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September / October 2015
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Are your maximising your holiday cottage?
We spoke to experts Character Cottages about how to get the most from holiday cottage lettings
Garden View
We look at jobs to tackle in the Garden this Autumn
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New Premises
First year in new premises for CN Glass
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Glass celebrate a year in new 18 We look at an exciting new book 08 CN premises education: Parents Guide to Exam Reform local news 18 10 New Doctors Surgery in Stow events: Wychwood Forest Fair returns new businesses 18 10 New Local Businesses garden view: The Start of Autumn out & about 20 12 Seasonal events across our area garden view The Importance of Bread health: 20 14 A look at back pain & Osteopathy cotswold link Advertising Details & Index advertorial: 16 Maximise your holiday letting 22
advertorial: FEATURED
good read
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Welcome to the September - October issue As the nights start to draw in and attention turns towards Christmas and Winter, we look at a wide range of Autumn stories, from how to care for your lawn (p22), to enjoying the Wychwood Forest Fair (p18). There’s also our Autumn events to enjoy on page 12 and some helpful information on fighting back pain on p18. 01609 777401 01609 779097 I hope you enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again in cotswoldlink.co.uk time for Christmas! 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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CN Glass offer a fully comprehensive glass and glazing solution to suit your every requirement.
CN Glass celebrate their first year in Norton House, Beaumont Road, Banbury. In August 2014 we moved from two small factory workshops in Chipping Norton and Banbury into a single and much larger refurbished premises providing us with the opportunity to expand and improve our complete glass and glazing services to customers, both domestic and commercial. In doing so we commenced on a significant journey of investment into new production machinery to take the manufacturing Toughened Glass and Insulated Glass Units to the next level. In response to the sustained growth in all areas of the business we now employ nearly 50 staff and we are fully geared up with the machinery, systems and people to deliver the best possible products and customer service. Trevor Mouat, Managing Director comments “The move to Norton House and the installation of the new machinery has presented us with many challenges to overcome and we have been on an absolute roller coaster ride so far but it has also been very exciting and rewarding and now we have a Glass Toughening Plant for producing our own safety glass that we are
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branding as , the Company is about to be propelled forward again in terms of growth” At CN Glass we manufacture both Toughened Safety Glass and Double Glazed Sealed Units to British Standards. CN Glass are the leading glass and glazing service in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds area. With high glass stock levels, a competitive pricing structure, and friendly, experienced, highly skilled installation teams and glazier teams.
Members of The Glass and Glazing Federation and a FENSA Registered Company. Approved Installers of: • HALO PVCu Windows and Doors • George Barnsdale Timber Windows & Doors • Smart Systems Aluminium Windows & Doors ......................................................................
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W E N businesses
s e c i v r e s & in & around our area
“New To The Area” is a new business feature specifically designed to help new businesses and those that are offering new businesses and services to promote themselves cost effectively. Businesses are invited to submit their adverts to this feature at the regular price (Advert sizes available: 1/8 and
¼) and they will receive the equivalent space in complimentary editorial*. This editorial provides excellent business exposure to 18,050 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.
To feature within this section of the magazine please contact us on: 01609 777401 / 01609 779097 | christine@jkanorth.com
Approval given for new surgery in Stow Cotswold District Council’s Planning Committee have approved an application for a new doctor’s surgery in Stow-on-the-Wold which should bring an end to concerns about the future provision of medical facilities in the town. The surgery and associated parking will be located at the brownfield site of Tall Trees in Oddington Road, and was approved subject to amendments to the layout, parking, landscaping and detailed design. At the same meeting, the Committee rejected an alternative application for a primary health care centre on a greenfield site off Maugersbury Road, which also included the erection of five new residential units.
Trees application, Cllr Sue Jepson, CDC’sCabinetMemberforPlanning and Housing, said: “I am very pleased that local residents in Stow can now look forward to seeing the establishment of a modern new surgery to serve the needs of the town. The existing facility has not been fit for purpose for some time, and patients will now be able to benefit from a larger surgery with adequate car parking. “Both the sites we considered fell within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but most of the Committee felt that the Tall Trees proposal was less intrusive than the Maugersbury Road option, especially because the latter also involved the construction of five houses.”
Commenting on the approved Tall
Cotswold Carpets Celebrate 26 Years of Trading As Cotswold Carpets celebrate 26 years of supplying fantastic products and service to local people, we spoke to owner Robert Hoare about this wonderful achievement.
“We started our business in Moreton-inMarsh in October 1989 and have gradually built our business on providing the best customer service possible, along with good quality materials and fair prices. We operate from our original premises in New Road, Moreton-in-Marsh (Near the old Post Office) and our carpet warehouse and show room on the Worcester Road Trading Estate, Chipping Norton. One reason we are able to provide such prompt and professional service is that we have 10 full time fitters working in 5 pairs. Our expert fitters are all fully employed by us and can be completely trusted to provide a top class job. We have expertise in Carpets, Vinyls, Vinyl Tiles (Karndean / Amtico), Natural flooring (Sisals / Seagrass) and Wooden Flooring (Solid / Engineered). We are members of the Greendale Buying group, so we can provide competitive prices from bulk buying and exclusive products. We are delighted
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to be able to pass these savings onto our customers. We are also members of the Carpet Foundation, operating from the Trading Standards approved code, including a deposit safeguard scheme. Over the years we have built a reputation second to none and we have hundreds of thank you letters from happy customers on file and display. As we have been in business for 26 years and survived two major recessions, we must be doing something right! We look forward to helping you select the perfect carpets and flooring. ........................................................................ Cotswold Carpets Ltd: New Road, Moreton in Marsh. GL56 0AS (Near the Old Post Office) Unit 19, Worcester Road Industrial Estate, Chipping Norton. OX7 5XW Tel: 01608 651991 enquiries@cotswoldcarpets.co.uk www.cotswoldcarpets.co.uk
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Cotswold Petroleum are the local name in home heating oil situated in the heart of the Cotswolds. “We may be a new name to the Cotswolds, but we have over 40 years’ experience in the fuel distribution business supplying over 100 million litres of fuel every year in the Home Counties from 5 Depots” said Richard Burton, Managing Director. From their local depot at Springhill near Broadway, Cotswold Petroleum distribute a full range of heating oils, agricultural diesel as well and road fuels for home farm and industry. They are also proud to be an Authorised Distributor of Morris Lubricants - Britain’s oldest independent lubricant manufacturer. Cotswold Petroleum’s mission is to provide their valued customers with the best service possible in
the Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire area. Angelo Coletta, Depot Manager, said “We endeavour to complete all our deliveries within 48 hours of receiving an order, and will try and accommodate special delivery requests where possible. When there is an emergency for instance, if someone has run out, we will do our best to supply the same or next day”. Cotswold Petroleum source all their product from UK refiner Phillips 66 ensuring quality and consistency. They are also the first fuel Company in the area to sign up to having their fuel monitored by independent tester, Oil Tank Services on a regular basis to ensure the highest quality. Furthermore this is a great time to buy your home heating oil “Prices have fallen by nearly 40% since this time last year, so this is an excellent time to top up your tank” said Angelo. If you would like further information on their service or products please visit: www.cotswoldpetroleum.co.uk or telephone the Cotswold Hotline: 01386 579 579. Alternatively come and see us at this years’ Moreton Show - we have a stand and would love to meet you.
HOME HEATING | FARM FUEL | COMMERCIAL FUEL | LUBRICANTS | HOTLINE : 01386 579 579
www.cotswoldpetroleum.co.uk
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Out & About Community 6th September
n NGS Open Gardens Wyck Rissington 1-5pm. 4 beautiful gardens Cream teas overlooking Village Green. Hear the historic Wyck Rissington Hybrid Minimus on the restored Church Bells Entry: £6, Children Free. Car Parking. Wheelchair Access. Disabled Toilets. ........................................................
11th & 12th September
n The Finstock Ale 2015 – Beer Festival The Finstock Ale beer festival, sponsored by Howse and O’Reilly electrical contractors, returns for the third year in 2015 fresher than ever! The Finstock Ale commences at 7pm on Friday 11th September with The Cotswold Comedy Club for a great comedy night, and the full festival bar of all twenty beers and four ciders will be on sale. Suitable for all over 18s with three great stand-ups and the Comedy Club compère Ken Norman. Tickets £10 from https://www. wegottickets.com/event/316605 or email: thefinstockale@gmail.com The Beer Festival commences midday on Saturday 12 September with a large marquee village. The beer tent will of course be the focus, but with much more. A great variety of music acts will perform from 1pm to close at 11.30pm, including 1000 Mile Highway, The Wirebirds with Jenny Haan, James Morgan, Roughcut Ruby and old favourites Black Max and the Pirates, Jeff & Mandy and Acousticana. Keep up to date with developments at : www.facebook.com/TheFinstockAle and follow us at @TheFinstockAle on Twitter. Finstock Playing Field, OX7 3DH ........................................................
12th & 13th September
n Northleach Steam & Vintage Show plus Ale Festival Full Size Steam Engines - Scale Size Steam Engines ~ Stationary Engines
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~ Vintage Tractors ~ Classic Cars ~ Vintage Motor Cycles & Pedal Cycles Military Vehicles. This year’s show looks to be even bigger than last years, with more engines and vehicles on display, lots more stalls and a greater variety of food offerings from burgers and Cornish pasties to hog roast, al fresco Italian to Mexican, donuts, ice-cream and cakes as well as traditional confectionery to bring back memories of bygone days. Red Lion Inn will be hosting its own Ale Festival at the show with live music throughout the day, and for the children there will be additional entertainment including fun fair amusements, ferret racing, airsoft target paintball, have-a-go archery and even a climbing wall. Eastington Road, Northleach, GL54 3PJ 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun £5 Adults, £3 Senior Citizens, Children under 16 FREE www.northleachsteamshow.co.uk ........................................................
Charlbury Art Society 9th September
n “Other Ways” An illustrated talk by Chipping Norton artist, Judith Yarrow, on her personal journey through art. 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall, Browns Lane. members free, Visitors welcome, £3.
18th & 19th September
n Street Fair Art Exhibition Including work by Charlbury Primary School pupils, in the Memorial Hall, Browns Lane. Friday 7 pm – 9.30 pm; Saturday 9.30 am – 5.30 pm. Entrance Free.
14th October
n Charlbury Art Society AGM Followed by Dr Willem Hackmann’s illustrated talk on “The Moving Image” 7.30 pm in the Memorial Hall, Browns Lane. Members free, visitors welcome, £3. marioncoates@tiscali.co.uk www.charlburyarts.co.uk ........................................................
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.
18th October
n Apple Day: YOUR COMMUNITY ORCHARD – PICK YOUR OWN Announcing good crops at Chipping Norton Community Orchard (off the A44, Worcester Road). All are welcome to pick, but please wait until “Pick me Now” appears on each tree. Picnic tables now enhance the site so you can make an outing of it. Many of the trees are 5 years old and coming into their own. APPLE DAY this year is Sunday October 18th from 12noon-3pm. Bring your apples and press your own juice. New for this year will be apple tasting . Enjoy Wassailing, singing, dancing, childrens’ games, seasonal refreshments and lots more. All is free – donations, if you can spare them, fund the orchard. See local press for more details. Heather Leonard Orchard Group For directions and more details ring 01608 643691 ........................................................
22nd October
n Save the Children North Oxfordshire Autumn Fair A prestigious Autumn Fair will be held to support the work of Save the Children, both here in the UK and overseas; all money raised will help vulnerable children. There will be 20 plus stalls catering for all tastes and pockets, a chance to shop early for Christmas in a peaceful and picturesque setting. Light lunches will be available, also a bar. Spacious Car Park A chance to buy goods of high quality, variety and design. A wide range of Save the Children Christmas Cards / Wrapping, Paper / Tags etc will be on sale. There will be a Home-made cake stall with a huge variety to tickle your taste buds. Also a chance to try your luck with a Raffle lovely prizes! Please come and enjoy a fun day out and give your support to the valuable work of this Charity. Thank you. Times - 10am - 4pm Entrance £3 Wychwood Golf Club near Lynham, , Oxfordshire OX7 6QQ ........................................................
30th September - 4th October n 13th Tetbury Musical Festival The full programme is available now. www.tetburymusicfestival.org.uk ........................................................
25th October
n The Nightmare 10k Steeplechase Mud Run 10k Mud Run with 35 obstacles & Kids 3k. Withington Estate, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4BG Free Admisson. Details: 01242 890451 10am – 12noon ........................................................
Chedworth Roman Villa
n Sept 12 – Oct 4: Art Exhibition Contemplate a range of sculptural and mosaic artworks at Chedworth Roman Villa. Be inspired by the beautiful surroundings and long history of artistic endeavour. Included in admission. n Sept 20 – Archaeology talk Join Dr Nick Humphris for a presentation and tour on the archaeological life of Chedworth Roman Villa. Included in admission. n Oct 10: Mosaic workshop Be inspired by professional mosaicist Erica Bibbings and create your own mosaic. All materials and lunch provided. Booking essential, £50 pp. See our website for details or call 08442491895. n Oct 15: Discovery tour of the Villa Join the man who discovered the Villa in 1864 – gamekeeper Thomas Margetts – as he takes you on an exciting tour. Included in admission. Chedworth Roman Villa Yanworth, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ Phone: 01242 890256 ........................................................ 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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Back Pain Back pain affects about 80% of adults at some stage in their lives. The pain can be acute or chronic. When acute the onset is sudden, usually brought on by bending, lifting, twisting, falling or an accident. Unless the onset is traumatic, the cause of the pain usually lies in the daily habits of the affected person – the bending or lifting was only the final straw that broke the camel’s back. Very often a history of vague and mild aching is reported, but these symptoms were dismissed, or addressed by taking painkillers. Chronic pain develops slowly and lasts for a long period of time.
Why is it so painful? When there is an injury to a body structure, histamine and other chemicals are released by the damaged tissue which sets up an inflammatory reaction leading to swelling. This can increase the pressure on nearby structures causing pain, and the chemicals also stimulate the nerves that transmit pain. This is the body’s response in trying to protect you from aggravating the injury, by making you stiffen up and feel pain as you place more strain on the injured area.
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Unfortunately, it also restricts circulation, which hinders important nutrients needed for healing from reaching the affected area. It is important to receive appropriate treatment, such as osteopathy, so as to decrease this reaction, speed up the healing and allow the injured area to return to normality as soon as possible.
What are the causes of back pain? There are many causes, starting with the fact that our bodies are designed for movement. We are meant to exercise our bodies daily, not sitting still for long periods during the day. Therefore, common causes of back pain include poor posture, lack of exercise, poor muscle tone, wearing high-heeled shoes, spinal problems, disc injuries, muscle spasm, digestive problems, arthritic conditions and emotional stress.
How can I help myself? Seek the advice of an osteopath immediately when you start to experience discomfort in your back. This will shorten considerably the time spent in pain. Also take up exercise, such as Pilates, to strengthen your lower back and abdomen.
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What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a gentle and effective hands-on approach to healthcare, based on the principle that the way your body moves influences how it functions. Osteopaths are highly competent healthcare professionals, recognised by the NHS as fully qualified to diagnose and treat independently. Over 30,000 people every day visit an osteopath suffering from a variety of conditions including neck or back pain, joint or muscular pain, sports injuries, recurring headaches and more. Many patients are pregnant mothers, unsettled children, or those with work strain, or pain and stiffness related to advancing years.
The author Cissi Williams is an Osteopath, Cranial Osteopath, 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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Are You
Maximising the Return on Your Holiday Cottage?
Letting out your holiday cottage to guests can be very profitable, if done correctly. Cotswold Link speaks to Cotswold holiday letting expert, Character Cottages, to learn more.
“Renting out your Cotswolds cottage as a holiday let can be a very profitable business”, says Mat Faraday, co-founder of Character Cottages. “Renting out your Cotswolds cottage as a holiday let can be a very profitable business”, says Mat Faraday, co-founder of Character Cottages. “For many owners, it makes financial sense to turn the fixed costs incurred when a second home is sitting empty, such as council tax and utility bills, into significant profits.” Getting the set-up of a property right from the outset is one of the key factors to its overall financial success. Typically, the single most important driver of financial success is understanding the optimal guest capacity of your cottage. For example, if you are confident that the overall living space within your property is appropriate and large enough, then converting a spare room or a study into a double bedroom can increase your gross annual income
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by approximately £10,000. The other key set-up factor that can have a major impact on performance is the general
around £40,000 to £55,000 per annum of gross income. Exceptional properties can achieve even higher income levels.
finish, décor and equipment of a property.
Mat concludes: “Your holiday cottage has
Mat notes: “In today’s market, the best
the potential to earn you valuable income
performing cottages tend to be those with a
for 12 months of the year, when it would
modern country look, finished in a homely but
otherwise be sitting empty. To find out more
uncluttered style.”
about converting your cottage to a successful
The central location of the Cotswolds, together with its picturesque villages and stunning countryside, makes it one of the most popular
holiday let, just get in touch with us and we will happily walk you through the process from start to finish.”
regions all year round in the UK for visitors looking to rent holiday homes, which helps to ensure that high income levels are generated. For example, an average, nicely presented cottage that sleeps 8 guests should generate
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www.character-cottages.co.uk owners@character-cottages.co.uk Tel: 0208 935 5375
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A Good Read
A Guide For Parents: Exam Reform
Diary of a Wimpy Kid n Jeff Kinney Of course this month children all over the country said goodbye to the long summer holiday and trudged (many of them reluctantly) back to the classroom. So this month we have a ‘back to school’ theme with the first book in the smash hit US book series. Greg Heffley is finding his way through the minefield that is middle school. As he points out at the start of the book this isn’t really a diary. In his own words there is none of this ‘dear diary’ rubbish and he won’t be discussing his ‘feelings’. It’s a journal, and as a journal it takes us through the school year from the all-important decision of where to sit on the first day of class, to the embarrassment of playing a tree in the school production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (and not even being able to throw apples at annoying Patty who is playing Dorothy!). Along with his best friend, Rowley, he plans a Hallowe’en haunted house to raise some money but unfortunately they only manage one terrified guest before Rowley’s dad brings it to an end. But as we find out, that was not quite the end of the matter and it takes a full school year before the consequences of Hallowe’en night are fully realised. Described as ‘a novel in cartons’ this is a perfect book for both those who love reading and those who are ‘reluctant readers’. Yes, it’s an American book, but there are no issues with readers relating to the culture: school is school, wherever you are in the world! By Kath Bennett
All the Fun of a
I find many parents do not understand the new reforms that are about to be implemented this coming academic year. Students are constantly being told that the new system is far more difficult than the old one and they will have to study harder. This in turn is putting more undue pressure on youngsters by teachers, who are also undergoing additional pressure by a system that is being run purely on examination results and not necessarily on broadening a student’s intellectual ability. The following is an outline of the changes to the examination system mainly taken from information on Ofqual’s (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) website – www.ofqual.gov.uk
The New GCSE’s • A new grading system of 9 to 1 will be used with 9 being the top grade. • The courses are designed for 2 years of study with 1 final examination. • Some but not all examinations will be split into Higher and Foundation Tiers. • Resit opportunities will only be available each November in English Language and Mathematics.
From Sept ‘15 (Examined in 2017)
The first teaching of: English language, English literature & Mathematics
From Sept ‘16 (Examined in 2018) The first teaching of: Ancient Languages (Classical Greek, Latin), Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Citizenship Studies, Computer Science, Dance, Double Science, Drama, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish), Music, Physics, Physical Education & Religious Studies
From Sept ‘17 (Examined in June 2019 subject to authorisation from Ofqual)
These include: Ancient History, Astronomy, Business, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology , Economics, Electronics, Engineering, Film Studies, Geology, Information and Communications Technology, Media Studies, Psychology, Sociology & Statistics
The New AS and A Levels New AS and A levels will be taught in schools in England from September 2015. The first results for the new AS levels will be in 2016, and for the A levels in 2017. Further subjects will be introduced over the following two years.
Rural Fair
New attractions for the Forest Fair – Piggery Jokery and Tree Climbing
A fun filled family day-out including rural craft demonstrations, entertainment, music, food and over 160 stands promoting local products and services. New for this year: Piggery Jokery theatre - a whimsical perambulation through the seasons, touching on the circular nature of time, as told by the Green Man and his hurdygurdy playing Droning Crone and their troupe of rage bag characters. There is plenty of laughter along the way, as the old farmer tends his land and fattens his pig for the winter.
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Tree Climbing with Treetech. If you fancy shinning up a tree, then the Wychwood Forest Fair is the place to be. Climb to giddy heights under the safe guidance of this expert tree care company.
ment and for your community.
The Wychwood Project, who organise and run the Fair, is a registered charity that aims to inspire people to conserve and restore our unique local landscapes and habitats. In addition to the Project’s own display some 30 community and conservation groups will be promoting ways of “doing your bit” for the environ-
For further details or photos to support an article please contact the Wychwood Project Office:
All proceeds from this event go towards our on-going work of “Restoring Landscapes, Inspiring People” in the Wychwood area.
6th Sept: 11-5pm Lodge Farm, Ditchley Estate, Chipping Norton, OX7 4EU (Off the B4437 between Charlbury and Woodstock)
T: 01865 815423 E: Wychwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk www.wychwoodproject.org/cms/content/wychwood-forest-fair
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The content for the new A levels has been reviewed and updated. Universities played a greater role in the new qualifications than they did previously.
Adjustments: • AS and A Levels will be decoupled – this means AS results will no longer count towards an A Level in the way they do presently. • There will no longer be modular examinations. • Both AS and A Levels will be examined at the end of the course. • AS examinations will typically take place after 1 years study. • A Level examinations will typically take place after 2 years study.
From Sept ‘15 AS Levels of the following subjects will be first examined in June 2016 and the A Level subjects will be first examined in June 2017: Art and Design, Biology, Business,
Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Language and Literature, English Literature, History, Physics Psychology & Sociology
From Sept ‘16 AS Levels of the following subjects will be first examined in June 2017 and the A Level subjects will be first examined in June 2018: Ancient Languages (Classical Greek, Latin), Dance, Drama and Theatre, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish), Music, Physical Education & Religious Studies I can understand why parents and students find the proposed changes confusing. Hopefully the above will go some way to simplifying the situation, but one thing is certain we have not heard the last of the saga. John Harris
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GARDEN VIEW
The Start of Autumn
September 23rd is a special date in the gardening calender. The sun is directly above the earth’s equator and day and night are exactly the same length. Because of this, September is a pivotal month in the year: it heralds the end of summer and the start of autumn. It’s also a pivotal month in the garden. It’s a time of endings but also a time for rejuvenation. Summer plants fade and enter their dormant period, while leaves take on autumn hues: yet autumn crocuses push up through the soil, while bushes and trees are laden with fruit. This dual aspect to September means that on the one hand I find myself preparing my garden for its long winter sleep, but on the other I’m planning ahead for next spring. So, while cutting down the perennials which have finished flowering I’m also checking to see if any have become too big for the space they’re in. If they have, I’ll divide them now, while the soil is still warm, and move them to another part of the garden, where they’ll flourish when the new growing season begins next year. Likewise, I’m planning where any new trees or shrubs will go. I’ll get them in during September and they’ll be off to a flying start come Spring. My garden is chock-full of Spring bulbs already but I can always find room for some more. While I’m at it I’ll be planting a few in pots so I can be sure of a great spring display on the patio.
Meanwhile I look upon all the weeding, tidying and leaf-raking that I’m doing as an investment in compostable materials for my bin and my leaf-litter pile, which when left over the winter transmogrify into rich, crumbly compost and leafmould respectively. When dug into my soil in early spring it will give my garden a much needed shot of energy with which to kick off the growing season.
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f Bread The Importance o
We have celebrated a successful harvest since pagan times in Britain. Today events are commonly held in September or October on the Sunday when there is a full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox (September 23rd). Prior to King Henry VIII’s break away from the Catholic Church however, celebrations took
Others say the loaf was split into four pieces and placed in the corners of the barn to protect the grain that had been gathered. Frequently celebrations in schools and churches include hymns such as We Plough the Fields And Scatter, and All Things Bright and Beautiful.
The autumn equinox is the gardener’s equivalent of the New Year. It’s a time to reflect on the past season while resolving to do even better in 2016 Autumn Lawn Care Sweep the leaves I put mine in a perforated dustbin liner, in a dry spot and wait for them to rot down. Rake Use a wire rake to pull out all the dead moss and thatch. I put everything I collect into the compost bin Spike lawn Push a garden fork right through the lawn into the earth below then rock it a little to open up the lawn’s surface and allow air in. Brush with top dressing This is available from garden centres. Brush it into the holes with a stiff broom. To make your own top dressing, mix 3 parts top soil with one part peat substitute and 6 parts sharp sand. By Rachel Leverton
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Harvest Time -
place on August 1st at the start of the Harvest season. The day was known as Lammas or ‘loaf mass’, and marked the wheat harvest specifically with celebrations on later days to honour fruit crops. On Lammas it was customary for farmers to make a loaf from the new crop and take it to church. Stories of tradition then vary, with some sources saying the blessed loaf would be used for communion during a special mass thanking God for the harvest.
Decorations such as corn dollies and the display of home grown produce are set out. This format is thought to emanate from when the Revered Robert Hawker invited parishioners to harvest celebrations in Morwenstow in Cornwall in 1843. Whether you celebrate formally or not it’s a great time of year to enjoy the foods of the season, especially bread. By Susan Brookes-Morris
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2015 September / October
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Aston Magna Blockley Bourton-on-the-Hill
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Stow-onthe-Wold
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KinghamChurchill Icomb Upper Slaughter Dean Sarsden Naunton Chadlington Wyck Bledington Taston Lower Slaughter Whittington Rissington Church Greenend Spelsbury Westcote Shorthampton Nether Westcote Notgrove Shipton-underIdbury Little Dowdeswell Andoversford 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 Hailey Asthall Windrush Little Leigh Eastington Swinbrook Barrington Crawley Chedworth Asthall Minster Lovell Coln St Dennis Witney Bradwell Village Aldsworth
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Index
Accountants Tetbury Accountancy Services: p17 Antiques Mallams: p9 Beauty Cotswold Beauty: p1 Builders & Contractors CN Glass: p8 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 JA Shirley Building Services: p21 PJC Services: p4 The 50 Plus: p9 Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p19 Cotswold Youth Choir: p19 Chimney Services Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p21 Cleaning Services The Laundry: p17 MRK Services: p21 Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p15
Education Burford School: p1 Cotswold Tutor: p19 Elderly Services Nurse Plus: p14 The Langston Care Home: p9 Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p24 Mayday Aerials: p2 PJC Services: p4 Vivid AV: p17 Finance & Legal Tetbury Accountancy Services: p17 Lionheart Later Life Plannig: p9 Flooring Cotswold Carpets: p10 Food & Drink The Swan at Ascott: p7 Watercare Specialists: p24 Furniture Cottonwood Interiors: p5 MRK Services: p21 Gardening & Outdoors Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p21 MRK Services: p21
Gifts Cotswold Frames: p12 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p15 Footworx Clinic: p14 Inspired Wellbeing Now: p15 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p14 Heating Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p23 Woodburner Showroom: p23 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p21 Fosseway Tool Hire: p21 Holidays Character Cottages: p16 Home & Interiors Amanda Hanley by Design: p13 Country Bathrooms: p2 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Cottonwood Interiors: p5 Fosse Fires: p1 Heat Store: p17 Heaven & Stubbs: p24 Sewing Tuition: p19
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Christine 01609 777401 07742 595747 christine@jkanorth.com Dwight 01609 779097 dwight@jkanorth.com www.cotswoldlink.co.uk Elspeth 01904 709462 elspeth@jkanorth.com
Woodburner Showroom: p23 Kitchens & Bathrooms Country Bathrooms: p2 Cottonwood Interiors: p5 Heaven & Stubbs: p24 Laundry The Laundry: p17 Logs & Fuel Cotswold Petrolium: p11 Pace Fuel Care: p22 Walkers Logs: p3 Painters & Decorators PMO Decorators: p17 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p12 Plumbing PJC Services: p4 Property Maintenance CN Glass: p8 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p4 Gas & Oil Services: p23 JA Shirley Building Services: p21 Milena Windows: p2 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p21 PJC Services: p4 The 50 Plus: p9
Next issues
West Oxfordshire Nov / Dec 2015
Dist: w/c 2nd & 9th Nov ‘15 Copy: 9th Oct ‘15 ............................................
North Cotswolds Nov / Dec 2015
Dist: w/c 2nd & 9th Nov ‘15 Copy: 9th Oct ‘15
Recruitment Burford Garden Centre: p5 Nurse Plus: p14 Removals Get Rid Removals p17 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p19 West End Sewing: p1 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p24 Mayday Aerials: p2 Vivid AV: p17 Tree Surgery Russell Nicholls Tree Surgery: p23 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p19 My Computer Tutor: p19 Sewing Tuition: p19 Weddings Cotswold Frock Shop: p6 Windows CN Glass: p8 Milena Windows: p2 Workwear First Avenue Supplies: p5
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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