Cotswold Link (West Ox) March April 2014

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... don’t forget Mother’s Day on 30th March!

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (12A) Mon 17 Mar 7.30pm In this emotive chronicle of the late Nelson Mandela’s journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa we get a vivid portrait of the life of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

RELAXED SCREENING: HIGH SOCIETY (U) Mon 24 Mar 11am Relaxed Screenings are open to all but have some changes made to make the event more accessible to people who might find a standard cinema screening challenging: including those living with dementia and those with learning disabilities and their carers.

ALAN CARR - WORK IN PROGRESS Tue 18 Mar 7.45pm The much loved Star of Channel 4’s ‘Alan Carr Chatty Man’ will be trying out new material at this intimate gig in preparation for a forthcoming tour.

PAJAMA GAME Thu 3 Apr - Sat 5 Apr 7.30pm

CINEMA BAMBINO ADULT & BABIES FILM CLUB Thu 20 Mar 10.45am

EASTER HOLIDAY ORANGE HAT Thu 10 Apr 10am-11pm, 11am-12pm

The Chipping Norton Amateur Operatic Society returns to West End Musicals with their production of The Pajama Game .

Join Peggotty the Hen and her other puppet friends as they embark on an interactive performance.

A film club for parents and carers with babies, aged up to and including 18 months. A chance to socialise and enjoy a worry-free film experience.

Fantastic films & Music in

Charlbury Films & Music in Charlbury this Spring All our films and live performances are held in the Memorial Hall, Browns Lane, Charlbury.

Refreshments: please be aware that the bar is an essential part of the financial viability of many of our events. These are not BYOB occasions, and we ask our audience to respect this. We plan our film programme a couple of months ahead, and we list films as soon as we can. We try to be flexible and not commit ourselves too far in advance, so we can respond to the ever-changing deadlines in the film industry and bring you the most interesting films as soon as we can. Our bar opens 45 minutes before the film. Many people come early to meet with friends and have a drink together. ChOC is a sociable occasion as well as an entertainment -- and sometimes a cultural event.

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Live entertainments are booked further ahead.

For information about our films, or about ChOC generally, email the secretary, Jon Carpenter, at secretary@chocfilms.info For information about ChOClive email the coordinator, Jackie Hague, at: jackie@chocfilms.info Full details: www.chocfilms.info

Sunday 9th March

Sunday 13th April

Sunday 11th May

“LINCOLN”

“IN THE HOUSE”

“A LATE QUARTET”

Doors and licensed bar open 6.45, film 7.30, Cert 12.

Duration 2hrs 24mins.

Doors and licensed bar 6.45, film 7.30. Admission £5 on the door.

Cert 15. Duration 1hr 40mins.

Doors and licensed bar 6.45, film 7.30. Admission £5 on the door.

Cert 15. Duration 1hr 40mins.

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inside

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02 02 arts 05 travel 08 local news 09 education 10 new businesses 10 education

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arts & culture

Leaflet & Tours in West Oxfordshire

What’s On at Chipping Norton Theatre Historic Route 66

West Oxfordshire Council News Carterton Community College New businesses and services How to Control a Difficult Child

12 out & about 12 14 events 16 garden 18 family & home 20 astronomy 22 index local news

Charlbury Cinema

Local Events this Spring Witney Festival of Food & Drink Garden View: A Soggy Bottom Make Your Mother’s Day Cotswold Sky

Cotswold Link Index

Welcome to the March - April edition of Your Cotswoldlink It’s Spring at last! With Mother’s Day and Easter to look forward to, we look at several aspects of this time of year, including an article about Mother’s Day, (p18), making the most of a soggy-bottomed garden (p16) and a camera competition (p15). This issue is also packed with seasonal events, so make sure you get out and about and enjoy as many of them as you can! I would like to wish you all a super Mother’s Day and Easter.

Best wishes, t: 01609 777401 www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Christine Campbell | Editor

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Index See p22

facebook.com/YourCotswoldLink

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Mandy’s

Top Travel Tips IN THIS ISSUE...

The World is Your Oyster The Mother Road, that travels from Chicago to Santa Monica, a journey that has been immortalized in song and folklore.

It is a trip that is on many a wish list and certainly lives up to all expectations. Whether you choose a coach tour, pick up a Cadillac or motorhome, or take to the open road on a Harley Davidson it will be an adventure you will not forget.

Crossing 3 time zones and 8 states, travelling over 2,400 miles, you get a fantastic feel for the real America. Starting in Chicago, stay a couple of nights if time allows, to catch your breath, the “Windy City” is well worth it. The Pontiac Trail is the original name for this first bit of road, which heads off to Springfield and onwards to St. Louis. Tornado country follows with Joplin and Oklahoma City, both stops where stories of being caught up in the eye of a storm will surround you. Indian country through Tulsa, Amarillo and Santa Fe is next and a stop here is a must.

The wilderness of the Navajo leads you to Gallup and then Flagstaff, full of Wild West charm and strangely reminiscent of a ski resort. A side trip can be taken from here to the Grand Canyon with its amazing vistas, but don’t miss Williams another railroad town. This is a fantastic area so if you can spare the time stay a while - the Old West Ghost Town of Oatman is a must and Sedona is beautiful. From here Las Vegas calls, another side trip not to be missed, glitz, The Strip, maybe a show then, may Lady Luck be with you. The final jaunt can be disappointing as not only are you nearing the end of your fabulous journey but you are into the more commercialised built up area of Los Angeles and the amazing scenery and differing landscapes are left behind. Lots of sightseeing though in this fabulous city and the Santa Monica Pier marks the end of your epic journey.

There are lots of sights en route not to be missed too numerous to mention, but here are just a few, American Diners and gas stations, museums, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Chain of Rocks Bridge, Jesse James’ hideout, the Round Barn, Cadillac Ranch, vintage motels, El Rancho hotel, Wigwam Motel, Midpoint Café …. The list goes on. Route 66, a fabulous adventure which leaves you a part of American history.

Call us now to make an appointment to see Tina Nason, our MD who did the trip last year, or just explore for yourself ….

CONTACT THE TEAM ● Chipping

Norton: 10, Middle Row - t: 01608 641 983 Moore Road - t: 01451 822 048

● Bourton-on-the-Water:

www.carricktravel.com

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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 15,200 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 christine@jkanorth.com

Rachel Murphy GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGN

D E S I G N / C O N S T R U C T I O N

PLANTING/MAINTENANCE

New police front counter opens at Chipping Norton From 20 January 2014 West Oxfordshire District Council’s Guildhall Reception in Chipping Norton has doubled up as a one-stop shop for police and council services.

The Police’s new base at the Guildhall will not only save money for the force, but also offer a more convenient town centre location, with extended opening hours.

Cllr Mark Booty, Cabinet Member at West Oxfordshire District Council responsible for Community Safety said, “We were very keen to help the police maintain valuable front counter service in Chipping Norton and are pleased to provide this service for them from the Guildhall. For residents, the Guildhall has the added benefit of being a town centre location. It also has longer opening hours and is easily accessible with everything on the ground floor.”

The move builds on the strong working relationship that already exists between Thames Valley Police and the District Council in areas such as community safety, licensing, enforcement, housing and emergency planning.

Thames Valley Police is keen to reassure residents that the availability and visibility of police

officers to attend incidents in their areas will be not be affected by these changes.

Supt Colin Paine, Commander for West Oxfordshire and Cherwell said, “The opening of this new front counter will give the residents of Chipping Norton access to police counter services for an extra 15 hours per week and allow them to visit more easily as it is in a town centre location. Visitors can also access council services at the same time, all at no extra cost to tax payers.

“I am pleased that the service to the public has been improved thanks to our close working relationship with West Oxfordshire District Council.”

Council services will continue to operate as normal from the Guildhall. The additional police counter services provided by West Oxfordshire District Council will include producing driving documents, reporting lost and found property as well as general advice when needed.

At present, the Police Station front counter is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. The opening hours with the Council providing the service are: Mon to Friday: 8.45am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm (4pm on Friday)

A full list of police counter services provided by West Oxfordshire District Council at the Guildhall are: Advice | Directions | Document productions | Immigration and Nationality - changes in detail only | Removal of prohibition notices | Lost and Found Property | Putting members of the public in touch with local officers via 101. | Referring incidents, reports of anti-social behaviour, crime and missing persons through to the Police Enquiry Centre | Handing out application forms for pedlars certificates | Handing out application forms for shotguns, firearms, pedlars certificates etc. (signpost to correct station for payment) | Crime Reduction information | Handing out booklets for complaints against police. | Displaying promotional material for campaigns police are involved in. | Data protection requests For further information contact: West Oxfordshire DC Communications - t: 01993 861615/616 m: 07771 965360 Thames Valley Police Communications - t: 01865 846699

BESPOKE GARDEN FURNITURE rachel@rachelmurphygardens.com

01451 820065 / 07891 614060 rachelmurphygardens.com

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Carterton Community College Post-16 Education at Carterton Community College

We are pleased to say that Carterton Community College working with our Local Authority, Oxfordshire County Council, is planning to introduce a “Sixth Form” starting in September 2014. rise over the next few years.

We also know that proposed private housing developments will bring even more families into our town. Also, the government has made changes which mean that by 2015 all young people will need to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18.

Cottonwood Interiors - Designed for living…

Come home to craftsmanship Cottonwood Interiors are a family run business of furniture makers newly based in Chipping Norton.

With 30 years experience in design and manufacturing, they offer a complete personal service, from concept to installation.

Anything from simple storage solutions to fabulous fitted or freestanding furniture, bedroom and shelving, studies, living rooms and kitchens.

Whatever the budget, every job receives the same high standard of service, design and craftsmanship.

Mr and Mrs Thornton from Bourton-on-the-Water said “ We are thrilled with our beautiful study units and bedroom furniture - the design and quality of workmanship is everything we hoped it would be.

Cottonwood Interiors’ work ethos is exceptional, they are friendly, helpful and supportive. We have really enjoyed working with them and we are listing new projects for them as we speak” “ My kitchen is perfect, beautiful colour and great design. We received swift, reliable service with excellent communication and all for unbelievable value for money. It was very reassuring to deal with such an organised and helpful company.”

Mr Knollys - Oxford

The first stages are well under way both here at the College and at the Local Authority. In College, we are working out what courses can be offered in our first year and how our post-16 provision will grow between 2014 and 2016. At the Local Authority, plans are being made to start to legal process of altering our upper age limit from what is at present 16 years old (Year 11) so that the College can teach students up to 19 years old (Year 13).

Starting in January there began a six week “Informal Consultation”.

This gave the general public an opportunity to look at our proposal and express their views. Parents of all our students automatically received a copy of the proposal which can be found on both the Community College and Oxfordshire County Council websites. Copies of our proposal are also available in the primary schools, the public library, Town Hall and Community Centre. After the consultation finishes on 17th February, there are further stages to go through before a final decision is made by the County Council. This decision we anticipate will happen in mid-June 2014.

The Governors and staff of the College are really excited by this big step forward which will build on our excellent examination results and our Good Ofsted rating.

Having post-16 provision will mean that we can offer full educational opportunities here in Carterton and young people who choose to stay with us will not have to travel to other places to continue their education.

We will start with an offer of four A Level courses and three BTEC Level 3 courses in September 2014 and we will add further courses in 2015 and 2016. For 2014 the A Levels will be English, Maths, Geography and History and the BTEC courses will be Art & Design, Creative Media and Sport. In 2015 we plan to add Biology, Chemistry and Physics to our A Level offer along with BTEC Engineering.

So, for both new arrivals and every student with us now, it is really important that Carterton’s secondary school should offer 11-19 education, as do all other secondary schools in West Oxfordshire.

Mr G Speke, COMMUNITY DIRECTOR

Carterton Community College

There are some important reasons why we should set up post-16 education in Carterton at this time.

We know that the number of students we have on roll is set to

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Workshops for Women Exploring Self-Employment Many women have creative ideas and hobbies that can potentially make money. “Cotswold Women in Business” is a successful community collaboration hosting workshops and courses supporting women to take their ideas seriously and decide if self-employment and running a business is for them.

Courses deliver both business skills and structured support thinking through the complex issues around balancing existing responsibilities (like being a parent) and running a business. The emphasis on this balance is what distinguishes the courses from other business support.

Women who have done the courses recommend them to their friends. This is the backbone of the popularity of Cotswold Women in Business. Recent participants include; Jay Haigh who started “Paperishly” selling a range of artwork including paper cutting and paper sculpture, Vanessa Willes launched “Mangle and Wringer” selling natural cleaning products, Debra Wyatt launched an interior design business and Julia Medhurst launched a reflexology business. Julia said: “The course was empowering and very supportive without letting me avoid the difficult and challenging bits. It helped me out of my comfort zones to really develop my ideas and identify what’s next”.

So if you (or someone you know) have a business idea, aren’t sure if you have the right skills and wonder how it can fit with your life and numerous commitments, help is at hand!

How to Control a Difficult Child Pressures is being put on Teachers to not be nervous in using their disciplinary powers and they are being encouraged to bring back old fashioned methods such as writing lines and doing community service. It is mandatory for every school to have a behaviour policy which lists the rules of conduct for pupils before and after school as well as during the school day.

The parent has a right to request a copy of the policy document. Surprisingly schools do not have to give parents notice of after school detentions or tell them why a detention has been given. Going to this extreme would of course lead the school parent line of communication becoming somewhat fractured.

Statistics of Behaviour Issues in Schools

So why has the Secretary of State for Education gone out of his way to give his ideas? Could it be that Ofsted have reported that approximately 700,000 pupils are currently attending schools with behaviour issues?

This figure is nothing short of astonishing, according to the Department of Education Report “Schools, Pupils, and their Characteristics, January 2013” there were 8.2 million pupils in all schools in England. Therefore the statistics are suggesting that about 1 in 12 of all our children have behaviour issues.

Methods of tackling Behaviour Issues

These issues cannot all be caused by bad schools or teachers. Much of the responsibility has to be with the parents, but what can they do if they have a difficult child? One obvious way is to liaise with the school that will be willing to offer advice on developing a strategy in the best interests of all.

Participants in the one-day workshop

Upcoming workshops and courses include: ● Wednesday 26th March 2014

One-Day Taster Session

Parents may be interested in some of the methods that Charlie Taylor, the Government’s Expert Adviser on behaviour in schools as recommended. I have adapted some of his ideas so that they may be applied at home:

to put a toe in the water and find out more 9.30am – 2.30pm ● Wednesday 30th April

Business Start-Up Course

9.30am – 2.30pm every Wednesday for 8 weeks to 25th June with a break at half term, May 28th.

Cost: £12.50 one-day workshop £99 comprehensive 8 week course Free places are available to eligible participants. Just call and ask about one.

In the company of like-minded women, participants have fun and explore topics that include: Would self-employment suit me? ● The skills and qualities I’d need ● Work-Life Balance ●

Business Plans ● Marketing ●

For more information please email or call Sarah-Jane Menato sjm@sjmcoachingandtraining.co.uk or 01386 701868

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Chipping Norton Town Centre from 11am until 8pm Live music throughout the day. Children’s rides and games. Hog roast, candy floss, sweet stalls. Tombolas, prize stalls, balloons, masks and so much more!

All proceeds go to local charities and organisations. Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chipping Norton and a large team of volunteers.

www.chippyfest.com

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by John Harris ● ● ● ●

Praise the behaviour you want to see more of Praise children doing the right thing (as opposed to being critical) Stay calm Have clear routines that your child is aware of.

Other approaches that may be of use at home include: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Encourage children to take a break when they are feeling angry or upset.

Give your children a minimum of 15 minutes each day, of undivided attention.

Create a reward system.

Teach your child by setting a good example of yourself Avoid shouting Do not be fearful of seeking professional aid.

Perhaps your child has an undiagnosed medical condition such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Should you have any doubts then arrange an appointment with your Doctor.

Remember that discipline does not mean punishment or conflict, it means teaching a child to learn from the mistakes that he or she has made and developing self-control.

For more advice:

NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk that give advice and support for adults concerned about a child including behavioural issues.

Family Lives: www.familylives.org.uk for help and support in all aspects of family life.

NHS www.nhs.uk gives advice on those struggling with a child’s behaviour.

Charlie Taylors checklists can be found at: www.education.gov.uk/a00199342/getting-the-simple-thingsright-charlie-taylors-behaviour-checklists

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Leaflet and tours help d cater for Downton deman in West Oxfordshire

g filming locations Tours and a leaflet showin vision drama tele of in West Oxfordshire n developed by bee e hav bey Ab Downton the demand into tap the District Council to s. tor visi as from overse vice has worked The Council’s tourism ser tional Friends, which rna oduce with tour operator Inte s for overseas visitors, to intr trip g sin ani org specialises in tours.

‘Downton Abbey’ guided for small groups, up to visitors to The guided tours will be Tours are for small groups and will take h. In Bampton, visitors Marc ing start le, e’used in all 16 peop Bampton, the scene of‘Downton villag rs will also will get to see: four series of the hit programme. Visito as the Crawley ding inclu ● Churchgate House, used be taken to other areas of the District, brook and family home Cogges, Witney, The Swan Inn at Swin used been The old Grammar School building have ● h whic on, Shilt at e, The Old Forg as such s -‘Downton’hospital. mark for filming, as well as local land ael St Mary’s Church, renamed as St Mich ● Blenheim Palace. nton Dow us vario of set the els, Ang All and on mati infor gs. and ions tenin A leaflet with film locat weddings, funerals and chris by the appeared regularly about the local area has been produced ● Church View, which has nated s Council as part of the project and a desig ghout all four of the programme’s serie throu ire rdsh Oxfo its on ched laun pubs al page ction ey’ fi ‘Downton Abb and is home to two tswolds.

Duck Cotswolds website, www.oxfordshireco - The Grantham Arms and The Dog & rdshire Fair. org/downton, which promotes West Oxfo - as well as being the site of Downton to visitors.

Friends, Jimmy Greene, Director of International s cil’ Coun team the of the part with are ing et work leafl The tours and said:“It’s been fantastic rdshire tion of selec a ch laun to s wold Cots ire work to encourage tourism in West Oxfo at Oxfordsh the and s night esse over busin and sm trips and support local touri Downton Abbey themed day trade from est le. inter who a the as economy tours. From day one high, with and consumers has been exceptionally ber Mem net Cabi , ridge Lang Cllr Richard ” rica. omy, said: particularly from North Ame responsibility for tourism and local econ setting tiful cil, beau its given , “It’s hardly surprising Pauline Smith, of Bampton Parish Coun chosen Cllr often and is ire here rdsh cast Oxfo t nton Wes Dow that the ng ery, havi scen and said:“We love nton ire. It will rdsh Oxfo t Wes by tive initia this as a film location and the success of Dow ome welc area. we look Abbey has really put the spotlight on the enable us to share our lovely village and ough Alth rs. visito new g omin welc to tourism forward “We are proud to not only support our there were when pubs 13 the have er its long e no urag we enco industry, but also work actively to enable a must-see Downton is set, we hope these tours will growth and ensure West Oxfordshire is y.” italit hosp wold Cots l tiona tradi a er By off d. worl us to destination for people from across the ator, we working with an experienced tour oper lm locations overseas To view the Downton fi from and dem ing grow are tapping into a ict.” leaflet and find out more about visitors and this is good news for the Distr recently the Council’s tourism work see The fourth series of Downton Abbey has million www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org. premiered in the US with a record 10.2 a Chin in aired also has e ramm viewers. The prog Alternatively, call 01993 861000. ths. mon 18 last the in n Japa and

Out & About 23 March

● FRETWORK Concert, 4.00pm≠ Sherborne Parish Church The internationally renowned Viol Consort FRETWORK will be performing a varied concert of music entitled “From here and there, and then and now”, music from five centuries by Henry Purcell, J. S. Bach, William Byrd, Eliot Carter and others .Tickets £15 available on the door, to include tea and cakes during the interval and a glass of wine after the concert. All proceeds to Sherborne Church. For more information go to www.Fretwork.co.uk

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16 March

● Chipping Norton Music Festival

As part of the 102nd Chipping Norton Music Festival, we welcome the Allegri String Quartet, Britain’s oldest chamber group, celebrating their 60th year. A rare chance to hear this world-famous group in the wonderful acoustics of Chipping Norton Town Hall. The programme includes: Elgar – Chanson de matin, Schubert – Quartetsatz, Beethoven – Op. 18, No. 5, Brahms – Quartet No. 3, Elgar – Salut d’Amour. Tickets: £14/£12 available from Jaffe Neale Bookshop (01608 641033) or tickets@cnmf.org.uk.

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15 February – 21 April

● WWI Exhibition Blenheim Palace, Woodstock A fascinating and interactive WWI exhibition ‘A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’ exploring the stories behind the family members and workers on the Blenheim Estate. Held in the recently renovated Gallery Room in the Stables Courtyard. Tel: 08008 496500

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30 March

● Mother’s Day Special ‘Boil a mouse in Urine’

Lodge Park. The Household re-enactor group present a fascinating look into infant and childcare in the 17th century. Enjoy being grateful for how your Mum treats you today compared with the horrible ‘cures’ of the past. Enjoy tea and cake in our small courtyard café.’ Open 11.00 am – 4.00pm on Fri, Sat and Sun. For further details call 01451 844130 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lodgepark

Charlbury Art Society CAS is a lively society with a series of talks throughout the year, together with demonstrations, workshops and visits to galleries.

Subscriptions are held at the amazingly low sum of £10. Contact Membership Secretary Roy Cotes on 1608 810116. ● Charlbury Art Society A mixed media demonstration.

Kieran Stiles will demonstrate further techniques.

Wed 12 March at 7.30pm.

Friends Meeting House, Market Street, Charlbury.

Free entry to members of the Society. £3 entry fee for visitors.

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● Charlbury Art Society

"Running an Art Gallery" Brian Sinfield will talk on his experience of running an art gallery in Burford Wed 9 April at 7.30pm. Friends Meeting House, Market Street, Charlbury.

Free entry to members of the Society. £3 entry fee for visitors. ● Charlbury Art Society

SPRING EXHIBITION OF MEMBERS' WORK Sat 12 April at 9.30am to 5.00pm.

Garden Room at Memorial Hall, Browns Lane, Charlbury.

Held in conjunction with the Garden Society Spring Show.

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11 May

● Stately Car Boot, 9.00am - 1.00pm Sale in the private grounds of Cornbury Park in aid of ROSY charity for terminally ill children and their families.

Over 100 upmarket stalls including top end bric-a-brac, furniture, indoor décor & soft furnishings, vintage & good-as-new designer clothing, refreshments. Great morning out to bag a bargain. Pitches: £50. Entrance £5 adults, children under 16 free. Cornbury Park, Main entrance. You can visit our website: www.rosy.org.uk Contact us: help@rosy.org.uk Call us: 01865 848 969. The Secretary, 80 Evans Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 2JB The editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to the events listed. All events are correct at time of going to print.

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10-18 May

● Oxfordshire Artweeks Festival Charlbury is a prime North Oxfordshire Artweeks destination. With over 30 artists within easy walking distance of each other it represents a wide cross section of all the artists in the area. Art and sculpture is everywhere – in schools, churches, studios and workshops. A free trail map provides helpful information and makes it easy to find all the artists. During May each year, Artweeks gives Oxfordshire artists and crafts people an opportunity to exhibit their work. There are nearly 500 stunning exhibitions throughout the county, ranging from group exhibitions in large public spaces to individual artists showing in their own homes or studios. This is a unique opportunity to meet the artists, to talk about their work, watch demonstrations and sometimes, there’s the chance to try your hand and have a go yourself. Artweeks offers a wide variety of media; painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, glass, mosaics, jewellery, and much more. More information will be available from March at www.artweeks.org

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22 June

● Chippy Fest 2014

Chipping Norton Town Centre Live music throughout the day. Children’s rides and games. Hog roast, candy floss, sweet stalls.

Tombolas, prize stalls, balloons, masks and so much more! All proceeds go to local charities and organisations. Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chipping Norton and a large team of volunteers. www.chippyfest.com

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ival of Food and Drink Witney will be holding its second Fest Church Green, Witney, following on Saturday, 17th May, at St. Mary’s, on event and the incredible the outstanding success of last year’s ducers and public alike. enthusiasm and demand from local pro Once again the Festival will be held in With over 4000 visitors attending last the very heart of the old wool town year’s one day festival, this year’s festival of Witney, in and around St. Mary’s, a will be even bigger and better. The magnificent 13th century church with Witney Festival of Food and Drink has a 165 foot spire which can be seen for instantly become a major event in the miles around. A fitting location for this Witney calendar. Now with over 50 special event which has captured the stalls, offering a wide range of local enthusiasm of the whole local area. artisan food and drink, as well as exciting Local food champion, Billy Rideout, of cookery demonstrations from local Bakers Butchers Witney, will officially chefs (including the Ravenous Rector!), open the 2014 Festival at 10.00am interesting and thought provoking on Saturday, 17th May. ly fami ‘foodie’ talks, children’s activities, , ents shm refre entertainment and Festival co-ordinator, Elpie Lewis, the all for out day t grea it makes a says, “The aim of the Festival is ision telev g, stron Arm r ande Alex family. to celebrate and showcase the d presenter and comedian, is a committe abundance of high-quality supporter and says, “I am delighted to food and drink provided by be Patron of the Witney Festival of Food local growers and producers in and Drink. If you want to eat and drink very challenging times, when exceptionally well, the Witney area has the provenance of our food is some of the finest local producers in the more important than ever.” ts, country. Locally brewed ales, cured mea pies , neys chut and es pickl ing award winn and top quality gastro pubs… oh, and one of the country’s finest smokeries.

There is much to be proud of.”

For more information please contact: Festival Co-ordinator: Elpie Lewis 424605 Tel: 01993 703070 Mobile: 07919 m l.co @ao is99 elew Email: elpi al.co.uk Website: www.witneyfoodfestiv DrinkF Follow us on Twitter: @WFoodand Follow us on Facebook: search for Witney Festival of Food Drink k The Witney Festival of Food and Drin – 5.00pm am 9.30 / 4 201 May 17th , rday Satu

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Snap up a prize by capturing beautiful West Oxfordshire on camera The search is on to find photographs that capture the very best of West Oxfordshire.

The winner of the 2013 Oxfordshire Cotswolds Photographic Competition was amateur photographer Paul Chapman, of Enstone, whose image showed a traditional red post box surrounded by daffodils in Clevely.

From scenic images of local towns, villages, countryside and buildings, to atmospheric shots encapsulating what it is like to live in the area, photographers of all abilities and ages are being invited to send in their snaps to the District Council.

The Council is looking for photographs to help show off the uniqueness of West Oxfordshire, which it brands as the ‘Oxfordshire Cotswolds’ to market the area as part of work to support and encourage tourism.

It is the fifth year that the Council has run a photographic competition and this year’s winner will receive a ready-to-hang art canvas of their image donated by Witney-based Blueprint Imaging Ltd, as well as afternoon tea for two served in the Wedgwood Lounge courtesy of De Vere Venues Heythrop Park Resort.

The winning photograph and a selection of some of the best entries will be used in the Council’s tourism marketing publications and on the website www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org.

Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism, said: “West Oxfordshire is a beautiful part of England with stunning countryside and traditional buildings and historic towns. We have vibrant communities, interesting places to visit and an endless list of things to do, along with shopping opportunities and a diverse range places to eat, have fun or relax.

“We’re looking for images that really get to the heart of West Oxfordshire and capture what it has to offer to help us show everyone just what a fantastic place this is.”

For full details and a competition entry form visit: www. oxfordshirecotswolds.org/photos or contact Diane Blackwell on 01993 861553; email: diane.blackwell@westoxon.gov.uk.

The closing date for entries is Monday 31 March. All images should be of high enough quality for enlargement up to A4 size.

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GARDEN VIEW

No one likes a

Soggy Bottom!

It’s a phrase normally associated with BBC2’s Great British Bake Off, but its not just cooks who go to great lengths to ensure their produce (pastry in this case) doesn’t end up with a soggy bottom, it affects gardeners too!

I’m not talking about sitting on wet grass, or toppling over in the veg plot after too much potting-shed homebrew, but about the poor plants we expect to grow in badlydrained soil. Out in the wild, a plant’s survival depends on whether its seeds blow into a dry rock face or a sticky clay soil puddle, and that’s fine because one will die while the other thrives. But it’s very different in the domestic garden, where overenthusiastic humans buy anything that looks pretty, dig a hole and expect it to bloom.

The right plant for the right soil is as important, if not more so than its tolerance to sun or shade. Studies show that plants cannot survive for more than just a few days if left in standing water. It’s a little known fact that roots need air too...� well, most plants that is. You see there’s a clever lot who have adapted over the years to thrive in such conditions and they’re commonly known as bog plants. I understand it’s not the most

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glamorous name, unlike their closely-related cousins such as water lilies, which are known as hydrophytes.

Plants that thrive in heavy, wet clay soils, which are damp but not permanently waterlogged, include the beautiful bold leaves of the Hosta, the feathery plumes and delectably dissected foliage of the Astilbe, and any of the Primulas, which are ideal for low-growing spring colour. For fern lovers, Osmunda regalis is a favourite or for a splash of summer colour in full sun try Lobelia cardinalis.

plastic sheet, pierce it several times with a fork and then add the soil back in, you can plant a selection of the plants above. You’ll need to make sure it doesn’t dry out in the summer, so a shady location usually works best, and if you’ve only got a teeny garden, try the fly-eating pitcher plants Sarracenia.

They will provide a talking point.

Until next month,

Enjoy your garden!

If you have a larger garden and need to fill areas of damp soil, try the herbaceous Rodgersia which look great planted in drifts, and if you have a really large area why not try the prickly rhubarb-like Gunnera manicata: children will love standing under the giant leaves of its huge green umbrella!

If you don’t have a boggy area, but would like to try growing some of these plants for yourself, why not create one? If you dig out a ‘mini pond’ and then add an old liner or Please mention Your Cotswoldlink when contacting any of our advertisers

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Make your Mother’s day From the day you have a baby or adopt a child, your life changes forever. People tell you this when you’re pregnant, but it’s only when it happens that you really understand what they mean. Suddenly there’s someone who depends on you entirely. Every decision you make from now on will be based on their needs or desires.

Being a mother can be the best of jobs and the worst of jobs. For every heart-warming moment of pride and loveliness, there’s a blazing row or slammed door (but hopefully with a hug and a sorry afterwards).

♥ Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, usually in March or in May. ♥ In the UK, it is a mixture of a Christian tradition, and the celebration of motherhood that began in the USA in the early 20th century. During the 16th century, people in service would return to their home or ‘mother’ church on the fourth Sunday in Lent – Mothering Sunday. ♥ Mother’s Day as we know it became a regular event in the 1950s, largely thanks to businesses keen to exploit its commercial potential.

Mums have to take on every role in the family – carer, teacher, agony aunt, sergeant major, personal assistant, taxi driver� And it doesn’t stop when the children leave home. Now approaching 40, I still rely on my mum for advice, friendship, help with childcare, emergency loans and the occasional kick up the backside to get things done.

It’s only as you get older, especially if you have children of your own, that you realise how your parents felt as you grew up – why they made you do your homework, go to bed, stop fighting with your brother, eat properly, save money and above all, be careful!

Mother’s Day gives us the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our mums for everything they have done and still do for us.

The founder of Mother’s Day in the US, Anna Jarvis, eventually regretted campaigning to get the day recognised because it became so commercialised.

She hated the fact that people would buy a card with a printed message rather than writing a letter.

It’s lovely to buy or make a card and give flowers and chocolates. You can also do something special to show you care – maybe take on a job that she hates or treat her to a day of pampering.

But this year, why not go beyond the message in the card and write a few personal lines of your own to tell your mother how much you love her. Make sure she knows that she really is the best mum in the world (like mine).

Mothership Sunday Roast Lamb Method Roast shoulder of lamb gives you the most tender, sweet, delicious meat that just falls off the bone – it’s definitely my favourite cut of lamb for roasting. Cooked in this way, you can get everything you want for a good price, feed six people, and have loads of leftovers. Keep the bones and any spare mint sauce for later recipes too.

Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°C/gas 3. In a pestle and mortar, bash 4 peeled garlic cloves, half the rosemary leaves and a pinch of salt and pepper into a paste, then muddle in a good lug of oil. Stab the lamb ten times, then stick your finger in each hole and massage the marinade in and all over. Peel and quarter the onions and place in a snugfitting roasting tray (this is important), with the lamb on top. Add 50ml of water, cover tightly with tin foil and cook for 3 hours. Remove the foil, pour away all the fat (save as dripping – see page 158 of Save with Jamie) and add another 200ml of water to the tray. Cook for 1 hour more, or until the meat falls away from the bone, adding another good splash of water, if it starts to dry out.

Recipe taken from Save with Jamie | jamieoliver.com

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Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, halving any larger ones, and parboil in a large pan of boiling salted water for 12

minutes. Drain and shake to fluff up, then tip into a roasting tray. Strip in the rest of the rosemary leaves, drizzle with oil, bash and add the remaining unpeeled garlic cloves, and toss with salt and pepper. Place in the oven under the lamb tray for the final 1½ hours. With 20 minutes to go, pick and very finely chop the mint leaves, scrape into a small jug and mix with the sugar, vinegar and 1 tablespoon of boiling water. Chop the bacon and cook in a large frying pan on a medium heat until golden. Trim, roughly slice and throw in the cabbage with a splash of water, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until softened, then season to perfection.

Remove the lamb from the oven, transfer to a platter and cover. Put the tray on a medium heat on the hob and stir in the flour, then pour in 600ml boiling water and any lamb resting juices. Stir well and simmer until you’re happy with the consistency. Pour the gravy into a jug, or if you prefer it smooth, pour and push it through a sieve first. Quickly blanch the peas in a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes, then drain. Serve everything in the middle of the table, with all the usual trimmings.

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The Cotswold Sky

Retrograde Motion

Both Mars and Saturn commence retrograde motion at the beginning of March at the same time that Jupiter completes its retrograde cycle.

Retrograde occurs when the planets appear to change direction in the sky; this is referred to as retrograde motion. This phenomena puzzled astronomers for centuries and it was not until Copernicus showed that the Earth orbited the Sun and not the other way around that logic explained the reason.

Retrograde occurs because Earth is orbiting faster than the outer planets.

From the diagram you can imagine Earth’s orbit over a 6 month period when compared with Mars. Mars is continuing its orbit but as Earth “overtakes” Mars the position of the planet appears to change direction relative to Earth.

The frequencies of Retrogrades of the outer planets are: ● ● ● ● ●

M � ars retrogrades for 72 days every 25.6 months.

J� upiter retrogrades for 121 days every 13.1 months.

S � aturn retrogrades for 138 days every 12.4 months.

U � ranus retrogrades for 151 days every 12.15 months and N � eptune retrogrades for 158 days every 12.07 months.

NASA invites the public to search for New Planetary Nurseries

NASA is inviting the public to participate in searching for new planets outside our Solar System. By collecting this information, astronomers will be able to assess which sources should be explored in greater detail, for example, to search for planets outside our solar system.

For further information go to http://www.diskdetective.org

Herschel telescope detects water on dwarf planet

Scientists using the Herschel Space Observatory have definitively discovered water vapour on the dwarf planet Ceres. Ceres is roughly the size of England and was formerly classified as the largest asteroid.

Supernova

A supernova was discovered on January 21st by the students of the University of London Observatory. It is referred to as SN 2014J and can be located in the constellation of Ursa Major.

Venus – Visible in the morning. On the 27th March at 08.00 hours you may be lucky and see it below the crescent Moon.

Mars – at the beginning of March it rises in the South East at 22.00 hours and by the end of the month will rise around 20.30 hours. The first week of April gives good viewing conditions, By the 30th April Mars will be very observable being due South at 23.00 hours.

Jupiter – Remains dominant in the southerly sky Saturn – rises just before midnight at the beginning of March.

Good opportunities for observing the rings.

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Your Cotswoldlink

A new initiative to roll out life-saving defibrillators to every town and parish will make West Oxfordshire one of the best-equipped areas in the country to help cardiac arrest victims.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has given the go ahead today for a £27,000 scheme to offer local towns and parishes funding towards their own Automated External Defibrillator (AED), proven to dramatically increase a person’s chances of survival in cases of cardiac arrest.

Working with South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS), the Council initiative is complementing a generous donation by an anonymous donor who has given enough funding to pay for AEDs to be installed in 24 of the District’s towns and parishes.

Astro News

Diary

West will be among best for coverage of life-saving heart kits

March 20th 16.57 hours Spring Equinox – the Sun crosses the celestial equator. Note that the Spring Equinox will now occur every year on March 20th until 2044, when it will be on March 19th.

March 30th – Clocks go forward one hour to put us on British Summer Time April 12th Virginid and alpha showers peak April 22nd/23rd – Lyrids peak April 28th – alpha Scorplid peak

John Harris

Some of the AEDs funded by the donor, whose life was saved by a defibrillator, have already been installed and further locations are yet to be decided. However, the District has 54 towns and parishes in total and the Council scheme will enable the remaining 30 communities funding to help purchase their own.

Every town and parish will have the chance to receive 50% of the money to buy and install an AED, which usually costs a maximum of £1,800.

Cllr Mark Booty, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “These kits can mean the difference between life and death and are of vital importance, particularly in rural areas like ours that can be affected by ambulance and emergency response times.

“We are absolutely delighted to be offering this chance to our towns and parishes. Together with the equipment so generously donated, we are confident that our District will have the highest level of defibrillator coverage in the country.

“We believe we should give our residents the best possible chance of survival and hope this scheme will help to make West Oxfordshire one of the safest places to live if you suffer a cardiac arrest.”

Under the scheme, CPR training will be provided in association with SCAS to communities and local people will be trained to give initial care should a cardiac arrest occur.

AEDs work by delivering an electric shock to restart a person’s heart.

The small, portable machines give clear, spoken instructions and are designed to be used by anyone, even without training. They are placed within a secure box in a public area, with a code to access the box that can only be obtained from the ambulance service.

In cases of emergency, people should always call 999 in the first instance.

Dick Tracey, divisional responder manager for SCAS, said: “When someone goes into cardiac arrest time is of the essence. For every minute that passes where there’s no active treatment, the chances of a successful resuscitation reduces by 10%.

“Having these machines, particularly in the villages, will significantly increase chances of survival.”

AEDs from the anonymous donor have already been installed in: ● Cassington ● Combe ● Finstock ● Stonesfield

Shipton-under-Wychwood is due to have an AED fitted next week and other areas confirmed to receive one of the kits are Burford, Eynsham, Leafield and Lyneham.

Some local towns and parishes have also already fundraised to provide an AED, including Chipping Norton and the village of Aston, near Bampton.

Aston’s AED was fitted outside Aston Repair Depot, in the centre of the village, last year after a fundraising effort by three local residents, parish councillor Paul Sparrowhawk, The Red Lion pub landlord Andrew Cripps and Depot owner Andy Ball, and donation from Witney Round Table.

Mr Ball said: “We just felt we had to get one and there was lots of support from everyone in the village.

The cost is tiny when you think about the impact it could have.”

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West Oxfordshire May / June 2014

North Cotswolds May / June 2014

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Distribution: w/c 5th & 12th May Copy: 11th April

July / August 2014

Distribution: w/c 30th June & 7th July Copy: 6th June

Builders & Contractors Cliff Grove & Sons: p19 Cottonwood Interiors: p9 Prior Products: p3

Business Services

M T Bookkeeping: p19

Car Repairs & Servicing J S Motor Services Ltd: p17

Children’s Services

Cotswold Tutor: p11 Cotswold Youth Choirs: p11

Cleaning Services The Laundry: p4

Education

Cotswold Tutor: p11

Elderly Services

The Langston Care Home: p15

Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p23 Vision Repairs: p4

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The Chipping Norton Tea Set: p13 The Frogmill: back cover

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Index

Brize

OX18(1) Norton

Besides being a medium for our advertisers to showcase their businesses in high quality print, we also include regular features, such as a double page events spread, garden diary and ‘New to the Area’ feature, as well as local stories of interest, to help give our publications retention value.

Entertainment

Carrick Travel: p5 Frogmill Hotel: p2 The Beach House St Ives: p15

Finance & Legal

M T Bookkeeping: p19

Food & Drink

Chipping Norton Tea Set: p13 Frogmill Hotel: back cover Wiltshire Farm Foods: p15

Furniture

Healthcare & Wellbeing

Essence: p5 Mark Vanner Hypnotherapist: p4 The Breakspeare Clinic: back cover Laser Light: p4 Runnerbean: p5 Water Care: back cover

Heating

Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p19 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p19 Fosse Fires: p3 Heat Store: p6

Cottonwood Interiors: p9 Heartwood Furniture: p7

Hire

Gardening & Hard Landscaping

Home & Interiors

Bartlett Tree Experts: p19 Cotswold Garden & Estate Consultancy: p19 Eynsham Park Sawmill: back cover H & H Groundworks: p19 Hilltop Garden Centre: p3 Rachel Murphy Landscapes: p8

Gifts

Wychwood Wrought Iron: p17

Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire Ltd: p17 Cotswold Carpets: p21 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p19 Fosse Fires: p3 Heartwood Furniture: p7 Heat Store: p6 Redlay Flooring: p6 Sewing Tuition: p6 West End Sewing: p6 Wychwood Wrought Iron: p17

Kitchen & Bathroom Design

Sports & Leisure

Laundry

Travel & Tourism

Locksmiths

Tree Surgery

Pets & Animals

Tuition

Cliff Grove & Sons: p19 Heartwood Furniture: p7 The Laundry: p4 The Locksmith: p21 Dial A Dog Wash: p11 Cotswold Riding: p11

Property Maintenance

C Williams Property Maintenance: p6 Cliff Grove & Sons: p6 C N Glass: p7 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p4 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p6 Oxford Woodworks: p6 Prior Products: p3 The Locksmith: p20 T R Property Maintenance: p9 Wayne Sealey: p21

Runnerbean: p5 Cotswold Riding: p11 Carrick Travel: p5

Bartlett Tree Experts: p17 Cotswold Riding: p11 Cotswold Tutor: p11 Sewing Tuition: p6 West End Sewing: p6

Weddings

Chipping Norton Tea Set: p13 Frogmill Hotel: back cover

Windows

C N Glass: p7 Prior Products: p3

Sound & Vision

Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p23 Vision Repairs: p4

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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Mental Health Support based in Moreton-in-Marsh Independence Trust provide a range of Services: working alongside people with mental health problems, we work with all mental health diagnosis, some you may recognise anxiety, bi polar, eating disorders, personality disorder, depression, we offer support around budgeting, healthy living, relaxation classes, anxiety management and positive thinking groups. This is a small selection of what is available.

We offer a safe space, an opportunity to make new friends and access new networks along with a wide range of activities. Links with the local community, colleges and courses delivered within the Wellbeing Centre, art, drama, computer skills, Tai Chi, support to re-enter employment or volunteering.

Each person is assigned their own worker who together will support them with their individual needs, by working to improve physical and mental health, focusing on people’s assets rather than their deficits.

This is a letter written by a person who attends The White House, Moreton in Marsh If you would like more information please contact: Sue Tomlinson, Independence Trust Wellbeing Centre, The White House, Stow Road, Moreton in Marsh GL56 0DW Or phone our Mental Health and Wellbeing team:

01608 652232

When I first arrived at “The White House” I was not sure what to expect. I was having many anxiety issues, and finding life’s challenges…. Well, a little more challenging than usu al. After talking to Kate (who works at the White House) and going throug h the recovery my plan, I had time to reflect on areas of myself and my life tha t I could work on. Every few weeks, we review the plan and see how things have changed, and discussed ways of making improveme nts.

All discussions have been non-judgemental and hon est.

At “The White House” I hav e found an invaluable space to breath. I can leave most of my worries behind and enjoy meeting new peo ple, who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, and how they are dealing with their problems. I learn som ething new every time I go.

I recently did a woodwork cou rse, and stunned myself wit h the fact that I made a love ly cabinet for my house. It seriously boosted my confid ence. Being creative, pacifie s me, and releases tension fro m the daily grind for me.

I love and need to come to “The White House” as it is the only place that I feel free to be me. The staff tha t helped me, (Kate and Dia ne) is so caring, inspirationa l and thoughtful. If it wasn’t for their help, I would be in a very dark place.

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