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November / December 2015
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The Countdown to Christmas!
As Christmas approaches, we take a look at how best to enjoy the build up to Christmas Day and ensure everything runs smoothly
Garden View
How to choose the perfect Christmas tree
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Colicky baby?
How to soothe your baby if they have colicky pain
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08 Enjoy our family Christmas Quiz healthcare: 08 Solving colicky baby problems local news: 10 Local Charity changing lives social 12 Join the Wychwood Chorale! out & about 12 Seasonal events across our area christmas: 14 Christmas Countdown! christmas 14 How to avoid Christmas stress christmas
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15 Enjoy excellent Eggnog local news 16 West Ox named as top family hotspot advertorial 17 Successful ‘off-peak’ holiday letting garden view: 18 Which Christmas Tree? technology 20 4K TV’s arrive! astronomy 20 measuring the distance to the stars cotswold link 22 Advertising Details & Index recipe: FEATURED
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Welcome to the November - December issue As Christmas fast approaches we look at how to enjoy the countdown to it (p14) and also how to stay stress-free! (Also on p14). Page 18 provides a handy guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree. We also discover how a local charity is saving lives! (See p10). I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year, don’t forget to try our Quiz on p18 01609 777401 01609 779097 for some family fun over the festive period. I hope you enjoy cotswoldlink.co.uk this issue and I’ll see you again in January. Best wishes,
Christine Campbell | Editor Cotswold Link Magazine is published in good faith and the editors cannot be held responsible in any way for inaccuracies in reports or advertising in reports or advertising that appear in this publication and the views of the contributors may not be the those of the editors. Adverts and advertisers Your Cotswold Link carry no implied recommendation from the magazine or the publishers. All rights reserved. All information is appearing in Cotswold Link Magazine correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to press. Cotswold Link Magazine cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
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Family Christmas Quiz
Relax and chill out. Get the family together and see if you can crack Cotswold Link’s Annual Family Christmas Quiz. Good Luck, Wishing All Readers a Happy and Joyous Festive Season – John Harris 1. The discoverer of Uranus. 2. Which vowel is the only letter not on the top row of a Querty keyboard? 3. Which King of England was killed by an arrow in the eye? 4. The 3rd longest serving monarch of Britain? 5. Signed by King John at Runnymede in 1214? 6. Where does the President of the United States live? 7. The shortest serving monarch of Britain? 8. The first football team to win both the FA Cup and the League in the same season? 9. The first country to win the World Cup at football? 10. Which chess piece can only move diagonally? 11. A film about a miner’s son who wanted to be a ballet dancer? 12. He was an academic who captained England at Football and Cricket in addition to holding the world long jump record? 13. Gloucestershire lad played for England at Football and Cricket? 14. Who was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament? 15. From what tree do acorns grow? 16. Once known as Peking? 17. What term in tennis is used for 40-40? 18. When do Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall in the same year? 19. Capital of Australia? 20. Who painted the Mona Lisa? 21. What turns red in acid and blue in an alkali? 22. A large desert situated in North Africa? 23. Which famous horse race is run at Cheltenham in the spring? 24. Capital of Iceland? 25. Name the wizard in the days of King Arthur 26. The longest serving President of the United States of America? 27. The shortest serving President of the United States of America? 28. Which character has a nose that grows longer every time he tells a lie? 29. The second man to set foot on the Moon? 30. The last man to set foot on the Moon? 31. The most common element on Earth? 32. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? 33. Unscramble these letters for the name of a superhero: MNATBA 34. What is a Stradivarius? 35. How many sides does a nonagon have? 36. What are Prince George’s middle names? 37. Name the recreated theatre from Shakespeare’s time in London 38. Who wrote Peter Pan? 39. Name the two families in Romeo and Juliet 40. What is the most southerly point on mainland Britain?
Colicky pain in babies Having a new baby is one of life’s most precious gifts, and as parents we can cope with pretty much anything, except when our baby cries inconsolably for hours, and that’s what happens when our baby experiences colicky pain. And yes, we know they grow out of it in time, but that doesn’t help much when we are trying virtually EVERYTHING to soothe them. I know my husband would drive for hours just to get our eldest daughter to sleep. She didn’t have colic - she just didn’t like sleeping much - which would inevitably make her a little bit irritable, and once we went over that ‘threshold’ of where we were able to comfort her, to her being absolutely beside herself, then nothing would work except driving in the car. My youngest daughter, however, slept all the time, to the point that my mother-in-law didn’t even know the colour of her granddaughter’s eyes. She was born nine days before Christmas, and I just had a tiny slice of Christmas pudding. The next day, she was crying her eyes out. Now her mother, who should know better since she is an osteopath and naturopath, didn’t connect the two, so she had another slice of Christmas pudding. Fortunately the next day, when my daughter
again communicated to me that she had a tummy pain, the penny dropped. No more Christmas pudding (as I was breastfeeding her), and no more tummy pain for my baby. Here is a quick guide to what can cause colicky pain in babies, as well as what exhausted parents can do. What are the possible causes to colicky pain? Intolerance to something the mother is eating (such as Christmas pudding) can be a culprit, as can intolerance to formula, especially lactose. This is because a baby’s digestive system doesn’t mature until four to six months of age. Another common cause is stress, since stress will shut down the parasympathetic nervous system making it hard for our baby to sleep - as well as digest her food, since the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for digestion - causing her to become over-tired and fractious. This can create a vicious cycle where, as the discomfort increases, she gets even more stressed, leading to more tummy pain and so on. Being a cranial osteopath, I treat many unsettled babies, and some of them may have experienced a difficult birth, where forceps or ventouse were used, or they had a very quick or very long labour.
Answers on p22.
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Sometimes these factors can increase the strain placed on the baby’s head and body, which can lead to the baby becoming unsettled and fractious. Gentle treatment, such as cranial osteopathy, may help to ease this. What can exhausted parents do? • If you can, breastfeed your baby for the first six months, and make sure your baby doesn’t swallow air whilst feeding, as this can cause wind. • If you are breastfeeding then it may we wise to avoid spicy food, brussel sprouts and broccoli, garlic, onions, beans, dried fruit (such as Christmas cake!), bananas, and too much fresh fruit, carrots, or any other food source that can cause wind, since these are passed on to the baby through the breast milk. Also avoid caffeine, since it may stimulate the baby’s adrenal glands, making it even more stressed, and alcohol, which can cause the baby’s blood sugar levels to drop, which in itself can trigger crying. If formula feeding, it may help if the parents switch to a low lactose formula. • Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements for the mother (and child, but consult with a medical practitioner first) may help. • If you are breastfeeding then you can try drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea, as this can help to relax your baby’s colon. • Massage your baby’s tummy – starting at the bottom right hand corner of the tummy,
and with small, circular movements work up to the ribcage, massage across the stomach, just under the ribs and then down on the left hand side. Keep doing this for about 5 to 20 minutes depending on how your baby is feeling. • Keep a calm and relaxed atmosphere at home, with soft, gentle music playing. • Make sure your baby gets enough sleep. This is really key, as sleep will help to calm your baby’s nervous system (which will also aid digestion), and will make life so much easier for everyone in the family. • And know this too will pass. As long as you are there to soothe and comfort your child, she will be okay. Even if her tummy hurts right now, she in the long run will be absolutely fine, with you by her side. ....................................................................... Cissi Williams is an Osteopath, Cranial Osteopath, Naturopath, Transformational Coach and Energy Medicine Practitioner. She works at the Higher Health and Healing Clinic in Charlbury. For more information, email info@ inspiredwellbeing.net
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Cotswold Careline
“has literally changed my life” “The support Careline has given me has literally changed my life”, says Cornelia, speaking openly about the Cotswold Careline service. She and her husband Chris joined the service in 2006 when concerns for her health increased after she was discharged from hospital. Cornelia added: “The service has been invaluable to myself and my husband and carer Chris. Living in a rural area, it’s so reassuring to know that somebody is there if you require assistance. When we press our button the Careline operators are always quick in responding and are very polite and caring. “We receive a courtesy call each morning, when the staff at the monitoring centre check to make sure that we’re ok. They’re always friendly and helpful, and it just gives us that further reassurance that someone is there for us even if we don’t press the button. This extra touch is worth its weight in gold. “Having a Careline installed has given back my independence and improved my quality of life, and it means that Chris, as my carer, can have some time to himself knowing that I can call for help at any time. We didn’t have to go through an assessment to see whether we could have the Careline and the installation was quick and simple, and thankfully there was very little paperwork to complete.”
Photo: Chris & Cornelia
Established over 25 years ago, the low cost emergency monitoring service continues to provide clients across the Cotswolds district and surrounding areas with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that someone is available 24/7 at the touch of a button. Surprisingly the service is so reasonable it’s available to residents at less than the cost of a large box of teabags per week! The service is available to everyone and there is no qualifying pre-assessment. It can be tailored to individual requirements, ensuring support and help is always available to those who need it. For more information about the service and to chat to one of the friendly advisors call 01594 812505 or alternatively email cotswoldcareline@fdean.gov.uk or visit the website www.cotswoldcareline.co.uk
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Out & About IT’S OFFICIAL: SINGING REDUCES STRESS! Local choir urges you to join them and enjoy the benefits of singing together. Not only is singing a great way to raise money, research shows that it’s also good for your heart. Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years and he says the health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. “Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.” Regular exercising of the vocal cords can even prolong life, according to
Community
research done by leading vocal coach and singer Helen Astrid, from The Helen Astrid Singing Academy in London. “It’s a great way to keep in shape because you are exercising your lungs and heart. Not only that, your body produces ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins, which rush around your body when you sing.” Drawing members from across West Oxfordshire, The Wychwood Chorale is a friendly local choir (led by Bernard West who is also Director of Music at St Mary the Virgin, Shipton-under- Wychwood) that rehearses every Tuesday, 7:30–9pm in school term-time at St. Nicholas’ Church in Chadlington, where we sing a wide repertoire of music: secular and sacred, old and new. You are welcome to come to a FREE TASTER REHEARSAL – just come along on a Tuesday evening to meet us. So come and join us – no audition is required – just a genuine enjoyment of singing. Visit our website or call Emma on 01608 659737 www.wychwoodchorale.org.uk
7th November
n Kingham Fireworks From 5.30pm, Fireworks at 7pm. The event will take place next to The Royal British Legion, Kingham and there will be plenty of free parking available behind The Legion and next to The Football Club. The Royal British Legion will be serving drinks. There will be a hog roast, mulled wine and hot chocolate and lots of family fun including fair rides, sparklers and live music from Charley Eaglestone. The Event is free but please bring some cash for a donation to support the event and local charitable causes. Kingham Events is run by a group of local volunteers, it you would like to volunteer on the night or sponsor the event please contact Rosie Shannon 07580 422706 or rosieeshannon@gmail.com ........................................................
13th November
n ‘Wintersong’ - an evening of Seasonal Songs & Stories Batsford Arboretum Join us for a warming supper followed by a performance of ‘Wintersong’ storytelling and acoustic music - in the Garden Terrace Café at Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre. Tickets cost £18.50 per head and include a glass of mulled wine or a Winterberry cordial on arrival, plus your evening meal (meat and vegetarian options available). Doors open at 5.30pm, food will be served from 6pm. For more information, visit www.batsarb. co.uk or call 01386 701441. Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, Batsford, Nr. Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD ........................................................
21st November
n Cantores Chamber Choir performing Missa Scala Aretina Have you heard of the composer Francisco Valls, born 1672 in Barcelona? Alongside two favourite pieces by Handel, Cantores will be performing Valls’ most famous
work, Missa Scala Aretina, in their next two concerts. Although this work was performed many times in Valls’ lifetime, it was only rediscovered in 1978 and had its first modern performance in London that year. It is a huge work, scored for three separate choirs. St Peter and St Paul Church, Northleach at 7.30pm and on 28 November at St Mary’s Prestbury, near Cheltenham starting at 7.00pm (note time!) Tickets £15 on the door, £12 in advance & children free, from Lorna telephone 01242 603988 or from www.cantores. net ........................................................
22nd November
n Burford Singers November Concert Handel’s mighty oratorio Israel in Egypt has long remained second only to Messiah in popularity, setting words from the Book of Exodus and telling the story of the parting of the Red Sea in a sequence of magnificently dramatic choruses, which find the composer at the peak of his powers. Tickets reserved at £21, £17.00, £13.00, unreserved at £10.50. Phone booking opens on 2 November from 01993 822412 Booking in person opens 7 November 2015 The Madhatter Bookshop 122, High Street, Burford OX18 4QJ Burford Singers – Handel’s Israel in Egypt - 7.30pm at Church of St John the Baptist Church Green Burford OX18 4RY Full details and booking form available on our website www.burfordsingers.org.uk ........................................................
28th November
n Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Moreton’s 6th Christmas Market with over 50 stalls lining the High Street selling a great selection of Christmas gifts and food including soaps, candles, jewellery, hand made products for the home, wooden gifts, festive wreaths & garlands to name a few. Further Charity and Local Organisation stalls in the Redesdale Hall, also from 9 am. Local singers and carol singing by the local schools will...
Bourton Traditional Christmas Fayre
Late Night Shopping Event: Friday 4th December Christmas tree lights switched on @ 6.30pm Bourton-on-the-Water annual Christ- Band, Choir & mas late night shopping extravagan- Drama Group za! Shops will be open till 9pm and will be taking there will be plenty to entertain with part. the lighting of the Christmas Tree in The event the river at 6pm. would not be Childrens Roundabout, Punch & Judy, complete without a visit Pig Roast, Candy Floss, Fairground from Father Christmas. Organ, Father Christmas and much www.bourtoninfo.com/news-events/ more. Please feel free to dress for the christmas occasion. The Cotswold School Jazz
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Having an event?
Email us your event details to: events@jkanorth.com and we’ll publish it for you. Magazine distribution dates are on p22. ...be on the stage during the day. Carol Service in the afternoon followed by the arrival of Father Christmas & Light Switch-On. Father Christmas will then be in his Grotto in The Redesdale Hall for Children to visit him. Starts at 9am. Free Entry. If you are interested in having a Market Stall or Charity/Local Organisation Stall please contact Maria at tiamaria.burns@ hotmail.co.uk for more information. ........................................................
28th November
n Sleepers… Awake! AN ADVENT CHORAL EXPERIENCE The Wychwood Chorale (Musical Director Bernard West) There will be a voluntary collection in aid of Singing for Syrians & St Mary’s Church, Charlbury. 7.30pm: St Mary’s Church, Charlbury, OX7 3PS. Free admission & refreshments ........................................................
29th November
n 6th Aldsworth Christmas Fayre From 11.00am to 2.30pm in Aldsworth Village Hall. Locally produced Christmas food items and gift ideas. Raffle, refreshments and festive cheer. Café offering light homemade ‘soup and roll’ lunches, sausage rolls, mulled wine and mince pies, tea or coffee and home baked cakes. £2 programme entry & children FOC Tel Shona on 07803029943 Aldsworth, Glos GL54 3QS ........................................................
1st December
n Winchcombe Christmas Festival Come & celebrate the festive season in style by laying on Christmas offers, events and entertainment for shoppers and visitors who visit the Cotswold town throughout December. For full information and events diary go to www.winchcombe.co.uk Time: 5pm to 8pm. Also .Shops open late every Tuesday in December. ........................................................
2nd December 2015
n Christmas Tree Festival: At 5:30 the Christmas lights will be
switched on in the Town Square. Then at 6pm in St Edward’s Church Tim Godwin of the Fosseway Garden Centre will be opening the 2015 Christmas Tree Festival. All exhibitors are invited to the grand opening and the public are welcome to attend too (£5 charge). ........................................................
4th December
n Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Christmas shopping in Broadway is when the village really comes alive. Festive crowds of Christmas shoppers gather over two consecutive Fridays to indulge in the village’s late night shopping offering of unique gifts that make the perfect Christmas presents for your friends and family. The two dates for the late night shopping in Broadway are the last Friday in November (27th) and December 4th. The shops stay open from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, inviting everyone to come along and join in with the festive fun. ........................................................
Charlbury Art Society
Charlbury Art Society’s December meeting is on Wednesday December 9th when old friend Glena Chadwick will give an illustrated talk on “Nativity Art” at The Memorial Hall, Browns Lane, Charlbury, followed by seasonal drinks and Christmas canapes. Entrance for Society members is free, but there is a £5 charge for non-members. The January meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 13, at the Memorial Hall. Amanda Hislop will present an illustrated talk entitled “Land Lines, Drawn Lines and Stitch Lines” starting at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Please phone Marion Coates for further information about the society on 01608 810116. marioncoates@tiscali.co.uk www.charlburyarts.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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The Great
Christmas Eve Countdown
Whilst it’s not a public holiday, many people across the UK choose to take Christmas Eve off work to do last minute preparations and take part in special activities. Many Christians attend church services ranging from special family-based events, to the traditional Midnight Mass. In other countries, the opening of presents is part of the Christmas Eve celebrations along with a large meal enjoyed with family and friends. In the UK many spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts to friends and relatives, if of course they are not rushing round the shops perhaps having made a deliberate decision to buy at the last minute because many shops now start their sales early! Others will enjoy festive activities such as a visit to Santa’s grotto, skating on one of the special ice rinks that pop up in many towns and cities, or taking a trip to the local pantomime. Of course it’s wise to book Christmas Eve activities well in advance as it’s a popular time. Many choose to spend at least part of the day at home watching Christmas movies, listening to festive CDs and doing everything they can to ensure that Christmas Day goes perfectly. Most vegetables can be peeled and left safely in saucepans of cold water overnight. Fiddly jobs such as wrapping bacon
around the sausages for pigs in blankets and preparing stuffing and sauces can also be done. You can get your turkey oven ready too by placing an onion and oranges in the cavity, greasing the skin, wrapping with bacon and putting it in the baking tray with foil. Just make sure you keep it out of the way of curious pets! If you have a frozen turkey you will need to start the defrosting on Christmas Eve. This is also the time to bring any other items out of the freezer- such as pre baked mince pies. Just try to resist the temptation to eat them all the same day. Some starters can also be made and stored in the fridge, and for those not wanting Christmas pudding other deserts can be cooked and then reheated on Christmas Day. Many people take great delight in laying the table carefully. While youngsters may be out partying until the small hours, those in charge of the Christmas Day festivities and those with young excited children are well advised to get to bed at a sensible time; it is unlikely that you will enjoy Christmas Day if you are over tired and irritable. Only one more sleep until Christmas. Season’s Greetings. ................................................................................................ By Susan Brookes-Morris
Dealing with Christmas Stress Stress-busting festive tips Plan ahead and include plenty of ‘me time’. Spend time doing what you enjoy most. Have fun. If you’re overloaded, learn to say no in the nicest way possible! • What stresses you Be aware of your own personal triggers. Don’t ignore them, deal with them. Talk, take advice, think things through, make decisions and you’ll feel more in control. Don’t be a victim. • Deal with your anger Recognise it and devise ways of politely walking away from confrontations so you can calm down, using deep breathing (in and out to the count of 5, at least 3 times) and positive thinking. • Natural remedies Homeopathic and flower remedies are excellent for anxieties, as are Vitamin C and the B Vitamins. Some aromatherapy oils, especially lavender and orange are very relaxing. Enhance their effects by booking an aromatherapy massage.
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• Exercise Regularly mild aerobic exercise, such as walk-
ing, swimming and dancing, strengthens the heart and encourages a steady flow of mood-boosting hormones. • Don’t rush your food Try to relax when eating. No more 5 minute lunches at the desk. Eating under stress confuses your metabolism. High cortisol levels causes blood to flood the muscles rather than the intestines, which is where it should be for healthy digestion.
• De-tox Start the month with a gentle de-tox. Eat healthily and reduce sugar, caffeine, salt, alcohol and refined carbohydrates. You’ll lose some weight, boost your immune system, gain energy and be fit enough to ensure December is your merriest month of the year. By Sarah Davey
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Excellent Eggnog When I was a little girl I was addicted to old American Christmas films (actually I still am). People always seemed to be drinking eggnog, and it sounded cosy and Christmassy and very American, and though actually I had no idea what it was I longed to drink it too. In fact eggnog traces its roots back to a 14th century England drink called posset. This was a drink of hot milk curdled with ale (bleurgh). Later in history eggs were added. Milk and eggs were expensive commodities in England and so the drink went out of fashion. When the American colonies were formed there was land a-plenty for chickens and cows and so it regained popularity over there. The American plantations, sustained by slaves, meant that rum was plentiful too and the drink became alcoholic and was enjoyed by the masses. In spite of its highly questionable history it remains for me the epitome of a festive drink – creamy and sweet; a Christmas cuddle in a glass. Preparation time: 20 minutes plus cooling and chilling time Serves 8
Method In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring slowly to the boil. As soon as it boils remove from the heat and leave to cool so the flavours can infuse. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Strain the milk mixture then slowly whisk it into the egg and sugar mixture and continue to mix until everything is combined and smooth. Add the rum or brandy, and stir. Refrigerate overnight if serving chilled. The argument rages over whether eggnog should be served chilled or warm. Personally I like it warm but chilled is good too. Either way, serve and garnish with whipped cream if desired, grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
700ml whole milk (I’ve tried it with semi skimmed and it works well too) 240ml double cream 3 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 5 yolks, separated 130g granulated sugar 175ml Dark Rum or brandy Cinnamon sticks for garnish
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West Oxfordshire postcode area named a top family hotspot
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The OX18 postcode area in West Oxfordshire has been named as one of the most desirable places in the country to raise a family. The area encompasses Bampton, Burford, Carterton and a number of villages and smaller settlements. One Family (www.onefamily. com) is an insurance, investments and savings mutual that produces a report every year listing the best locations in England and Wales for families to live. The area was ranked 11th following an analysis of nearly 2,400 postcode areas across England and Wales using over 70 different sets of data. The analysis references key crite-
ria important to parents when deciding where to settle and raise their family. It includes education, safety, childcare costs, local amenities, affordable property and green spaces. As well as excellent local clubs and activities geared to families, the area has a modern Leisure Centre, an attractive country park and play area (Kilkenny Lane Country Park) and an award-winning gymnastics club at Carterton with gymnasts representing the UK in national and international events. It is also home to the UK’s only crocodile zoo (Crocodiles of the World) and one of the UK’s largest zoological collections at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.
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Burford is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and is one of many picturesque villages in this area. Around 25,000 people live in OX18; the largest town being Carterton with a population of 16,000. The town has more than trebled in size during the last 30 years, with a population today of nearly 16,000. Cllr Barry Norton said, “We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country and I’m pleased that this part of our district has been recognised. It has a lot to offer families being close to a multitude of museums and historical attractions such as the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the busy market town of Witney and the famous university city of Oxford.”
Successful Holiday Letting
‘Out Of Season’ What’s The Secret?
Honeysuckle Cottage
The Knoll
Pear Tree Cottage
Cotswold Link talks to Character Cottages, a local holiday cottage expert, about how to successfully holiday let a property through the off peak season. “Many owners are worried about not being
cosy furnishings, welcoming country pubs,
been a very successful strategy for our owners
able to generate enough bookings during the
walks in the clean crisp air, and picturesque
and has allowed them to generate profitable
off-peak season. Not including Christmas and
villages in beautiful rolling countryside, all
income in months when some people perceive
New Year, which are always extremely popular
provide the setting for perfect weekends
it to be too quiet to be able to make any
and generate prime bookings, the off peak
away.”
money.”
“The key to maximising bookings out of season
“If you are planning to let your holiday home,
season runs from the week after October Half Term through until March.”
is to continue marketing a property effectively.
there is absolutely no need to wait until the
“If you live in the Cotswolds, it is easy to
At Character Cottages, we maintain our
spring or summer to get started. It can take us
forget that booking a holiday home in the area
marketing spend throughout the year, rather
less than four weeks to get a well presented
out of season is actually an extremely attractive
than just focusing on peak months, so that
property completely ready to let, so there is
idea! The region is easily accessible from both
interest is constantly generated and bookings
still plenty of time this year to start benefitting
the north and the south, and is less than two
are taken all year round.”
from the off peak market. ”
hours by train from London’s Paddington station. Most importantly, the area retains
“We have also devised a dynamic pricing system,
its charm and appeal all year round, whatever
allowing us to accurately match holiday prices
the weather. Holiday homes with real fires and
with the level of demand from guests. This has
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www.character-cottages.co.uk owners@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375 Your CotswoldLink
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GARDEN VIEW
Which Christmas Tree? When we were kids my brother christened our rather sorry old artificial tree the Silver Lurch, on account of its colour and list.
Firs are the best choice for a British Christmas. If you want the best, and you can find one, plump for Abies Noblilis, the Noble Fir. In its perfect form it’s hard to beat: uniform in shape with more open branches on the top, its flat, short needles have amazing retention properties. It’s trickier to grow well than most other trees so expect to pay a bit of a premium.
Artificial trees have improved enormously since then but most gardeners do prefer the real thing. There’s something magical about bringing a bit of the outside indoors at this time of year. Unfortunately trees were not meant to live in centrally-heated sitting rooms. It puts them under a lot of stress. So which trees survive Christmas best?
The Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) runs the Noble Fir a close second. It is easily available now as many tree growers invested heavily in the species. They are generally cheaper than the Noble Fir so a good choice if cost is an issue. The Fraser Fir and the lemon-scented Douglas Fir are also worth seeking out.
Well there are several species available to the British public. The main choices are between pines, spruces and firs. The traditional Christmas tree is Picea Abies, the Norway Spruce. Most popular they may be but they are actually least suited to the conditions inside the average home. Spruces are much more prone to shed needles than firs or pines. Pinus Sylvestris and Pinus Contorta are respectively better known as the Scots Pine and the Lodgepole Pine. Their longer needles hold well but do make hanging decorations a bit tricky for small fingers, which is worth noting if your children like to help. If that’s not an issue the widely spaced branches show off larger baubles very well. The Corsican Pine (pinus Nigra Laricio) is not as common but has similar properties.
Once you have your tree, make a fresh cut across its trunk and give it a good drink of tepid water before bringing it inside. Secure it properly in a specially made base which is the right size for your tree! A toppled six foot tree, a couple of gallons of water and a hundred or so baubles make a seriously large mess...I know this to be true because several Christmases ago I was the person clearing it all up at 2 in the morning...don’t make my mistake! Merry Christmas! By Rachel Leverton
The sum of £780.00 was raised, which was divided equally between
A Charity Tea organised by Heather Blackman at Longmoor, Milton under Wychwood in Summer has raised £780 for 3 local good causes. With the help of the Milton W.I ladies making cakes and sandwiches and a Granddaughter with her friend being Waitresses for the afternoon, 68 people attended and enjoyed having a splendid Tea, in exceptional weather.
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3 Charities all based at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. They are: • Michael Sobell Hospice • Maggies Cancer Support • The Kidney Transplant Unit All in all a great day was had by everyone in what was probably one of the nicest days of the Summer.
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4K TV
The
4K TV, also known as Ultra HD or UHD, is the next evolution in television picture quality. With a picture composed of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels - more than 8 million in total - it has four times the amount of HD (high definition) sets.
Cotswold Sky How to measure the distance to the stars Many people are puzzled by how the distance to the planets and stars are calculated. One of the methods used is called parallax.
board were not only able to harvest the crops this August but also were the first humans in space to consume them, according to a post on www. nasa.gov
Sky Diary
November 7th to November 30th
Look towards the South East each morning between 05.00 and 06.00 hours and notice how Jupiter (highest in the sky), a slightly dim Mars and the brightly coloured Venus slowly separate from each other each day as the month progresses.
From the diagram imagine the Earth’s position in January and the astronomer is observing the distant star. The astronomer takes the angular measurement from the Earth to the star. In July the Earth has moved from position A to position B as it orbits the Sun. The astronomer now takes a second angular measurement to the star which has not moved in relation to the position of the Sun. A to B forms the base of a triangle and the distance from the Earth to the Sun is also known. The astronomer can now calculate the distance of the star by means of trigonometry. Trigonometry is part of the GCSE Mathematics course so the majority of youngsters studying their GCSE’s will understand the principles of this calculation. The above method was used for many years and actual precision was originally difficult to attain, today astronomers use modern technology to enable them obtain more precise results including the use of brightness measurements.
Astro News
Space farming though a fictionalized scenario in the movie “The Martian”, space farming is actually happening already, according to Bruce Bugbee the director of the plants, soils and climate department at Utah State University. He has been working alongside NASA for the last decade to grow plants in space. Bruce recently saw his project come to fruition on the International Space Station. The six astronauts on
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More pixels mean greater image clarity, finer detail, better texture and improved colour resolution. The net result is images that look incredibly lifelike and so detailed that at times they feel almost 3D – without the need for funny glasses!
(Above) November 7th 05.00 hours Looking South East November 12th
Northern Taurid meteor shower. November 17th/18th
Leonids meteor shower. December 13th
Geminids meteor shower – a predicted rate of 100 per hour. December 22nd
Winter Solstice occurs at 04.49 hours. This marks the longest night and shortest day of the year with the Sun being at the Tropic of Capricorn, its most southerly point of travel. December 23rd
It may be near Christmas but get yourself a breath of fresh air. For at 18.12 hours the Moon will pass in front of the bright star Aldebaran and shortly after 19.00 hours it will reappear again. This is called an occultation. The Ursid meteor shower also occurs this evening but may be difficult to view because of the bright Moon. www.spaceplace.nasa.gov/review/drmarc-solar-system/planet-distances.html Wishing all Readers a Happy and Joyous Festive Season – John Harris
The first wave of 4K TVs were large – very large – with 84 inch panels and £20k price tags to match. Prices have now dropped along with screen size, and you can buy entry models for under £1,000 from all the big brands such as Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony. You can also pay many thousands of pounds for monster sets! Generally 4K TV screens are at least 40 inches. Some say you shouldn’t view on anything less than 55 inches. This is because the advantages of pixel-dense display diminish as the screen size shrinks. Big really is better! Similarly 4K TV is best viewed close up (ideally at a distance 1.5 x screen height), though practically most homes cannot accommodate viewing from closer than 2-3 metres. The technology for crystal-clear viewing may be with us, but currently there are no 4K TV channels being broadcast. The main source of 4K content is the internet, from sites such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime
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Instant Video, and to successfully stream you would need a consistent broadband speed of at least 15Mbps. That said, UHD TVs do a remarkable job of up-scaling HD and standard definition pictures to 4K pixel count, so ‘everyday’ viewing such as Freeview HD TV, Blu-ray movies and DVDs can be boosted to near 4K picture quality. However be warned that some models are better at doing this than others. 4K technology is still work in progress. In future, it may also extend to higher frame rates (HFR), greater contrast and wider colour spectrum. The BBC has plans to offer 4K programming by 2016 but only in a limited form and although BT and Sky are rumoured to have plans, nothing has been finalised. It will be 2-3 years until most video content becomes available. So, if you want the absolute best that TV has to offer and don’t mind waiting to enjoy the full benefits of your 4K TV, then go ahead and buy now. But purchase from a top tier manufacture for the best chance of future-proofing your set and also make sure that you buy a model with two HDMI 2.0 ports. By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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There are
Aston Magna Blockley
North Cotswolds
Bourton-on-the-Hill
15,350
Moretonin-Marsh
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Longborough Condicote
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Winchcombe
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from only
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Index
Accountants Tetbury Accountancy Services: p9 Attractions & Events Ascott Christmas Fair: p13 Cotswold Falconry: p13 Magic Land: p1 Builders & Contractors CN Glass: p5 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 JA Shirley Building Services: p23 PJC Services: p21 The 50 Plus: p10 Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p9 Cotswold Youth Choir: p12 Chimney Services Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p16 Cleaning Services The Laundry: p16 MRK Services: p19 Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Education Burford School: p1 Cotswold Tutor: p9 Elderly Services Nurse Plus: p9 The Langston Care Home: p10
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West Oxfordshire
18,050
Charlbury homes & businesses
Northleach
1/4 Page
thousands of
Shilton
Brize Norton
Carterton
Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p6 PJC Services: p21 Finance & Legal Tetbury Accountancy Services: p9 Lionheart Later Life Plannig: p10 Food & Drink Tatty Bunting: p2 The Lamb Inn: p15 The Swan at Ascott: p7 Furniture Cottonwood Interiors: p1 MRK Services: p19 Gardening & Outdoors Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p19 MRK Services: p19 Nicholsons Nurseries: p19 Russell Nicholls Tree Surgery: p19 Gifts Cotswold Frames: p6 Nicholsons Nurseries: p19 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p11 Footworx Clinic: p4 Inspired Wellbeing Now: p9 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p11 Heating Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p23
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1. William Herschel 2. Letter A 3. Harold 4. George 111 (1761-1820) 5. Magna Carta 6. White House 7. Lady Jane Grey (9
Royal Mail delivered FREE Index Service Free Advert Design Next issues
West Oxfordshire Jan / Feb 2016 Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com
Dist: w/c 4th & 11th Jan ‘16 Copy: 4th Dec ‘15 ............................................
North Cotswolds Jan / Feb 2016
Dist: w/c 4th & 11th Jan ‘16 Copy: 4th Dec ‘15
Gas & Oil Heating Services: p21 Woodburner Showroom: p23 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p19 Fosseway Tool Hire: p11 Holidays Character Cottages: p17 Holidays Please: p24 Home & Interiors Country Bathrooms: p6 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Cottonwood Interiors: p1 Fosse Fires: p1 Heat Store: p16 Sewing Tuition: p9 Woodburner Showroom: p23 Kitchens & Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p6 Cottonwood Interiors: p1 Laundry The Laundry: p16 Locksmith The Locksmith: p6
Quiz Answers:
reasons to advertise with us...
Logs & Fuel Cotswold Petrolium: p23 Fosseway Tool Hire: p11 Pace Fuel Care: p22 Walkers Logs: p3 Painters & Decorators PMO Decorators: p6 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p13 Plumbing PJC Services: p21 Property Maintenance CN Glass: p5 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p23 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Gas & Oil Services: p21 JA Shirley Building Services: p23 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p16 PJC Services: p21 The 50 Plus: p10 The Locksmith: p6
days) 8. Preston North End (1888/89) 9. Uruguay 10. Bishop 11. Billy Elliot 12. C.B. Fry 13. Arthur Milton 14. Guy Fawkes 15. Oak tree
16. Beijing 17. Deuce 18. Every year 19. Canberra 20. Leonardo da Vinci 21. Litmus paper 22. Sahara 23. Gold Cup 24. Reykjavik
Recruitment Nurse Plus: p9 Removals Get Rid Removals p19 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p9 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p21 Mayday Aerials: p6 Tree Surgery Russell Nicholls Tree Surgery: p19 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p9 My Computer Tutor: p8 Sewing Tuition: p9 Windows CN Glass: p5 Distinguished Windows: p5 Workwear First Avenue Supplies: p5
25. Merlin 26. Franklin D Roosevelt 27. William Henry Harrison 28. Pinocchio 29. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin 30. Eugene A Cernan 31. Hydrogen
32. Fruit 33. Batman 34. Violin 35. 9 36. Alexander Louis 37. Globe 38. J.M. Barrie 39. Montague and Capulet 40. Lizard Point
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
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