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March / April 2019
The dashboard camera, or dash cam, has become increasingly popular recently. So, should you think about buying one? But why might you want one? First-hand evidence in case of a car accident - This is the main reason why people invest in one. If you are involved in a collision you can prove that it was not your fault by submitting the camera footage as evidence. It’s a compelling reason for buying one. Reporting a dangerous driver - Sometimes you see a driver do something so reckless and irresponsible right in front of you that you fear for the safety of other road-users. Reporting that person becomes much easier with evidence. In the US there are special channels for reporting dangerous drivers, with the aim of making roads safer for everyone. It is probable that the UK will follow suit.
Dash Cams
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Extra insurance for parents - We worry when our teens first start to borrow the car that they may not stick to the rules of the road. Knowing that there is a dash cam monitoring their driving behaviour is an extra incentive for them to pay attention, or they might not be trusted to take the car out again! Prevention of insurance claim scams - Insurance fraud is a growing problem with vehicles. Some drivers purposely cause minor car accidents in order to put the blame on the other party, so they
can extort money from the victim. The victim has no way of proving their innocence, so these people also fake injuries in order to collect the insurance money from their insurance companies. A dash cam will at least allow you to prove that you were not at fault in such a case. It keeps an eye on your car while you are not in it! - Have you ever returned to your car in a car park to find it’s been scratched? Or are you sure the neighbour’s children are scraping their bikes along the side of your vehicle when they squeeze past on the drive? A well-installed dash camera can efficiently record such events because most can be set to record even when the car engine isn’t running. Some can even send all the data to your laptop or smart phone remotely, giving you peace of mind. Because the best camera is the one you have with you - It’s not all about the car! Check out online videos of dash cams capturing unexpected phenomena. A family of ducks stopping traffic in Birmingham, a plane crashing right in front of a guy driving down a highway, and one Russian car driver’s dash camera recorded an enormous meteor that flew over Russia. The clip ended up being viewed millions of times on YouTube! Dash cams are set to become as necessary an addition to our driving life as sat-navs. If you don’t already have one, perhaps you should think about it.
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inside
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Rotary in the Rissingtons!
We find out about the formation of a new Rotary Club in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The great clean up!
Great Cotswold Clean Up 18 06 The is back!
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06 The Cotswold Clean Up returns local news: 08 New local businesses and news local news: 10 The new Rotary Club launched events 12 Local events across the area astronomy: 14 What are asteroids? local news: FEATURED FEATURED FEATURED
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All about friendship The importance of children forming friendships
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14 Beware The Ides Of March health: 16 What are ectopic beats? education: 18 The importance of friendships garden view 20 Hardy annuals cotswold link 20 Advertising Details & Index history
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Welcome to the March - April issue We welcome the lighter nights and longer days with a wide range of local news, events and updates. There’s the exciting news of a new Rotary Club launching in the Rissingtons on p10, whilst on p14 we learn all about Asteroids and how to understand them. It’s time to get out into the garden on p20, as we look at hardy annual plants to add early colour to your garden. Don’t forget, if you have any news, events, updates or stories of local interest, please send them to editorial@jkanorth.com and we’ll do our best to publish them for you.
01609 777401 01609 779097 cotswoldlink.co.uk
I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in early Summer. 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 advertis-
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 Your Cotswold LinkLink Magazine carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. appearing in Cotswold 4ingadvertisers Please YourforCanyotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannotmention be held responsible errors or omissions.
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Great Cotswolds Clean up competition begins on 23rd March! Now in its fourth year Cotswold District Council’s ‘Great Cotswolds Clean up prize competition will get underway on Saturday 23 March. The Council is inviting community groups to clean up their neighbourhoods and possibly share in a £1,000 prize fund donated by the Midcounties Cooperative store in Bourton-onthe-Water. From Saturday 23 March until Sunday 28 April schools, community groups and other volunteers (such as brownies) are being encouraged to · carry out a litter pick in their communities · take ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs · tell the Council how they would use the prize money to enhance their environment. The launch of the competition coincides with Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean weekend which has done so much to raise awareness of this issue nationally. Groups organising litter picks before the 23 March launch date will still be encouraged to enter the competition. There will be three prizes on offer - £500 for the winner, £300 for second place and £200 for third place. Applying to enter is very simple – just email cdc@cotswold.gov.uk or call 01285 623123 and provide the location of your litter pick, together with the name of a community representative who is willing to liaise with the Council. We will expect that person to take the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs of the area being tidied, and provide details of the size of the work party and the type and amount of waste collected. When the competition concludes, a panel of CDC judges will draw up a short-list and visit the finalists to assess the work done. Cllr Sue Coakley, CDC Cabinet Member for Environment, looks forward to the event: “Many of our residents are passionate about ensuring their communities are free of litter, and last year’s competition showed that entrants clearly also enjoy the social side of these events. We are very grateful to the Midcounties Coop for sponsoring the competition and we look forward to working with them.” Matt Windridge, Head of Supermarket Operations at Midcounties Cooperative, adds, “We are pleased to lend our support to this wonderful campaign which helps to educate the public about the many benefits of maintaining a clean and tidy environment. We are all lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and it is great to know that a lot of people from all age groups will be coming together to remove unsightly litter and other waste.” The Council can supply bags, pickers, gloves and high visibility jackets for clean-up work. It will be of great benefit to the environmental team if volunteers could stagger the take-up of equipment over the duration of the competition so that we can use our resources to best effect. We can also arrange for Ubico Ltd to make special collections of filled bags after litter picks. Please call 01285 623123 if you require assistance with equipment or collection of filled bags.
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W E N businesses es & seurnvd ic our area in & aro
“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 16,200 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.
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Sign up now for new Private Landlords Forum - 14th May In the wake of key legislative and policy changes regarding the private rented sector, Cotswold District Council is launching a new Private Landlord’s Forum for all local landlords. The proposed date for the first meeting is Tuesday 14 May 5pm – 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, Cotswold District Council,Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX. The aim of the Forum will be to: · Gain feedback on the Council’s proposed new incentive scheme. · Support and inform landlords about key legislative/policy changes concerning the private rented sector. · Give presentations in partnership with Housing Benefits, Universal Credit,The National Landlord’s Association, the Citizens Advice Bureau and more. · Provide an arena for landlords to share best practice and discuss how we can all work together to provide good quality housing to local people. · Enable landlords to voice concerns with the Council and receive our support. Please email your interest and what you would like to see on the agenda to Chauncy Seed, Housing Property Manager (chauncy.seed@publicagroup.uk) If successful, this will be one of a series of similar meetings in future. More information about the Private Sector Landlord forum: www.cotswold.gov.uk/residents/housing/private-sector-housing/privatesector-landlord-forum is available now on the CDC website.
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Beware of new wave of fraudulent emails and phone calls Action Fraud has issued national warnings about fraudsters who are pretending to be from local councils or the HMRC.
settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.
they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
People are receiving cold calls and emails about a council tax overpayment from individuals who appear to work for a local council. The emails often contain phishing links, which direct the recipient to a website where they will be asked to provide personal data. Action Fraud has also experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public which appear to originate from HMRC.
If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin - deportation. Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.
Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.
The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to
What you need to do Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud
Safety & Security for People, Property & Assets Recently we spoke to Cotswold K9 Security Owner, Carl Smart and asked him a few questions about his new business.
and we possess Public and Employers liability insurance which can be provided prior to deployment.
Why use a Security Dog and handler unit? Several reasons, greater visual deterrent, heightened detection senses, health & safety and reduced crime.
Can we meet the Dog and Handler teams prior to signing contracts? Yes. We would absolutely encourage companies to meet our our Dog and Handler teams to give you full confidence and piece of mind in our services
Will the Dogs & Dog Handlers look too aggressive? No. All our Dogs are social and live with the Handlers, we pride ourselves in deploying non aggressive dogs unless the Handlers are threatened for their own safety . Our Handlers wear uniforms to suit the occasion What if the Security Patrol Dog bites someone? This will not happen unless the Dog Handle is in fear their safety. All of our Dog handlers and dogs are trained to the highest standard by NASDU trainers and assessed by our company before being deployed. What about Insurance? Prior to deploying our Dog teams we will conduct a site visit and carry out a comprehensive Risk Assessment and Assignment instructions. All our Handlers hold their own Public liability insurance
What experience and qualifications do your Dog Handlers have? All our Handlers are from Security backgrounds and are SIA licensed. They have had extensive training by a NASDU registered trainer and undertaken various assessments to meet the required standards. It is our policy that all Dogs and Handler teams undertake continuation training monthly. How do you monitor your Handlers? All our handlers sign on prior to commencement of duty. They are required to carry out calls to the control room at random intervals during their duty. They are required to complete a log book every hour and to log anything of significance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contact Cotswold K9 Security: 07731963396 www.cotswoldk9security.co.uk
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Rotary in the Rissingtons! Welcome to Rotary in the Rissingtons
some meet after work, at weekends, or at
A new Rotary club, Rotary in the Rissingtons,
any time that best suits their members.
was inaugurated at Upper Rissington Village Hall by District Governor Joan Goldsmith on
Ed Alexander, president of North
24th January.
Cotswolds Rotary, welcoming the new club members, said: “we are absolutely
Initially the ten founder members of the
delighted that the Rissingtons are coming
new club will operate as a satellite of North
into the Rotary organisation in order to do good things in their local community. Well done to the founder members for their achievement in establishing a new club, and we wish them every success for the future.” Among the many guests at the inauguration celebration was Jocelyn Jeary, aged 10, the youngest member of The Cotswold School Interact Club – a service club for young people. Jocelyn made a most impressive impromptu
2 Cotswolds Rotary, but in time numbers may
speech about the role on Interact and Andrew
grow to enable it to become an independent
Mitchell, Rotary’s principal link with Interact
Rotary club in its own right. Even as a satellite club, however, it has the freedom to operate as it chooses, with an emphasis on informality and flexibility. Andrew Mitchell, chairman of the new club, said: “we will identify where we can be of service and support to the four villages of the Rissingtons, and initially we will focus our efforts on the Rissington school and youth sport in the Rissingtons”. Satellite clubs are set up by existing clubs to explore how things might be done differently. This approach allows and encourages people from all walks of life and different backgrounds to come
locally, congratulated her and she received a well-deserved round of applause. Rotary in the Rissingtons meets at 7.30pm on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Upper Rissington Village Hall. With an emphasis on informality and flexibility, new members will be made very welcome, and for further information please contact Andrew at
andrew.mitchell42@btopenworld.com or follow the new club on their Facebook page. Photos – 1) Members of Rotary in the Rissingtons and their supporters, with Jocelyn Jeary, centre. 2) Chairman Andrew Mitchell polishing the new club sign at Upper Rissington Village Hall. 3) Peter Elliot, Secretary of the new club with Joan Goldsmith. 4) Keelin McLeman with Joan Goldsmith.
together and pool their ideas. Satellite clubs are more informal than long standing clubs and
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Out & About First Monday - Monthly
Alvin Roy Jazz Quartet play at the Swan Inn, 21 Acre End Street, Eynsham, OX29 4PE every first Monday of the month. Entrance is free and the music is from 8.00 pm till 10.30 pm. The style of jazz played is of the mainstream/swing variety and features tunes from the “Great American Song Book” as well as some original compositions. .......................................................
Third Monday-Monthly West Oxfordshire WI at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Parish Rooms, Chipping Norton. OX7 5NT. Friendly group of Women, ready to welcome newcomers. Come and enjoy a very varied programme. For more information email wowi@oxfordshirewi.co.uk .......................................................
2nd March
n Music at Stow Concert
From £45 to £450, we have options for all businesses to reach over 16,200 homes and businesses More details on p22 Call Christine on: 01609 777401 cotswoldlink.co.uk
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Music at Stow is very excited to be presenting this extraordinary performer for one night only, in the famous 12th century St Edward’s Church, just off the main square in Stow-on-the-Wold. Saturday 2nd March 2019 St Edwards Church, 2 Crossways House, The Square, Stow-onthe-Wold. GL54 1AB Doors open 7pm, Performance 8pm. Tickets £25.00 from Borzoi Bookshop 01451 830268 or www.wegottickets.com More info at www.musicatstow. co.uk.Free parking in Stow square after 6pm .......................................................
8th March
n Surrey Fringe & Eight in a Bar concert 7:30pm – 9:30pm £8 On Friday 8th March at Milton-under-Wychwood Church, Church Road, Miltonunder-Wychwood OX7 6LJ, we welcome Surrey Fringe, a barbershop choir from Guildford, and Eight in a Bar,
the popular small choir from Chipping Norton. Come along for an evening of uplifting and entertaining music, with a wide variety of music from Gabriel Fauré to Elton John. Tickets £8 (£3 18s and under), in aid of John Radcliffe Hospital Neurosciences ward and the church, available from 01993 832467 or tickets@8inabar.com. .......................................................
15th March
n Spring Flower Arranging Demonstration by Jackie Paige
St John’s Church, Hailey, Witney at 10am Afterwards a light lunch will be served in Hailey Village Hall Raffle, music, fun Tickets £15 Monica Hester - 01993 772969 Sue Drew - 01993 702624 .......................................................
16th March
n Burford Orchestra Concert
Burford Orchestra will be welcoming in spring on Saturday 16 March with a programme featuring well-known works from the classical era at St Mary’s Church, Witney. The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, opens with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, popularly known as Fingal’s Cave and written following his trip to the remote Scottish island. This is followed by Hummel’s lively trumpet concerto, featuring Richard Colquhoun as soloist, and the second half sees the orchestra take on one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works: the Eroica Symphony. Tickets cost £9 with £1 entry for under 16s and are available online from TicketSource. Contact info@burfordorchestra.org.uk or Sarah on 01993 883490 for information. Doors open 7pm, refreshments available. .......................................................
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Having an event?
Email us your event details to: christine@jkanorth.com and we’ll publish it for you. Magazine distribution dates are on p22.
22nd March
n Medieval Malmesbury
7.30pm - Tim Porter will give a talk about this beautiful hilltop town with proud walls and gates and a towering Abbey Spire, home to a celebrated pilgrimage and fabled tomb of England’s first King. Venue Upper Rissington School Gl54 2QW NOTE NEW VENUE Visitors Welcome £3.50 to include refreshments. For enquiries, contact Sue Brown on 01451 820233. .......................................................
30th March
n Bric A Brac & Table Top Sale
Hosted by Swinford Museum, Filkins. Saturday 30th March in Filkins Village Hall 12.00 to 4.00 pm Teas and coffee available Tables £10 please contact Diane on 01367-860504 for more information. .......................................................
14th April
n Burford Singers Spring Concert
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs 7.30pm: Church of St John the Baptist, Church Green, Burford OX18 4RY Burford Singers with Soprano: Robyn Allegra Parton Baritone : Gareth Brynmor John Cotswold Chamber Orchestra Leader: Kate Bailey Conductor: Bob Chilcott Tickets reserved at £23, £19, £15, unreserved £10 Postal booking from 21st January to 1st February 2019 Online booking from 8th February at burfordsingers.org.uk. Booking fee applies) Booking in person (unreserved tickets only) from 8th February The Madhatter Bookshop
122, High Street, Burford OX18 4QJ. Full details and booking form available on our website www.burfordsingers.org.uk .......................................................
The Arts Society Cotwolds
13th March,
The Arts Society Cotswolds will hold their next lecture “Twentieth Century Sculpture in Britain: Adventures in Three Dimensions” with Dr. Justine Hopkins Modern Sculpture is mysterious to many – abstract, distorted, difficult and sometimes inaccessible. However, this lecture reveals an understanding of how form, materials, technical skills and imagination uses a three dimensional language as expressively as any painter, poet or novelist to give us insights into the rhythms and meanings of life.
April 10th
Julia Korner
“The Beauty of Frames” with Julia Korner. The lecture will cover a brief history of frames, and how they developed across Europe, influenced often by the prevailing architectural style. It looks at how they are constructed and conserved, and how a frame can transform a painting and display it to its best advantage. Finally, the talk closes by looking at the materials and tools of the workshop, and the techniques that have survived the tests of time. Lectures begin at 11.00 at the Warwick Hall, Church Green, Burford OX18 4RZ. Non-members are welcome (suggested donation £10). For more information see our website www.theartssocietycotswolds. org.uk .......................................................
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The
Cotswold District is in seventh heaven!
Cotswold Sky
Asteroids: What Are They?
Courtesy of NASA
The first asteroid was discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi an Italian astronomer who wanted to name his discovery a “Planetoid”. However; he was overruled by William Herschel the discoverer of Uranus who insisted that it be called an “Asteroid”. However; the word of planetoid is now frequently used when referring to one of these minor planets. They are mainly found between the planets of Mars and Jupiter and are believed to be the remnants of a former planet which either did not have the gravitational energy to hold it together or may have been destroyed by a very large meteorite. The largest asteroid between Mars and Jupiter is called Ceres and is roughly the size of England. The smallest ever studied is the 2 metre wide rock identified as 2015TC25 which passed close by to the Earth in October 2015. They orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits and have generated great interest amongst astronomers and scientists with regard to what they consist of. Future space programmes are in the process of being planned by NASA for the detailed exploration of asteroids.
Asteroid Search For the keen astronomer April is a good month for asteroids, but you will need a telescope to view them. Iris - in the constellation of Corvus Pallus – in Coma Berenices Nysa – in Virgo
Diary The Vernal Spring Equinox occurs on 20th March at 21.58 hours (9.58 pm). This is considered first day of
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A leading annual survey that reviews quality of life has ranked Cotswold District as the seventh best place to live in the UK.
spring when the Sun is overhead at the equator and the length of day and night are approximately equal everywhere on Earth (Please note that meteorologists use 1st March as the first day of spring) From this moment in time the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, this being the reason why the days become longer and (hopefully) sunnier. British Summer Time Clocks are officially turned forward 1 hour at 01.00 hours on Sunday 31st March.
The Halifax Building Society assesses health, life expectancy, wellbeing, employment, crime rates and weather to determine the most desirable areas to live. This year Cotswold District has been rated as seventh overall. Commenting on this ranking, Cotswold District Council Leader Cllr Tony Berry said, “When I became leader of CDC at the end of last year I reminded everyone that we are very fortunate to live in such a lovely part of the country – and it is very pleasing to note that the Halifax survey shares my high opinion! “I am aware that all is not rosy in the garden and we continue to face difficult challenges, including the provision of affordable housing and parking, but we sometimes tend to forget the many plus points of living in the Cotswolds. This survey result is a timely reminder that this is a really great place to live and work – and a fantastic tourist destination too.”
Planets Mercury – Observable in the sunset during the first week of March. Not visible during April. Venus – Rises low in the sky early mornings from mid-March, continues its journey hugging the horizon during the month of April so will be difficult to see. Mars – During March and April Mars can be observed during the early evening moving from a South Westerly position towards the West. Jupiter – Barely observable during March but from mid-April will rise at around 01.00 hours in the South East. Saturn – Rises in the South East at around 06.00 hours at the beginning of March and 04.00 hours by the end of April. Can be observed following Jupiter before being overtaken by an emerging dawn. Further information: https://www.space.com/51-asteroids-formation-discovery-and-exploration.html John Harris
Beware the Ides of March!
“Beware the Ides of March!” I’ve heard this saying often throughout my life but only recently thought to find out about it. It’s actually a quote from William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. Early in the play a soothsayer declares it, forewarning of the eventual assassination of Caesar (apologies if that spoils the ending for anyone!) But what are the Ides of March? In the ancient Roman calendar the Ides was one of three markers used each month, which related to the position of the moon. Ides comes from the Latin verb ‘to divide’ The Ides in March fell on the 15th and marked the full moon. It happens that Julius Caesar was murdered on March 15th, 44BC. He was stabbed to death by a group of Senators shortly after being declared ‘Dictator Perpetuus’, which means, ‘dictator for life.’ His death lead to the Liberators’ civil war and the new Principate period of the Roman Empire. So, the Ides of March is actually the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s murder and Shakespeare played on this with his oft-quoted soothsayer. People adopted the expression and it is still used as a warning that something bad could befall a person on this date. By Tom Hancock
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In a Heartbeat: What are ectopic beats? Ectopic heartbeats are extra heartbeats that occur just before a regular beat. Ectopic beats are normal ad usually they are not a cause for concern. About 70% of medically normal adults without any symptoms at all have ectopic beats if monitored over 24 hours. They are far less common in children and are more likely to be a result of an underlying heart abnormality in those cases. There are two types of ectopic beat: PAC - Premature atrial contractions, which begin in the upper chambers of the heart. PVC - Premature ventricular contractions, which begin in the lower chambers of the heart. An ectopic beat might be felt as an extra awareness of the heart beating; a feeling of faintness; a sensation of the heart stopping for a second, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. The fact that some people become aware of their ectopic beats doesn’t automatically mean there is a problem. Most commonly people who become aware of their ectopic beats are also susceptible to anxiety. What tends to happen is that during an episode of anxiety their system is flooded with adrenalin and their heart begins to race. They become aware of their heart racing, and then suddenly they experience a (perfectly normal) ectopic beat, only it feels anything but normal to them because their heart is already racing. They can then become hyper-aware of any perceived differences in rhythm, and this can feed their anxiety.
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Most GPs can diagnose ectopic heartbeats from symptoms and by listening with a stethoscope. Sometimes they will arrange a precautionary electrocardiogram (ECG). If someone is aware of their ectopic beat only when they are sitting quietly, this is less of a concern than if the ectopics become noticeable after exercise, such as running upstairs. Ectopics are also of more concern if there is a history of a previous heart attack, or a family of heart disease. A GP will want to rule out complications such as ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmia. If further investigation is required the GP might order an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), or a coronary angiography, an MRI, a CT scan, or exercise testing. In most cases ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment; however, there are certain well-known triggers. It can be helpful to review all medications and their possible interactions, stop smoking, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, and reduce stress and anxiety as much as possible. Remember, most ectopic heartbeats are not a cause for concern, but if they are persistent, or you are worried, then consult your GP. By Louise Addison
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Friendship “So many gentle Friends are near Whom one can scarcely see A child should never feel a fear Wherever she or he may be” “Friends” by Abbie Farwell Brown (1871-1927) Our present generation of youngsters are being criticised for the time that they spend on social media. Indeed they are taking advantage of communicating with their peers in ways that were not available to the older generation. However; our present elder generation who often criticize the young ones, are also taking advantage of the social media by surfing the internet for long lost friends.
Bourton Library
Mon:
Closed
Tues:
10am - 1pm
Wed: 2pm - 5pm
Early Friendships
01451 820964 bourtononthewaterlibrary@ gloucestershire.gov.uk
Thurs: Closed Fri: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Old Moore Cottage Hospital Moore Road Sat: 10am - 1pm Bourton-On-The-Water Sun: Closed GL54 2AZ ..................
Unknowingly and unaware youngsters are building up friendships at school, at play and by the said social media that will last for life. Yes, some acquaintances will go by the wayside but as the more mature are aware, you cannot replace a dear friend. There are unfortunate people; who through no fault of their own; find it difficult to establish and maintain a friendship and this is certainly true with many unfortunate children. Children who have been bullied at school feel this most of all and this is why there is such a tremendous responsibility on our teachers to eradicate bullying immediately and not allow it to continue. A bullied person needs support and above all a close friend who can also give support.
Finding a Friend Friendships grow, they cannot be forced. On life’s journey some fall apart and may even join together later in life. Friendships rely on mutual interactions sometime based on past happy memories. You will frequently hear a husband or wife refer to the other as their best friend and some men will refer to each other as “The best of mates”, but these relationships have been built up over a period of time.
A Good Read Our House
For all of us our homes are the one place we feel safe. It is one of our n Louise Candlish human rights that no one can enter our home without due cause. For those of us who own our homes then they are also a financial investment and an investment for our children once we are gone. So, what if you came home one day to find a removal van outside your home. And someone else was moving in. This is what happens to Fi Lawson, one sunny winter day in January. There are no signs of her two young sons and her husband, Bram, just a family of strangers insisting that they £1.6 million house in a leafy suburb of London is now theirs.
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I am often asked by parents how can they find a friend for their beloved child? This is not as straight forward as one would wish it to be. An obvious way would be to encourage the child to join a club or organisation based on their hobby or interests, but not all children have such common interests and hobbies. They may be very shy, quiet and withdrawn. In all of these cases the parents have to be most patient waiting for their child to come out of “his or her shell”. A popular way is to find a friend via social media but these avenues are fraught with potential danger and where children are concerned the parents must be in overall control of their use of the social media. Another way would be to find other parents who have a child with similar issues, no doubt if approached they would be delighted to join forces and encourage the children to get to know each other. This however; would have to be done with due care and consideration to the wants and needs of each child. In conclusion do not give up; somewhere there will be a friend in waiting. John Harris
And so Fi’s life quickly unravels. This dual narrative novel tells the events leading up to that day from the point of view of both Fi and Bram, switching between their two accounts. At times this can lead to confusion as you forget that you know information from Bram that Fi doesn’t, but it is not a big issue. Has Bram cheated Fi out of her home and disappeared from the face of the earth? If he has why? This fastpaced thriller will have you guessing until the end, with twists and revelations throughout and asks if we ever really know what the closest people in our lives are going through?
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GARDEN VIEW
Hardy Annuals! Hardy annuals: the name is an oxymoron. Hardy plants are supposed to be able to survive the winter aren’t they, but annuals, by their definition, don’t. In fact, the names hardy, half-hardy and tender, when applied to annuals, refer to the relative cold tolerance of the newly planted seeds. Hardy annual seeds can handle being frozen in the soil so are ideal for planting outside, either in the autumn or now. Productive, adaptable and cheap, they are the ideal creditcrunch plants. They are also easy-to-grow, so are brilliant for beginner gardeners. For best results sow them as thinly as possible, cover lightly with sifted soil then firm it down. Protect them from cats and birds with netting until the seedlings are well established then thin them out to the distance recommended on the packet. Good flowers for the annual-novice include poppy, calendula, larkspur, fried- egg plants (limnanthes), love-in-themist, clarkia and cornflowers. If I could grow only one it would be Nigella damascena (love-in-the-mist). It’s an old cottage-garden plant and ‘Miss Jekyll’ is a beautiful, soft, pure blue variety with the added bonus of stripy seed pods once the flowers have faded.
flower. Children particularly love to grow them. Sow them singly in small pots or directly into the earth. If you sow them directly, plant two seeds into each hole and thin to one once they are established. They may need to be staked as they grow. There are some terrific varieties. A favourite of mine is Prado Red, which as the name suggests, produces deep red flowers. If you pinch them out, they‘ll grow to five feet and produce numerous blooms on each plant. If sunflowers are the kings of the hardy annuals, then sweet peas are surely the fragrant queens. Old-fashioned or antique varieties tend to be best for scent though their flowers are slightly smaller. The great thing about sweet peas is that you have to pick them to prolong flowering so you have a wonderful excuse to have a fragrant home all summer long. Sweet peas should be planted a little deeper than other annuals. They are very thirsty flowers. My granddad used to line his sweet pea trenches with lots of wet newspaper. He won prizes for his blooms, so he obviously knew a thing or two about it. Next time you’re at the garden centre...walk right on by the showy (and expensive) potted plants and head for the seed section. For a very small outlay you can add colour, shape, interest and completely transform your plot ...and if you don’t like it, you can always change it again next year. Happy gardening! By Rachael Leverton
The king of the hardy annuals though has to be the sun-
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