The Local
Gloucester 42,000 DELIVERED
ANSWER
DECEMEBER 2014
YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
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
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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 lots of new features this month including articles on Style and Fashion and Interior Design – 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!
Inside this month ... 4 4 5 9 12 15 16 16 17 18 19 20 29 32 35 37 40 41 43 47 49 47 50
Food & Entertainment Did You Know? Delicious Dishes Interior Design Parenting & Guardianship Sniff and Slurp Cocktail Time Health & Beauty Style & Fashion Short Walks Looking Good, Feeling Great What’s On Picture Perfect Homes & Gardens Save the Planet In the Garden Word Search Leader’s Life Quick Crossword Sudoku Money Matters Professional Services Index, Competitions, Solutions
Competitions: 11, 15, 22 & 29 Page 3
Shipton Golf Course
Did You Know? with Lois Kingscott
Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
FREE COFFEE & BISCUITS
for one with every green fee www.shiptongolf.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter:
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in December 2014
Open every day from 7am until dusk
Just cut out this voucher and bring it with you
shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: 01242 890237
✉
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Help prevent bike theft Getting a new bike for Christmas then have it marked permanently with
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. Page 4
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The Local Answer
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.
YOUR ELECTRIC COOKER OR OVEN NOT WORKING? EST 2004 l cal Tel: 07955 295360
For more information please visit the website @
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✠F U S I O N R E S TA U R A N T A T T H E O L D B E L L - T W O B A R S , L O U N G E & R E S TA U R A N T
LUNCHTIMES ON LIGHT MEALS
~ SPECIAL DECEMBER OFFER ~
Monday-Friday 12-3pm
*Offer applies to lunchtime menu only and valid at times shown above during December 2014. This advert to be handed in to redeem offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Opening hours Monday-Thursday 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-00:00 Friday & Saturday 12:00-00:00 Sunday 12:00-17:00 Closed Sunday Evening 9a Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TG www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
Reservations 01452 332993 Page 6
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(Above Costa Coffee)
The Local Answer
W rit e rs re qu i red
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.
Join us for Christmas
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01452 523022
Lunch Express Menu SPECIAL OFFER 2 COURSE MEAL £8.95 Select one main course and either a starter from 1-7 or a dessert from the menu (specialities not included) Takeaway available Sunday-Thursday 10% off menu prices
01452 535 185
www.so-thai.co.uk
Bearlands, Longsmith Street, Gloucester GL1 2HJ
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interior needs
Tel: 01452 522 422
Luxurious curtains and stylish blinds
enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk
◆ Curtains
& Fabrics ◆ Tracks & Poles ◆ Interior shutters ◆ Conservatory roof blinds ◆ Blinds/Perfect fit blinds ◆ Bay window treatments ◆ Lighting ◆ Wallpaper
Wishing all of our customers a very Happy Christmas from all of the team at Interior Needs
Please feel free to pop in for a coffee and a mince pie during December we will be happy to see you
Extensive range of designer brands:
NEW to Interior Needs ●
Sanderson ● Zoffany ● James Brindley ● Harlequin ● Simpsons Interiors ● Casadeco ● Bill Beaumont Textiles ● Silent Gliss ● Luxaflex ● Blendworth and many more...
Xmas Opening Times Christmas Eve – Closed Christmas Day – Closed Boxing Day – Closed 27th December – Closed 28th December – Closed
29th December SALE STARTS 10am-5pm 30th December 10am-5pm 31st December 10am-3pm
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: CLOSED
Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next to The Weavers Shop opposite PC World)
www.interiorneeds.co.uk
or call us on the number above to book an appointment and we will visit you at home at a time to suit you.
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. Alternatively, looking through lifestyle magazines for inspiration or things around your house can give you colour cues and may help identify the colours you’re looking for. 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.
t i l es
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COOL These colours are the blues, purples and greens, which naturally recede visually so are great for making a small room appear larger.
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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Page 9
ouse-moves.co.uk Your Personal Estate Agent – Friendly, Professional & Reliable
Why so many customers choose us
60% of our business has been referrals from previous clients We provide regular feedback and communicate throughout every step of the transaction Honest, friendly and reliable service.
Small and independent – providing a more flexible service to your individual needs Local knowledge, a long history of selling local property. Flexible opening hours Competitive Fees
Now covering the Gloucester area “We would just like to say a big thank you for the excellent service we received from 'House-moves' on the recent sale of our house. We actually had five estate agents to value our property and they all gave us different valuations, but House-moves valuation was spot on and they achieved a sale very near to our asking price. Not only was the service very professional it was also personal and friendly, which can help a great deal in a potentially stressful situation. The big plus for us was the constant feedback we received after every viewing. We really felt that we were kept in the loop and knew what was happening at every stage of the sale. Once again a big thank you and we would not hesitate in recommending you to anyone.” E. Twyning, Cheltenham
“Great service, from very friendly but professional team. Would recommend and use again.” H.Cook, Cheltenham “Would like to say what an amazing team Christine, Michelle and Joanne are. Absolutely nothing was too much trouble for them. Very personal service and were there whenever we needed them (even phoning on their days off!!). Highly recommended Thanks for everything and we will keep in touch xx “ C.Stevens, Cheltenham
Call us today to arrange a FREE no obligation valuation on 01242 517800 info@house-moves.co.uk
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2 Rowanfield Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 8AG
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.
CARPET
YOUR LOCAL DISCOUNT FLOORING STOCKIST
CHRISTMAS SALE STARTS EARLY
Come Come and enjoy some of of our our festive bargains
Selected Selected stock stock only only subject subject to availability
Wishing past and present customers a Happy Christmas
Huge warehouse of carpet and vinyl in stock Everything to suit all tastes and budgets. Amazing 100m2 showroom with vast range of samples to choose from.
New Aqua Pro-tec carpet £14.99m2 Heavy Domestic Stripe £11.99m2
Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-4 Sun 11-3
Bleach Cleanable Berber only £5.99m2 £4.99m2
Police HQ
Free measuring service and sample viewing in your own home. Upon request our expert fitting team will move furniture, Based on Waterwells estate opposite. uplift old flooring and vacuum after installation. Quedgeley Park & Ride. Please pop in and see Wayne and Richard Unit 1, Stanley Court
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Page 11
Parenting & Guardianship Helping children overcome pill anxiety During the winter months there’s likely to be more colds and illnesses going around, which means dosing up on medicine is important to get back to full health as soon as possible. Swallowing tablets is a tricky thing to learn, especially at a young age, so if your child is starting to learn how to swallow pills, you may encounter some problems. Firstly, liquid medicines such as Calpol are far easier to swallow, and a lot tastier than tablets. Children may resist learning to swallow tablets for as long as possible purely because it is simpler and a more pleasant experience to swallow liquid medicine. Furthermore, children are taught to chew food before swallowing and not to put strange objects in their mouths. It is therefore natural that they may think they can’t or shouldn’t swallow whole tablets. Worrying about choking on the tablet can cause anxiety and tensing of the body, which may make the child feel that they can’t breathe properly, thus causing further anxiety. However, there are some simple techniques to help reduce this tension and make swallowing pills easier.
RELAX The most important thing is that your child is completely relaxed and doesn’t think of swallowing pills as something horrible. Relaxing will make the process a lot easier and quicker.
BREAK IT DOWN Breaking tablets into smaller pieces or crushing them is the first step to swallowing whole pills. Crushing them in soft foods such as yoghurt, ice cream or mashed foods like banana makes them much easier to swallow. Remember to consult your doctor first, though, as some pills are time-released, meaning the medication is released into the body over a period of time. Breaking them down could make the tablet less effective or release too much medicine in one go.
GET THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE This is the most important step – learning to swallow correctly can significantly reduce pill anxiety and the time taken to learn. Get your child to take a small sip of water to moisten their mouth and throat then place the tablet in the middle of their tongue. Let them take another sip of water or other liquid and instruct them to tilt their chin slightly downwards. This will cause the pill to float towards the back of their mouth, making it feel more natural as gravity will do most of the work. Once the tablet is swallowed, let them take a few mouthfuls of water to ensure it travels quickly to the stomach.
SWEET TREAT Starting the learning process with small sweets that are easy to swallow will help your child to quickly become comfortable at swallowing them whole. Begin with really small sweets such as mini Smarties, and gradually increase to larger sweets such as M&Ms or Tic Tacs.
GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME CONTROL Go shopping with your child and let them choose the sweets they want to swallow as well as the yoghurt or ice-cream flavours they will use to help swallow the ‘pills’. They are more likely to give it a go with food they like rather than food you choose for them. Keep practice sessions short so that your child doesn’t become bored, tired or stressed, especially if progress is slow. When they want to stop, let them. Also, make sure you praise them for every little achievement – this will encourage them to keep trying and should help them relax.
REMEMBER Keep all medicines out of reach of children – though they may want to surprise you by showing they’ve learned by themselves, they must only take medical tablets with your supervision. If your child is still having problems swallowing tablets, please contact your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to give you more advice about how to help your child learn to swallow pills. Page 12
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The Local Answer
Get ready for happy From Westlands Hyundai Gloucester
• New and Used Car Sales • Motability • MOT and Servicing • Collection and Delivery • Genuine Parts • Fully Trained Manufacturer Approved Techincians
Westlands Hyundai
117 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SW
01452 312332
www.hyundai.co.uk/dealer/westlands-gloucester
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Season’s Greetings to all customers old and new Make the right choice today – call Clearway on 01242 513 322 or email info@clearway-d-w.co.uk Visit our New showroom: 3 Manor Park Business Centre, Mackenzie Way, Cheltenham GL51 9TX
Stoves & Fireplaces Cheltenham
Come and visit us for great ideas Gas & Electric Fires | Fireplaces, Hearths & Mantels Multi-fuel & Woodburning Stoves | Accessories | Installations Showroom at: 78-80 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NW
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The Local Answer
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.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 15
Cocktail Time
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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.
m: 07906 159 733
e: kim.brunwin@live.co.uk
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PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic fruity alternative, mix 25ml fresh lime juice, 75ml fresh blended strawberries, 2 tsp sugar and cracked ice. Page 16
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The Local Answer
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
Sequins and sparkles beautifully embroidered silk organza dress, for example – or intergalactic with Darth Vader as seen in the collection ‘Preen’ by Thronton Bregazzi. For a more understated look, opt for metallics teamed with a neutral palette to keep your look effortless and elegant. White and greys are really in this season – pair with silver and you’ll be right on trend. Alternatively, a duo of acid brights are huge this Christmas season – keep the silhouette simple for maximum impact. Other colours to look out for are emerald green – think mermaids, champagne and Santa Claus red. You’ll be seeing a lot of velvet intertwined across the trends, so for maximum impact go for darker shades such as oxblood red, midnight blue or black. Men can mix it up with a bow tie or keep it simple with monochrome. Alternatively, inject a bit of fun and go for something patterned. Keep it fresh by combining the trousers and blazer of separate suits or, if you want to play it cool, lose the blazer and layer up with a chunky cardigan or tongue in cheek Christmas jumper. Practical and a great conversation starter – cue Bridget Jones moment. For an alternate look keep your attire simple with a polo shirt and tailored trousers, but accessorise with a pair of statement shoes to fully grasp that understated cool.
With the party season underway, make sure you’re looking your best this Christmas with the hottest trends straight off the catwalk. It's time to embrace the glitter as the high street is filled with fabulous sequin dresses available long, short, fitted or flared – they’ve got it to suit all occasions and shapes. If you’re looking to update your sequin staple then check out Tom Ford’s sports jersey, recreated in complete sequin glory – a modern take on an old classic. If subtle is what you prefer, why not opt for a LBD embellished with oversized jewells, or accessorise a simple tunic with a pair of glitter boots or a statement necklace – the bigger the better. If sparkles aren't for you there are plenty more trends to indulge in this winter. Prints are big – think plaid or stripes – and don't be afraid to double up on them as well. Stripes on stripes is a must and animal print has also made a great comeback. With the anticipation of the new Star Wars film it is no surprise to see designers reference the iconic blockbuster on the catwalk. Think shooting stars – Valentino’s
Shows
Free Entry 11am—3pm Bridal Fashions Midday & 2pm
From Vintage to Classical Fairytale to Country Chic You’ll find everything on display to help plan your perfect day!
Sunday 4th January
GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester
Sunday 25th January Cheltenham Town Hall
Brideandgroomshow.com
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Page 17
Short Walks in the Cotswolds Seven Springs & the Devil’s Chimney 4¾ miles (7.5km) ~ 2½ hours Easy terrain
The Devil’s Chimney
From Charlton Kings Common there are panoramic views over Cheltenham towards the Malverns and along the Cotswold escarpment as it curves around towards Cleeve Hill – it is worth lingering here to take in the breathtaking view. A Park in the layby opposite The Seven Springs Inn, off the A436. Turn left on to the A436 and walk up the footpath to the roundabout. 1 It used to be held that the springs issuing from this small hollow below the A436 marked the beginning of the Thames. The Latin inscription reads: Hic Tuus - O tamesine Pater Septemgeminus fons (‘Here O father Thames is thy sevenfold source’). Although the springs lie at 750ft (228m) – the highest point from which water flows into the Thames – it is now generally acknowledged that the river rises at Thameshead, 3 miles (5km) south-west of Cirencester. B Turn left, then immediately left again on to the minor road. This is the Cotswold Way, which is clearly waymarked. You will be following this for much of the walk. C Turn right at the hedge and follow the left-hand field boundary. Continue through the copse, then along the edge of the ridge for about 1 mile (1½km) to a junction of paths atop a rocky step. This Page 18
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010
area is Charlton Kings Common and is open access land. 2 There is a lot to see in this breathtaking view with Cheltenham spread out below the scarp. To the right you can follow the escarpment as it curves around to Cleeve Hill which is the highest point in the Cotswolds. Out on the plain ahead rises the distinctive shape of the Malverns, composed of some of the oldest rocks in England and Wales. Further to the west the view includes Gloucester, May Hill in the Forest of Dean, and the first of the Welsh Hills. D Go straight on and keep to the right of the fence to the triangulation point. With the trig point to your right, continue straight on along the path, until you see a sign pointing downhill to the Devil’s Chimney. It’s worth making a detour and going down to see this landmark. It’s to your right once you’ve reached the seat on the cliff edge. Head back up to the footpath again then continue southwards along the track, past the quarry to the road. 3 This distinctive, isolated spike of rock is known as the Devil's Chimney and is a popular local landmark. Its exact origin is not known for certain – whether it is the result of differential erosion, a quarryman’s joke or a www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
genuine relic of quarrying. Climbing is prohibited to limit erosion. E Turn left onto the road. You will pass another car park on your left. Turn right into the field immediately before Hartley Farm and follow the wall on the left to a stile. F Cross the stile and head half-right to the left-hand corner of the plantation. Continue along its edge, with the plantation to your right, to a stile by a pump house. G Cross the stile and continue ahead with the wood on your left, to the stile on the left just before the corner of the field. Cross this and follow the woodland on the left for about 200yds (180m). H Cross over to the woodland on the right, carrying straight on at its end to a stile. Cross the stile and carry straight on with the field boundary on your left until you reach the main road. I Cross the road and turn left, then right on to the footpath on the other side. Follow the path with the field boundary on your left to a stile on the left in the corner of the field. Cross the stile following the right hand field boundary. Cross another stile, continue straight on through a kissing gate to the main road. Turn right for about 100yds (90m) and cross the road to the layby. The Local Answer
Looking Good, Feeling Great
Don’t get fat, get fit this Christmas It’s the Christmas season and we all know what that means – there’s chocolate everywhere, drinks are flowing and when choosing between going to the gym and having a second helping of Christmas dinner, turkey is going to win every time! But, if you don’t want to be able to shake your belly like a bowl full of jelly, follow these tips for an indulgent, yet controlled Christmas.
SHORT AND SWEET Between visiting all the family, going out with friends for a Christmas drink, and creating the kids’ pantomime costumes, it can be difficult to find time to exercise in the festive season. On busy days, try to break down your workouts into small sections – 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes at lunch and 10 minutes before bed. This way, you can fit exercise around your hectic schedule without the guilt of not doing a full workout.
FAMILY TIME Get out of the warm, stuffy house and take the whole family for a stroll around your village, park or countryside. You’ll get to spend time with your family without video games and mobile phones taking over, and the fresh, cool air may tire the kids out so much that you
get a quiet, relaxing evening to yourself. Remember to wrap up warm though – nobody wants a cold over Christmas!
RELAX! It is so important to relieve your mind of stress and ‘chill out’ every now and then so you have more energy to exercise on other days. Take a hot bath, cosy up on the sofa with a festive film or listen to some cheesey Christmas tunes – whatever it is, just take some time to yourself to completely relax.
TAKE IT STEADY Alcohol is one of the easiest ways to over-indulge and many of us will use Christmas as an excuse to drink more than we normally would. Of course, there’s no problem with having a drink but try to stick to single measures or drinks with fewer calories. Light spirits with soda or tonic water are some of the lowest-calorie drinks around and you don’t have to miss out on the bubbles – a glass of Prosecco is only 80 calories! Remember to drink responsibly.
FORGET ONLINE SHOPPING Yes, online shopping is extremely convenient and can be done from the comfort of your bed – but, a stroll around town means you are exercising without realising it and you may come across some shops you may not have looked at online. What’s more, you can enjoy listening to buskers singing Christmas songs, there’s bound to be someone dressed up as Santa, and some shops will give out free tasters so you can have a cheeky snack while you shop.
EYES BIGGER THAN YOUR BELLY We’re all guilty of over-indulging during the party season and it’s so easy to do when there are bowls of nibbles on the table, edible decorations hanging from the tree and stockings full to burst with food. But before you reach for another Christmas biscuit or a handful of crisps, just think do you really want this? Overeating makes you feel bloated, uncomfortable and means getting your pre-Christmas body back will be a lot harder! Treat yourself, but remember – everything in moderation.
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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. EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY KIXA SELF DEFENCE & FITNESS TRAINING Impove fitness, learn self defence and control without aggression. Tuesdays 79pm – Gloucester Deaf Association Community Centre, Colin Road, Barnwood, GL4 3JL. Thursdays 7-8pm – All Saints’ Academey (Gym/Studio), Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0WH. proteksfitness.com. 0776 210 1938. EVERY THURSDAY NORTH GLOS BRITISH SUB AQUA CLUB Gloucester Leisure Centre GL1 at 8pm. A friendly club made up of people of all ages and walks of life with scuba diving as our common interest. Come along and take one of our “TRY DIVES” at £15 or buy a “TRY DIVE” voucher as a Christmas gift for someone you know. For more information contact Dave Phillips on 07979 227876 or email enquiries@nglos.co.uk EVERY SATURDAY COME & PLAY FOOTBALL
For Brockworth Albion. All ages welcome, girls and boys. Make new friends and play regular football. All qualified coaches. Charter Standard club. For details contact Gary – 07760 763967 or g_norris@hotmail.co.uk. Waiting to hear from you.
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Page 20
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. 3 DECEMBER FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE BABY Mechanical alt-blues band – creating new, exciting and innovative music. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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.
ChristmasConcert In aid of Listening Post
Gloucester Cathedral
Saturday 13th December 2014 7:30pm
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Tickets: £15 (£10 students and unwaged) Available from Listening Post, 01452 383820 Make a gift to yourself this Christmas and join the Cheltenham Bach Choir in Concert Hear stunning music, sing much loved carols and support mental health
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Celebrate the festive season in sparkling surroundings with delicious food, fine wine and excellent service. Hallmark has something for everyone; a wide variety of Christmas Party Nights including Retro Disco & Boogie Wonderland from £19.99 per person, plus Festive Lunches from £15.95. Treat yourself to a gourmet Christmas Day lunch for only £54.50 per adult and really relax on the big day. Call now to secure your place for 2014!
Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA
01452 525 653 gloucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk
Gloucester Rugby have got WIN TICKETS! Rugby take on Saracens at Christmas all wrapped up! Gloucester Kingsholm on Friday 9th January, kick off After their success last season, Gloucester Rugby are pleased to announce that the Christmas Gift Pack is back for season 2014-15 which offers supporters a great saving of up to £20 on the match ticket price alone. It's very simple for supporters to take advantage of a great offer on match tickets and also get a Christmas gift from Gloucester Rugby as the club go into some huge Aviva Premiership clashes over the festive period. Buy a ticket for both Wasps on Sunday 28th December (kick off 2.30pm) and Saracens on Friday 9th January (kick off 7.45pm) and included in the price you will receive a Christmas Gift Pack worth £15! Gift Pack includes: • One Gloucester Rugby Santa hat • Two Drink Vouchers 5 DECEMBER MISSIN’ ROSIE Traditional, frantic folk turned upside down, Celtic inspired, fast fun frolics. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. THE SUNKEN FOAL A night with no boundries in genre that can fill the dance floor till the morning. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Cellar Bar, Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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. Tickets £7.50. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 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.
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(one pint of Worthington’s and one pint of Stowford Press) • One food discount voucher • One Gloucester Rugby signed Christmas Card • One Saracens Programme To redeem your gift pack simply visit tickets.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/fixture and select an adult ticket in your chosen area for both games and use Promotion Code CHRISTMAS. Alternatively contact the ticket office on 0871 871 8781 option 2 and quote Christmas.
7.45pm. For your chance to win 2 tickets simply answer the following question:
Which Gloucester Rugby player was named captain of his country ahead of the 2014 autumn internationals? Send your answer, name, email address and contact number to competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk.
Don’t forget to mention you’re a reader of The Local Answer!
GLOUCESTER RUGBY Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX t 0871 871 87 81 e admin@gloucesterrugby.co.uk w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
HOUSEBOUND Founded by Mr Yip and Lil Joey, this has grown into the longest running House Music night in Gloucester. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Cellar Bar, Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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
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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. 10 DECEMBER LEWIS CREAVEN BAND A very exciting Blues band to watch live – high energy music that makes you want to dance! 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 11 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY ALADDIN
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.
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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).
NEW R O T I S I V CENTOPREEN NOW
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX
Bird & Deer Park unveils fantastic new Visitor Centre The Bird and Deer Park has officially opened the doors to its new Visitor Centre and it is seriously impressive! The large room is full of sweet gifts from cuddly toys to dainty ornaments and, since conservation is a big part of the Bird Park’s work, visitors can purchase bird, bat and bug boxes, bird feeders and nests to help the wildlife in their own gardens to thrive. With no designated seating, visitors are welcome to move their chairs to either enjoy the stunning views of the park and surrounding countryside, or watch the educational videos that will be played on the large projector every day. The balcony seating also allows visitors to gaze over the lake and gypsy caravan while observing the majestic peacocks and darling deer wandering around the park.
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Powder-blue painted antlers are hung on the beautiful oak beams and a flock of wooden geese scales the wall. The centre is perfect for large groups of people, including school trips, as visitors can wander around the park and return to the centre for hot and cold drinks and tasty treats.
Providing employment in the local area The project is supported by the Rural Development Programme for England, for which Defra is the Managing Authority, part financed by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in rural areas. Out of 220,000 applications across Europe, the Bird Park’s was the first application to be completed and awarded the maximum grant available. This grant has helped to construct the Visitor and Animal Welfare Centre in order to help sustain and promote economic growth and provide opportunity for employment in the local area. The next grant of its kind is open for applications in 2018, so it was vital that the Bird Park secured the current grant in order to bring the fantastic centre to fruition as soon as possible. Owner Melanie Meigh is extremely proud of the new centre and is excited to welcome new and existing visitors to enjoy the wonderful facility as the latest feature of the already vibrant park. There’s a cosy feel to the centre and, with a hot chocolate in one hand and a wildlife magazine in the other, it’s easy to see how you could spend the whole day relaxing there as if you were in the comfort of your own home – maybe with a little more wildlife!
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 25
12 DECEMBER WILL EDMUNDS TRIO Blues rock – original songs and interpretations of some great Blues tracks. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. DIRTY LYLE Lyle is the longest standing resident DJ of Café René. He knows how to play to the crowd and never fails to please. A completely eclectic DJ that provides the correct vibes. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Cellar Bar, Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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. BOUNCE Hosted by The BangTidy DJs Sarah and Gemma who know every track on every album from the last decade and more, providing the right vibes till the end of the night. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Cellar Bar, Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340.
14 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS FAIR
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. 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
AWARD WINNING BEERS
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. MARY SPENDER Playing beautiful songs of Blues, Folk and Easy Listening. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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 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. THE SOUL STRUTTERS An eclectic mix of Rare Groove gems, Dirty Funk, Rock, Motown Soul classics and all things in-between. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340.
as Chrisctm Pa ks le availab
The Brewery shop is open 6 days per week, every day from Tuesday to Sunday
A great Christmas Gift
Brewery Tours to groups and individuals! Tours include a presentation, tour around the brewery, a plentiful supply of ale and a buffet of local meats and cheeses!
www.gloucesterbrewery.co.uk
Tel: 01452 690 541 gloucesterbrewery@yahoo.co.uk Llanthony Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EH Page 26
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20 DECEMBER THE RAT PACK SWINGING CHRISTMAS SHOW
Swing into the festive season with The Rat Pack as they recreate the magic of Christmas. £20. 7.30pm. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk. 26 DECEMBER SKA-VILLE DJ Pogo & Dirty Lyle – a night of Motown, Northern Soul, SKA and Reggae with some Disco Magic for good measure! 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 27 DECEMBER HIRED GUNS A formidable force live, with heavy vocals backed by a strong sound. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340.
DANCE CONSPIRACY A night of pure feel good vibes and old School House, Breaks and DnB/Jungle. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Cellar Bar, Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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
NorA friendly th Glos BSAC local diving club Meet every Thursday 8.15pm at GL1 (Gloucester Leisure Centre) pool
Try Dive £15 Your local Rotary Clubs are collecting IT equipment on behalf of charity, IT Schools Africa which helps transform IT education in Africa. Help by donating IT equipment (in working order) on the 10th January.
Burns Night Supper Saturday 25th January 2014
mercure.com
For more information or to book, please call:
Vouchers available would make ideal Christmas Presents. (Mention TLA when booking)
Call Dave Phillips 07979 227876 or enquiries@nglos.co.uk
JANUARY PARTIES 2015 Friday 9th & Saturday 10th
3 Course traditional Scottish feast, themed music and poems
Over 700 Hotels worldwide
Drop off points at: Tesco Cheltenham (Tewkesbury Road) 9.30am-1pm, Tesco Stroud 11am-12pm, Tesco Quedgeley 1.30pm-2.30pm, Morrisons Tewkesbury (Ashchurch Road) 9am-2pm. 21-25 JANUARY ALI BABA Promenade Productions present this classic tale which follows the adventures of young Ali Baba and his trusty camel and their attempts to stop the evil Mustapha Lot from stealing an all powerful sword. Can he save the day? ‘Oh yes he can!’. £10-£16. Evening performances: 7pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees: 2.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 224144. promenadeproductions.co.uk.
Join us for a night of mystery, charm and intrigue at a Mistletoe Masquerade party.
£30 Per Pe
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Bar opens at 6.30pm Dinner served 7.45pm Bar closes at 12.30am with dancing until 1am Dress code: smart casual Price includes themed event room, three-course meal, table novelties and resident DJ. PARTY & STAY
Take the worry out of getting home and take advantage of our great value accommodation rates for the festive period. Rooms from £79.00
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Page 27
VINYL RECORDS WANTED – CASH PAID
Picture Perfect PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Most records considered – large or small collections. Psychedelia, Prog Rock, 1960’s, Heavy Metal, Soul & Reggae are especially wanted. ‘For Sale’ lists of records welcome, please send to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987
Get snapping!
Christmas Trees Available at Over Farm from November 29th. Norway Spruce, Silver Fir and Nordman Fir 3ft-8ft. Prices from £4 per foot. For more information on trees and our Christmas events, go to
www.overfarmmarket.co.uk
or telephone 01452 521014 Bring this ad and get £2 off your tree
We have a brand new feature starting in the New Year and it involves you! Each month we will be running a photo competition with different themes and prizes up for grabs for the winner. All you need to do is send your photo to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk with a short description about who/what it is, where it was taken, etc. Photos can be old or new but pictures must be supplied in high quality digital format – we cannot accept postal entries. The winner will be chosen by The Local Answer Team and contacted with details of how to receive the prize. The theme for the January edition is ’Winter Wildlife’ and can be a photo taken from anywhere around the world.
BE A WINNER! To enter our draw to win 4 tickets to visit the wonderful wildlife at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park courtesy of owner Melanie Meigh, email your photo with your name, address and telephone number stating ’Winter Wildlife’ to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk. One entry per person. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See Index page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 11th December 2014. Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX
Over Farm Market, Over, Gloucester. GL2 8DB
01452 521014
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01452 812727
www.thebirdpark.com
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 29
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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.
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Page 35
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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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Page 37
Leckhampton bathr
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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
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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
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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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01242
ANSWER 510500
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Leader’s Life
WE MOVE
ANY JUNK Rubbish Removal Skip Hire Alternative Domestic & Commercial
with Councillor Paul James
Paul the ‘Strictly Star’ One of the features of the Christmas period in recent years has been the finals of the X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing. To be honest, until the latest series I’d never really watched Strictly before. However, back in September I took part in “Strictly Star” at the Everyman Theatre – a Gloucestershire version of Strictly Come Dancing which raised funds for the National Star College. As someone who is not a natural dancer, this was well outside my comfort zone. In all, 15 local “personalities” were teamed up with more accomplished dancers to perform a routine on the night. This included Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards (who went on to win the competition), Dr Dawn from Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, Rob Rees (The Cotswold Chef) and Radio Gloucestershire’s Claire Carter. To add to the challenge, my dancing partner dropped out two weeks before the event meaning that my new partner, Sue Tribe, and I had to get our act together pretty quickly!
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The performance itself, with a packed theatre and bright lights, was terrifying but the audience were wonderfully supportive. I got through without embarrassing myself too much, but I did prompt one of the judges, Jackie Llewellyn-Bowen, to say: “The male dancer’s job is to make the woman look fantastic and you did that very well!” The fundraising target for the night was £50,000 and we’re nearly there. I held a screening of the show at Gloucester Guildhall back in October where Sue and I performed the routine all over again, but this time I was much better – perhaps because the pressure was off.
How you can help To add to the sponsorship total, please visit strictlystar.everydayhero.com/uk/paulandsue and to learn more about the tremendous work of the National Star College, check out their website at www.natstar.ac.uk. On behalf of the City Council, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. 2015 is going to be a big year for Gloucester – but I’ll talk more about that next time! t: 01452 384051
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To advertise call 01242 510500
e:paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
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Quick Crossword 1
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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!
Page 45
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SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN SERVICE PRICES FROM £100
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 Coach House Fish Bar Priory Harvester So Thai Tiger’s Eye
6 7 7 6
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Gloucester Rugby 22 Krazy Golf 29 Shipton Golf Course 4 Zumba with HayleyR 19 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bowden Hall 27 Bride & Groom Shows 17 Gloucester Brewery 26 Hallmark Hotel 21 Listening Post Christmas Concert 20 Manor By The Lake 23 Prinknash Bird & Deer Park 24-25, 29 WWT Slimbridge 28
RETAIL Aquajardin Over Farm Willowpitch Records
30-31 29 29
HEALTH & BEAUTY Deano’s Mobile Barber Kim Brunwin
19 16
NHS Let’s Talk Spa Vapes
16 43 & 50
PROPERTY & STORAGE House Moves Northwood
10 52
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Bicko’s Bike Shack Churchdown Private Hire John’s Private Hire
4 20 20
HOMES & GARDENS Bathrooms Leckhampton Bathrooms 38-39 Severn Vale Bathrooms 51 BUILDING SERVICES BE Rudman 32 Elite Loft Ladders 5 FarrDenn Construction 37 G Kelly Plastering 47 Home Care Property Maintenance 32 Marshalls Driveways 37 Roofing & Building Solutions 44 Tiles R Russ 9 Weather Tech 44 CARPENTRY Rhodes Carpentry 44 CLEANING SERVICES Clean Sweep Chimney Services 44
Oven Busters The Oven and Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES Cleevely Electrical GRP Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Gloucester Import Depot Interior Needs Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets Space Master Stoves and Fireplaces The Dyson Doc GARDEN SERVICES Chosen Lawnmowers DW Tree Services Fire Wood Joe & Jamie Maisemore Apiaries Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds Twelve Oaks HEATING & PLUMBING A.M Nelmes Pete T Plumbing Plumbing 1st Pure Plumbing The Combi-Man
5 4 44 49 44 34 8 11 43 32 15 47 36 36 44 37 36 36 36 36 47 9 32 48 34
KITCHENS Granite Transformations Hatherley Worktops Leckhampton Kitchens PAINTING & DECORATING K.D.S Painting & Decorating TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows
2 15 38-39 9 47 46 33 14 45 42
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL & FINANCE Books Angel Eversure Accounts HATS NJH Bookkeeping Take Five Solutions MOTOR SERVICES Westlands Hyundai SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Gloucestershire County Council Grime Busters Stevens Recycling
49 49 48 49 49 13 35 41 47
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Thanks to all who took part in our November competitions and congratulations to the winners: The Bacon Theatre – Mrs Daniels of Abbeymead and Mrs Cronin of Hucclecote. The Everyman Theatre – Christine Oakey of Gloucester and Sarah Griffiths of Brockworth. Over Farm – Zadie Ashmead of Longford. Sniff and Slurp – Dave Wesson of Cheltenham. Manor By The Lake – Michael Stephens of Churchdown. Bristol Hippodrome – Gail Parsons of Lydney.
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 stated. 7 Proof of
posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
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