Cotswold Link (North Cots) July August 2016

CotswoldLink

FREE

West Oxfordshire North Cotswolds

Your

www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

|

Bi-Monthly Royal Mail distribution: 15,350 homes & businesses

July / August 2016

Fairview Cottage, Longborough

Holiday Letting Large Cottages What’s The Secret?

Cotswold Link interviews Character Cottages, a local holiday letting expert, to understand the local market for large holiday cottages

Millers Cottage, Chipping Campden

Manor Cottage, Poulton

Owners of large houses are often under the impression that the demand for holiday letting is low and unprofitable. Are you able to shed some light on the market and the holiday letting opportunity?

groups of people, who want to get together to

At Character Cottages we are very experienced

celebrate an event, such as a 40th birthday party,

at marketing and maximising the returns on large

family gathering or a university reunion. Hotels

properties. We can offer owners a wide and detailed

often don’t appeal to large groups, as they some-

range of support and advice on many key holiday

times lack the desired communal feel and can of-

letting factors, including furnishing, pricing,

ten be too expensive.

occupancy, security deposits and overall property management. To find out what your large house

The great news is that big properties in the Cotswolds, especially those with traditional

A further attribute of the demand for big Cotswold

character, do very well as holiday lets! To under-

houses is that, being event driven, it is less impacted

stand why, a good place to start is by looking at

by seasonality. For example, if Grandpa’s 70th

the history behind the area…

birthday happens to be in January, then that’s

can do for you, just get in touch with us!

when the group will want to book their break, The Cotswolds has a long history of working with

regardless of the fact that this is traditionally a

wool, silk and other raw materials. As a result,

quieter month for holiday letting. This means large

many of the cottages in the area were built for the

properties can command strong prices through-

farm labourers and factory workers, and are quite

out the year.

small, typically with one or two bedrooms. Larger properties are less common and, consequently,

When you combine the limited supply of

this creates a restricted supply of big houses for

properties with the strong and constant demand,

the holiday letting market.

our experience has been that large holiday homes perform exceptionally well in the Cotswolds. For

Many people are surprised to learn that the

example, we have successfully generated more

underlying demand for large holiday lets in the

than £100,000 per annum of gross income, from

Cotswolds is very high. The central location of the

over 55 bookings, for a beautiful, detached, six

Cotswolds makes it the perfect location for large

bedroomed house in the North Cotswolds.

2

Your CotswoldLink

The Lodge, Meysey Hampton

www.character-cottages.co.uk letmycottage@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

3

inside

Your CotswoldLink

18

14

New artists exhibiting for 2016

We take a look at the wonderful range of sculptures available to view at the Elemental Sculpture Park, Cirencester.

Career Options

Alternative routes for your career path after exams

28

08

24

10 Years: Bourton VIC A celebration of 10 wonderful years of Bourton VIC

26

08 10 years of Bourton Visitor Centre 18 New artists at Sculpture Park business garden view: 10 New Businesses & Services 20 Garden Ornaments technology healthcare 12 A look at Drones / Quadcopters 22 Dental advice & tooth hygiene business wimbledon: 12 Mulberry Cottages new office 24 Enjoy Wimbledon with our facts! education astronomy: 14 Alternative career paths 26 Spaceship to crash into Jupiter event safety: 16 Seasonal events across our area 28 Beware Bonus Callers local news: FEATURED

local news: FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

FEATURED

Welcome to the July - August issue

Fingers crossed we get some lovely weather in the next few months so we can all enjoy our gardens. Page 20 offers some handy tips on how to tastefully decorate your garden with ornaments (Gnomes not included I’m afraid!). We have a wide range of fantastic events to enjoy on pages 16-17, as well as an update from the Elemental Sculpture Park. They have a great selection of new artists exhibiting their sculptures, definitely a great day out!

I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Autumn.

Best wishes,

01609 777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

Christine Campbell | Editor

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

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

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

5

6

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

7

Bourton’s Visitor Information Centre celebrates its tenth birthday!

The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) operated by Bourton Vic Ltd. has been providing an excellent value-for-money service to the public for ten years.

To mark the occasion, those who operate the centre – drawn from private enterprise and local volunteers - held a soiree on Monday 6 June to celebrate their hard work and commitment, and to thank their supporters. Around 30 past and present volunteers and staff enjoyed Pimms and canapes courtesy of Chester House Hotel, followed by a fish and chip supper courtesy of the Windrush Garden Café.

Following funding negotiations with Cotswold District Council, the Bourton Vic Ltd company was established ten years ago to take over the existing visitor information service in the village. Since then, the centre has employed three members of staff to maintain a professional operation, and they have been assisted by a ‘small army’ of volunteers. Working together they have received praise from many quarters for the service they provide – in fact, Bourton VIC featured as a case study in the VisitEngland Strategic Framework for tourism to illustrate how private enterprise can collaborate successfully with a local authority.

Norman Jones of Bourton VIC Ltd thoroughly enjoyed the celebratory event: “We have reached an important milestone, and we thought it appropriate to thank our Manager, Jackie Faulkner, staff, Wendy Ratcliffe and Jackie Alderton and everyone else who has been part of our great success story over the last decade.”

8

Your CotswoldLink

“We provide a service for many locals as well as visitors and are always keen to help our traders and accommodation providers prosper. Recently, for instance, we were thanked for the role we played in assisting the negotiations which resulted in Cotswold District Council stepping in to retain the coach park in Station Road. All told, our footfall is nearly 80,000 people per year, and the customers are very appreciative that we remain open seven days a week throughout the Summer and also six days during the Winter.”

He emphasises how the VIC provides good value for local taxpayers: “Our main source of funding is the District Council. They used to pay £80,000 to maintain a VIC in Bourton but they now only have to pay us an annual grant of £24,000. In turn, we raise about £30,000 in revenue each year and also receive financial support from the Parish Council. Even in an age when visitors use the internet to research their destinations, we are still seeing heavy use of our VIC, and it only costs about 35p to meet the needs of every customer. Given the much needed income that tourism generates in the Cotswolds, this represents a very good deal - Cotswold District Council certainly think so because they recently gave the network of VICs in the District – including Bourton - a three year funding deal. This was a massive vote of confidence which has provided us with a great platform to plan ahead on a range of issues.

“We are looking forward to the future with a spring in our step – here’s to the next ten years!”

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

9

W E N businesses

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

s e c i v r e s & in & around our area

“New To The Area” is a new business feature specifically designed to help new businesses and those that are offering new businesses and services to promote themselves cost effectively.

Businesses are invited to submit their adverts to this feature at the regular price (Advert sizes available: 1/8 and

¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 15,350 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.

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

The UK’s most exceptional distillery is now open Based in the heart of the Cotswolds the Capreolus Distillery charts one man’s passion in the pursuit of an absolute level of quality.

Finely formed valleys, coppiced woodland, breathtaking wildflower meadows and golden limestone form a backdrop of immense beauty to this small distillery tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Raised in these surroundings, Barney Wilczak has led a life entwined in the magic of this most idyllic of landscapes. As a photographer he has spent his career focusing on conservation stories. This has led to the supply of non profit media to conservationists in over 118 countries. This high level of focus on the natural world, biology and artistic expression, also guided his pursuits outside of this field. The fascination of guiding fermentation, working with natural biological processes, led to years of pursuing perfection in fruit distillates.

Deep research and an obsessive focus have led to the distillation of Eaux de Vie that have never been seen on these

shores before. After long planning it was chosen to create a distillery in the house where Barney grew up. The old lean to greenhouse, a frame of timber and Cotswold stone, was converted to house a very special custom still. Every aspect was chosen to preserve the fruits elegance and quality that exists for just a few days.

The experience and focus surrounding his work with fruit distillation led to a desire to create a gin of effortless complexity. Hundreds of test distillations, explorations of individual species and the best way to extract their unique perfume, led to the creation of Garden Tiger gin, its name is drawn from an exquisite day flying moth.

Homegrown and wild species enrich a palate of 34 botanicals. A secret recipe whose result varies with the weather, the distillers mood and the seasons effects on the ingredients, it is something to savour and experience in its flux and evolution.

Details: capreolusdistillery.co.uk

Local Wedding & Event Wedding and Event is based in Planner Wins Best in UK planning Carterton,Oxfordshire, Local wedding and event planner Christina Barker of Chantilly Rose Weddings and events has won the top prize in the Guides for Brides national awards for the best wedding planner in the UK.

After being short listed for the 2016 wedding industry awards 5 star customer services, Christina is delighted to have won the award after only her second year in the wedding industry. Voting opened for the awards at the end of July 2015. Clients and suppliers had to nominate and vote their favourite suppliers in each category. There are 27 categories altogether and the awards were judged by the largest and most expert panel in the wedding industry.

Unfortunately, Christina could not make the awards ceremony on 10th March at London’s prestigious No.4 Hamilton Place as she had just given birth to a daughter but was informed by fellow suppliers who had also been nominated of her win.

Christina Barker owner of Chantilly Rose

10

Your CotswoldLink

UK. Originally from Portsmouth but relocated via the Royal Air Force. Married to an airman and part of the military community as well as a mum of two, she fell in love with the area and the beautiful countryside and soon discovered it’s the perfect place to get married!

Christina is passionate about organising and delivering high standards of events and will have your vision in mind at all times. Christina has always been exceptionally organised and thrives off making others happy. After planning a wedding competition for a military couple alongside Lula Mai Events she realised she had found her true passion and went on to train with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) who follow a strict code of business practice with their planners.

Christina Barker Chantilly Rose Weddings & Events T - 07792812470 E - christina@chantilly-rose.co.uk W - www.chantilly-rose.co.uk

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Building Insurance:

Do you have it covered?

Many property owners have building insurance but are they confident that they have every major potential risk or loss covered under their current policy?

Loss assessor, Marcus Hawkins B.Sc. (Hons) MRICS, a director of Aspray (Swindon) explains some key points to consider when insuring your home or business premises and what to do should the worst happen.

Aspray is a leading, national, loss assessing and property insurance claims Management Company specialising in property damage claims negotiation and reinstatement for all types’ of residential and commercial property. If your home or business has been damaged, Aspray can work on your behalf to negotiate the claim settlement from your insurer, allowing you to focus on getting back to normal. A dedicated local claims loss assessor will also project manage the property repairs and will prepare a detailed schedule of works when presenting the details of the claim to your insurer, with the aim of maximising your chances of a successful outcome. We deal with your insurers regarding any matters relating to your claim and, working with local vetted contractors, reinstate your property to its original condition. Best of all, there is no charge for the service Aspray offer, provided we can appoint and project manage our own contractors to repair the property. However, any excess stipulated within your insurance policy will still apply.

Buildings insurance what does it cover?

As well as the structure of the property, a buildings insurance policy will usually cover permanent fixtures and fittings such as baths, toilets, fitted kitchens, bedroom cupboards and the decorations inside your home, including wallpaper.

Buildings policies often also include garages, greenhouses and garden sheds at your home however, cover can differ dramatically between different insurers (for example, some policies may not cover things like boundary walls, fences, gates, paths, drives or swimming pools), so it is important to check whether a policy meets your needs.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Do I need buildings insurance?

Buildings insurance is not required by law, but most mortgage providers will insist that you take out a policy as part of your mortgage contract to ensure that their financial interest is protected. Some Lenders will also insist that they are notified in the event that the asset (your home or business premises) has an event which causes partial or total loss such as a large fire.

Even if you own your home outright you should still consider buildings insurance to cover you against the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is damaged or destroyed.

If you live in a rented property, buildings insurance is normally your landlord’s responsibility, unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise, but you may want to take out contents insurance to protect your personal possessions and furniture.

Most building insurance policies are likely to cover damage to your home resulting from: • burst pipes (escape of water) • falling trees • fire • flood • riots • storm • subsidence • theft Building insurance does not cover any of your home’s contents – for this you need contents insurance.

When you apply for a home insurance policy your insurer will usually ask the “rebuild” value of your home.

You should always insure your home against the cost of rebuilding it, not its sale price or current market value as the rebuild value may be more than its market value at point of sale.

Aspray Swindon is a trading name of Polvier Services Limited which is an Appointed Representative of Aspray Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 466101 for claims handling only.

Your CotswoldLink

11

Quadcopters

Quadcopters, or drones as they’re also called, are similar to remote controlled helicopters, but have four rotary blades.

They’re a lot of fun to fly, but there’s more to quadcopters than just a zoom around the park.

Many of them come with inbuilt video cameras, or the ability to attach a camera, so you can film a bird’s eye view of the area they’re flying over.

Mulberry Cottages Now in Cheltenham Mulberry Cottages chooses Cheltenham as its regional

With a quadcopter, you could take aerial shots of your village, check out places that are inaccessible by road or foot, and capture some of the beauty of gliding over a lake or fields. Quadcopters can also be used for practical purposes, such as checking whether there are any loose tiles on your roof.

You will want to be careful where you fly your quadcopter; as your neighbours likely won’t appreciate you taking shots of them sunbathing in their garden.

Some quadcopters are primarily designed for outdoor use, some indoor, and some are multi-purpose. They start at around £30, but you do get what you pay for.

The camera quality on the cheaper models is pretty poor. They’re also usually smaller, harder to fly and have a lower range, so can’t go as high or far. A high-end quadcopter with a professional high definition video camera can set you back more than £3,000.

Drone racing is becoming increasingly popular, with events held around the UK, and you can buy kits to make and customise your own quadcopter.

If you’re looking to use a quadcopter for commercial purposes, you will need to register it with the Civil Aviation Authority, and undertake a training course to get a Permission for Aerial Work. You’ll also likely need to get public liability insurance.

base for the Cotswolds and the West of England.

Mulberry Cottages is delighted to announce its opening of a new office in the centre of Cheltenham.

Now with a portfolio of over 65 holiday houses in the Cotswolds and the West, Mulberry Cottages has chosen Cheltenham, the jewel of the area, to be its regional base.

Sarah Wood, Founder and Managing Director commented “Mulberry Cottages may not be following the norm in opening regional offices but it is a key factor of our success. Along with a commitment to expanding across England comes our assurance to operate at a local level and be part of the community. Our Feefo* rating is If you just want one for fun, the Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider is a good beginner’s model. Priced at around £50, it has large detachable wheels, so you can manoeuvre it along the ceiling and up and down walls, as well as in the air.

The wheels also protect the blades when it crashes (which it will). You control it using your smartphone and it’ll do tricks such as 360° flips.

I’ve never had much luck flying remote control helicopters, but find this one surprisingly responsive for the price. Outdoors you can get speeds of up to 11mph and a height of 20 metres. It is very small and light, so the camera isn’t the best, and you’ll want a spare battery as each charge only lasts a few minutes, but all in all it’s a good entry model.

Even if you just buy a small, cheaper quadcopter for personal use only, there are some restrictions on flying it, so do visit www.quadcopters.co.uk for more information.

now at 99% for customer service. We are proud of that.”

Quintessentially English, Cheltenham is the ideal next step to a growing number of regional bases, the others being in Canterbury in Kent, Lewes in Sussex and Winchester in Hampshire.

Cheltenham is the first office to also include a Mulberry Cottages holiday let on the first floor.

Rebekah England, Business Development Manager says “In order to secure maximum return on the high street, we have turned extra redundant space upstairs into a chic city apartment for weekends, holidays or longer lets. With an initial outlay of just £3,000 to finish and furnish the apartment, we have created an opportunity to derive significant return on investment, within just 3 months of opening.”

www.mulberrycottages.com

Kate Duggan

12

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

13

Don’t have the required A Level Grades?

Other Options are available

Now comes the inevitable wait for the examination results and regrettably life does not always go according to plan. So what avenues are open to the students who have worked so hard and not gained the grades they required for their preferred University or career path?

The Clearing System Clearing is a UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) service that matches students without a course with Universities that have open places.

Last year 10% of applicants for University places amounting to 61,300 students went through clearing. It is a worthwhile way of assessing a new path for one’s desired career.

Review your Career Path Should you not be able to find a suitable place to pursue your preferred choice then seriously consider reviewing your career path. An offer from another University may have advantages that had not been obvious prior to your original application. However; take care; do not jump at the first offer, seek advice from parents, teachers and the University itself before commitment.

Retakes This is may not be too much of a problem if you have only just missed out on your selected place of preference however; there are questions to be addressed.

Are you capable and confident enough to resit the examination without additional tuition? This is a tall order, and not advised. In these circumstances you are best advised to enrol at a local college or take a distance learning course but, beware Universities may change their acceptance grades if you are applying with retakes.

If resitting the exam independently expect to pay in the order of £80 to take a full A-Level.

14

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Gap Year Take a break; you have spent the past +13 years of your life in an educational system that has been results focussed. A year’s break may in certain circumstances be beneficial. You will be able to relax, gain life experience and learn new skills. It will appear on your CV and can be a definite positive on re-application the following year. Be aware that many of the Gap Year activities on the internet request a payment particularly if the work entails flights or distant travel. Do not discount including voluntary work for charities at home or for that matter getting a part time job to tie you over and gain a better understanding of life.

Overseas University Look overseas for a University. There are English taught degrees available in continental Europe and throughout the world. This route will give you the opportunity to observe other cultures, you will gain the skills and confidence to compete in a global environment and perhaps learn another language all of which will be priceless attributes for your future.

For further advice and information: www.ucas.com www.savethestudent.org http://gapforce.org https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs John Harris

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

15

Out & About 8th -18th July

n North Cotswold Arts Association, Summer Exhibition St. Edward’s Hall, The Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. Pictures, sculptures and craft work by Cotswold artists. Free admission. 10.00am to 5.00pm daily. ........................................................

23rd July

n An Evening with Bill and Bob (Celebrating William Shakespeare and Bob Chilcott) Commotio is excited to perform for the first time in Chadlington, with internationally renowned composer and choral expert, Bob Chilcott.

Highlighting the versatility of Chilcott’s work, Commotio will perform both a capella works and with acclaimed jazz pianist Alexander Hawkins and jazz trio. Commemorating 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, 7:30pm Tickets £12/£8 available online from www. commotio.org or on the door St Nicholas Church, Church Road, Chadlington, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire OX7 3LX ........................................................

23rd July

n Windrush Valley Flower Show and Fête 1pm: Taking place at Great Barrington at the wonderful village hall, in the stunning Windrush valley. A delightful family day out in the country with Home Produce, BBQ, Electric Folk Band, Games, Races and Competitions. Fun Dog Show and Gun Dog Scurry. Vintage Cars ........................................................

30th July

n Compton Abdale Village Fete Traditional Village Fete set in beautiful gardens. Stalls include: Produce, Plants, White Elephant, Tombola, Books, Girls’ Goodies. Activities area including Punch & Judy, Plate Smashing, Fun Dog Show Teas & Ice Creams, Barbecue, Gloucester Excelsior Silver Band.

Lower Farm, Compton Abdale. 1.30 - 4.15 pm (just off A40 near Northleach) Admission £2.50 for adults, Children & Parking Free. ........................................................

21st September

n Chipping Norton Horticultural Association Holding a special evening to celebrate 160 years of a Gardening Association To be held in Chipping Norton Town Hall at 7.30pm. (Light refreshments served from 6.15pm.)

Guest Speaker: Tony Russell (Writer and Broadcaster) “British gardens through time – Victorians to the Present Day”.

Tony’s books on sale at the meeting; he will be happy to sign book/s at the end of the evening.

16

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Tickets @ £5 from Eileen Forse, 38 Hailey Avenue, Chipping Norton OX7 5JF and Jaffe and Neale Bookshop, Chipping Norton. www.cnha.uk ........................................................

16th July

n Strawberry Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Care This is an afternoon tea where a selection of home made fresh cream and strawberry themed cakes are served to you by waitress service. Tea served in tea pots with cups and saucers. This is in aid of Breast Cancer Care. It is the 12th year i have hosted this event and it gets more popular each year. We also have a raffle and home-made cakes to buy. As this is the 12th year i am hoping to make it an extra special event. Please come along and show your support. You will not be disappointed. A really lovely atmosphere.

2-4pm £3.50 for tea/cake (approx) 01993 775532 St Kenelms Hall Brize Norton Road, Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire OX29 0SE ........................................................

16th July

n Summer Fete In aid of Children’s Cancer. Chipping Norton Rugby Club from 11am-3pm. ........................................................

30th & 31st July

n Burford Antiques Fair ART ~ ANTIQUES ~ DESIGN for Interiors and Collections, displayed for sale by 40 dealers from across the UK. Located ideally at the gateway to the Cotswolds just West of the Burford Roundabout on A40, close to the highly picturesque centre of Burford, the fair will take place in two halls either side of the school’s Art Deco façade. Around 40 dealers are expected to exhibit at this friendly event where quality and variety can be found. Open 10 - 5 Saturday and Sunday. Admission £3. But Complimentsary E-Tickets available via www.burfordantiquesfair. co.uk Parking in the School grounds.

Burford School, Cheltenham Road (A40), Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PL ........................................................

14th August

n Bourton House Garden - Open Garden for NGS Award winning 3 acre garden featuring imaginative topiary, wide herbaceous borders with many rare, unusual and exotic plants, water features, unique shade house and many creatively planted pots. Fabulous at any time of year but magnificent in summer months.

For NGS: Sun 14 Aug (10-5). Admission £6, Children free. Home-made teas in Grade I listed C16 Tithe Barn.

Times:10:00 to 17:00. Telephone:01386 700754. Open for charity.

Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-theHill, Gloucestershire GL56 9AE ........................................................

Having an event?

Email us your event details to: events@jkanorth.com and we’ll publish it for you. Magazine distribution dates are on p22.

Chedworth Roman Villa 16th – 29th July

n Festival of archaeology Join us as we celebrate the British festival of archaeology with specialist tours, talks and hands on activities.

20th July

n Evening talk 7.00-8.30pm Martin Papworth, a National Trust consultant archaeologist will be giving a talk on recent excavations and archaeological discoveries at Chedworth Roman Villa. Drinks included. Booking essential; charge £7.

Call 0844 2491895.

30th July – 5th August

n The Romans are coming The Roman Military Society is at Chedworth Roman Villa all week. During the weekend watch exciting military displays and chat to Roman soldiers. In the week there will be demonstrations featuring civilian life in ancient Rome.

Also enjoy children’s craft activities. A week of great family fun! Some craft activities at an additional charge.

1st – 31st August

n Summer activities Join us this summer for a fun children’s trail. Every day there will be seasonal craft activities.

8th & 10th August

n Ranger workshops: bug hunt 10.30-11.30am Join James the ranger for a fun-filled bug hunt. Look for creepy crawlies and play a game. Included in admission.

13th – 14th August

n Traditional crafts market Browse a range of stalls selling traditional crafts such as pottery, basketry, jewellery and much more. Be tempted to purchase something special or simply enjoy watching craftsmen demonstrate their skills. Please note that due to limited WiFi reception, stall holders will only be able to accept cash.

15th – 25th August

n Big Dig Watch as the archaeologists excavate more of the North Range and clean the finds. Chat to the experts and be the first to see what discoveries are made this year.

10th Sept – 9th Oct

n Art and sculpture exhibition Enjoy a range of artworks from artists, sculptors and mosaicists. Contemplate

the exhibits in the context of Chedworth’s beautiful surroundings and history of artisanship. Most exhibits are for sale.

10th Sept

n Heritage Open Day Chedworth Roman Villa will be celebrating heritage open day with free admission.

Phone: 01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworthroman-villa ........................................................

Old Prison - Northleach 16th & 17th July

n Escape! Family Camping Event Adult £20/child £10 Spend a night under the stars in the Old Prison courtyard! Children’s activities, BBQ, live music and free breakfast.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre Booking is essential, call 01451 862035

21st July

n An illustrated talk exploring the diversity of birdlife in the Cotswolds.

2:30pm-3:30pm. Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre 01451 862035

5th August

n Children’s Flax Making Workshop. Free!

Learn how string and rope is made and have a go for yourself. 10:30 – 4pm www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/ discoverycentre 01451 862035

26th August

n Wind in the Willows Outdoor Theatre 3pm – 4:30pm. Adult £8/concession £6/ under 3s free Outdoor production of this brilliant, hilarious and breathtaking story, set in the grassy courtyard of the Old Prison.

An illustrated talk exploring the diversity of birdlife in the Cotswolds.

Cotswolds Discovery Centre at the Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, GL54 3JH Booking is essential, contact the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham for tickets 01242 572573 ........................................................

Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed. Please contact event organisers directly. All events correct at time of going to press.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

17

The Elemental Sculpture Park ‘Elemental Sculpture Park’ sits on a 10 acre site very affectionately known by the Hartlands as simply the ‘Land’ and was bought 21 years ago as a wild thistle field. Though the thistle field had its own beauty the Land has now been transformed into a mixed deciduous and conifer woodland with ponds, gardens and glades. Joining these diverse spaces are meandering paths that take you on a journey around the park providing an international centre for contemporary Art. The Land itself is an ongoing project which will continue changing, producing a biodiversity of natural ecosystems, providing Artists both established and emerging, with a wonderful and diverse enviroment to exhibit their work. In 2016 we are planning a wildflower garden to embrace the area around the glade providing a pallete of colour and flowing texture.

We would love to share the land and the Artists work with you.

SCULPTORS We have new artists and work arriving throughout the year but here is a list of artists currently exhibiting with us.

Lynn Baker Helene Barrott Kevin Blockley Alison Bowyer Dick Budden Hilary Cartmel Luke Dickinson Dido Martin Duffy Angela Farquharson Pam Foley Lynette Forrester

Stephen Fox Peter Gerrard Alex Glass Anne Gingell David Hartland Peter Hays Richard Jack Antoinette Jackson John Jebb Renee Kilburn Martin Lynch Ian Marlow

Simon Meiklejohn Angela Palmer Antonia Spowers Serena Stevens Phil Thompson Sally Anne Tottle Lucy Unwin Nathan Whittaker Nigel Williams

Elemental Sculpture Park The Paddocks, Somerford Keynes Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6FE EMAIL david_hartland@aol.co.uk TEL 07927028558 Opening Times (1st April to 30th September) 10:30 - 17:00 (last admission 16:00) Admission: £5 of which £1 will be donated to charity.

Gallery will also be open throughout December.

18

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Looking for staff?

Advertise for the newest member of your team in Cotswold Link Contact us today: 0160 9777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk

Chedworth Roman Villa

is looking for volunteers and staff to join their friendly team.

Please call: 01242 890256 or email: Chedworth@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

19

GARDEN VIEW

Garden Ornaments Ornaments polarise gardeners.

They’re a love ‘em or hate ‘em subject.

I fell firmly into the hate ‘em category. I thought they had a place in big country gardens but looked slightly tacky in suburbia. This antipathy may date back to my childhood and Mrs. Frost, our elderly neighbour, who had a front garden stuffed to the brim with gnomes, windmills and concrete toadstools. If our ball ever strayed into this shrine to kitsch she’d burst from her house with a bansheelike scream, brandishing a broom at us.

Somewhere along the way though I’ve mellowed As I’ve studied show gardens and magazines I’ve realised that ornaments have a definite place in a garden as long as two important considerations are met: Context The ornaments complement the style of the garden. Classical statuary doesn’t work in contemporary spaces, while traditional gardens might need to avoid stainless steel or modern, abstract sculptures.

Rules are there to be broken of course and whatever your garden type or size the ornament you choose should be special to you.

My father had a grumpy gargoyle-like creature, set among ferns at the bottom of his patch. It made everyone who saw it smile in recognition of my dad’s own avuncular manner. A girly friend of mine has a series of small bronze faeries set around her tiny plot, which are perfectly in tune with her personality.

I favour natural materials myself but several years ago I purchased beautiful and rather elegant heron created from recycled metal. I adore it because it reflects both my love of birds and my passion for recycling. It stands near a boulder fountain and I occasionally brandish a broomstick at my sons when their football strays too near...

Ornament Ideas… ...not a gnome in sight!

To set off ornamental grasses try ceramic balls in vivid blues and greens set among cobbles.

For minimalist contemporary plots, mirrored columns and pyramids look striking.

Classical statuary and urns look best in more formal, traditional settings. They are best made from marble or stone. Resin copies can look tacky.

Don’t be frightened to show your sense of humour. Quirky can look brilliant in the right setting.

Sculptor Dennis Fairweather’s best seller is a stone face and hands which emerge from a tub of water as if the figure had just been for a dip!

Natural materials can be a good starting point for garden ornament novices. Balls and sculptures made from willow are subtle and elegant additions to any garden.

By Rachel Leverton

Size Ornaments should be an appropriate size for the setting.

5 Tips to keep your garden looking great this Summer 1

Beware of insects such as aphids or white flies that become rampant as our plants grow larger and have less circulation between them.

Remember to spray both upper and lower leaves with neem or pyola oil on a seven to 10 day cycle to keep these critters from destroying your plants.

Also, order some beneficial insects such as ladybugs to help keep these insects under control.

2

Prune back your rose bushes after the first bloom. You can either dead head the spent blooms or do a major cutting back to keep them tame and under control. I tend to do the latter. Cut

20

Your CotswoldLink

back all weak and dead wood as well. Lastly, clean up all spent leaves - especially if they suffered from black spot. Plus, if black spot is a problem, use this homemade formula: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and a 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in one gallon of water.

3

Continue to pinch back all late summer and autumn perennials to keep them bushy and healthy and to stagger blooming times.

4

summer so that they can begin their new growth for next spring.

5

It is still not too late to plant summer blooming bulbs like dahlias or cannas. It’s also not too late to plant quick-blooming summer seeds such as sunflowers, nasturtiums and cosmos.

Enjoy and have patience during the ensuing hot summer months!

Finish pruning all spring blooming bushes such as azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs by mid-

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

21

Stonehouse dentist Phillip Townes tells you the best way to care for your teeth

01453 827474 www.townesandtownes.com

22

Your CotswoldLink

We all might think we know how to take good care of our teeth -- brush them for two minutes twice a day, floss when you’ve got the time -- but with UK adults having on average seven fillings each and nearly one in five having full or partial dentures, we aren’t caring for them as well as we could be.

between people’s teeth. Ideally you should be combining flossing with TePe brushes, which will cover the wider areas between your teeth that floss will not. You should be flossing your teeth before you brush them to give the fluoride in your toothpaste access to the entire surface of your teeth.

There are a few myths around dental care, and one of them is that we should be brushing our teeth for two minutes and two minutes only. Actually, the average time British adults spend brushing their teeth is far lower, so dentists aim for two minutes to try and encourage them to brush for longer.

The best way to brush your teeth is to use a dry brushing technique. It takes a bit of getting used to but it is the most effective way to clean and protect your teeth. Put your toothpaste directly onto a dry brush and smear it all over every surface of your teeth before brushing. When the whole of the inside of your mouth is coated, start brushing in a circular motion, cleaning right up to the gum line in every area of your mouth. When you have finished brushing, spit out the excess foam but don’t rinse your mouth with water.

How to brush your teeth -- a new guide As long as you are using a toothbrush with medium bristles and are not brushing too hard you can never really brush too much. If you spend two minutes brushing your teeth and they don’t feel fully clean, just keep going -- it will save you a lot of money in the long run!

Although sixty percent of people say they floss, sales of floss in the UK indicate that only around five percent of people actually floss regularly. Flossing reaches all of the areas your teeth cannot, such as the tiny gaps

You may be wondering why this is the best way to brush. Dry brushing allows your teeth to get a good coating of fluoride and not rinsing your mouth afterwards allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth, building up a layer of protection, for as long as possible.

Fluoride gradually improves the strength of your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid erosion.

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

What should I be drinking for a healthy mouth?

Diet is a very important part of dental health, no matter what age you are.

Having a healthy relationship with food should start young; babies and young children should only be drinking water and milk and you should watch the sugar content of their foods. Many baby foods have a high sugar content to make them more appealing, which means that your child will be consuming far more sugar than they should be at that age and they will be more likely to be drawn to sugary foods in later life.

Drinks that will not damage your teeth include water, milk and sugarless tea and coffee (which may, however, have a staining effect). Fruit juice, fruit squash and carbonated drinks (including sparkling water) are all naturally acidic and over time will erode tooth enamel and cause decay. Avoid drinking anything but water before bed as your saliva flow is dramatically reduced overnight, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. It is a myth that drinking milk after brushing your teeth at night can help to keep your teeth strong -- lactose, the sugar that is

naturally present in milk, can cause tooth decay.

Dental care -- ask an expert One in every seven adults suffers from dental anxiety, a condition that often prevents them from seeking help for dental problems until it is too late.

If you are anxious about seeing your dentist, let them know; they should be able to accommodate you and make you more comfortable.

The best way to ensure that you are taking good care of your teeth is to attend the dentist regularly and ask them any questions you might have, however small -- if you have any issues they should be able to discuss them with you and guide you as to the appropriate action. Don’t be embarrassed to ask if you’re not sure how to do something; many adults aren’t sure

of the correct way to floss, for example. They can give you as much advice and support as you need, whether you want to know what equipment is best, whether you should be using a specialised toothpaste and if you are missing out on any areas of dental care.

Dr Phillip J Townes BDS is the lead dentist of Townes and Townes. Looking for a dentist in Stonehouse? We provide treatment at the highest possible standard. Visit our site to book a comprehensive dental health check now.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

23

Wimbledon Facts Wimbledon fortnight is the annual event which enthuses even non-tennis-lovers.

Here are some Wimbledon facts to muse on as you enjoy the matches.

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event to be played on grass, which is cut to exactly 8mm for the competition.

There is a strict dress code. Players must dress in mainly white clothing and umpires request them to comply. Even Roger Federer was asked to change his shoes because they had orange soles!

There are 250 ball boys and girls (known as BBGs) at Wimbledon. Their average age is 15. They are all volunteers selected from participating schools. Historically only boys were selected but in 1977 girls were used for the first time though it was only in 1985 they were allowed to appear on centre court.

More than 50 000 tennis balls used at Wimbledon every year! 700 or so go missing when they accidentally fly into the crowd. Balls are replaced every 7-9 games, and those not in use are stored in special refrigerated containers to make sure they are kept in peak condition.

Wimbledon is synonymous with strawberries and more than 140 000 tubs will be consumed by spectators this year. Players on the other hand prefer bananas for energy and will consume around 15000 of them!

By Louise Addison

Homemade Ice Lollies Do you share the same childhood memories of summertime as me? When it got hot, did you take out the ice cube tray, fill it with diluted cordial and eagerly wait for it to set so that you could enjoy impromptu homemade ice lollies?

And were you usually disappointed when you came face to face with crunchy, crystallised cubes of weakly flavoured water rather than the delicious, mouth-watering, thirst-quenching, temperature -cooling creations you were expecting?!

Legend has it that the ice lolly was invented in 1905 by an 11 year old American boy named Frank Epperson, who accidentally left a glass of soda with a mixing stick poking out of it on his porch overnight. The next day, he found he had made a delicious frozen treat. Regardless of their origin, homemade ice lollies offer endless possibilities. Orange and lemon, minted milk, strawberries and cream, pineapple and coconut, grapefruit and campari or vodka and tonic are

24

Your CotswoldLink

just some of the flavours you could try.

To avoid the disappointing results I experienced, here are a few tips to ensure success at the freezer.

1. Make the mixture too strong. Cold numbs the taste buds, so add extra lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or even chilli to give the lolly oomph!

2. Sugar improves the taste and softens the texture. Too little will result in a solid block of flavoured ice; too much will result in a lolly that is partially liquid. Healthier alternatives to sugar include date syrup, honey and coconut sugar.

3. When filling the mould, leave about 5mm at the top to allow the mixture to expand.

4. To make sure the sticks stand upright, freeze for about an hour and then insert the sticks.

Alternatively, cover the top of the moulds with foil, make a slit and insert the sticks through it.

5. Freezing quickly reduces the amount of ice crystals. Turn the freezer to the coldest setting and place the moulds at the back. Lollies on average take around 4-5 hours to freeze but set faster, the higher the water to sugar ratio. Alcohol slows the process, with too much alcohol resulting in a slushy lolly!

6. To un-mould, immerse in hot water for 20-30 seconds. Dip just below the top rim and pull

hard on the sticks to yank the lollies out.

7. Store frozen lollies in sealable freezer bags or waxed paper. Make sure they are airtight to prevent ice crystals from forming inside.

8. For super quick lollies, simply freeze pieces of fruit. Cover bananas in peanut butter or chocolate spread before freezing or blend fruit puree with plain yoghurt. Frozen Angel Delight tastes just like mini milks!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

25

The

Helping hand for new Universal Credit claimants

Juno the Spaceship to be crashed into Jupiter

With the roll out of Universal Credit underway, West Oxfordshire District Council is providing extra help and support for benefit claimants getting to grips with the new system.

Applications for Universal Credit, and for reporting changes in circumstance, can only be made online. To help customers, the Council has installed self-service computers at their main reception points in Witney.

Council officers will be on hand to assist customers to set up and manage their own online accounts and they will also help anyone wanting to make job searches and complete online job applications.

Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member responsible for resources said, “Universal Credit is a new simpler, single monthly payment for people in or out of work, as it merges together some of the existing benefits and tax credits that currently have to be applied for separately. It is important that we offer a helping hand as Universal Credit is a major overhaul of the UK’s benefits system and the biggest change since the 1940s.”

The move ties in with the Councils’ ‘Default to Digital’ initiative which encourages more online transactions.

The new computers are funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. Claimants unable to access the Council’s Elmfield Reception in Witney or its Town Centre Shop, can use computers at Jobcentre Plus offices or at some local libraries.

Cotswold Sky

Launched on Friday 5th August 2011 the spacecraft Juno will finally reach Jupiter on Monday 4th July following a journey of almost 5 years.

tally crashing into Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter. If this were to happen, it could cause contamination on Europa where future missions will be searching for signs of extra-terrestrial life.

Astro News

Image Courtesy of NASA

Stowed away on the spacecraft is a plaque dedicated to Galileo Galilei, who discovered moons in orbit around Jupiter in 1610, and three Lego figures – of Galileo, the Roman god Jupiter and his wife, Juno.

In all Juno is expected to complete 37 orbits, each orbit taking 14 days. The orbits are highly elliptical taking Juno within 4,300 km (2,672 miles) of Jupiter’s poles. Following each polar contact Juno will be projected well away from the planet in order to avoid any long term contact with Jupiter’s penetrating radiation belts that can cause damage to the spacecraft’s electronic systems and solar panels.

The objectives of the mission include: • Give a better understanding of how the Solar System was formed from the Solar Nebulae some 4.5 billion years ago.

• Determine the ratio of oxygen to hydrogen (effectively measuring any abundance of water) • Obtain a better estimate of Jupiter’s core mass.

• Precisely map Jupiter’s magnetic field which is 20,000 times greater than that of the Earth.

• Precisely map Jupiter’s gravitational field to assess the distribution of mass in Jupiter’s interior.

The intense radiation will eventually overcome the operating systems of Juno. Close to this point Juno will be crashed into the gaseous atmosphere of the Solar System’s largest planet.

This method of destruction is to prevent any chance of Juno acciden-

26

Your CotswoldLink

Expansion of the Universe Nobel Prize winner Adam Riess has discovered that the Universe is expanding 5 to 9% faster than previously thought. This discovery may be important in producing a better understanding of dark energy, dark matter and dark radiation.

For more information: www.space. com/33061-universe-expanding-fasterthan-thought-hubble.html?cmpid=NL_ SP_weekly_2016-6-06 Satellite discovers unreported sources of toxic air pollution 39 unreported emission sources have been discovered using a new satellite-based method of detection. The emissions have been found notably from the Middle East, Mexico and Russia.

These account for 12% of all human made emissions of sulphur dioxide.

In addition 75 natural sources of sulphur dioxide were also found from non-erupting volcanoes. For more information: www.nasa.gov/press-release/ nasa-satellite-finds-unreported-sourcesof-toxic-air-pollution

Sky Diary During the whole of July at around 23.00 hours Saturn and Mars can be clearly viewed in the southerly skies drifting a little westward each day.

July 8/9th Look west at around 22.00 hours to observe Jupiter close to the Moon.

Meteor Showers (Peak dates shown) July 26th / 29th July: Delta Aquarids August 1st / 2nd: Alpha Capricornids August 11-12 Perseids John Harris

What you need to know about Universal Credit Universal Credit is paid in the following ways: It will be paid monthly into a bank account of your choice.

If you get help with your rent, this will be included in your monthly payment – you’ll then pay your landlord directly.

If you live with your partner and you are both eligible, you will get one monthly joint payment.

It can take several weeks after you make your claim to get your first payment.

Universal Credit and waiting days If you make a new claim for Universal Credit you will not be paid for the first seven days. These days are known as waiting days. However, you should not let this delay your claim and apply as soon as you are eligible to do so.

The seven days’ waiting period won’t apply if you are in certain circumstances, for example if you’re terminally ill or vulnerable, have previously claimed Universal Credit, are splitting up from or moving in with a Universal Credit claimant, or are moving on to it from another benefit.

More Information Visit: moneyadviceservice.org.uk for free, impartial financial advice.

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Council bids farewell to half a century of expertise Two of the most dedicated Officers at Cotswold District Council retired today after amassing over 50 years’ worth of valued skill and expertise.

Roz Brazier and Denise Handley have filled a range of posts but Roz is best known for her pioneering work on emergency planning coordination, and Denise has provided essential and very efficient business support on issues including food hygiene.

Both women have been with the Council for over 25 years and their popularity was evident at their joint farewell ceremony which was attended by colleagues past and present.

Claire Locke, CDC’s Head of Environment Services and Amanda Morgan, Head of Operational Services in the newly formed Environmental and Regulatory Service Group, both paid tribute to the retirees. Claire commented: “It’s hard to imagine emergency planning without Roz

Above – Roz (left) and Denise (right) enjoying their retirement ceremony – she has done a magnificent job, especially when she had to deal with the aftermath of widespread flooding across the District in 2007. It’s a very demanding job and she has always delivered.”

Amanda added: “Denise has been the bedrock of the team, ensuring that our records are accurate and that we are completely on top of the job. She responded magnificently when we introduced the new food hygiene rating system, and we will always be grateful for her hard work and infectious enthusiasm.”

Both Roz and Denise have a wealth of plans for their retirement which involve family activities and travel.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

27

Watch out for council tax banding scam!

Residents are warned to be on their guard against bogus callers advising them that their council tax bands may be too high. These callers are offering to work on your behalf for a fee to obtain a reduction.

This is a scam, which is operating across the country, and we are currently receiving reports of callers contacting residents in the Cotswolds. If you wish to appeal against your council tax banding, you can do this yourself very easily by contacting the District Valuation Office on 03000 501 501.

It is not a complicated procedure, there is no requirement whatsoever for a third party to intervene and it will not cost you anything.

If you receive one of these calls, do not give out any personal information and end the call as quickly as possible. The fraudsters can get aggressive and ring back if you put the phone down but this is all part of the scam to make you act as they want.

To report a suspected scam, contact Gloucestershire County Council on 01452 425000 (ask for Trading Standards).

Council urges residents to take up free central heating offer Cotswold District Council is keen to ensure that residents without central heating are aware that there are grants available - worth up to £4,500 per property - to install new systems in their homes. The Council, along with the other six local authorities in the county and South Gloucestershire, has been awarded a share of £25 million government funding to help residents to keep their houses warm and lower their energy bills.

Cllr Sue Coakley, the Cabinet Member for Health, Environment and Communities at Cotswold District Council, says: “We first publicised these grants in February and we’ve been rather surprised by the low take-up in the District so far, especially since we estimate that there are hundreds of households in the Cotswolds which do not currently have central heating.

“This funding should help lower bills and potentially lift people out of fuel poverty. I cannot emphasise enough that these are grants rather than loans so they do not have to be paid back – there are absolutely no strings attached.”

Beware Cold Callers!

Unfortunately some large, reputable businesses are attracting the unwanted attention of scammers and cowboy builders who are cold calling and knocking on the doors of innocent people, pretending to be from well known companies working in the area. They apply pressure sales and bully tactics to get people to hand money over for substandard work, or in some cases work that does not even get done!

The scheme, run by Warm and Well, is predominantly aimed at properties that are owned or privately rented and have no central heating, although the replacement of other forms of heating systems will also be considered. The aim is to install modern energy efficient condensing boilers, which could save a household on average £250 a year, based on a family in a three bed semi-detached house.

Reputable companies will never knock on your door touting for business.

Head of Domestic Energy Services at Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) Brian Canning, who is the managing agent for Warm & Well, says: “The government funding on offer could pay for the installation of new heating systems in up to 1,000 homes across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. Provided they meet the qualifying criteria, this is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners who are finding it difficult to afford more expensive forms of energy such as electricity and solid fuel.

Always ask for identification which is provided by reputable companies whenever their employees are visiting a customer.

Do background checks and make sure the company they say they are from has sent them.

For further information and energy efficiency advice – including help with completing the relevant forms – please call the Warm and Well advice line 0800 500 3076, email warm&well@severnwye.org.uk or text ‘WARM’ to 83010.

Many reputable companies have fallen victim to this scam and have a few words of advice for innocent consumers to ensure they and their money stay safe:

Check companies out on Trust Pilot Never hand over cash or any kind of payment to any work person unless you have contacted them directly and employed their services yourself.

28

Your CotswoldLink

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

29

There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us...

Aston Magna Blockley Bourton-on-the-Hill

Moretonin-Marsh

Little Compton Evenlode

Longborough Condicote

Oddington Broadwell

Winchcombe

Stow-onthe-Wold

Next issues

Great Rollright

West Oxfordshire Sept / Oct 2016

Little Rollright Over Norton

Chipping Norton Cornwell

Dist: w/c 29th Aug & 5th Sept ‘16 Copy: 5th August ‘16

Heythrop

............................................

North Cotswolds Sept / Oct 2016

Lidstone

Dist: w/c 29th Aug ‘16 KinghamChurchill Icomb Upper Slaughter Dean Copy: 5th August ‘16 Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Whittington Rissington Church Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Little Dowdeswell Andoversford Wychwood Chilson Rissington Fifield Shipton Milton-under- Ascott-underClapton-on-the-Hill Great Fawler Wychwood Wychwood Turkdean Rissington Compton Finstock Abdale Langley Ramsden Great Withington Leafield Barrington Fulbrook Taynton Hailey Asthall Windrush Little Leigh homes & businesses Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley Chedworth Asthall Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village homes & businesses Aldsworth

Bourton-onthe-Water

North Cotswolds

Charlbury

18,050

Northleach

15,350

Burford

Shilton

Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com

Dwight 01609 779097 dwight@jkanorth.com www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com

West Oxfordshire

Brize Norton

Carterton

1/4 Page from only

£105!

Index Antiques Mallams: p3 Attractions & Events Chedworth Roman Villa: p17 Elemental Sculpture Park: p18 Home & Garden Show: p32 Magicland: p15 Theatre: The King & I: p16 Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p7 Calarel Developments: p7 FFH Trade Services: p29 Hill-top Joinery: p8 Hooper Joinery: p5 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Morgan Roofing Services: p29 N & D Construction: p29 North Cotswold Builder: p27 Standard Building: p27 Thomas Contracting: p21 Children’s Services Bourton Day Nursery: p15 JDR Karting: p1 Stepping Stones Nursery: p14 Walkers Day Nursery: p32 Cleaning Services Campden Cottages: p13 Casio Oven Clean: p13 Chem Dry: p8 Maid in the Cotswolds: p13 Dentists Cirencester Dental Practice: p23 Education Cotswold Tutor: p15 Stepping Stones Nursery: p14 Walkers Day Nursery: p32 Youth Education Service: p14

30

Your CotswoldLink

Elderly Services Hearing & Mobility Store: p25 Electrical Services ARC Electrical: p8 Cotswold Aerials: p31 KR Electrical: p1 P Wheeler Electrical: p6 Vision Repairs: p5 Finance & Legal Aspray Insurance: p11 Flooring Parsons Flooring: p9 Food & Drink Cotswold Farmer: p16 Kilkeney Inn: p17 Redesdale Arms: p1 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p25 Furniture Armstrong Interiors: p9 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Dunford Woodwork: p32 Hill-top Joinery: p8 Phil Dadge: p27 Roundabout: p25 Gardening & Landscaping Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p21 Dowdeswell Forestry: p21 FFH Trade Services: p29 Get Rid Removals: p31 H & H Groundworks: p29 Logs & Fencing: p21 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Mower Medic: p21 Thomas Contracting: p21 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p21

Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p4 Cirencester Dental Practice: p23 Jacquelyne Morisson Hypnotherapy Training: p22 Paul Brookes Foot Health: p22 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p22

Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p25 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p21 Home & Interiors Armstrong Interiors: p9 Core Ceramics: p6 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 & p5

Country Bathrooms: p6 Country House Curtains: p9 Homechoice Blinds: p5 Parsons Flooring: p9 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p13 Kitchens Cottonwood Interiors: p5 Locksmiths Just Carpentry & Locks: p9 Logs & Fuel Dowdeswell Forestry: p21 Logs & Fencing: p21 Motoring Cotswold Cars: p31 Dean Tyres: p31 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p13 Cookers & Co: p30 Painting & Decorating Paul The Painter: p6 Richard Luckett Decorators: p5 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p16 Vets Home Visit: p4 Photography Jenny Aston Photography: p4 Property Maintenance Coln Clearances: p27 FFH Trade Services: p29 Get Rid Removals: p31 Hill-top Joinery: p8 Hooper Joinery: p5 Just Carpentry & Locks: p9 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1

Recuitment Burford Garden Centre: p19 Bonner & Milner: p19 Recycling Joe Gilder: p27 Removals Coln Clearances: p27 Get Rid Removals: p31 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p14 Sports & Leisure JDR Karting: p1 Runnerbean: p11 Sound & Vision ARC Electrical: p8 Cotswold Aerials: p31 Vision Repairs: p5 Taxis Cotswold & Burford Taxis: p5 Travel & Tourism Campden Cottages: p13 Character Cottages: p2 Tree Surgery Dowdeswell Forestry: p21 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p15 Sewing Tuition: p14 Weddings Chantily Rose: p10 Window Cleaner P & M Sands: p3 Windows Homechoice Blinds: p5

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

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink

31

www.cotswoldlink.co.uk