that we may eventually find that our impression of the universe is vastly different from what we presently imagine.

Sky Diary

Venus and Mars are visible throughout November and December. Look towards the SW between 17.30 and 18.00 hours each evening and you will notice Venus rise a little higher each day and becoming more prominent. At the same time you will notice Mars climbing higher each day from the south towards the west, but it will also become much fainter and more difficult to identify.

Jupiter – You will have to be an early riser to observe Jupiter, as it rises at 03.45 in the middle of November, but is well worth a view on 25th November as it comes very close to the Moon. Jupiter can be observed clearly throughout December each morning before dawn making its way from the eastern sky towards the south.

A “Super” Moon Can be observed on Monday 14th November. This is when the Moon will be at perigee, i.e. closest to Earth for this year it comes within 221,541 miles (356,536km) of Earth. The last time Earth was this close was on 26th January 1948.

Winter Solstice – 10.44 hours Wednesday 21st December. This is the shortest day of the year when the Sun reaches its most southerly point and begins its journey back north.

Meteor Showers (dates show the maximum peaks): Nov 12th Northern Taurids Nov 17/18th Leonids Dec 13-14th Geminids Dec 23rd Ursids Wishing all Readers a Happy and Joyous Festive Season - John Harris

Driver Survivor Most people spend many hours in their car each week, but none of us expects to have to live in it!

But in the face of a major incident or in the event of a breakdown or bad weather, you could be forced to rely on your car for short term shelter and survival. With a properly equipped car emergency kit, you could survive in your vehicle for days if necessary.

If you get into trouble and you are in your car, studies have shown that you are most likely to survive if you stay with your vehicle rather than venture out looking for help. But if you do decide to leave your vehicle only do so if it’s safe to do so, the weather clears and you have proper protective clothing. In addition, make sure the vehicle is parked well off the road and leave a note indicating what has happened, where you have gone, and your health situation.

Car Emergency Kit Essentials De-icer Ice scraper Shovel Sand/ old sack/piece of carpet Tow rope Jump leads Torch and spare batteries First aid kit Map Blanket

By Tom Hancock

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Non-perishable energy-rich food such as cereal bars, nuts and dried fruit.

Bottled water Coat, hat, scarf and gloves Spare shoes or wellies Emergency supply of regular medication Fully charged mobile phone Breakdown membership details

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Next issues

West Oxfordshire Jan / Feb 2017

Aston Magna

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North Cotswolds Jan / Feb 2017

Great Rollright

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Lidstone

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 businesses Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village Aldsworth

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15,350 homes &

Northleach

Burford

Carterton

Index Art & Antiques Mallams: p6 Attractions & Events Cotswold Falconry: p16 Fosseway Cafe Orchestra: p16 Sleeping Beauty: p16 Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p7 Calarel Developments: p7 Hill-top Joinery: p13 Hooper Joinery: p29 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Morgan Roofing Services: p27 N & D Construction: p27 North Cotswold Builder: p26 Stable Build Company: p13 Thomas Contracting: p27 Children’s Services Bourton Day Nursery: p15 Stepping Stones Nursery: p14 Cleaning Services Campden Cottages: p Casio Oven Clean: p23 Chem Dry: p12 Maid in the Cotswolds: p13 Computers Techtonic IT: p21 Dentists Cirencester Dental Practice: p9 Education Burford School: p1 Cotswold Tutor: p15 Sherborne Pre-School: p14 Stepping Stones Nursery: p14 Youth Education Service: p14 Elderly Services Abbeyfield: p Hearing & Mobility Store: p9 Oak Tree Mews: p9 Answers to Christmas Quiz

1 North Pole 2 Abigail 3 A clock 4 They look the same

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Electrical Services Alderminster Electrics: p1 Cotswold Aerials: p29 KR Electrical: p3 P Wheeler Electrical: p13 Vision Repairs: p21 Watercare Specialists: p23 Fashion & Clothing Showcase: p16

Hill-top Joinery: p13 Phil Dadge: p29 Roundabout: p22 Gardening & Landscaping Andrew Ayre Gardens: p25 Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Dowdeswell Forestry: p19 Get Rid Removals: p26 H & H Groundworks: p27

Finance & Legal Aspray Insurance: p12 Flooring Parsons Flooring: p5 Food & Drink Cotswold Farmer: p19 Kilkeney Inn: p17 Redesdale Arms: p32 The Inn at Fossebridge: p17 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p23 Furniture Armstrong Interiors: p5 Cottonwood Interiors: p3

Logs & Fencing: p25 Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p25 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Mower Medic: p25 Thomas Contracting: p27 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p25 Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p8 Christine Taber Hypnotherapy: p8 Cirencester Dental Practice: p9 Paul Brookes Foot Health: p8 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p8

when upside down 5 888+88+8+8+8 6 White 7 Ladies Dancing 8 Christmas crackers 9 Six

10 Hogmanay 11 Jacob Marley 12 Bohemian Rhapsody 13 William 1st 14 Dick Whittington 15 Babes in the Wood

16 Sunday 17 Germany 18 Nine 19 Four 20 Tiny Tim 21 Merry Christmas

Runnerbean: p11 Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p9 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Home & Interiors Armstrong Interiors: p5 Bourton Bathrooms & Kitchens: p3 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p4 Country House Curtains: p5 Fosse Fires: p32 Parsons Flooring: p5 Paul Matthew Interior Design: p13 Woodentops Restoration: p3 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p22 Jewellery Pure Silver Design: p19 Kitchens Bourton Bathrooms & Kitchens: p3 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Woodentops Restoration: p3 Locksmiths Just Carpentry & Locks: p5 Logs & Fuel Cotswold Logs: p32 Dowdeswell Forestry: p19 Logs & Fencing: p25 Motoring Cotswold Cars: p29 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p23

22 Isaac Newton 23 Nazareth 24 Annie Lennox 25 Ding Dong Merrily on High 26 William Shakespeare

27 Invisible Cloak 28 The Nutcracker: The Untold Story 29 Eve 30 Captain Cook 31 Jerusalem

18,050 homes & businesses

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Cookers & Co: p23 Painting & Decorating Richard Luckett Decorators: p4 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p21 Vets Home Visit: p21 Property Maintenance Coln Clearances: p30 Get Rid Removals: p26 Hill-top Joinery: p13 Hooper Joinery: p29 Just Carpentry & Locks: p5 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Removals Coln Clearances: p30 Get Rid Removals: p26 Renewable Engery Alderminster Electrics: p1 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p15 Sports & Leisure Cotswold Riding: p21 JDR Karting: p1 Runnerbean: p11 Showcase: p Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p29 Vision Repairs: p21 Taxis Cotswold & Burford Taxis: p19 Travel & Tourism Campden Cottages: p19 Character Cottages: p2 Tree Surgery Dowdeswell Forestry: p19 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p15 Sewing Tuition: p15

32 1966 33 Southern Hemisphere 34 Cracker 35 Pere Noel 36 USSR

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37 Angel Gabriel 38 Norway 39 Sandringham 40 Robbie Burns

Help is on hand this Winter As the clocks change and the dark winter nights draw in, Cotswold residents will be reassured to know help is on hand to keep them safe in their own homes.

It’s at this time of year that a minority of people use Halloween or Bonfire Night as an excuse to act irresponsibly, playing tricks on others and mishandling fireworks, leaving people feeling vulnerable and scared, especially if they live alone.

Cotswold Careline offers a ‘Bogus Caller’ service, which can be used in the event of a situation that causes worry and distress or an intimidating visitor.

With the simple press of a ‘Bogus Caller’ button a silent alarm is raised, which automatically connects to the professional team at the monitoring centre. The team are available 24/7, so help is always on hand and once the alarm is activated the team can discreetly listen into the situation and assess whether there is a need to summon assistance.

The ‘Bogus Caller’ service is known to be particularly reassuring to the elderly or residents living alone, those with special needs or learning difficulties and victims of domestic violence.

The service works in conjunction with a Careline alarm box and provides extra security without intrusion, helping residents to feel safe in their own homes and provides peace of mind for their family and friends, particularly through the dark winter months.

A spokesperson for Cotswold Careline said: “When the clocks go back on 30 October, it can be an unnerving time for vulnerable members of the community, especially if they live alone.”

“Installation of the low cost ‘Bogus Caller’ service is so quick and easy that our latest customers are telling us that they wish they had the service in their homes years ago.”

“The service is available to everyone and there is no qualifying pre-assessment. It can be tailored to individual requirements, ensuring support and help is always available to those who need it.”

To find out more about the ‘Bogus Caller’ service call the Cotswold Careline team on 01594 812505, or alternatively email cotswoldcareline@fdean.gov.uk or visit the Cotswold Careline website: www.cotswoldcareline.co.uk The friendly staff will be able to answer any questions people may have and can offer a no obligation free home demonstration.

“The ‘Bogus Caller’ service provides immediate reassurance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the more vulnerable members of the community.”

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