Cotswold Link (West Oxfordshire) Jan-Feb 2020 by JKA / Cotswold Publications

CotswoldLink

West Oxfordshire

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www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Bi-Monthly Royal Mail distribution: 18,700 homes & businesses

January / February 2020

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inside

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Garden View

We take a look at the importance of Witch Hazel in the garden this Winter

There are thousands of reasons to advertise Old into new Education The restoration of old jewellery 10 We look at what makes a 08 into something withnewus... good school?

Next issues

North Cotswolds March / April

West Oxfordshire March / April

Dist: w/c 2nd March Copy: 7th February

Aston Magna

Blockley

Bourton-on-the-Hill

Moretonin-Marsh

Little Compton Evenlode

Longborough

1/8 Page Winchcombe

Condicote

Chipping Norton

Oddington Broadwell

Stow-onthe-Wold

from only

£70!

Great Rollright

Little Rollright Over Norton Heythrop

Cornwell

Lidstone

KinghamChurchill Icomb Upper Slaughter Dean Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Rissington Church Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Dowdeswell Andoversford Little Wychwood Chilson Rissington Fifield Shipton Milton-under- Ascott-underClapton-on-the-Hill Great Fawler Wychwood Wychwood Turkdean Rissington Compton Finstock Abdale Langley Ramsden Great Withington Leafield Barrington Fulbrook Taynton Asthall Hailey Windrush Little Leigh Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley Chedworth Asthall Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village Aldsworth

Whittington

North Cotswolds

16,300

06 events: 08 Local events across the area generalINDEX interest: 08 Old jewellery restored local news: FEATURED

Funding for Witney Radio homes & businesses

FEATURED

Bourton-onthe-Water

Northleach

West Oxfordshire

18,700 homes & businesses

Charlbury

Burford

10 What makes a good school? garden view: 12 All about Witch Hazel cotswold link: 14 Advertising Details & Index education: FEATURED Shilton

Brize Norton

Carterton

Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com

FEATURED

Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p Painters & Decorators FEATUREDDentist FEATURED Cirencester Dental Practice: p Phil Dadge: p1 Gifts Cotswold Frames: p Bathrooms Education Plumbing Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p Cotswold Tutor: p Healthcare & Wellbeing Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p Country Bathrooms: p Davenant: p Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p Cirencester Dental Practice: p Gas & Oil Heating Services:p Footworx Clinic: p Blinds Elderly Services I. D Godden: p Associated Blinds: p16 The Langston: p Heating Property Maintenance Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p Builders & Contractors Electrical Services Allay Building Solutions: p Gas & Oil Heating Services: p Allay Building Solutions: p CDR Electrical Services: p Churchill Surfacing: p Churchill Surfacing: p new year Cotswold p range ofHome & Interiors We welcome January and the withAerials: a wide Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p Garolla Garage Doors: p Mayday Aerials: p Associated Blinds: p Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p Hopper Roofing Services: p local updates and news, including exciting news from WitneyBob Dadge Carpentry: p Fashion & Clothing Garolla Garage Doors: p Oak Mill Timber Buildings: p Chipping Norton Flooring: p Gas & Oil Heating Services: p Radio as they announce several Flooring JA Shirley Building Services: pnew investors. Country Bathrooms: p Hopper Roofing Services: p Chipping Norton Flooring: p Business Services We also have a look at what makes a good school (p16) andHeartwood Furniture: p I. D Godden: p Furniture Tiles Et Al: p Cotswold Sales Coaching: p Shirley Building Services: p there’s also theChildren’s importance of WitchBob Hazel in yourp gardenKitchens & Bathrooms JA Dadge Carpentry: Services Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p 01609 777401 Heartwood Furniture: p Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p Cotswold Tutor: p this Winter (p12) Sound & Vision Garage Doors Country Bathrooms: p cotswoldlink.co.uk Chimney Services Cotswold Aerials: p Garolla Garage Doors: p Cotswold Stovesany & Chimneys: p events, updates or storiesLaundry Mayday Aerials: p Don’t forget, if you have news, Gardening & Outdoors The Laundry: p Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p Tree Surgery Surfacing: p of local interest, please send them Churchill to editorial@jkanorth. Logs Cleaning Services Stockwell Davies Tree Stockwell Davies Tree Walkers Logs: p5 Laundry: Contractors: p com and we’ll doTheour bestp to publish them for pyou. Contractors:

Tuition Cotswold Sales Coaching: p Cotswold Tutor: p

Welcome to the January - February issue

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

I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in the early Spring. 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 time LofINKgoing to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. 14 Yourat CtheOTSWOLD Please mention Your COTSWOLDLINK when contacting any of our advertisers

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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Witney Radio celebrates local funding to help expansion and go digital! Local funders issue grants to West Oxfordshire’s only local radio station to expand and go digital. Witney Radio is celebrating after three local funders provide grants for development. Funding will allow the creation of a second studio for volunteers to broadcast from and expand listener choice into digital radio with DAB broadcasting and smart speaker integration. The largest charity beer festival in the UK, Charlbury Beer Festival, granted Witney Radio funds for a second studio. The new studio will allow Witney Radio to broadcast more content from its ever growing number of volunteers. Operations manager Grant Grindley said “Our range of programming is eclectic. From keeping listeners updated with local news and traffic as it happens to specialist shows such as jazz, rock and new music. This choice is not currently available on local radio to listeners.” Witney Radio has also received funding from The Jim Cousins Trust. The Jim Cousins Trust’s main aim is to assist young people in Witney and in West Oxfordshire with their development, through the funding of educational and sporting endeavours. The Trust has previously supported Witney Radio in its work with Abingdon and Witney College and this year supports a new project with Wood Green School. The School Takeover, sees 12 pupils from Year 7 take part in 6 sessions all designed to support them to create their own radio show to air on Boxing Day. This project also aims to increase confidence in young people and ultimately improve their skills for the future. The station can be heard in West Oxfordshire on FM radio 99.9FM online at www.999.radio and on smart speakers by asking “play Witney Radio 99.9fm”

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Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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Out & About First Monday - Monthly

Howard Sherwood – Creative Consultancy • Less is usually more • Say it once, say it clearly • You only have one chance to make a first impression! This is my core design philosophy developed and tested by working in marketing and design for 40 years. I have gained a wealth of experience primarily in the arts, heritage and publishing sectors where long and productive relationships have been built with clients developing costeffective creative solutions.

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. .......................................................

My approach endeavours to distil the essential requirements, develop an agreed strategy and implement it methodically through the creation of robust and durable communication assets. To fulfil the brief, I use language, image and graphic design to produce coherent and consistent messages for both print and web communications.

Third MondayMonthly

If you think I may be able to help with your project, please contact me to discuss your requirements – I am always happy to have a conversation without any obligation.

n Chipping Norton Bliss Probus Club

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 .......................................................

Every 2nd Tuesday

The Blue Boar in Chipping Norton and meet at 12.00 midday every 2nd Tuesday of each month. We gather for drinks at 12.00, lunch at 12.30, followed by a

guest speaker. We are a varied bunch of retired males who can guarantee you an equally varied menu of convivial banter and good company. New members always welcomre, contact Pat Lake, our Secretary on: (01608) 643458 or plake1970@aol.com .......................................................

Third MondayMonthly

Various Dates n Shibashi Qigong Cheltenham

Simple, gentle exercises for good health. All ages and abilities welcome. Various days of the week, times and locations. For more details contact Karen Soo, Certified Shibashi Instructor Mobile: 07986 290250. facebook.com/qigongshibashi .......................................................

Old Jewellery Restored We spoke to local jewellery designer Shelley Richardson about the current trend of restoring old jewellery. “Bringing old jewellery to life again is becoming more and more popular with my customers. I have worked for many years restoring and repairing antique jewellery alongside designing more modern pieces. Drawing on my experience, I often suggest I use gifted gold and gemstones from much loved, but no longer worn jewellery in order to create something new and unique. In this way the sentimental value and history of the piece is once more woven back into the design. It may be an engagement ring using gemstones from a family heirloom which can then be passed on to the next generation or simply a new design of some

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jewellery for a change of style. I can sometimes adapt old, unworn or broken jewellery into a new piece. For instance I might make an odd earring into a bracelet or pendant, alternatively I could convert a brooch into a clasp for a string of pearls. A large selection of gemstones are available if you would like to choose something new. I have a workshop in the Cotswolds near Stow on the Wold, I am happy to sit down and chat about your ideas or help you to be inspired with some new ones. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to give me a call.” www.shelleyrichardson.eu info@shelleyrichardson.eu 07968 230934

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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 p14.

Hailey Events 26th February

A talk on the work of the Wychwood Project by Neil Clennell, CEO who has over 25 years of experience in the fields of conservation biology and landscape ecology, as well as a range of skills in scientific, commercial consultancy and not-for-profit organisations. 7.30pm: Hailey Village Hall. Members free, Non members £3 Tel 01993 700162 .......................................................

22nd January

n Bourton & District U3A

The next meeting of this group in the British legion Hall, B.O.W, is on Wednesday 22nd January, which is a social event to meet, have coffee and meet people. The U3A is designed for those who are retired or semi retired and looking for new interests. There is no age limit. We have nearly 40 special interest groups, among which will be found theatre viisits, table tennis and walking football. Do come

along at 10 one month for a coffee to meet us and see if any of the groups we run or what we do is of interest to you. Full details on our website: www.u3asites.org.uk/bourton .......................................................

4th April

n Burford Singers – Bach St John Passion

Burford Singers with James Oxley – Evangelist John Stainsby - Christus Alison Rose – Soprano James Neville – Counter-tenor Laurence Kilsby - Tenor Freddie Long - Bass Canzona Leader: Theresa Caudle Conductor: Brian Kay 7.30pm: Church of St John the Baptist, Church Green, Burford OX18 4RY Tickets reserved at £25, £20, £15, unreserved £10, children and students half price Postal booking from 13th - 24th January. Online booking from 10th Feb at www.burfordsingers.org.uk/box-office/ .......................................................

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.

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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WHAT IS A GOOD SCHOOL? Recently a loving grandmother asked me “Is …………. a good school?” I gave her an objective reply, so what makes a good school? Is it examination results? Position in the school performance tables? Outstanding Ofsted reports? the list goes on. Indeed there is a monumental amount of data on the internet giving information on individual schools. In fact there may be too much for some parents to take in and analyse. On searching the internet we are taken to the performance tables of each individual school so that comparisons with other schools in the local area and nationwide can be made. Immediately one is faced with a mass of statistics given in percentages and occasionally in numerical form comparing - Expected standards - Reading, writing and maths progression - Average score in reading and maths - Percentage of pupils reaching expected standard - Percentage of pupils reaching higher standard - Number of pupils at end of Key Stage 4 - Percentage of students staying in education after Key Stage 4 - Percentage of students attaining Grade 5 or above in English and Maths The list goes on and saturates the mind with statistics. Does the above information tell the parents what they need to know? For example: Is there an entrance examination to be taken? Are there minimum require-

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ments for entry to the school’s sixth form (Years 12/13)? - Policy on bullying? - Policy on homework? - Policy on discipline? In fact it will not tell you anything about the school’s policies and for those you need to look at the school’s internet site and indeed contact the school itself and see how receptive they are to your requests. It is also not uncommon for parents to make great personal sacrifices by moving their home to be within a catchment area of their preferred choice. Sometimes this is done because School A has better examination results than School B. For those who do move solely for these reasons I advise them to tread carefully. Does a school with excellent examination results over pressurize those students who struggle or do they obtain their results by being selective?

What then is a Good School? Schools, educational institutions including the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) will all give their interpretations which may include: - A good school improves its local community - A good school does not make empty promises - A good school will produce students that think objectively - A good school makes individual students know that they are cared for - A good school changes students for the better

We could go on and on but why when the answer is obvious:

The answer to “What is a Good School?”

A GOOD SCHOOL IS ONE THAT PRODUCES HAPPY CONTENTED CHILDREN References: www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk Wishing All Our Readers A Happy & Contented 2020 - John Harris

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

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GARDEN VIEW

Witch Hazel January is a great time to plant deciduous trees and at this time of year a tree with added winter interest is always a welcome sight. Enter the witch hazel. These lovely trees with their citrusscented spidery flowers are widely sold in garden centres as container-grown plants Look for plants with a number of evenly distributed well-placed branches and avoid those showing signs of stress, damage or disease. Ideally choose an open, sunny position in the garden. They also work well if planted next to pathways and doors where you can enjoy their gorgeous scent on win-

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tery days. Avoid very shady sites though or the plant may become straggly Witch hazels need free-draining soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. A light soil mixed with plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, is best. They will also grow on heavier clay soils but make sure that as well as digging in plenty of organic matter you ensure good drainage by planting on a slight mound, about 25-30cm (10in-1ft) high and 1m (3ft) in diameter. The only soil witch hazels won’t tolerate is a shallow chalky soil. And make sure you don’t plant them out if the ground is waterlogged.

Witch hazels grow slowly but eventually make large spreading shrubs. They aren’t fond of pruning so make sure you leave enough space around your plant for it can develop naturally. Make sure they are well-watered throughout the first couple of springs and summers as they take a long time to fully establish and lack of moisture can cause flowers to drop. They don’t need regular feeding but applying a top dressing of a general in late winter or early spring will help young plants to grow. Happy New Year and Happy Gardening! By Rachael Leverton

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

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There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us...

Next issues

North Cotswolds March / April

West Oxfordshire March / April

Dist: w/c 2nd March Copy: 7th February

Aston Magna

Blockley

Bourton-on-the-Hill

Moretonin-Marsh

Little Compton Evenlode

Longborough

1/8 Page Winchcombe

Condicote Oddington Broadwell

Stow-onthe-Wold

from only

ÂŁ70!

Great Rollright Little Rollright Over Norton

Chipping Norton Cornwell

Heythrop

Lidstone

KinghamChurchill Dean Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Whittington Rissington Church Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Dowdeswell Andoversford Little Wychwood Chilson Rissington Fifield Shipton Milton-under- Ascott-underClapton-on-the-Hill Great Fawler Wychwood Wychwood Turkdean Rissington Compton Finstock Abdale Langley Ramsden Great Withington Leafield Barrington Fulbrook Taynton Asthall Hailey Windrush Little Leigh Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley Chedworth Asthall Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village Aldsworth Icomb

Upper Slaughter

Bourton-onthe-Water

Burford

16,300

Shilton

Index Bathrooms Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p2 Country Bathrooms: p2 Blinds Associated Blinds: p16 Builders & Contractors Allay Building Solutions: p13 Churchill Surfacing: p12 Garolla Garage Doors: p3 Hopper Roofing Services: p13 Oak Mill Timber Buildings: p13 JA Shirley Building Services: p15 Business Services Cotswold Sales Coaching: p10 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services Cotswold Tutor: p10 Chimney Services Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p14 Cleaning Services MRK Services: p13

Your CotswoldLink

Brize Norton

Carterton

homes & businesses

The Laundry: p6 Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p2 Design Howard Sherwood Creative: p8 Education Cotswold Tutor: p10 Davenant: p10 Elderly Services The Langston: p11 Electrical Services CDR Electrical Services: p2 Cotswold Aerials: p15 Mayday Aerials: p4 Fashion & Clothing Cotswold Frock Shop: p9 Flooring Chipping Norton Flooring: p7 Furniture Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 Heartwood Furniture: p6 MRK Services: p13

18,700 homes & businesses

Charlbury

Northleach

North Cotswolds

West Oxfordshire

Phil Dadge: p1 Garage Doors Garolla Garage Doors: p3 Gardening & Outdoors Churchill Surfacing: p12 Luke Dadge Drystone Walling: p12 MRK Services: p13 Stockwell Davies Tree Contractors: p13 Gifts Cotswold Frames: p9 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p2 Footworx Clinic: p11 Heating Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p4 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p3 Home & Interiors Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Associated Blinds: p16 Bob Dadge Carpentry: p6 Chipping Norton Flooring: p7 Country Bathrooms: p2

Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com

Heartwood Furniture: p6 Phil Dadge: p1 Tiles Et Al: p3 Kitchens & Bathrooms Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p2 Country Bathrooms: p2 Woodentop Restoration: p3 Laundry The Laundry: p6 Logs Walkers Logs: p5 Painters & Decorators Phil Dadge: p1 Plumbing Chris Smith Plumbing Services: p2 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p4 Gas & Oil Heating Services:p3 I. D Godden: p14 Property Maintenance Allay Building Solutions: p13 Churchill Surfacing: p12 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p4 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Garolla Garage Doors: p3

Please mention Your CotswoldLink when contacting any of our advertisers

Gas & Oil Heating Services: p3 Hopper Roofing Services: p13 I. D Godden: p14 JA Shirley Building Services: p15 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p14 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p15 Mayday Aerials: p4 Tree Surgery Stockwell Davies Tree Contractors: p13 Tuition Cotswold Sales Coaching: p10 Cotswold Tutor: p10 Dance My Way: p9 Parli Italiono? / Italian Lessons: p11 Weddings Cotswold Frock Shop: p9 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

Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk

Your CotswoldLink