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inside
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08
Finstock Ale Festival 2016
We take a look at the upcoming return of the Finstock Ale Festival this September
New Contractor
Ubico are unveiled as the new waste & recycling contractor
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Piece of mind
A look at Pre-paid funerals
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06 Cash boost to save bus service business 08 New Businesses & Services local news: 08 New contractor announced advertorial: 10 A look at Pre-Paid funeral plans events: 12 Finstock Ale Festival returns events 12 Seasonal events across our area local news
FEATURED
FEATURED
FEATURED
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14 New Interior Design Service local news: 15 Grant Aid boost community projects garden view 16 Favourite plants for Christmas pest control 18 A seasonal look at pest control astronomy 20 Rosetta spaceship to land education: 20 A plea for student support advertorial: FEATURED FEATURED
FEATURED
Welcome to the September - October issue
As the nights begin to draw in and we think ahead to Christmas and all that it brings, there’s lots of good news across the area to read about, from improvements to rural bus services (p6), to community projects receiving cash boosts (p15). Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com 01609 777401 01609 779097 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. cotswoldlink.co.uk Best wishes,
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 reports or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers Your Cotswold Link carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. All information is appearing in Cotswold Link Magazine correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
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Cash boost for group looking to save bus services
A new co-operative to commission local bus services across West Oxfordshire is to be set up after councillors agreed to fund its start-up costs. A total of £800 will be allocated to the group which will look at ways of trying to replace bus services in rural areas that are seeing existing services being withdrawn due to budget cuts by Oxfordshire County Council. Robert Courts, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The withdrawal of bus services from villages will hit those most in need. “Hopefully, this initiative will go some way to helping residents avoid feeling isolated in their communities.” Oxfordshire County Council is cutting subsidies for 118 mainly rural routes to save £3.7m from its budget.
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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: 1/8
and ¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 18,200 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.
Contact us today to get your business in the Link! 01609 777401 / 01609 779097 01904 709462 / cotswoldlink.co.uk
New system gives easy access to council tax and benefits A new system enabling residents to access financial information online has been launched. Through Citizen Access it is possible to view Council Tax and benefits as well as change any information when required. For example, it is now possible to view a property’s Council Tax band and annual charge, inform us of a change of address and register to pay by direct debit. Benefit claimants can also view their current entitlement, the date of their next payment and the amount to be paid. The system also allows residents to sign up for paperless billing by email for their Council Tax and Business Rates. Benefits of this include fast delivery, 24 hour access and the fact
that it is environmentally friendly. Cllr Toby Morris, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Citizen Access allows people to view their Council Tax and benefits accounts without having to search for pieces of paper. “It is far more convenient, easily updated and greener than the current system.” To register, use the account reference number and online key at the bottom of your latest bill. For more information, see: www.westoxon.gov.uk/ebilling
New waste and recycling contractor announced West Oxfordshire District Council has announced that Ubico Ltd will be its new waste and recycling contractor from October 2017. Ubico, a local authority owned company, is already running grounds maintenance, street cleansing and other depot services for West Oxfordshire District Council. It is owned by a consortium of councils including Cotswold, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean, Stroud, Tewkesbury and West Oxfordshire. Cllr Richard Langridge, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment said, “We are pleased that Ubico will be running this important service on our behalf. “As shareholders, we have direct control over the company and can ensure that quality services are delivered, whilst achieving excellent value for money as Ubico recharge the Council the cost of service provision, without profit margins added.
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“Although West Oxfordshire’s recycling rates are high, the new contract gives us the opportunity to make changes so it is easier for householders to recycle even more. These changes are based on a service review and survey where, for example, most people told us they would prefer to use a wheelie bin for recycling rather than black boxes. This is something we will be introducing in 2017.” Rob Bell, Ubico Managing Director said, “We are thrilled to be expanding our services with West Oxfordshire District Council and look forward to starting the new contract next year.” More information about the new service will be sent to householders during 2017. The Council’s current contract began with May Gurney in 2010 and the company was acquired by Kier in 2013. Below is a summary of the main changes to the new waste and recy-
cling collection service from October 2017: • wheelie bins introduced for the majority of recycling materials with glass collected separately in a black box. • recycling collections to become fortnightly alternating with general household rubbish, • introduce an ‘opt-in’ chargeable garden waste collection service • new kerbside collection for small electrical items There will be no changes to fortnightly household rubbish and none to weekly food collections. West Oxfordshire’s recycling rates are over 60% and, alongside all the other Oxfordshire districts and Oxford City Council, makes Oxfordshire the highest authority for recycling in the country.
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New Industrial Training Company 2D Industrial Training is a new Forklift truck training company, based in Oxfordshire but operating nationally. Our fully qualified instructors have over 30 experience in the warehouse & logistics industries, and are RTITB registered. We are able to train candidates on all types of industrial trucks from Pedestrian Operated Electric Pallet Trucks through to Rough Terrain Telescopic Forklifts. We can also train candidates in the safe use of Mobile Elevated Working Platforms. All candidates are trained in accordance with the Health & Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice – for Rider Operated Lift trucks, and informed of their responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Candidates are also informed of the need for compliance of the various other regulations regarding the use of industrial equipment. Those being
PUWER 1998, LOLER 1998 and the Working at Height Regulations. 2D Industrial Training can conduct training on customers premises according to the Approved Code of Practice and all relevant regulations, whilst adhering to company safety rules and procedures. Forklift basic training is available to all candidates regardless of experience, whether they are Novices, with little or no familiarity, or Experienced operators needing a refresher course. Experienced operators can further their qualifications through a 1day conversion course enabling them to operate different machines. There is more information available on our website. Contact us to discuss your training requirements, you can email us on info@2dindustrialtraining.co.uk or call us on 0844 8844 730 or 0843 8869 200.
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
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Burford Christmas Court OX18 4QF 01993 824069
Truro Victoria Square TR1 2RS 01872 240093
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Peace of mind with Pre-Paid Funeral Plans As the old saying goes: If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. We can’t foresee the future, but one thing is certain: we are all going to pass away one day. So a funeral plan is an investment that won’t lose its value or fail to deliver what we’re expecting. We can plan now and know exactly what we will get: a funeral and burial place of just the kind that we prefer. The central purpose of a funeral plan is to allow people to make more choices at less cost. You’re making dignified choices about the way you want your own funeral to be conducted, taking into account
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not just your own preferences and ideals, but also the question of finance. Funeral costs are rising by the day, but taking out a funeral plan is an excellent way to protect yourself, no matter how you want to be buried or cremated. And your wishes are at the heart of a funeral plan. Making choices makes it easier to face what is often a daunting prospect: the end of life. It can be troubling not just for the person who passes away, but also for those who will be left behind. Choices made in good time remove anxiety and worry and allow us to make the most of the time that remains to us.
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Whatever you choose, you know exactly what’s going to happen and so do your loved ones. Peace of mind is often hard to find in a fast-moving and constantly changing
For a Free no obligation quote and consultation call:Lionheart Later Life Planning 01993 220281 07769 730616
world, but funeral plans are one way to achieve it.
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Out & About Every 4th Thursday
n Chipping Norton Flower Club With demonstrations, outings, workshops and more. Join us in the Lower Town Hall every 4th Thursday of the month Starting 22nd September at 7pm For more information tel: Ann. 01608 683289 or Kaye 01993 831146 ........................................................
Saturday 10th September The Finstock Ale returns for a fourth year in 2016, sponsored by Howse & O’Reilly, electricians and Johns Cars of Oxford. With a great line up of beers, ciders, music and comedy – the perfect match! Friday 9 September sees the launch of the festival with Flock Comedy night from 7.30 pm, sponsored by international Finstock-based business Sonnox Ltd. that presents three stand-up comedians with a compere – comedy suitable for all. Entry £10 in advance (£12 on night) which also gives exclusive early access to the festival beers and ciders. The beer festival opens at midday on Saturday 10th September with over twenty beers and six ciders include local brews including from Bellingers, Donnington, Chadlington and Adkins, and a great selection of beers celebrating the north and Wales – our theme for this year. Entry just £5 – includes festival glass, free pint and tasting notes. Families welcome with FREE bouncy castle and our wonderful Millennium Playground. Entry to the music is FREE and it starts at 1.00 pm with a great line up of acts through to close at midnight. The music stage is sponsored by Oxlets Ltd. with a wonderful array of talent on show. 1.00pm: Joely Rendle 2.15pm: Ags Connolly 4.00pm: The Wirebirds 5.30pm: Jamo Morgan 7.50pm: Drivin’ Sideways 10.10pm: Roughcut Ruby
1.30pm: Zhana and Jae 3.00pm: Blackthorn 5.00pm: Charlbury & Finstock Morris 6.40pm: Black Max and the Pirates 9.00pm: Damn Good Reason
Overnight camping available on Friday and Saturday but prior permission needed. Ample parking.
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 details: 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. ........................................................
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 ........................................................
14th September
n Art Society Talk
“Charlbury Art Society’s first meeting of the new 2016-17 year will be a talk and short demo on Making and Printing Woodcuts--What is a Woodcut and How is it Produced” given by Margot Bell RBSA, at The Memorial Hall, Charlbury, on Wednesday September 14, starting at 7:30 sharp. Refreshments are served in the interval. For information and details of the Society please contact Kati Eidenbenz on 01608 810911, or look at: charlburyarts.co.uk. ........................................................
15th - 18th September
n THEATRE: The King & I The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham TIckets £12 - £16 and available from Showcase on: 01242 224144 ........................................................
16th & 17th September
n Autumn Art Exhibition CAS’s annual Autumn Art Exhibition, held in conjunction with Charlbury’s popular Street Fair, will be held in the Memorial Hall and open on Friday 16 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 17. The Primary School will also have their paintings on display. Come and admire the diverse talents existing in and around our small town. Free admission; donations to Street Fair gratefully received. www.charlburyarts.co.uk for further details about the society and its work. ........................................................
17th September
n Charlbury Street Fair This year the grand opening at 2pm will take place by TV star Russell Grant Our theme this year is “ONCE UPON A YEAR” Encompassing such events as: 50th Anniversary of England’s World Cup Football win, Our Queen’s 90th birthday, Cub Scouts 100 years old, St Mary’s Bells 300 years old, William Shakespeare – 400 years since his death & Rohl Dahl – 100 years since his birth Full details: www.charlburystreetfair.org ........................................................
Location: Finstock Playing Field, off Church Rise, Finstock, Oxfordshire, OX7 3DH. All proceeds to Finstock Village Hall, registered charity 279171.
Email: thefinstockale@ gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook. com/TheFinstockAle Tel: 01993 868020 Tickets for comedy online at www.wegottickets.com or via email or telephone.
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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.
Please note: the editors cannot be held responsible for any changes to events listed.
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Grant aid boosts community projects
More than £110,000 of funding has been awarded to five projects involving the restoration and expansion of community facilities.
West Oxfordshire District Council has given the seal of approval for the Community Facilities Grant totalling £110,986 to be allocated to the schemes, all of which are designed to increase usage and boost their environment. One of the projects benefiting from the cash is the Kelmscott Morris Memorial Hall which was awarded £29,375 towards restoring the Grade II listed roof of the Arts & Crafts Heritage building. The Stonesfield stone tiled roof is in a poor condition after the original wooden pegs rotted and the building risks falling into disrepair unless the work is carried out quickly. Laura Roberts, treasurer of the Raise the Roof conservation campaign at the Hall, said: “This grant takes us well over the halfway point in our fundraising efforts and gives us confidence that the project is actually going to happen. It is fantastic news.” The Morris Memorial Hall was built in 1934 after being commissioned by May Morris in 1928 in memory of her father, William Morris, a founder of the Arts and Crafts movement who lived at nearby Kelmscott Manor. Original contributors to its construction included Rudyard Kipling, Lord Olivier and the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who performed the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, also attended but was forced to listen to Shaw’s speech through an open window, such was the crowd inside. The other beneficiaries of the grant are: · Long Hanborough Parish Council which will receive £20,000 for new equipment at the playground in Roosevelt Road · Charlbury Cricket Club which was awarded £3,784 towards replacing its 70-year-old roller · Combe Community Hub which gained £50,000 towards the purchase of the Methodist Chapel and its transformation into a pre and after-school club, indoor sports centre and music, art and drama facility · Minster Lovell Playing Field Trust which has been granted £8,583 for the replacement of playground equipment Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet member for Leisure and Health at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “These are excellent schemes that enhance and preserve their environment as well encouraging use from their local communities and are fully deserving of this funding. “Their criteria are perfectly in tune with our commitment to maintaining and enhancing West Oxfordshire as one of the best places to live, work and visit in Great Britain.”
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GARDEN VIEW
Christmas
Garden Preparation
I’m going to say the ‘C’ word...it’s very naughty of me
You need to buy ‘prepared’ bulbs which have
I know. But the children are back in school so won’t
been heat-treated to make them flower be-
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 me
impact but you can plant to suit your own
out. A little advance planning now and when skies are
tastes.
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
have the answer: scented narcissi. To my mind they’re
the 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 be
with some twine so if the stems need
in flower before Christmas. I tend to plant a few pots
support you can provide it. Then just
now (they’re great as economical gifts for those hard-
sniff and enjoy.
to-buy-for elderly relatives) plus a pot per week for myself between now and the end of October so I can have
By Rachel Leverton
the luxury of scented bulbs continuously in flower for a couple of months during the bleak winter period.
Checklist to keep your garden looking great this Autumn
Planting & Transporting work Autumn is a really good time for transplanting work because the soil has sufficient moisture thanks to regular rain showers. The ground is still warm from the summer, therefore the plants still have enough time to get used to their new position and form new roots. This means new plants can also be planted in the autumn with no need to worry. This is the last chance before the winter to bring a bit of colour into the garden. Roses, for example, should be planted ideally in Autumn, before the first ground frost.
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Planting bulbs Bulbs can also be planted in autumn so their flowers germinate from the soil at the right time in spring to delight you with their blaze of colour. The right position is crucial for the heralders of spring to thrive and flower. Most like fresh, moist soil in spring, but during their dormant period in summer the soil can be dry and porous. Bulbs should be planted in the ground at a depth of two to three times their height. The GARDENA bulb planter provides an easy way of making a sufficiently large and deep hole. You then place the bulbs in the ground with their tip facing upwards, cover them with the soil from the
planter, and press down. Cutting herbaceous perennials, bushes and shrubs When shrubs go yellow, their stems bend towards the ground or they start to go to seed, it is time to cut them down. This is because the plants are now drawing their sap back to their roots. If they are not cut down, they may decay. Bushes and shrubs can be cut to approximately a quarter of their size. This can, however, vary according to the type of bush or shrub. You can usually find more information about this from plant labels or your local garden centre.
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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
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.
From October next year (2017) West Oxfordshire residents will be able to put the majority of recycling items that are currently placed in black boxes, all together into a wheelie bin. Glass, however, will still need to be placed in a black box as it has to be collected separately. A new kerbside collection for small electrical items will be introduced when the new service starts. In line with most other councils, recycling collections will become fortnightly and will alternate with the general household rubbish collection. Food waste will continue to be collected weekly. The above were included in the recommendations for future changes to the waste service, to start when the current contract ends in October 2017. They were agreed at West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet’s meeting in Summer. Cllr Richard Langridge (Shown opposite), Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment said, “In a recent survey, most people (70%) told us they would prefer Your CotswoldLink
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
Early announcement of waste and recycling service changes
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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”.
a wheelie bin for recycling and do not want to sort all their recycling materials. As our residents are amongst the best in the country for recycling, we are keen to introduce any changes that make it easier for them. “Using wheeled bins for recycling collections will also reduce street litter as materials such as paper and plastics often spill out and catch the wind easily. “Although recycling collections will become fortnightly using a wheelie bin with a box for glass gives much greater capacity. Households unable to accommodate a wheelie bin, should be assured that we are exploring other container options for them.”
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The
Cotswold Sky
Rosetta space craft scheduled for landing on to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on 30th Sept The Rosetta mission is a European Space Agency project which was launched in March 2004. In August 2014 Rosetta became the first spacecraft to orbit a comet, and in November 2014, Rosetta dropped its lander named Philae onto the surface of the comet. During this time Philae has made intermittent contact with Rosetta which has continued to orbit the comet. The collected information has then been relayed by Rosetta to Earth.
Rosetta approaching Comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko (Image courtesy of European Space Agency)
The comet, Rosetta and Philae orbited the Sun in August 2015 and are now approaching Jupiter on their way towards the outer solar system. This has resulted in significantly reduced solar power required to operate the craft and its instruments. For technical reasons Philae has stopped making contact with Rosetta which is scheduled to end its historic mission by landing onto the comet’s surface after having completed 80% of the mission’s scientific undertakings. During the descent Rosetta will make many final measurements including very high resolution imaging which will give valuable close up data of the surface of the comet. Once the orbiter reaches the surface, communications will cease bringing the mission to an end. For detailed information: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/ Space_Science/Rosetta
Astro News:
European spacecraft to reach Mars in October
The first mission of the ExoMars programme, is scheduled to arrive at Mars in October 2016, and consists of a Trace Gas Orbiter plus an entry, descent and landing demonstrator module, known as Schiaparelli. The main objectives of this mission are to search for evidence of methane and other trace atmospheric gases that could be signatures of active biological or geological processes and to test key technologies in preparation for ESA’s contribution to subsequent missions to Mars. For detailed information: http://exploration.esa.int/ mars/46124-mission-overview/
Sky Diary
September 8th: At 21.00 hours Mars, Saturn and the Moon are close together. September 9th: At 21.00 hours Mars can now be seen below the Moon with Saturn further West. September 16th: A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs reaching a maximum at 19.55 hours. This is when the Moon passes through the outer portion of the Earth’s shadow and may therefore appear to be slightly dimmer than usual. September 29th: At 06.00 hours Mercury can be seen close to a slim crescent Moon rising in the East. September 22nd: Autumn Equinox (the point at which the Sun is directly over the equator in its journey south) occurs at 15.21 hours. October 3rd: At 19.00 hours the Moon is close to Venus towards the South West. October 30th: British Summer Time ends (clocks are put back 1 hour)
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 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. For Teachers • I know that you are doing above 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. Wishing you all a successful academic year. John Harris
Meteor Showers (dates show the maximum peaks): September 15th: Alpha Aurigids October 21st: Orionids October 23rd/24th: Southern Taurids John Harris
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