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July / August 2022
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inside
Local Business helps historic buildings
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Garden View
We look at some top tips on the best way for gathering seeds to really enhance your garden
08 astronomy Should I buy second hand? 10 education Enjoy the Summer holidays news 10 local Moreton show returns!
12 Gone to seed! cotswold link 14 Advertising Details cotswold link 14 Index garden view
Welcome to the July - August issue In this issue we look at the September return of Moreton Show (p10), which promises to be a fantastic family day out. There’s also some great gardening tips on how to make the most of gathering seeds (p12), and an interesting look at astronomy equipment and how to buy it most effectively (p8) I hope you all enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in September. Best wishes,
Christine Campbell | Editor
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We recently spoke to Cotswold Listed Building Consultancy to find out more about the range of services they offer. Owner Neil explained, ‘‘We offer help and advice and surveys, so we can not only do surveys from damp to asbestos and electrical, but everything in between too. Added to this, we can help with advice on the correct materials to use on a listed building, how the work is done, advise on suppliers and contractors.
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We can also help with budgeting out a project, getting quotes, checking quotes and
even inspecting potential contractors previous work for quality etc. All of these service can all save customers £1000s by ensuring the work is done properly the first time. It also helps to avoid any potential fines, as carrying out unlawful works to listed buildings can carry hefty fines.
You can contact me for a free quote, I can either carry out a home visit or if applicable, I can carry out a remote meeting via zoom or similar. I charge by the hour only, so you only pay for the time and help you need.’’ Neil Lutton Cotswold Listed Building Consultancy
I have over 25 years experience working with listed buildings including many local manor houses and even a local palace.
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www.cotswoldlisted.com clbc.uk@yahoo.com 07812 125975 facebook.com/ cotswoldlisted Find us on Instagram too!
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HOLISTIC FINANCIAL PLANNING A holistic financial plan will help establish your existing position and guide you towards your required outcomes by giving you the understanding as to what action you need to take to bridge any shortfalls. This enables you to make appropriate and effective decisions, which could result in greater returns, paying less tax and effectively transferring your wealth to future generations.
Holistic: adjective. OēԤSփZ[փR OēܚԤSփZ[փR considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts. (The Oxford English Dictionary). In this article, we will consider the steps you should follow in creating a holistic financial plan, undertaken with your Financial Planner, to ensure financial success. The three core factors which underpin financial success are; the time you have available, the amount you commit and the returns achieved on the committed funds. From the early stages of protecting your family and starting to plan for retirement, through to managing your inheritance tax liability, and everything in between. The precise actions required may vary depending on your life stage and goals, but the fundamental factors involved remain the same. At its heart, financial planning is about providing a structure or map to help navigate opportunities and challenges to enable sound, sensible decisions that benefit you, and those important to you.
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But most importantly, it will provide solutions on how to overcome these obstacles in an efficient and timely manner. There are 6 phases in financial planning which provide the foundation to making those sound decisions
1 - Understand your goals The first stage in a holistic financial plan is to identify your goals. Often there are multiple and even competing goals – for example, setting aside money for children’s university costs while also building a pension for your own retirement. Your Financial Planner will consider the routes available, helping you understand how to make tax efficient decisions such as using available allowances for your ISA and pension, as well as trusts and gifting allowances as appropriate. Put those goals in pounds and pence - “I want to know when I can retire in comfort” is often how many client conversations begin at the start of a financial plan. Putting a pounds and pence figure against this objective can vary dramatically between individuals. An important aspect of financial planning is understanding what you are currently spending, and how that might change throughout the years.
This might range from no longer servicing a mortgage - resulting in an increase in disposable income, to the additional costs of children attending university, which often occurs at a time when we are entering our later working years and are also giving thought to making a final push for that “comfortable” retirement. Your vision of a comfortable retirement is personal to you, and there is no “one size fits all” approach.
2 - What do you already have? Your financial planner will often focus a significant part of your initial engagements identifying your current assets such as cash, investments, and property. Once these have been established, you can start to see where the gaps are between what you currently have and what you need or want. Other factors such as planning for the longterm tax position of existing assets will also need to be considered at this time. Did you know, you could incur capital gains tax as high as 28% on the sale of property other than your main residence? Or that inheritance tax is charged at 40%? (Based on current tax rates, please note that these can change). However, assets held within something as simple as an ISA for instance, can be withdrawn without incurring a capital gains or income tax charge whatever the other earnings or gains the ISA account holder has made. The value held within an ISA can also be transferred to a surviving spouse upon death, without any tax being incurred.
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Everyone has allowances for specific taxes which can be utilised each tax year and if used correctly, can be an important factor in being financially successful over the longer term, as tax can reduce returns significantly over the long term. You should expect to pay tax, but you can control when it is paid, how much is due and who pays it.
3 - Identify what needs to be done and by when Many people first seek advice as they are approaching an important decision. Whether you have a “hard” deadline such as when your child intends to start university for example or retirement at a specific age, or a “soft” deadline such as reducing the size of your estate for inheritance tax purposes in the coming years, this will inform the solutions of the financial plan. Knowing when and how you will fund a life event is crucial to financial success. The more time you have available, the greater flexibility your financial planner has for using allowances and financial planning tools like cash flow modelling, usually resulting in you paying less tax. As your money has longer to grow there is a greater likelihood of achieving your objectives. Did you know that 5% return compounded over a fourteen-year time frame will double the value of the initial deposit without any further funds added? Often, those clients who engage with financial planning at an earlier stage of their lives are more likely to benefit from avoiding having to make expensive decisions - such as having to resort to selling an asset to meet a financial need, resulting in a capital gains tax charge to pay.
4 - How you will go about it Fundamentally this is where you agree what your financial planner can do for you. If you agree that they will manage some of your assets this will involve a conversation about how comfortable you are with certain risks, it can also include using allowances – such as your Capital Gains tax each year.
5 - Formalise the plan The formalisation of the plan requires it to be put in writing. It may include a review of existing arrangements, alongside recommendations for action to be taken in accordance with a new or updated financial plan. This will provide focus and clear precise instructions on the action to be taken, in many cases the Planner will take these on your behalf, but only with your agreement.
6 - Keep checking it
Through regular reviews, your financial planner can retain a full understanding of your circumstances, and plan ahead for you to ensure that your money is in the right place, at the right time, for when you need or want it. The power of ongoing advice over many years can be profound. Your financial planner can save you money and time by helping you make the right decisions, at the right time. By taking a proactive approach to our ongoing planning, we can get ahead of any issues which may arise and give you the assurance in your decisions so you can look to your future with confidence .
In Summary: • Preparation and planning leads to more predictable results • The time you have to achieve your financial goals is one of the most important assets that you own
With your plan now active, it’s important to remember that it needs to be checked and tested regularly to ensure that it remains suitable and fit for purpose.
• If you know what you want, your plan will help you achieve it
Legislation changes frequently – for instance if we look at the rules surrounding interest relief on Buy to Let property in recent years and you can see how this could impact on your returns and financial success.
• Tax must be paid – but you can control when, why and how much is paid, and by whom
Keeping on top of these changes and updating your plan can be vital in ensuring its success. Naturally your own circumstances will evolve over time again necessitating changes, as careers evolve, children grow up and retirement edges ever closer.
• Mistakes can be expensive
• Holistic financial planning can help you make greater use of the time you have, saving you money, avoiding mistakes and giving you confidence
wise@wiseinvestment.co.uk www. wiseinvestment.co.uk 01608 695100
Important Information The information contained in this article is not a personal recommendation and should not be construed as investment advice. If you are unsure about the suitability of a particular investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided but no warranties or given. HMRC tax rates and allowances are subject to change and tax treatment may depend on individual circumstances. Wise Investments Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference number 230553. Registered Office: The Great Barn,Advertising Chalford Park Barns, Oxford Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QR. Registered in England 4970458. - contact Christine: 01609 777401 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
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Cotswold Sky The short answer is yes, but with advice and care. Presently there are thousands of unused telescopes lying in attics and spare rooms up and down the country. These were bought by well meaning parents only to find that there little ones were not as enthused with astronomy as originally thought or learning that the setting up of the telescope takes more skill and attention than they were aware of.
Where to buy
The first port of call is the local astronomy club or society these can be located at http://www. astronomyclubs.co.uk/Clubs/Counties.aspx. They will be delighted to offer you advice on where to look and may indeed have members who have equipment that they wish to part with. No doubt you will also be invited to attend a meeting of the club/society which is a great starting point to begin your search and much safer than buying blindly from the internet. It will not be long before you realise that there is more to astronomy than a bare telescope and you will soon be taken into a new world with descriptive words such as Newtonian, Dobsonian, reflectors, refractors, catadioptric, computerised, spotting scopes, focal lengths, aperture sizes, Barlow eyepieces, filters, cameras, mounts and even binoculars. Good Luck with your search and do not be too shy to ask for help.
Diary
Meteorite Showers: The Perseid Meteor Shower is active between 17 July and 24th August peaking on the 12th/13th
Starting Astonomy – Should I buy second hand? August. The radiant point is always above the horizon, and they can be observed looking high towards the North throughout the night. Unfortunately viewing during the peak time this year is unfavourable due to the brightness of the Moon. Alpha Capricornids (Yellow Slow Fireballs) Active from 3rdJuly to 15th August, peaking on Friday 29th July. Conditions for observing are excellent. Look towards the south east from 22.00 hours they will be seen to progress towards the south west throughout the night. Mercury In conjunction (opposite side of the Sun) during the most of July and very difficult to observe from the UK throughout August. Venus Morning planet rising 2 hours before sunrise in July becoming brighter as we progress through August. Can be observed much lower and further east than the planets of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as described below. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn If you are an early bird then you will notice the 3 bright planets aligned across the sky as you observe from the east (Mars) to the south east (Saturn) with Jupiter in the middle during the first weeks of July and August. By the end of August their progress will be seen to have moved more towards the south and south west with Saturn being the first to set. John Harris
HAILEY SUPPORTS UKRAINE HUGE JUMBLE & BRIC A BRAC SALE, MINI FETE & TABLE TOP SALE Hailey Village Hall Saturday, 6th August 2022 From 2pm Entrance £1, children free Items / Donations welcome Contact 01993 773744 for more information
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A message to all Parents:
ENJOY THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS YOU ARE MAKING MEMORIES FOR THE CHILDREN I am aware that there are parents who dread the long summer school holidays not knowing how to overcome the perceived boredom that some of the children experience during this period of time. To all parents, may I ask you to recall your time when you were your children’s age. It will not be difficult because the memories of these periods in our lives were so important to us. Likewise, our children are now experiencing the same process albeit under different conditions. Yes there are those who have meticulously planned the summer holidays well in advance but what can those do who are not in such a position to do so? It’s easy for me to sit in my arm chair and come up with ideas and I appreciate that the options are varied, here are a few pointers: Be Positive Take advantage of the additional time with your youngsters to utilise these holidays as a life skills learning period. No sitting at desks for set
periods of time, no formal schooling but more one to one with your young one even if s/he be a strapping teenager. In fact a one to one discussion even for 10 minutes a day with the latter may produce more dividends. Be Active Paula Radcliffe the Olympic Gold Medallist is a great believer in keeping the children active and encourages them to find a sport they love. Take the children out for walks let them run wild with their friends and organise competitive games. These activities alone will go a long way in teaching them to work as a team and bond long term friendships.
As Moreton Show returns for 2022 the team are making the final touches to the timetable and confirm that they’ve secured the mini jockeys and their steeds for the second year in a row. The Shetland Pony Grand National was a galloping success last year and visitors can now look forward to watching the Shetlands and their junior jockeys race around the arena again in 2022. These junior jockeys tour up and down the country competing at many prestigious events including, Royal Windsor Horse Show, The Game Fair and Badminton Horse Trials. In this event, the jockeys jump over mini steeplechase jumps in a race to compete for a qualifying place in the Grand Final at the London International Horse Show in December. In addition, the mini Grand National will raise vital funds for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, a charity established in 1983 by Grand National winning jump jockey Bob Champion, whilst bringing the thrill of the racecourse to the Show. Sebastian Garner, Director and Organiser of the Shetland Pony Grand National , said: ‘We are naturally delighted to be returning to Moreton Show again this year, the children thoroughly enjoyed the show last year and are looking forward to coming back again.’
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expect to be enforced but carry out your discussions with enthusiasm and positivity. Explain if the first party is a success you will consider another in due course.
Teenage Parties Why not? It gives the older teens the opportunity to show their advancing maturity and to take on more responsibility. Discuss with your teen the challenges that the party may present and how they can be dealt with. Set the boundaries that you
Concluding The above has scarcely scratched the surface of what can be done during the holidays, but always bear in mind a happy holiday will live with the children for a lifetime just as yours did. John Harris
Screen Time Are you tired of going on about the excess time spent on Social Media? Then practice what you preach. Set an example by limiting your own time on your own mobile and other devices. Go one step further and introduce a screen free day and screen free parts of the house. Be
Shetland Pony Grand National Returns to Moreton Show
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firm and fair with the children and teens by encouraging them to earn their screen time by tidying their rooms and helping with jobs around the house.
The Shetland Pony Grand National is just one of many events hosted in the Grand Arena on the day alongside Squibb Motorcycle Stunt Show, Show Jumping classes, and the Livestock Grand Parade. Attractions in the family area include, Welsh Axemen, Clumber Spaniels, and the famous Vintage Tractor display. The full schedule can be found here: www. moretonshow.co.uk/visitors/what-to-see-and-do. Esther Watts, Attractions Secretary, said: ‘The Shetland Pony Grand National was last year’s highlight of Moreton Show and we’re thrilled that it’s making a comeback for 2022. The Grand Arena will certainly be the place to be for unmissable entertainment!’ Further information on show membership and sponsorship opportunities, please phone the Moreton Show team on 01608 651908 or email showground@moretonshow.co.uk.
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Garden View
This month
Gone To Seed Gardening is a hobby and, after a while, most people with hobbies find themselves experimenting. They get a bit creative and want to see if they can do something on the cheap, or for free, or simply find to out whether it’s possible to do something just for the simple pleasure of trying. Seed collecting falls into this category for me. Most seeds are not particularly expensive to buy, so why would I or anyone else want to collect our own? Well I can’t speak for anyone else, but I get a real buzz from collecting seed, knowing that I can perpetuate a favourite plant without any outside involvement. Sometimes I’ll collect
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seed with a fair degree of certainty that I’ll be able to raise hundreds of little seedlings, and sometimes I do it for the challenge, as not all seeds are easy to propagate. If you want to have a go at seed collecting (and be warned, it’s a highly addictive pastime) then here are a few tips. You will need: Large paper bags – Must be paper. Plastic bags won’t do as they retain moisture and cause the seeds to develop fungus or go mouldy. You can buy them from eBay or make your own from brown paper and artist’s paper tape. Felt pen - for labelling. This is important as you will forget what you’ve
collected even if you think you won’t! Box or trug - for carrying the bags of seeds around the garden. Small pair of scissors or secateurs – for snipping the heads. Choose a dry day with little or no wind. Select a healthy, pest and disease-free plant with seedpods which look as though they’re about to split. Label a paper bag (it’s much easier to do this first) then cut off the seedhead and turn it upside down into the bag. Place the bag into a dry place and wait for the seeds to ripen. Check regularly. When most of the seedpods have opened, tip out the contents on to a dry surface and separate all the seeds
from any remaining bits of pod. Store the clean seeds in a small, labelled paper bag or envelope, in a cool dry place until ready to be used. Easy seeds to collect and grow Nigella damascena (love-in-themist) Aquilegia (ladies bonnets) Papaver (Poppy) Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove) Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos) Lunaria annua (Honesty) You’ll soon discover many more. Happy collecting. Happy Gardening. By Rachael Leverton
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There are thousands of reasons to advertise with us... North Cotswolds
West Oxfordshire
16,900 20,500 homes & businesses
Index Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p15 Blinds Associated Blinds: p16 Builders & Contractors Cotswold Listed Building Consultancy: p1 Country Roofing & Building Contractors: p12 Garolla Garage Doors: p15 S Wright Building Services: p13 Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p10 Cleaning Emoobe: p14 Clearances Oxfordshire Clearances: p2
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Next issues
West Oxfordshire September-October Copy: 3rd August Dist: w/c 29th August
North Cotswolds September-October Copy: 3rd August Dist: w/c 29th August
Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com
homes & businesses
Education Cotswold School: p4 Cotswold Tutor: p10 Sibford School: p3 Electrical Services Aerial Solutions: p11 Mayday Aerials: p12 Events Moreton Show: p8 Finance Wise Investments: p6-7 Food The Local Trove: p2 Furniture Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Andy Bennett Upholstery: p14 Bob Dadge Carpentry: p14 Garage Doors Garolla Garage Doors: p15
Gardening & Outdoors Stockwell Davies Tree Contractors: p13 Tom Negus Tree Care: p13 Waterside Landscaping: p13 Gifts Alain Rouveure Galleries: p9 Cotswold Frames: p9 Glass Chips Away: p15 CN Glass: p1 Healthcare & Wellbeing Alain Rouveure Galleries: p9 Cotswold Deep Tissue Massage: p11 Cotswolds Foot Clinic: p11 Footworx Clinic: p11 Home & Interiors Alain Rouveure Galleries: p9 Amanda Hanley By Design: p1 Andy Bennett Upholstery: p14
Associated Blinds: p16 Bob Dadge Carpentry: p14 Country Bathrooms: p15 Paul Dadge: p4 Rooflight Company: p3 Kitchens & Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p15 Motoring Chips Away: p15 Painting & Decorating Paul Dadge: p4 Stephen McNally Painting & Decorating: p11 Plumbing Gas & Oil Heating: p15 Property Maintenance CN Glass: p1 Cotswold Listed Building Consultancy: p1 Country Roofing & Building Contractors: p12
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Garolla Garage Doors: p15 Mossinator: p13 Oxfordshire Clearances: p2 Sport & Leisure Cotswold Archery: p9 GLL/Better: p9 Sound & Vision Mayday Aerials: p12 Tree Surgery Stockwell Davies Tree Contractors: p13 Tom Negus Tree Care: p13 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p10 Windows CN Glass: p1 Rooflight Company: p3
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