The businesses also offered day trips such as one with retired BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who gave talks during the Jacobite Train rail journey.

Administrators appointed to tackle the holiday firm Tripsmiths and TS Travel said the companies’ business and assets have been sold and “existing customer bookings will continue to be honoured”.

Tripsmiths’ website praises the Cotswolds with five reasons to visit, highlighting the “elegant tea rooms, country pubs, hilly walks and quirky gift shops” found in the area.

Michael Solomons and Andrew Pear, of Moorfields, were appointed as joint administrators on May 14.

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A spokesman for the administrators said: “Following their appointment, the joint administrators completed a sale of the companies’ business and assets.

“The purchaser has confirmed that existing customer bookings will continue to be honoured and all future holidays are going ahead as normal.

“All customer monies are held securely in a trust account and guaranteed by the Travel Trust Association.

“In connection with the transaction, employees of the companies transferred to the purchaser pursuant to TUPE regulations.”

Tripsmiths is described as a “specialist travel company dedicated to crafting unique, unforgettable travel experiences that go beyond ordinary holidays”.

Likewise, Gold Crest Holidays, which also offered Cotswolds trips, ceased trading on January 23 after more than 30 years in business and entered voluntary liquidation.

A rare King James Version of the Holy Bible of 1648 with Charles II embroidered raised work bindings is on the market.

The bible is up for auction by Pedestal in Henley between Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, June, 4.

Viewing dates are up to Tuesday, June 2.

The bible is expected to fetch up to £5,000.

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Inscriptions inside the bible (Image: The Pedestal)

The embroidery with silk, silver threads and spangles, the front cover probably depicting religious idols, and the spine has floral raised work with silver and leather clasps.

The ‘charming’ bible has multiple inscriptions of various names, believed to be previous owners.

Inscription like ‘Sarah Marlow 1763’, could be Sarah Kent (1725-1791), who married the Revd Michael Marlow Snr (1711-1795), an Anglican clergyman, in 1750.

In 1796 Marlow married Mary Jane Clare (1773-1848), the daughter of the Revd Dr. Thomas Clare, of Rugby, Warwickshire.

The inside of the bible (Image: The Pedestal)

George Thomas Clare was therefore the nephew by marriage to the Rev. Dr. Michael Marlow.

Not much is known about the ornate cover made for the bible, but covers were made for books from the 16th century to the 17th century, and they were frequently worked by skilled amateur embroiderers.

The future Elizabeth I embroidered bindings for a series of books given to her father, King Henry VIII, and his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, as New Year gifts.

A spokesperson for the auction said: “The bible has been in the possession of the current owner for many years and it is intriguing to think who will treasure it next as it heads towards its four-hundredth birthday.”

Redrow South Midlands, which is currently developing homes at Hampden Meadows in Watlington, made the donation to Emmaus Oxford from its community fund.

Emmaus Oxford provides people experiencing homelessness with stable housing, personalised support, and meaningful work opportunities in a community environment.

The charity helps individuals rebuild their lives, gain valuable skills, and regain confidence.

The donation from Redrow South Midlands will specifically support the charity’s Resettlement Support Project, which furnishes homes for families in need across Oxfordshire.

Laura Bristow, fundraising manager at Emmaus Oxford, said: “The wonderful grant from Redrow South Midlands will help to fund our Resettlement Support Project that is furnishing homes for families in need across Oxfordshire.

“By providing this specific support, we can help people resettle successfully, have a positive new start and begin to rebuild their lives in a lasting way.”

The housebuilder’s community fund was established to provide support to organisations, encouraging local causes to apply for a portion of a £10,000 fund.

Andrew Newman, sales director at Redrow South Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this vital charity with our latest community fund donation.

“Building thriving communities within our developments means investing in them and the surrounding areas.

“Emmaus Oxford provides life-changing support to people facing homelessness, helping them regain stability, confidence, and independence.

“We hope this donation will enable the charity to continue making a meaningful and lasting difference to those who need it most.”

The Hampden Meadows development offers a range of three, four, and five-bedroom houses in Watlington.