COTSWOLD TIMES STOW TIMES APRIL 2014 ISSUE 123

A Day in the Life of…. PAGE 10

Get cycling – get rowing GET FUNDRAISING, with Cotswold Fitness PAGE 14/15

Being a councillor – Two local Councillors share their experiences PAGE 24

The Shock of the new Ben Eddolls on the i3 PAGE 51

EVENTS PAGES News from local schools, sports and social clubs Supplying the Cotswolds since 1988

2 • Seasonal bedding, vegetable and herb Yummy Easter Gifts... plants Exclusive, handmade chocolate Bunnies, Easter Eggs, Hot Cross Buns, Simnel Cakes, Chocolate Truffels, Cupcakes etc... • Large range of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and conifers

• David Austin roses Open: Mon - Fri 09.00 - 17.00, Weekends and Bank Holidays 10.00 - 17.00 and climbers Visit the Plant Centre for gorgeous spring flowers. From Hellebores to • Quality fruit and primroses, there's something for ornamental trees, ferns and large every garden. specimen plants

Tel: 01608 652060 www.cacaobean.co.uk Put a spring in your step • Gardening sundries with the new season at and equipment for the allotment and Batsford Garden Centre! garden Batsford is open every day 9am–5pm. Patricia Cook Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Talk to our Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AB. experienced, Catering knowledgeable 01386 701441 staff who are for every occasion [email protected] happy to offer help 01451 830450 www.batsarb.co.uk and advice. patric iacater e [email protected]

3 STOW ON THE WOLD TAXI SERVICE 6 SEATER GALAXY • AIRPORTS • STATIONS • HOSPITALS • COURIER SERVICE LOCAL OR LONG DISTANCE TONY KNIGHT – 07887 714047 [email protected] www.stow-on-the-wold-taxi-service.co.uk

THE COFFEE HOUSE CAFÉ & BISTRO EASTER LATE NIGHT OPENING Sat 5th April to Sat 19th April Homemade Bistro Food With HALF PRICE HOUSE WINE COURTYARD GARDEN NOW OPEN

MON~SAT 09.00-20.00 & SUN 10.00~16.00 Church Street, Stow-on-the Wold 01451-870802 www.thecoffeehousestow.co.uk

4 COTSWOLD TIMES STOW TIMES FROM THE EDITOR... INSIDE THIS EDITION...

FEATURES There can be no doubt that Easter is coming. The most popular event in our diary this month is (dah! dah!) …hunting for Easter eggs! 8 Parvovirus in Dogs by Alison Roberts, MRCVS. They will be hiding in woods, fields and gardens, so while you are 9 Magic is a complete life-change by Caroline Fisher having a cracking good time out and about, please watch where 10, 11 A Day in the Life of…. Researched and written by Caroline Fisher you walk! 14 Cycling for the over 50s by Caroline Fisher 15 100,000 metres in 12 hours Cotswold Fitness take up the Challenge The articles this month illustrate the wonderfully eclectic mix of life 18, 19 Alain Rouveure – “I went looking for a shop…” Written by Julie Hill that thrives in our local area – from an auctioneer to a district 24 A Tale of Two Councillors Two very different experiences, from Caroline Fisher councillor, a magical canine life-saver and a cycling seventy-year 38 St Edward’s Hall, Stow Researched and written by Tim Norris old. Thank you to all the people who contributed emls, articles, ideas 39 In praise of….Stow on the Wold’s Youth Hostel by Robert Forster and comments during March - we really appreciate hearing from 47 Short Story: James McParland’s Choice by Nicholas John you. 51 The Shock of the New Ben Eddolls tries out the silent i3 Whatever you are doing in April we hope you will find something to interest you in this edition. Our team has been talking to some local REGULARS personalities; our short story is a quirky tale of intrigue and duvets; 17 Book Reviews from Borzoi Books there is a competition which will appeal to all the photographers, 20, 22, 23 - Robb Eden on Tax; Business Rates; Vacancies and a one-off collection of local community issues, business, sports 25 Dates for Local Authority meetings, Blood Donor sessions and club news. Cotswold District Council’s Local Plan fails to win friends 26 Parking Strategy reviewed; GCC’s 2014 Budget Wishing everyone a very happy Easter, 27 Developers’ contributions to the community Best wishes 28 Report from Stow Town Council meeting in March LOCAL EVENTS & EVENTS DIARY - Exhibitions, shows, cinemas, concerts, galleries, markets, museums and walks Jenni Turner Editor 37 Local Church services 40 Hillman Imp; Correspondence 41-44 News from some of our Local Schools 55-58 News from local Sports Clubs 59 Reports from North Cotswold and Kingham & Wychwood Rotaries Cover photograph: 60 Village Hall listing “Beautiful blossoms at Batsford Arboretum.” With thanks to Batsford Foundation 61 Clubs, Societies, Associations & Charities listing (always a Work In Progress!) Other contributors this month: 62 News from some of our local clubs Ben Eddolls, Caroline Fisher, Bob Forster, Christabel Hardacre, Julie Hill, 63 Local Business Directory Nicholas John, Jan Marley, Tim Norris, Alison Roberts MRCVS, Sybil Roscoe.

With approximately 40,000 readers across the North Cotswolds , we are delivering the four community magazines to :- Our design team this month was Eagle Design Ltd. Letterboxes in Stow on the Wold, Moreton in Marsh, Bourton on the Water & 0800 170 7955 / www.eagledesign.net Chipping Norton, Broadwell, Adlestrop, Oddington, Bledington, Icomb, Church Westcote, Nether Westcote, Wyck Rissington, Lower & Little Rissington, Great Rissington Our next edition is for May 2014 (part),Maugersbury, Nether Swell, Lower Swell & Upper Swell, Lower Slaughter, Naunton, The copydate is 15th April 2014 Notgrove, Sherborne (part), Clapton on the Hill, Donnington, Condicote, Longborough, Bourton on the Hill, Temple Guiting, Guiting Power, Batsford (part), Blockley, Todenham, Aston Magna, Draycott (part) and Over Norton

Centres in Bourton on the Water, Chipping Norton, Moreton in Marsh, Stow on the Wold, Contact Stow Times on: Chipping Campden, Paxford, Shipston on Stour, Great Wolford & Little Wolford, Little & Long Compton, Whichford, Heythrop, Chadlington, the Wychwoods, Northleach, Burford, 07789 175 002 Kingham, Churchill and Salford. [email protected] Extra copies of Stow Times are generally available in Stow-i, the new Visitor Information Centre, in St Edwards Hall and Stow Library. Copies are also carried on www.stowtimes.co.uk The Villager Bus.

P O Box 6, Sheep Street, Material published in this magazine is copyright; the Editor may give permission for copy to be reproduced for some purposes. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or any member of the Stow on the Wold, GL54 1WD team. The magazines are produced and delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information printed in the magazine, the Editor/team do not accept any responsibility for the consequences of any errors that may occur. 5 Ashbee Dental Care Please contact us to welcomes new patients. book your appointment.

From the moment you arrive our 3 Ashbee House team at Ashbee Dental Care will Battlebroook Drive look after you in a friendly and Chipping Campden Gloucestershire relaxed environment. GL55 6JX (Chipping Campden Business Park) Ashbee Dental Care is a small dedicated team, focused on Telephone Number: 01386 840 840 providing the highest quality dental treatment. Opening Hours Monday – Thursday 9.00am-5.00pm Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm With our convenient location, and ample free parking , Ashbee Dental Care has patients coming from across the Cotswolds and beyond.

NHS and private patients welcome. Denplan payment scheme also available.

Only 7 miles from Moreton in Marsh

6 SALTMARSH ORGANIC CONCEPT STORE

Luna frames from South Africa Wonkiwear Beauty range from Sweden Pottery from Cornwall Hand-knitted jumpers from Berlin Cashmere babywear from Italy Helen Minns cards and cushions Welcome you to the quiet but sunny side of The Square, Stow. OPEN: Tue - Sat 10-4pm daily / 07729 269977 Saltmarsh, The Square, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1AF strictly Ballroom/Latin & Salsa Learn to dance at your own pace Waltz, Cha-cha, Tango Argentine, Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Samba, Jive + MORE The Redesdale Hall in Moreton-in-Marsh Ballroom & Latin Thurs 7-00 - 8-30pm (Upper Hall) Salsa Thurs 7-30 - 8-30pm (Lower Hall) 4/10/11 WEEK COURSES STARTING 1st May EARLY ENROLMENT ADVISED Classes run all year 01789 778007 W E D D I N G “ F I R S T D A N C E ” www.margaretgreenwood.co.uk Choreographed to your special song OTHER VENUES include… Especially for You STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, ASTON CANTLOW

7 PARVOVIRUS IN DOGS

Canine Parvovirus Canine Parvovirus does not pose a risk to adults or children, but (parvo) first appeared sensible hygiene precautions should be taken around any dog in the late 1970s, when with diarrhoea and vomiting. widespread outbreaks occurred in the UK The way to protect killing many dogs. A against Parvovirus is to vaccine was developed vaccinate. It is rare for in the early 1980s and vaccinated dogs to get is now part of standard Parvovirus, and the dog vaccination protocols so, fortunately, outbreaks occur less symptoms are usually commonly today. However, Parvovirus is still endemic in the UK greatly reduced if they and poses a risk to unvaccinated dogs. A young, unvaccinated do. Puppies can be dog died of Parvovirus in our hospital last month despite days of vaccinated from 6 intensive care. weeks old but most veterinary practices start vaccinations around 8 weeks. Vaccination protocols vary between practices but most Mostly affected dogs are puppies between 6 weeks and 6 dogs receive a primary course of two vaccinations two to four months old but Parvovirus can affect any age of dog. The weeks apart, a booster a year later with subsequent vaccinations common symptoms of parvo are lethargy, severe vomiting and at intervals throughout their life. profuse diarrhoea, which may be bloody. The diarrhoea and vomiting can result in severe dehydration. Parvovirus also Parvovirus poses a real risk to today’s dog population and the pet suppresses the body’s immune system. These problems can be charity the PDSA reported nearly 1,800 cases of suspected fatal, even with intensive care. Some severely affected dogs do Parvovirus in the first half of last year. The majority of cases were survive with treatment although some are left with permanent in young unvaccinated dogs and could have been prevented with effects such as difficulty absorbing foods and reduced growth. routine vaccinations. The virus is passed out in the faeces and can survive in the environment for many weeks. Dogs are infected by oral ingestion Alison Roberts, MRCVS. Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital. of the virus and the incubation period is three to seven days.

8 SPONSORING A PUPPY mAGIC Together we can do our bit. IS A ComPLETE LIFE-ChANGER We’re calling on you to help MAGIC is aptly named - this particular dog has me when he noticed the change. Then I have sponsor a vital puppy. It an amazing life-saving trick. He can literally to quickly eat or drink something which has costs £10,000 – which is ‘sniff’ when his owner’s health is critically at some sugar in it. Magic is my shadow, at about one-third of other risk and alert help, or bring a medical kit home, work and socialising. He’s a loveable dog assistance charities, as himself. The specially-trained character, a bit of a clumsy ‘whatsit’ but has a Labrador/Golden Retriever cross is a unique big heart and is desperate to please.” the dogs never live in Medical Alert Dog from the Medical Detection kennels. Dog charity – and one of only 46 in the Oxon group volunteer regional organiser country. This marvellous two-year-old mutt Heather Shute, from Milton-under-Wychwood, Mrs Shute, whose group was sponsored by the Oxon and Cotswold said: “We’re looking for ‘sticky’ dogs – ones Volunteer Support group and Chipping Norton which would rather stick with a person than aims to raise £1,000 a Rotary Club. And he is the invaluable constant doing anything else. They must be quiet but month, said: “We’d be so companion of Claire Pesterfield, a children’s sociable and can be any breed, but we mainly grateful - and we can start a diabetic nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, have Labradors, spaniels, a Jack Russell, special fund for your Cambridge. some poodles, a little Yorkie and several mongrels. “We like to have tiny eight-week readers. “Magic is basically a complete and utter life puppies but do have older rescue dogs and changer – if it wasn’t for him, the charity and dogs donated from other families. Our trainers We’d really like people just the team of supporters, I would probably be assess them before placing them with a to hold a fundraising event dead,” said Claire. The 40-year-old suffers volunteer family for ‘socialising’, getting used from Type 1 diabetes so her blood sugar can to everything you can think of in public – – anything from a coffee suddenly drastically dip to danger level without shops, buses, cars, all different types of people morning and tea party to a her realising it. “I would just collapse to the and children. This takes a year, the dogs get pudding party or jumble floor, become unconscious or have a seizure,” their public access certificate and then they’re sale. said Claire. “My husband Colin is away a lot, matched very carefully with a partner and no-one else is in the house and this was attuned to the scent of that person’s breath. happening once or twice a week. You can We can supply leaflets and, quite quickly recover once given glucose but I “The dogs are very accurate and do love doing wherever possible, we can needed a neighbour, friend or paramedic to it, they find it exciting and are more active and come along and do little give it to me. ‘naughty’ in a way than other assistance dogs. They often have to be very persistent in alerting demonstrations with our “Now, when Magic spots my blood sugar level their owner, because they aren’t always fundraising dogs”. is going low, he jumps up and puts his front responsive and will push people away, saying paws on my shoulder. Most of the time he’s ‘I’m ok’. A dog will lick your hand, make a real For more information telling me before I recognise anything is wrong fuss of sniffing, and some will bark, leap about – it’s that instantaneous! Once he alerts me I or poke you with a paw. They will also fetch contact Heather Shute on will do a blood finger test and the reading will the essential glucose or other medication.” 01993 831909 or visit tell me whether or not Magic is right, which is oxon.supportgrp@medical about 98 per cent of the time. I’ve had him “It’s just so exciting and they must be saving detectiondogs.org.uk. since September and he’s recognised 1,000 the NHS thousands of pounds. They identify attacks.” health conditions which cause people huge problems because they get no warning of “We went out on a bit of a date – he’s a them. We have the world’s first nut allergy dog, loveable character” Nano the poodle, who detects tiny traces of nuts in the atmosphere or on equipment. Claire met Magic when he was about 14 Another dog follows its owner everywhere months old. She said: “We went out on a bit of because she suffers from Narcolepsy and can a date in a café in Buckingham, with the just fall asleep, and another woman who has charity workers, to see if we had a bond. Then severe asthma attacks. But the majority of I was asked to take him home for three to four people helped by the charity suffer from days to see how we got on, whether he got on diabetes. We also meet many parents who with my husband and fitted into our have had to get up every hour at night to do environment. Then we went on to the next blood tests for their children – but our dogs are step of training, where the dog lives with an on the case every minute!” instructor for six to eight weeks. Magic was taught to recognise low blood sugar level Cotswold Times©3.2014 through my breath samples and how to alert

9 ‘A Day in the life of an...

“GOING, Going, Gone” is the sweetest music to the ears of auctioneer Martin Lambert, his satisfied clients and excited buyers.

The 50-year-old wields his hammer with considerable experience after 17 years as head of the fine art department with Cotswolds estate agents, valuers and auctioneers Tayler & Fletcher. Fresh from the first of four annual sales of antiques, fine art and decorative ‘objets’ at The Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham – at which he looked effortlessly in charge - he gave a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the frenetic task of organising and managing such a high-profile event. The sale, which included modern art, silverware, decorative art and design, had 480 selected lots from a wide geographical area including London and all around the Cotswolds. One of the jewels in the crown was a single owner collection of fine modern oils and watercolours. “There are unexpected gems”

“We’re always squirrelling away items so a sale comes together over a period of months,” said Martin. “We know a lot of people and are asked to handle a lot of executor’s estate clearances by solicitors, and we get items from private individuals. People ring us up and say ‘I have a house full of kit’ and we’re happy to go and have a look and advise them on how marketable things are and their possible value at auction. Some items are ‘sleepers’, where the significance or the true value is not being recognised – you’ll think you’ve catalogued it correctly and then it reaches stratospheric proportions! I’ll give you an example, we had a piece of Qianlong Celadon jade, a ceremonial axe head, made specifically for the Imperial Emperor in China, and estimated it at £3,000 to £5,000. It reached £440,000 under the hammer – so with the buyer’s premium and VAT, someone actually paid £500,000.” Then there are the unexpected gems. Martin revealed: “A lady asked us to look at some bits of pine furniture and we ended up drawn to a painting on the wall which a London auction house had valued between £1,000 to £1,500. My colleague recognised it as being a very fine work; we researched it and it was an old master by the 17th century Italian Francesco Albani. It sold for £44,000.” The company often features on ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal, triggering people to bring in family heirlooms. Tayler & Fletcher also hold valuation mornings, from 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays at the Bourton-on-the-Water offices. They also

10 ...Auctioneer value items at talks for community groups, and get called in by artist Goyo Dominguez, and a Chinese bronze tripod censer. local charity shops to look at potential ‘finds’. The auction must decamp by the next evening, back to the offices and warehouses, in a big logistical exercise. Invoices are “It’s our duty of care to get the best reconciled and items are sent to ‘all four corners of the world’, with China, Russia and North America all prevalent. possible price for the vendor” “I began buying and selling Items for the auction are photographed and catalogued in as much depth as possible. A piece of silverware’s hallmark tells at 13, borrowing money from my mum” you who made it, the year and where it was ‘assayed’ (tested for purity of silver). “It’s a lifetime’s vocation – I’ve been looking Martin’s love of antiques was inherent. “I began buying and at stuff for 37 years and I’m always learning,” said Martin. A selling old books, plates, ceramics and silver bits at 13, huge marketing campaign swings into action to get the borrowing money from my mum, whilst other kids were kicking catalogues out which involves contacting sellers, adverts and around footballs,” he said. He trained at Sotheby’s and was the editorials in local and national press, emailing database clients top student for his year on the English furniture course. and sending A4 colour leaflets to better postcodes in and around Cheltenham as well as putting all the details online. On Tayler & Fletcher also runs eight collective sales of antiques and the day, the rostrum is set up, and a bank of five telephones for household furniture and effects at Bourton on the Water, the next phone bidders with a console operator for the live global ‘real being on April 12. It is also the country’s largest auctioneer in time’ bidding. Martin said: “It’s our duty of care to get the best hay, straw and fodder, with sellers over 12 counties and many possible price for the vendor, and it’s often a game as interested Welsh buyers. Buyers inspect in situ pre-auction. Rural partner buyers want to buy as cheaply as possible. You can call for the Adrian Cannon said: “Sellers like us because at the fall of the first bid in the room, which can be fairly low, then because of all hammer the price is very transparent, they end up with the the crazy bidding from people with their fingers on internet market value and guaranteed payment. And we’re putting buttons, it can already be much higher. You have to be pretty farmers in a forum with up to 30 buyers.” We also run two switched on or it doesn’t work. You have to take care not to annual collective agricultural machinery sales and genuine undersell at the reserve price, be wary of commissioned bids, dispersal farm machinery sales. The five-a-year collective watch the bidding in the room and take into account the phones property, land and commercial auctions include interesting lots and computer. It keeps you very alive and alert, and when it goes which go under the hammer as their true market value is difficult well there’s a feeling of euphoria.” to evaluate. The next is on April 23 at Hyde Barn, Fosse Manor Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold. Pre-sale interest soared in several lots and many items were expected to exceed estimates. One of Martin’s favourites was a For news, catalogues and images visit taylerandfletcher.co.uk. novelty Edwardian, silver mounted ‘tyre shaped’ cut glass Cotswold Times©3.2014 decanter with a stopper modelled as a spoked wheel. “It’s completely off-the-wall, from a deceased estate outside Researched and written by Caroline Fisher Evesham,” said Martin. “It’s listed as ‘When Tyred, Scotch”. Estimated at £100 to £150, it went for £850. The two highest lots both fetched £4,600 under the hammer - an oil by Spanish

11 Qualified gardener • Specialist Pruning

Telephone: 01386 700903 • E-mail: [email protected]

­Northleach­Mower­Services Cirencester Road GARDENING SERVICES Northleach Stow-on-the-Wold - Northleach & Chipping Norton Areas Gloucestershire 01451 860392 - 01451 860427 LAWNS: Mowing & Edging, Turf Laid, HEDGES: Cut & Clippings Removed FRUIT & VEGETABLE PLOTS: Planted & maintained A local family run business with over 40 years experience of Practical advice on Composting, Digging & Planting Boarders, garden machinery maintenance. Pruning Roses, Shrubs & Climbers - Wisteria a Speciality, Seasonal COUNTAX GARDEN TRACTOR MAIN DEALER WITH LARGE tidy-ups, One offs or Regular visits. DEMONSTRATION AREA Many years of experience – References provided Large selection of Brush Cutters / Strimmers and Lawn Mowers always available Please ring us we collect and deliver to your home Hayter • Lawn King • Castle • Honda • Mountfield • Westwood • Atco Qualcast Please call David on 07928 161137 • Wheelhorse • Murray • Toro • Flymo

12 Brewery Yard Dental Surgery

FREE new patient consultations during April when you register with the newest member of our team Dr Holly Finley, BDS

6 Brewery Yard, Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AA P: 01451 830885 [email protected] www.breweryyarddentalsurgery.co.uk

Predictably Good Teeth

13 Cycling for the over 50’s “You’re never too old to get on your bike” said 70-year-old John Harris in an interview with Caroline Fisher

The cyclist, only a year-old member of the North Cotswold Cycle Club (NCCC) at Moreton-in-Marsh, completed the gruelling but uplifting challenge of John O’Groats to Land’s End last July. The pedalling pensioner, from Eastington near Northleach, rode 1,000 miles over 16 days - receiving invaluable advice and support from his club, based at Cotswold Cycles in Cotswold Business Village at Moreton.

The septuagenarian is an inspiration to anyone over-50 who perhaps hasn’t saddled up since schooldays or doing the paper round. The club is the ideal venue to ease any ‘older’ riders back onto their bikes with a relaxed and comfortably paced Saturday morning ride (starting at a civilised 10.30am). NCCC prides itself on catering for riders of all abilities.

Retired science head Mr Harris said: “I’d had lots of advice from other club members about fitness and stamina, but the main thing was I was ‘bike ignorant’. One shop had almost fobbed me off with a racing bike even though I’d told them I was going touring. Cotswold Cycles gave me the best advice on the type of bike I would need – it had to carry panniers as I was doing the ride on my own – and I bought a Ridgeback World Voyage tourer. The shop also does maintenance courses for club members, which was most useful.”

Mr Harris also enjoyed the relaxed pace rides and was encouraged towards cycling ‘sportives’ of varying distances across the county, to build up his endurance. “Before I had mainly been a runner and only did a bit of cycling. But it was something in my metabolism which made me want to cycle from one end of the country to the other and last year I thought ‘it’s now or never’. His dedication saw him raise £2,300 for Against Breast Cancer and BEAT (Beat Eating Disorders).

Sailing dingy instructor Brian Smith, 64, from Moreton, has been a regular Saturday morning rider. “When I and go two abreast, and end up back for a cup of coffee. People joined I had only cycled need to have a basic level of fitness but the ride always recreationally with the accommodates the slowest rider. Originally I was in the slower family. I regarded group at the back but then I improved and improved.” cycling as a way of keeping my fitness ‘cycling is a low impact activity, so someone with a bad knee can level up to be use cycling as rehab’ competitive enough Cotswold Cycles owner Andrew Hutchings said: “The 18 to 25- in sailing. Cycling is mile circular ride is best for starter riders of all ages to come out an aerobic exercise and not feel intimidated, as they don’t have to ride at a certain and sailing is a static pace. The fair majority will go on to slightly faster rides such as the muscle exercise. 9am Sunday one for more experienced riders. Fitness can be The Saturday picked up as cycling is a low impact activity, so someone with a morning ride bad knee, for instance, can use cycling as rehab. It’s an exercise broke me in you can do at pretty much any age but there’s lots of research on gently and the more active people stay in later life the more mentally alert they is also are.” quite The shop helps to match the right people with the right bike for sociable – their expectations, from social to competitive riding, and helps with you can kit selection down to the right shoes. The club has 180 members. chat to people as Cotswold Times©3.2014 you cycle

14 Commemorating the 100 Year Anniversary 1914-2014

Bourton on the Water Royal British Legion With Cotswolds Health & Fitness Club and the RAF Rowing Team from Brize Norton A fundraising rowing Challenge of 100,000 Meters in 12 hours on friday 25th April (8am – 8pm) in aid of the royal British legion, Bourton Branch Refreshments are available on the day free of charge, whether you are a Rower or not, and breathable embroidered Polo shirts with the Royal British Legion Crest and event details can be purchased from Wreal Sports (01451 822823). Can you help with the Rowing? Can you help as a sponsor - from as little as £1? Contact Andrew Boyce on 07588 094979, [email protected] , or just turn up on the day .

We are hoping raise £2014 to provide new facilities for members of the Bourton Branch, including:- Darts boards, A Pool table, Table Football, Table Skittles, Board and Card Games, as well as refreshment facilities. Starting in May, we hope to encourage the villagers of Bourton on the Water and the surrounding villages to use these facilities on Friday mornings, between 10 and 12. Researching military records In addition we will be setting up a computer at the branch to give free access for all the villagers who wish to research not only their own military records but those of their family, friends and people they have known. ThAnk You for All Your supporT

GYM PERSONAL FITNESS THERAPY INJURY MEMBERSHIP TRAINING CLASSES ROOMS REHABILITATION ARE YOU HEART HEALTHY? So how often do you think about the health of your heart or do you take for granted that is just there and working? Your heart beats, on average, 100,000 times per day, 700,000 times per week and 36,400,000 times a year – it’s a hard worker to say the least, and worth rewarding for its efforts.

What it really wants are a little bit of exercise (this will make your heart more efficient at rest so it won’t have to work as hard to pump blood round your body), and a healthy diet (the better your diet, the happier your heart will be as it doesn’t have to battle against fatty deposits and cholesterol in your arteries).

What it doesn’t want are any unwanted toxins in your body such as nicotine, caffeine and alcohol (these are stimulants and make your heart work harder than it needs to). To keep your heart healthy and beating stronger for longer, take plenty of regular exercise such as walking, swimming, rowing or cycling. Eat healthy foods that reduce cholesterol such as oats, almonds, olive oil and fresh vegetables and oily fish. Try and cut down on fatty fried foods, alcohol and caffeine, and if you smoke – give up now it’s not too late!

You can start your heart healthy routine by coming along to the gym on the 25th April and help us to row 100,000 metres – all in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Alex Doggett, Cotswolds Health Club

15 Mindfulness in Chipping Norton Reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Promote creativity and well-being

8 week courses Taster sessions Regular sitting groups Young people One to One coaching

Call: 07772085720 for more information www.jpmindfulness.com

ANGELA HAY SOFT FURNISHINGS Hand Made Curtains & Roman Blinds

Choose fabrics from: Sanderson, Lorient, Colefax & Fowler, Voyage, James Hare Silks, Jane Churchill & more.

Tracks,Trimmings and Poles Free Measuring Service & Quotation www.angelahaycurtainsandblinds.com

Easy Parking, Showroom open by appointment, Tel: 01386 700692 Bourton on the Hill,Moreton in Marsh,GL56 9AJ

16 FREE TRAININg AVAILABLE INSTRUCTOR 07977 56 00 86 www. martialartsvoucher.co.uk

SEPARATE ADULT AND CHILDREN’S CLASSES NOW TRAININg AT CHIPPINg NORTON STOW ON THE WOLD

CLAY SHOOTING TUITION In the Cotswolds Ex-British & 3 x English Champion Offers tuition for all levels of ability and ages. Beginners welcome

Call Bryan Parker 077471 06727

17 I went looking for a shop - and found so much more! Article by Julie Hall

I had come to meet and talk with Alain Rouveure, local businessman and owner of the Alain Rouveure Galleries in Todenham, just outside Moreton-in-Marsh. I had read a short article about his charity work in Nepal – and I was intrigued.

The approach to the Galleries is impressive, in an idyllic location much as the beautiful country with its mountains and villages; with tall prayer flags waving in the wind and gardens stretching he finds them to be gentle, polite, trustworthy and always ready out to the fields. Alain’s passion for his work is apparent as he with a smile, however hard life is. Alain visits Nepal to spend showed me around his store, elaborating on both his products time with the people whom he now sees as his family - he is a and his philosophy. Amongst the many gorgeous items for sale father figure to many children, an uncle to many more, and is a are handmade quilts and pashminas; Lokta paper and cards; highly respected – and loved – figure in that community. He has felt slippers and toys; clothes and accessories; packets of tea; helped many families, either with funding for basic health care or silver jewellery and semi-precious stones; and the Tibetan rugs educational needs, with donations of cash for life-saving for which he has become famous. operations, and providing work in factories where a living wage is paid and child labour is non-existent. Among his many friends Alain sources his products direct from his beloved Nepal, a back home is the actor and writer Graeme Garden, who agrees country he first discovered in the 1970’s when taking a year off that Alain is more a philanthropist than a businessman. A short from his advertising job to travel. Alain was particularly moved documentary was made a few years ago for ITV/Carlton entitled by the plight of Tibetan refugees in Nepal, and knew that he “The Magic Carpet Ride”, showing the traditional arts and crafts could help by sponsoring them to weave their beautiful rugs, of Nepal and, in particular, Alain’s work in the country with the which he would then bring to London, using an inheritance from factory and the school. his mother to set up an import business. A strong advocate of Fair Trade (in 2000 he won a World Aware Business Award for Alain has become a respected and in-demand expert on Fair Trading), his belief is that there is no need for child labour if Tibetan rugs, lecturing across the country, for example at the the adults are paid an adult wage; the children are then free to Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He is an active member attend school and gain an education. of Tibet Foundation and Rugmark, an international body that monitors child labour and working practices in developing Moving to the Cotswolds in 1982 was, in part, a response to countries; it is his belief that the common practices of some the unease he felt with his old life on his return to London; in well-known department stores lead to importing poorer quality, particular, the greed and materialism of the ‘rat race’ that was less well-made textiles, made with chemical dyes and often of so apparent in the capital in the ’80s. The first rugs he brought non-authentic Tibetan patterns. The Rouveure Galleries only over to the UK sold easily to his friends and colleagues, who import authentic Nepali rugs, made with vegetable dyes to appreciated at once the quality and provenance they offered. At traditional Tibetan design. first Alain supplemented his income by returning to work as an interior designer and graphic designer in advertising (and even Recent developments in the Todenham Galleries have seen an as a French waiter for a while!); and as his import business expansion including a coffee shop – the Himalayan Coffee grew, his time – and his heart – became more centred on Nepal. House is now open from May through the summer months, and fundraising events are held there including the ‘Good Heart and Good Thoughts Ceremony’. A Shangri la Room has opened As his commitment to the people offering a range of holistic treatments in its “Haven of Peace”, with meditation classes and a range of therapies by qualified in Nepal grew, so did his practitioners - an acupuncturist, nutritionist and massage therapist, among others. The surrounding gardens and land, fundraising efforts. with Buddha statues, vegetable patches, water features and flower displays, all add to the atmosphere of calm and peace Alain also provides a huge amount from his own personal that Alain is trying to promote. The Galleries are managed for income – the sale of a cottage he owns on the same site as the Alain by Marilyn, who shares Alain’s passion for his work and is Galleries is providing the resources he needs for his latest happy to talk about the stock for sale in the Galleries. Both ongoing project – the building up of the Namo Buddha School Marilyn and the team in the Himalayan Coffee House will be in the village he helps support in Nepal. Asked why he fell in love delighted to welcome you. with Nepal, he explains that it is the people he fell in love with as

18 The Alain Rouveure Galleries are becoming a destination stop for both locals and tourists.

The Alain Rouveure Foundation exists to support the children and adults of Nepal, and its profits go directly to where they are needed: this is ethical fundraising at its best. The recent article that I had read in The People’s Friend generated some touching donations, including £5 in an envelope from an elderly couple - as pleasing to Alain as a large corporate cheque, as it showed that the Tibetan refugee story had touched their hearts as it has so evidently touched his own.

Born in Lyon, France, Alain has lived most of his life in England and is now a British citizen; however, when pressed he admits that his heart belongs in Nepal, and that he hopes one day to retire there: he has even picked out, in his mountainside village, the place he would like to be buried!

His energy and enthusiasm seem boundless; his talents are many, from designing jewellery with the silver and precious stones he sources in Nepal, to his flourishing business in this corner of the Cotswolds; from charity work in Nepal, to fundraising initiatives in the UK.

If you visit the Galleries – and I urge you to! – you will see, on entering, a large framed exhibit on the wall in front of you that is one of Alain’s prized possessions and a centrepiece for the Galleries: in 2000 he was presented with a gift by the Tibet Foundation of Great Britain for his endeavours; it is a ‘Mandala of the Buddha of Medicine’ – tens of thousands of grains of coloured sand, set in a design made by monks exiled in Southern India (a Mandala being a sacred symbol for Buddhists, as a Cross is for Christians).

Alain Rouveure is an extraordinary man with a huge heart and a vision for his adopted country that is truly inspiring. If you wish to support his work, contact details are given below. Donations of children’s clothes and soft toys, or financial donations, are always gratefully received and 100% will go to the children and adults in Nepal, not a penny will be used for admin costs. Alternatively you can support Alain and his work by visiting the Galleries for a spot of shopping or light refreshment, or a therapy or two – one visit may not be enough!

For bookings or information on Therapies and Treatments, and for general shop enquiries, contact Marilyn on: 01386-858778, or on the Gallery number: 01608-650418

Todenham, Near Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9NU

OPEN Wed –Sun, 10am-5pm, and on Bank Holiday Mondays www.AlainRouveure.com [email protected]

© CotswoldTimes.03.2014 19 Writing copy for the April edition is always difficult as I have to write prior to the Budget & therefore it is foolhardy to try to comment on something that hasn’t happened. What I can comment on is the further Not Ready need to increase the personal allowance which, in my mind, is set way too low. In past editions I have argued that a starting point should be £15,000. Over the years successive Chancellors have dithered For The but it’s time for decisive action to help those in low paid income or those who are starting out & earning for the first time. The other thing that must be done is to reduce the number of “tax breaks” New Tax Year? that are generally designed to reduce tax for those who should be paying more. It must be pointed out that the Chancellor wouldn’t have to consider these if all tax rates were set at a reasonable level. The starting premise should be that everyone, including all companies, should pay tax. This would make Contact HMRC’s job easier as there would be no exemptions & therefore more time could be spent dealing with the most vulnerable people in our society & those who seek to avoid paying anything. Our tax system is in a mess & it needs a brave Chancellor to get things moving. Somehow I don’t think that this Budget Robb Eden is going to be the one that makes the difference. for: The other big issue that has already affected large companies is the drive for automatic enrolment in Accounts Preparation & Analysis company pension schemes. Many small employers are totally unaware that they will have to provide a pension scheme for their employees, some smaller employers from April 2015. For many small PAYE & Book-keeping • Vat Returns companies this will be yet another nail in the coffin, especially at a time when margins are being Personal Tax • Sage Training • squeezed and profits reduced. This is another example of an ill thought out scheme designed to put the Business Tax onus on employers and shift the responsibility from government. I believe that many small employers will simply ignore the scheme causing a major headache for the Pension Regulator.

More than just accounts - a personal The good news for businesses is that, from 6th April, most will be eligible for the £2,000 Employment Allowance so reducing their Employers National Insurance liability. For many small employers this will service tailored to your needs. We will mean that they won’t pay any Employer Contributions. work with you to get the best from your business. If you have any doubt about filing your Tax Return or if you’re an employer having problems with year- end paperwork, don’t hesitate in contacting your accountant or you can contact me by phone or e-mail 01608 651802 for free, impartial advice. [email protected] Robb Eden is based in Moreton-in-Marsh. He can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone 01608 651802.

Millard Skips – the family run, professional skip company. 01608 641361 www.kjmillard.co.uk

kip Hire S m rices fro P 75* ONLY £ SKIP WITH US! Over 20 years experience in commercial and domestic waste disposal and recycling – we have the solution to your waste disposal requirements including asbestos and contaminated soil. Just call us for help and advice

All sizes of skips available - delivered by our careful, considerate drivers. Recycled aggregates available Competitive rates, first class service. Millard Skips - A business built on trust and reputation Fully Licensed Waste Transfer Station EA Site Permit EP86200

* Prices subject to VAT at 20%

20 21 A possible £100 M+ of refunds available to small businesses

A new report published on-line by Oxfordshire-based Chartered Some councils have updated their websites since Bankier Surveyors BANKIER SLOAN highlights the continuing variation Sloan’s initial report in November 2013, but some councils are in advice given by local councils on Small Business Rates still promoting the 2008 scheme, and the majority are quoting Relief. the the April 2010 scheme which gave businesses only half the relief given under the current arrangements, which will stay in Chartered Surveyor Ian Sloan, believes that Central place until at least April 2015. Government is holding in excess of £100 million that should be made available to small businesses who have failed to claim the Ian Sloan went on “As from 1st April 2014 small shops and refunds due to them. The report estimates that the average pubs will benefit from an additional £1,000 relief, and it is refund available to small businesses who have not claimed therefore important that councils update their website, so that under the scheme since 2010 is in excess of £6,000 per when small businesses are notified of the changes and seek business. information on-line, the details of the existing relief available to them is correct”. He commented “The information available on most council websites is historic and inaccurate, and as a result many small The scheme, aimed at supporting small businesses, is totally businesses will fail to appreciate the extent of the refunds funded by Central Government but is operated by local available to them. We are sure in every local authority area in councils. England there will be at least 100 companies who are able to take advantage of this scheme and who have not yet done so. THE REPORT CAN BE READ on-line at On this basis we calculate central government have available www.centre-p.co.uk/SBRRreportMARCH2014.pdf over £100 million set aside to support small businesses”. Ian B. Sloan FRICS, Chartered Surveyor, BANKIER SLOAN www.centre-p.co.uk 01869 –338866 / 07831 338111 Although the scheme was updated by central government in October 2010, allowing the smallest companies to obtain 100% rates relief on premises with rateable values below £6,000, on the majority of council websites promoting this scheme the published figure is set at 50%. In addition to the 100% relief there is substantial refunds available for those with rateable values up to £12,000.

22 Personal Assistant Wanted A discreet, experienced and open-minded person is needed to help with the enormously varied admin of an estate, rental properties and two small health-conscious businesses.

A flexible can-do attitude, a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (in particular Excel) and the use of a car is essential.

Experience in bookkeeping is a plus!

The office is based on a beautiful farm. As well as admin, a little dog walking will be required as well as running errands and overseeing renovation work.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5+ hours per day. References essential CRB check preferred. Pay - £15ph. Immediate start.

Contact [email protected] with your CV and a covering letter.

The two biggest grumbles about Estate Agents are the fees they charge and the poor service they give..

New estate agents in Shipton under Wychwod, Ted George, are tackling both of these head on. With over 15 years’ experience in estate agencies, James and Maria Withey “don’t like receiving a poor service, so we won’t give one.” James remarked. And on fees? Ted George don’t run an expensive shop premises, passing on their savings to Vendors as reduced fees. There are no long term contracts either - they would rather Vendor’s stay with them because they are happy with the service, and not because they have to.

Ted George offer everything you expect from a High Street agent - and more www.tedgeorge.co.uk / 01993 830100 / 07734 111922

23 ors cill n There is currently one vacant seat on o u West Oxfordshire District Council. f tw co o t This is for the Ducklington Ward and will le en be filled at the elections scheduled for a d Thursday 22 May 2014. A t en ep ind Chris Hancock Annie Roy-Barker His non-allegiance to a political party has “unless I was a member of a party group I not stopped him achieving things couldn’t remain on committees”

Despite being only one of six independents on Cotswold Independent West Oxfordshire District councillor Annie Roy- District Council, Chris Hancock, elected in 2011, still feels he Barker, who represents Chipping Norton, says her views is empowered to stand up for his town Northleach. Although have been stifled and she will not stand again. She is one of the Tory-led council has 27 Conservatives and 17 Lib-Dems, only two independents on the Council, which has 38 he feels it is worth being his own man and is urging others to Conservatives, four Labour and four Lib-Dems, with one follow his example. His non-allegiance to a political party has vacant seat. not stopped him achieving things. “I’m still a staunch Tory but I resigned as a Conservative “You can do things in your local community which don’t relate District Councillor because I was disillusioned with the way to CDC policy decisions as a whole, led by the Tories,” he WODC was led,” she revealed. “I resigned from the party to said. “I have pushed work on flood resilience, making sure be an independent in order to give myself the freedom of Northleach is a priority, and this is a vital issue irrelevant to having a voice and not have my hands tied by the Tory party party politics.” The councillor also championed keeping the line. But that was all kicked into touch because I was evicted CDC-owned Old Prison at Northleach open to the public. from all the sub-committees I was on,” she claimed. “I was The local authority wanted to sell the run-down listed told that unless I was a member of a party group I couldn’t building, which housed the important Lloyd Baker collection remain on committees, including environment and licensing. of rural heritage items. Bidders included a commercial I wouldn’t join the Independent group because if you are an enterprise but councillor Hancock backed a hard-fought local independent you should be an independent. I feel I’ve campaign, led by a huge petition, which was asking for a bid worked incredibly hard in the town regarding issues covered Chris Hancock Cotswold District from the local group Friends of the Cotswolds to be on sub-committees and I find it incredibly sad that I was Councillor for Northleach considered to turn it into a visitor centre and resource. He prevented from doing that, for no good reason, by a Tory-led said: “It was a great fight and now the site is moving forward council. to get Heritage Lottery bids,” he said. “I stood up in the Council Chamber as the member for Northleach, saying the The challenge of resolving local issues council had to take into account not just the monetary aspect “It’s inevitable that politics play too big a part at WODC. I of this building and the price it would get, but the social stood because I believed I had something to offer my local aspect. I put forward a motion that the public’s wish to see community and it’s the work in the back office I like. The continued public access to the prison site must be taken into challenge of resolving local issues was enormous to me, for account, and that its effect on the local economy and example helping someone who has a problem with social important role as a heritage asset should be considered. The housing repairs not being done, or with legal issues. I also motion was passed 33-2. I think that demonstrates the ability fought tooth and nail for the Sainsbury’s application to be of one independent out of 44 councillors to actually influence approved. Tory blanket policy said it was against edge-of- the council’s decision as a whole.” town supermarkets as people couldn’t walk to them – but Annie Roy-Barker most people take their cars to do their weekly shop. Policy West Oxfordshire District As a councillor I feel I’m an important access point for the also didn’t think about the people who actually live on the Councillor represents local community in its relationship with CDC and what it can edge-of-town and had to walk into town to do their shopping! Chipping Norton give back. I’m heavily involved with the town’s aim to get a I know policies are there to be followed, but compassion Neighbourhood Development Plan in place for Northleach, should come into it, and changing times. The town has and I can further the town’s aims as a district councillor by grown and its facilities need to expand with it.” Ms Roy- liaising much more closely with the planning officers.” Barker, who is also on the town council, resigned from the Councillor Hancock, who also sits on the town council, was Tory party over the recycling depot issue. “It was the final initially put forward for CDC to the town’s Conservative group straw. WODC was looking into providing a new site at but it elected another candidate. “I thought I had enough Greystones because they own land there, but the access support in the town to do it anyway, as an independent,” he was very narrow so they needed a strip of town council- said. “It was a good step, something worthwhile to do and owned land. WODC wouldn’t pay and I felt the town council I’d stand again.” was treated very discourteously.”

Annie Roy-Barker, West Oxfordshire District Councillor represents Chipping Norton

Interviews by Caroline Fisher for Cotwold Times©3.2014

24 LOCAL AUTHORITIES APRIL 2014

C.D.C Committee STOW TOWN COUNCIL STOW TOWN COUNCIL NEXT MEETING THURSDAY 10TH APRIL NOTES FOR COUNCIL MEETING Meetings - APRIL PLEASE CHECK NOTICE BOARD MARCH 2014 Members of the public are encouraged to attend meetings of the Council and Committees. If you Residents are welcome to attend Abbreviated notes from the Meeting by Linda live in the District and are on the Electoral Register meetings. Questions* from the public relating Burke, Assistant Clerk are published you can take part by asking up to two questions to a proposal in discussion by monthly in Stow Times. per meeting. Information about your Councillors Cllrs may be taken prior to Council voting Full Minutes of meetings, associated and committee members are on the website on that proposal. General questions are committee meetings and correspondence www.cotswold.gov.uk taken at the end of the meeting. are available in the Stow Council Office situated in George Alley off The Square. There is a letterbox in the main door. Tues 1st Licensing * A max of 3 minutes allowed. Thurs 3rd CABINET Town Councillors are available before & after The Council office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays Weds 9th Planning the meeting. District & County Cllrs, & Thursdays 10am-1pm (subject to meetings) Thurs 17th Appeals (subject to business) representatives of Stow Police and local Tel: 01451 832 585 Tues 29th. Audit & Scrutiny Press regularly attend. E: [email protected] Details of Meeting Agendas, Reports and Minutes can be found on the Council's Committee Information System. Also available are details of your Councillor, Committee Meetings including dates, times and Cotswold residents clearly do not like venues and Membership of the Committees. CDC’s proposed Local Plan

Right across the Cotswolds District residents have been telling CDC that their plans to build nearly 7,000 homes across the district over the next 20 years are ‘not wanted’, ‘selling our heritage to the developers and money men’, and ‘will destroy our AONB forever’. CDC has published the comments on its website – they show that an overwhelming majority of residents are against the Council’s plans for the District.

There is also concern that the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which generates a valuable £1.5B a year in tourism revenue, is at risk of ‘being sold off for housing’, despite the protection of its AONB status. Many people feel that Cirencester, CDC’s ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, is being BLOOD DONOR SESSIONS THIS MONTH: overwhelmed by development. HOOK NORTON, Hook Norton School - 16/04/2014 Last year, as part of its Local Plan development, CDC proposed building 6,900 new homes in the CHIPPING CAMPDEN, Cotswolds before 2031, with 2,500 earmarked for land at Chesterton. Valerie Jane Budge wrote to the Chipping Campden School - 17/04/2014 Council to say that the new homes would ‘be detrimental to Cirencester’s already tarnished reputation’. CHIPPING NORTON, Glyme Hall - 30/04/2014 She wrote: “Cirencester is supposed to be the gateway to the Cotswolds, not the nasty, scruffy, down- Do Something Amazing... at-heel town it is at present. To add another 2,500 homes to this will make it even scruffier and more 96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood. down-at-heel, not as you propose in your plan.” The reply from a CDC planning officer was: “To protect the character of Cirencester, the design and form of the development will reflect the best traditions of Please don’t leave it to someone else. historic built form in the Cotswolds. Achieving local distinctiveness is a core development objective.” Darren Bailey also contacted CDC with his concerns about the new homes planned for the area. “This For more information/ to book an appointment to will forever destroy lovely Cirencester. The proposal is clearly far too large and will adversely change the attend a session, please call 0300 123 23 23 or visit very character of this historic place. Please don’t let this happen,” he wrote. www.blood.co.uk There are currently 8,570 homes in Cirencester – the Council’s plans will add 3,360 new homes, an increase of slightly more than 39%. The Cotswolds Discoverer – it’s Building new houses isn’t restricted to Cirencester. Development plans show an increase of 40.8% at just the ticket! Andoversford, and an incredible 98.2% at Upper Rissington. All this in addition to other large Travel around/ explore some of the most scenic developments recently approved or being considered for approval in Tetbury, Northleach, Bourton on parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding the Water, Stow on the Wold and Moreton in Marsh. Natural Beauty by bus and by train. On its website www.cotswold.gov.uk. CDC has said that its vision by 2031 is for the Cotswolds to be A one-day or three-day pass offers unlimited* “a place where the needs of all its residents are met within a network of sustainable*, safe, socially travel - visit attractions, towns and villages, balanced and inclusive, thriving, settlements, with access to services and facilities that meet residents’ gardens, historic buildings and picture-postcard day-to-day needs.” villages, with plenty of opportunities to explore one of the finest landscapes in England. A draft Local Plan for the Cotswolds will be published later in the year with a final copy expected in 2015. (*conditions apply) (‘*Sustainable’ is an interesting word to use when the major industry supporting the area is being built over! Ed.)

Buy your Cotswolds Discoverer pass at any mainline train station throughout the UK, on participating bus services in the Cotswolds: Cotswold Green; Johnson's Excelbus; Pulham's ROAD CLOSURES INFORMATION Tel: 01452 425000 Coaches, Go Ride CIC and Swanbrook. The information is continuously updated. Please check by phone or online www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/roadworks 01451 862000

gLOUCESTERSHIRE MOBILE POLICE STATIONS Calls will cost 15p irrespective 13/04 Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Naunton, Guiting Power, Temple Guiting, Cutsdean of how long that call may last, on landlines and mobiles. 12/04 Clapton-on-the-Hill, Great Rissington, Little Rissington, Upper Rissington, Wyck Rissington, Westcote, Call 999 In an emergency, 10/04 Bourton-on-the-Hill, Blockley, Paxford, Ebrington, Mickleton, Willersley such as when a crime is in 08/04 Bledington, Icomb, Oddington, Evenlode, Broadwell, Longborough progress, when there is danger to life or when violence 25/04 Northleach, Bourton on the Water is being used or threatened. 24/04 Moreton in Marsh, Chipping Campden Dates & Times may change at short notice. The MPS can be called to attend local incidents.

25 26 27 28 COMMUNITY

Support­our­local­community

COTSWOLD TIMES WHAT’S ON WHEN & WHERE

Exhibitions, concerts, local cinemas, bingo, fundraising events, dances, an auction, hunting for Easter Eggs, a hot cross buns & coffee morning and a duck race! the orating mmem Co ar Walks, places to go to and places to 0 Ye stop at…. 10 ersary nniv 0 1 4 A 4 - 2 1 9 1 PLUS:- capture The 100,000 Essence of Batsford APRIL TAKE PART meters in Photo Competition in Fri 25th 8am-8pm 24 hours conjunction with Batsford Arboretum.

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

07789 175 002 [email protected] www.stowtimes.co.uk P O Box 6, Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1WD

29 EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS DIARY EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS BAPTIST CHURCH WESTCOTE METHODIST CHAPEL SHEEP STREET STOW ON THE WOLD Sunday Worship in APRIL Part of ‘a passion for life mission’ 6th to 13th April 2014 In the Community for the Community

Welcome to our family service every Sunday morning at 10.30am. The 1st and 3rd Sunday’s communion is celebrated during the service. 6th 11am Morning Worship led by Rev Keith Dunnett Our speakers for the month of APRIL are: 13th 11am Joint Service at St Mary’s, Church Westcote Sunday 6th. 'Passion for Life' Guest Speaker. led by Rev Norman Warren Sunday 13th. 'Passion for Life Guest Speaker. 20th 11am Easter Day Family Service led by Mr Tony Gibson Sunday 20th. Ken Davies. Sunday 27th. Peter Allen 27th 11am Morning Worship with Holy Communion led by 'MESSY CHURCH' is on Wednesday 16th. April 1.30pm. 'til 3.30pm. Rev Richard Crippen Thursday Fellowship (with Evenlode Vale Benefice) More arty things to do, food for the Children, tea and coffee for the parent(s) ‘Sharing Your Faith’ led by Norman Warren ALL FREE OF CHARGE!!! Children, PLEASE bring a parent/ parents with 2.30pm at Westcote Chapel and 7.30pm at Holy Ascension, Oddington you, and enjoy an afternoon of FUN, LAUGHTER and SINGING! Do Bring a Thursday 3rd April Drawing it all together friend from School with you, if you would like to! All are WELCOME For more information contact Mr Tony Gibson on 01993 830699 COFFEE MORNING EVERY TUESDAY 10am to 12noon at the BAPTIST HALL. All welcome!! !Please check our Website: www.stowbaptistchurch.org.uk for UPDATES!! ST EDWARDS CHURCH Sunday Services APRIL

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Sunday 6th 8am BCP Holy Communion Mass times for April 11am Family Service with Baptism 6pm Choral Evensong Our Lady, Help of Christians, Weds 5th 7pm Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes Bourton-on-the-Water Sunday 13th 8am Holy Communion Sunday Mass: 8.30 a.m. 11am Sung Eucharist Our Lady & St Kenelm, 6pm Sung Evensong Back Walls, Stow-on-the-Wold Sunday 20th 8am BCP Holy Communion Sunday Masses: 10.00 am & 6.30pm 11am Sung Eucharist Holy Week & Easter 6pm Compline Maundy Thursday: 8.00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper Sunday 27th 8am Holy Communion Good Friday: 3.00 p.m. Liturgy of the Passion 11am Sung Matins Holy Saturday: 9.00 p.m. The Easter Vigil 6pm Holy Communion all at Stow-on-the-Wold For times of Confessions, or other information, please call 01451 830431 or There is a service of Holy Communion in church on Tuesdays at 10am visit our website: www.stowrc.co.uk Benefice Services

Sunday 6th 9.30am Holy Communion - Lower Swell EYFORD, GUITING AND THE SLAUGHTERS Sunday 13th 9.30am Holy Communion - Condicote 11am Matins - Upper Swell Sunday Services APRIL Sunday 20th 9.30am Holy Communion - Lower Swell Sunday 27th 9.30am Holy Communion - Condicote Sun 6th 8.30am – Holy Communion at Lower Slaughter Monday 14th 7pm Compline at Stow 9.30am – Village HC at Naunton Tuesday 15th 7pm Compline at Stow 9.30am – Holy Communion at Temple Guiting Wed 16th 7pm Compline at Stow 11am – Family Service at Guiting Power Thurs 17th 7pm Holy Communion at Stow 11am – Holy Communion at Upper Slaughter Friday 18th 11am Walk of Witness - begin outside Old Stocks 11am – Family Service at Guiting Power 12 m’day Good Friday Service at Stow Wed 9th 11.30am – Lent Service and lunch at Upper Slaughter 1.30pm Good Friday Service at Lower Swell Sun 13th 8.30am – Holy Communion BCP at Naunton 2.30pm Good Friday Service at Condicote 9.30am – Holy Communion at Lower Slaughter Saturday 19th 8pm Service of Light, Easter Vigil, HC at Condicote 11am – Matins at Temple Guiting 11am – Family Service & Donkey Procession at U Slaughter During Lent until Good Friday April 18th there will be prayers most days in 4pm – United HC Service with Baptist Chapel at Guiting Power one of our churches: HOLY WEEK Monday 9.30am at Condicote; Tuesday 9.30am in Stow; Mon 6.30pm – Lent Service – Cutsdean Wednesday 10.45am in Lower Swell; Thursday 9.30am in Stow Tue 6.30pm– Lent Service – Temple Guiting Friday 9.30am in Stow Wed 6.30pm– Lent Service – Naunton During Lent there will also be discussion groups at the Rectory will be looking Thu 6.30pm– Lent Service – Guiting Power at Life’s Big Questions at 11.00am and 7.30pm on Tuesdays Good Friday 11am to 1pm –– At The Foot of The Cross Service – Lower Slaughter April 1 What is the point of life? Sun 20th 6.30am – Sunrise H Communion + breakfast at Guiting Power April 8 What happens when we die? 8.30am – Holy Communion at Upper Slaughter 9am – Holy Communion with Cutsdean at Farmcote Everyone is welcome to join us. 9am – Holy Communion BCP at Upper Slaughter 10.15am – Family Service at Guiting Power 10.15am – Village Holy Communion at Naunton 11.30am – Holy Communion at Lower Slaughter Stow-on-the-Wold 11.30am – Family Holy Communion at Temple Guiting Methodist Church Sun 27th 8.30am – Holy Communion at Guiting Power 9.30am – Holy Communion at Cutsdean SUNDAY SERVICES IN APRIL 10.30am. All welcome Contact: 9.30am – Family Holy Communion + AGM at Lower Slaughter Sunday 6th MR MICHAEL TRINDER Jackie Palmer – 11am – Choral Holy Communion at Temple Guiting 01451 822285 4pm – Choral Evensong with L S & Naunton at U Slaughter Sunday 13th REV SOBA SINNATHAMBY Sunday 20th MRS ADA COOPER Graham Simms – Sunday 27th MR MARTIN HANNANT 01451 822545

ST JAMES’S CHURCH LONGBOROUGH Sunday Services in APRIL

Sunday 6th 8.00am - Holy Communion 9.30am - Morning Service Sunday 13th 9.30am - Holy Communion Sunday 18th 2.00pm - Good Friday Meditation ChurChEs Sunday 20th 9.30am - Easter Family Holy Communion a place to worship Sunday 27th 9.30am - Mothering Sunday Service 37 St Edward’s Hall one of the most photographed buildings in Stow Researched and written by Tim Norris (Chairman Stow & District Civic Society)

The interior of the upstairs hall is impressive with its two large fireplaces, minstrel’s gallery, high vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows evoking an earlier era. The historic impression is enhanced by the unique collection of portraits of characters and combatants from the Civil War period donated to the Town by Captain Christie Crawfurd in the 1930’s and displayed on the walls, along with a selection of armaments from the same bequest. Captain Christie Crawfurd lived at Hampton in Middlesex following his career in the army and was a keen collector of all things connected with the Civil War. The story is that he was visiting Stow when his wife fell ill. She was so well looked after by the people in the Town that he decided to donate his collection of paintings, armaments and books to the Town due to its significance in the Civil War. The books are held in In the early 19th Century, Charles Pole Esq. the Square, but it has mellowed over the Gloucester archives. of Wyck Hill founded the Stow Provident years and blends in well with the Bank to encourage thrift in the Town. In surrounding buildings to the extent that few 1861 the Post Office Savings bank was set visitors realise that it post dates them by up, to which the business of the Provident several hundred years. It is one of the most Bank was transferred, but a considerable photographed buildings in Stow. sum of money remained unclaimed. After several years, during which time the The hall was dedicated for the use of the Trustees failed to find claimants, the money inhabitants of the Town for balls, concerts, was donated to build St Edward’s Hall lectures, entertainments and other which now dominates the centre of the meetings. Provision was also made for the Square. At the time the Square was mainly Stow Book Society and for any club or a green space traversed by tracks and one reading room which the inhabitants may defined road. The Hall replaced a number desire to establish. A billiard club was also of small buildings and the stocks were re- established with the billiard table in what is sited to what is now the much reduced now the main library, and a collection of grass area known as Stocks Green where artefacts from the Revd David Royce and they provide great entertainment for visitors! the Christie Crawfurd collections were In 1894 the wooden shingled bell tower was housed in casings around the interior. The added at a cost of £145 to house the fire The first memorial stone of the Hall was laid Stow Book Society was replaced in the mid bell at the request of the Rector, the Revd in October 1877 and the indentures of the 1920’s when its duties and books were Hippisley, instead of the use of the Church building were passed to the Trustees in May handed over to the Gloucestershire Library bell, which on at least one occasion led to 1879. It was designed by Medland of Service. The Parish Council also met in the confusion! The small spire is topped with a Gloucester in the Victorian Gothic style and hall until the 1960’s when the whole of the weathervane in the shape of a cockerel. the total cost was £4000. One can only ground floor was taken over by the Library This “bird” suffered a near fatality on VE day guess at the reaction of the residents of service and the historic collections when an enthusiastic member of the Home Stow to this large construction dominating dispersed. Guard is reported to have fired his rifle into the air, putting a hole through its tail!

“ a unique Originally there was accommodation on the collection of ground floor for a caretaker, whose portraits of bedroom was in the attic, now a storage area for the items of armour and weaponry characters and donated as part of the Crawfurd Christie combatants bequest. Some of these items were displayed in a cabinet in the library foyer, but from the Civil two helmets were stolen in 2011 and the War period” remaining pieces were removed for safe keeping. Recently a new, secure, museum cabinet, commissioned by the Civic Society, has replaced the earlier one and will be used to display some of these items on a rotating basis.

38 More recent changes include a new fire In praise of escape, lifts to enable STOW-ON-THE-WOLD wheelchair access to both the ground floor YOUTH HOSTEL and first floor levels and the oil heating has been converted to gas for greater economy. Much “Excuse me please, can you tell of this work has been covered by grants. me where the youth hostel is?”

Raising funds for restoration of the paintings The Hall remains the The hostel is right on the Square, a four-square building, a rock of ages property of the people of Stow and is run on their behalf by a board – and the green triangular YHA sign is clear to see. Slotted between the Old Stocks and the White Hart, the hostel is perhaps responsible for the of Trustees, many of them representing organisations within the greatest contribution to the local economy of any facility in town. Town. The cost of upkeep comes primarily from letting fees. To try to raise funds for restoration of the paintings, Open Days are held Ybryn, as it used to be on the first Thursday of the month from April to October to allow known – which visitors to view the collection of paintings with the help of interprets, unsurprisingly, explanations from volunteer guides. as The Hill, was built in the late eighteenth century, becoming an independent hostel in 1933 under the guardianship of a Mr Horn. In 1940 it was bought by the Youth Hostel Association, a registered charity for young people, for £1,850. The building was requisitioned during the war for American troops while the grounds behind the building were used for growing fruit and vegetables. The hostel resumed its former purpose post war and is one of the oldest in the YHA chain. The prime location in the town and within the Cotswolds makes this a hugely popular destination with nearly 8,000 people staying overnight in the hostel each year. Visitors come from the four corners of the earth, literally, from the Orient to Germany and from Brittany to California.

Things have moved on vastly in the YHA

Readers with long memories but limited update may wonder at the appeal of youth hostelling; doesn’t everyone sleep in sonorous dormitories and take a share in the hostel duties? Things have moved on vastly in the YHA, meeting the needs of a new generation of hostellers, with hot showers, small bedrooms and no duties for a start. At Stow, there are 48 beds split between nine bedrooms, seven of which are available for private hire. Charges are highly competitive at around £18 per night for single adults or, for example, £56 per night for a four bedded private room, with a discount of £3 per head for members of the YHA.

As well as a fully equipped kitchen for hostellers’ use, Kayleigh, the enthusiastic manager, delights in cooking all meals on the premises, and menus have changed markedly in recent years – with slow roasted beef and vegetable casserole or brie and caramelised onion tart, followed by favourites like bread and butter pudding or apple and mixed berry crumble.

On 14th April the cafe re-opens with an introductory offer of a free tea or coffee with every purchase during its first week; and an Open Day on 17th April when all-comers will be welcome to see what a modern hostel is like. As Kayleigh said, “This is a great time to be involved with such an attractive and popular hostel, one that is a credit to this beautiful Cotswold town.” And so say 8,000 others! From Bob Forster

The hostel is always grateful for offers of volunteer help; why not drop in and have a word with Kayleigh or contact her at [email protected]

39 40 Schools ALL STUDENTS WILL ExPERIENCE THE SUCCESS THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN BUILDINg SELF ESTEEM, gAININg A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LEARNINg, AND DEVELOPINg INDEPENDENT LEARNERS.

CHIPPING NORTON SCHOOL Simon Duffy: Head Teacher

As headteacher I am always delighted Thank you to all who came along to our Comedy Night last month - a to see the depth of talent our students fantastic night and wonderful as always to see so many faces from our local have and the vast range of activities they involve themselves in. Year 11 community enjoying the entertainment. Meanwhile, we also thoroughly student, Aaron Miles has been elected enjoyed our visits from those who attend local primary schools who have to represent North Oxfordshire at the taken part in Science and Sports Activities with us. UK Youth Parliament. Aaron will be campaigning on behalf of children and Our PE Department really raised the bar in terms of sports events for all of young people in or leaving care and us to enjoy last month: Our Sports Relief Week included everything from those who are disabled and in particular to push for more educational support Zumba and space hopper challenges, to a memorable staff dodge ball for these young people. showdown, as well as serious running and swimming challenges for all year groups. Well done to all who got involved and for all the money raised for A team of students from Stour House Sport Relief. have succeeded in reaching the finals of the national ‘School We’d Like’ competition. On March 22nd the team In support of a charity a little closer to home: coming up on 4 April is a will go to the offices of the Guardian fantastic Easter Prize Bingo night in aid of Kate’s Carers. Held in our school newspaper where they will be taught hall, it’s ‘Eyes Down’ at 8pm and our own Mr Morgan is the caller. We do the hope to see you there! basics of journalism before discovering whether their idea, Lock and Learn, has been chosen as the overall winner of Over the Easter Holiday, there are a variety of exciting sports camps, clubs the £5,000 prize. Nine Year 11 and Sixth form students will be and multi-sports activities taking place on our premises for all to enjoy. competing at the final of the UK Space Settlement Design Everyone is welcome! If you would like to join in, please contact our Sports Competition. The national final takes place on the 29th and 30th Facilities Coordinator, Mr Matt Walton, via his email: of March at Imperial College, London. If we get through to the [email protected] for more information. next round then selected members of the team will represent the UK at the international final in the Johnson Space Centre in Although the school is closed for lessons, holidays are a busy time for our Houston, Texas. hardworking site team. As well as maintenance they will be moving our Geography department into their new premises over the break. Building Our U12 Boys’ Rugby team work has just been completed on a brand new 4 classroom block which have retained the County provides us with much needed classroom space. Importantly, of course, Rugby Cup for the second many of our students are facing the onset of exam season – particularly year running and now go into their final tournament of those taking their GCSEs, AS and A2 Levels this year. They are already the year, the annual Sibford working very hard, with the support of their dedicated teachers, and our Sevens rugby competition in focus as always, remains squarely on their securing the fantastic results they a very positive frame of deserve. Our very best wishes to them as revision season sets in, in earnest. mind. The Year 8 girls’ cricket team were unbeaten in the U13 Lady Tavernors County indoor cricket tournament and as winners of this county tournament they now compete in the On behalf of The Cotswold School – a very Happy Easter to you and your regional final, which will take place in Surrey later this year. families. Four Year 7 girls recently won the West Oxfordshire swimming championship and eight Year 8 girls won the West Oxfordshire indoor athletics competition. Both teams will represent West Oxfordshire in the County finals at Abingdon School next month.

Nearly 200 people from the Chipping Norton Partnership of Schools came to Chipping Norton School to take part in our Spring Family Focus activities week which included Dance, Music Keyboard, ‘No Fear’ Shakespeare, Trampolining, St John Family First Aid and Astronomy workshops. Thank you to all the teachers and coaches who led these fantastic family events.

The Drama Department assisted by students from Year 9-13 led a fun-filled workshop based on ‘Hansel and Gretel’ for Year 4 /5 pupils from the partnership schools and our Year 12 CSLA Sports Leaders helped Mrs Phillips run a very successful U11 Netball tournament for the partnership primary schools.

41 Temple Guiting Church of England School David Ogden, Headteacher Well with the weather becoming more Spring like we are hoping that it will remain dry for our sporting fixtures. The tag rugby team took part in the North Cotswold school tournament and came a very respectable 5th overall. The netball teams took part in a tournament at the Cotswold school and had a really enjoyable time. We have friendly football and tag rugby matches arranged with local schools as well, so let’s hope the weather holds and we actually get some dry days! Class 3 went on a visit to Sycamore Farm in Maugersbury. They had

District Rugby success There was excitement at school when we retained the North Cotswold Tag Rugby Cup for another year.

Class 1 Our youngest children looked at ‘Castles’, exploring them from a very informative time and actually got to see several lambs being dungeons to battlements. Tin foil armour and cardboard swords born! They learnt about how the farmer looks after the ewes and were instant favourites! lambs before and after the birth. They helped with the feeding and watering and also had a great opportunity to take part in Forest Class 2 school activities throughout the day. A big thanks to the Bartlett India Day was the high spot for Class 2 and the children proved family who kindly hosted the day! extremely adventurous when sampling Indian cooking. They dressed in colourful costumes and performed a Bollywood dance routine. A massive thank you must go the The Crock shop, who recently donated Class 3 lots of cooking equipment which we are already using! Class 2 made The history and folklore of China was the inspiration for our oldest pancakes in the frying pans donated children. Each child made a wonderfully detailed Willow Pattern and enjoyed eating the end results! plate. ‘Young Leaders’ from the class had a training day and learnt Class 2 are learning about cold how to devise playtime activities for Class 1. places and are steadily building their own igloo out of milk cartons! Class 5 took part in a whole day of STEM challenges. This involved each [email protected] | 01451 850304 pupil working on a project of not only building a fairground ride out www.templeguiting.gloucs.sch.uk of K’Nex but programming music and the movement of it. Each group then got to show the whole class their fairground ride and music. Everyone had a great time and were extremely pleased with what they had achieved in one day! Bledington School By the time that you read this the school will have entered three From Clare James teams into the swimarathon held on 29th March at Cheltenham college. Last year we manages to raise over £800 in sponsorship It’s not every day that the Gruffalo is in and sincerely hope that we can build on that amount this year! charge, but on World Book Day anything is possible. Bledington’s head teacher, Mr A date for your diary is the annual Spring Tea. This will be held on Croke, embraced the fashion for onesies Thursday 24th April at 2pm and all grandparents and friends are with his Gruffalo suit. Other members of welcome. Each class will provide entertainment for everyone. staff also dressed up as characters from children’s writer Julia Donaldson’s books. In Blue Class, reigning champions Dan Sherborne C of E Logue and Abigail Hall remained unbeaten. Well done, also, to Letty Brackenbury and Tommy Smith in Yellow Class, Sophie Reid and Primary School Cyrus Sparrow in Red Class, and Ben Bright and Grace Ramsay in Green Class. The standard of costumes was so high this year that From Gill Stratford, School Administrator two extra prizes were awarded to Barney and Jonah Shaw.

It has been a busy term for sport so far. On a cold, wet morning, intrepid On the sporting front, we had some successes. In the tag rugby runners from the Junior class took part in the annual North Cotswold tournament at Temple Guiting School, our mixed team came fourth Cross Country race at the Fire College. All pupils ran well in this tough out of 12. In the novice gym competition at Bourton we won gold and competitive event with Kenny Watts gaining a place in the county final. and two silvers, and at the key steps competition we came second. Preparations are well under way for our own annual Fun Run and 10K on 22nd June, so don’t forget to keep this date free! Entry forms can be In art, years five and six are preparing for their exhibition at Kingham found on the school website www.sherborne.gloucs.sch.uk Lodge during ArtsWeek next term. The local artist and sculptor Christopher Townsend visited the school to teach the children about The rugby team enjoyed an improvement in the weather for the local tag sculpture. They were impressed by his dragonfly sculpture, which he rugby tournament, coming home with a trophy for 3rd place. The netball had made out of metal odds and ends including his beloved team also performed brilliantly in the High Five Tournament, coming 3rd hammer, some fish knives, and an old coin. When it came to out of 12 teams. creating a spider out of wire strands, the children discovered that sculpting isn’t as easy as it looks. They persisted, however, using pliers and their imaginations, with exciting results. Mr Townsend will be helping them further. With some heat in the sun at last, our thoughts are turning to the Spring Fair, which is on Saturday 3rd May at the school, from 2pm- 5pm. Fingers crossed for weather like last year. Anyone is welcome to come along to enjoy a squirt of the hose on the vintage fire engine, face painting, the jousting horse, a barbeque, and the chance to win one of the great prizes in the Raffle, one of which is tickets to the Big Feastival. We hope to see you on the 3rd!

42 Swell School From Judy Morgan School Administrator Chipping Norton Music Festival: The older children are enjoying their after OUTSTANDING! Windrush Valley school model club. The weekly club, run by School Band competed in the General model making expert Tony Keats, is attended Ensemble Class at the Chipping by both boys and girls who are busy after Norton Music Festival recently. We school constructing, painting and competing. were immensely proud of the Adjudicator’s comments; “A super, The Year 3 children have been busy professionally executed performance” awarding the Band the researching the connection between Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, classification of OUTSTANDING! This is the highest possible Ash Wednesday and Lent. The highlight was the cooking, tossing category within the 6 tiered marks structure. The Band’s musical and eating of the pancakes. director, Mr Lovell-Meade, said “he was extremely proud the way all The school floorball team have been very successful in the recent the children from Windrush Valley focused, and without exception, all Cotswold Floorball League’s A Team Competition beating Blockley 2- of the Band’s members rose to the occasion!” Well done to: Galileo 0 and Dormer house 2-1. Neate-James, Ben Douglas, Benjamin Lewis-Ing, Ella Hughes, Emiliy Whitear, James Thompson, Delphine Townley, Bertie Bond, Jemima The whole school were enthralled by a Fizz Pop Science workshop Bond, Albertine Wheeler, Abigail Mackay, Charlie Maudsley, Gregory and have all signed up for the Fizz Pop Science afterschool club Davies. Geronimo Neate-James, Felicity Jones, Emilia Belardo, which starts after the Easter Break. Pictures, collages and 3D Sophie Rowe and Wilfred Searby. models arrived in school on Thursday 6th March as part of the World Book Day celebrations. The children all produced art work depicting World Book Day: Across the land children their favourite book or character and had a visit from bookshop were celebrating World Book Day, and this owner Richard Kemp who read Jack Pepper. was no exception at Windrush Valley School. We choose to celebrate the stories from Julia The Infant class have been learning all about St. Patrick and painting Donaldson and Roald Dahl. The children all blarney stones as March not only celebrates St Patrick’s Day but also dressed up, and staff too! We all enjoyed, the world famous Cheltenham Racing Festival. I am pleased to quizzes, illustration, drama and even took part in a national book confirm that no gambling has been taking place in school! mark award. In total, the children raised approximately £120 for The combined Swell and Longborough Easter Procession and charity. Service will take place at Longborough Church at 1.30pm on Thursday 3rd April. Please do feel free to come along. Netball & Football Tournament: Thank you to Sibford School for hosting a fantastic mini U11 football and netball tournament. A group of children attended from Windrush Valley school and enjoyed a full afternoon of great sport , not to mention the sausage & chips Blockley C of E School for tea! Well done to: Jake & Charlie Maudsley, Greg Davies, From Jenny Bruce Benjamin Lewis-Ing, Finley Pemberton, Ben Hubbard, Max Guest and George Boyce making up the football squad. Equally well done Friends of School make huge to the netball squad: Albertine Wheeler, Jessica Todd, Emilia improvements to the outdoor facilities Belardo, Emily Whitear, Delphine Townley, Sophie Rowe and Lily After many months of intensive fundraising Taylor. Also, a huge thank you to Hatherop Castle School for the friends of Blockley School have made a organising a mini U9 football festival. The football squad of; Max huge and significant addition to the outside Guest, Ben Hughes, Henry Wheeler, Blake O’Mahony, Ethan Calvert, areas. Work is almost complete on the Finley Pemberton and Cameron Cutmore thoroughly enjoyed the Field Trail. The equipment has been afternoon. placed on an all-weather surface, which means that greater use can be made of the trail throughout all seasons of the school year. It looks amazing and will mean that the field can be used throughout the year. As soon as it is finished it has to be risk assessed then Cold Aston C of E Primary School when that is completed the children will examine the trail with their by Katie Walker Headteacher: Miss Alexandra Symondson class teachers and learn how to use each piece correctly and safely. Sports The whole school is delighted with the sports teams this term! The However the football and basket ball panel (also bought by F.O.S.) is Tag Rugby competition at Temple Guiting led the B team to win the plate and the A team reached the final, sending them on to the Gloucestershire final. Well already in use and looks very impressive. It is an done to Paddy for winning the Cross Country event at Moreton. We will see area of the playground that means the football two pupils from our school represent the North Cotswold team in the game shouldn't encroach on too big a space. It Gloucestershire Primary Schools Cross Country Championships. The High 5 can be used at lunchtimes by the KS2 pupils, whilst netball competition was also a great success with the B team finishing second the KS1 pupils eat their lunch. The younger pupils in their table and the A team again reaching the final, qualifying for the next get a chance to play when the KS2 pupils are stage. Events Art and culture week involved each class studying different artists, eating their lunch. Extra sponge footballs are to be from Kandinsky to Matisse. The children looked at different pieces of work, purchased to eliminate accidents. (photo attached) replicating and borrowing their styles to create their own masterpieces. Many The Tiger Who Came to Tea Class 1All of class 1 activities were linked to our partner school in Kenya, the children enjoyed including their teacher, Mrs White and their TA Sharon dressed up in activities at Forest School, with collage and clay. magnificent tiger outfits to read the book by Judith Kerr for their Barmy about books In honour of book day Mrs Gaden organised our own ‘Tiger That Came to Tea’ party. Parents and carers were also awards ceremony celebrating our favourite books. Book covers were designed, characters were described and even the reception children had a go invited and they all had a grrrrreat time. By the end of at performing poems. A wonderful afternoon ended with a drama club it everyone was pleased to find that there was still performance. water left in the tap! (The tiger had not drunk it all!) Justice is served An appropriate event for our terms value - ‘justice’. Class 4 entered Bingham Gallery, for their mock trial, as the prosecution, where they successfully won their case. They took second place overall, out of the eight schools who entered. Well done to all involved, as they argued their case a wonderfully.

Dates 20.3.14 High 5 final 22.3.14 Cross Country final 28.3.13 Hockey final 31.3.14 Rugby final 4.4.14 End of term 22.4.14 Term begins 43 St Catherine’s CHIPPING CAMPDEN Roman Catholic Primary School SCHOOL Headteacher: Joanne Welch by Lisa Ironmonger

Children from the choir performed at Chipping Norton Music An audience of over 300 students, parents, staff and members of the Festival and received positive comments and a special wider community attended the recent Ogden Trust Annual Public certificate for ‘style’. Congratulations to the children and Mrs Lovelock. Also Lecture. on a musical note, Class 1 band has begun and it is absolutely joyous to see the 4 and 5 year olds performing together! Guest speaker, Mr Anu Ojha, Director of the National Space For the first time we sent 2 teams of children (ten Academy captivated the audience with his engaging, entertaining Year 6 children in each) to Gloucester to take part and inspiring talk. Questions to the speaker at the end showed that in the Global Matters Competition where children he had really got the audience thinking about the role of science in present on an issue that matters to them. Our society. As a regional hub school for The Ogden Trust, the leading children spoke (and sang) extremely well on science body for the development and delivery of high quality ‘Peace One Day’ and ‘Recycling’ and the physics, Chipping Campden School hosted the Trust’s annual lecture Recycling group won the competition overall. They for the second year. The feedback we received was extremely received £100 to fund them going to London to positive and we felt fortunate to be in a position to be able to serve meet with the MP to share their feelings. Congratulations to the children and our students and community by hosting the event. Mrs Holbrook. During National Careers Week, ambassadors from some of the UK’s On February 26th and 27th we had our first Ofsted inspection for 7 years and leading businesses inspired students to think big in their career at the time of writing, our outcomes are still confidential. I look forward to decisions. Over 200 Year 8 pupils took part in a national pilot sharing details of this with you next time! To tie in with this, we have been programme called Careers Lab which is designed to offer them looking back at the fascinating School Log Books dating back to 1881, and insight into the careers of leading figures. Projects such as Careers chuckling over some of the comments from the earliest School Inspections. Lab support our work in school where we encourage students to Some things have hopefully remained the same e.g “The discipline is good, and the singing pleasing” (1882), but thankfully other things have improved e.g acquire the skills to prepare them for lifelong learning and the world “The children do not show much intelligence” (1890). Children in all the of work. Hosting the business ambassadors in school gave our classes have commented on their experiences of this inspection and we will students the chance to ask successful people searching questions be updating the Log Books to this effect! about their career journey, and the teaching modules have helped them think more widely about their career possibilities. St Catharine’s has prepared for Easter in a number of ways. To use Class 3 as an example, children have a prayer table We are one of just five schools nationally to take part in this major where they bring in a picture of the thing or person they want to pray for pilot project which has been put together by industry and the during Lent. They also made a Lenten Promise National Schools Partnership. The findings will be presented to Forest showing personal commitments. government and leading educational influencers in May. As a part of an inspiring General Studies programme Sir John As our Lenten task, and in line with our school motto ‘Let Your Light Shine’, Beddington, former UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, visited we are working to raise funds to help Fr Kiffel in Eritrea bring solar panels to to speak with students and discuss with them important global his Seminary so they can let THEIR light shine. Class 3 has already started on issues that might impact future generations. Sir John spoke to over an enterprise project where children have set up businesses that will run until 120 Year 12 students. He shared in-depth research on the predicted Easter and all profits will go to the appeal. Children are car-washing, cake- growth of the global population and the impact of that on everything baking, being arty, leading gymnastics clubs, selling second-hand toys and more. There is a real buzz! Children throughout the school have been able to from the increased demand of water, to urban population and the access a lunchtime reflection time which has proved very popular, interestingly infrastructure required to support that growth. He also shared even with some energetic boys. research on climate change and discussed the implications of that with students.

We always value having such inspiring outside figures come into the school and share their knowledge with our students. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged by Sir John’s talk which left them wanting to know more and asking searching questions about global issues.

You can find out more about life at Chipping Campden School by We knew this half term was going to be busy because it’s so short, but visiting www.chippingcampden.gloucs.sch.uk Dormer seems to be busier than ever. At the end of the first week back, we had the final of Dormer’s Got Talent, a fun event organised by our Year 6 children. Dormer certainly has oodles of talent and it was really hard to guess who was going to win. In the end, first prize went to George for his amazing drum solo, second place went to Aled, who had everyone in stitches with his St Davids C of E Primary School stand up routine and third place went to Zahra and Milly for their rap all about how sad they are to be leaving Dormer at the end of this year. Headteacher - Mrs F. Heming On 6th March, we celebrated World Book Day. The children all came to school dressed as characters from fairy tales. They were greeted at the door Life at St. David’s C of E Primary School has been very busy. We all thoroughly by Happy (sadly not with the other dwarfs) and were taught all day long by enjoyed dressing up as book characters for World Book Day and Osprey class Cinderella, Prince Charming, The Ugly Sisters, Dick Whittington, The went to visit the local book shop in their costumes – causing quite a stir to the Gingerbread Man, The Mad Hatter and Red Riding Hood. Everyone made a local residents. The whole day in school was themed around books and it was huge effort with their costumes. Well done to Ethan, who won the lower evident that the children (and staff) really do love reading. school prize, dressed as Pinocchio and to Isaac, who won the upper school prize, cleverly disguised at The Mock Turtle. The rest of the day was taken up This term we are focussing upon the value of service as 2014 is the with bookish activities, including paired reading and a visit from the owner of anniversary of the start of the First World War. We are linking with the Heart for the new bookshop in town, Richard Kemp. Service project where Church of England schools will be commemorating the men and women who served their country in the First World War. We shall take Dormer House children have been involved in a myriad of different events in the last couple of weeks, ranging from an Orchestra Extravaganza Day, inspiration from this and encourage the children to think about how they can hosted at Malvern St James School, to a Chess Congress in Cheltenham, to make their own contribution to serving people in Moreton-in-Marsh. Keep your an U9 football tournament at Hatherop School. Over 20 pupils have sat (or eye out for children out and about in Moreton helping various members of our should I say performed) a LAMDA exam and we are all busy practising for our community. Easter Cantata which takes place at the end of term at St David’s Church and for Dormer House Entertains, a lovely celebration of all the music and drama Since September the school community have been working hard to develop a that goes on throughout the school. The highlight for many is our week long school motto. All members of the school community were consulted and we residential trip to France. are delighted to reveal that our new school motto is ‘Enquiring minds, caring hearts, creative hands’. We shall be working with the children over the coming In between all of these events are regular lessons and these continue to be weeks and months to ensure they understand what our motto means so they taught to the usual high standards expected at Dormer. The staff are planning can demonstrate these qualities, both in and out of school. next year’s curriculum already. There are many changes, in line with new For more information about school life at St. David’s please visit our website: government initiatives, and we have taken the opportunity for a complete www.stdavidsprimaryschool.co.uk revamp. Exciting times! If you would like to know more, please get in touch on 01608 650758 or visit www.dormerhouse.co.uk. We are always happy to receive enquiries and to talk to you about what we can offer your children.

44 45 Need Storage Space?

Tilemans Park Limited Insulated Storage At our site in Shipston, on your site or at home

• We buy, sell, move and convert containers of all sizes. • Fully insulated storage available. • Contract crane services available

The ideal way to free up space in your home or workplace. You can store on our site or simply rent a container for your own property. Various sizes for rent or sale.

Short or long term rates available 01608 661677 or 07976 533771

46 47 48 49 MATT KEYTE BSc (hons) Dip (ossm) Sport and Remedial Massage Therapist Sporting or recreational Injury? Sprain or Strain? Muscle soreness or tension? Looking to enhance your training programme? Call me on 01451 830911/07966068604

Fully insured, Qualified and Professional Member of the

50 51 52 Tel: 01608 651721 | Mob: 07974 030246 Email: [email protected]

53 54 TEXAS SCRAMBLE & A.G.M – 4th. March 2014

The Golfing Gods smiled down on N.D.G.C Seniors and produced a dry and sunny day for our first competition of the season after weeks of pretty well continuous rain. With 5 birdies and 13 pars, R.Adamson, B.Cretney, M.Payne & D.Gould (net 43.4) were well ahead in the Scramble, followed by R.Small, Sport England - J.Tompkins, G.King & B.Field (net 45.0) and G.McKinley, S.Laine, B.Peters & D.Crook (47.8). Special Flood Relief Fund At the A.G.M which followed, 2013 Captain Mike Gaut presented a cheque for £3084 to Rachel Davis of the British Heart Sport England has launched a new £5 million Foundation; Chairman Paul Gwilt thanked outgoing Hon.Sec Alan National Lottery fund to help rebuild sports fields Cogbill for all his efforts; the “Matchman of the Year” trophy was and facilities that have been damaged as a result presented to Vic Coles; and, 2014 Seniors’ Captain Simon Laine was introduced. He would have been presented with his sweater of the floods and storms since 1 December and tie had anybody remembered to order them! 2013.

Sport England is trying to get an idea of the full PAIRS – 6th. MARCH 2014 extent of the damage and the areas worst hit. To It might seem unreasonable to expect two dry days in the same that end, it is asking sports clubs, voluntary and week but that is what we got. Scoring was exceptional with JAC community organisations to register their interest Smith & D.Hoptroff winning with 51 Stableford points, followed by if they need funding. W.Mustoe & S.Melton with 50 and W.Gooderham & J.Brennan with 49. www.sportengland.org/floodfund

MORETON-IN-MARSH BOWLS CLUB

The Club`s outdoor season begins this year on Saturday 19th April. This will be the third year at our fantastic new green and clubhouse behind the Esso garage on the A 429. There is a full fixture list of inter-club matches , North Cotswold league matches, Club competitions and lots of opportunities for friendly, social bowling.

Club nights start on Monday 21st April at 6 pm. Players of all abilities will be made welcome on that and any subsequent Monday evenings as will absolute beginners to the sport.

Why not come and try the game for yourself? Here is a date to put in your diary:

SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2014 is the Club`s Open day on the Club`s green starting at 2pm

WATCH OUT FOR POSTERS IN YOUR AREA IN THE COMING WEEKS OR CONTACT RITA GERRY Tel. 01451 820 506 [email protected] TO FIND OUT MORE

55 56 SLAUGHTERS UNITED CRICKET CLUB WORKING TOWARDS ECB CLUBMARK ACCREDITATION Church Furlong, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire GL54 2HY www.slaughterscricket.co.uk

Nic Hayward Richard James Matthew Brittan Giles Canning Joanna Herbert CHAIRMAN SECRETARY TREASURER CHILD WELFARE OFFICER YOUTH CO-ORDINATOR

This season sees the launch of our club’s new website which offers current league standings; club calendar which lists all social and many exciting new features! So if you’re unable to watch a match fundraising events; news items and contact details for committee for any reason or if you just want to follow the progress of one of members. our teams or individual players be sure to keep up-to-date by going to www.slaughterscricket.co.uk. Our site also gives you the option to register yourself as an online club member to access additional features, such as the photo It is the official source of information and statistics on club cricket for gallery which usually makes for interesting viewing! all our cricketers and supporters. Visiting our site will allow you to access to all of its public content including: fixtures and results for Alterations and modifications to the layout will be made gradually all teams (with detailed scorecards); bowling, batting and fielding during the next few months and completed ready for the new statistics for individuals which can be filtered using various criteria; season.

Now recruiting! We would like to welcome any new playing members to join either of our senior men’s league teams. Our outdoor evening training sessions will begin in April, so please come along if you’re a keen cricketer looking for a team. Contact Nic Hayward for more details [email protected]

Ladies’ Team Update Youth Team Update

We were very grateful to receive sponsorship from Roger Mills at Applications for youngsters to join our Under 9 and Under 11 Tax Assist last season providing us with personalised polo shirts. teams are now being accepted. If your child is in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6 We have just been informed that Tax Assist will continue to be our and would like to attend our Friday night coaching sessions from sponsors for the 2014 season and we are very fortunate to have April to September please contact us for a youth team membership secured additional sponsorship from Cotswold & Vale Electrical application form. which will enable the purchase of a new team strip. Contact [email protected] for more details Contact [email protected] for more details

Fundraising Events Men’s Team Update Indoor League report from Wayne Rose (Captain) Many thanks to Bourton Rovers Football Club for allowing us to hold our Race Night in their clubhouse and to committee Throughout the winter months several of our men represented our members, Brian Hall and Guy Stanton, for helping to run the club in the Cheltenham Indoor 6s League. Our matches were event. We raised £200! ☺ played on Wednesday nights at the Cheltenham Leisure Centre. We were in a league with Chedworth, Bayshill, Whitminster, Coming soon: Cheltenham Civil Service and Woodmancote. We played each of Friday 11th April @ 7.30pm – Easter Bingo (at BRFC) our opponents twice over the course of the season and, overall, we Monday 5th May @ 3.00pm – Bank Holiday BBQ managed to win two games and we drew our last game, resulting in a finishing position of 5th in the league.

A knockout cup was also played in the middle of the season in which 24 teams competed. We did well in this competition, reaching the last 8 and only being narrowly defeated by the eventual winners and league champions from the University of Gloucestershire.

I would like to thank everyone that has played this season and send a huge thank you to The Hollow Bottom Public House in Guiting Power for sponsoring us with shirts and feeding us after the Slaughters United 1st XI will be returning to play at the highest level in the Club’s games. history as they move into Div 2 of the Gloucestershire County League

We do intend to enter the league again next year so if you are Training interested in playing look out for further details at the end of the summer season! Ladies: Thursdays 6.00-7.00pm at The Cotswold School Gym (until 17th April and at S.U.C.C. thereafter) Contact [email protected] for more details Youth: Fridays 6.00-7.30pm starts 25th April at S.U.C.C.

57 Bourton Vale Cricket Club is a friendly, thriving club in the heart of the Cotswold's. We offer a good standard of first and second team cricket as well as boasting a very successful and hugely popular junior section ranging from Under 7s to Under 15s as well as a Ladies team.

The Mens first team play in the West of England Cricket league - Gloucester Division and the seconds in the 2nd XI league Gloucester Division. We also have a midweek team which will be defending their CDCA T20 cup this year and a Sunday team that has a large focus on the development of young players.

As for Junior cricket we have 5 age groups from U7s to U15s. Last year, the U11s won both the league and cup and the U9s only lost 3 games all year. The focus across the junior section is to offer a great cricket experience for every individual, encouraging players to achieve their goals and enjoy being part of a team. We are proud to have many of our players representing both county and district. The juniors train on a Friday evening and Under 13’s and 15’s mid-week.

Our Ladies team was set up last year and achieved great success by winning the league. We are looking for more girls/ladies to join us (age 13 and above) so please get in touch with the Captain (see below). The ladies train on a Monday evening. The club welcomes new players for all age groups and we hope to see many new faces at Bourton Vale this season.

Please feel free to get in touch for more information. Mens cricket - Greg Shepherd [email protected] Ladies cricket – Alexia Benson [email protected] Junior Cricket Co-ordinator - Stuart Hughes [email protected]

58 59 60 61 BLEDINGTON Rendezvous from 10.30am ‘til 12 every Friday throughout April and May. On 2nd May we celebrate its 7th birthday – with doughnuts! 01608 658669

BLEDINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014 Tickets available from Rendezvous, the King’s Head, Kingham Stores, Borzoi Bookshop or Jaffe and Neale. Order online www.bledingtonmusicfestival.co.uk/

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council supported by Cotswold District Council

Cotswold Funding Newsletter: March 2014 Stop Press: keep in touch - there is a new small grant fund to help Gloucestershire communities stay active or become more active. Would a few hundred pounds mean you could keep fit, take a trip out, set up a knit or sewing session….? More details to come. Contact Marilyn or Helen at GRCC. Email Helen [email protected] or Marilyn [email protected] or telephone 01452 528491.

Funeral Director & Memorial Consultant W. J. Wright

The Chapel of Rest, Church Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BB Tel 01451 831829 24 Hour Service Private Chapel of Rest, Prepaid Funeral Plans Serving the Cotswold Community for over 30 years

62 Local Business Directory For Stow Times, Moreton Times, Bourton Times and Chipping Norton Times Animals & Pets Music & the Arts Dog Walking/ Sitting Service Telephone Carol 01451 820661 DOG IN THE COUNTRY Doggie Walks, Boarding Services, Grooming & Vet Visits. Contact Jonathan, Matthew or Natasha - 07977 586 126 [email protected] | www.doginthecity.co.uk Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning GRIMEBUSTERS 01993 868924/ 07778 298312 Professional service at unbeatable rates CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST Cleaning & Cleaners Dr R J Davis HCPC Registered CH 17482 HOUSES: Holiday Cottages, Private Homes, Photography One-Off cleans. Call Katie/Carly 01608 659514 / 0796 4444 283 For all your Foot / Lower Limb Healthcare needs WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. 0145186012 Clinics in Stow ; Chipping Norton ; Bloxham Clothes & Curtain/Alterations [email protected] Home visits available throughout all Cotswolds area Competitive Prices - Album │CD │A4 photo canvas. Beautiful Handmade Curtains and Blinds Tel. 01451 831277 or 07776136208 Bespoke clothing and alterations Property & Garden Services email [email protected] www.jackie-whitehill-handmade-soft-furnishings.com Batsford Timber Ltd – Fencing & Sheds Stow on the Wold Tel: 078376 02004 01608 651096. www.batsfordtimber.co.uk BERNIE’S ALTERATIONS – 35 yrs experience Cotswold Stone Landscapes Tel 01451 833831 or 07768 305427 Beautiful Dry Stone Wall Building 07535 974455 Florist [email protected] ALLIUM FLORIST www.alliumflorist.co.uk More than just Flowers 1 Oxford Street, Moreton-in-marsh, GL56 0LA Tel 01608 650630

dave payne electricians Marsh Flowers Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Work FLOWERS FOR... Fixed Wire inspections for Business and Landlords. Electric Boilers and Heating Energy efficient Lighting Weddings, Sympathy, Every Day Excellence in Design, Service & Value 01451 861758 07866458044 [email protected] High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AD 01608 652234 From Re-Wires to Changing a Light Bulb [email protected] ‘Watt ever you Want!’

Home Care CARE & SUPPORT IN YOUR OWN HOME. Experienced mature lady. Reasonable rates. 01451 850294 / 07890 187164 Locked Out? Whatever Time 24/7 Whatever your problem I have the key! www.lockroundtheclock.co.uk 01451 861808 Professional Services Oliver Bridge Architect M & H CARE SERVICES Personal Care & Support. NVQ Qualified & fully insured. Fine Quality Traditional Architecture. New Houses, Extensions, Garden Buildings. 07540 237948 / 0778 552 5640 www.oliverbridge.com SHIRLEY - REGULAR RESPITE CARE . CRB. MMaatttt FFeerrggyyssoonn INSURED. EXPERIENCED. 01451-821-626 CONFIDENTIAL, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING at the Breakspeare Clinic Marquees Milton-under-Wychwood. 01993 830913. DDrryy SSttoonnee WWaalllllliiinngg COTSWOLD MARQUEES LTD Elaine Russell-Jarvie P.G. Dip. Counselling & Psychotherapy. MBACP. 0011445511 885511992277 /// 0077779922 33331122441 1 Tel 01608 686900 www.cotswoldmarquees.co.uk STOW TIMES, MORETON TIMES, BOURTON TIMES & CHIPPING NORTON TIMES ADvERTISE YOuR buSInESS In EvERY EDITIOn OF ALL 4 MAGAZInES FOR AS LITTLE AS £12/MOnTH Local business Directory Entries are for a calendar year (eleven editions) and priced per business. Your advert can include photos and logos as well as text - IT’S STRAIGHTFORWARD AnD SIMPLE WORK SMARTER SMALL bOX = 15mm high x 60mm wide (1 column) £ 120/ year or £ 72/6 Working all hours? months minimum at £ 12/month No time to have a life? LARGE bOX = 33mm high x 60mm wide (1 column) £22/month (by DDM) or For £22 / m this space can work for you £220/year in every home and business in our delivery area. CREDIT & DEbIT CARDS ACCEPTED. FOR InFORMATIOn/TO bOOK YOuR EnTRY 07789 175 002 or [email protected] 07789 175 002

63 64