Welcome to Cotswold Essence magazine.
I AM sure we are all itching to get out into the garden now that spring is just around the corner and we have lots to tempt you out there in this edition of Cotswold Essence.
We are giving away vouchers to spend at Dobbies Garden Centres perfectly timed to purchase some bedding plants.
There’s inspiration from Chelsea Flower Show and tickets to be won for the everpopular Malvern Spring Show.
There’s so much going on in the Cotswolds at this time of year, the Barnsley Festival is well worth a visit and keen gardeners never seem to tire of visiting Rosemary Verey’s iconic walled garden at Barnsley House which was started in the 1950’s.
Equestrian enthusiasts can win tickets to Little Gatcombe. Although much smaller than the August Festival of British Eventing held at the home of HRH Princess Anne, this more intimate event remains a favourite with locals.
And if that all sounds a bit energetic don’t worry. you could be putting your feet up and admiring the fruits of your labour on our fabulous Hutton Cotswold garden bench. We have one worth £299 to give away to one lucky reader.
Hands up who hasn’t got a bit of a cycling bug at the moment after all that excitement with our own Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France and the Olympics last year?
Having never shown any inclination to travel on two wheels myself when four will do nicely, I found myself lycra clad riding around the North Cotswolds on one of the coldest days this year and surprisingly enjoyed every minute of it.
It’s not only a great way to get some fresh air and exercise but travelling by bike allows you to see and enjoy some stunning scenery that tends to flash by a car window in a nano second.
With every issue of this magazine we seem to uncover some wonderfully creative and inspiring people and non more so than Debra Drew co-owner of Architecture Fabrics based in Painswick. Her enthusiasm and excitement about running a business is inspirational and intoxicating.
And we also meet Catherine Zoraida a Bibury- based young jewellery designer who can now list the Duchess of Cambridge among her clients.
We’ve also got some great ideas on how you can get fit with a woodland walk, tips on cooking up healthy meals from health and nutrition expert Karen Maidment and some Zaggora body products to give away which will get your legs looking smooth and lovely for the warm weather.
