The Local
ANSWER YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
Gloucestershire North 20,000 DELIVERED DECEMBER 2014 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
Merry Christmas!
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS
WIN AN AQUARIUM & ACCESSORIES COURTESY OF AQUAJARDIN
The Local
ANSWER
Meet the Team ... Advertising Leonie Euwin leonie@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Malcolm Cantwell malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Amanda Saunders amanda@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution
Welcome to December ... Christmas is nearly here so it’s time to get into the festive spirit! Santa is ready and waiting for you at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park for the Winter Wonderland. Meet the reindeer, admire the beautiful lake and check out the fantastic new Visitor Centre! Aquajardin are giving away a brand new BiOrb HALO Aquarium worth £139 – the perfect way to light up your home this Christmas! We’ve got new features this month including articles on Interior Design and Save the Planet – plus there’s an opportunity for you to write for us! There are loads of festive events going on throughout December from Carol Concerts to Christmas Markets – check out our What’s On section for more details. All the team at The Local Answer would like to wish our readers, advertisers and contributors a very merry Christmas!
Debbie Powell – 07720 098934
Inside this month ...
distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS
01242 510500 thelocalanswer
@thelocalanswer
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
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Delicious Dishes Did You Know? Sniff and Slurp Health & Beauty Cocktail Time Pet Care Save the Planet What’s On Homes & Gardens In the Garden Sudoku Interior Design Word Search Quick Crossword Money Matters Professional Services Index, Competitions, Solutions Competitions: 8, 11, 14 & 17
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Triple Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cookies Makes 10-12 festive cookies – a great activity to do with the kids during the holidays Ingredients: For the cookies: 150g self-raising flour; 25g cocoa powder; 100g butter, cut into small cubes; 75g soft brown sugar; few drops of vanilla extract; 1 egg, beaten; 75g dark chocolate; 75g chocolate chips. For the Christmas decorations: 150g white chocolate, ready-to-roll green and red icing. Method: 1 To make the cookies: break dark chocolate into small pieces, put in a food processor and blitz for a few seconds. Remove and put to one side. 2 Add flour, cocoa powder, butter, sugar and vanilla extract to food processor and blitz until it turns into a fine mixture. 3 Add the dark chocolate and egg, then pulse until the dough comes together. 4 Remove dough, wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for at least an hour to firm. 5 Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour, unwrap dough and roll to about 5mm thick. Cut circles with a 2-3 inch cookie cutter (depending on how big you want them to be) and place on a lined baking tray. Remember to use the scraps by re-rolling them. 6 Cook for 10-15 minutes or until just brown. With a few minutes to go, take them out of the oven and push chocolate chips into the bottom half of the cookie to look like currants.
7 When cooked, leave to cool for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. 8 To make the Christmas decorations: melt the white chocolate and pipe over the top half of the cookies. Leave to set. 9 Roll out the green icing and cut holly leaf shapes with a cutter or by hand. Take small lumps of red icing and roll into small berries. Using leftover melted white chocolate, stick the holly leaves and berries to the hardened white chocolate.
★ TEWKESBURY COOKSHOP & BAKESHOP Pots & Pans, Bakeware, Cake Decorating, Preserving, China and much more!
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The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
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ouse-moves.co.uk Your Personal Estate Agent – Friendly, Professional & Reliable
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W rit e rs re qu i red
Did You Know? with Lois Kingscott
Have you ever read an article in The Local Answer and thought, “I could do better than that”? Well now is your chance. We are looking for people to write regular articles for us on a number of different topics. If you have a passion for, or specialist knowledge of, any of the following topics – please email editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk for more information. G
Beauty DIY G Gadgets G Style & Fashion G Holidays & Travel G Interior Design G Motors G Sports G Nostalgia G Parenting G Looking Good, Feeling Great G
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The Local Answer
International Christmas One of the most important parts of Christmas is the coming together of families around the dinner table. In the UK, traditional Christmas dinner most often consists of roast turkey or goose, vegetables, pigs in blankets and stuffing, followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and trifle. While many countries around the world share the same foods as the UK, other countries have very different traditions. In many European countries such as the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland, carp is a popular dish that is normally roasted, fried or stuffed. Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine serve a ritualised meal of twelve meatless dishes, whereas families in the Netherlands often follow the tradition of ‘gourmet’. This is an eveninglong event where families gather around a gourmet set and use small, individual frying pans to cook and season their own food, which has been prepared by the host – this usually includes finely chopped vegetables and a variety of meats and seafood. In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas falls in the summertime. While turkey and ham are still popular down under, the summer heat means many Australians and New Zealanders prefer to have barbecues in order to avoid the heat of the oven. Seafood, steak and chicken are commonly cooked on the barbecue, with pavlova and fruit being served for dessert. North American countries traditionally serve tamale, which is a starchy dough that is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. Tamales can be stuffed with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables or chilies depending on the preference of those eating them. If you’re looking for something a little bit different this festive season, why not try an ‘International Christmas’ and sample some foods that you wouldn’t normally cook.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 7
Sniff and Slurp with Nick Gay I love winter! It’s the one time of year we can tuck into “stickies” (Aussie slang for wonderful sweet wines) without feeling over-indulgent. So, with Christmas looming, here are three ideas to go with sweet, rich puddings or cake, including the Delicious Dish! And remember to answer the quiz below to win a wine tasting evening (worth £25). Two places are given away every month, so don’t miss out! Rutherglen Muscat Amber-coloured nectar produced in Victoria, Australia, it’s fortified before all the juice has fermented, then matured in oak vats at high temperatures and blended over many years. Gorgeous raisin flavours with hints of oak and some acidity, a favourite of mine with anything sweet. £12.49 (37.5 cl) Waitrose. H&H 5 year old Madeira This “medium rich” Madeira is heated over 90 days, before being matured in oak barrels for 5 years. Flavours of dried figs, caramel and nuts combine with high acidity to make an amazingly versatile wine – try not just with sweet foods, but also with cheese. £11.99 (50cl) Tivoli Wines. Taylor’s 10 year old Tawny Port One to spoil yourself with on Christmas day. Flavours of raisins and toffee with spicy notes, chocolate, and great length. In Portugal it is drunk with all manner of foods, from rich pastries to fruit such as figs and plums and sheep’s cheeses. £19.99 Majestic. Nick is a wine educator offering fun, non-stuffy wine tasting events in Cheltenham. Gift vouchers available – great idea for Christmas! For more information about wine or the Oxford Chelt Wine School, email Nick at info@oxfordcheltwineschool.com, call 07858 220119 or visit www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com.
COMPETITION To win an evening of wine tasting in Cheltenham, send your answers to the following questions with your name, address and telephone number to ‘Sniff and Slurp’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your answers and details, stating ‘Sniff and Slurp’, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2014. 1. Madeira wine was first accidentally “madeirised” (aged in hot conditions): a) on the backs of donkeys b) in the holds of ships c) in the roofs of barns. 2. Cork taint (TCA) still ruins an average of a) 1 in 100 b) 1 in 50 c) 1 in 25 bottles of wine. Page 8
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The Local Answer
A cut and colour above the rest Cocktail Time
Blow Salon is one of the longest standing hairdressing salons in Tewkesbury having been there for over 80 years. Ownership has changed over the years and the newest owner, Becky Shearing, is taking the salon to new heights. Situated on Tewkesbury’s High Street, Blow is something of a hidden secret. Ideally situated on the second floor of the building, clients can be pampered in peace without shoppers staring in. Becky believes the salon experience should be relaxing and personal – not open for public viewing.
with Lois Kingscott
Up-to-date with the latest styles Blow uses in-house training to teach its three stylists, two juniors and two beauticians, which Becky believes is the key to their success. Representatives from GHD and Wella visit the salon every three months to train the staff so they are up-to-date with the latest colours and styles. Becky won the Gloucestershire Echo Hairdresser of the Year 2014 award thanks to the Autumn/Winter look she created on her model. She was completely gobsmacked to have won and said: “I can’t believe my little, tiny salon is up there competing with some of the best in the business! I’m so proud of my staff – they are all very hard-working, enthusiastic and friendly people who have a fantastic rapport with their customers. I never have to worry about them and I am always impressed with their work and the effort they put in.” Give Blow a call for the perfect look this Christmas.
Let us create the perfect look for you Fantastic Hair and Make-up Packages ●
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LATE NIGHT OPENING Wednesdays & Thursdays
Daiquiri The Daiquiri has developed into a family of cocktails with rum, lime and a sweetener as the common denominators. Variations range from a banana daiquiri to a cranberry daiquiri, but the most popular variation is probably the strawberry daiquiri. It is believed to have been created in Cuba in the late 19th century as a medicinal treatment. However, it is also possible that the daiquiri was invented by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox, who ran out of gin whilst entertaining guests and had to use what was available – rum. Having remained localised for around 100 years, the daiquiri was introduced to the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. and became increasingly popular over the next few decades. In the 1940s whiskey, vodka and other spirits were hard to come by in America because of wartime rationing. However, thanks to Roosevelt’s Good Neighbour policy, which opened up trade and travel relations with Latin America, Cuba and the Caribbean, rum was more easily obtainable. Ingredients: Ice; 50ml light rum; 30ml fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon simply syrup, lemon slice to garnish. Method: 1 Pour rum, lime juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. 2 Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For more information or to book an appointment
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
☎ 01684 291465
For a non–alcoholic fruity alternative, mix 25ml fresh lime juice, 75ml fresh blended strawberries, 2 tsp sugar and cracked ice.
hair@blowsalon.co.uk 8 High Street, Tewkesbury
The Local Answer
Why not have a Mocktail?
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 9
Pet Care
DRAGON
with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre
Growing old gracefully Dear old Finch, our friends’ 12-year old Labrador, is finally over her firework phobia. I can’t take credit for her cure – her transition from cowering canine to passive pooch is due to her fading auditory system. In other words, she has gone deaf. Walter, our neighbours’ 6-month old Border Terrier, on the other hand is going through a rebellious phase – the ‘poor recall’ stage of doggie adolescence. This involves dashing off to say hello to every dog and human in the park, and coming back to his owner only when he has been physically retrieved, often after an exhaustive chase. We tend to associate increasing age with more health problems and visits to the vet but, as with Walter and Finch, there are some benefits to maturity! Older dogs have hopefully gone past the stage of over-exuberance and lead straining that can be a feature of young dogs, and they are more likely to be content with stretching out in front of the fire than chewing up shoes. Older cats can also see the benefit of being more stay-at-home felines than engaging in turf warfare. As a result, cat wounds and abscesses don’t occur with frustrating monotony and the risk of coming into contact with car tyres decreases.
Help them enjoy their senior years in comfort Health problems change as pets age. In the early years it’s the traumatic wounds from fights and orthopaedic injuries from misadventure. Later on it’s more the failing senses, weakening organs and creaking joints of old age. We don’t have to accept the decline of old age as completely inevitable. There are many things we can do to maintain and even improve the health of our older four legged companions. Joint supplements, cartilage stimulants and anti-inflammatories can all dramatically improve mobility. Make sure older pets are a healthy weight, keep them active and feed a good quality diet. Keeping teeth clean and healthy can have a significant benefit to comfort and health, and can be as simple as daily dental chews, teeth brushing or occasional veterinary dental work. Remember to take your senior pet for an annual vaccination or health check to identify problems early. There are lots of simple things you can do to ensure the Finch’s of this world enjoy their senior years in comfort. It’s worth appreciating that, as cute and enjoyable as puppies and kittens are, there is something rather reassuring and appealing about our senior companions who enjoy a gentler pace of life, look only for a reassuring pat, a comfortable bed and a nice warm fire or radiator to keep them content. Page 10
Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre in Cheltenham is a centre of excellence for pets – large and small – and offers a full range of services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham, Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with a great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.
THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER
CONSULTATIONS
ONLY £20 PLUS FREE FLEA & WORM TREATMENT FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS The above discount is available throughout December 2014 – limited to one DRAGON voucher per household
DRAGON VET CENTRE Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
01242 580 324 ~ info@dragonvet.co.uk Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 24 hour On Site Emergency Service ~ 01242 522 022
www.dragonvet.co.uk
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
WIN THE NEW BIORB HALO AQUARIUM
Complete with automatic day and moonlight effect – worth £139!
Aquajardin are giving you the chance to win this brand new 30 litre aquarium – complete with easy to maintain filtration and all the equipment you need to get going. All you need to do is add decoration and fish! The biOrb HALO is the perfect Christmas gift and adds living underwater colour to any room of the home! Why not pop along to your nearest award winning Aquajardin aquatic centre in Haresfield or Newent to see this wonderful living feature for yourself. For your chance to win, enter our draw by sending your name, address and telephone number to Aquajardin, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Aquajardin’ in the subject line. Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2014. The winner will be announced via Aquajardin’s Facebook page, via email and in the January 2015 issue of The Local Answer.
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 11
Save the Planet
Waste not want not We’re probably all guilty of over-indulging on food and drink over the festive season, but this over-indulgence means that we are also over-buying food and over-wasting it too. Every year in the UK, we throw away approximately seven million tonnes of food and drink – over half of this could be eaten. In 2012, it was found that at Christmas, we as a nation throw away the equivalent of five million Christmas puddings, two million turkeys and a staggering 74 million mince pies (according to the Love Food Hate Waste campaign). The cost of throwing food away each year amounts to £470 for an average household and this waste counts for roughly 4% of the UK’s total water footprint. So, what can you do to help reduce your food waste this Christmas? We Brits are, generally speaking, generous folk, so when we entertain guests we like to make sure there’s plenty of food to go around. However, when buying snacks and nibbles, think realistically about how many people you’re providing for and how much they are likely to eat. Buy foods that can be stored in cupboards or frozen if not eaten on the day and remember to use them up before the ‘use by’ date passes.
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Fresh vegetables and salad are some of the most wasted foods in the UK, so try using a compost bin, which means you can recycle the food to help plants grow in your garden – or start a small vegetable patch of your own! It’s not just leftover turkey you need to worry about. Around 15 million cups of turkey fat are poured down the kitchen sink at Christmas, which then hardens and costs £50m a year to clear from sewer pipes. Try using empty butter tubs to pour fat and grease into – pop the tub in the freezer and, when solid, into your wheelie bin. Alternatively, mix the fat with nuts and seeds to create home-made fat balls for your garden birds. Finally, residents in Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury can now line their food caddies with plastic carrier bags as well as cornstarch bags or paper. The food waste will then be recycled in the most effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly way at Gloucestershire’s new anaerobic digestion waste facility near Bishop’s Cleeve. The facility will turn recycled food into green energy – enough to power over 3,000 homes – and in spring 2015 it will also produce bio fertiliser, which can be used on local farms. Why not make a New Year’s Resolution to cut down your food and drink waste – it will save you money and will significantly help the environment.
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
28 NOVEMBER – 11 JANUARY SLEEPING BEAUTY
Join the elves for breakfast, visit Santa in his magical grotto, ice gingerbread men, toast marshmallows, relax with Christmas storytelling – and don’t forget to send a letter to the North Pole at our post office! Including admission, meal and gift (for children) – £7.95 adults, £19.95 children. Under 2s free. Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December. WWT Slimbridge, Glos. GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. AFTERNOON TEA WITH SANTA Explore the elves bedroom as you wait to see Santa in his magical grotto. Tell Santa your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Write and send a letter to the North Pole at the Centre’s post office, decorate a yummy gingerbread man, toast marshmallows around the fire and enjoy Christmas storytelling. Price includes admission, afternoon tea visit to the grotto with gift and the full day of other experiences brought to life by Santa’s helpers and elves. Adults £7.95, children £19.95. Under 2s free. Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December. WWT Slimbridge, Glos. GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
The Everyman’s Pantomime is back featuring the return of Tweedy The Clown and William Elliott as the Dame. Tickets start from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 2 DECEMBER KATHERINE RYAN – GLAM ROLE MODEL Fast becoming a recognisable face on British TV, Katherine Ryan embarks on her second UK stand up tour. 8pm. £15. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA. 4-20 DECEMBER CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET Now in its Twelfth year, 2014 offers an excellent opportunity for those with an eye for quality to experience one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK. This year, for 16 days, the Christmas Chalets will be situated in the beautiful setting of the Promenade once more providing a huge range of festive crafts and gifts. Monday-Wednesday 10am-5pm, ThursdaySaturday 10am-8pm, Sundays 11am-5pm. cheltenhamchristmasmarket.co.uk.
– WHEEL ALIGNMENT – SERVICING
The Local Answer
Shipton Golf Course Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
FREE COFFEE & BISCUITS
for one with every green fee in December 2014
Open every day from 7am until dusk www.shiptongolf.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter:
‘Shiptongolf’
To advertise call 01242 510500
✃
– DIAGNOSTICS
Gloucestershire’s POWERSTATION is a one stop performance car service and tuning centre Northway Trading Estate, Northway Lane, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 8JH. Te l : 0 1 6 8 4 2 9 6 6 7 5 Workshop Open: Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00 Sat 9-12.30 please quote www.powerstation.org.uk TLA
5 DECEMBER CHIPPING CAMPDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET 40+ stalls in the Town Hall and Square. Festive food and drink. Father Christmas, choirs, music. From 3-8pm. For more information go to campdenmarket.co.uk. 5-24 DECEMBER MATCH Join us for a heart-warming, magical and life affirming tale for all the family. Experience beautifully inventive storytelling, puppetry, song and live music in this spellbinding production. Match is the enchanting story of a young child’s hopes and dreams; simple pleasures and losses. Tickets £7.50. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 6 DECEMBER NOSTALGIC CAROL SERVICE FOR THE RNLI Steam from Toddington to Winchcombe to join Cheltenham Silver Band, back to Toddington for Punch and Mince pies. Leaving Toddington 7pm prompt. Adults £7.50, under 12s £5, infants free. All proceeds to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. For more details and tickets call Faith on 01242 261330. 6 DECEMBER FESTIVE VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR Over 50 quality traders selling all things vintage, handmade, antique and collectable. Live entertainment, BBQ and Santa’s Grotto, vintage tearoom, vintage beauty salon, classic cars plus lots more. Entry is only £1 and children free. 11am5pm, Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN.
Just cut out this voucher and bring it with you
shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: 01242 890237
✉
☎
Page 13
WIN TICKETS!
courtesy of Promenade Productions Promenade Productions present their traditional family pantomime, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, at The Bacon Theatre. This classic tale, set in Baghdad, follows the adventures of young Ali Baba and his trusty camel and their attempts to stop the evil Mustapha Lot from stealing an allpowerful sword. Can he save the day? ‘Oh yes he can!’ Promenade Productions have been delighting Cheltenham theatre-goers for over 30 years, and with a modern twist, 2015’s pantomime is sure to be just as entertaining. No pantomime is complete without a dame, – Ali Baba’s mum, Barbara Baba, will be played by the Society’s chairman, John Pannett. So with stunning sets, fabulous costumes, some great dance routines, plus a whole load of audience participation, Ali Baba is sure to provide a great laughter-filled seasonal entertainment for young and not-so-young alike. Ticket prices are from £10.00 to £16.00 with all seats for Wednesday and Thursday performances only £10.00. Call Showcase now on 01241 224144 to book the best seats at the best prices. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Ali Baba’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Ali Baba’. Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2014. 6 & 13 DECEMBER SANTA AND HIS REINDEER
One of the Brewery’s most popular events returns The spirit of Christmas comes to life – meet reindeer and say hello to Santa. Minimum £1 donation all of which goes to Macmillan Cancer support. 124pm. The Brewery, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham GL50 4FA. 9-20 DECEMBER EDUCATING RITA A modern classic telling the story of hairdresser Rita, who feels that life has passed her by. A hilarious, and often moving, story of a woman’s determination to change her life. Tickets £10.50 (£9). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk.
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11 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY ALADDIN
14 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS FAIR
Vacuum your magic carpets, dust off your old lamps and get yourself down to Malvern Theatres for that most magical of Christmas family pantomimes. Tickets from £10. Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277. malvern-theatres.co.uk. 13 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CONCERT In aid of Listening Post. Make a gift to yourself this Christmas and join the Cheltenham Bach Choir in Concert at Gloucester Cathedral. Hear stunning music, sing much loved carols and support mental health. 7.30pm. £15 (£10 for student and unwaged). Tickets available from Listening Post: 01452 383820.
Festive fun for all the family raising funds for Teckels Animal Sanctuaries. Wide variety of local stall-holders selling arts, crafts and handmade Christmas gifts. Refreshments available. Adult entry 50p (includes raffle ticket), under 16s free. 124pm. Whitminster Village Hall, School Lane, Whitminster, Glos, GL2 7NT. teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk. 16 DECEMBER CAROL CONCERT Rotary Club of Cheltenham North is holding its hugely popular annual carol concert at Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College. This year the performers will be soloist Danielle Smithson, The St. Cecelia Singers, Forest of Dean Brass Band, and two choirs from Leckhampton School. Compere Edward Gillespie. Tickets £12 adults. Call Linc: 0300 422 4422. Enquiries: 01242 676734.
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Winter Wonderland Illuminate your imagination this Christmas and make it your very own Winter Wonderland at The Bird and Deer Park. The event commences on the weekend of 29th and 30th November, with further dates on 6th and 7th, 13th and 14th, and 19th to 24th December. Santa will be found in his hand crafted ash sleigh and the Park’s photographer will be there to capture that special moment of you and your family. The Park’s Reindeer – Rudolph, Prancer and Comet – will be waiting to greet you and can be viewed from the balcony of the brand new Visitor Centre, or from inside the Park if you’re hoping for a closer encounter. The Bird Park is famous for its lakes, which will be lit up with over 2.5 miles of twinkling lights. The majestic swans will drift across the shimmering water and the famous Wendy House will host a tranquil nativity scene, which can be viewed through the little windows. You will find the Christmas Fairy in the illuminated Gypsy Caravan where she offers Christmas treats to the children and close by the Bird Park face painters will be on duty to add that touch of sparkle to this special event. The brand new Visitor Centre will be offering refreshments, gifts and a host of brand new facilities. All this and more for only £9.50 a head (when booked in advance, £10 on the day).
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Aladdin – a magical family pantomime Vacuum your magic carpets, dust off your old lamps and get yourself down to Malvern Theatres for that most magical of Christmas family pantomimes – Aladdin. From Thursday 11th December 2014 to Sunday 4th January 2015. Will Aladdin, played by Hi-5’s Chris Edgerley, the poor son of a laundry owner, get to marry the Princess played by Rebecca Marks, or will his plans be foiled by the evil Abanazar played by the one and only Robert Powell (Jesus of Nazareth, The Detectives)? On hand to help Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring played by Carrie Rawlings, and hindering rather than helping with his hilarious antics will be Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Derek Moran as Wishee Washee. Owner of ‘Twankey’s Laundry’, the old scrubber herself Widow Twankey is played by one of the country’s leading pantomime dames Ian Good. They’ll be joined by Mark James as PC Pong, Spencer K Gibbins as The Emperor and Connor J Barrie as The Genie. The show, along with a full supporting cast, features lavish sets and costumes and a spectacular CGI flying carpet sequence. The pantomime is once again produced by UK Productions Ltd. So for the magic carpet ride of your life book your tickets today. 17 DECEMBER FROZEN
Meet Santa from 4pm. Film at 5pm. Anna, a fearless optimist sets off on an epic journey, with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Father Christmas will be dropping by before the screening of Frozen with a treat for every child, so bring along your letter for Santa and join us for an afternoon of festive fun. £7 (to include a treat from Santa). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk. 19 DECEMBER JOHN Internationally renowned, DV8 Physical Theatre’s eagerly anticipated new production, JOHN, authentically depicts real-life stories, combining movement and spoken word to create an intense and
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WIN TICKETS! courtesy of Malvern Theatres
Tickets start from just £10 and may be booked online at malvern-theatres.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01684 892277. To enter our draw to win a family ticket for 4 people to see the pantomime, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Aladdin’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Aladdin’. Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2014.
moving theatrical experience. Contains adult themes, strong language and nudity. Suitable for 18yrs+. £16 (£14). 8pm. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk. FREE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL Come and learn tips and techniques for your face from professional make-up artist/stylist. All cosmetics and tools are provided. 2pm. Call for booking and more details: 07866 969597. nadezhdahardiman@gmail.com. 20 DECEMBER THE RAT PACK SWINGING CHRISTMAS SHOW
Swing into the festive season with The Rat Pack as they recreate the magic of Christmas with seasonal classics like Let It Snow and White Christmas. £20. 7.30pm. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk.
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4 & 25 JANUARY BRIDE & GROOM SHOW From Vintage to Classical Fairytale to Country Chic, you’ll find everything on display to help plan your perfect day! Free entry 11am-3pm. Bridal Fashions midday and 2pm. GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester (4th January) and Cheltenham Town Hall (25th January). brideandgroomshow.com. 10 JANUARY IT SCHOOLS AFRICA
Your local Rotary Clubs are collecting IT equipment on behalf of Cheltenham charity, IT Schools Africa. The charity is working to transform IT education in Africa; helping children escape the poverty cycle. You can help by donating IT equipment (in working order) on the 10th January. Drop off points at: Tesco Cheltenham (Tewkesbury Road) 9.30am1pm, Tesco Stroud 11am-12pm, Tesco Quedgeley 1.30pm-2.30pm, Morrisons Tewkesbury (Ashchurch Road) 9am-2pm.
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Treat an enthusiast As I write this article the temperature has only just started to drop after a really good summer and the mildest autumn on record! I personally hope that we get a good cold winter as it kills off lots of nasty bugs and I enjoy sitting by the log burner with the shutters across. However, there is still time to do some planting before the coldest weather of the season arrives in January/February. So if it is suitable and not too waterlogged, container grown deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted. If you want to add interest to your garden in winter how about adding a winter flowering shrub such as Mahonia, Daphne bholua, Hamamelis (witch hazel) or Sarcococca (Christmas box). These provide fragrance and colour as well as being an important food source for the birds in winter. It is traditional to plant shallots on the shortest day of the year. Shallot bulbs are planted so that just the little tip is visible above the soil at a distance of 15cm in rows 20cm apart.
Everyone appreciates homemade gifts A good Christmas tree is the Fraser Fir tree (Abies Fraser). Apparently it not only doesn’t drop its needles but it also has that lovely Christmas tree smell, which is something that I think is so important in a real tree. Cut a piece off the trunk and stick in a bucket of water for a few hours before erecting it (think of it like a vase of cut flowers). Keep it in a stand with a water reservoir and don’t site it by a radiator – it will look glorious all Christmas. Presents for a gardening enthusiast could be anything from twine to secateurs – I use Felco’s, but there are many makes to choose from. Plant labels and waterproof markers are also always welcomed. For a special gift a pair of standard trained Holly trees in matching pots will be very gratefully received. You could always plant a nice pot up with a selection of Cyclamen, ivy, and pansies, layered underneath with some bulbs as a homemade gift which everyone will appreciate. I sometimes make a very rustic homemade wreath using a wire coathanger bent to a heart shape and twined with ivy and some clematis Montana stems or some hydrangea flowers. This can be pinned to the front door or, if it looks too ‘rustic’, it can look good hanging in the garden somewhere.
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Interior Design Bring your home to life with colour A beautifully decorated home not only functions well but it shows off the personality of the family that lives there and creates feelings for its residents and guests. Colour is extremely powerful and directly impacts our feelings. The majority of people have a favourite colour or one which appeals to them – this can often be identified by looking in your wardrobe. The prominent and bold colours that stand out amongst the black, grey, navy and beige clothes can be a good starting point for choosing those you think you may like to use in your home. There are so many factors to consider when choosing a colour – the location and size of the room, the amount of sunlight available, who is likely to use the room, and many more. Consider using the colour wheel, which shows the spectrum of colours in the order in which they naturally separate when light is refracted through glass or water. The following schemes may help to inspire you to choose the right colour for your home. WARM – Warm colours are the oranges and reds of the colour wheel and are a good choice for rooms facing north and east in the northern hemisphere, or south and west in the southern hemisphere where natural light is indirect and shadows won’t become an issue. COOL – These colours are the blues, purples and greens, which naturally recede visually so are great for making a small room appear larger.
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NEUTRAL – Beige, cream, white, grey, brown and black all provide restful elements that are important to any scheme. While they appear quite dull, these colours can be enhanced using different textures that make them more visually interesting. COMPLEMENTARY – These colours appear opposite each other on the colour wheel – purple and yellow, blue and orange, red and green. Though they may clash, a small touch of complementary colour can work well in a neutral themed room – try a bright orange vase on a mantelpiece next to a pale blue wall. MONOCHROMATIC – A mix of textures and tones is the key to success with this scheme. Monochromatic rooms are those decorated in different tones of the same colour. For example, a room with light blue walls, navy furniture and pale blue accessories would be monochromatic. VIBRANT – Finally, vibrant colours are full of energy and should be used moderately because of their strength. For example, a room painted deep pink may be too much to handle, but a few deep pink ornaments can add life to an otherwise plain room. The trick with interior design is to gather inspiration from many places and really think about what suits you and your home before doing anything. Make it a fun activity that your partner and/or children can help with – design it together and, if you’re arty, create it together. If you’re really stuck for ideas, there are people who do this for a living!
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WORD SEARCH Y E A J V H C N S C T G C Y A S M S U T H C L R
R E P Y X O S I A X M A R E W U M S Y J N O Z V
C X N H A K V L Z T R G W K K A Q T Y V M O U T
L N L M I U H S E R I G G R S L O O X Q R K M T
M B H R I P N I O I J V I U M C M C U B I I T R
H I Y Z L H E T C P G X I T S A U K W S I E L P
P C B O F L C Z J M Z H T T Y T X I J N M A S L
Z N D L V E F A M I L Y E D Y N F N G P O I R Z
T U L E M Z F U F K J R I O A A G G G C R J P L
R O S D J D F K I U U Y E K T S Q D D B S R S N
E L K N I W T D U N E X F G N E J P D A E K R L
A S U S E J L E I D R I E X N G L S P S M H O A
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M N O Q T C A A S V G N O C K L J F K R N F A H
W E P L D E M X I A I Z N U E H V D J G E L I U
H G Q M L T X M X T Z Q S S N O A P T G P Q L S
C K P C S B A U B L E S N W I L U W T E N Y Y O
T K K I H Y T E U U Y I V L F L Q Q N D V W A P
A V R G Y H K S M K T P N S O Y D R G W P M T C
X H E C W D X M R E C Y O O O Y G U K U K Q H G
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Why n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt i s e y o u r b u s i n e ss ? For details please get in touch ...
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It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”
Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount
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of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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Quick Crossword 1
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ACROSS 1 Yacht race 4 Submerged sandbank 7 Dirtying 8 Neckwear item 9 Iguana or monitor 12 Restate (position) 15 Study the heavens 17 Climbed 18 Stage 21 Not any place 22 Mountain tops 23 Walked in step
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DOWN 1 Rotates 2 Lacking principles 3 Most populous continent 4 Sinks in middle 5 Narcotic drugs 6 Foliage part 10 Await with horror 11 Lawn tools 13 Offered 14 Tropical disease 16 Textile, woven ... 18 Flesh of fruit 19 Concludes 20 Move through water
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01242 522647/529397 PRICES stevensrecycling584@gmail.com The Local Answer
Personal tax statements You may already have received one in the post recently, you may be due to receive one tucked away amongst all those Christmas Cards, or maybe you won’t get one at all. What am I talking about? The answer is the government’s latest attempt at ‘open governance’ – your very own personal tax statement.
What is it and what will it achieve? It’s a two-page personal letter, allegedly telling you how much tax you paid last year and how the government spent it. Let’s firstly dismiss any fears that it will require you to pay more tax – it is not a tax demand and is sent for information only. So why does the government bother? They’ve privatised Royal Mail, so it can’t be an attempt to keep them in business, although there will be significant postage costs for the taxpayer to pick up. George Osborne’s explanation, when he announced their planned introduction a couple of years ago, was that he simply wanted us to know how much we were each contributing and how it was being spent. However, it simply does not tell the whole picture. The only taxes that are mentioned are income tax and national insurance contributions – at least they acknowledge that NI is tax masquerading under another name. But where is the mention of all the other taxes that we pay? Stamp duty when we move house, air passenger duty when we fly abroad on holiday, insurance premium tax on every policy we pay for, and what about cigarette, alcohol and gambling duties every time we want to sin a little? No mention of any of them or the VAT that we suffer when we buy anything other than what the Chancellor defines as a necessity. Sorry to appear to take sides, George, but these personal tax statements are completely useless.
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Ashchurch View 10 COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE Jackson Computer Solutions 32 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn 33 LEGAL & FINANCE Take Five Solutions 33 LOCKSMITHS Fletcher Locksmiths 25 MOTOR SERVICES Avonside Private Hire 33 Powerstation 13 V Hub 34 PETS Dragon Vet Centre 10 SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Gloucestershire C. Council 12 Stevens Recycling 33
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Thank you for all who took part in our November competitions and congratulations to all the winners: The Everyman Theatre – pair of tickets to see ‘Sleeping Beauty’ – Pauline Harris of Woodmancote. The Bacon Theatre – pair of tickets to see ‘The Rat Pack’ – Victoria Andrews of Tewkesbury. Over Farm – pair of tickets for ‘50 Shades of Festive’ – Zadie Ashmead of Longford. Manor By The Lake – Pair of tickets to ‘Christmas in New York’ – Rose Morris of Cheltenham. Sniff and Slurp – pair of tickets to wine tasting evening – Dave Wesson of Cheltenham.
1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless
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BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Thursday 11th December 2014
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