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March / April 2015
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inside
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Lechlade Duck Race 2015
An in-depth look at this fantastic, fun-filled family day out, as it returns for 2015. On your marks, get set....go!
Character Cottages Does your holiday cottage support your village?
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Recipe
A Mother’s Day treat of a breakfast recipe!
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08 New Local Businesses & Services 21 Mother’s Day breakfast treat general interest: local news: 10 The origins of Spring Cleaning 22 Lechlade Duck Race 2015 garden view: & wellbeing 12 health Differences between sprains & strains 24 The Greenhouse Guide local news: 14 education: 26 Sign up to Green Waste Service Times tables trouble astronomy & about 16 out Seasonal events across our area 28 The Cotswold Sky local news 18 advertorial: 28 Local business rate relief update A look at Character Cottages cotswold link interest: 20 general Mother’s Day 2015 at Milldene 30 Index new businesses
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Welcome to the March - April issue Spring has finally arrived, and with it, a huge number of local events and activities. Lechlade Duck Race returns, and we celebrate this on p22 with a feature. We help plan a treat for Mum’s with a delicious breakfast recipe for Mother’s Day (page 21). There’s lots of local news to discover as well. Don’t forget, if you have any local news or a story of interest then please 01609 777401 01609 779097 submit them to editorial@jkanorth.com. I hope you enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in early May. cotswoldlink.co.uk Best wishes, Christine Campbell | Editor
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New skills for an established business With an already established customer base and glowing recommendations, you’d be forgiven for thinking Paul Dadge was content with his business!
We spoke to Paul about how he is now looking to really expand his range of services to attract new customers and bring those existing customers back for additional work. “I have a real passion for interiors and so expanding my decorating business into furniture and kitchen painting seemed like a natural progression. These new services mean we can really help to transform a customer’s home by carrying out all the traditional painting and decorating you’d expect, but then adding a further stamp of individuality into the setting by customising their furniture to their requirements too.” Paul has come a long way in business since his Painting & Decorating course at Cheltenham College, but he believes
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this training has stood him in good stead, “During my old college days we used to get very nervous during assessment and we’d really make sure we did a fantastic job and I’ve carried that with me because I know how important every job is to our customers and so we always ensure everything is perfect and exactly as they require.” Paul is delighted with how the kitchen and furniture painting services have received by his customers and, if his enthusiasm is anything to go by, we’re sure this appreciation of his skills will continue.
For more details call Paul on: 07527 017914 or see his advert below.
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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 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 / 01609 779097 | christine@jkanorth.com
An End to Chronic Illness? Talking to Michael Deane about chronic & degenerative illnesses was an eye opener for me. He believes that increased exposure to environmental poisons (Google “BPA”&“Glyphosate”) in the past 50 years electro-magnetic contamination is responsible for most chronic illness today. He explains: we cant breath air, drink tap (or bottled) water, or prepare healthy meals anymore without inadvertently causing damage to our immune systems; the tipping point is so sensitive. The drugs that are offered to make us better don’t work; they cant cope with these substances poisoning our bodies. And there are no ready solutions in the offing from the politicians & ‘big pharma’; he reckons it will take a gigantic crisis before anything gets better. For these reasons Michael recently chose to introduce a new device called CyberScan, unique in the UK. The CyberScan, patented, tested & approved, “communicates” with distressed Immune Systems. This is the only way to heal any body, and that is based on accepted scientific fact: good health arises from efficient cellular communication. This is what CyberScan works with, treating clients on a tailored, individual, basis with a high degree of precision. Unofficially, Michael says, the word from among international practitioners recently spoke of client’s healing success levels of 90-95%. Clearly, the genius of Albert Abrams, Nikola Tesla & Jacques Benveniste may yet take a well deserved encore; their gifts live on in a small device called CyberScan…
Funding boost helps Cotswold residents stay warm Over the winter hundreds of residents have taken action to reduce their energy bills and create a cosier home thanks to the help which is available through Green Homes Together. Applicants could receive up to 100% funding for loft and cavity wall insulation. Subject to a free, no obligation home survey, householders could receive free loft and cavity wall insulation in their homes. This offer is on a first-come first-served basis and is currently only available until March 2015. Funding comes from the Energy Company Obligation (‘ECO’), where large energy suppliers are required to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Green Homes Together is a Community Interest Company formed by a number of Local Authorities including Cotswold District Council.
Call Green Homes Together now on: 0300 111 3330 or visit www.greenhomestogether.org.uk to find out if you could receive up to 100% funding to keep your home warm.
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Spring Cleaning!
The term ‘Spring Cleaning’ originated in colder climes from the practice of taking the opportunity, as soon as the warmer weather arrived, to clear out the dust and soot that had accumulated throughout the home from coal and logs fires during the Winter. Modern appliances and central heating have made this unnecessary for many, but the concept of having a top-to-bottom clean at the start of Spring remains popular. Generally, people use this as a chance to deep-clean areas which they don’t pay attention to during their weekly household chores. Tasks can include: Emptying kitchen cupboards and cleaning inside. This is a good opportunity to check use-before dates on items and throw out those past their expiry date. Defrosting freezers, de-scaling kettles and irons, and cleaning ovens to aid efficient working. Vacuuming mattresses to get rid of dust mites, and turning mattresses to assist even wear. Removing cushions from sofas and vacuuming the crevices- you never know, you may find some money or jewellery that you thought you’d lost. Many people actually find the process of cleaning and de-cluttering cathartic. If you don’t fancy tackling it all yourself, then you can always get help from a professional cleaning company, many of whom offer special Spring Cleaning services. By Susan Brookes-Morris
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What’s the difference?
Sprains & Strains A sprain is an injury to a ligament (the tissue that connects two or more bones together). In a sprain, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn. A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.
Treatments for sprains and strains are the same. Think PRICE. Protection: Protect the injured area from further injury by using a support or sturdy lace-up shoes Rest: Rest the injured joint or muscle. Avoid activity for the first 48 to 72 hours after injuring yourself. Ice: For the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury, apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the day. Do not allow the ice to touch your skin directly, because it could cause a
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cold burn. Compress: Compress or bandage the injured area to limit any swelling and movement that could damage it further. Simple elastic bandage or elasticated tubular bandages and advice are available from a pharmacy. Remove the bandage before you go to sleep. Elevate: Raise and support the injured joint on a pillow to help reduce swelling.
And avoid HARM Heat: Hot baths, saunas or heat packs. Alcohol: May increase bleeding and swelling, and hinder healing. Running: Or any exercise that could cause more damage. Massage: May increase bleeding and swelling. By Louise Addison
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“If my child cannot do the times table then what?” We are fortunate in this part of the country to have very good schools, a number of which are graded outstanding. However; what we have to consider is, are they outstanding in every department of education? The Head Teachers of these schools would admit that there are areas in which they can improve, so how will they fare should the Government introduce their proposed numeracy and literacy tests to 11year old pupils? The Government have decreed that all 11 year olds will have to know the times tables off by heart, read a novel and show that they can use “accurate punctuation, spelling and gramar”
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War on Illiteracy and Innumeracy
It is all well and good having sound bites such as the title of this paragraph accompanied with quotes from Government Ministers that “Failure is not an option”. Making headlines is one thing but what of the children who will not make the required grade? The government’s target is for school’s to attain a success rate of 85% in literacy and numeracy but makes no mention of what is to happen to the remaining 15%. Are they to be bow beaten into rigid, rote learning of the times table for the rest of their education at the expense of expanding their knowledge on other life essential topics?
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Fortunately good schools will have a long term individual plan for every child, ensuring their continuous development, but we cannot always rely solely on schools. I meet many parents who tell me that they have always struggled with the times tables and are very concerned for their child. In these situations the parent tends to worry more than the child. We are all different and children being forced to learn in what they perceive as an alien environment will not work – they require an environment of relaxed freedom to learn.
Suggestions
Think Positive - Do not expect the school to resolve all the problems regarding your child’s education. A parent’s input is essential to progress being made. You can train your mind to think positively, focus on your child’s problems and work along with them. Relaxed Environment - Give your child as happy an environment as possible, this will help remove any stress. Become a Role Model – and give
examples of other people as Role Models. Be Patient – Do not expect immediate results. Converse with your child - draw them into conversation. Don’t use baby talk or talk down, but rather use your full vocabulary. Encourage the children to respond in kind and to express their thoughts. Encourage the children - to make progress with their skills e.g. music, art, sporting activities, hobbies etc. Praise your child – a little praise goes a long way. Expose them to different kinds of experiences – such as visiting museums, exhibitions, socialising, going for walks, joining clubs and family activities. Be persistent – Never give up persevere with the above suggestions, over a period of time they will work. Much of the above will not be new to the parent. The suggestions will not take fruition overnight, but they will go a long way into making him/ her into a happy self-confident person that their parents will be very proud of. John Harris
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Out & About Community Fridays in March, 10 - 4pm
n Made in Moreton Milldne Garden, Blockley. Not only a beautiful Spring Garden, but local talent as well. Paintings, ceramics, garden benches and plants. Exhibition free with entry to garden £7. Adults £7, £6.50 concessions. Children under 15, £3 Group rates, £6.50 (20 or more visitors) The garden will also be open for the Quiet Garden Scheme on the first Sunday of the month in March, May and June from 2pm – 5pm. The garden is open for the National Gardens Scheme on 26th April and 17th May as well as Mother’s Day on 15th March. Info from 01386 700457, Wendy Dare www.milldenegarden.co.uk ........................................................
Festival at Cheltenham racecourse. 01242 513014 www.cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk ........................................................
12th March
n Grahame Lloyd - Talking about his new book ‘Howzat?’ Grahame will be telling us about the fascinating story behind the ball sold at Christies that Sir Garry Sobers allegedly hit for six in the famous 6x6’s he hit v Glamorgan. The Ball sold for £26000, a record for any cricket ball sold at auction. He will be joined by the man who was batting at the other end on this famous day in cricket, John Parkin, Notts CCC. Another Great night in store at the museum. Cotswold Cricket Museum The evening starts at 8pm with buffet after 45mins. We have a Q&A session for the remaining time. (which it never enough). There is a small ticket fee of £15. www.cotswoldcricketmuseum.co.uk ........................................................
6th - 20th March
n Chipping Norton Music Festival The Festival has been promoting musicmaking in the north-east Cotswolds since 1904. One of the oldest festivals of its kind. The Festival is non-competitive and adjudicated by professionals; there are classes in music and drama for all ages, individuals and groups ranging from piano, voice, and composition through to verse-speaking. Tickets: Times and prices vary. Full details: www.cnmf.org.uk Tickets from: tickets@cnmf.org.uk or Jaffe & Neale. Concerst in Town Hall, Chipping Norton. Tel: 01608 641033 ........................................................
10th - 13th March
n Cheltenham Racecourse National Hunt Festival (Gold Cup Week) The highlight of the Jump season. The Festival epitomises and encompasses everything that is great about Jump racing. The World Famous National Hunt Racing
28th March
n Burford Singers Spring Concert During Brian Kay’s sabbatical break we are delighted and honoured that Bob Chilcott, former King’s Singer and now celebrated world-wide composer of choral music, is conducting this concert. The programme, includes his own Requiem (originally commissioned by the Oxford Bach Choir). The second half will begin with Vaughan Williams’ beautiful ‘The Lark Ascending’ and we conclude with the Spring section of Haydn’s oratorio, The Seasons. Time: 7.30pm - St John the Baptist Church, Burford. Tel: 01993 822412 Tickets reserved at £20, £16, £12.50, unreserved at £10. Also from: The Madhatter Bookshop 122, High Street, Burford OX18 4QJ ........................................................
AT MILL DENE GARDEN BLOCKLEY
Fridays in March, 10am to 4pm
Not only a beautiful Spring Garden…….but local talent as well. Paintings, ceramics, garden benches and plants Exhibition free with entry to garden £7 The garden will also be open for the Quiet Garden Scheme on the first Sunday of the month in March, May and June from 2pm – 5pm
The garden is open for the National Gardens Scheme on 26th April and 17th May as well as Mother’s Day on 15th March
Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9HU Tel: 01386 700 457 wendy@milldene.co.uk www.milldenegarden.co.uk
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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 p30. 10am - 4pm Free Entry St Edwards Hall, The Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1AF Contact telephone: 07704 145099 ........................................................
16th April 2nd April
n Féte du livre d’artiste and papier An exhibition of unthemed artists books and diverse paper works showing in the the pop up gallery at New Brewery Arts alongside the Biennial International des Arts du Fibre et Papier exhibition in the main gallery. www.newbreweryarts.org.uk ........................................................
3rd - 5th April
n Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Chaselton House Easter themed trail with clues to solve for the chance to win a chocolate treat. £2 plus admission £3.50, child £2, family £9 / 01494 755560 chastleton@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastletonhouse ........................................................
11th - 12th April
n Stow Flea Market & Collectors Fair Sixteen stalls in the famous historical St Edwards Hall in the middle of Stow selling a multitude of interesting items including - Antiques, bric a brac, militaria, ephemera, art and crafts, glass, metalware, silver, jewellery, teddy bears, greeting cards, vintage items galore, beautiful powder compacts, toys and gifts. Upstairs is Isabel’s famous cafe with delicious hot or cold snacks, tea and coffee. All this plus more. Takes place every month - check out our facebook page ’Stow Flea Market and Collectors Fair’ plus Antiques-Atlas’ for forthcoming dates and information.
n Broadway Arts Festival Coffee Morning 10.30am at Luggers Hall, Springfield Lane, Broadway. Coffee/teas, cakes and raffle in aid of Broadway Arts Festival Trust. For tickets call Sonia Woolven: 01386 852211. ........................................................
29th April - 4th May
n Cheltenham International Jazz Festival Town Hall and other venues The Cheltenham International Jazz Festival ranks among the top British festivals of its kind. Since 1996 the Festival has brought some of the biggest names in jazz to the town, as well as providing a platform for the stars of the future. Box Office (01242) 227979 www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz ........................................................
4th May
n Lechlade Duck Race A great fun family day out. 10-5pm. This free, family friendly charity event will be taking place on 4th May, the Monday Bank Holiday, and is held in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Thames at Riverside Park in Lechlade, GL7 3AQ. See p22 for more details about this years Race. info@lechladeduckrace.co.uk www.lechladeduckrace.co.uk ........................................................ 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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Does Your
Holiday Cottage
Support Your Local Village?
With the recent talk about second homes upsetting the residents of St Ives, Cotswold Link talks to Character Cottages, a local holiday letting expert, about how a professionally run holiday cottage actually benefits the local economy How does second home ownership impact local Cotswold villages? In reality, many second homes sit empty most of the time, with some owners only managing to visit their cottage two or three times a year. A lot of local residents believe that this contributes to a weakening of traditional community spirit and impacts local businesses, by reducing the available demand for pubs, shops and restaurants. So how does holiday letting help? High quality second homes that are professionally run as holiday lets provide a means for large numbers of affluent visitors to stay in local villages. This significantly increases the demand for local services and can sometimes make the difference between success and failure, particularly for local pubs and village shops. For example, a typical cottage marketed by Character Cottages sleeping six guests can bring in 50-60
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bookings a year, which represents over 300 visitors per annum to a village. Even assuming just a relatively small expenditure per visitor on local services, the conversion of a single second home to a holiday let can have an incremental impact on a village economy measured in thousands of pounds. What about the out of season months, do the benefits to the village continue? Absolutely! It is easy to forget that booking a holiday in the Cotswolds “out of season� is actually an extremely attractive idea. Holiday homes with open fires and cosy furnishings, welcoming country pubs, long walks in the clean crisp air and picturesque villages in beautiful rolling countryside all provide a wonderful setting for perfect weekends away, whatever the season. As a letting agent dedicated to the Cotswolds, at Character Cottages we understand the unique appeal of the region and we therefore maintain our marketing expenditure consistently
throughout the year, rather than just focusing on peak months, so that interest is constantly generated and bookings are taken all year round. This all sounds interesting, what are the next steps? If you have a high quality, characterful property, which sleeps five or more people, and you like the idea of supporting the local economy whilst also making money from your second home, then our advice is to contact us first. We provide owners with a range of guidance and support, so that it can take as little as two weeks to get your cottage ready to holiday let. Once the property marketing has started, many owners are amazed at how quickly the bookings start to come in!
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www.character-cottages.co.uk owners@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375
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Time to spoil your Mum! TEA ON THE TERRACE AT Mill Dene Garden At a special opening for Mothers Day: Sunday 15th March 2015 Bring Mothers and Grandmothers and Godmothers and even favourite Aunties to Mill Dene Garden for a treat: relaxation in a lovely Cotswold garden with tea served as it always was, and free sweet pea seedlings. Tea will be served by the mill pond in the garden which should be bursting with Spring bulbs. It will be a ‘PROPER’, INDULGENT tea! A selection of sandwiches...with the crusts off, of course, scones with clotted cream and delicious homemade cakes. The creator and owner of the garden, Wendy Dare, will give a short talk about how she and Barry found
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the old Mill and its garden and created it over many years. Guests are invited to roam the garden taking in the charm of spring in the Cotswolds or just while away an hour or so with family and friends! There will be locally made ceramics to buy and there will be plants to stock up your garden after the winter. Guests will go home with a gift bag to include a small pot of Unwins Sweet Pea, ‘Barry Dare’ and an illustrated book of the garden story. Guests welcome from 2pm to 5.30. Cost £14 per head to include entry to the garden and a contribution to the charities of the National Gardens Scheme. Please book as places will be limited. Indoors if wet. www.milldenegarden.co.uk 01386 700457
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This Mother’s Day treat your Mum to breakfast in bed! 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 2. Place the tomatoes and the diced muffins on a shallow baking tray. Pour over 60ml of rapeseed oil and add a pinch of black pepper 3. Place the tray into the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are just tender and the muffin cubes are a light golden brown colour. Remove from the oven and set aside 4. To cook the eggs, bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil and add the white wine vinegar. Adding a dash of white wine vinegar will help the eggs stay together as they cook – a canny trick for mastering the art of egg poaching 5. Crack the eggs into separate ramekins or cups, ensuring there are no pieces of shell 6. Gently tip each egg into the water. The eggs should drop
to the bottom of the saucepan and then begin to float back to the surface Older children can be trusted to plop the eggs into the water and follow the cooking instructions. Keep some spare eggs handy in case it goes wrong 7. Poach the eggs for 3–4 minutes and then remove from the water with a slotted spoon. Place the eggs on a plate with a sheet of kitchen paper to soak up excess water 8. Serve the eggs on a bed of smoked salmon, muffin croutons, roasted tomatoes and wild rocket. Drizzle the remaining rapeseed oil over each plate and serve
Ingredients 240g of smoked salmon 200g of cherry tomatoes on the vine 80ml of rapeseed oil 4 eggs 2 English muffins, cut into rough 1cm cubes 50g of rocket, washed 1 tbsp of white wine vinegar 1 pinch of black pepper
Encourage your little helpers to assemble the finished dish themselves, before plonking onto a tray and serving as breakfast in bed. Breaking the egg yolk before serving is always a nice touch
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This free, family friendly charity event will be taking place on 4th May, the Monday Bank Holiday, and is held in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Thames at Riverside Park in Lechlade, GL7 3AQ. The day runs from 10am – 5pm with the race itself taking place in the afternoon where 6000 plastic ducks will be racing down a stretch of the river. The day offers so much more than just the race with funfair rides, inflatables, go karts, a mobile farm and craft making activities. There will also be the additions this year of a falconry show, a dog show, over 30 local traders with stalls, food/drink stalls and whatever else the organisers can squeeze in. Watch this space for Aqua Zorbing on the Thames too… possibly a first! The day really is packed full of fun!
Copyright Image: ‘Crown
(If you are a local businessperson who would like to sponsor the event, a trader who would like a stall or if you have anything a little bit different to offer to the event, you can contact the organisers on info@ lechladeduckrace.co.uk.)
Don’t miss this fantastic & slightly different day out for all the family!
About Town Image: Mouse
Last year saw four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, start the countdown to the race and this year there promises to be another very well known character along on the ‘starting gun’. The fastest 20 ducks all receive a fantastic family orientated prize, which will be presented by the VIP after the race.
It only costs £2.00 to race a duck and you can even pre-sponsor your duck online to avoid the queues at www.lechladeduckrace. co.uk. You can also find out all of the latest updates on the Facebook page, facebook. com/lechladeduckrace, or on Twitter, @The_ Duck_Race. There will be plenty of field parking available in numerous locations around the town on the day, just look out for the signs. Also look out for the unmissable giant two-storey high inflatable duck popping up somewhere in Lechlade and make sure you have your photo taken with the event mascot ‘Bob the Duck’ too!
Image : Mous e Abo ut Tow n
This spring bank holiday sees the return of the Lechlade Duck Race!
Image: Mouse About Town
A fantastic & slightly different day out for all the family!
Visit: lechladeduckrace.co.uk for updates!
A Good Read The Secret of Crickley Hall n James Herbert
At over 600 pages, this novel from the master of horror does not disappoint as the pages fly by. Gabe and Eve Caleigh have moved with their two daughters from their London home to the West Country to escape the memories of their five year old son who disappeared without trace from a playground a year ago. Their new home is Crickley Hall, a large house with a checkered past, but it has been empty for many years. It seems a bargain price.
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As they settle into the community they learn more about the village, and Crickley Hall. Tragedy occurred during the Great Flood of 1943, when the hall was being used to house orphans evacuated from London due to the Blitz. The children and their guardians all perished in the flood, and it would appear that the young victims are not content to remain quiet. Soon Eve starts seeing her missing son and, like an unstoppable wall of water, the horrors that lie lurking in Crickley Hall flood to the surface, and Gabe must fight to save his family as the truth of that night in 1943 emerges: a truth that it is worse than any nightmare. Read it if you dare.
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Garden View The
Greenhouse Guide People often ask me, ..........................................................
“Is there something in your garden you couldn’t live without?” .......................................................... My reply is always, “My greenhouse.”
A greenhouse has many benefits, chief of which for me is that it extends the gardening year. With a greenhouse you can potter in your garden all year round, and grow a range of plants which simply wouldn’t thrive without the extra protection. Before choosing a greenhouse you will need to check whether your local planning authority imposes any restrictions. While you don’t normally need planning permission, building regulations do have to be adhered to. Buy the biggest greenhouse you can afford that will fit comfortably on to your plot - you will always fill it! But even if you can only afford a tiny one - my first one had a base of just 4’ by 5.5’ (1.2m by 1.7m) - it will still be a worthwhile investment.
The aluminium- framed types are very sturdy and relatively cheap. Woodenframed constructions are more attractive though, and often better in a small garden where everything has to earn its keep. Western red cedar is good because it lasts a long time and weathers really well. Greenhouses are even more useful if they are heated. I started out with paraffin heaters, but found they produced a lot of condensation and were messy and smelly. Electric heating is best, and very economical if you fit a system thermostat so that it only switches on when necessary. Apart from heat the most important factor is ventilation. In high summer this is vital to prevent your plants from cooking. Automatic arms which open the vents at a pre-designated temperature are really useful. External blinds are also very good as they prevent sun scorch. Finally, fit staging along one edge of the greenhouse for your pots, and dig a soil or gravel bed on the other side for things like tomato plants. Now all you have to do is plant some seeds and invest in a few tender perennials.
Great Greenhouse Tips • Fit your greenhouse to level foundations. • Orientation isn’t important , but make sure it isn’t in the shadow of the house, or overhanging trees. • Ventilate well. • Any electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician to comply with part P of the building regulations. • Don’t be tempted to use a household electric heater. It won’t cope with the damp conditions in a greenhouse. • Fit a water butt to the down pipes at either end of the greenhouse to conserve water. By Rachel Leverton
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Sign up now for our Green Waste service – only £30 per year!
Cotswold District Council is hoping for a record number of residents will go green this year and contribute to the authority’s excellent waste recycling record. The eighth year of the Council’s chargeable garden waste service starts on Wednesday 1 April and CDC is urging existing subscribers to sign up again while hoping that even more householders will follow suit. Everyone participating will help contribute to the Council’s impressive recycling/composting rate of almost 60% - the best in Gloucestershire. Those signing up for the service for 2015-16 will have their garden waste collected weekly provided they have paid a £30 licence fee to use the green garden waste wheeled bins. They will also be able to empty their unwanted food waste into the green bin. Additional
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licences can be purchased for a further £30. Alternatively, for those who cannot accommodate a green wheeled bin at their property, 50 compostable brown paper garden waste sacks can also be purchased for £30 (available from the Council’s Trinity Road offices or at the Moreton Area Centre) Residents who receive Council Tax or Housing Benefit are entitled to a 50% discount on the price of a green waste licence. Cllr Sue Coakley, Cotswold District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, comments: “We are very grateful to our residents who recycle. The green waste service is very well supported and it would be great to see even more people signing up for it this year.
We have frozen the price at £30 yet again and this represents really good value for money. “Our garden and food waste, collected through the green bin
scheme, is recycled into compost rather than going to landfill. We hope that even more residents will sign up to the scheme this year to help us make a greater contribution to the environment.”
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The
Local businesses rate relief will be worth almost £1.4m over two years
Eclipse of the Sun Friday 20th March
Cotswold District Council has awarded almost £541,000 in business rate relief to about 600 firms so far during the 2014/15 tax year, and it is estimated that additional awards worth £830,000 will be paid out in 2015/16 – a grand total of almost £1.4 million over two years. In line with government recommendations announced in the 2013 Autumn statement, the Council currently awards business rate relief up to £1,000 to all occupied retail properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or less. This will rise to £1,500 per applicant during 2015/16. While the take-up for business rate relief has been significant, CDC has not awarded any relief so far for the re-occupation of retail properties and new build relief, the two other business rate reliefs which were also announced in the 2013 Autumn statement.
Cotswold Sky
Friday 20th March 2015 is a very special day in the Astronomical Calendar. Not only is it the day of the Spring Equinox, it also coincides with a Total Eclipse of the Sun which is due to take place in the area North of the Faroe Islands. Here in the Cotswolds we will be able to view a Partial Solar Eclipse when up to 90% of the Sun will be eclipsed by the Moon. During the whole of the process you must not look directly at the Sun, this can cause permanent damage to the eyes even though only a little above 10% of the Sun will be visible. Solar Eclipse Glasses will be required for those wishing to view the eclipse direct. However; there are alternative ways to view the eclipse for example:
birds being upset with Mother Nature playing tricks on them. The BBC is planning to run StarGazing Live during the week of the eclipse. Additionally a live Webcast of the Total Solar Eclipse will be available to view on: www.solareclipse2015.org. uk/live-webcast/ Image below from: www.solareclipse2015.org.uk/the-eclipse-path/
Partial Eclipse Begins: 08.25 hours Maximum Eclipse: 09.31 hours Partial Eclipse Ends: 10.41 hours Make the best of this opportunity; the next eclipse due on these shores will not occur until August 12th 2026. For further information: www.solareclipse2015.org.uk
Further information on this method can be obtained from: www.resources.yesican-science.ca/trek/ eclipse0602/pinhole2.html For those without proper viewing equipment the obvious alternative will be to tune in to the TV stations many of which will be broadcasting live viewing of the phenomena. Obviously one potential problem with all eclipses are the weather conditions. In the event of the skies being cloudy you will notice a distinct eerie semi darkness being most apparent. You may also find the behaviour of the
Sky Diary
Venus is prominent in the West throughout March/April around dusk/early evening. Mars will disappear in mid-March but until then it can be observed to the right of Venus Jupiter is prominent during the evening in the South throughout March/April as it continues in its retrograde motion. Saturn is for the early birds and is visible in a Southerly direction during the early hours throughout March/April. March 12th: Saturn and the Moon will be
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Astro News
New Telescope in Chile now searching for Alien Planets A new Next Generation Transit Survey telescope located in Chile could help scientists peer into the atmospheres of relatively small planets circling nearby stars. For further information: www.livescience.com/49505-alienplanet-searching-telescope-online. html?cmpid=558958
close together throughout the early hours. March 20th: 08.25 to 10.41 hours Eclipse of the Sun as described above. 22.45 hours Spring Equinox March 22nd 20.00 hours look towards the West and see Venus close to a crescent Moon. March 29th British Summer Time starts Clocks go forward 1 hour. April 8th Saturn and the Moon will once more be close together throughout the early hours.
Commenting on progress so far at a recent Cabinet meeting, CDC Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said: “I am pleased to note that some 600 business rate accounts – 13% of the total that we administer - have already benefited from this relief, and I am grateful to the Council’s business rate team who continue to be very proactive in identifying firms that might qualify. It is unlikely that there will be many takers for the other forms of relief – reoccupation and new build – but the structure is in place to cater for any applicants. “Small local firms play a vital role in maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of the Cotswold economy and they deserve our support and encouragement. I know that this scheme has been warmly welcomed by many retailers and it is heartening to see that even bigger reliefs are in the pipeline for 2015/16.”
John Harris
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Antiques Mallams: p5 Architectural Planning Eastabrook Architects: p4 Attractions & Events Lechlade Duck Race: p22 Lodge Park: p17 Milldene Garden: p20 Builders & Contractors Bonner & Milner: p5 Calarel Developments: p7 Chimney Lining Company: p29 Country Roofing & Building: p29 Fosseway Tool Hire: p25 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 N & D Construction: p31 North Cotswold Builder: p23 Renu Track: p29 Stephen Hill: p26 Thomas Contracting: p29 Children’s Services Cotswold Youth Choirs: p14 Stepping Stones Nursery: p15 Cleaning Services Casio Oven Clean: p27 Chem Dry: p10 Maid In The Cotswolds: p10 Computers Cyclops Computing: p14 Education Cotswold Tutor: p15 Stepping Stones Nursery: p15 Youth Education Service: p15
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Gardening & Landscaping Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 H & H Groundworks: p7 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Thomas Contracting: p29 Thomas Fox Landscaping: p25 Hair & Beauty Cotswold Beauty: p1 Luxe Tan & Nails: p20 Healthcare & Wellbeing Charles Wright Massage: p13 Cirencester Dental Practice: p12 Cyber Scan Europe: p9 Get The Edge Life Coaching: p1 Maddy James Counselling: p13 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p12 Sally Logan Reflexology: p12 Hearing Aids Hearing & Mobility Store: p13 Heating & Plumbing Fosse Fires: p1 I.D Godden & Co: p7 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p25 Fosseway Tool Hire: p25 Offices To Let: p27 Home & Interiors Armstrong Interiors: p11 Cotswold Carpets: p4 Cottonwood Interiors: p3 Fosse Fires: p1
Jazzy Bee Designs: p16 Parsons Flooring: p11 West End Sewing: p1 Locksmiths Just Carpentry & Locks: p11 Metal Fabrication Bayliss & Son: p29 MRK Services: p25 Motoring Cotswold Cars: p23 MTS Tyres: p23 Troopers Lodge Garage: p27 Oven Services Casio Oven Clean: p27 Cookers & Co: p27 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p17 Painters & Decorators Geoffrey Ludlow Decorator: p11 Richard Luckett Decorators: p6 Property Maintenance Chimney Lining Company: p29 Coln Clearances: p6 Country Roofing & Building: p29 Domestic Tank Services: p7 Get Rid Removals: p26 Hill-top Joinery: p23 Just Carpentry & Locks: p11 Montrose Property Maintenance: p1 Stephen Hill: p26 Recycling Joe Gilder: p29
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Removals Coln Clearances: p6 Get Rid Removals: p26 Renewable Energy Alderminster Solar: p32 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p14 Sports & Leisure Cotswold Riding: p16 Runnerbean: p13 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p6 Vision Repairs: p23 Vivid AV: p14 Travel & Tourism Campden Cottages: p17 Character Cottages: p18 Holidays Please: p19 Tree Surgery Dowdeswell Forestry: p25 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p15 GB Music: p15 Sewing Tuition: p14 Windows Milena Windows: p31 Workwear First Avenue Supplies: 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
CDC successfully bids for £400K to combat fraud across Gloucestershire Cotswold District Council has successfully bid for over £400,000 from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to expedite the establishment of a Gloucestershire-wideCounterFraudUnit. CDC has been the lead authority for this funding, and the bid was led by Robert Milford, the Head of Audit Cotswolds. He is understandably pleased with the outcome: “The Department of Work and Pensions recently created a Single Fraud Investigation Service to take on housing benefit fraud from local authorities. This has raised concerns that as highly skilled fraud investigators based in local Councils transfer employment to the newly formed unit, this would weaken the ability of local authorities to tackle all other types of fraud, such as council tax, tenancy and business rate fraud.” “To counter these concerns, I sponsored a project for the creation of a dedicated team to pursue fraud cases - other than housing benefit - in Gloucestershire. I am delighted that DCLG have provided us with £403,000 to help support our project.
“The new team will proactively identify potential fraud through the use of data matching and intelligence sharing across all Gloucestershire-based local authorities and social housing providers. The work on social housing fraud had already been established by our partner Cheltenham Borough Council and will continue. CDC Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe is delighted that the government had awarded the full amount requested by Audit Cotswolds: “The decision to award us funding of over £400,000 is a reflection of the confidence the government has in CDC and its partners to deliver projects successfully while obtaining excellent value for money for taxpayers. “This follows hard on the heels of our receipt of government grants worth almost £4m to support the work we are doing to strengthen ties between Cotswold, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire Councils. We aim to work together more efficiently by sharing resources without compromising our independence and identity, and the government is clearly impressed by our plans.”
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