WELCOME
A warm welcome to the winter edition of Cotswold XL magazine. Everyone in the Cotswold XL family is sending you our very best for the festive season and the new year ahead.
OUR TEAM
Chris Brown
Magazine Coordinator
Kim Raxter
Editor Mide Carter
Graphic Designer
If you would like any further information or would like to advertise in our next edition, please contact CotswoldXL on: Office - 01386 700117 Sales - 07771 953669
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.
Love it or hate it the real January is upon us and, as usual, I can never quite believe we’re here. Christmas feels like a distant memory, pyjama days are over and the year is stretching out ahead of us unknown, wet and murky. Plus, as always, I’m ignoring my bank balance and how easy it was to gain five pounds in two weeks.
I resolved a few years ago to stop hating January – or to at least try to. What’s the point I concluded, life rolls on and there’s nothing to be gained by wishing time away. But that’s easier said than done isn’t it; apparently the most depressing day of the year falls on Monday January 16th.
Whether you buy into blue Monday or not there’s no denying that the first month of the year can be hard on us and throw up some difficult emotions. In this issue we aim to help you manage those difficult emotions and make the best of these murky days. Turn to page 6 for some Winter Selfcare and tips on how to take care of you and stay sane during the weeks ahead. For my recommendations on keeping cosy outside turn to Page 46 and on Page 24 we’ve sourced the best dog coats to keep our furry friends warm and dry on those energising cold-
weather walks. We may have passed the winter solstice but there’s still some long nights ahead – find out all about Night Walks on page 20. It really is a beautiful way to make the most of the winter-time. Much like cold weather picnics on Page 36, I can’t lie my favourite bit is always the Baileys hot chocolate – so decadent.
The long nights and gloomy days can be hard on all of us and for this issue we’ve aimed to help you make the most of the colder season and look after yourself. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have putting it together.
I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and the exciting things I want to share with you. I think it’s going to be a good one. For now, I’m wishing you a happy new year from myself and all the Cotswold XL team.
Mide XTHE SEVEN PILLARS OF SELF-CARE AND WHY THEY MATTER.
‘Self-care’ is a buzz phrase we often see bandied about on social media by influencers, seemingly irrelevant to anyone living in the real world. It’s a pity because self-care can actually play a vital role in maintaining good mental health or supporting treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. In turn having positive effects on relationships and overall quality of life, lowering your risk of illness and increasing your energy levels. When anxiety, low mood and depression are an everyday reality for many of us – particularly in the winter months – it’s easy to see that selfcare should be a way of life for all of us.
The Seven Pillars of Self-Care are an excellent tool to help you attend to all areas of your life – often overlapping whilst addressing all that it means to be human in manageable categories. Here’s my tips to get you started.
Firstly, if you’re struggling with consistent difficult feelings then securing a GP appointment is the best place to start. You don’t have to wait until your feelings are overwhelming and they can talk you through the various treatment and support options.
INTRODUCING THE SEVEN PILLARS OF SELF-CARE
01. Mental
Actively taking care of your mental health even when you’re feeling good should be on a par with good dental hygiene. This can mean practicing meditation and mindfulness, focusing on the present moment, your body, and the sounds around you. The benefits of mindfulness have been proven over and over and
weaving them into our lives is an excellent way to give ourselves permission to step away from everyday stresses. It might mean just sitting in the garden in winter or summer, away from any screens with a cup of tea and taking ten minutes to regulate your breathing whilst listening to and reconnecting with nature.
Emotional Physical
This is having a set of healthy coping strategies for difficult emotions in everyday life. This can include asking for help when you need it, setting boundaries, going for a run, devoting an hour to your hobby, speaking to a close friend or family member, therapy, having a good cry when you need to, saying no to people when you have too much on your plate and recognising when this is. It’s not about burying or ignoring your emotions; it’s about giving yourself time and space to process them in various ways without being overwhelmed. The possibilities are endless but finding a few things and mentally committing to them can be liberating. For example, you might decide running, long voice notes to best friends, old episodes of ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and saying ‘no’ are effective ways you can manage difficult emotions.
Physical self-care is taking care of your body with exercise, healthy nutrition and rest. We know these things are good for us but having a definitive plan that we commit to and honour is a profound way of staying healthy and taking control of our lives. If you’re overwhelmed then start small. Commit to a ten minute walk every day, seek out one new healthy recipe to make and fix a bedtime that gives you the optimum amount of sleep. Create a plan for the week and tick things off as you complete them, soon you’ll be able to see yourself making small and satisfying steps of progress.
Our environment can play an important role in shaping how we feel. We can commit to taking ourselves off to peaceful and beautiful places. It might just be your local duck pond, park or woodland – but exposure to green spaces is proven to have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing. We can also streamline our home and work environments. Decluttering and organising our possessions will give you a calm and controlled feeling every time you open a cupboard or a drawer.
05.
Environmental Spiritual
This isn’t necessarily religious – though it might be for you. It’s about finding a sense of meaning in things. This might be immersing yourself in nature or maybe undertaking some volunteering or perhaps joining a group of people or community that identifies with the same values as you. It’s easy to dismiss the spiritual but the positive effects can be life-affirming.
Recreational Social
Making time to enjoy things simply for the sake of it is something kids do without a second thought but as adults we find much harder. We’re often too busy, too tired or simply unsure on how to commit to indulging in an activities that bring us joy. But if we changed our perspective and viewed recreation with the same importance as healthy food and a good night’s sleep, we could revolutionise our lives. It’s not about watching telly, evenings down the pub or meals out with friends although that’s important too. It’s about igniting joy and playfulness in healthy ways. Think an exercise class, star-gazing, kitchen disco, comedy class, treasure hunts, drama groups, five-a-side football, video games, bell ringing, book clubs and so much more. When we feel joy, it diminishes stress and in turn makes our bodies healthier and our immune systems stronger.
A 2017 study in the USA by Julianne HoltLunstad PhD, Professor of Psychology at BYU found robust evidence that loneliness is a bigger killer than obesity and also harms our ability to manage and survive other diseases. Life is busy, sometimes hard and often tiring and making plans with people can sometimes fall to the bottom of the list. But people with good energy are as vital to our wellbeing as eating our greens. Aim to reach out and see a positive people or persons outside of your home life every week. You might embark on that drama class together, a book club or five-a-side football – but whatever you choose to recognise it’s undeniably important, a vital act of selfcare and a necessary commitment to taking care of your needs and living your best life.
Words by Mide Carter.
COTSWOLD SNOWFALL
The snow came to the Cotswolds, bringing its mesmerising calm and hush. Blanketing the hills, freezing the rivers and dressing the trees. We were excited and wrapped-up heading out with the drone
to Northwick Park, Blockley Wood and Park Farm. It didn’t disappoint, we captured our favourite footage of the year. The Cotswold wildlife looking truly spectacular against nature’s white-wash.
Words by Mide Carter.
HOW WE CAN HELP WILDLIFE IN THE WINTER.
Witnessing wildlife thriving in our gardens and surrounding communities has to be one of life’s great pleasures. See the next page to follow our tips to give the birds, bugs and animals a helping hand in your garden during the winter months ahead.
Feed the Birds
In the colder seasons, a bird’s natural food supply diminishes and they can benefit enormously from food we leave for them in our gardens. Try to be mindful that they will come to rely on it, so do your best to be consistent. Head over to the BBC ‘Discover Wildlife’ pages to find the correct type of food for each species of bird.
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/howto/wildlife-gardening/how-to-attractbirds-to-your-garden/
Bird Boxes for Winter and Spring
On colder nights birds will take shelter in bird boxes and, if you’re lucky, they may grow familiar with the box and return in the Spring to nest. There’s a wide choice available at most Cotswold and Vale Garden centres. The RSPB offer comprehensive help on how to care for your bird box.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birdsand-wildlife/advice/how-you-
Provide Fresh Water
In sub-zero temperatures it can be difficult for animals to find fresh water. Leave a medium sized bowl of fresh water and a smaller bowl with a few stones in outside each morning and evening. This means a wide variety of wildlife can drink and bathe.
Let the Leaves Sit and Let Your Garden Go Wild
Perfect gardens are boring and unhelpful to nature. Time to let your garden go wild. Allow sticks, leaves and twigs to gather under hedges and next to walls - ideal for dormice and hedgehogs to hibernate and ideal for a variety of bugs too. Avoid pruning fruit bearing or berry bushes and your dying plants. You’ll be left with a feast for the birds and wildlife and it’s likely you’ll be rewarded with an array of feathered beauties dining in your garden.
Be an Ice Breaker
Open a Bug Hotel
Melt a hole in ponds and water features so wildlife can drink and enter or exit the water. Don’t be tempted to crack the ice as this can send shockwaves through the water and harm our little friends. Instead, fill a pan full of warm water and place the bottom of it on the ice and gently let the ice thaw.
Bugs are a vital element in the cycle of life. They are food for a variety of wildlife, they break down organic matter and pollinate plants. They are essential for human life even if we don’t always realise it. You can buy a wide variety of bug hotels, insect stacks or ladybird lodges but making your own might be a nice holiday project for you and the kids. Head over to The Natural History Museum website for excellent tips and videos.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/howto-make-insect-hotel-ladybird-lodge.
Words by Mide Carter.
THE WONDER OF WINTER NIGHT WALKS.
When it comes to walking for fitness and pleasure, the short days and long nights can feel restrictive. We associate rambling in the pitch black as a no-go, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
With good planning and support we can enter a thrilling alternate world when we go night walking. Familiar places become strange and intriguing and our senses sharpen. The shadows, moonlight and stars exhibit breathtaking beauty
calming our minds, connecting us to nature and enabling us to transcend our everyday lives. The cries and calls from wildlife reverberate through the night heightening our awareness and igniting the adventurer in us. We feel curious and playful; infused with a sense of awe much like we did as children. Consequently our brain, highly stimulated by this altered state, responds with powerful happy chemicals. Basically, awe is really good for us and science backs this idea.
Jennifer Stellar, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Toronto University, studies emotions and, in particular, awe. She notes that awe affects our bodies in a positive way, strengthening our mental health and immune systems. It also makes us better humans as we become more compassionate and empathetic. Finding ways to cultivate awe big or small, is significant to us. Night walking is a relatively simple way to do this.
Begin your own adventure by enlisting a few friends and planning a route. Sticking with places that are familiar to you is a good way to break yourself in. Invest in some good reflective items to keep you safe and visible. Don’t forget a head torch and a small handheld torch as a backup plus some spare batteries and small rucksack to carry it all in. Don your walking boots and pay attention to the weather forecast - I’d rule out a night with snow and rain. Wear appropriate walking clothing with some thermal layers, visit an outdoor clothing shop for advice if you’re unsure. Bring a flask of hot chocolate and snacks for each of you. Lastly, make sure your phones are fully charged and remember you can always share your location with people at home. Then, go for it, embark on an awe-inspiring hike into the beauty of a wonderful winter’s night.
Words by Mide Carter.VISIT US TODAY..
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Alan Yates Motor Engineering
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A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS
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01. DELIGHTFUL DOG COATS.
Fun Fuzzy
Reflective All-Weather Waterproof Dog Rain Coat
Keeping our furry friends warm this winter.
A relentlessly contentious subject on a border terrier Facebook group I follow is the subject of dog coats. Some people swear that our furry friends have ample coverage with their own natural coats whilst others vow their dog is cleaner and happier with an added layer. I can’t lie – anyone confronted with my border terrier Missy’s sad eyes and shivers when the temperature has dipped below five degrees would feel immediately compelled to seek out warmth for my wee girl. I can only conclude that the need for a coat is subjective to your dog, the weather, and where you take them.
Winter means dogwalkers often have to head out in the dark. This coat by Fun Fuzzy is highly reflective making it excellent for safety. There’s also a snood that pulls over the dog’s head when it rains without hindering vision. It’s incredibly waterproof and gives great ease of movement. Not designed for smaller breeds and doesn’t have that padded layer if your dog needs it.
Price: £55 -£75
https://funnyfuzzy.co.uk/collections/sale/ products/reflective-all-weather-jacket?
If, like Missy, your dog needs some added warmth in the colder days ahead we’ve done the research for you and listed the best for you here. Sizing is everything and will vary enormously from brand to brand so firstly crack out the tape measure to get your dog’s exact measurements before you begin.
Barbour Utility Wax Dog Coat
This delightfully traditional lightweight coat is ideal for dogs who don’t like coats. The wax layer makes it resolutely waterproof and it has a cosy fleece lining for added warmth. Great for everyday all year round use but perhaps not quite robust enough for thick snow, thick mud or heavy wind and rain.
Price approx. £50.
https://www.barbour.com/uk/barbourutility-wax-dog-coat
Poseca Dog Coat with Harness for Small Dogs
A practical and snug coat for the smaller dog offering both warmth and freedom of movement without the need for added paraphernalia. With an elasticated bottom allowing for superior fit that washes easily too as smalls dogs get filthy bellies! Our dog loves this coat and it’s a great price too.
Price from £15-£30
https://pawfect4pets.co.uk/ product/waterproof-dog-jacket-
Pawsome Suits
Non-Stop Dog Wear
The Four-Legged Dog Suit in Polar Fleece Protector Snow
A great alternative style dog coat. Perhaps more suitable to the hardier dog, the polyester fleece protects against wet, mud and cold and allows fantastic freedom of movement. It’s completely breathable whilst allowing water to roll away from your dog’s coat keeping them dry and warm.
Price: £55 -£75
https://pawsomesuits.co.uk/
This full body suit is designed to protect against ice, cold, snow and wind. Whilst it doesn’t have an insulated layer, the idea is that by keeping the wet away from your dog, they are in turn more able to keep themselves warm. It allows for excellent freedom of movement and visibility. Additionally, there’s thoughtful male and female designs available. In the warmer months it can also protect against ticks, foxtail barley and burrs.
Price £60.99.
https://www.nonstopdogwear.com/en/ product/protector-snow
Words by Mide Carter.
EXCITING NEWS FOR 2023 NEW YEAR… NEW TRADE CENTRE
Our new Cotswold Trade Centre will be the latest addition to the Evesham Trade Centre, GM Roofing, and ETC Windows group of companies. Evesham Trade Centre, proudly celebrating over 12 years of success in Worcestershire, is replicating the same quality, service and product selection at their new Cotswold Home Improvements Supercentre.
We specialise in all aspects of home exteriors, offering over 25 years of experience and expertise to extend, enhance, improve, repair and renovate the exterior of your property.
Our comprehensive product selection ranges from Aluminium to UPVC, all glazing materials and ancillary products.
We supply and install conservatories, warm guardian roofs, doors, windows, roof lanterns and much more!
We stock a wide selection of EPDM rubber roofing materials and accessories for roofing projects.
We are a Fensa registered company, a Which Trusted Trader and members of the Federation of Master Builders and The Guild of Master Craftsmen. We are also certified Guardian Warm Roof Installers.
Providing a valuable home improvements service to both trade and residential customers, we look forward to welcoming you at Cotswold Home Improvements Supercentre very soon….
WILLERSEY TREE OF LIGHT
Across villages in the Cotswolds and Vale there is a rather wonderful and relatively new Christmas tradition emerging.
During December, a tree at the centre of Willersey Village is laced with lights creating a stunning focal point whilst also serving as a reminder of lost loved ones. Villagers introduced the tradition introduced the tradition back in 2014, trimming the Jubilee tree with comforting soft glowing illuminations that are sponsored by villagers in memory of family members and friends. The names are recorded in the Tree of Life Remembrance Book which is displayed in Peter Taylor’s showroom window close by.
The tree stands beacon-like in the village during the prolonged dark winter nights. Then on Christmas Eve villagers gather around the tree to sing carols. A communal moment of joy and seasonal celebration but with a gentle sense of sadness too. It’s a special time to connect with neighbours and begin the festivities but also a reminder that Christmas can be a difficult time for lots of us.
It feels like such an honest way to celebrate. Life is a spectrum of experiences and the reality is Christmas is about sadness too. I see the tree as a symbol of hope; it literally guides you through the night. Then on Christmas Eve it brings us together and we embrace the celebration and the sorrow, and it reminds us we’re not alone. Away from the seasonal froth and endless spending I can’t help but feel that this simple tradition gets to the very heart of a meaningful Christmas.
Words by Mide Carter.
the card shop
COLD WEATHER PICNICS
Embrace the great outdoors all year round and get yourself cold weather picnic ready.
Nestling into the stark beauty of winter whilst eating nourishing food and sipping piping hot drinks really is a winning way to end an invigorating walk through the worst of the weather. Follow our tips on what to bring and where to go.
A Flask
Fill it with lashings of Bailey’s hot chocolate, mulled wine or tea.
We like the Stanley Classic Legendary 1.9l bottle from £35.
If you’re feeling fancy the 6oz leather flask by Aspinall of London is a classic design of superior quality that will give you all the Downton Abbey vibes currently on sale for £44.25.
Thermal Food Container
For soup, stew or whatever you like a thermal food container will keep it toasty for your cold weather picnic adventure.
Try the 720ºDGREE Thermo Food Flask “WunderJar” – prices start at £25.99
Outdoor Heater
An outdoor heater can add warmth and atmosphere to your picnic and the Solo Stove Bonfire® delivers on both. Portable with low smoke and minimal ash making it incredibly versatile and user friendly. Ideal as the focal point of your gathering – we can’t recommend enough. Prices start at £219
WHERE TO GO
Broadway Tower
A visit to the tower can feel particularly exhilarating on a windy winter’s day especially if you wind your way up to the top and take in the views. You can also hire a bike, admire the delightful deer or wander about the surrounding parkland finishing up with your picnic whilst drinking in the breathtaking scenery.
Dovers Hill
For amazing views, stunning woodland and tons of history Dovers Hill is well worth a visit. Even better if you bring a picnic to warm your bones as you soak up the scenery.
Cleeve Common
At 330m Cleeve common is the highest point in the Cotswolds and a mesmerising place to visit at any time of year. Get a gang together for a winters hike and finish up with a restorative feast in this tranquil and beautiful spot.
Painswick Beacon and Popes Wood
Famous for its 360-degree views and spectacular walks Painswick Beacon is a must for anyone visiting the area. Coupled with the beauty of Popes Wood nearby you really can’t fail to find this a very special place with lots of space to huddle down with your hot drinks and wholesome food.
RECIPE
RED WINE DESSERT PEARS WITH CARDAMOM CREAM
Years ago, a dear friend of mine from Sweden and an incredibly talented cook served me a delicious Swedish dessert of red wine and pears. It made a big impression on me and over the years I’ve created my own
version tweaking it here and there depending on my mood. It’s simple, full of Christmas smells and flavours, incredibly tasty and apparently low in fat. I like to serve it with cardamom sour cream.
Ingredients for the Pears
You’ll need a large casserole dish that’s suitable for the hob and oven and the pears can easily be laid down on their sides.
• 8 large pears, hard unripe ones are best
• 2 bottles of red wine, either a Zinfandel, Merlot or a Shiraz works well
• 2½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 250g of caster sugar
• A sprig of rosemary
• One twist of black pepper
Ingredients for Cardamom Sour Cream
• 100g whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
• ½ teaspoon of icing sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream
Words by Mide Carter.Directions
- Preheat the oven to 130 degrees (120 degrees if it’s a fan oven)
- Peel the pears leaving the stalks intact and chopping a little off the bottom so they can sit without falling over when serving
- Lay the pears on their sides in the casserole dish
- Pour over a bottle and a half of the wine leaving the last half bottle to the side and place over the pan over a medium heat
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg stir together covering all the pears evenly and bring to the boil
- Add the sprig of rosemary and one crunch of black pepper then transfer the dish into the oven and cook for an hour and a half
- After an hour and a half take the dish out, add the last half of the wine, turn the pears over and place back in the oven for another hour and a half. When ready turn off the heat and place to one side
Time to make your Cardamom cream
- In a large bowl place the whipping cream, vanilla, sugar and cardamom and mix with an electric whisk until soft peaks form. Then add the sour crème and beat until there’s medium peaks. Place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- If it’s a few hours away, I’ll reheat for twenty minutes before serving. If you fancy it cold, just place the pears and the sauce in the fridge after cooking.
Cotswold Vehicle Centre offer helpful expert advice to help you choose your perfect first car, from their great selection of reliable low tax, low insurance, low cc vehicles
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Taking all these facts into account, there are many great options to choose from if you go down the Cotswold Vehicle Centre used car route
Y You’ll find our cars more affordable to buy than a brand-new car, which is especially handy if you’re on a tight budget Depending on the age and spec of car you’re looking at, most have a decent amount of tech and helpful safety assistance for the new driver
Call us today for more information or please call in at our premises to view our extensive collection of great value cars, all ser viced, MOT’d and PDI’d as standard
WAYS TO KEEP WARM THIS WINTER.
Winter is here and we’re all being a little more careful with the thermostat. We’ve compiled some alternative ways to keep you cosy and comfortable inside and outside the house this season.
I love all things sheepskin and the Cotswolds really is the best place to buy them – of course we’re famous for our wool. Prices range from £28 - £100. I recommend the Cotswold Grey version at £75 for a real treat. You can find them online or on the high street at Moreton-inMarsh.
https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/ collections/wholesale-retail/ products/hot-water-bottlecover-graphite
Not only do they keep your feet toasty, they also feel amazing and they’re relatively inexpensive. I buy mine from Lambswold in Stow-on-the-Wold. Lamb’s wool is available for £2.95 and sheepskin at £16.00.
That’s right – vests are back. Thermal layers are a cost-effective way to keep the heat in. Available in cotton and wool, they’re incredibly breathable and pleasant to wear. I always head over the to The Valley Evesham which has a wide variety of shops specialising in excellent outdoor wear including thermal layers for your top and bottom. Prices vary depending on what your layer is made of but range from about £15 – £50.
https://www.thevalleyshopping. co.uk/
Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle Sheepskin Insoles Thermal LayersThese were a revelation to me, great for all outdoor pursuits but toasty enough to wear around the house. They can be expensive, but I think it’s a worthy investment and will save you money in the long run. We like Keis which are priced around £170.
https://www.bikestop.co.uk/ keis-t103-heated-trousers
What’s not to love about having warm hands? There’s a variety of different gloves for different purposes but you do get what you pay for so, again, they can be pricey. But, depending on your needs it can be worth it. Prices start around £15 up to the £150 mark and are widely available.
Heated Insoles
These beauties are currently getting me through the day as I sit hunched over my laptop. As ever they can cost but I can’t recommend enough – prices range from £80 – £200 and I recommend Bertschat.
https://www.bertschat.co.uk/ products/heated-insoles-pro
Words by Mide Carter.
Heated Trousers Heated GlovesBased locally in Honeybourne, we border the Vale of Evesham, Warwickshire and the Cotswolds allowing us to be able to offer an efficient delivery service, ensuring your operation can run without any delays.
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Our specialist waste transfer station runs over 9.5 acres. With a modern growing fleet and expanding recycling centre we take waste from Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire and export all over the UK and Europe. We are passionate about meeting new aims and recycling targets. Our ethos is to reduce and reuse as a result we sell a range of processed aggregates and soils all from our state-of-the-art recycling centre, on the outskirts of the Cotswolds and Vale of Evesham. Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, from working with local charities to skips for village clearances we are always looking for ways to make a difference.
VISIT:
Here at Budget Waste Management, we are committed to recycling. With over 22 years’ experience and following much investment in our waste transfer station we supply our customers with the whole solution.
Online Directory
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• A business editorial describing your services.
• Photographs and video to showcase your services
• A digital advert listing of your business in the fantastic new CotswoldXL magazine…with links back to your own contact platforms including your website , email and telephone.
• All of this live digital activity will be working to enhance your own website SEO both day and night~seven days a week !
With Cotswold Select, it’s cheap and easy to place your business straight into the Cotswold and Vale digital marketplace…placing your advertising in front of thousands of potential digital savvy customers…All on your doorstep !
Call now to get your business live…
07771 953669.
(Ask for Chris Brown)
Cotswold Select is a FREE TO USE resource designed to support 5 Star Independent Businesses in you area. Search for a Cotswold Select Service or Cotswold Select Business Name
Please contact us today to sign your business up to the Cotswold Select multi-media business promotion platform.
CONTACT US
The Swan Inn
Serving great quality pub-grub classics, along with traditional local ales, craft ciders and spirits.. Dog friendly beer garden & function room hire.
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ACCOMMODATION BUILDERS & TRADE
S U R F A C I N G
Henson Surfacing
Henson Surfacing offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.
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Vale Stoves
Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.
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Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
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ETC Windows & Doors
Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
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Henson Plant Hire
Henson Plant has over 30 years experience providing plant machinery to a wide range of builders, landscapers & homeimprovers.
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R Parker Landscaping
We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.
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Fosseway Tool Hire
A premier tool, plant and equipment hire service that has serviced Warwickshire, North Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds for over 30 years.
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Cotswold Oak Ltd
Since Cotswold Oak’s formation in 2004, they have grown and established ourselves as one of the most recognizable and successful construction companies in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
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COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BUILDERS & TRADE
Le Brun Building Contractors Ltd
Le Brun is a family run business which has been operating since 1960. The company has a well-earned reputation for Groundworks and civil projects large and small.
Worcester Powder Coating
Worcester Powder Coating is located in Pershore in the heart of Worcestershire and provide powder coating services to customers across the midlands and beyond including the Cotswolds.
Montrose Group
The Montrose Group is based in the heart of the stunning Cotswold countryside…with a great reputation as highquality construction specialists
ESTATE AGENTS
Holmans
Hunts Engineering Limited
Hunts Engineering’s Agricultural and Ground-care are a wellestablished family-owned company based near Shipston-on -stour, on the borders of the beautiful Cotswolds.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
GC Accountancy Ltd
GC Accountancy Limited was established in 2004 by Gary Crump with the aim of providing a first class, personal service tailored to the individual needs of each client.
Holmans Estate Agents are based in the centre of the bustling market town of Moreton-In-Marsh and they have a wealth of knowledge for property and locations in the area.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Martin Grinnel Funeral Services
Serving the Cotswold & Vale community for over 35 years and are Evesham’s only independent funeral directors.
Search for a local select business recommended
by your neighbours
FOOD & EATING OUT
GARDENS & LANDSCAPING
Vegetable Matters
The Vegetable Matters farm shop sells fresh, seasonal vegetables which are mostly grown on the Drinkwater’s own farm.
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Little Oak Vineyard
Book your lunch with wine tasting Vineyard Tour today for the ultimate Cotswold day-out.
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R D Walker Butcher
Offering one of the widest selections of high quality fresh meat in your area from their High Street Butchers shop.
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Fresh Meat Matters
A traditional butchers shop serving farm fresh British meat with old fashioned service as standard.
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The Swan Inn
Serving great quality pub-grub classics, along with traditional local ales, craft ciders and spirits.. Dog friendly beer garden & function room hire.
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Thomas Fox Landscaping
Supplying a first class grades maintenance service for over 25-years for both residential & commercial properties.
Hunts Engineering Limited
Hunts Engineering’s Agricultural and Ground-care are a wellestablished family-owned company based near Shipston-on -stour, on the borders of the beautiful Cotswolds.
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Henson Surfacing
Henson Surfacing offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.
R Parker Landscaping
We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.
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GARDENS ROOMS & OFFICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Hippo Lodges
Hippo Lodges are manufacturers of stunning garden rooms, shepherd’s huts, glamping pods and home offices. Our Lodges are crafted from the highest quality materials meaning the finished result is both durable and beautiful.
Tom Cook Carpets
Offering a huge selection of leading brand Carpets, Vinyl’s and Laminates for both Domestic and Commercial properties.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING
Bourton Podiatry
Bourton Podiatry offer a wide range of chiropody and podiatry treatments (general foot care, corns and callous treatments, orthotic solutions, diabetic care, medical pedicure, verruca treatments and others).
Vale Stoves
Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.
GM Roofing
Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
Briarlea Care Home
Briarlea is family run care home with a loving and caring ethos; providing a small and cosy home with a wonderful family feel
Cedar Lodge Care Home
A local family run residential care home for the elderly. Offering permanent, Respite and Day Care.
ETC Windows & Doors
Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
Search for a local select business recommended by your neighbours
HOME PROTECTION & SECURITY
MOTORING
Cotswold Security Group
From our offices based on Vale Park, Evesham, Worcestershire we provide Keyholding and Alarm Response, mobile patrols and Property checks across the four counties Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire.
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LOCAL SHOPPING
Table Manners of Broadway
Table Manners is a long-established cookware shop brimming with hundreds of cooking & baking products and handy kitchen utensils …along with a fantastic range of giftware for those looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special.
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Cotswold Vehicle Centre
For the largest selection of premium quality second hand cars in Gloucestershire, make sure your visit the friendly and helpful team at Cotswold Vehicle Centre.
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Vale Tyre, Exhaust & Service
Vale Tyre, Exhaust and Service Centre pride themselves on honest, up front reliable advice and service, coupled with a combined experience of over 25 years in both the mechanical repairs and tyre industry.
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Evesham Motor Services
EMS (Evesham Motor Services) are the largest independant garage in Evesham and certified by the AA. Their friendly team are always happy to help and pride themselves on their excellent service.
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Jworx Automotive
The Cotswold’s trusted vehicle repair centre. As your local Cotswold garage we provide services for all vehicle makes and models.
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MOTORING
Premier Wheels Midlands Ltd
Due to Premier Wheels high standards and professionalismm they are well known for their services and are therefore used by many of the car industries main dealerships, bodyshops, car clubs, insurance companies and vehicle leasing suppliers.
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Search for a local select business recommended by your neighbours ROOFING
GM Roofing
Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
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WINDOWS & DOORS
ETC Windows & Doors
Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
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