Welcome to the merry month of May and this issue of the CotswoldXL magazine.
Founder
Chris Brown
Magazine Coordinator
Kim Raxter
Editor Mide Carter
Graphic Designer
Joshua Higham
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Find
The rich royal history of the Cotswolds.
A fascinating insight into local royal history. A
Union Jack red velvet cupcake recipe.
It’s been a long winter hasn’t it? Grey skies, unrelenting cold and persistent rain. Thank goodness for the plethora of bank holidays we have at this time of the year. As we approach the bonus coronation weekend it feels like a time to celebrate. Not just as King Charles is crowned, but for lots of reasons. The beginning of the warmer season (fingers crossed), the longer days, green trees, beautiful flowers, wildlife and new life. But most of all I love the fact we can sit comfortably outside in our gardens, pubs and cafes.
We’re busy ordering plants and creating shade as we get to grips again with our garden which was landscaped last year. Gardens can be hard work, but like lots of people I don’t mind, it’s just so rewarding and good for the soul. We’ll sit outside over the long-weekend celebrating, eating cake and drinking cocktails (I don’t care if it’s raining!)
Find my recipe for coronation red velvet cup-cakes on page 36 and for a fascinating insight into our local royal history turn to page 14.
Turn to page 6 to find out about the Anne Frank Tree at Batsford Arboretum – an important feature I found incredibly
moving to write and research. Discover the vital work of the humble hedgerow on page 32 and on page 26 how one person’s honesty about loneliness is going to change things for the better for everyone.
As ever, putting together this issue has been a joy for myself and the further CotswoldXL team. We love getting out and about and meeting local people and businesses. So, if you feel like getting in touch, do it, we’d love to chat to you and I’m happy to travel.
Have a wonderful coronation weekend and enjoy the delights of May.
Mide x
“From my favourite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind.”
- ANNE FRANK
A large horse chestnut tree stood behind the building in Amsterdam that hid Anne Frank from the Nazis during World War II. It was an enduring source of comfort and joy for Anne and she describes it in her famous diary at a time full of terror and suffocating monotony.
Anne and her family were betrayed to the Nazis on 4th August 1944 and Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on 31st March 1945. A mere two weeks before the camp was liberated. She was just 15 years old.
In August of 2010, at 170 years old, the chestnut tree crashed to the ground succumbing to disease and a violent storm. However, anticipating the worst, grafts had already been taken from Anne’s tree and delicate saplings were successfully cultivated. These were distributed across the UK from Scotland to London in remembrance of Anne; a bright, eloquent, curious and energetic teenage girl who didn’t make it. One of these saplings was planted at beautiful Batsford Arboretum in October of 2010. .
I visited Batsford Arboretum on a sunny spring day in March this year, just a week before the anniversary of Anne’s death. The chestnut tree is thriving – standing around 5 metres tall surrounded by rolling hills and nature’s beauty and brilliance.
“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”
- ANNE FRANK
Each time I see Anne’s tree I am moved as if it was the first. There are powerful and conflicting feelings at Anne’s tree, and this is exactly what makes it so important.
I am always reminded of Anne’s love of nature and how comforting she found it. How, in the suffocating annexe where they hid, she found inspiration and joy in seemingly the smallest of ways. Also, her eloquence, strength and selfawareness. But always in remembering how remarkable she seemed we have to remember her suffering; the horrors of the war and the vile atrocities committed against the Jews and others who didn’t fit in with abhorrent Nazi ideals.
Anne’s tree is a place of incredible beauty, inspiration and profound sadness. It’s this contrast and discomfort that reminds me to strive for better, fight injustice and be more Anne.
There are copies of Anne’s diary for sale in the arboretum shop and also books on the infamous Mitford’s who once lived there at Batsford Park. The great irony of course is that two of the sisters, Unity and Diana, had strong connections to the Nazis and fascism. Obviously making the presence of Anne’s tree even more profound and important.
Batsford Arboretum, garden centre and cafe are open 9:30am – 5pm and last entry to the arboretum is at 4pm.
I hope the tree inspires young teenagers and, in particular, young women to be true to themselves despite the incredible pressures on young lives nowadays. It’s such a great place to take our kids and create conversation especially if they’re studying ‘Anne Frank – The Diary of a Young Girl’ in Year 6.
I’ll be visiting on the 12th of June – Anne’s birthday – to enjoy the scenery, think of Anne and lay some flowers for her at the tree.
“I think spring is inside me. I feel spring awakening, I feel it in my entire body and soul.
- ANNE FRANK, 12TH FEBRUARY 1944Words by Mide Carter.
“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.”
- ANNE FRANK
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”
- ANNE FRANK
SATURDAY 29 APRIL – 10AM TO 10PM
FRIDAY 2 JUNE 10AM - 10PM
SATURDAY 3 JUNE 10AM - 10PM
SUNDAY 30 APRIL – 10AM TO 10PM
MONDAY 1 MAY – 10AM TO 5PM
SUNDAY 4 JUNE 10AM - 10PM
CROWN MEADOW, EVESHAM
CROWN MEADOW, EVESHAM
• 100 + stalls and covered bar • Asparagus focus
• Live music • Children’s activities
• Chilli eating competition
• Vintage tractors & engines
• Cake baking competition • Fun fair
www.eveshamfoodfestival.co.uk
Vale-of-Evesham-Food-Drink-Festival
Greetings Cards, Balloons, Banners, Gifts and Cotswold Souvenirs
The present-day royal family resides in and has many connections with the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. There is Highgrove, King Charles’ country home, set amongst rolling fields and its famous spectacular gardens. Then Gatcombe Park, near Cirencester, the country residence of Princess Anne and the location of many equestrian events every year. Additionally, Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall, along with their young family, also have a home on the grounds of Gatcombe Park. Much of Zara Tindall’s
equestrian career was shaped by the local area and its rich horse racing and eventing industry.
But as we approach the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May this year, it’s fascinating to look back further on the rich historical tapestry of the royals in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.
Discover a few of my favourite local royal historical stories on the next page.
In 1535 on July 8th or 9th King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn set off from Windsor Castle on a Royal Progress; a progress was a royal tour. It was planned to continue for three months and at the time Henry and Anne had been married for just two years.
A Royal Progress was important for several reasons. It was a much-needed opportunity for the many royal residences to be cleaned and repaired, but also crucially, a chance for the King to be seen by his wider subjects. It also enabled
Henry to escape the plague and other diseases rife in London at the time and lastly it was a chance for the King and his court to relax and enjoy themselves. This particular progress was to encompass a significant part of the Cotswold and surrounding areas. However significantly, Henry also used the opportunity to begin breaking the hold that the Catholic church had on himself and England. This was called ‘The dissolution of the Monasteries’.
In 1535, Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe was a royal residence and from July 21st to 26th, a stop on the Royal Progress when Henry and Anne stayed at the castle for a week. It was their first stop in the Cotswolds. During this week
Henry met with Thomas Cromwell at nearby Winchcombe Abbey to discuss the dissolution of the monasteries. This process would take the Catholic church’s land and money creating income for the royal purse but also making Henry VIII ‘The Supreme Head of the Church of England’. The dissolution of the monasteries took place from 1536 until 1541 and would fundamentally change England and the lives of the people who lived there forever. Anne Boleyn would be beheaded less than a year later on May 8th 1536 after Henry met Jane Seymour on the very same Royal Progress.
and peaceful fields but the Cotswolds were of significant strategic importance during the civil wars. Charles I’s (the Royalist Cavaliers) main stronghold was his headquarters at Oxford and the Parliamentarians (the Parliamentarian Roundheads), under Oliver Cromwell, had garrisons in Malmesbury, Bristol, Gloucester and Cirencester. They were important sympathiser locations for them.
The last battle of the civil war famously fought in Stow-on-the Wold and it’s said the streets ran with blood as the dead lay everywhere. Oliver Cromwell and the Roundheads were victorious, and Charles I was beheaded.
The English civil wars are seen as one of the most turbulent chapters in England’s long history. The civil wars were comprised of three wars fought from 1642 to 1651 that stretched across the whole of England. They were part of a wider conflict known as ‘Wars of the Three Kingdoms’ involving Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The wars were caused by complex, multi layered issues but at the centre was disagreements about religion, frustration and discontent at King Charles I’s use of power and his economic policies.
It’s difficult to imagine now when you look out over our sleepy villages, rolling hills
There are places dotted all over our local area rich with history that played parts big and small in the English Civil War. One of these is The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway in the north Cotswolds. The Lygon Arms was built in the 14th century and called The White Hart at the time of the civil war. It sits in Broadway at what was a key connection place for travellers between Wales, Worcester and London.
The Lygon or the White Hart served both Oliver Cromwell and Charles I. Charles I stayed there to meet with his supporters. The commanding Charles I suite bears testimony to this as is adorned with the King’s coat of arms. However, there are hints of the Royalists demise as the face of the lion has been removed, perhaps by Cromwell himself.
Oliver Cromwell stayed at The Lygon or the White Hart before the victorious battle of Worcester in 1651. Cromwell’s army, the Parliamentarians, stood at around 28,000 men strong. They defeated their largely Scottish opponents army of around 16,000 Royalists led by Charles II, as he tried to win back the throne after his father’s execution. Defeated, Charles II manged to escape and made his way to France where he lived in exile for the next nine years before returning to England to be crowned King at Westminster Abbey.
King George III became heir to the throne in 1751 after the death of his father so succeeded his grandfather George II as King in 1760. He married his wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in 1761 and was utterly devoted to her and it was a happy marriage. They went on to have a large family, 15 children, 13 of whom reached adulthood.
George III is best known for his descent into serious mental illness, dramatised in the 1994 film The Madness of King George. But he was much more than this; a devoted husband and father, a keen politician and a thoughtful ruler. Additionally, he was passionate about
science or ‘natural philosophy’ as they called it then; a first for a King.
In 1788, after several bouts of ill health, King George III spent five weeks at Cheltenham drinking the infamous waters in a bid to improve his health. This visit was instrumental in securing the town’s popularity and wealth and much of the stunning regency houses we see there today came into existence because of this popularity. George III died on 29th January 1820 at Windsor castle aged 81. Luckily for us he left a legacy in Cheltenham that helped build the beautiful town that we enjoy today.
Words by Mide Carter
It’s a difficult truth – but humans and, in particular, dogs can cause catastrophic damage to nature and wildlife when walking in the outdoors. Most notably during the spring as nature is waking up and birds and animals are busy breeding and nesting.
It’s common knowledge that dogs must be kept on leads around livestock. Any dog seen to be worrying farm animals can be lawfully shot and killed by a farmer or landowner. Obviously, no one wants that. Without livestock, forest rangers and nature reserve assistants might not have the same powers but the need is just as great.
There is a whole host of endangered and vulnerable ground nesting birds and animals that need peace and protection in order to thrive and survive. An overenthusiastic dog can upset a nest and kill young simply by vigorously running past. Let alone if they exercise their natural prey instinct and hunt and kill vulnerable birds or animals.
Then there’s the colossal amount of dog poo and wee which can upset the natural balance of nature’s ecosystems. But it doesn’t end there; endangered wild flowers (think bluebells) can be trampled and destroyed, bug homes busted-up, and fungi obliterated. All elements that are absolutely vital to mother nature’s cycle of life.
The law states that on, open access common land, dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than two meters from March 1st to 31st of July. This is a great start, but there is more we can do. We can:
1. Stick to marked paths
2. Always pick up dog poo
3. If possible, prevent your dog from jumping in ponds which can disturb wildlife and pollute the water
4. Don’t walk a large number of dogs on nature reserves, common land and woodland.
It’s satisfying to know that each of us in our own small way can play a part in preserving the magnificent places and wildlife that the UK has to offer.
“The law states that on open access common land dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than two meters from March 1st to 31st of July”
Words by Mide Carter.Once as I walked my dog through some woodland, I met two women crouched down snipping leaves from an innocuous looking plant. Curiously I asked them what they were doing and… so it began. My enduring love of wild garlic.
The season begins in February to March when only the leaves will be present and are ripe for snipping and eating. It continues until late spring when the flowers appear which are also edible and look particularly pretty on a summer salad.
The law states that you are able to forage anything above ground i.e. you must
leave the bulb in the ground. The law also allows us to forage on private land; Gathering Wild Plants – 1968 Theft Act
Section 4, subsection (3) A person who picks mushrooms growing wild on any land, or who picks flowers, fruit or foliage from a plant growing wild on any land, does not (although not in possession of the land) steal what he picks, unless he does it for reward or for sale or other commercial purpose.
For purposes of this subsection
“mushroom” includes any fungus, and “plant” includes any shrub or tree.
Wild garlic season is here and with it a simple and tasty way to flex your foraging skills.
Even considering the law I only forage a small amount from one area – this is considerate foraging. Never leaving a mess. There are so many places to find wild garlic it’s easy to build up a significant supply by taking just a small amount each time.
Identifying the plant is really easy, even before the delicate white flowers appear. Rub the leaves gently between your fingers and there should be a strong oniony/garlicky aroma. Wild garlic loves to grow on river banks and in shady places and you’ll learn to keep an eye out and enjoy the buzz when you stumble upon a patch. Occasionally when it’s in large quantities you’ll smell it in the air before you see it but with practice, you’ll recognise the leaves immediately. During the season I always carry a small pair of scissors and a zip lock bag with me, cutting a few leaves from the stem at the bottom. Be warned, leaves stuffed into coat pockets and nice handbags can
leave a pungent smell that can linger for weeks.
Just like picking blackberries and sloes in the autumn, foraging for wild garlic in the spring feels really good. It gets us outside, connects us with our food and nature. But there’s the taste too, intense and punchy with a freshness that’s only possible from food picked the same day. If you’ve never tried wild garlic, make this year your first and revel in yet another delight that spring has to offer.
Words by Mide Carter.
“I’ve watched many TV features highlighting how many people of all ages are lonely. I add myself to this category and spend many hours alone trying to keep busy! One feature today has inspired me to be brave and ask you how you would feel about adding a ‘Chatty Bench’ sign to one or two benches within the village? The concept is that if you’re sitting at one of these benches then you’re up for a chat! In a world where people don’t always strike up a conversation with strangers, I think it’s a fabulous idea. Maybe it could expand to a coffee shop opening especially for chatter at specific times? Anyway…your thoughts..”
In March of this year, Collette Bill, who lives in the north Cotswold village of Broadway, took to the village Facebook site to talk about loneliness.
Collette’s comment inspired 121 comments and 238 likes, unusual for the Broadway Facebook page. It resonated with others who felt lonely too for many different reasons, also those who were full of empathy, those approving of the bench idea and those with suggestions or information about events that could help. She also received a plethora of private messages too.
What became increasingly apparent though was that talking about loneliness was really important to people. If you look at the medical evidence this isn’t surprising. Not only does loneliness contribute to anxiety and depression, research is showing that it has a significant effect on blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, dementia and mild cognitive impairment. As humans we have an innate and profound need to connect with others.
Melody Ding based in Sydney Australia is an epidemiologist (they study the patterns, causes and effects of diseases
in groups of people) and population behavioural scientist at the University of Sydney. Ding and her colleagues studied data collated from 113 countries and territories between 2000 to 2019 (https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj2021-067068). Their research showed that there were problematic levels of loneliness in most countries throughout the world. Basically, loneliness is on a par with other health concerns such as smoking. The trouble is loneliness is often unfairly perceived as something of a personal failing, making it difficult for people to talk about and therefore seek solutions.
In light of all of this, Collette’s gutsy comment seems particularly significant. But it doesn’t end there; a week later Collette had arranged to meet with a council employee and together they’ve begun the process of introducing a ‘Chatty Bench’ to Broadway. It’s impressive and inspiring; by taking a leap and being open Collette inspired a conversation and galvanised herself into action. It can inspire all of us to judge ourselves less and be more open. Because, in the end, by opening ourselves up we our inviting in vital and meaningful connection which can make the world a better place for all of us.
Words by Mide Carter.
This is an incredibly easy recipe with tons of flavour ideal for simple pasta dishes and easily frozen for all year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients
200g wild garlic leaves thoroughly washed
25g of pine nuts and 25g of cashews
lightly roasted
50g of parmesan
Juice from half a lemon
150ml of good quality olive oil
1.
Roughly chop the wild garlic into 1-inch strips with a pair of kitchen scissors
2. Place the wild garlic, cashews, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil and half of the lemon juice in the blender and whizz it round until it’s a rough pesto
3.
Taste the pesto; season with salt and pepper as desired and add more lemon juice if needed
4.
Transfer to a 300g jar to keep in the fridge for two weeks or divide it into an ice tray and wrap in cling film to keep in the freezer for six months. You can easily pop out individual cubes when needed without defrosting the entire tray
Enjoy!
Hedgerows stretch across the length and breadth of the UK. Flanking and dividing fields, keeping livestock in place, creating boundaries between houses and providing a backdrop for gardens everywhere. A familiar sight to just about everyone, especially those who reside in the countryside.
But hedgerows are more than an attractive means to divide land. They are a lifeblood to wildlife and the environment. Without them our cities, towns and villages would face a devastating depletion of flora and fauna and in turn support for our fragile ecosystem.
Hedgerows are Essential for Wildlife and the Environment, Mide Carter looks at the Significance of this Humble British Champion.
Essentially, hedgerows offer a vital haven from human-life and traffic. Their prevalence means they act like corridors enabling creatures to move about, live, thrive and survive securely. Many animals build dens or setts beneath the safety of the hedgerow. Hedgerows also house insects and amphibians that in turn provide food for other wildlife such as birds, bats, hedgehogs, badgers, field mice and foxes. Hedgerows play an integral part in the cycle of life.
Many birds also rely on hedgerows for nesting and feeding. They are particularly important in the winter when there’s less insects around and the ground is too hard to peck. During the cold spell birds can survive on hawthorn, blackthorn, berries and bramble from hedgerows. And of course, with hedgerows often in close proximity to our homes we are blessed with the delight of gentle birdsong peppering our everyday lives.
But the benefits don’t stop there; hedgerows are important to farmland too. They help keep the soil fertile and healthy and reduce the impact of drought and flooding.
One inch of soil takes a staggering 500 to 1000 years for one inch of soil to form. Yet the most fertile topsoil can be washed away during heavy rainfall in a fraction of that time, decimating farmland fertility. Worryingly more than 85% of the UK’s fertile topsoil has been lost since 1850. Fertile soil isn’t just about having the ability to grow food, which is obviously crucial. Eradication of soil fertility is a significant problem, already costing us millions of pounds every year. Hedgerows help by reducing the impact of direct rainfall onto the land and assist in maintaining a healthy level of fertile soil. This, in turn, helps
to slow down climate change as healthy soil stores more carbon.
When it comes to wildlife and climate change so many things can feel beyond our control. So it’s reassuring when it comes to hedgerows that we can actively help to maintain and control these indispensable elements of our magnificent landscape. See below for ways in which you can help support the critical work of British hedgerows.
• If you have the space, plant some hedgerows in your garden. Variety is important and you’re gifting wildlife an array of food and nesting possibilities
• Don’t allow pets to run about in hedgerows. This can worry wildlife and cause them to abandon nests or worse die.
• If you’re foraging blackberries or sloes, for example, only collect from where there’s an abundance of fruit and never take more than you need or leave a mess.
• Don’t tidy your garden to excess. Debris from hedgerows such as leaves, and twigs are home to thousands of insects.
• Trim your hedges in winter and not the nesting season from March to August. Trimming during nesting season can be catastrophic for wildlife.
Words by Mide Carteraward, saying, “We are thrilled to have received the Kubota Service Excellence Gold Plus Award. It is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with the highest levels of service and maintaining excellence in all aspects of our business.”
Hunts Engineering is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being awarded the Kubota Service Excellence Gold Plus Award. This is a significant milestone for the Agricultural Machinery Sales and Service Centre based at their Cotswold/Warwickshire dealership premises, near Shipston-On-Stour, and is a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional service to their customers.
The award is a recognition of the dealership’s performance in all aspects of their business, including customer satisfaction surveys, service facilities, mechanical training, and workshop management. The accolade is only presented to dealerships that meet the highest standards of customer service and exceed the expectations of their clients.
Owners Peter and Julie Hunt have been partners of Kubota for over six years and supply the complete range of Kubota products, including tractors, agricultural machinery and accessories. The family-owned business is dedicated to providing a one-stop-shop for all ground-care and garden machinery needs, offering a large onsite service and repair workshop, along with an extensive selection of high-quality, competitively priced products in their showroom.
Peter Hunt, one of the owners of Hunts Engineering, expressed his excitement about the
Hunts Engineering’s team of experienced service professionals have decades of experience in repairing and servicing all aspects of machinery in the industry, with an extensive spare parts facility that ensures they are a one-stop-shop for all customers’ needs.
The showroom boasts a comprehensive range of reliable hand-picked products that offer excellent performance and value for money. The dealership is known for providing free demonstrations and advice to help customers make the right purchasing decisions for their needs.
In conclusion, Hunts Engineering is a dealership that values customer satisfaction above all else, and their Kubota Service Excellence Gold Plus Award is a testament to the commitment they have made to their clients. For anyone looking for ground-care sales, service, and parts, Hunts Engineering is the perfect one-stop-shop that offers a friendly welcome and an exceptional customer experience.
Words & Images by CotswoldXL Team
Cupcakes have become a quintessential British party food and I fully approve. I’ve never quite lost the childlike desire and delight for the eye-catching candy colours and thick delicious icing. Let alone the sweet moist, plump sponge. More cupcakes all round I say.
So what better way to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III then to bake up a batch of the delicious red velvet variety decorated with the patriotic red, white and blue. Find my recipe below.
150g plain flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
50g softened butter
145g caster sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
100ml of kefir
50ml vegetable oil
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp red gel food colouring
100g salted butter, softened
220g icing sugar
100g full fat cream cheese, stirred to loosen
Red and blue icing pens
Step 1
Place 12 cupcake cases in a cupcake tin and put to one side. Preheat the oven to 180°C /160°C fan, or gas mark 4. Then sieve your flour, bicarb, cocoa and a pinch of salt into your bowl and mix really well.
Step 2
Take an electric hand whisk and beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the egg, beating it in gently. Next mix in the vanilla, kefir, oil and vinegar until it’s really well blended. Now mix in the red food colouring until you have a deep red batter – I like the red food colouring by Sugarflair for a really punchy red. Be careful not to over-mix your batter as this can ruin the fluffiness of your sponge.
Step 3
Divide the batter between the cupcake cases and bake for 15 mins, or until a knife poked into the centre of a cake comes out clean.
Step 4
While the cakes are cooling, make the icing. Beat together the butter and icing sugar using an electric whisk or by hand until pale and fluffy, about 3 mins, then beat in the cream cheese for a further 1-2 mins until well combined.
Step 5
Once the cakes are nicely cooled, use a piping bag if you have one or just a good old fork will do otherwise and cover the cakes with the cream cheese icing.
Step 6
Take your icing pens, whack on the national anthem and enjoy decorating your coronation cupcakes.
Custom engraving and print in wood, acrylic for businesses.
Call us: 01386 849217
Website: woodensignskeyringsbadgestokens.co.uk
Automotive
Full range of services, ranging from Servicing to MOTs for all makes and Models.
Call us: 01386 841727
Cotswold Oak LTD
Bespoke construction, joinery & new house development services.
Call us: 01386 898086
Website: www.cotswoldoakltd.co.uk
Vehicle servicing & repairs.
Call us: 01386 841233
Computer equipment and related services to homes
Hot and cold sandwiches, breakfasts, snacks, hot and cold drinks.
Specialising in construction plant hire, power tools & material handling equipment sales.
Call us: 01386 849163
Website: dareplanthire.co.uk
Suppliers of granite memorials to the memorial
Call us: 01386 840855
Website: www.willcoxgranite.co.uk
Dare Plant Hire Call
Beautiful, bespoke worktops. We create and install quartz, granite and ultra compact surfaces.
Call us: 01386 840868
Website: www.graniteplanet.co.uk
Carpet tiles, vinyls, flotex, karndean, naturals, woods, laminates.
Call us: 07834 486687
Website: grinnallcarpets.co.uk
Garden machinery specialists.
Call us: 01386 841285
Website: www.holdengardenmachinery.co.uk
Interfab is one of the UK’s leading Corian® and solid surface fabricators.
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Bespoke furniture and joinery manufacture for high end domestic and corporate interiors.
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Quality electricians offering bespoke services.
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Timber and associated product supplier.
Call us: 01299 252921
Website: www.klevesham.com
Motorcycle and scooter tuition.
Call us: 01386 840588
Call us: ljridertraining.co.uk
Fabrication and welding specialists.
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Outdoor Adventurer
Outdoor goods from hiking and camping to snowboarding and climbing.
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Call us: outdooradventurer.co.uk
Professional security services for both commercial and domestic customers.
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R Christie Picture Framer
Classic and contemporary picture framing, gilding, and frame restoration services.
Call us: 01386 841177
Website: www.richardframemaker.uk
Motor engineer specialists.
Call us: 01386 840981
Produce replica cars and manufacture specialist car parts.
Call us: 01386 849116
Website: realmengineering.com
A traditional barber with professional service.
Call us: 07825 047677
Website: secretbarber.com
Manufactures a whole range of products designed to protect doors and windows.
Call us: 01386 848852
Supercentre are expanding into the Cotswolds! Our new, purposely built trade centre, is due to open on 1st March 2023 in Bourton on the Water.
Mick Harris and Glen Brotherton, the founders of Evesham Trade Centre, are celebrating over 12 years of continued success in Worcestershire. Evesham Trade Centre will be replicating the same quality, service and product selection at their new Cotswold Home Improvement Supercentre.
General Manager Barry Williams, who has also been with the company for 12 years, has successfully project managed the set up at our new Cotswold Trade Centre. Our in-house multi-skilled workforce have put their talents to good use to create a customer friendly, welcoming and functional environment.
The initial housekeeping stages of cleaning, painting and prepping set the stage for the more exciting developments. Our team then made excellent progress, cladding the new staff facilities. The GM Roofing team installed a new Firestone rubber roof over the new staff facilities and customised the racking for our products.
We provide a complete home improvement service to both trade and residential customers. We specialise in all aspects of a home exterior, offering over 25 years of experience and expertise to extend, enhance, improve, repair and renovate the exterior of any property. Our comprehensive product selection ranges from Aluminium to UPVC, all glazing materials and ancillary products. We supply conservatories, Guardian roofs, doors, windows, roof lanterns and so much more!
We also stock a wide selection of EPDM rubber roofing materials and accessories for roofing projects.
Our services do not stop here…. Our group of companies include GM Roofing and ETC Windows, providing a comprehensive residential and commercial installations service.
We are a Fensa registered company, a Which Trusted Trader and members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and The Federation of Master Builders. We are also certified Guardian Warm Roof installers.
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A warm welcome awaits at our new Cotswold Home Improvements Supercentre, we look forward to seeing you very soon!
Treat Yourself like Royalty and Indulge in the Delights of skilled local Chocolatiers.
Established in 1986 by Andrew and Sheila Campbell with a view to putting fun back into buying sweets. The shop is now very much a charming part of the Broadway tourist trail. They offer an array of traditional sweets in jars but also a wide range of delectable treats made from the finest Belgian chocolate. Also featured on the Channel 5 show ‘The Cotswolds’ with the poet Pam Ayres
www.hamiltons-chocolates.co.uk
Tony and Heidi left the world of events management for the world of chocolate in 2011. They create gorgeous highquality artisan chocolates from allnatural ingredients. At the Stow-on-theWold shop you can actually watch the hypnotising display of the chocolates being made.
https://cotswold-co.edan.io
Ori Hellerstein created the company in 2014 after working in restaurants all over London and writing his own book. The aim was to give everyone the opportunity for a fine dining chocolate experience. With an abundance of skill and finesse he has undoubtedly achieved that.
www.costelloandhellerstein.com
You’ll find a deluge of delicious handmade novelty chocolates and truffles at the Chocolate Genie all created with the very best Belgian chocolate. They also run workshops where you can learn how to create anything from novelty pieces to truffles – possibly a brilliant alternative gift.
www.chocolategenie.co.uk
Jacques Cop was an ecologist for 10 years before he decided he wanted to work for himself and make people happy and he’s been doing just that for the past 9 years. There’s no compromise on taste with vegan chocolate at Coco Caravan but an absolute commitment to a fairer, cleaner and healthier world.
www.cococaravan.co.uk
Words by Mide Carter
Little Oak Vineyard is a beautiful vineyard located in the small Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden. Since planting their first vines in 2005 the vineyard has gone on to produce high quality white wine, award-winning sparkling wine and a superb brandy.
Owned by Steve and managed by Gemma, who also hosts the tours. Their most recent accolade is being awarded Gold in the 50 Greatest Sparkling Wines of the World competition. Why not book a tour and share our amazing stories!
Give your taste buds a treat with a vineyard tour and wine tasting at the award-winning Little Oak Vineyard, where you’ll sample their high-quality white wine, award-winning sparkling wine and superb brandy.
You’ll start your experience with a short introduction about the vineyard and its wine before heading out on a fascinating tour around the vineyard. Once back in the tasting room you’ll taste and learn about the white wines, sparkling wine and brandy made by Little Oak. Following your experience stay and enjoy a traditional Cotswold ploughmans lunch of local hams, cheeses, chutneys, crusty bread and salad, with your favourite white wine from your tasting. Before you leave make sure to visit the store and purchase some mementoes from your visit - whether a bottle of their award-winning sparkling wine or even a vine lease, so that you can own a little piece of Little Oak!
Tours run daily and can go ahead no matter the weather.
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From only £50.00 per month plus a £99.50 set up fee… you will have a listing in the Cotswold and Vale’s hottest new digital advertising platform…Plus all of this: Active 4 & 5 star reviews displayed in real time from Google My Business, Facebook, Which Trusted Trader etc …showing your satisfied customers and their happy testimonials !
• A business editorial describing your services.
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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.
Serving great quality pub-grub classics, along with traditional local ales, craft ciders and spirits.. Dog friendly beer garden & function room hire.
Henson Surfacing offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.
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Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.
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Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
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Henson Plant has over 30 years experience providing plant machinery to a wide range of builders, landscapers & homeimprovers.
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We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.
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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.
Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
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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 is located in Pershore in the heart of Worcestershire and provide powder coating services to customers across the midlands and beyond including the Cotswolds.
The Montrose Group is based in the heart of the stunning Cotswold countryside…with a great reputation as highquality construction specialists
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.
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.
Martin Grinnel Funeral Services
Serving the Cotswold & Vale community for over 35 years and are Evesham’s only independent funeral directors.
The Vegetable Matters farm shop sells fresh, seasonal vegetables which are mostly grown on the Drinkwater familie’s farm.
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Book your lunch with wine tasting Vineyard Tour today for the ultimate Cotswold day-out.
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Offering one of the widest selections of high quality fresh meat in your area from their High Street Butchers shop.
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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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Supplying a first class grades maintenance service for over 25-years for both residential & commercial properties.
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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 offer a high-quality tarmac, asphalt and Cotswold stone driveway surface laying service.
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We have lots of lovely ideas and designs to enhance your beautiful gardens and driveways.
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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.
Offering a huge selection of leading brand Carpets, Vinyl’s and Laminates for both Domestic and Commercial properties.
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).
Offering a stylish range of traditional and contemporary Multifuel & Woodburning stoves in beautiful cast iron finishes.
Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
Briarlea is family run care home with a loving and caring ethos; providing a small and cosy home with a wonderful family feel
Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
A local family run residential care home for the elderly. Offering permanent, Respite and Day Care.
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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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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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 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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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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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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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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Supplying a comprehensive range of services for all your roofing requirements.
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Supplying and installing a fantastic range of products to completely transform your home.
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