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January / February 2015
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inside
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For a delicious Valentine’s Day meal We look at 2 superb dishes that are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal
Local Funding
Buford’s new community centre funding update
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Garden View
A winter garden look at the role of seeds
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05 Visit Montenegro 13 2 exciting books reviewed general interest: advertorial 08 New Year traditions 14 A roaring success general interest education: 08 Protect your mobile phone 16 All about School Governors new businesses garden view: 10 New Businesses & Services 18 Seeds of Change local news: events: 10 Burford’s Community Centre update 20 Chipping Norton Theatre astronomy recipe: 12 The Cotswold Sky 21 2 great Valentine’s dishes out & about cotswold link 12 Seasonal events across our area 23 Index advertorial
A good read
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Welcome to the January - February issue Christmas already seems like a distant memory, but we welcome in the New Year with a range of exciting stories and features for you too enjoy. Even at this time of year, there is still so much to enjoy across West Oxfordshire so have a look at our selection of Events (p12-13) as a guide. Don’t forget, if you have any local news or a story of interest then please submit them 01609 777401 01609 779097 to editorial@jkanorth.com. cotswoldlink.co.uk I hope you enjoy this issue and I’ll see you again at Easter. Best wishes, Christine Campbell | Editor
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Mandy’s
Carrick News
In this issue...
Visit Montenegro
Boasting beautiful beaches along its stunning coastline, Montenegro’s beauty ranges from verdant pineclad mountains, clear glacial lakes, to crystal clear Adriatic waters lapping against historic walled coastal towns. A small but immensely beautiful European country, little-discovered Montenegro enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with over 200 sunny days a year, a 300km long, picturesque Adriatic coastline with more than 100 wonderfully unspoilt beaches, a rugged mountainous interior, and a wealth of well-preserved historic walled towns, traditional villages and rural hamlets. Just south of Croatia, Montenegro, or Crna Gora (Black Mountain), as it is known locally, has a rich history with the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks all leaving their mark, plus a distinctive Venetian influence in Budva, Herceg Novi and the UNESCO listed Kotor. Hotels in Becici, near historic Budva, are perfect to combine with Dubrovnik for a two centre holiday. The Budva Riviera features some of the Adriatic coastline’s finest wide sandy bays and tranquil, hidden coves including that at Becici which is justifiably proud of its 1935 Grand Prix title: Europe’s most beautiful beach. With its backdrop of lush, tree-clad mountains, this long swathe of golden sand and pebbles is bordered by a picturesque promenade lined with restaurants, leading to the walled town of Budva, a 20 minute stroll away. At the other end of the promenade, linked by a strip of pink sand, lies tiny St Stephen Island (Sveti Stefan), much revered by holidaying glitterati and, along the coast to the south and
merging into modern Becici, is the charming resort of Rafailovici. There are watersports available, a new waterpark and, for nightlife, head to vibrant Budva. Enclosed by medieval fortifications, Budva has always gained favour with the rich and famous and there are chic cocktail bars, sophisticated restaurants, and trendy nightclubs around its marina. The Old Town, set on a small peninsula, surrounded by 15th century ramparts, features historic monuments, Venetian style buildings and piazzas and narrow cobbled streets filled with galleries and cafés. In summer, Budva becomes an open air stage hosting numerous theatre and music festivals. In addition to the stunning coastline, Montenegro boasts a wealth of sights andhistoricattractionswithmedieval walled towns, traditional villages, churches and monasteries. Don’t miss UNESCO listed Kotor, in its spectacular fjordlike bay, which features Venetian architecture, a 17th century clock tower, museums and 12th century St Triphun Cathedral. A short distance away in Boka Bay, Perast is a beautiful old town with frequent taxi boat transfers to Our Lady of the Rock (Gospa od Skrpjela), a picturesque little island with an amazing church and museum. And just 20 minutes’ drive from the coast in its own beautiful national park, Lake Skadar, is the largest expanse of water in the Balkans. UPDATE: You are invited to the Carrick Travel Holiday Show - Sunday 1st February Leek Wootton – Near Kenilworth, Warwickshire. 11am to 3pm Please call for more details.
CONTACT THE TEAM • Chipping Norton: 10, Middle Row - t: 01608 641 983 • Bourton-on-the-Water: Moore Road - t: 01451 822 048 www.carricktravel.com
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Mobile Safety
Phone security is a serious issue A Happy New Year!
New Year Traditions From Around the Globe Amazing firework displays from around the world have become a familiar sight on New Year’s news programmes. Many countries also have traditional forms of celebration dating back hundreds of years. In the UK many people observe first-footing. This is traditionally done by a young, healthy, good looking male with dark hair. He carries gifts which include a piece of coal, money, bread and salt, and should be the first person through the front door after the New Year begins. This is believed to bring good luck. Auld Lang Syne is the familiar tune that many of us sing. This represents remembrance of old friends and times spent with them. Generally credited to Robert Burns, he actually said he was merely noting the words of an ‘old man’s singing.’ He set these words to the tune of a traditional Scottish ditty ‘Can Ye Labour Lea.’ In Denmark traditions involve smashing plates. People throw broken plates on to friends’ doorsteps. This symbolises good wishes for the year ahead. Another tradition involves leaping from chairs on the strike of midnight. In Austria, New Years Eve is called Sylvesterabend which means Eve of Saint Sylvester. Suckling pig and peppermint ice cream are traditional food for New Year celebrations. Tables are often decorated with marzipan pigs, and good luck symbols made out of chocolate or marzipan in shapes such as chimney sweeps, coins, or horseshoes are exchanged. Lead is considered to be auspicious in Germany so at New Year, they pour molten lead into cold water and see what shape develops. It is believed that this predicts the future, so: heart shapes symbolize marriage, round shapes denote good luck, and a ship means a journey. People also leave a bit of every food eaten on New Year’s Eve on their plate until after Midnight, as a way of ensuring a well-stocked larder. Carp is also included, as it is thought to bring wealth. Whereas in Brazil, lentils are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity and thus are traditionally part of a New Year’s meal. Other customs include priestesses of the local macumba voodoo cult, dressing up in blue and white for a ceremony dedicated to the god of water Yemanja. In addition, a sacrificial boat laden with jewellery, candles and flowers is pushed out from Ipenama beach in a bid to bring health, wealth and happiness. In Greece, 1st January is also St Basil’s Day. He is remembered for his kindness and generosity to the poor. Vassilopitta, or St Basil’s cake, is one of the special dishes that is prepared and contains a silver or gold coin. Whoever finds the coin will be lucky for the next year.
Nowadays it’s probably more worrying if someone steals your phone than your purse because of the amount of data stored on it: bank, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon accounts, are the tip of the iceberg. Your first line of defence is to make it hard for thieves to get into the phone. Make sure you’ve got your phone lock turned on so that they have to enter your password. If you’re using a pattern or pin code to unlock the phone make sure it’s not something simple like 1234 or a rectangle. SIM cards can be switched to another phone and used to run up bills of thousands of pounds. Notify your provider as soon as you realise your phone is missing. A delay may mean that you incur unnecessary charges. Although phone companies are being exhorted to cap the amount of liability a customer incurs if their phone is misused, at the time of writing this is not commonplace. Make sure your SIM is locked, as well as your handset, and check with your provider to see if you can voluntarily place a cap on your usage; that way, the phone will cut out once the limit is reached. Switch your location service on. Your phone will then be able to tell you where it is. Apple, Android and other major systems all have online phone location websites. You can locate and lock the phone, make it ring or even wipe it. Mobile phones, like laptops are open to hackers. In general phones are more secure
from virus attacks, but you still need to be wary of criminals. Virus attacks on phones mostly occur via dodgy apps. Apple are very strict about what is allowed into iTunes so virus protection isn’t an issue. On Android devices you need to be more careful. Read reviews carefully and check the permissions the app requests when you install it. If it’s a simple app asking for full access to your phone, it should ring alarm bells. If in doubt don’t install. Most of the major security companies produce Android apps to give you an extra level of security. Install one of these to give you extra peace of mind. Remember, when your phone connects to a Wi-Fi hotspot all the information it sends and receives passes through the computer controlling that hotspot. Always be aware of who owns the hotspot and how much you trust them. Most data, like bank logins and other major services, are highly encrypted so they can’t be stolen. However, other websites you use will not be as secure and may allow your login details to be hi-jacked. Check that the website or app you are using is secure (look for a little padlock icon) before you type in your details, especially card details. If in any doubt, don’t use it. Phone security is mostly about being aware of the problem and using common sense. If you follow the steps above, then even if you do lose your phone, it shouldn’t cause you any serious issues. By Tom Hancock
By Susan Brookes-Morris
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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 18,000 homes and businesses and allows further explanation of the new business or services available. * Editorial must be supplied completed.
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Council offers online food hygiene training
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Hygiene is of the utmost importance when handling food and when our environmental health officers conduct inspections, they check staff training and observe practices to ensure that staff are working to the required standards.
Food businesses now have the chance to access hygiene training from West Oxfordshire District Council.
“We have had a lot of businesses asking if we provide training and by introducing this it will give them the chance to access a course from a reputable organisation, safe in the knowledge that they are learning the correct skills required of them.”
The Council, which is responsible for conducting food safety checks in the District, is offering online courses provided by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
Under food safety regulations, all food handling staff must have adequate training, or be instructed and supervised to ensure that food is handled safely. The Council is offering Level 2 training courses, which is the required level for non-supervisory staff, at a cost of £30 per person.
There are around 1,173 food businesses in West Oxfordshire. Residents can check food hygiene ratings for local businesses, ranging from restaurants, cafes, takeaways, delis and shops, to care homes, hotels and pubs, online at www.westoxon.gov.uk/envhealth
To find out more about the online courses, call 01993 861000 or see the food safety regulations section of the Council’s website.
Burford’s new community centre among local projects in line for significant Council funding West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has today agreed almost £130,000 in grant funding for community projects, including £30,000 to help create a new community centre for Burford. The Cabinet has agreed to give funding to the Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist Church to help transform the medieval Warwick Hall into a modern, vibrant facility. The church is among seven community projects in West Oxfordshire that will benefit from the latest round of Community Facilities Grants. It has already raised funds of more than £3m. The hall will be extended and the grade-11 listed building will be repaired and redecorated to provide a variety of uses for both the church and wider local community, including a 200-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, community café and kitchen. It will also house a day centre for older people, relocating the town’s current service from Hunt’s Close and providing modern, comfortable facilities. Cllr Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Communities and Culture (pictured with plans for Warwick Hall) said: “The Burford scheme is a significant development that will provide a community asset for many years to come. The church has done an outstanding job in raising a huge amount of money, including the personal support of its own members, and we are pleased
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to provide one of the final pieces in the funding puzzle, which can sometimes be the most tricky to secure. “We’re extremely proud that we are able to offer these significant grants at a time when other councils are clawing back, or already withdrawn, this type of funding. We believe the grants play an important role in supporting local communities and help them to secure other funding sources which, without out our help, would not be forthcoming.” Reverend Richard Coombs, of St John the Baptist Church, said he hoped Burford’s new facility would be finished in spring 2016 and that it would provide a unique facility to serve the church and town, for uses such as a cinema, drama performances and recitals, local community clubs and society meetings, as well as for private hire for events including weddings. He said: “This is the only community building in Burford and this has been a dream of ours for some time. Because we want this to be a church and community project, it means a huge amount to us that we have such a strong buy-in from the District Council and we are very grateful for the grant. ” Community Facilities Grants are dependent on partnership funding being secured along with full planning permission, where applicable. The other grant recipients include:
• Bladon Methodist Church - £42,500 towards a £357,000 extension and refurbishment project to include a new meeting room, storage, improved kitchen facilities and disabled access. • The Bartons Victory War Memorial Hall Fund £24,150 towards a £138,220 scheme to extend the existing Sports and Social Club to provide improved access to changing facilities, an extended kitchen and upgrade toilets. • Milton-under-Wychwood Parish Council – £11,314 towards a £56,573 project to update play equipment in the village for 9-14-year-olds. • Stonesfield Playing Field Committee - £18,615 towards an £87,600 upgrade of the village playground, which is currently in a state of disrepair. • New Yatt Riding for the Disabled - £2,113 to help with roof repairs on a stable block used to help in the charity’s work. The total cost is £11,760. • Witney Mills Cricket Club - £141 towards a £1,254 replacement of cricket sight screens.
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Exciting new Fitness Centre Opens The recently opened Stone Barn Fitness is located in Churchill near Chipping Norton in a character-filled Cotswold stone barn with natural light and exposed beams. The gym’s innovative equipment will allow users to immerse themselves in a complete audio-visual experience, making workouts a breeze. Virtual Active is a revolutionary new workout experience allowing you to bike through Yellowstone National Park or run the streets of San Francisco. “I want Stone Barn to be a unique fitness club with great facilities, friendly service and a relaxed environment”, Mark said. “I’ve always been passionate about sport and fitness, having worked in the industry over the last 15 years. I was determined to set up my own space, where I can help people reach their personal goals and feel healthier – which makes it all worthwhile.” The new gym has two dedicated spaces,
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one for cardio and fixed resistance machines, and a functional area for free weights, kettlebells and stretching. The gym also offers full changing and shower facilities along with a comprehensive bespoke Personal Training service. He hopes women will be encouraged to fit workouts around school times. “The goal is to create a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, with none of the intimidating aspects that can be so off-putting for women.” Having worked in many venues around Oxfordshire, Mark has finally come back to his roots. “I had been looking for some time for a suitable property. Then I found the perfect venue in the village I grew up in.” The gym is open to everyone, from first time users to experienced exercisers, Stone Barn Fitness certainly has plenty to offer you to ensure start the New Year with the best possible fitness regime. For more details call: 01608 658754 www.stonebarnfitness.co.uk
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The
Out & About
Cotswold Sky
A look back in history at Orion
Look towards the South West on a clear wintery evening and you will see the constellation of Orion working its way Eastwards. To many, Orion is the most majestic and easily recognisable of the constellations. Each of its main stars has a story to tell and has captivated generations of inquisitive minds. So let us look at each star in turn, but before doing so bear in mind that one light year represents the distance travelled by light in one calendar year and light travels at approximately 180,000 miles a second.
Betelgeuse – distance 430 light years
Betelgeuse is the top left hand star, and it is difficult to imagine that when we look at Betelgeuse we are observing the star as it was approximately 60 years before Isaac Newton was born. In size it would envelop Jupiter if it replaced our Sun, and being a Red Giant it is due to explode sometime during the next 20,000 years into a Super Novae. When it does it will take 430 years before we know of its demise.
which is an area where stars are being formed. Presently it looks like a fuzzy haze when viewed by the naked eye, but when observed through a telescope it is a beautiful site. Saiph – distance 2,000 light years Saiph is the bottom left hand star and it is believed that it was once the brightest star in the sky. Rigel – distance 780 light years Rigel is the bottom right hand star. It is a Blue Supergiant and 50,000 times brighter than our Sun. It is the sixth brightest star in the sky. Allow your eyes to customise to the night light and you will notice a distinct difference in colour between Betelgeuse and Rigel.
Orion Nebula – distance 1,600 light years Below Orion’s Belt is the Orion Nebula
Sky Diary
12th January: It is amazing how many people have not seen Mercury. Look to the South West 40 minutes after sunset, with a pair of binoculars you will find Mercury underneath a bright Venus. 21st January: At 18.00hours in the South West you will see a thin crescent of the Moon close to Venus and Mercury.
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11th January
n Eynsham Hall Wedding Fair. Admission to the fair is free and each bride will receive a free goody bag, with lots of helpful information to plan your perfect day.. The fair is open from 11 am to 3 pm, so come along between these times to see some of Oxfordshire’s finest wedding suppliers, and Eynsham Hall’s recommended suppliers.. Why not bring your family and friends and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at this splendid venue? There will be fashion shows by Prroposals Bridal Studio of Witney and Postfrocks, Mother of the Bride, Oxford at 12 noon and 1.30 pm. 11 am to 3 pm Free admission Eynsham Hall, North Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 6PN Contact telephone: 01235 770078 Call to check latest times or cancellations. ........................................................
14th January: 7.30pm
n The Lenthall Concerts Under the direction of Michael Bochmann each winter season of six concerts brings a mixture of internationally established artists and talented young musicians to Burford School and Community College. Directed by Sean Frankcom Tickets: £14 on the door (£12 in advance, available from Mad Hatter Bookshop 01993 822539 and Music Stand 01993 774890) ........................................................
Orion’s Belt - Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka – distances 800, 1,300 and 900 light years respectively These 3 stars aligned in the centre are referred to as Orion’s Belt. Follow an imaginary line from right to left through Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak and it will take you to Sirius which is the brightest star in the sky. Now follow the imaginary line from left to right, this takes you higher in the sky where you will locate the Pleiades star cluster commonly known as the Seven Sisters.
Community
6th February: Jupiter will be visible all evening as it reaches opposition (this is when the Sun, Earth and Jupiter are in a direct line with each other) rising in the East. Jupiter and its moons are in the perfect position for observation either through a telescope or binoculars. John Harris
3rd - 8th February
n BITE Food Festival A selection of fantastic food and drink events across the region throughout the weekend, including a spectacular rugby themed England vs Wales dinner on the Friday and our traditional Cotswold Food Fair in the centre of Chipping Campden on Saturday. For further details visit: www.bitefoodfestival.com Chipping Campden GL55 6AT ........................................................
4th February
Astro News
Stargazing Live is normally shown on BBC TV during the early days of January. However this year the show will return in March to coincide with the next visible total solar eclipse that occurs on Friday 20th March commencing at 08.26 hours. The eclipse will be viewable as a large partial eclipse from England, with up to 90% of the Sun being eclipsed by the Moon. To make astronomy events more interesting the eclipse coincides with this year’s Spring Equinox.
meeting or you can become a “Friend of Networking Women” • Free advertising available on the website • Start after the school run! • Flexible attendees makes for vibrant and changing energy • A friendly atmosphere encouraging even the newest of businesses to start networking. Witney Lakes Resort, Downs Road, Witney, OX29 0SY www.networkingwomen.org.uk ........................................................
18th January: 10.30am
n Charity Winter Walk Sobell House is inviting you to join us at our very first Winter Walk, four miles, through the grounds of Blenheim Palace on the 18th January. Burn off a few Christmas pounds and raise money for the Sobell House Hospice. It costs just £10 to register and is open to anyone (Under sixteens must be accompanied by an adult) Every penny raised will help us to continue to offer care and support to people throughout Oxfordshire affected by terminal illness. To sign up call us on 01865 857007 Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, OX20 1PP. kevin@sobellhospice.org ........................................................
27th January
n Networking Women No membership fees – you pay £20 per
n Talk - Oxford’ Medieval Jewish Quarter Oxford’s Remarkable Medieval Jewish Quarter - The Latest Findings, Pam Manix – historian. Doors 7pm, lecture 7.30pm. £2 (Friends free). Oxfordshire Museum, Park Street, Woodstock, FriendsOfTom@live.co.uk 01993 812103 ........................................................
7th February
n Open Day: Kingham Hill School A chance to enjoy a tour of the school (conducted by our pupils) meet the Headmaster, houseparents and staff, tour the boarding and day houses, talk about our exciting range of extra-curricular activities (all within the school day) and generally get a feel of our family community all within our stunning 96 acre Cotswold site. This will be followed by a presentation by the Headmaster and a delicious lunch courtesy of our excellent catering team. 11am - 2pm. Kingham, OX7 6TH Contact telephone: 01608 658999. ........................................................
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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.
pin, Sonata in F minor Op. 57 (Appassionata) by Beethoven and Imges Book 2 by Debussy. Wood Green School, Woodstock Road, Witney, OX28 1DX. Tel: 01993 702296 ........................................................
19th - 22nd February 7th February
n Didcot Iron Age Mirror Study Day A chance to hear leading academic experts discussing the mirror’s purpose, significance, and manufacture, and the Iron Age society which created it. Gathered together by special invitation, the speakers are the leading experts in their respective fields. If you are interested in this exciting day, contact the museum reception to reserve a space. The Oxfordshire Museum, Park Street, Woodstock. Tel: 01993 811456 ........................................................
n Carterton Lions Art Exhibition The exibition is at Carterton Community Centre, Marigold Square, Shilton Park, Carterton, OX18 1AX at the following times:Thursday 19th: 11am - 6pm Friday 20th: 11am - 6pm Saturday 21th: 10am - 5pm Sunday 22nd: 10am - 4pm The exhibition includes works by local artists and local school children, entry is free. ........................................................
7th & 8th February
n Stow Flea Market and Collectors Fair Antiques, brica brac, militaria, ephemera, art and crafts, glass, metalware, silver, jewellery, teddy bears, greeting cards, vintage items galore, beautiful powder compacts, toys and gifts. Upstairs is Isabel’s famous cafe with delicious hot or cold snacks, tea and coffee. All this plus more. Takes place every month - check out our facebook page ’Stow Flea Market and Collectors Fair’ plus Antiques-Atlas. From 10 am to 4pm Free Entry St Edwards Hall, The Square, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1AF Contact telephone: 07704 145099 Call to check latest times or cancellations. ........................................................
13th February: 7.30pm
n Witney Winter Concert The Countess of Munster Musical Trust Concert. Selected artist, Making Music Philip & Dorothy Green Awards for Young Concert Artists 2013 - 2014. Joseph Houston - piano. Joseph’s programme will include Barcarolle by Cho-
A Good Read Kept n DJ Taylor Billed as a Victorian Mystery, this novel by DJ Taylor is a true page turner in the style of Dickens, Wilkie Collins and the like. With multiple narratives and a range of perspectives, Taylor weaves a web of intrigue around the life and death of Mr Henry Ireland and his wife, which surprises and delights the reader. The novel begins with an arresting episode in which two men find themselves by a Scottish loch undergoing a series of challenges to steal rare birds’ eggs. This links them to the strange but eminent naturalist James Dixey, who in turn becomes the guardian of a strangely disturbed young woman. At times the narrative thread is truly puzzling, and the reader must connect and theorize for themselves – but this is no bad thing, and at least we can read on at our own pace rather than having to wait, in the Victorian manner, for the next instalment. There are plenty of potential heroes and heroines, and a smattering of particularly villainous villains, for us to engage with too. One for those dark winter nights in front of the fire – abandon the television and curl up with a good book instead. Although be warned – you may stay up later than you had intended, reading on to the finish! .................................................................................................................................
27th Feb - 11th March
n My Mother said I Never Should By Charlotte Keatley A breathtakingly intimate new staging in a transformed, in-the-round auditorium. Four generations of women wrestle their way through the storms and stirrings of the 20th century in a seamless patchwork of emotion, laughter and love. Mesmerising theatre in a reshaped auditorium, allowing the lives of four ordinary and extraordinary women to surround and subsume you. Open: 27 - 28 February, 2 - 7 March, 9 - 11 March: 7.45pm. Wed 4th March: 2.30pm. Sat 7th March: 2.30pm Chipping Norton Theatre Tel: 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.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.
Cars and Trucks and Things that Go! n Richard Scarry
Millions of children have grown up with picture books written and illustrated by Richard Scarry. By the time he died in 1994 he’d sold more than 100 million copies around the world. One of the best known is Cars and Trucks and Things that Go! To celebrate its 40th birthday recently, the Designer Paul Smith – a huge Scarry fan himself - was asked to redesign the work while retaining the charm of Scarry’s original drawings. There was also a boxed set which was limited to just 1000 copies and is already re-selling for hundreds of pounds a copy. While most of us will never get the chance to own the boxed set, the new-look book is well worth seeking out. It has certainly impressed Scarry’s son Huck, also a children’s writer and illustrator, who said: “Paul Smith and his team have amazed me. It’s Richard Scarry seen with Paul Smith’s eyes.” For those who don’t know the work, every manner of moving machinery is riotously depicted in a story which sees the pig family head to the beach for a picnic. On their journey they encounter every vehicle known, from the forklift to the locomotive, and many vehicles that are not known, from the pumpkin car to the broom-o-cycle. Each detailed spread provides the opportunity to make up stories and describe situations. Will Officer Flossy catch Dingo? Will Rollo Rabbit catch his runaway steamroller? And can you find the goldbug on every page?
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A roaring success... Walker’s Logs was founded in 2005 to supply top quality logs and kindling. The Walker family have been involved in the woodburning industry for over 40 years. Over 90% of stove problems were arising due to customers burning wet wood, this causes the chimney to soot up, and the stove glass door to blacken, and in the worst case, lead to chimney fire. In order to guarantee a low moisture content, and consistent quality they invested in a kiln drying system, that dries the firewood using their own woodwaste. Fred says, “seasoning firewood naturally relied on too many factors, warm, dry weather in the Spring and Summer, whether the wood is split or in the round, and what species the wood is. Oak will take much longer to season than ash for example.
The main benefits of kiln dried wood are: - Much easier to light the fire - Lots more heat output - No nasty tars or creosotes up the chimney - Keeps glass doors clean - No insects or wood worm in the wood All the wood used at Walker’s Logs is supplied from local, sustainable woodlands. For their logs, they use mainly ash, beech and oak, all good quality hardwoods. The kindling is made from larch although sometimes they use poplar as it splits nicely, and burns rapidly to start the fire off. The timber that is purchased is selectively “thinned” from the woodland, a process that gives more light and space to the larger more established trees, for them to develop further. Over the last Summer, Walker’s Logs have invested heavily in new kilns and firewood processing equipment to increase capacity. They have invested in a new firewood processor, which turns a tree trunk into logs with remarkable efficiency. Fred tells us that the machine was build especially for him in Italy, and was designed to cope with the local timber that they buy. The wood, once processed, goes on a conveyor, over a cleaning device and into a large metal cage. A state of the art kiln has been installed, which
holds over 120 cubic meters of wood. This reduces the moisture from 60% down to 15%-20%. During the kilning process over 20 tonnes of water is removed from the wood. That’s 20,000 bottles of water! The kiln is carefully monitored, with temperature and humidity probes to ensure the wood is dried correctly. Recently, Fred’s wife has joined the company to help deal with orders and office work, to ensure customer’s receive speedy deliveries and excellent service. Fred says, “we want to make ordering logs as easy and hassel free as possible, we have now introduced an online shop where customers can order logs at any time of day to suit them!” For more information call: 01285 720940 or visit: www.walkerslogs.co.uk
Tel: 01285 720940
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School Governors Do you want to make a positive contribution to education and the community? Then have you considered the prestigious and rewarding role of becoming a School Governor?
Who are the School Governors?
Every School has a Board of Governors which is reconstituted every four years when members complete their term of office and may be replaced. School Governors must ensure that the children receive as good an education as possible and this objective must always be in forefront of any decisions that they make. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the head teacher is held to account with his/her performance, overseeing the financial position of the school and ensuring that the school has future plans in place and is being run within the legal framework. Not all governing bodies have the same structure and some schools are granted more flexibility than others, but each school should publish its governance structure on its website. The structures will vary from school to school dependent on what the board consider a good balance and indeed the regulations differ between maintained schools and academies. Members can be from any part of society provided the board is confident that the potential member has the necessary skills, including the willingness and ability to learn and develop as a governor. It is not unusual to have as many as 20 members on the board and a typical Board of Governors can comprise of representatives from: • Parents • The Local Authority, The School Staff, The Community, Co-opted members, Sponsors • Clerk to the Governors – this could be a member of the administrative staff and is a paid position. The Clerk has no voting rights. There may also be someone responsible for the training of new members in the form of mentors or indeed arranging for them to attend appropriate courses. School Governors are also the largest volunteer force in the country. They qualify for certain expenses and employers must give School
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Governors reasonable time away from work in order for them to carry out their duties. However employers are not required to pay the person for the time they are absent from work.
Why become a School Governor?
• Play a positive part in children’s education. • Give something back to society. • Develop new skills that will help in expanding your CV. • The opportunity to learn first-hand of the mechanisms of education in our society.
Do I have the expertise? Yes you do if you have the enthusiasm and commitment. Should you be a parent you will be aware of other parents concerns. If you are a member of the local community your local knowledge will be valuable. On the other hand you may be fortunate to have your own business or other skills which your local school may appreciate.
Do I have the time?
Being a School Governor can be time consuming. Estimates of the time required vary depending on the school and its circumstances. Some reports say you will be required for 6 or more meetings a year others say 4 or 5 meetings a term. Regarding hours expect a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a week.
How to become a School Governor
The following information is taken from: www.nga.org.uk/Be-a-Governor.aspx • You can contact your local school to make them aware of your interest. • You can contact SGOSS (www. sgoss.org.uk/) – Governors for Schools, which recruits Governors nationally. • You can contact your local council. • You can use the Inspiring the Future website. (inspiringthefuture.org) Additional Information can be obtained from: www.gov.uk/become-school-collegegovernor www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/ school_governor/ John Harris
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Garden View Seeds of change How many seeds have you eaten today? Probably more than you realise. As a nation, we consume tons of them every day and whether they are ground to make our bread, mushed to accompany our chips or sprinkled on our burger bun, seeds play an important role in our diet, as well as in our garden! Most of the seed heads that were left over from autumn have now fallen over, disintegrated, or been eaten by hungry birds, so as part of my ‘outdoor housework’ I’m cutting them down to ground level before the new growth begins to emerge next month. The stately seed heads of Stipa gigantea looked fantastic for such a long period of time, as did the erect stems of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Forester’, but even these have been defeated by the wind. It may be cold outside, but now is the perfect time for planning what to grow this year, from seed of course! Over recent years the popularity of growing your own vegetables has meant that veg seed sales have overtaken those of traditional flowers,
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but you really can’t beat the satisfaction of plants from seed. The first plants I ever grew were Snap Dragons. I was fifteen, and I found the packet in the back of a drawer (presumably they had been stuck to a box of cereal at some stage). I diligently followed the instructions for sowing and placed them on top of my wardrobe (I’m not quite sure why I did that). What happened next really was a miracle. They germinated! It was hard to believe that the old seed, uneven layer of compost, wardrobe location and over watered soil, produced a rash of new seedlings. It wasn’t long before they had grown to around 2 inches high and bent towards the light, narrowly avoiding the artex ceiling! I potted them on and they produced the most beautiful range of colours all summer long, and that was the moment I became hooked on gardening. It wasn’t really a surprise that they germinated, as that’s what seeds are designed to do. They can survive in their dormant state for years, and because there are often more seeds per packet than you
know what to do with, I always sow just a few more than I need and return the rest to a sealed container in the fridge. Stored like this they keep for years. To give them the best start in life, most seeds require just a tray of compost and some warmth. Large seeds should be covered over with compost, but small seeds left uncovered as they often don’t have enough energy to push new leaves through the soil. Prick out singly once large enough to handle and grow on somewhere frost-free, before gradually hardening off ready for life outdoors. Until next time, happy winter gardening. Lee
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What’s On @ Box Office: 01608 642350
Many more events at
chippingnortontheatre.com
www.chippingnortontheatre.com
15th & 17th January, 7.30pm
The Imitation Game
Based on the extraordinary story of Bletchley Park and the cracking of the Enigma code, this tightly scripted and star-studded drama centres on the multi-coloured life of mathematician Alan Turing. With a cast that includes Benedict Cumberbath, Keira Knightley and Mark Strong, The Imitation Game is a stirring and emotionally complex view on the work and the people that made an enormous contribution to winning the war. Adults £8 | Under 16s £6 A £1 booking fee is included in all ticket prices, unless otherwise stated.
17th january
Eight Week Yoga Course with Nikki Jackson
This 8 week yoga course is run by Nikki Jackson , an established yoga teacher for 22 years. You will learn a variety of stretches, postures , sequences, breathing and relaxation techniques to improve your health and wellbeing ready to start the New Year. Suits all abilities, including complete beginners. Please note it is £8.50 per session. Term dates: Sat 17th Jan, Sat 24th Jan, Sat 31st Jan, Sat 7th Feb (9am - 10am), Sat 21st Feb (9am - 10am), Sat 28th Feb, Sat 7th March, Sat 14th March, Times: 9.15am -10.15am (unless otherwise stated).
23rd january, 7.45pm
Lee Hurst - Things that make you go aaaarghh!
After his sell-out show in 2013 Lee makes a welcome return to Chipping Norton, asking audiences what winds them up? Mostly people get on with living their lives, but everyone has at least one thing that gets on their nerves and makes their blood boil. What’s yours? Lee, like all Brits, loves a right good moan, but he also likes to come up with solutions too. Undoubtedly one of the UK’s funniest (and cleanest) stand-up comedians; see him while you can. All Tickets £16
Box Office: 01608 642350
www.chippingnortontheatre.com
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For a delicious Valentines meal Smoked salmon with prawns, horseradish cream & lime vinaigrette • • • •
Ingredients 1 tbsp crème fraîche 1 tsp horseradish sauce 4 slices smoked salmon 10 large cooked prawns, peeled but tails left on
• • • • •
For the salad juice 1 lime, finely grated zest of ½ 1 tsp clear honey ½ tsp finely grated fresh root ginger 2 tbsp light olive oil 2 handfuls small leaf salad
Method Mix the crème fraîche with the horseradish and a little salt and pepper. For the dressing, whisk the lime juice and zest with the honey, ginger and seasoning, then whisk in the oil. Lay the smoked salmon and prawns on 2 plates, then top with a dollop of the horseradish cream. Toss the salad in most of the dressing and pile on top. Drizzle the remaining dressing around the plate and serve.
Tiramisu with honeycomb crunch • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ingredients 1 egg yolk 2 tbsp caster sugar ¼ tsp vanilla paste or extract 85g mascarpone 150ml double cream 2 tbsp Kahlúa 5 tbsp very strong coffee 85g sponge fingers cocoa powder, for dusting For the honeycomb a little mild oil, like sunflower, for greasing 85g caster sugar 2 tbsp clear honey 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Method Whisk the egg yolk with the caster sugar and vanilla paste until pale. Add the mascarpone and cream, then beat with an electric whisk until smooth and thick. Put the Kahlua and coffee in a bowl and dip in enough sponge fingers to cover the bottoms of 2 small bowls or ramekins. Cover with half the creamy mixture, repeat with some more soaked biscuits, topping with more creamy mixture, until your dishes are full. Dust with a little cocoa powder and chill for at least 2 hrs or overnight. For the honeycomb, oil a baking tray or tin or line with a non-stick mat. Gently heat the sugar and honey with a splash of water in a heavy-based pan until melted. Increase the heat and bubble to a good caramel colour, then lift off the heat, whisk in the bicarb and tip onto the baking tray to cool. Once cold, crush with a rolling pin or thinly slice into shards, and scatter a little over the tiramisus to serve. Leftover honeycomb will keep for a week in an airtight tin. Advertising - contact Christine: 01609 777401 or Dwight: 01609 779097 | www.cotswoldlink.co.uk
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North Cotswolds March / April 2015
Distribution: w/c 2nd & 9th Mar ‘15 Copy: 6th Feb ‘15
Full Colour, High Quality Publications
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West Oxfordshire
18,000
Electrical Services Cotswold Aerials: p23 Mayday Aerials: p9 Vivid AV: p4 Food & Drink FWP Matthews: p24 Tatty Bunting: p2 The Swan at Ascott: p7 Wiltshire Farm Foods: p17 Furniture Cottonwood Interiors: p5 Heartwood Furniture: p24 MRK Services: p19 Phil Dadge: p4 Gardening & Outdoors Beechdale Ltd: p19 Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p18 Russell Nicholls Tree Services: p19 Gifts FWP Matthews: p24 Hair & Beauty Sinead Doyle Beauty Therapist: p20 Healthcare & Wellbeing Cirencester Dental Practice: p6 Ramona Gogolos Foot Health Professional: p6 Heating Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p24 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Fosse Fires: p1 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p9
Heat Store: p5 I.D Godden & Co Plumbing: p4 Wayne Sealey Plumbing: p8 Hire Cotswold Tool & Plant Hire: p18 Fosseway Tool Hire: p15 Home & Interiors Cotswold Carpets: p1 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Cottonwood Interiors: p5 Fosse Fires: p1 Heat Store: p5 Heaven & Stubbs: p1 Phil Dadge: p4 Sewing Tuition: p16 Kitchen Design Heaven & Stubbs: p1 Laundry The Laundry: p16 Logs & Coal Fosseway Tool Hire: p15 Walkers Logs: p3 Pets & Animals Dial A Dog Wash: p13 Property Maintenance ASAP Vermin Control: p18 CN Glass: p9 Cotswold Oil & Gas Services: p24 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Gas & Oil Heating Services: p9 Hilltop Joinery: p4
I.D Godden & Co Plumbing: p4 JA Shirley Building Services: p19 Milena Windows: p24 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p8 The 50 Plus: p8 Wayne Sealey Plumbing: p8 Recruitment Nurse Plus: p6 Sewing Sewing Tuition: p16 Sound & Vision Cotswold Aerials: p23 Mayday Aerials: p9 Vivid AV: p4 Sport & Leisure Runnerbean Health & Fitness: p6 Stone Barn Fitness: p11 Travel Carrick Travel: p5 Tree Surgery Russell Nicholls Tree Services: p19 Tuition Cotswold Tutor: p16 Sewing Tuition: p16 Vermin Control ASAP Vermin Control: p18 Windows CN Glass: p9 Milena Windows: p24
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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homes & businesses
Index Accountants Tetbury Accountancy Services: p16 Auctioneers Mallams: p11 Builders & Contractors CN Glass: p9 Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Eynsham Park Sawmill: p15 Hilltop Joinery: p4 JA Shirley Building Services: p19 The 50 Plus: p8 Carpets & Flooring Cotswold Carpets: p1 Children’s Services Cotswold Tutor: p16 Chimney Services Cotswold Stoves & Chimneys: p15 Mr Sweep Chimney Services: p8 Cleaning Services The Laundry: p16 MRK Services: p19 Dentist Cirencester Dental Practice: p6 Education Cotswold Tutor: p16 Elderly Services Attitude Care Nights: p1 Guideposts Trust: p17 Nurse Plus: p6 The Langston Care Home: p17
Brize norton
Distribution: w/c 2nd & 9th Mar ‘15 Copy: 6th Feb ‘15
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