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Sept / Oct 2016
DATA DRIVEN FINANCE FOCUSSED HOLIDAY LETTING EXPERTS
Character Cottages is a leading, high performance holiday letting agency, specialising only in the Cotswolds. With our proprietary pricing algorithm and other bespoke performance tools, welcome to the new way to maximise your holiday cottage’s financial potential. www.character-cottages.co.uk 0208 935 5375 letmycottage@character-cottages.co.uk 2
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inside
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Interior Design Service launching!
chat to Paul Matthew about his new interior design service 08 We launching across the Cotswolds
u money and
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Education
A plea to all parents and teachers
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28
08 New Interior Design Service business 10 New Businesses & Services advertorial: 12 Local I.T Specialists local news 13 Help us keep the wheels turning! events 16 Seasonal events across our area education 18 A plea for student support advertorial: FEATURED
logy. A computer or network-connected device controls almost ntertainment, bill payment and shopping online. For most of us, ng an experienced technician who can troubleshoot and fix your an from his busy repair centre, TechTonic IT, in Bourton on the g, a talented and well-respected local.
FEATURED
overheads are much lower and we employ local people, which puts money back into the local community too.
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Garden View
A look at some favourite seasonal flowers
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20 Improvements to Rural Bus Service pest control: 22 A look at pest control garden view: 24 Favourite plants for Christmas local news 28 Cirencester Housing Project cotswold link 30 Advertiser Index local news
FEATURED
FEATURED
Welcome to the September Tech .it - October issue Tonic As the nights begin to draw in and we think ahead to Christmas
Station Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AA
and all that it brings, it’s important to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Page 28 highlights the wonderful work of the Cirencester Housing for Young People organisation. They provide an invaluable service to young people across the area. Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you. I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in Winter. 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.
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Paul Matthew INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior Design Service Based in the Cotswolds From a small scale refurbishment to new projects and renovations Paul Matthew can create beautiful hand crafted interiors
From a single room to a complete home transformation...
Passionate about interior design and with 5 years experience Paul Matthew works personally with you to create stunning interiors within your home Paul believes your home should be personal and individual to you and your family... And should reflect and suit your lifestyle “The key to great design is capturing the spirit of the client and the essence of the space�
Design - Develop - Detail From Traditional to the Contemporary Paul Matthew has a fantastic network of contacts in the interior world, in which he can work with to produce the finest interiors with all budgets in mind.
Creative & Imaginative Interiors For a Professional Service
Call Paul
kitchen to home study and the all important snug...
Professional | Qualified | Experienced
Also perfect for the family home Second home and holiday lets...
From designing a single room, to a complete home redecoration, bathroom to bedroom, living room to hallway, stairs and landing,
Providing ideas and inspiration to create the design you desire...
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For a reliable service Very competitive prices For a full quotation & consultation Please call or email:
07527 017914 pauldadge@hotmail.co.uk
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NEW
2 pages of new businesses and those offering new services! Family business Alderminster Group, move to Shipston on Stour and build new Green premises Alderminster Group, experts in electrics, gas, renewables and solar energy, has recently moved to Shipston on Stour, central to customers across Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds. The move presented an exciting opportunity to founders Paul and Maria Clack to build a bespoke business premises, with room for further growth: “We have grown over the past 30 years from customer referrals and a reputation of giving quality service and expert advice. Our team are excited about being in Shipston, we have more space and it’s a fantastic central location for us, with the added benefit of working in the countryside. And we have office space here to rent out to other local businesses too!“ Director, Maria Clack.
The new Green building uses an air source heat pump which provides energy for heating and hot water. Energy generated from solar PV powers computers used by the office team and the savings made compared to using energy from the grid, funds the running of an electric car.
Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy
What is Hypnotherapy? Hypnosis is a natural and pleasant state of mind which we often enter without realising it. Have you ever lost track of time while engrossed in a film or book? Or driven along a well travelled road and suddenly realised you can’t remember the last mile or two before home? This is when our mind naturally enters into trance and we can use this to our advantage in the therapy room. And although you remain awake and in control, we can use this relaxation process to promote positive change and beneficial suggestions to the subconscious mind. What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy? The type of Hypnotherapy I practise is “Solution Focused Therapy” which is designed to reduce anxiety and calm the mind. As the name suggests, it focuses on solutions for the future, rather than analysing problems of the past. Provided you are willing to make changes to the way you think, the therapy can be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Focusing on solutions means we do not dwell on problems. Instead we: - acknowledge where you are currently
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Founder Paul Clack is passionate about renewable energy: “We are proud to have built environmentally friendly premises and enabled cost savings to the business long term. As a family business owner, being self-sufficient and cost effective is important to me. And in advising business owners to invest in generating their own energy, I really needed to walk the talk and do it myself!“ There will be a launch of the new building later this year, with invites going out to local business owners and charities. In the meantime, pop in and say hi, there’s nothing Paul likes better than to chat about energy solutions over a coffee and show you around the new building.
Tel: 01789 450314 www.alderminstergroup.co.uk Unit 8, Shipston Business Village, Tilemans Lane, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4FF
- identify where you want to be - help you to make the necessary changes. Hypnosis itself reduces anxiety and this is done very simply through relaxation and visualisation, allowing the client to focus on the positive aspects of their lives that encourages a shift in perspective. Through working with the client, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help with Confidence and Self Esteem problems. It can also help (if necessary in conjunction with medication) in the treatment of depression and anxiety, including panic attacks, agoraphobia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Phobias such as spiders, water, flying and public speaking can also be minimised, along with painful memories and traumatic experiences. It can help with building confidence and motivation, which is useful in the treatment of weight issues and sports performance. Hypnotherapy is successful in helping people to stop smoking in one simple session. It can also be used to help in other, tremendously positive ways – improving sleep through to easing stress and promoting relaxation. This list is by no means exhaustive – For more details call Christine on: 07786 121542
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New store open now Christmas Court, Burford Pure Silver Design is a South West born company, dedicated to bringing its customers the absolute best in contemporary Sterling Silver jewellery. Our studio pieces are personally and responsibly sourced. Every item has been selected by hand and eye from our trusted suppliers; individual crafts people and small businesses across the world. Quality of design and manufacture is at the heart of our products. Excellence in customer service is at the heart of our stores.
NEW: Personal Shopper Service Stow-on-the-Wold Talbot Court GL54 1BQ 01451 830743
St Ives 60 Fore Street TR26 1HW 01736 793618
Burford Christmas Court OX18 4QF 01993 824069
Truro Victoria Square TR1 2RS 01872 240093
Pressed for time? Pressed Out Ltd has brought a collection and delivery ironing service to the Cotswolds. After cleaning, gardening and car washing the next likely chore to be subcontracted is ironing. Some hate it, some love it and others never do any. Pressed Out say that an easy to access service, prompt collections and returns and a quality finish will establish them as a vital support service, for anyone, who values their own time and the luxury of freshly pressed clothes, bed linen or table wear. Gina, at Pressed Out, is a perfectionist and passionate that quality is always prioritised. She is confident that using the latest steam and vacuum pressing tables will produce a much better finish than anything done at home. Items are hung or folded and looked after right up to the point of return. “We don’t want to see our hard work undone by poor handling, the delivery is as important and the ironing”
By combining old fashioned customer service with a can-do and flexible approach, Colin, who looks after logistics, hopes to win customers over by making the process as easy as possible. “There is no point in our service creating wasted time for our customers, it’s this we want to save” he says. “We use telephone, text messaging and emails to communicate with our customers, when we are in touch with our customers on a personal level everything runs smoothly – just like our ironing” Bookings can be made via their website but are also accepted via telephone, text or in person. Some customers prefer to drop their clean washing into their premises at the Cotswold Business Village. “We love ironing, let us do yours” Pressed Out Ltd Unit 4, Wychwood Court, Cotswold Business Village, Moreton in Marsh, GL56 0JQ 01608 484000 | 07476 469 185 hello@pressedout.co.uk www.pressedout.co.uk
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We find out why staying local saves you money and serves you better than you might think
As we all know, modern society is now overly dependent on technology. A computer or network-connected device controls almost every aspect of our daily lives - from social interaction through to entertainment, bill payment and shopping online. For most of us, there is nothing worse than an ailing or dead device, that's why finding an experienced technician who can troubleshoot and fix your computer quickly is important. We managed to drag such a technician from his busy repair centre, TechTonic IT, in Bourton on the Water to talk to us. Many of you will already know Malcolm Wearing, a talented and well-respected local. overheads are much lower and we employ local people, which puts money back into the local community too.
TechTonic .it
Station Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AA
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Help us to keep the wheels turning! Community Connexions, a county wide charity based in Cheltenham which provides door-to-door community transport for the elderly and disabled is asking for volunteers to join their ‘Friends of Community Connexions’ group to help keep their vital services running. Paul Riddick, CEO of Community
Connexions said “We provide extensive accessible transport services across the county with the help of our drivers, many of whom are volunteers. Our small staff team concentrate their time and efforts ensuring the continuity of front line services, enabling some of the most vulnerable members of society to attend vital hospital and doctor appointments, visit relatives, get essential shopping and engage with their local communities.” We are delighted that our service is so popular and that we are helping so many people get out and about - our enhanced service provision
is being met with great enthusiasm by many communities! However, we now have a greater need than ever for volunteers to work alongside office staff and trustees to help us to raise funds that will enable us to meet the ever increasing demand for community transport. Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they wish. We operate in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury Borough, Cotswold and Stroud Districts. Ideally we would like people from all of those areas to join our friendly team, bringing their skills, experience and ideas to help us in whichever way suits them.” Further information about the charity can be found on their website www.communityconnexions.org. uk or call 0845 680 5029
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Out & About 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month
n Woodstock Farmers Market Stalls with delicious, fresh, locally produced, seasonal food direct from the farm to you! Time: 8.30am - 1.30pm Town Hall Market Place Woodstock, OX20 1SL Tel: 01235 227266 ........................................................
3rd September
n Moreton-in-Marsh Agricultural and Horse Show The Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a traditional one day Agricultural and Horse Show and the leading agricultural event in the County. It is held in the extreme north of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds on the first Saturday in September each year. Competitions are held for horses, ponies, cattle [including the National Show of Poll Hereford cattle], sheep [including the National Show of Cotswold Sheep], goats, poultry, dogs, homecrafts, flowers, vegetables and even scarecrows. Around 250 tradestands provide everything from a tractor to a toy and a wide selection of food and drink - both to eat at once and to take home. Telephone: 08708 777409 www.moretonshow.co.uk ........................................................
4th September
n Wychwood Forest Fair Cornbury Park. From Charlbury Morris dancers to ferret racing, bee keeping and basket making – join us for a fun and fascinating day celebrating rural life at the 17th annual Wychwood Forest Fair. The Fair is a great family day out offering a wide range of entertainment, delicious food, rural craft demonstrations, music, shopping - including our famous second hand bookstall - and much, much more. The Wychwood Project, organiser of the Fair, is a registered charity and all proceeds from this event go towards the charity’s work of “Restoring Landscapes, Inspiring People” in the Wychwood area.
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Tickets £7 on the gate, or £6 in advance via the Wychwood Project website: www.wychwoodproject.org ........................................................
10th & 11th September
n Northleach Steam & Vintage Show plus Ale Festival Eastington Road, Northleach, GL54 3PJ Whilst this may not be one of the biggest shows in the country, the show’s heritage and relaxed enjoyable atmosphere set in the idyllic Cotswold countryside gives it a uniqueness of its own. Red Lion Inn will be hosting its own Ale Festival at the show with live music throughout the day, and for the children there will be additional entertainment including fun fair amusements, ferret racing, airsoft target paintball, have-a-go archery and even a climbing wall. 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun £5 Adults, £3 Senior Citizens, Children under 16 FREE www.northleachsteamshow.co.uk ........................................................
10th & 11th September
n Chipping Norton Jazz and Music Festival This will be the 19th Chippy Jazz and Music Festival. As always, all money raised by CJAM goes to charity. If you’ve been to CJAM before, then you’ll know just how warm a welcome to expect, how much great music you will hear, and just much fun you will have! If you haven’t been before, then you have a very nice surprise in store More information from: www.chippyjazz.org.uk All profits go to : Lawrence Home Nursing Team, SpecialEffect, End Polio Now and Rotary charities. Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chipping Norton. ........................................................
15th - 18th September
n THEATRE: The King & I The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham TIckets £12 - £16 and available from Showcase on: 01242 224144 ........................................................
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.
29th September - 2nd October
n Tetbury Music Festival Tetbury Music Festival has unveiled its 2016 programme, which welcomes some of the finest names in classical music to one of the most beautiful and idyllic settings in the Cotswolds. A varied and stimulating programme, this year includes the welcome return of the festival’s founding Artistic Director, Steven Isserlis CBE, this time in a performance role, as well as the launch of a brand new lecture initiative and the Choir of the Age of Enlightenment’s first ever solo festival performance. Supported by its Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, Tetbury Music Festival is a longstanding musical institution, renowned for its high standards of performance and programming. The festival works to champion new players and offer a diverse programme combining familiar and less familiar repertoire. For full programme details, please visit www.tetburymusicfestival.org. Tickets are available online at: www.tetburymusicfestival.org and from Tetbury Tourist Information Centre on 01666 503 552. ........................................................
Chedworth Roman Villa September
n Art and sculpture exhibition Sat 10 Sept – Sun 9 Oct 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.
and create a mosaic masterpiece. Decorate your home in style or give as a gift. Lunch and materials included. Booking essential; charge £50. Call 0844 249 1895.
n October half-term activities Sat 22 – Sun 30 Join us this October half-term for a fun children’s trail. Every day there will be seasonal craft activities. Enjoy this time of the year as we focus on the natural world and changing colours in our landscape. n Ranger workshop: wild art Tues 25 10.30-11.30am Join James the ranger for a wild art workshop. Search for natural materials to make your own clay Bog-art. These scary fiends will look great for Halloween! n Needle felting workshop Sat 26 11am-3pm Enjoy a fascinating workshop where you will learn the art of needle felting. Make something special to take home; add a touch of magic to your Christmas by making a festive decoration. Lunch and materials included. Booking essential; charge £35. Call 0844 2491895. n Children’s mosaic workshop Thurs 27 10.30am-12.30pm Make your very own mosaic to take home. Materials and a light snack provided. Booking essential; charge £15. Call 0844 249 1895.
Heritage Open Day Sat 10th Open day with free admission.
Phone: 01242 890256 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworthroman-villa
October
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n Mosaic workshop Sat 15 10am-4pm Join professional mosaicist Erica Bibbings
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.
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A plea to all Parents & Teachers: “Please ease off!” Over the years many GCSE students have complained to me that they cannot go by a single day without one teacher or parent reminding them about the forthcoming examinations that they will be sitting in the months ahead. It plays on their minds and they resent the perpetual reminders. I can thoroughly understand the concerns of both parents and teachers. The parents are fearful of their protégés’ failing in life and the teachers; who are under intense pressure to produce successful examination results; inadvertently passing on their worries and concerns to their students. This approach is counterproductive. It has been reported by the media that more teenagers than ever are admitting that they are struggling with mental health issues including depression, eating disorders and anxiety. This situation is being carried on when our youngsters
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progress to university. The University of Reading says there has been a 20% year-on-year increase in students wanting help from counsellors. Society is becoming more aware of the increasing demands on our young students which are not helped by the consistent changes in our education system. For example the Year 11 students will sit the new GCSE 9-1 examinations in Maths and English next summer which have been deliberately produced to become more rigorous. Yes, most adults who have sat examinations in the past will state that they felt exactly the same when they were teenagers, but what is new is that the introduction of social media is amplifying the anxiety in the minds of students as they continually discuss their situation. What we need to do is ease the pressure that is on the shoulders of the students.
Information for Parents: Be aware of the following changes in the forthcoming academic year • Y10 Students – Commencement of the first teaching of the new GCSE 9-1 Examinations in the sciences, languages, history, geography, art, drama, food, music, Physical Education and Religious Studies. All to be examined in 2018. • Y11 students: The first sitting of the new GCSE 9-1 Examinations in English Language, Literature and Mathematics to be examined in 2017. • Y12 Students: AS Levels of the following subjects to be first examined in 2017 and commencement of teaching of A Level subjects to be first examined in 2018 include – languages, Dance Drama and Theatre, Geography, Music, Physical Education and Religious Studies.
and beyond the call of duty. • I know that you enter the classroom with relaxed smiles on your faces and have laughs with your classes and that you are striving to come up with new methods to help your students learn. • I know that you do your very best for each student. Now see how long you can go in lessons without a mention of that dreaded four letter word “EXAM” and relieve your students of a small amount of additional stress. Wishing you all a successful academic year. Useful internet sites www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk www.youngminds.org.uk www.mind.org.uk John Harris
For Teachers • I know that you are doing above
Bourton Library Opening Times
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10am -1pm Wednesday: 2pm - 5pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm 5pm Saturday: 10am - 1pm ......................... gloucestershire.gov.uk/ libraries Tel:0845 230 5420
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Improvements to Rural Community Bus Services Community Connexions is a charity with over 35 years’ experience in providing accessible transport solutions and independence for people living in isolated areas. We will be replacing ‘soon to be lost’ bus services with door-to-door shopper bus services in Stroud and Cotswold Districts. We operate similar services all over Gloucestershire which have proved very popular. Enjoy a door-to-door service on a mini-bus with regular drivers who pick you up from home and even help you with your shopping on your return. Here are some sample comments about our service: “We very much appreciate the service you provide, as an 80 year old I couldn’t manage my shopping without the mini-bus and our driver is always cheerful and very helpful.” “I am more than pleased with it - I rely on this service I use it every week and I can’t drive, so without
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this I don’t know what I’d do. Many thanks.” Passengers not only love the convenience but also the social side of things. Getting together to travel in groups on a regular basis has founded many new friendships. Journeys are bookable on an ad hoc basis or as a regular weekly booking. Bus passes and concessions are accepted. The changes which are due to came into effect during the week beginning 15 August will impact areas in Cotswold District including: - Long Newton, Doughton, Shipton Moyne, Avening, Westonbirt, Ashley, Culkerton, Tetbury Upton, Tetbury, Cherington, Rodmarton, Coates, Daglingworth, Kemble, Bagendon ,Preston, Siddington, Ewen, Harnhill, Perrott’s Brook, Stratton, Baunton, Cirencester, South Cerney, Driffield, Ampney Crucis, Ampney St Mary, Ampney St Peter, Poulton, Meysey Hampton, Quenington, Fairford, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Sunhill, Whelford, Kempsford and Lechlade.
Community Connexions can also arrange individual journeys in cars with volunteer drivers. Although there is a charge it is usually cheaper than a taxi. It’s hoped that this new venture will be well used as we know what happens if it isn’t.............. Use It or Lose It! To register for Community Connexions services call 0845 680 5029. Volunteer drivers needed Want to do your bit for our community? This is golden opportunity to volunteer as a car driver. It’s a small commitment and expenses will be paid. Contact Bev Hemming on 01242 244635 or email bev@communityconnexions.org.uk to find out more – she would love to hear from you.
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“Of Mice & Men” Some of our readers may recognise Alex Badger from his 21 years at Cotswold District Council. It was here that he gained the experience and qualifications required to operate as an accredited pest control technician. Cotswold Pest Control and Wildlife Management Ltd was launched in October 2015 and delivers professional pest control service to homes and business across the North Cotswold, West Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire area. We asked Alex to talk a little about his work and how pest control changes with the seasons. “The late Summer has kept me busy with wasp nest treatment and other insect related complaints but now that harvest is complete, days shorten and weather starts to deteriorate, the content of phone call and email enquiries change, as summer passes natures baton to autumn for the penultimate lap of the pest control calendar. Rats and mice are now almost exclusively the subject of those enquiries. As natural food becomes less available and rodent populations, previously enjoying natures bounty in standing corn and hedgerow bottom are suddenly made homeless and hungry. The diminishing habitat triggers behavioural changes and individual animals, family groups and occasionally whole colonies can be seen ‘on the move’. This migration will bring rats into our gardens and sheds, garages and barns, lofts and attics and into certain conflict.
Why Control?
Coughs and sneezes spread diseases but so do rats and mice. We are all familiar with Rattus Norvegicus, the common or brown rat, and its water borne association with Leptospirosis or Weils Disease but short shrift is given to the humble Mus Domesticus, house mouse, and the role it plays in disease transmission. While 14% of rats carry Lepto a massive 80% of mice also carry
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this potentially fatal bacteria. Add to this consumption and contamination of food stuff, structural damage, damage to insulation, plumbing and perhaps most worrying power cables and domestic wiring (50% of farm fires are caused by rats), early sexual maturity and the alarming rate of reproduction of both species and the need for control becomes obvious.
Flies
On a lighter note, another common pest associated with Autumn are Cluster fly infestations, not to be confused with the house and blow fly, it has no association with decomposition and many people can be forgiven for thinking they have a dead rat or bird in their loft for the flies appearance is very similar. They are not a public health pest but what we term a nuisance value pest and look very unpleasant on cream carpets and window sills.
they have no escape and will quickly die of stress in bedroom and landing windows falling to the carpet. Treatment is simple and effective and monitoring numbers in the autumn can avoid these sometimes upsetting scenes following a weekend away”. Rats, mice, moles, flies, fleas, moths and other pest species are all the subject of enquiries at this colourful time of year. If you have any pest control queries, wish to make an appointment for treatment or simply need some advice then please call Alex for a prompt response.
In late September and October huge numbers of flies can be seen congregating on more often Cotswold stone buildings usually south facing or sunny aspect walls, enjoying the last warming rays of autumn sunshine, charging their batteries before entering under the eaves into loft and attic spaces and window closures. Here they will stay, if undisturbed to emerge the following spring to repeat their life cycle. They are not nesting or laying eggs or present as a result of a decomposing carcuss rather seeking a suitable hibernation site. It is only when hibernation is interrupted by an unseasonal spell of warm winter weather or perhaps where an empty property suddenly has the heating turned on that this dormant state is interrupted. Lulled into a false sense of springtime, they awake, and are immediately drawn to any source of light. Some will leave the way they entered but for many this can be around an ill fitting loft hatch or where pipework travels from loft to first floor. As soon as this occurs
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GARDEN VIEW
Christmas
Garden Preparation
I’m going to say the ‘C’ word...it’s very naughty of
You need to buy ‘prepared’ bulbs which have
me I know. But the children are back in school so
been heat-treated to make them flower be-
won’t hear me...here goes...forgive me...Christmas!
fore Christmas. I tend to plant one variety per pot because I think that provides more
Before you all pelt me with clay flowerpots just hear
impact but you can plant to suit your own
me out. A little advance planning now and when skies
tastes.
are dark and the north wind blows you’ll reap the benefits of my advice, I promise.
I use a nice 15cm / 6 inch pot with drainage holes (so there’s no danger of water-
Everyone knows about potted hyacinths, ubiquitous
logging) and fill it with soil-less multipur-
during the festive period. They smell heavenly but let’s
pose compost. I cram as many bulbs in
face it everyone has them and they’re a bit old-hat. I
as I can, leaving just the pointy bit of the
have the answer: scented narcissi. To my mind they’re
bulb protruding.
more elegant and fit better into contemporary homes. The two varieties I grow are Paper White, which is my
Then I water them and keep them in a
favourite, because it’s white and so seems to fit in with
cool dark place until the flower shoots
the whole Christmas theme, and Grand Soleil d’Or for
are visible.
when I need a sunnier, yellow bloom.
Within a fortnight of bringing them into a warm room they will flower.
Both varieties have tiny flowers, clustered at the top
Have some split green canes on hand
of straight, long stems and, if planted now they will
with some twine so if the stems need
be in flower before Christmas. I tend to plant a few
support you can provide it. Then just
pots now (they’re great as economical gifts for those
sniff and enjoy.
hard-to-buy-for elderly relatives) plus a pot per week for myself between now and the end of October so I
By Rachel Leverton
can have the luxury of scented bulbs continuously in flower for a couple of months during the bleak winter period.
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New Drystone Waller Since starting at Huntmans Quarries actually digging out the stone, Luke Dadge knew he wanted to be a drystone waller. Trained by successful drystone wallers in the Cotswolds Completed a Level 2 qualification in Dry Stone Walling We asked Luke why he decided to start his own business, “I decided to branch out on my own as I’ve always wanted to run my own business and throughly enjoy Dry Stone Walling. The quarry was great experience for me and I really enjoyed my time there, but I’ve always wanted to branch out on my own.” For more information and a free quote, call Luke on: 07904 385172 / 01451 821295
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Supporting vulnerable young people with housing needs A brief history of Cirencester Housing for Young People Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) was formed after a public meeting on 18 September 1986. The meeting heard that housing provision for young people did not exist locally. The rough sleepers all had problems. Some had been in care for most or part of their childhood and just could not cope alone. Others were escaping uncaring parents who had neglected or abused them. Some had lived in very overcrowded conditions and had no privacy or space of their own. They needed to escape the stress of constant family arguments, but could not find anywhere affordable to live. It seemed that although many organisations existed for young children, the teenagers and young adults they grew into did not receive continuing help and attention. A clear gap in services was identified. This gap was filled by a group of local people who formed a committee and started fundraising in order to purchase a house. With some funds in place they took a giant leap of faith and used their own homes as security to take out a loan. The first CHYP house opened in Stratton, Cirencester housing 4 young people. However it soon became clear that providing accommodation alone was not enough. Care and support were also required if the charity was to work. Since 2003 CHYP has been firmly established in 29/31 Querns Lane. This central location is close to all amenities and provides fully supported housing for 7 young people. The house is staffed 24 hours a day. On 31 May 2006, CHYP opened its second house close by at 26 Ashcroft
Road, Cirencester. This house provides “move-on” accommodation for 4 young people and office space. Support is still provided, but without staff living in. This property provides the opportunity for young people to live more independently and prepare for taking on a tenancy of their own. Over the years funding streams have come and gone and CHYP has occupied several properties in Cirencester. For many years CHYP had a third property but like many small organisations local government funding which helped towards the running of this property, was withdrawn in 2010. This gave us the opportunity to look at how the service was run and to focus on the best way forward. CHYP made a successful application to the Transition Fund - a short term grant for 2011-2012 with the specific aim of helping organsiations through a time when government funding had been removed. It enabled us to make a thorough review of our service and our working practices. Now with the future of the two properties more secure we move forward in a much stronger position, able to provide an even more professional and focused service with fully trained staff. The Cotswolds appears beautiful and affluent. Whilst the area is very picturesque, Shelter has highlighted it as one of the most expensive parts of the country in which to live- such is the gap between property costs and average wages.
We need your help! To date, we have helped over 500 vulnerable young people, but to continue to do so we need your support.
It costs over £200,000 per annum to run CHYP £10 would buy a welcome pack of food for a young person when they first move into CHYP, as many young people have no income. £100 would pay for two weeks of invalu-
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able individually tailored one to one key worker support £500 would pay for two weeks worth of night staff support at Querns Lane Please contact us if you, or your company, would like to get involved in fundraising, make a donation, or volunteer in our shop. Email chyp@btinternet.com or tel: 01285 651227 or 01285 644900
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Index
Attractions & Events Chedworth Roman Villa: p17 Milldene Garden: p24 Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p7 Calarel Developments: p7 Hill-top Joinery: p31 Hooper Joinery: p23 Huntsman Quarries: p5 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Morgan Roofing Services: p27 N & D Construction: p27 North Cotswold Builder: p30 Standard Building: p28 Thomas Contracting: p27 Children’s Services Bourton Day Nursery: p18 Stepping Stones Nursery: p19 Cleaning Services Campden Cottages: p14 Casio Oven Clean: p28 Chem Dry: p9 Maid in the Cotswolds: p4 MRK Services: p25 Computers Techtonic IT: p12 Dentists Cirencester Dental Practice: p15 Education Burford School: p1 Cotswold Tutor: p19 Stepping Stones Nursery: p19 Youth Education Service: p18 Elderly Services Abbeyfield: p20
Hearing & Mobility Store: p15 Oak Tree Mews: p21 Electrical Services Alderminster Electrics: p10 ARC Electrical: p23 Cotswold Aerials: p29 KR Electrical: p3 P Wheeler Electrical: p28 Vision Repairs: p4 Fashion & Clothing Showcase: p16 Finance & Legal Aspray Insurance: p23 Flooring Parsons Flooring: p9 Food & Drink Kilkeney Inn: p17 Lamb Inn: p14 Redesdale Arms: p3 The Inn at Fossebridge: p16 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p21 Fuel Butler Fuels: p30 Furniture Armstrong Interiors: p9 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Dunford Woodwork: p31 Hill-top Joinery: p31 MRK Services: p25 Phil Dadge: p6 Roundabout: p20 Gardening & Landscaping Andrew Ayre Gardens: p24 Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Dowdeswell Forestry: p25
Get Rid Removals: p22 H & H Groundworks: p27 Logs & Fencing: p25 Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p26 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Mower Medic: p25 Thomas Contracting: p27 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p25 Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p14 Christine Taber Hypnotherapy: p10 Cirencester Dental Practice: p15 Oxford Mindfulness Centre: p5 Paul Brookes Foot Health: p15 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p15 Runnerbean: p13 Time For Change: p14 Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p15 Hire Cotswold Marquees: p16 Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Home & Interiors Armstrong Interiors: p9 Bourton Bathrooms & Kitchens: p5 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Country Bathrooms: p6 Country House Curtains: p31 Fosse Fires: p1 Homechoice Blinds: p6 Parsons Flooring: p9 Paul Matthew Interior Design: p8 Internet Provider Gigaclear: p23 Ironing Pressed Out: p11
Jewellery Pure Silver Design: p11 Kitchens Bourton Bathrooms & Kitchens: p5 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Locksmiths Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Logs & Fuel Cotswold Logs: p1 Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 Logs & Fencing: p25 Motoring ACM Truck & Bus Services: p29 Cotswold Cars: p29 Dowleys:p32 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p28 Cookers & Co: p14 Painting & Decorating CM Baker: p6 Richard Luckett Decorators: p6 Pest Control Cotswold Pest Control: p22 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p4 Vets Home Visit: p21 Property Maintenance Coln Clearances: p22 Get Rid Removals: p22 Hill-top Joinery: p31 Hooper Joinery: p23 Just Carpentry & Locks: p6 Montrose Property Maintenance: p3 Recuitment Burford Garden Centre: p5
Recycling Joe Gilder: p30 Removals Coln Clearances: p22 Get Rid Removals: p22 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p19 Sports & Leisure Cotswold Archery: p17 Cotswold Riding: p16 Runnerbean: p13 Showcase: p16 Stow Scottish Dance Group: p19 Sound & Vision ARC Electrical: p23 Cotswold Aerials: p29 Vision Repairs: p4 Taxis Cotswold & Burford Taxis: p4 Travel & Tourism Campden Cottages: p14 Character Cottages: p2 Tree Surgery Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p19 Parlons Francais: p18 Sewing Tuition: p19 Weddings Cotswold Marquees: p16 Windows Homechoice Blinds: p6 Milena Windows: p31
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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