MarchApril2012
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Burford Distribution See p11
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inside Your Cotswold
Sue’s
TopTravelTips
March April
In this issue...
Stunning South Africa... ‘A World in One Country’ is a tag that South Africa effortlessly lives up to; a vast nation of breathtaking diversity, you could easily spend months travelling around and only scratch the surface. A great way, however, to get a taste of this fascinating country is the classic ‘Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari’ self-drive tour.
8-11
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New Businesses
We showcase several new businesses & services across the Cotswolds
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March & April at The Corinium Musuem
Monk habit designing workshops and much more!
24-25
Gardening Tips
24-25
34
10 ways to survive in your garden from March until May
34
Your chance to win
Get involved with our competition in association with Gloucester Rugby
Also in this issue...
5travel
Stunning South Africa
18 fun
Try our Easter Puzzle!
18-19 education
What is Parent View?
20-21 events
Out & About in March & April
26-27 local news
Sign Up Now for the Green Waste Service
28 opera
Madama Butterfly and La Traviata return to the Cotswolds
This itinerary is especially popular with first time visitors as it combines some of the top attractions at an easy and leisurely pace. A huge range of accommodations is available throughout, from locally managed guest houses, to luxury hotels and game lodges - and, as an added bonus, the whole area is non-malarial and they even drive on the same side of the road as in the UK.
30 the cotswold sky
Cape Town is a gem of a city, truly one of the most beautiful in the world. The setting is unlike any other, with the magnificent Table Mountain dominating the vicinity. The list of places to visit is almost endless – The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the beaches around Clifton and Camps Bay…..
Near Earth Objects
30 mother’s day
Stretching between Mossel Bay and the Tsitsikamma Forest the ‘Garden Route’ is renowned as being one of the most beautiful coastlines on the continent; featuring lakes, mountains, forests, golden beaches and some of South Africa’s most charming towns.
Enjoy a Mother’s Day treat at Milldene Gardens
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Finally you arrive in the Eastern Cape for another potential highlight. Here several game reserves allow you the chance to view the ‘Big 5’ – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino & buffalo - together with many other species. A memorable ending to a mesmerising holiday.
I hope that you enjoy this bumper 40 page edition of Your Cotswold . In this issue we cover everything from South African travel and Opera to Rugby and everything inbetween! We have now expanded our Royal Mail distribution (see p11 for more details). Please contact us if you wish to advertise your business in this publication. Best wishes,
CONTACT THE TEAM • Bourton-on-the-Water • Chipping Norton
t: 01609 777401 www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
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www.carricktravel.com Christine Campbell | Editor
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New businesses & services come to the
Cotswolds
New Businesses & services we’re introducing:
• Cotswold & Vale Lettings NEW! Business
• Solidify I.T Ltd NEW! Business
• Sadie May Studios NEW! Business
• Koloshi NEW! Business
• Shuttercraft - p10 NEW! Business
• Cotswold
-p11
NEW! Distribution To feature within this section of Your Cotswold please contact us on: 01609 777401 | christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk
Property Management Specialists Cotswold & Vale Lettings is a local, independent firm specialising in Residential Lettings and Property Management. As specialists we are fully focused on the priorities and needs of the Landlord, and, unlike estate agents, our loyalties are not divided by dealing with property sales and mortgages.
Management Agents your asset will be in professional and caring hands. We pride ourselves in finding tenants that are fully referenced and suitable for your property so that you can relax and let your investment make a hassle free return.
Having lived and worked in the North Cotswolds for many years Nick & Fiona take great pride in providing a dedicated, approachable and personal service. We offer the full range of property letting and management at very competitive rates. Just 10% of the monthly rent for our fully managed service. VAT is not We can confidently assure you that by applicable to our charges. instructing us to act as your Letting and We understand that letting your property, especially for the first time, can be a worrying experience and with this in mind our most important consideration is providing you the Landlord with the best possible service and the right tenant for your property.
Let us Solidify IT for you! Tailored home and business technology and computer services Solidify IT is owned and operated by Rich Garner, an experienced IT professional, and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with over 20 years’ experience. With a proven track record in the provision of technology services, effective problem solving and attention to detail, our goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every customer. We take on all technology work from single home computers to larger business projects, all carried out to the highest standards. Adept and skilled in a full range of IT services, Solidify IT can be your one stop for all your technology needs. We also offer remote control services, providing instant support. No job too small, no project too large.
Remote control support
As long as your computer can browse the Internet, we can offer low priced remote consultancy. We can help with computer problems, or software ‘how do I?’ questions. We can advise on computer upgrades and security software services after reviewing your machine remotely.
What can we offer you?
• Computer servicing, upgrade, & repair • Data recovery • Security services • Internet, broadband & website services • Cloud computing • Remote control support • Hosted software services We’re open to suit you - we understand that home computers need help when business closes, so we are open until 8pm Monday-Friday and even at weekends.
Call Solidify IT Ltd on: 01242 807604 or E-mail service@solidifyit.co.uk
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Koloshi comes to Charlton Kings! Koloshi, meaning water carrying vessel in Hindi, is the latest restaurant offering from talented award-winning chef Azad Hussain. The 70-cover venue, opposite the reservoir on London Road on the outskirts of Charlton Kings, will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and the bar will be serving an array of drinks and cocktails with a special bar taster menu available during the day and early evening. Azad’s passion for authentic, yet modern Indian food and his insistence on using only top quality i n g r e d i ents is what really sets him apart from his peers. Azad travels back to India and its subcontinent every year to research authentic flavours and hone his cooking skills and palate. (Pic: Head chef: Azad Hussain, bar manager: Robbie Dewan and manager: Fokhrul Dewan)
Koloshi London Road Charlton Kings Cheltenham GL54 4HG Tel: 01242 516400 | Tel: 01242 516800 | Email: info@koloshi.co.uk
For advertising contact Christine on: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
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Gloucestershire Launches Matt Blewett is offering a regional service in Gloucestershire installing high quality made to measure window shutters via the shuttercraft brand. Not only are Plantation shutters easy to clean but look fantastic too. They are a practical solution providing a number of USP’s and are a made-tomeasure product, designed and crafted to fit practically any size and shape of window. Privacy and the ability to control light are the greatest practical benefits that shutters offer as each louvered panel in effect acts separately. They also provide a more secure looking window covering and offer an additional layer of insulation whilst reducing noise pollution.
Based in Cheltenham shuttercraft Gloucestershire offers a friendly and bespoke service straight from the moment you receive your initial consultation at your premises to your final survey and installation. For more information on shuttercraft and their full product range of madeto-measure shutters and blinds visit www.shuttercraft-gloucestershire.co.uk
Matt retails the S:CRAFT product range offering the highest quality shutters in every one of his installations. With over 20 years’ experience gained within the Plantation Shutter industry Matt has accrued a knowledge that is second to none. A skilled craftsman, Matt has a City and Guilds qualification in Carpentry and Joinery, ensuring only the highest levels of service are provided, making every one of his installations a masterpiece.
NEW Burford Distribution! Why choose
?
• Full Colour, High Quality Advertising Publication • Royal Mail delivered • Combination of Local News & Features ensuring higher retention value • Free Advertisement Design • FREE Index Service • Bi-Monthly Production for Seasonal Promotions
Why Royal Mail delivery? “People don’t ignore their post. They take time to look through it, their mind is focused on the task and they’re ready to read, so any unaddressed door drop material that’s part of the mail is much more likely to be taken on board.” DMIS Door to Door Trends Survey.
• Blanket Coverage of Specified Postcodes (Including outlying properties) • Designated Royal Mail Distribution Support Team • Widely Respected Delivery Method
Advertising costs less than you think!
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Christine Editor
01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk
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Dwight
01609 779097 dwight@cotswoldlink.co.uk www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
Elspeth
01904 709462 elspeth@cotswoldlink.co.uk
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May / June 2012 Distribution: w/c 7 & 14 May ‘12 Copy: 11 April ‘12 ...............................................................
July / August 2012 Distribution: w/c 2 July ‘12 Copy: 6 June ‘12
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EASTER PUZZLE! It was Easter in Easter village and all the Easter bunnies are joyful. The annual Easter egg hunt was just finished. The Easter egg hunt is where four Easter bunnies search for any of the four colored eggs and then cross the finish line. Can you figure out which Easter bunny found which egg and what place they finished? Easter bunnies - Mr Hops, Jumper, Long Ears, and Mrs Littlenose Easter Eggs - blue, red, green, and yellow
What is Parent View? Have you heard of Parent View? Do you know what it is? If not I am not surprised. The first 7 parents that I spoke to who all had children attending different schools had not heard of it. Parent View was launched by Ofsted in October 2011. It allows parents to give their views on the school that their children attend. They are asked to give a range of opinions to a set of 12 questions that have responses from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree“. Ofsted feel that “By sharing your views, you’ll be helping your child’s school to improve”. However, the system is potentially open to abuse and this is the main reason that I believe that many schools have been coy in not informing parents of its existence. In February I carried out a trawl on schools in the Cotswold’s; only one school had gained sufficient responses to publish results. Recent figures reported in the National Press show that one third of parents would not recommend their child’s school to another parent. This figure rose to one half in schools with a poor Ofsted rating.
Clues: 1. Long Ears did not finish in 2nd place. 2. Jumper did not finish in 1st 3. Long Ears found the red Easter egg.
OFSTED QUESTIONS
• My child is happy at this school • My child feels safe at this school • My child makes good progress at
this school • My child is well looked after at this school • My child is taught well at this school • My child receives appropriate homework for their age • This school ensures the pupils are well behaved • This school deals effectively with bullying • This school is well led and managed • This school responds well to any concern I raise • I receive valuable information from the school about my child’s progress • I would recommend this school to another parent
Arguments in Favour of “Parent View” • Parents have a right to know whether a school is good or bad • Schools have to be accountable • Schools have to accept criticism and adverse reviews Arguments against “Parent View” • Open to malicious use e.g. a parent views a grudge against the school • Schools already have a system in place to deal with any issues • The anomalous nature of the site opens it to abuse and misuse
I can understand why schools are somewhat apprehensive about yet another system of accountability that bureaucracy has filtered into our already overburdened educational system, but it is with us and cannot be hidden under the table. For information on Parent View: www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ John Harris
4. The bunny that finished in 2nd did not find the green egg. 5. Mr. Hops did not find the blue egg. 6. Littlenose did not finish in 2nd. 7. The bunny that found the blue egg did not finish in 1st or 2nd. 8. Hops finished in 4th.
Answer Mr. Hops- green - 4th Jumper- yellow - 2nd Long Ears- red - 1st Mrs. Littlenose - blue- 3rd
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Out & About in
March & April this winter Out and about 4th - 18th March Bath Literature Festival The Bath Literature Festival is at the centre of local, national and international debate featuring some of the most intelligent, creative, and cutting edge thinkers alive today. 01225 463362 www.bathlitfest.org.uk ......................................................................................................................
13th - 16th March • National Hunt Festival (Gold Cup Week) The World Famous National Hunt Racing Festival at Cheltenham racecourse. The shining jewel in Jump racing’s crown. Four days of magic, magnificence and madness, played out by the best horses, jockeys and trainers, on a stage framed by the Cotswold Hills, to a crowd of 230,000 people having the time of their lives. 01242 513014 | www.cheltenham.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
18th March • Mother’s Day 3-Course Lunch Foxbury Farm - 12pm to 3pm £14 adults or £10 for children. Enjoy traditional home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients and Foxbury meat. After enjoying your lunch why not take a stroll to see some of our new born lambs, kid goats, ducklings and chicks. Booking essential. Farm shop and cafÊ open as normal For more information visit www.foxburyfarm.co.uk or phone 01993 867385 ......................................................................................................................
18th March • Tea on the Terrace Milldene Garden - 2pm to 5.30pm How about a sumptuous cream tea on the terrace in one of Gloucestershire’s most beautiful gardens? Mill Dene Garden in Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, will be opening for the start of its season on ‘Mothers’ Day’ and there will be plenty of spring colour provided as bulbs burst into life to make the afternoon memorable for visitors. Ice cream tasting also available. Guests are welcome from 2pm to 5.30pm. The cost is ÂŁ15.50 per person and booking is essential. A wet day provision is in place! See p30 for more details. Wendy Dare: 01386 700457 www.milldenegarden.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
19th March • Kempley Daffodil Weekend, Stalls & Raffle Guided walks from the Village Hall. Walks at 11.00am (6 miles), 2.00pm (3-4 miles), 2.30pm (1-2 miles). St Mary’s Church will be open to see ancient frescoes. Daff & Ride bus, approx every 20-30 minutes. Free car parking. Kempley Village Hall: 01531 822468. ......................................................................................................................
7th - 9th April • Gloucester Quays Garden Party Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester Gloucester Quays is launching a new, FREE three-day festival for 2012 which celebrates outdoor living and is inviting everyone to come to the Gloucester Quays Garden Party. The event will take place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Easter Monday 9th April 2012,) and has three key themesofFashion, Flowers and Food. There will be some 80 market stalls selling vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories; garden specialists with bespoke furniture, garden ornaments, equipment as well as seeds, plants and flowers; and finally food and drink to buy and ‘to go’ with local producers and farmers showcasing their specialities. Free expert demonstrations will take place during each day in a specially created ‘Potting Shed’ on stage. Visitors can expect helpful gardening advice - everything from growing your own herbs and planting a window box, to how to create a vegetable patch in your own garden. Fun talks and demonstrations from specialists in hobbies that have been growing in popularity will also be on offer to add to the fun. Tickets: The Garden Party is FREE. For more information go to www.gloucesterquays.co.uk. For general information call 01452 338 933. ......................................................................................................................
18th & 19th April • The April Meeting Cheltenham Racecourse Enjoy everything that Cheltenham has to offer at a more relaxed pace than The Festival, with two days of highly competitive springtime Jump racing action. 01242 513014 | www.cheltenham.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
22nd April • St Georges Day Banquet Foxbury Farm - 12pm to 3pm Enjoy the best of British food with our St George’s Day Banquet. Traditional Roast Beef with all the trimmings followed by Apple Crumble and custard. A vegetarian option is available. £9.50 for adults, £6.50 for children. Pre-booking required.  At Foxbury Farm, Burford Road, Brize Norton, www.foxburyfarm.co.uk | 01993 867385 ......................................................................................................................
28th & 29th April • Highnam Court Spring Fair Highnam Court: 10.30am - 5.00pm Highnam Court Spring Fair is held every year in April and is a really great day out for everyone of all ages from all parts of Gloucestershire and beyond. It also raises funds for two very important local charities: Gloucester Cathedral and The Pied Piper Appeal. Includes: Live Music & other events, extensive garden, vintage & classic cars, exciting activities for young people, over 50 Trade Stands, wide variety of plants for sale, refreshments, lunches & Teas. Highnam Court, Highnam, Glos, GL2 8DP. Tel: 08454 226119 www.highnamcourtspringfair.co.uk 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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To book tickets call Lindsay on 07773 428122 // ÂŁ10 per person
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To raise money for
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News
Corinium Museum
March & April at The Corinium Museum The Corinium Museum has been successfully awarded a grant of £7000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to run a project with young people from across the District. ‘Modelling the Monastery’ will explore Cirencester’s long lost medieval abbey through archaeological sources, historical sources, architectural remains and traditional craft skills. Students from Cirencester College, Deer Park School and the Cotswold School will work with the Corinium Museum and each look at a different aspect of life in the Abbey; interpreting the people that lived there through exploring medieval faces, the clothing they wore through a workshop designing habits worn by Augustinian Canons and the architecture that surrounded them though examining Abbey stonework and tiles and recreating the latter using traditional tile making techniques.
The Easter holidays are nearly upon us and the museum has a myriad of fun craft activities going on. On the 3rd and 10th April, explore the beauty of brass rubbings using some of the museums large replica brasses. Learn about the art and imagery portrayed on medieval masterpieces. Mad monks and medieval maidens if the title of a clay tile making activity on 4th and 11th April when we invite young audiences to create a medieval face on a tile made from air drying clay.
The project will be directed by Emma Stuart, Learning Development Officer and culminates in an exciting exhibition put together by young people in the museum on 9th March 2012. This exhibition runs until 28th March 2012.
To celebrate Easter, come and join in the fun making an origami hare on Thursday 5th April or a Faberge style egg cosy on 12th April.
Habits Design Workshop
An independent photography group will transform the temporary exhibition space for an exhibition entitled ‘WORDS.’ Stroud Foto Forum provides opportunities for photographers to work on themes with the aim of exhibiting work locally. Eight photographers make up the group and each approaches the theme ‘WORDS’ from their own perspective bringing together a diverse and exciting photographic exhibition. The exhibition opens on 31st March and runs until 24th April 2012.
And don’t forget, the museum is a wonderful place to explore for people of all ages! Each school holiday we run a special trail with a super prize at the end and the opportunity to enter into a prize draw to win a family ticket to the museum.
For More Details... Telephone: 01285 655 611 museums@cotswold.gov.uk Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX
The Museum’s guest speaker for March is British Rock Art specialist Dr George Nash. Beautiful prehistoric rock art from France is fairly well documented but no so much is known from the British Isles. Dr Nash will seek to explore why hunter-gatherers execute rock art in harsh environments and whether the adornment of cave walls is linked to death and burial practices. George Nash was recently profiled on national television for discovering a reindeer carved onto a cave wall in south Wales, thought to be the earliest piece of rock art found in Britain. Dr Nash will discuss this and share examples of rock art from around Britain in an evening lecture at the museum on Thursday 29th March 2012 at 7pm. Returning with another prehistoric theme is guest speaker Liz Poraj Wilcynska who will be looking at the archaeology, ritual practices and landscape around Belas Knap Long Barrow in Gloucestershire. Liz trained as an archaeological illustrator and uses art in her interpretation of place. The title of the lecture is Phenomenology of Landscape, A Study of Belas Knap long barrow which will be held on Thursday 26th April at 7pm. Treasure of the Month on 24th April profiles Roman seal boxes in the Museum collections. Georgina Hiscock, Archaeological Officer explains the style and significance of these special boxes sharing examples from the museum collections. Tim Porter makes a welcome return to the Museum on 1st March at 2pm for a talk on Medieval Pilgrims, following in the footsteps of pilgrims around the country examining the saints they worshipped and shrines they visited. This is followed in April with a comprehensive day school looking at Gloucestershire pilgrims and religious relics followed by a tour of religious sites across the beautiful county of Gloucestershire. The day school runs from 10am to 4pm on 12th April 2012.
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10 Well
WAYS TO GET FROM MARCH UNTIL MAY
hopefully the worst of the cold weather has come and gone,
and the countdown to spring has begun; gardeners are beginning to pine for the planting season. Knowing that the coast won’t be clear until the end of May, it can be an awfully long wait to get into the garden again. Here’s how to pass the time productively until the soil warms up.
Start a garden journal
It is fun going through garden magazines and clipping out great colour combinations and seed suggestions, then pasting them in for spring reference. Make note of which plants come to life first, ideas for better composting, and thoughts for the vegetable bed.
Attend a flower show
There are many horticultural happenings throughout March and April throughout the UK (visit the Royal Horticultural website for details of events).
Crack open your seed catalogs
Now is the time to order your seeds, new perennials, and summer-blooming bulbs. Think about the bare spots, new garden beds, container garden combinations, and this year’s vegetable selection. Why not do a little surfing. The Web is full of great advice, specialty sources, and interesting plant pairings.
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Spruce up your houseplants
Check to see if they’re becoming pot-bound (their roots will be peeking through the bottom drainage hole), trim their roots, and repot them to give them more room. Dust the leaves, cut back dead or yellow growth, add fresh potting soil, and serve up a little fertilizer. Do your chores
If the snowdrops and crocuses can brave March weather, so can you! Clean away dead leaves and winter rubbish. Cut back ornamental grasses in early March to make way for new growth (don’t wait too long or you’ll slice off the new shoots with the old).
Visit a greenhouse
Nurseries are filling up with new pots and planters, great tools, seed selections, bird feeders, and plants. Take home an Easter lily, a pot of tulips, miniature daffodils, or some primulas to keep your home in bloom, or pick up a pretty container and a handful of grass seed and grow your own indoor patch of lawn.
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Put out some pansies
These cheerful little souls are colourful, cold hardy, and will tolerate some snow and a little frost, so find a place for them on your doorstep in late March or early April. Deadhead them often for a robust display.
Take stock of your tools
Send your lawn mower out for a tune-up, bring your wheelbarrow out of hiding, sharpen your pruners, clean out clay pots with hot water and a little household bleach, and replace your wornout gloves. Every spring you will find that you have forgotten how many pots have been broken during the autumn cleanup. Now is the time to buy new ones.
Other tasks
about two to three inches long around the base for increased water uptake. Put the branches in a tall bucket of water and keep them in a cool, dimly lit place for several days, misting them occasionally and changing the water each day, then move them to a sunny location when blooms begin to show. Start some seeds indoors. Remember, seedlings need 16 hours of direct light every day, so invest in a grow light to keep them strong and bushy.
Most of all enjoy and look forward with anticipation for the great summer ahead.
Force some spring blooming shrubs and trees such as forsythia, crabapple, or pussywillow, and give Mother Nature a head start in your home. Bring several branches inside, cut the ends of the stems at a slight angle, and make a few slits
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Sign up now for our Green Waste service Cotswold District Council wants residents to go green and contribute to the authority’s excellent waste recycling record. The fifth year of the Council’s chargeable garden waste service starts on Monday April 2nd, and CDC is urging householders who have not yet joined to do so. Everyone participating will help contribute to the Council’s impressive recycling/composting rate of over 60% - yet again one of the top five in the UK. Those signing up for the service for 2012-13 will have their garden waste collected weekly provided they have paid a £30 licence fee
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to use the green garden waste wheeled bins. They will also be able to empty their unwanted food waste into the green bin. Additional licences can be purchased for a further £30. Alternatively, for those who cannot accommodate a green wheeled bin at their property, 50 compostable brown paper garden waste sacks can also be purchased for £30 (available from the Council’s Trinity Road offices or at the Moreton Area Centre) Residents who receive Council Tax or Housing Benefit are entitled to a 50% discount.
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La Boheme joins tour of extraordinary operatic performances DESCRIBED as “genuinely exquisite”, with “extraordinary performances”, Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly and La Traviata return to the Cotswolds – joined by a new powerful and emotional production of La Boheme.
T
he internationally acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv, joined by a host of handpicked soloists from across the world, has been singing to rave reviews during its autumn tour. It’s back at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on March 19 (Madama Butterfly), 20 (La Boheme) and 21 (La Boheme) and will appear for the first time at the New Theatre in Oxford on May 3 (La Traviata), 4 (Madama Butterfly) and 5 (Madama Butterfly). After a two-year break to concentrate on other projects, Ellen’s comeback tour has proved a triumph – prompting packed theatres and sackfuls of goodwill messages. The award winning director and producer said: “It’s so rewarding to hear how much enjoyment people get from my operas. It’s good to know I haven’t lost my touch!” And true to Kent form, the new production of La Boheme features a few surprises alongside the stunning sets and glorious music. Madama Butterfly features children from local weekend drama schools. Now the appeal has gone out for dogs and a brass band – as La Boheme introduces a local element to each venue.
The production took 18 months to bring to stage – and has been well worth waiting for – with Russian designer Nadezhda Shvets praised for the gorgeous sets and the £25,000-worth of silk gowns, including antique wedding kimonos from Japan, borrowed from Ellen and described as “ravishingly beautiful”. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Puccini’s popular tale of Madama Butterfly, which was used as the basis for West End musical Miss Saigon, is a heartbreaking true story of a beautiful Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant with dire consequences. Meanwhile, La Boheme, based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme, focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo. After falling in love instantly, Rodolfo later leaves Mimi due to her flirtatious behaviour, although he wracked by guilt since their life together has probably worsened Mimi’s delicate constitution. In true tragic opera fashion, the pair reunite briefly at the end before Mimi dies. International sopranos Maria Tsonina and Elena Dee take the leading roles of Cio Cio San and Mimi,
while “ladies favourite” Andriy Perfilov is Pinkerton and Rodolfo. They are joined by a 70-strong company including tenor Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti and performed Ellen’s operas at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Conductor Gheorghe Stanciu, artistic director of the Constanta Opera in Romania, has joined the tour, bringing a new focus to the music, provided by the esteemed Kharkiv Theatre Orchestra. Presented by Derek Block Concert Promotions, one of the biggest international promoters in the entertainments industry, the 75-date UK and Ireland tour features performances of Madama Butterfly, La Traviata and La Boheme. For more information go to www.ellenkent.com or Derek Block Classical Arts on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @DBClassicalArts. To book tickets in Cheltenham call the box office on 01242 572573 or go online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk. To book tickets in Oxford call the box office on 0844 871 3020 or go online at www. newtheatreoxford.org.uk.
The Search is on for the Best of British Art!
Cirencester’s Corinium Museum is calling for all local residents with artistic flair to create stamp designs which explore a ‘Best of Britain’ theme. This is part of a nationwide search to find a design which brings out the essence of being British. Aside from appearing on a stamp printed by the Royal Mail, the winning entry will also be featured in a series of postcards, and on the front cover of a commemorative book. Sarah Lewis of the Corinium Museum explains: “This is an exciting challenge for local artists, photographers, illustrators, writers, animators, fashion designers, poets …. the list goes on. We are encouraging them all to consider what comes to mind when they think of Britain and then capture it on a postcard which should be
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mailed to ‘Best of Britain’, Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX by Friday 20th April at the latest.” She continues: “We very much hope that the winning design originates in the Cotswolds. We plan to display all the artwork we receive in an exhibition to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. We will also be featuring the designs in an online gallery.” The exhibition will run from Monday 30th April to Tuesday 5th June in the Corinium Museum’s Temporary exhibition gallery.
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Cotswold Sky Near Earth Objects: Is Earth in Danger?
More frequently than in previous years the media is making us aware of the appearances of asteroids and comets passing in close proximity of the Earth. Many would refer to the manner of the reporting as scare-mongering and done deliberately in this fashion in order to sell newspapers. There is some substance in this, but bear in mind that objects have been coming close to the Earth for millions of years. What has happened is our ability to locate them due to advances in technology. The asteroid belt is situated between Mars and Jupiter and is thought to be either:1) The remnants of a planet that did not have the gravitational energy for it to form 2) The remnants of a planet that had been hit by another rogue asteroid or comet. The sizes of the asteroids vary from minute particles of dust to that of the size of England, as in the case of Ceres, the largest asteroid which has been re designated as a dwarf planet. According to NASA an asteroid of 25 metres diameter would burn up as it entered the Earth’s atmosphere. Some asteroids escape the gravitational pull of Jupiter and Mars, thus the reason why their orbits are altered and come “close” to Earth. Close can be as distant as 200,000 miles. However; NASA experts have given details of:1) An asteroid named Apophis, a 25 million ton celestial body which is expected to narrowly miss our planet three times in succession. The first near-miss is expected on the superstitious date of Friday 13th 2029. 2) An asteroid measuring more than 1,800 feet wide (548 metres), which has a one in a thousand chance of colliding with Earth in the year 2182. Fortunately the constant monitoring of such potentially dangerous objects will give us time to make adequate provision to deal with any situation.
ENJOY A MOTHERING SUNDAY TREAT – TEA ON THE TERRACE AT MILL DENE Wondering what to get a mother, grandmother or godmother as a special treat for Mothering Sunday on 18th March 2012? How about a sumptuous cream tea on the terrace in one of Gloucestershire’s most beautiful gardens? Mill Dene Garden in Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, will be opening for the start of its season on ‘Mothers’ Day’ and there will be plenty of spring colour provided as bulbs burst into life to make the afternoon memorable for visitors. In addition to the scones and clotted cream, delicious sandwiches (crustless, of course) and home-made cakes, there will be an ice cream tasting provided by local artisan maker Just Rachel, whose proprietor will explain how she makes her superb dessert. Mouth-watering flavours include treacle toffee and cream, sloe gin and damson. Visitors will also have an exclusive preview of the exhibition of sculpture and paintings which will be on show at Mill Dene in 2012. The creator and owner of the garden, Wendy Dare, will give a short talk about how she and her husband Barry found the old Mill and its garden and created it over many years. Guests are invited to roam the garden taking in the charm of spring in the Cotswolds or just while away an afternoon with family and friends. As a parting gift, visitors will receive a pot of seedlings of Unwins Sweet Pea ‘Barry Dare’, a rich red variety named for Mill Dene’s owner. Guests are welcome from 2pm to 5.30pm. The cost is £15.50 per person and booking is essential. A wet day provision is in place! Information: Wendy Dare 01386 700457 www.milldenegarden.co.uk
Diary of Events
March 20th - 05.14hrs Spring Equinox (The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the southern hemisphere.) March 24th - Clocks go forward 1 hour for British Summer Time March 25th - One of the last opportunities to observe the Moon, Venus and Jupiter in close proximity April 15th - Saturn is in opposition. It is 880 million miles distant; the rings are clearly observable with a reasonable telescope.
Meteor Showers
April 21th / 22nd - The Lyrids; look towards the North East expected frequency is 20 to 25 meteorites each hour.
Looking West
Sunday 25th March at 20.00hrs (Note Ceres is the largest of the Asteroids and is now deemed a Dwarf Planet) Useful web sites: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/asteroids/main/index.html John Harris
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LOCAL NEWS
Preparations well underway for Olympic Torch Relays in Cotswolds
As the excitement builds towards the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in July, preparations are beginning to take shape for the Olympic Torch Relay events which will be taking place in Cirencester on 23 May and Chipping Campden on 1 July. Cotswold District Council and the police have been working with Town Councils in both towns to assist in those preparations. This includes providing advice and support on issues such as health and safety, community liaison, and publicity. Jamie Nesbit of CDC has formed a task force to help coordinate both events and comments: “The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) is quite specific about do’s and don’ts, and we are making sure that officials in both towns are au fait with the requirements and the help that we can offer.” Cirencester’s Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lichnowski, is happy with the way things are going so far:
“The task force meetings are proving to be very useful because they ensure that we are taking all the necessary steps to prepare for a memorable Torch Relay event in the town. We have had some offers to help on the day from volunteer groups and we will be liaising with their representatives as soon as we have finalised our plans.” His counterpart in Chipping Campden, Cllr Chris Jones, adds: “By the time the torch relay reaches our town on 1 July it should be a very smooth process. Nevertheless, there are some considerable logistic challenges ahead to make sure we can provide the best parking and viewing facilities possible. Plans for the day itself are taking shape, thanks in large part to
Planning for an Olympic year
To make the most of the opportunities throughout the year, Cotswolds Tourism staged a special Forum at Cheltenham Racecourse in February. Intended solely for local tourism businesses, the event brought together over 100 tourism businesses to hear some outstanding guest speakers and meet those who support the tourism industry locally. Joining local farming, TV – and tourism – star, Adam Henson of Cotswold Farm Park (who shared his enthusiasm for promoting visitor attraction promotion) was Ben Moxon, a research guru who made the first presentation of new research results about the Cotswolds tourism offer. Additionally, attendees heard more about Chinese marketing,
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social media, and the organisers also highlighted how tourism businesses can get the most from Cotswolds Tourism.
Chris Dee, of Cotswolds Tourism, felt that the Forum was a huge success: “We’re very proud that over 300 businesses in the Cotswolds back us financially and we always enjoy meeting our partners face-toface. When you take into account Tourist Information Centres, overseas marketing, brochures and online work, a lot of effort goes into supporting the tourism industry and I think that it’s also right to explain what we do - we were also very pleased to see non-members. The main thing is that we should all work together to ensure that the Cotswolds is a destination of choice in 2012 for new visitors as well as those who are returning to sample our hospitality.”
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Anyone wishing to help the organisers should contact the following: Cirencester – Jamie Walton – tel 01285 655646, email: ucdo@cirencester.gov.uk Chipping Campden – Jo Ellis – tel 01386 841298, email: townclerk@chippingcampdentowncouncil.org
Council gears up for Jubilee road closure requests
Cotswolds Tourism industry holds its Annual Forum
2012 looks set to be an unprecedented year for tourism in the Cotswolds with the opportunities – and risks – associated with the London Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
the organisers of the Dover’s Olimpick Games and officials at the local school, and we would be grateful for any other offers of assistance.”
Cotswold District Council is anticipating a bumper demand for road closures between 2nd and 5th June when residents will be holding street parties to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee. The Council has already received queries and is advising those planning street parties in the Cotswolds to submit requests for road closures as soon as possible. There is no fee required but it does take a little time to make the necessary arrangements in line with the relevant legislation, which takes into account safety issues. Residents can also contact Gloucestershire County Council to request a road closure but CDC processed the majority of applications for the Cotswolds during last year’s Royal Wedding and is poised to provide the same service this time around. Commenting on the process, Jenny Bridges of CDC said: “Last year people were sensible about
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the locations they chose for the Royal Wedding celebrations. I expect we will see the same considerate approach this time around and it is likely that we will approve most applications unless the proposed site is a busy road with no obvious alternative route available. In those circumstances, we may have to advise organisers to consider a facility such as a community hall instead.” To apply for a road closure in the Cotswolds email: jenny.bridges@cotswold.gov.uk, call 01285 623206 or write to Jenny Bridges, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX.
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Wondering about Self-Employment? If you have an idea you think could make money but aren’t sure if you have the right skills and wonder how it could fit with your busy life, help is at hand! Cotswold Women in Business run subsidised courses providing ideal opportunities to explore and develop your ideas. Win a pair of tickets to see the Barbarians take on Ireland at Kingsholm on Tuesday, 29th May KO 7.45Pm. For you chance of winning answer the following question correctly:
When was the last time the Barbarians played Ireland at Kingsholm? A) 2008
B) 2000
C) 1999
Send your entries with your full name, address and telephone number to: Cotswold Link Rugby Competition, Old Ainderby Station, Moreton-onSwale, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9QR Closing Date 6th April 2012. Please note the editors decision is final.
Participants enjoying the course
The high quality training courses are for women only and deliver not just business skills, but structured support with the process of thinking through the complex issues around balancing being a hands-on parent and earning money. Women who have completed the course have said: Eileen “I started the course unsure of myself and my idea. My confidence levels were zero. I finished the course full of confidence, complete with all the tools I needed. It’s been a most enjoyable experience and I launched a business!” Nicola “The course was always perfectly pitched and in 8 weeks has transformed me from a doubter into a doer!” Cathie “There is no way I would be where I am now without having attended. I would still be going to a job I didn’t like and instead, my dream is now a reality.”
Celebrating course completion
The next course runs one day a week for eight weeks and takes place at Chipping Campden School from 9.30am to 2.30pm. In a friendly and supportive environment, the course provides a sound grasp of basic business disciplines, boosts confidence, and helps each woman to define success on her own terms. It’s a chance to explore and risk-assess ideas with other like-minded-women.
Places go quickly so get in touch soon to book. The next course is taking place as follows: Dates: Wednesdays only: May 9th - July 4th (no session June 6th) Venue: Chipping Campden School Time: 9.30am – 2.30pm Cost: £99.00 including a light lunch each day Cotswold Women in Business | Sarah-Jane Menato Tel: 01386 701868 or Email: sjm@sjmcoachingandtraining.co.uk
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45,000 reasons Are youOver advertising in to advertise with us! Bi-Monthly Royal Mail delivery to over 15,200 homes & businesses! See p11!
Christine Editor
01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@cotswoldlink.co.uk
Index
Art & Antiques
Antique Coin Collector: p7 Artemesia: p13 Cox’s Yard @ Morton: p31
Business Services Deercrest Solutions: p7
Children’s Services
ABC 123 Woodlands Nursery: p19 Barn Nursery: p19 Cotswold Tutor: p18 Guiting Manor Nursery: p18 Stepping Stones Nursery: p19
Cleaning Services
Casio Oven Clean: p14 Chem Dry: p36 Clean-n-Restore: p35 Cotswold Conservatory Cleaners: p5 Dial A Dog Wash: p16
Effective
When’s the next issue?
As more than 70% of our business is repeat business, we know that it works for our advertisers.
May / June 2012
The Crock Ltd: p1
Is Your Life In Crisis?: p16 Time For Change Counselling: p17
Education
ABC 123 Woodlands Nursery: p19 Barn Nursery: p19 Corinium Museum: p22 Cotswold Tutor: p18 Guiting Manor Nursery: p18 Stepping Stones Nursery: p19 Youth Education Service: p12
Elderly Services
Hearing & Mobility Store: p16
Electrical Services
Alan P Davies Electrical Services: p33 Alderminster Electrics: p14 Cotswold Aerials: p36 P Wheeler Electrical: p2 Vision Repairs: p7
Entertainment
Carrick Travel: p5 Corinium Museum: p22 Blue Bell Walk: p21
Fashion & Clothing Chris’ Ladies Fashions: p13
Foxbury Farm Shop: p20 Koloshi: p9 Redesdale Arms: p21 Simple Suppers: p20 The Lamb Inn: p29 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p39
Fuel Supplies
South Midland Fuels: p33
Furniture
Armstrong Interiors: p15 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p35
Gardening & Hard Landscaping
Cotswold Estates & Gardens: p31 Cotswold Farm Machinery: p27 DMW Landscapes: p25 Dorn Hill Machine Services: p25 Eynsham Park Sawmill: p31 Fosseway Tool Hire: p24 Green Lizzie Gardens & Dowdswell Forestry Services: p27 Hickman Landscapes: p26 Renu Track: p24 RMH Services: p24 Sadie May Studios: p9 Stephen Hill: p27 Thomas Contracting: p27 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p25 Treetech: p24 Artemesia: p13 GH Fine Jewellery: p13 Living Green: p39 Scentimentle: p16 The Crock Ltd: p1
Flooring
Healthcare & Wellbeing
Food & Drink
Cotswold Chickens: p20 Dial House Hotel: p23
Leah’s Mobile Hairdressing: p16 Vuolo Hair & Beauty: p17
Charles Wright Massage: p16
Hearing Aids
Heating
Stephen Hill: p27
Hire
C. Williams Building Maintenance: p6 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p33 Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Peer Traditional Limework: p5 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p35 Stephen Hill: p27
Fosse Fires: p40 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p33 Heidi Renewables: p3 Dorn Hill Machine Services: p25 Fosseway Tool Hire: p24 Hickman Landscapes: p26
Home & Interiors
Angela Hay Soft Furnishings: p12 Armstrong Interiors: p15 Cotswold Carpets: p35 Dream Doors: p40 Fosse Fires: p40 Just Fabrics: p40 Loft Company UK: p14 Parsons Flooring: p14 Shuttercraft: p10 West End Sewing Centre: p12
Jewellers
GH Fine Jewellery: p13
Kitchen Design & Installation
Adam Boothroyd Design: p2 Dream Doors: p40 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p35 Thistle Design & Build: p4
Metal Fabrication
Gifts
Hair & Beauty
Cotswold Carpets: p35 Parsons Flooring: p14
September / October 2012 Distribution: w/c 3 & 10 Sept ‘12 Copy: 8 August ‘12
Finance & Legal
T McVeigh Mortgages Ltd: p7 Tax Assist: p7
Distribution: w/c 7 & 14 May ‘12 Copy: 11 April ‘12 ............................................................... Distribution: w/c 2 July ‘12 Copy: 6 June ‘12 ...............................................................
01904 709462 elspeth@cotswoldlink.co.uk
Solidify IT Ltd: p8
...............................................................
July / August 2012
Elspeth
Computers & Internet
Attractions
C. Williams Building Maintenance: p6 Country Roofing & Building: p2 Green Flow Plumbing & Heating: p33 Heidi Renewables: p3 Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Loft Company UK: p14 Mustoe’s: p2 Peer Traditional Limework: p5 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p35 Premier Tiling: p15 Prestige Plastering: p15 Prior Products: p33 Renu Track: p24 Stephen Hill: p27 Thistle Design & Build: p4 Thomas Contracting: p27
We also know that, particularly in these difficult times, businesses need to spend their advertising budget as wisely as possible and that is why our policy has always been to offer full colour, high quality advertising at black and white prices.
Kleen Shine: p2 Maid In The Cotswolds: p10
Counselling & Life Coaching
Builders & Contractors
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.
01609 779097 dwight@cotswoldlink.co.uk www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
Cook Shop
Birdland: p23 Blue Bell Walk: p21 Corinium Museum: p22 Milldene Garden: p30
Great Value
Dwight
Architectural Planning Eastabrook Architects: p4 Spirit Architecture: p6
High Quality
Hearing & Mobility Store: p16
Bayliss & Son: p27
Motoring
Little Compton Garages: p36 Never Despair Recycling: p33 Troopers Lodge Garage: p39
Oven Services
Property Maintenance
Property Lettings
Cotswold & Vale Lettings: p8
Recycling
Joe Gilder: p7 Never Despair Recycling: p33
Romance
Cotswold Dating: p17
Roofing
Country Roofing & Building: p2
Septic Tank Services William Gilder Ltd: p26
Sports & Leisure
Cotswold Cycles: p13 Kingsholm Venues: p34 Runnerbean: p17 Shipton Golf Course: p40
Travel & Tourism
Carrick Travel: p5 CCH Motorhome & Caravan Repairs: p20 Stow Taxis: p21
Tuition
Farncombe Estate: p12 Sewing Tuition: p12
Casio Oven Clean: p14 Cookers & Co: p14
Weight Loss
Pets & Animals
Windows
Dial A Dog Wash: p16
Painters & Decorators Cotswold Decorators: p15 Geoff Ludlow Decorating: p2 Phil Dadge Maintenance: p35
Lighter Life: p17
MIke Honour Windows Ltd: p6 Milena Windows: p37 Prior Products: p33 Shuttercraft: p10 Stow Windows: p3
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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