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inside
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05 new businesses 08 recipe 10 11 recipe education 12 16 out & about 18 advertorial
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travel
Garden View: Surviving Christmas
New businesses and services
Cotswold Sky
The Perfect Christmas Pudding
New Phone App helps home finders
How to make Mulled Wine
Keep Warm this Winter
Who Controls the Private Tutor? Local Events this Winter Corinum Museum News
20 astronomy 22 local news 24 25 house & home motoring 28 29 local news 30 index garden
Mallorca: a world of its own
Winter Tyres
Old Prison Northleach - News Cotswold Link Index
Welcome to the November - December edition of Your CotswoldLink In this issue we look at several aspects of Christmas and Winter, including a recipe for the perfect Christmas Pudding (p10), how to help your houseplants survive the festive period (p20) as well as how to keep warm during the colder months (p25). This issue is also packed with seasonal events, so make sure you get out and about and enjoy as many of them as you can! I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. t: 01609 777401 Best wishes,
www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
facebook.com/YourCotswoldLink
Index See p30
Christine Campbell | Editor
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Adele’s
Top Travel Tips In this issue...
Mallorca: a world of its own With a wide variety of culture, history and natural terrain it is not surprising that the sheer beauty of Mallorca captivates everyone who visits. From the North with its rugged mountainous region of Tramuntana, across a vast central plain towards the gentle hills of the Levante Mountain range in the East, Mallorca an island of contrast and a short flight away offers a succession of beautiful coves, sandy bays, rugged mountains and a coastline of 500km.
There is something for everyone on Mallorca – Palma the lively capital of Palma with its dazzling nightlife offers an enjoyable weekend break where you can enjoy the vibrant and sophisticated city with its beautiful sea front. It is busy and bustling, you can take a walk through the meandering streets and wide avenues where you find a splendid selection of shops or stop at a little tapas bar that is tucked away and sample the delightful cuisine and wine on offer. A must also is to visit Palmas famous Cathedral and take in the stunning views from Bellver Castle. In contrast to Palma are the captivating little villages untouched by time surrounded by a multitude of trees species: ancient olive trees, carob trees growing on terraces and clinging tenaciously to the mountainside. Mallorca enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, whilst it is warm and sunny in March to November it is cooler from December to February so is enjoyable all year round. Mallorca is truly a world of its own and a world ideal for the independent – minded traveller in search of something unique. From the thriving coastal life boasting fantastic beaches to the many inland villages and mountain retreats, Mallorca truly has something for everyone.
CONTACT THE TEAM • Bourton-on-the-Water: Moore Road - t: 01451 822 048 • Chipping Norton: 10, Middle Row - t: 01608 641 983 www.carricktravel.com
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W E N businesses
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:
Cotswold Confidence Twelve years ago Caroline Andrews was working as a senior finance manager in a large charity. For relaxation she enjoyed horse riding. Little was she to know that whilst on a riding holiday in Italy she was to have an accident that would knock her life onto a completely different course. The major confidence issues Caroline suffered as a result led her on a journey of self-discovery and improvement ultimately resulting in her qualifying as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP coach. This enables her to have empathy with and help others overcome their confidence & fear related issues and move forward with their lives. For more details please call 07789 861541 or visit www.cotswoldconfidence.co.uk
1/8 and ¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 15,200 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 christine@jkanorth.com
Go Greek in Moreton! The Greek Deli has been recently opened by Ilias Karalivanos who has over 17 years experience in the hospitality sector. Ilias setup the deli to share his taste for truly exceptional and delicious Greek food.
The Café
Buffet Catering
Collect your loyalty card on your next visit and you will receive a stamp every time you purchase a coffee from us and when your card is full we will give you one of our irressitable coffees free of charge.
We can cater for groups of all sizes and are happy to provide accounts for regular corporate customers. We also accept orders via email or telephone.
The café offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is traditionally decorated with modern twists throughout. There are a wide range of freshly made dishes to choose from and all of the ingredients have been sourced from local suppliers.
We also provide freshly prepared buffet lunches to local workplaces, events and parties. Choose from a range of sandwiches, accompanying deli items, homemade dishes, yoghurts, cakes and much more. You can create your own menu by choosing and mixing tastes, dishes and flavours for your guests!
Tel: 01608 654477 www.greekdeliinthecotswolds.co.uk 12 Old Market Way, Moreton in Marsh, GL56 0AJ
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Leaving the competition in the shade! With over fifteen years’ experience in the blind industry it makes sense to put your faith in Ultrashade to take care of your blind requirements. Let us do the work and visit you at your home or office and leave you with a competitive, no obligation quote for a quality made to measure blinds. You can spend time looking through our wide range of fabrics and ranges without having to step foot outside your door - this way ensuring that the blinds you have chosen compliment your existing decor seamlessly! We supply and fit all types of blinds including all the latest in blind technology. Offering a 5-10 day turn-around on most blinds and we even have the added convenience of offering evening and weekend appointment to fit around your busy schedule. Whilst we’re with you, we’ll discuss a range of child safety options about your blinds for quality and peace of mind. Ultrashade specialises in conservatory blinds for both the sides and roof again in a wide range of fabrics which give energy efficiency, keeping heat in the winter and keeping cool in the summer, ensuring you get the most from your ‘extra’ room all year round! The majority of the fabrics are woven and coated in the UK ensuring they maintain very high quality and finished standards.We are now pleased to be able to give customers the chance to completely change the look of their new vertical or roller blinds by adding a stylish pelmet, with the choice of a matching or contrasting fabric. ...................................................................................................................................
For more details contact Ultrashade Blinds on: 01295 230113 | ultrashade@hotmail.co.uk www.ultrashadeblinds.co.uk
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The Perfect Christmas Pudding
Ingredients 225g/8oz golden caster sugar
Makes 4 x 1 pint (450ml) or 2 x 2 pint (1 litre) Preparation time 30 minutes plus 5-6 hours steaming time, plus 2 hours re-steaming on the day of eating.
225g/8oz vegetarian suet
Method
120g/4oz chopped candied peel
340g/12oz sultanas 340g/12oz raisins 225g/8oz currants
• Mix together all the dry ingredients.
120g/4oz plain flour
• Stir in the eggs and brandy and mix to-
120g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 60g/2oz flaked almonds
gether thoroughly.
Zest of 1 lemon
• Scrape the mixture into 4 x 1 pint (450ml)
5 eggs, beaten
or 2 x 2 pint (1 litre) lightly-greased pudding basins.
1level tsp ground cinnamon 1level tsp mixed spice
• Put a circle of baking parchment and foil
1 level tsp freshly grated nutmeg
over the top of each basin and tie securely round the rim with string.
Pinch of salt 150ml/5fl oz brandy or rum
• Make a string handle by tying both round and
• Pour in boiling water to come a third of the way up the sides of the pudding bowls. Cover and steam as before. Cool.
over the basin, to make it easier to pick out of the pan after cooking.
• Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. • Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time if necessary so that it doesn’t boil dry. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pan and stand the basins on inverted saucers placed in the base.
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• Change the baking parchment and foil covers for fresh ones and tie up as before. Store in a cool cupboard until Christmas Day. • To serve the pudding on Christmas Day, steam for 2 hours and serve with brandy butter, rum sauce, cream or home-made custard.
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Mulled Wine Recipe:
Christmas by the Glass Christmas Day in our house starts with a leisurely family brunch, complete with a cheeky little cocktail. Cocktails at breakfast might not suit everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend them as part of your usual healthy diet, but at Christmas I feel I can indulge without guilt.
Ingredients 400ml / 14fl oz red wine (Shiraz is fantastic) 400ml / 14 fl oz water 400ml / 14 fl oz good quality orange juice 80ml / 2½ fl oz brandy 4tbsp dark brown sugar ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp nutmeg 3 cardamom pods • Clementine • 6 cloves (to pierce the Clementine)
Method Make up a spice bag using muslin or a piece of thin cotton, with the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. Place the red wine, water, brandy, orange juice and sugar in a large pan; add the spice bag, and clove-studded Clementine. Heat slowly and simmer over a very low heat for at least 30 minutes. Serve with mince pies in front of the fire
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Who Controls the Private Tutor? According to the Times there are 1.5 million private tutors in the UK, this compares with an estimate of 1 million by the BBC. Whatever the number one thing remains certain and that is until now private tuition has been by and large totally unregulated. One interviewee on the BBC referred to the situation as being “The Wild West of Education”.
Definition of a Private Tutor This is trickier than one would initially envisage. I would imagine that the majority of the readers of this article associate a private tutor as one who teaches school children or students, but this is not the case. A private tutor can be defined as a person who teaches anyone of any age to improve their personnel skills this could include a whole range of hobbies and sports including: dancing, art, singing, playing an instrument, horse riding, speech, acting, motor cycling, typing, swimming, tennis, golf and other sports/activities. These tutors do not necessarily need a degree or a PGCE to carry out their duties, in fact many of them will not consider themselves private tutors but they carry out a similar function as one who teaches school children academic subjects.
The main purpose of the TTA is to promote the value of tutoring to parents, schools, and the general public. The improvement of guidance for parents is considered to be imperative.
In addition many people who teach privately are associated with respectable institutions but unfortunately not all. This is one of the reasons that The Tutors Association has been formed, to bring professional recognition to all private tutors.
Advice to Parents
The Tutors Association The Tutors Association (TTA) was launched in October of this year; it was founded by six leading providers of education, together with the Centre for Market Reform of Education, an education think tank.
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All members need to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and the public have direct access to the TTA regarding any problem or query regarding an individual tutor.
It may take a while for TTA to become well known despite national media coverage. In the meantime there are a number of reputable companies and individuals offering private tuition on the internet. Regrettably there is also the odd rogue. My advice to parents and guardians is to ensure that your prospective tutor has: • Referees • DBS Registration (formerly referred to as the CRB)
• Teaching experience at the required level • Teaching experience in the required subject • Evidence of qualifications • A brief of his/her career • Membership of The Tutors Association For Further Information: www.thetutorsassociation.org.uk Wishing all readers a Happy Festive Season – John Harris
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Out & About 16th November
• Christmas Bonanza The Westwoods Centre, Northleach: 10am - 4pm This year, gift ideas galore will vie for the eye with mouth-watering treats, wooden treasures, gorgeous home wares, sumptuous smellies and much much more. Parking and admission are FREE. Lunches will be provided by Blades Café of Cirencester. More details: wwwnorthleachbonanza.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
29th November
Festive Friday & illuminated Christmas trail Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre: 5 - 7pm Join us to celebrate the advent of Christmas with our Festive Friday! Enjoy festive food in the Garden Terrace Café and find everything you need to make your home and garden really Christmassy. There’s Batsford Christmas trees and our beautiful home made wreaths, greenery and mistletoe and a whole host of gift ideas in the Arboretum Gift Shop and the Applestore at Batsford – home of shabby chic furniture and unusual vintage ephemera. Find the illuminated reindeer hidden in the arboretum and visit Santa in his rather unusual grotto! An event for all the family bringing a traditional touch to Christmas. Tel: 01386 701441 | www.batsarb.co.uk ......................................................................................................................
30th November
• Christmas Market & Lights Switch On Moreton-in-Marsh: High Street Car Park For more details contact : 01608 651448 or see local press.
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1st December
• 4th Aldsworth Christmas Fayre Aldsworth Village Hall: 11 - 3pm Aldsworth, Glos GL54 3QS Locally produced Christmas food items and gift ideas. Raffle, refreshments and festive cheer £1 entry children Free. Tel Shona: 07803 029943
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1st December
• Meet the Lion at the Cotswolds Lion Café Old Prison, Northleach: 11am to 3pm New Café Open Event and Prison Update. Lunches, Afternoon Teas, Hot Drinks, Cakes. Rural Life Skills & Craft Demonstrations. Food & Craft Stalls. Children’s Activities New Book Launch – History of Northleach Prison. Live Music Visit: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk
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5th - 8th December
• Christmas Tree Festival St Edward’s Church: Stow on the Wold Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12.30 - 5pm. Display of Christmas trees decorated by children/organisations and businesses in Stow-on-the-Wold. Best tree in each category voted for by the public. Christmas Grotto with Father Christmas - Sat 7th 10am-5pm ......................................................................................................................
6th December
Late Night Christmas Shopping Broadway: 5-8.30pm Santa, carols, horse and carriage rides, mulled wine and more.
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7th December
• The Spirit of Stow Stow-on-the-Wold This one-day event is the perfect way to start your festive shopping while enjoying many special offers, free gifts and street entertainment – and late night shopping too. All profits go to local charities including Kate’s Home Nursing that received £5,500 last year. Fashion, gifts, antiques, home wares, food and drink, jewellery and toys are just some of the choice shopping in Stow can offer and there is a fantastic celebrity line up. Visitors are invited to start their festive shopping accompanied by special offers, free gifts, hog roast and street entertainment. ...................................................................................................................... The editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to the events listed. All events are correct at time of going to print.
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News
Corinium Museum
Welcome to The Corinium Museum For those of you that haven’t yet visited we are a hidden gem in the middle of Cirencester; an award winning museum profiling some of the most magnificent archaeology to have been found in the Cotswolds. Roman Cirencester makes up a large part of our displays but prehistory, Anglo-Saxon and the medieval period are all represented. Come along and visit, you won’t be disappointed! Running up to the Christmas season our events invite you in out of the cold to delve deeper into the past or enjoy new works of art and craft. Our temporary exhibition is perfect for Christmas shoppers. Supporting local makers, the Cotswold Craftsmen Christmas exhibition opens on the 15th November offering something for everyone. From Saxon inspired jewellery to quirky animal mosaics, hand painted botanicals to beautifully crafted glass and much, much more. The Cotswold Craftsmen are a well established group and their members represent numerous facets of high quality craft making.
Rural cinema continues its rotation here on 23rd and 24th November when we will be showing as our afternoon film. And what is Christmas without a myriad of seasonal films both old and new? We delve into the film archives for the traditional ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ for our Corinium Cinema Christmas special on 12th December and on 27th December we are showing ‘Up’ for our Family Film Friday.
Children and families are invited along to join in some creative fun making a stretchy Rudolf on 23rd December and Roman Soldiers on 2nd January. On 3rd January join the museum team in the galleries for hands on exploration of Victorians. All in all, an exciting season coming up, we look forward to welcoming you soon! (Images © Corinium Museum)
Meet the Cotswold Craftsmen at the Cirencester evening art and craft trail on 28th November from 5-9pm. Wet Paint Gallery, New Brewery Arts, M.A.D.E and the Corinium Museum join forces to give visitors a unique shopping experience with wine tasting, refreshments and music bringing home the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas. A free taxi service between venues is offered on the night to keep visitors warm and dry whilst enjoying the spectacle of Cirencester’s Christmas lights. Our evening lecture series draws to a close for 2013 on 28th November when Dr Tom Moore joins us from Durham University to discuss the recent digs and post excavation research at Bagendon – was this really a place of kings? Come along and find out. The lecture is kindly sponsored by the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. Tim Porter joins us for two afternoon talks with November 14th exploring church architecture in the protestant centuries. On 5th December, a seasonal flavour is provided with Medieval Christmas Happenings.
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For More Details... Telephone: 01285 655 611 museums@cotswold.gov.uk Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX
Enjoy late night
Christmas Shopping in Bourton! Bourton-on-the-Waters annual late night shopping event will this year be held on Friday 6th December. A fabulous selection of bespoke shops and boutiques, offering unique gifts for all ages. Quaint tea rooms, stylish restaurants, bistro’s and bars all open till late. Marvel at our famous christmas tree in the river Windrush with the lights being switched on at 6pm.
A true family business
The Vine Leaf is a small family run business, owned and managed by John and Lindsey.
John, the Chef, personally cooks all the meals with a huge focus on cooking to order. This enhances the quality of the local produce used. Lindsey is front of house and the focus from the team is service with a smile, they believe nothing is too much trouble. John and Lindsey opened in March 2010, having both worked all over
the world in many kinds of catering establishments over the last 20 years. The business has grown from a lunchtime establishment into a popular evening dining venue too. Due to popular demand, The Vine Leaf now opens and serves food 12 – 9pm 5 or 6 days a week. The team at the Vine Leaf would like to thank you for your ongoing support and would like to wish you all seasons greetings.
...................................................................... The Vine Leaf, 10 Talbot Court, Stow on the Wold. Tel: 01451 832 010
See the school choir and local bands performing, childrens rides and street entertainement and much much more alongside an array of stalls and street food all situated along the high street. For more info contact Kirsty on 07912 733193 or kirsty@bensonstotallyfruity.co.uk
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Garden View
Surviving
Christmas Surviving a modern day Christmas can be challenge enough for humans, but just imagine how difficult it is if you’re a plant.
You’ve been reluctantly forced to flower, grown in a light controlled polytunnel and you’ve been force fed with growth stunting hormones to ensure you’re not too straggly when flowering on Mrs Cratchit’s table...and here’s me feeling sorry for the turkey! It seems such a shame that after all the effort, you go and kill the poor thing after just one week of taking custody. This year will be different though, because whether giving or receiving a houseplant this festive yuletide, help is at hand with my top tips for keeping them alive (until New Year at least!). House plants give such a wonderful display, and are sure to last longer than a bunch of flowers. Choose from large flowering Cyclamen, brightly coloured Azaleas, sweetly scented Jasmine and of course the traditional Poinsettia. Oh, and don’t forget about bulbs, ‘Paperwhite’ Narcissus are synonymous with Christmas, and forced Hyacinths too, but I can appreciate that their strong scent is best savoured in spring. Before we go on to the care of houseplants, let’s just clear one thing up, houseplants hate houses! Dry central heating, low light levels and draughts are all things houseplants really don’t like, as most of these plants come from very humid, tropical parts of the world.
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The best way to ensure your flowers bloom for longer and your leaves don’t go brown at the tips, is to ensure the right conditions for survival.
the compost heap in the sky - I don’t think there’s any worse house plant tragedy than a straggly Poinsettia in July with three stunted yellow leaves.
• Avoid placing plants in a draughty location such as windowsills, or near to a frequently opened door, (they won’t appreciate the large fluctuations in temperature) • Avoid hotspots, such as in front of or above a radiator or fire • Water plants by plunging them into a bowl of tepid (not cold) water, and then allowing the water to fully drain out from the pot before returning to its location • Azaleas like humid conditions, so stand these on a tray of gravel filled with water, (but ensure plants are not sat in water) • Create a ‘plant area’ where groups of plants can be stood together, this will create more humidity • Avoid direct sunshine • Ensure the compost never dries out or is too saturated, water little and often • Remove faded flowers to prevent disease and to promote flowering
Poinsettias are popular because they look wonderful, but here’s a little word of warning, be careful not to get the sap of a Poinsettia on your skin as they can cause irritation, and always keep them out of reach of pets and children. Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year Lee
And finally, don’t get emotionally attached, think of flowering houseplants as a medium term bunch of flowers or a Christmas decoration, and after flowering if they look a little jaded, return them to Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers
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The Cotswold Sky Comet ISON – Comet of the Century or a Damp Squib? Astronomers have been excited by the possibility of one of the brightest comets of the past century coming into orbit around the Sun during November and December. Unfortunately predictions by astronomers can also be as unpredictable as weather forecasts and the latest predictions are that it may not be as bright as initially anticipated. Nonetheless it will still receive a great deal of coverage by the media, and will be well worth following.
Comet ISON Image courtesy of NASA
Comet ISON is a relatively large comet measuring approximately 6 km in diameter. The closest it gets to Earth is 63,000,000 km (39,000,000 miles). This compares with the distance between the Earth and the Sun of 150,000,000 km (90,000,000 miles). It reaches perihelion (its closest position to the Sun) on the 28th November, when it comes within 1,200,000km (720,000 miles) of the Sun’s surface. Consequently there is a possibility of it breaking up around this point or it may even blaze incredibly brightly in the Earth’s night sky as it eventually leaves us on its journey back to the outer Solar System.
Will it pose a threat to Earth should it break up? The Answer is a resounding NO because the gravitational pull of the Sun will ensure that the broken pieces will carry on in the same path as the main body. However other possibilities that could happen are: • It could produce a stunning tail because there are more pieces of comet for the Sun’s rays to reflect from. • Evaporate without trace. Should Comet ISON survive its close encounter with the Sun then during December it will be visible both in the evening sky after sunset and in the morning before sunrise and perhaps will be at its brightest from December 10th and 14th. Astro News Dark Skies – An increasing number of countries are taking advantage of obtaining areas of Dark Sky status. They recognise the value of the increase in tourism. Areas in the UK that have Dark Sky status include Lochniver in NW Scotland, Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve and the island of Sark in the Channel Islands.
Diary
November 6th at twilight note the closeness of Venus and the Moon November 12th The Taurids Meteor shower best viewed in the early morning. November 16th–17th: The Leonids Meteor Shower unfortunately clear viewing will be inhibited by a full Moon. December Venus will dominate the sky during the December twilight hours in the S/SW. Jupiter will rise earlier in the
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evenings from the East and will be almost due South as the New Year arrives. Comet ISON will appear in the West during twilight and SE in the morning. December 13th-14th The Geminids Meteor Shower December 21st Winter Solstice occurs at 17.11hours. Wishing all Readers a Happy and Prosperous Festive Season – John Harris Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers
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New Phone App Helps People Find Affordable Housing in Gloucestershire! Gloucestershire Homeseeker is promoting its new smart phone and tablet app to make searching for affordable housing in the local area quicker and easier. Gloucestershire Homeseeker allows those looking for an affordable home to manage their own search by looking on-line. The new app is the latest option made available by Homeseeker to encourage people to search and bid for properties. It is designed to work on smart phones and tablets with internet access and will enable people to search for properties using these devices. People can view properties and bid for them by registering their details on the Homeseeker website: www.gloshomeseeker.co.uk and completing an application form. The new app enables users to view the social housing that is currently available as well as giving them access to services such as universal jobs match and the money advice service. The app can be downloaded from the Apple store or Google Play depending on the device. For people without the internet at home, the web site can be accessed from the Cotswold Dis-
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trict Council reception areas at Trinity Road, Cirencester and Moreton Area Centre. Internet access is also available at most libraries but an appointment may be needed. Alternatively, searching and bidding for properties can also be done through DigiTV using the Sky community channel, Virgin Media, or using the Nintendo Wii. Bids will also be accepted via text message and telephone. An individual can make up to three bids in a weekly cycle, which runs from Wednesday to Tuesday. Assistance is available for those without internet access at the Cotswold District Council offices or through local housing associations. Cllr Sue Jepson, CDC Cabinet Member for Housing, commented: “The Gloucestershire Homeseeker partnership is always looking for ways to assist those searching for affordable housing, and the launch of this new app is a very welcome development. I am sure that it will be of great benefit to many people.”
For more information about applying for affordable housing or help with completing an application form visit www.gloshomeseeker. co.uk or contact the CDC Housing Advice Team on 01285 623000.
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Keep Warm This Winter Top Tips A drop in body temperature can lower the body’s resistance to germs, so if you are elderly or otherwise susceptible to cold-related illnesses, it is essential that you stay warm during winter. • First, keep your home warm. Consider creating a ‘warm room’ where you spend most of your time, and turn down the thermostat in other areas of the home. • Next, eliminate draughts. Place plastic sheeting over windows and fit foam seals and weather strips to doors. Use draught excluders and if you can’t successfully stop a draught rearrange the furniture so that you are not sitting in it. • Close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss and make sure that radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains. • Wear several layers of thin clothing to insulate your body, keep feet warm in fleece slippers and use lightweight throws or fleece blankets to cover feet and shoulders. • Make sure you eat well as food creates energy which in turn creates heat. Hot meals and drinks can warm the body both inside and out. • Finally, stay active! Doing a little light cleaning or some other simple activity will increase your circulation and generate some heat. Follow these simple guidelines and hopefully you will not only stay warm this winter, but you will also remain illness free! By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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Winter Tyres I drive a lot and dread icy winter roads, but somehow the thought of parting with hard-earned cash for something as dull as tyres was a bit of a turn-off Then last November I had to hire a car in Switzerland, and I was amazed at the handling of the little vehicle and the confidence I felt behind the wheel, in what can only be described as lessthan-ideal weather conditions - for that read snow, snow and more snow. I mentioned it to the Swiss friend I was visiting. She looked astonished, ‘It’s the winter tyres,’ she said matter-offactly. ‘We always wonder why British people don’t use them.’ I was sold. On my return I called in at my local tyre salesman and asked for his advice. He suggested buying a set of cheap steel rims for my car and putting the winter tyres on those, storing the originals in my garage.
Competition Time! Gloucester Rugby take on Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday 21st December kick off 3pm, Live at Kingsholm. For your chance to win 2 x silver tickets in the Mira Showers Stand simply answer the following question:
Q: Who made their 100th appearance for Gloucester Rugby at the away fixture against Saracens on Saturday 14th September 2013? Send your answers, name, email address and mobile number to competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk. Don’t forget to mention you are a Cotswold Link reader.
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The tyres improve handling on greasy roads, but will really come into their own in snowy and icy conditions, or wet conditions where the temperature is below 7 degrees. Braking and traction are improved immeasurably on winter tyres. If your car is rear wheel drive I’d say winter tyres are essential. If your car is front-wheel drive I’d still say they’re essential. Although the improvement in performance isn’t as great, it is still very noticeable. My friendly tyre-fitter suggests changing them over in November and running with them until February / March depending on the weather. This year try some winter tyres. You will never regret it. They may even save your life! By Sarah Davey
The Old Prison set to enjoy a secure future under new ownership The future of a significant heritage site and Grade II* listed building in Northleach has been secured thanks to the efforts of local environmental charity, Friends of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Conservation Board and the local community. The Old Prison at Northleach, formerly owned by Cotswold District Council, is now under the ownership of the Friends of the Cotswolds following the completion of the purchase of the site yesterday. Plans to fully realise the site as a vibrant visitor centre and historic asset for the local community can now be developed, including the appointment of a new house manager, the reinstatement of the cafe and the submission of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Chairman of the Friends of the Cotswolds, Simon Randall, is overjoyed at being able to move ahead with plans: “During the last eighteen months we have been immensely pleased with the amount of support received from the local community through our fundraising activities and events at the Old Prison. This is a fascinating building and unique piece of local heritage in its own right which many people feel strongly about and want to conserve for the future. Thanks to their support along with that of Northleach with Eastington Town Council, we can now move quickly forward with the
Conservation Board to realise these exciting plans for the future of the site. Our fundraising efforts will continue in earnest to improve facilities and we will be seeking more volunteers to help with various activities at the site.” The 18th century building houses the Escape to the Cotswolds visitor centre and the unique Rural Life Collection. As well as conserving and improving access to, and interpretation of, the Old Prison and the Rural Life Collection, plans for the site will enable the development of a central hub for the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Through volunteer-led, hands-on activities and demonstrations, interactive interpretation and a wide range of events and activities, the project will help to deepen understanding and appreciation of the significance of this special place. The centre will also become a focus for rural skills training, building on the Board’s well established rural skills programme, and will seek to be a showcase for sustainable energy conservation and production within an historic building.
and activities at the Escape to the Cotswolds centre this summer has attracted many more visitors and families through the doors since the start of the season in April. Historic tours, themed talks, guided walks, geology roadshows, fossil-making activities and many other events have proven very popular with local people, schools and visitors from across the country this year so far, with many more events planned for the rest of the year and into the future. For further information of all events taking place, go to: www. escapetothecotswolds.org.uk
A new programme of events
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North Cotswolds January / February 2014
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Distribution: w/c 13th & 20th Jan ‘14 Copy: 13th December ‘13
March / April 2014
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Index Art & Antiques
Cox’s Architectural: p27
Architectural Planning Eastabrook Architects: p2
Attractions & Events Cotswold Falconry: p17 Showcase: p1
Builders & Contractors
A P Habbitts Construction: p22 Country Roofing & Building: p22 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Mustoe’s Building Contractors: p2 N & D Construction: p2 Oxford Woodworks: p2 Prior Products: p3 Renu Track: p23 Stephen Hill: p7 Thomas Contracting: p21
Children’s Services
Co-operative Child Care: p13 Registered Childminder: p12 Stepping Stones Nursery: p13
Cleaning Services
Casio Oven Clean: p10 Chem Dry: p6 GNC Contract Services: p11 Maid In The Cotswolds: p6 MRK Services: p23
Education
Burford School: p3 Corinium Museum: p18 Cotswold Tutor: p12 St. Andrews School: p13 Stepping Stones Nursery: p Youth Education Service: p14
Elderly Services
Hearing & Mobility Store: p14
Electrical Services
Alderminster Electrics: p32 Cotswold Aerials: p27 P Wheeler Electrical: p6 Vision Repairs: p10
Environmental Services William Gilder Ltd: p25
Fashion & Clothing
Chris’ Ladies Fashions: p14
Finance & Legal
Furniture
Hire
Darren The Handy Man: p10 GNC Contract Services: p11 Just Carpentry & Locks: p7 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Stephen Hill: p7
Home & Interiors
Recycling
Armstrong Interiors: p7 Bayliss & Son: p22 Phil Dadge: p30
Gardening & Landscaping
Bartlett Tree Experts: p23 Cotswold Garden Consultancy: p21 Darren The Handy Man: p10 Dowdeswell Forestry: p21 H & H Groundworks: p21 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 RMH Services: p21 Thomas Contracting: p21 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p21
Gifts
Healthcare & Wellbeing
Flooring
GNC Contract Services: p11 Parsons Flooring: p6
Food & Drink
Fosse Fires: p32 Heidi Renewables: p32 Philip Eason Heating: p25
Living Green: p11 Perfect Personalisation: p17
Cotswold Wills: p27
Cacao Bean: p11 Dial House Hotel: p9 Dormy House Hotel: p7 Greek Deli in the Cotswolds: p8 Lamb Inn: p19 Mrs T. Potts Tearoom: p1 Redesdale Arms: p16
Property Maintenance
Simple Suppers: p16 Vine Leaf: p19 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p24
Charles Wright Massage: p15 Cotswold Confidence: p8 Discover Osteopathy: p5 Pilates 4 U: p15 SOMA Wellbeing: p5 Time For Change Counselling: p15
Cirencester Self Storage: p27 Fosseway Tool Hire: p25 Amanda Hanley: p26 Armstrong Interiors: p7 Cox’s Architectural: p27 Fosse Fires: p32 Parsons Flooring: p6 Ultrashade Blinds: p9
Locksmiths
Just Carpentry & Locks: p7
Metal Fabrication
Sewing
West End Sewing Centre: p14
Septic Tank Services William Gilder Ltd: p25
Sports & Leisure
Cotswold Health & Fitness: p15 Runnerbean: p4
Bayliss & Son: p22 MRK Services: p23
Solar Energy
Motoring
Sound & Vision
Little Compton Garages: p28 Troopers Lodge Garage: p29
Oven Services
Casio Oven Clean: p10 Cookers & Co: p10
Pets & Animals
Hearing Aids
Cotswold Riding: p17 Dial A Dog Wash: p15 Poplars Farm Livery: p4
Heating
Costell Painting & Decorating: p10
Hearing & Mobility Store: p14
Joe Gilder: p30
Painters & Decorators
Cotswold Logs: p3
My Power: p1
Cotswold Aerials: p27 Vision Repairs: p10
Travel & Tourism Carrick Travel: p5 Stow Taxis: p17
Tree Surgery
Bartlett Tree Experts: p23 Dowdeswell Forestry: p21
Windows
Milena Windows: p35 Prior Products: p3
The Index is a free service offered to our customers. No responsibility can be held for errors or omissions. Multiple entries included on a space available basis
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