January 2014 by The Local Answer

The Local YOUR FAVOURITE FREEMIUM

JANUARY 2014

GLOUCESTER

LOCAL INFORMATION • SHOPPING • EATING OUT • ENTERTAINMENT

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Welcome to...

The Local

ANSWER

As another year passes, who knows what the next year will have in store for any of us. We at The Local Answer wish all readers and advertisers health and happiness throughout 2014. Councillor Paul James’ column this month sheds light on just how well Gloucester has benefited from various bids for National Lottery funds. As they say, ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it’ – will you be the city’s next millionaire? Many of us will over indulge throughout the festive period and be in urgent need of a little exercise. Why not spend a couple of hours on this month’s Short Walk in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside around Uley and Owlpen. Maybe you could arrive home and undo some of your good work by enjoying ‘Pork Jambalaya’ – our Delicious Dish – a lovely ‘winter warmer’. If exercise isn’t on your ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ agenda, perhaps you’ll get some ideas from our ‘In the Garden’ and ‘Money Matters’ articles – both suggest a few things that will be rewarding for you and your garden or business. New Year, New Beginnings – and we’re delighted to have a new ‘Holidays & Travel’ section which we hope to develop as the months go by. Just Go! Holidays and Marchants Coaches both have some fantastic trips for you to enjoy and, if you fancy a winter or spring ‘getaway’ why not visit The Oxwich Bay Hotel in the beautiful Gower peninsular. If 2014 is a year to improve your home, many of our advertisers have fantastic sales on. There’s all manner of items on offer, giving plenty of choice on what to spend your money on next, including furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, carpets, fabrics, curtains/blinds and cleaning/repair services.

Contents Food & Entertainment Delicious Dishes Leaders Life Short Walks What’s On Gloucester Rugby Health & Beauty Holidays & Travel Homes & Gardens In the Garden Professional Services Money Matters People First Policing Index of Advertisers Competition Winners/Rules

Happy New Year!

The Local Answer Limited 1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS Production Beverley Ellin Advertising

Telephone: 01242 510500 Aimie George e aimie@thelocalanswer.co.uk Malcolm Cantwell e malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Leaflets & Distribution Cindy Duncan – 07720 098934 e distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

e admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk Alison Hambling e alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Robert Kingscott e rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial

Managing Director

Helen Kingscott e editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Dave Kingscott e dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

5 5 7 9 13 15 16 18 20 25 30 31 33 34 34

TO ADVERTISE IN

GLOUCESTER’S

FAVOURITE

FREEMIUM Telephone

01242 510500

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 3

OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Are you, or do you have the potential to be, the best? We require a

Regional Advertising Sales Manager The Local Answer has grown considerably over the last four years to become the largest publisher of monthly magazines distributed in Gloucestershire. But we’re not done yet! We have a fantastic opportunity, for the right candidate, to bring their sales and marketing skills – gained within the media industry – to a young, dynamic organisation. The remuneration package will be commensurate with the calibre of the individual appointed.

Are you hungry for success? If you believe you have what it takes to play a major role in driving The Local Answer to future successes, we’d like to hear from you. In the first instance please email your CV to dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk or write to Dave Kingscott at the following address.

The Local Answer Page 4

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Delicious Dishes

Pork Jambalaya ~ Serves 4 ~

Ingredients: 450g/1lb cubed pork; 1 x 15ml/1 tbsp oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 x 5ml/1 tsp chilli powder; 2 x 5ml/2 tsp ground turmeric; 225g/8oz brown rice; 397g/14oz can chopped tomatoes; 600ml/1 pint stock; 1 x 15ml/1tbsp tomato puree; 1 x 5ml/1 tsp sugar; 1 x 5ml/1 tsp dried mixed herbs; 1 red and 1 green pepper, seeded and cubed; 5 spring onions, sliced. Method: 1 Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until softened. 2 Add the cubed pork and cook until browned. 3 Add the spices and cook for a further minute. 4 Add rice and stir until coated in the spices. 5 Pour in tomatoes, stock, tomato puree, sugar and herbs. 6 Stir well, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 7 Add the peppers and spring onions and cook uncovered, for a further 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season well.

A Wonderful Winter Warmer!

Home Care

& SUPPORT SERVICES

Providing care and support to meet the needs of the individual. We aim to be flexible and deliver the services YOU want.

●

● ● ●

Personal care, washing, bathing, dressing Cooking, cleaning & shopping Help with medication Help accessing the community ALL STAFF CRB CHECKED AND TRAINED

Whatever your needs, we can help. Call for a free consultation. PLEASE CALL US TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS The Local Answer

01452 535 360

www.branksomecare.co.uk To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

PRIVATE HIRE We buy all your unwanted clothes, handbags, belts and shoes

cash per kilo Bedding & Curtains 15p per kilo Please deliver or phone

07990 930131 Unit 26.5 Morelands Trading Est, Bristol Rd, Gloucester GL1 5RZ

544 444 1o0ff% (01452)

Local Friendly Driver during January Very Competitive Rates Local & Long Distance Journeys Airport & Seaport Destinations

GCC Licensed & Approved

NEW YEAR NEW LOVE? Professional and personal service

0800 056 3179 or 01934 744788 www.carolinecrowther.com

Professional care for your pet in ‘state of the art’ facilities Air Conditioning • Underfloor Heating • Agility Gym • Field Walks

01452 712178 BJKennelsandCattery

www.bjkennelsandcattery.co.uk

bjkennelscattery@btconnect.com

✃ A taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Gloucester TAPAS MENU

•Paella – Seafood, chicken, chorizo & rice •Fresh tomato with feta, olive oil & herbs V •Fresh fillet sardines with olive oil, tomato & basil •Spanish omelette with pink mayonnaise V •Calamari in batter & garlic, lime mayonnaise •Meatballs in almond sauce •Carrozza, deep-fried mozzarella in bread crumbs & tomato sauce V •Prawns in piri piri sauce •Brochetta with smoked salmon & mozzarella •Chick peas, onion, chilli & fresh coriander (chilled dish) V

20% off

•Chorizo in red wine •Mediterranean hot chicken (mild spicy, sweet) •Beef estufado (casserole) garlic, white wine & red, parsley & bay leaf •Portuguese cod fish cakes & chilli •Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato V •Chicken piri piri (hot) •Aubergines in butter & honey V •Open roast mushrooms with goats cheese V •Belly pork with orange & ginger sauce •Grilled peppers & parmesan V •Fresh garlic mushrooms, olive oil & sherry V •Russian salad – tuna, potatoes, mixed vegetables, eggs & mayonnaise (chilled dish) Visit our website for full menu details

your total food bill A La Carte or Tapas Menu Sunday - Thursday evenings

On production of this voucher. Offer Ends 31.01.14

www.sebz.co.uk 93 Northgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2AA 01452 310599 Page 6

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Leader’s Life

with Councillor Paul James Leader of Gloucester City Council

MADE TO MEASURE QUALITY BLINDS

Vertical Blinds Roller Blinds FREE Venetian QUOTATIONS Pleated & MEASURING SERVICE Woodslat Awnings Also available EZI FIT

e: privacy-blinds@hotmail.com

TEL: 01452 883 901 M: 07845 032439

CAMRA Award winning pub

Large family operated free house located beside the Gloucester-Sharpness canal.

We cater for Birthday Parties, Christenings, Wakes and Anniversaries with separate function rooms, two bars, games room and 4* bed and breakfast accommodation.

01453 890306

Shepherds Patch, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BP email enquiries@thetudorarms.co.uk The Local Answer

‘In it to win it’ works well for city bids I’ve played the National Lottery every week since John Major’s Government introduced it in the 1990s. Although I live in hope, I’ve never won more than a tenner! I know that many people wondered whether they should continue when the price doubled to £2 per draw but, as I have the same numbers each time, I knew I’d regret it if they ever came up! At £4 per week, the lottery now costs more than the City Council’s share of the Council Tax. Over the years, funds from the lottery have gone into many Gloucester projects. Probably the biggest – at about £10 million – is the contribution towards the rebuild of the GL1 Leisure Centre which reopened in 2002. In more recent years the lottery has contributed towards schemes such as the refurbishment of the City Museum and the Gloucester Rugby Archives Project. Many smaller groups and projects have benefitted as well, as has the community in Podsmead with a £1 million grant to improve the area over a ten-year period. Thanks to lottery help, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is currently closed for a major revamp. In September, the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed a grant of around £900,000 for improvements to buildings in Southgate Street over a five year timeframe. At the same time it announced a “stage one” pass for the Discover DeCrypt project for St Mary de Crypt – giving them funds to work up the plans to the next level and earmarking £1 million for it, subject to the quality of the “stage two” bid. Similarly, Llanthony Priory’s Trustees have been successful in winning over £300,000 for a stage one pass, which could lead to a £3 million grant to restore this historic building. The Waterways Museum, Gloucester Rowing Club’s Boathouse project, phase two of the City Museum’s transformation project and the Cathedral’s Project Pilgrim (which is about improving the visitor experience and changing the car park into a quality public space) all hope to be beneficiaries of future generosity from lottery funds. We can’t all be lottery winners but Gloucester seems to be! Even if your numbers don’t come up, I hope you have a happy and prosperous New Year!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 7

FUSION RESTAURANT

A T T H E O L D B E L L - TWO BARS, LOUNGE & RESTAURANT

ALL ‘BLACK ROCK’ DISHES

~ SPECIAL JANUARY OFFERS ~

LUNCHTIME & EVENINGS

FREE CHIPS WITH ANY PANINI AT LUNCHTIME FOR ONLY £4.95 Tuesday-Friday 12-3pm & 5-7.30pm

*Offer applies to items listed above and only valid at times shown above during January 2014. Voucher on page 10 must be handed in to redeem offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

See our website for our Valentine’s Menu

9a Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TG

www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk

Reservations 01452 332993

We are now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day

(Above Costa Coffee)

LIVE MUSIC RENOWNED FOR OUR LIVE MUSIC WE HAVE BANDS & PERFORMERS EVERY WEDS & FRI. CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Relax in a warm and friendly atmosphere while our excellent team serve you. Whether you would like to eat, drink or just have a cup of fresh coffee, Café René is the place to be!

EVENING OFFERS

10% OFF STEAKS & CHARGRILL

CHOOSE TWO COURSES FOR £12 (including 16oz T-Bone & Mixed Grill)

(a main course and starter or dessert from a selection of dishes on our set menu)

These offers are only valid 6-10pm Sunday-Thursday during January 2014 upon presentation of this advertisement, and are subject to space and availability. Booking advisable!

Open: Sunday-Thursday 11am-midnight & Friday-Saturday 11am-3am Food Served Daily: Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm & Sunday 12-9.30pm

31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP 01452 309340 www.caferene.co.uk

in association with

Short Walks in The Cotswolds 0 B4

Ash Quarries

Devonia Farm

C R AW

LEY

Hodgecombe Farm

Crawley

Springfield Farm

Mutterall Cottage

Hydehill

Uley House

ET RE ST T

Bury Bower

The Old Stables

Y LAN E

Dingle Farm

Sch

Uley

Mill Farm

Owlpen

Longmead

Rockstowes

Corner Barn Stouts Hill

Uley & Owlpen Old Mill Pond

Recn Gd

Lampern Cottage Owlpen Hall

Mill Pond Peter’s Nest Wood

I Blacknest

The Walled Garden

Marsh Farm

2 Mill (dis)

Sheppards Mill

Owlpen Farm

B4066

Peter’s Nest

Owlpen Manor

Angeston Grange U L E Y R OAD

Hobbs Hole Wood Woodwells

H UT SO T S

Rockstowes House

FIER

Hall Nursery

Newbrook Bungalow

Woodcock

The Dell

Owlpen Wood

Newbrook Farm

Mutterall Farm

The Grove

The Whittards

Uley Bury Hydegate

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

West Hill Quarry

Coaley Cliff Wood Wood

Ruin Wood

Owlpen Stables Owlpen Lodge

Oldleaze Wood

Whitley Wood

3¾ miles (6km) ~ 2 hours Moderate; some steep gradients

This walk climbs steeply up to Uley Bury. However, the climb is well worth it as the views from the top over the Severn Vale are outstanding. A Park in Uley and walk up the path to the right of the post office. Just before the fields turn right along the signposted footpath between the holly bushes. Turn sharp left just after the start of the stone churchyard wall. Go through the kissing gate and head half-left straight up the hill towards the large tree standing at the edge of the wood. Pick up the well-defined path running along the edge of the wood to a gate.

Owlpen Manor

The Local Answer

B Go through the gate and follow the path uphill. The path runs to the left of a metal fence after which there is a metal gate. Head uphill along the edge to the Uley Bury information board. C Turn left and follow the path to the southeast edge of the hill fort. 1 Uley Bury occupies a superb promontory site with 300ft (90m) drops on all sides except the north. A rampart and ditch provides further protection. It encloses an area of 30 acres (12ha) which is now privately owned arable land, and could have sheltered up to 2000 Iron Age people. D Turn right between the hillocks and walk downhill through a gate. Keep on the main path steeply downhill, cross a stile and emerge from the woods. Follow the track downhill behind the houses. E At the end of the path turn right, go through the metal gate and at the road turn left past Uley brewery to the main road. Turn left and walk as far as South Street. F Turn right into South Street and follow the road round past the school. Take the right hand fork signposted ‘Sheppard’s Mill’ and

To advertise call 01242 510500

Downham Hill from Uley Bury

leave the metalled road to fork right before the mill and across the stream to a gate. G Go through the gate. Continue straight ahead, ignoring the gate and stile on your left and keeping the fence to your left. At the end of the field go through a gate and head in the same direction towards the far left corner of the field to a stile. Head uphill to the next stile just beneath the woods. H Cross the stile and turn left down to the road. Turn right onto the road for about 100yds (90m) to a gate on the left just before a house. Go through the gate and bear left downhill alongside the fence to a gate on the left. I Go through the gate and head to the left of the church. Cross the stile onto the track and head down to the road. Turn right and walk along the road back to Uley. 2 The small medieval manor house of Owlpen Manor is noted for its picturesque setting. The building dates mainly from 1450 to 1616 with some 18th century additions. After 100 years of neglect it was restored in Arts and Craft style in 1926 by Norman Jewson. The gardens and house are open to the public.

Page 9

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www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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Christmas for many people is an opportunity to enjoy time with family and over-indulge a bit. Sadly though, for some families the added pressure and stress of the festive season can push them to breaking point, especially in the current financial climate. The New Year then signifies a fresh start for some, particularly if a relationship has broken down.

At Harrison Clark Rickerbys, our team of experienced family lawyers can offer you support and guidance through what is often a very difficult time. We are experts in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, financial settlements and arrangements for children. We offer a first appointment of up to an hour free of charge to help you explore your options.

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‘Earn an increasing monthly income’ Since 1997, Telecom Plus, which operates the Utility Warehouse Discount Club, has grown from just an idea into a company with a £600 million+ turnover – a track record second to none! This phenomenal growth has been achieved by word of mouth “referral marketing”, and the company has received numerous accolades and rewards for outstanding services and value for money. Jason and Shelley Hyde were customers of Utility Warehouse (UW) for four years before becoming Distributors. Jason explains why they joined forces with their supplier: “ We were so impressed with the service, we began to recommend UW to family and friends. This was when our personal UW contact asked if we would like to look at the business model. Because it was extremely flexible and part time – you can choose the number of hours and when you want to work – we thought we’d give it a go. I was doing 6070 hour weeks in the building trade, so time was limited. Now we have built up a very nice residual income, paid into our account every month – whether we work or not.

Exciting incentives As well as receiving an income, generating discounts on your utility bills or raising funds for a good cause, there’s an exciting range of incentives which include owning your own BMW Mini; driving one of the company’s Porsche Boxsters; qualifying for luxury, all expenses paid holidays; earning vouchers to spend in M&S or John Lewis, plus significant cash bonuses for achieving targets. In 4½ years of being Distributors, as well as the income, we’ve ordered the free UW mini, won shares and holidays (Las Vegas and a Mediterranean Cruise), ordered the Porsche and I’m now only building on a part time basis. This opportunity just frees up your life, giving you choices, and many friends are following us with this business model. That’s the beauty of this business – as long as you’re over 18, you can do this. We have builders, postmen, single mums, accountants, solicitors, IT consultants, printers, police officers and members of the armed forces – all achieving their goals in our team. You just need to tell people what you do, and how you can help them either save or make money, or both. I’m now a company mentor and enjoy helping new Distributors to achieve their goals – whether to earn a few hundred pounds extra each month or become financially free. I find myself regularly asking prospective

Jason on a visit to the Hoover Dam– courtesy of The Utility Warehouse.

Distributors ‘how many people do you know who use the phone, switch on a light, turn on the oven or use the internet?’ The UW doesn’t ask people to spend extra money on services they don’t use, they simply offer far better value on services already used! You could tap into a market where people and businesses are already spending many billions of £s every year. Every time your customers use their phone, switch on a light, turn on the heating or surf the net – you could be getting paid. The UW offers a unique support and training programme, which includes a comprehensive package of manuals and marketing materials – providing everything you need to start building your own successful business. Initial training for new Distributors is provided free of charge at over 45 training centres throughout the country and the great thing is, you can go as many times as you want – free of charge. There are around nine types of training days, which become available as you grow your business. We also hold career opportunity presentations to explain how the business model works.”

Contact Jason or Shelley (details below) if you would like more information about The Utility Warehouse, or to book your place at the next Career Opportunity Presentation – 8pm Tuesday 14th January at The Regency Hotel, Cheltenham.

Jason & Shelley Hyde 01242 575462 / 07812 996653 shelley@utilities4you.net www.telecomplus.org.uk/shelleyhyde

R o bi n Hood

22-26 JANUARY 2014

Start the New Year with a laugh as Promenade Productions’ panto comes with more than its fair share of mayhem and merriment! Follow the legendary Robin Hood, as he battles the evil Sheriff of Nottingham to free the land from tyranny. Loads of laughs, stunning sets, fabulous costumes, great dance routines, a large cast and lots of audience participation – a wonderful night out! 7pm daily plus matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. £8-£14 and family of four just £30 on Wednesday and Thursday performances – to book call Showcase (01242 224144). Bacon Theatre, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. promenadeproductions.co.uk.

Tom Lehrer G Alison Krauss Fairground Attraction Sondheim G Gershwin G Cole Porter Emmylou Harris

Shipton Golf 18 HOLES FOR THE Course

Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT

www.shiptongolf.co.uk shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk Tel: 01242 890237

“A singer of terrific emotional power ...”

Gloucestershire Echo

PRICE OF 9!

Thursday 13 February 2014 - 7.45pm

One voucher per player. Valid during Januar y 2014

– No need to book – Open every day from 7am until dusk

Growing for you since ’82 We aim to provide the best locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce...

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Cheltenham 47-53 Bath Rd, Town Centre GL53 7HG

Tickets £12.00 & £10.00

Box Office: 01242 522852

ON ROAD OFF ROAD Get your bike ready for the new season Servicing • Repairs • Accessories

SECOND HAND BIKE SALES Collection & Delivery Service Available! Call Nige on 07551 923072 / 01452 534622 or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com For all your cycling needs visit our website...

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WANTED – CASH PAID

VINYL RECORDS

Over Farm Market Over Gloucester GL2 8DB

01452 521014

www.overfarmmarket.co.uk The Local Answer

Get money for your unwanted vinyl Singles, EPs & Albums – 1960s, Soul, Reggae, Psychedelia & Prog Rock especially wanted

www.willowpitch.co.uk willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 13

WIN TICKETS! Gloucester Rugby take on London Wasps in the LV= Cup on the 31 Jan/1/2 Feb (date and kick-off time TBC). For your chance to win 2 x silver tickets in the Mira Showers Stand simply answer the following question:

Who did Gloucester Rugby beat in the final of the LV= Cup in 2011? Gloucester Rugby are pleased to announce the Road to 2015 sponsored walk which will take place on Sunday 9th February 2014. The route is a 3 mile loop, starting and finishing at Kingsholm and taking in sights of Gloucester, including the Cathedral, Docks and the rugby posts in the park. In the lead up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Gloucester Rugby are inviting all schools, rugby clubs, businesses and anyone from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to join the sponsored walk and raise money for their own worthwhile causes and the Gloucester Rugby CIC. 60% of the money raised by each organisation will be put towards a cause of their choice from grassroots sports to much needed equipment or facilities; CSR projects

to charities. The remaining 40% will be donated to the Gloucester Rugby CIC for the delivery of programmes to the community. Rewards can be earned by participants for taking part and raising money for their nominated causes. These include a Gloucester Rugby flag, team poster and match tickets to Kingsholm and Twickenham. Gloucester Rugby’s ambition is to make the event hassle-free for all participants – all risk assessments, planning and event management aspects of the Walk will be managed by Gloucester Rugby. For more information or to register please contact Bryony or Lucy respectively – bryonynarbeth@gloucesterrugby.co.uk and lucynottage@gloucesterrugby.co.uk.

ValentinesEvening

Send your answer, name, email address and mobile phone number to competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Don’t forget to mention you’re a Local Answer reader!

GLOUCESTER RUGBY Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX t 0871 871 87 81 e admin@gloucesterrugby.com w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February 2014 Celebrate Valentines Day at Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel. Romantic soft jazz music will be provided by our jazz trio during your delicious 3 course meal with coffee, chocolates and a flute of champagne. Why not make a weekend of it? Special accommodation rates are available, please ask for more details

only

Mercure Gloucester BOWDEN HALL Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Glos GL4 8ED Tel: 0844 815 9077 E: 077cs@jupiterhotels.co.uk The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

£35 per person

Quote ‘LOCAL’ when you make a booking Page 15

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PHYSIOTHERAPY & SPORTS INJURIES

Assessment, Diagnosis, and hands-on treatment for muscle and joint pain by a chartered physiotherapist Appointments at Riverside Sports and Leisure Club, Gloucester Treatments include: Acupuncture, Massage, Joint mobilisations, Pilates and Exercise Please contact Gemma:

10% 01452 729749 / 07572 809182 OFF

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Page 16

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The Local Answer

L et ’s Ta lk

What is ‘Let’s Talk?’

Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – a free service from your local NHS. We offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for people with mild to moderate S SE JANUARY COUR anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. CBT is a nationally recognised first choice treatment for depression and anxiety CHELTENHAM – it focuses on the ‘here and now’. It uses specific techniques to manage 6th – Emotional Wellbeing symptoms by modifying behaviours and thoughts that maintain depression and for Older Adults g anxiety. CBT is solution focussed – we will work together to achieve specific 7th & 18th – Emotional Wellbein agreed goals. You will also have tasks to complete between sessions. 8th – Low Mood

8th – EWB/LYLSE New Let’s Talk Courses 9th – Stress and Anxiety We are now offering more courses in locations right across our county, 23rd – Low Self Esteem facilitated by trained therapists and practitioners. Our revised course schedule 27th – Anger includes popular existing courses as well as new courses including: Let’s Talk 28th – Mindfulness-based Anger, IBS, Sleep and Panic. Cognitive Therapy GLOUCESTER Availability of Courses 7th – Emotional Wellbeing All courses are held in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud, and some are also iety Anx and ss 8th – Stre held in North Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and the Forest of Dean. They 9th – Low Mood are mainly held in the evening, but a selection will also run during the daytime. 22nd – Anger 23rd – Panic How to book your place on a course 24th – Irritable Bowel Syndrome If you would like more information about courses held near you, please visit ed -bas ness dful Min 28th – https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 between Cognitive Therapy 9am-5pm. You can also speak to your GP who can help you book on a course. em Este Self Low – 28th

Descriptions – which courses would help you?

L et’ s Ta l k Emotional Wellbeing This introductory, low intensity course will provide you with useful and effective strategies and skills to help you look after your general wellbeing. It looks at: getting active, negative thinking, getting meaning back in your life, assertiveness, relationships. By being aware of what you do and how you think, this course will provide you with skills and strategies to help you manage symptoms of low mood and depression. L et’ s Ta l k Stress and Anxiety This course will help you to understand what stress and anxiety is and how your thinking and behaviours maintain it. We will help you learn skills and strategies to help you manage your stress and anxiety and break the negative vicious cycles. L et’ s Ta l k Mindfulness Mindfulness courses are designed to help you observe negative moods, negative thinking, physical sensations and behaviours that have an impact on the quality of your life. It will teach you how to quieten your mind. L et’ s Ta l k Anger This course will help you understand anger and the related physical and psychological symptoms. It will help you develop ways to deal with anger and respond better to anger provoking situations. L et’ s Ta l k Sleep This course will help you understand the causes of poor sleep and it will also help you learn skills and strategies to help you manage your sleep. It is meant for people with insomnia rather than other sleep disorders. L et’ s Ta l k Panic This course will help you understand panic and the negative vicious cycle this creates. It will look at the related physical and psychological symptoms and teach you strategies to enable you to face your fears. L et’ s Ta l k Low Self-Esteem This course will help you understand what low self-esteem is and how it developed. It will help you learn skills and techniques to improve your self-esteem and challenge your negative beliefs about yourself. L et’ s Ta l k Irritable Bowel Syndrome This course will raise your awareness of the psychological aspects of IBS. It will help you to develop coping strategies and ways to manage your symptoms. L et’ s Ta l k Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) This course will help you to understand what are obsessions and compulsions are and how they link with anxiety. It will help you understand and develop ways to deal with your OCD. L et’ s Ta l k Negative Thinking This short course helps you to learn about the negative thinking styles you may be using. It helps you to learn strategies to challenge negative thinking and adopt more balanced thoughts. It links to all other courses. L et ’ s Ta lk Getting Active This short course will help you to get more of a balance of activities, hobbies and necessary tasks to help you enjoy your life more. It links to all other courses.

L et’ s Ta l k Low Mood

Foundation Trust For Gloucestershire

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The Local Answer

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The Local Answer

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Page 24

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The Local Answer

PLUMBING & HEATING MAINTENANCE FROM THE SMALL: • LEAKS • SHOWERS • • TAP & TOILET REPAIRS • TO THE LARGE: • BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS • • SOLAR PANELS • AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

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Garden Sheds, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Workshops, Site Huts, Stables, Kennels, Aviaries, Pavilions or any large timber buildings! The Local Answer

In t he G arden

with Julia Smith New Year resolutions for your garden Grow at least one vegetable – be it a row of runner beans or a courgette in a pot. ● Don’t tie the dying foliage of daffodils into neat bundles – leave it to die back naturally. ● Don’t leave tools in the border to go rusty! (one for me!!) ● Mow lawn once a week in growing season – even if it doesn’t look like it needs it. A useful thing to do now is to collect material for making pea sticks to support plants in your borders in the summer. Hazel and birch twigs are the best ones to use. Pea sticks look much more natural than using readymade supports, and can be bent and semi-snapped to create the desired shapes. Leave them tied up in bundles in a corner somewhere outside and put them in place early on in the season to enable the plants to grow through them for a natural look. January is the right time to give wisteria its winter pruning. Cut back the whippy stems that have grown last year to two or three buds. This will create flowering ‘spurs’ to bloom in the summer. Do take care if you have to use ladders – make sure the bottom is secure on a flat surface and don’t lean over to make it unstable. If you have a vast wisteria that has gone beserk after being ignored for many years it may pay to get in a specialist gardener who can get it back into some semblance of order, enabling you to carry on with it yourself in future years. Remember to recycle your Christmas tree if you have a real one. Garden centres will quite often take them, or use the local recycling centre. If you have a brown wheelie bin you can lop off the branches and stuff it in there. Either way you can be sure that most of the needles will still be in the carpet by Christmas 2014! Vines need pruning now as, if left too late, sap will bleed from every cut. Prune back last year’s stems to one or two buds. As always if you fancy a change in your garden, just get in touch (details below). ●

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 25

Severn Vale Bathrooms

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inspiring projects ... inspiring people ... inspiring you ...

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The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 27

Elite Loft Ladders • • • • •

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

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 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 the Gloucester,

Cheltenham, Stroud & Tewkesbury areas 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 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.

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The Local Answer

✃

WINDOWS I DOORS I CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS

NEWS NEWS NEWS

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 29

GLOSBUILD

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Hucclecote Accounting and Taxation Services (HATS for short) offers a wholly individual approach to accountancy and taxation services. Our staff are patient, professional and friendly and they offer a taxation service that’s tailored to your needs. That means you get all the experience of the HATS team of Chartered and Chartered Certified Accountants; there’s always someone on hand to help. We offer a bespoke accounting service, based on your precise requirements; you can have as much or little help as you need.

Plain English Best of all, you get a ‘plain English’ approach to accountancy. No accountant’s shorthand; just plenty of common sense advice and assistance on all manner of accountancy services. Taxation really doesn’t have to be taxing!

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Page 30

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The Local Answer

STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips

ATTENTION! For a limited time only...

Let us lighten your load! 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL SKIP HIRE WHEN YOU QUOTE TLA 06/07/03 WHEN ORDERING*

Stevens Recycling

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Money Matters with Roger Downes

Keep it simple to reap the rewards of your resolutions It’s a time for resolutions, so I thought I would provide a few that you could apply to your business to bring it success in 2014. Like many things in life, doing the straightforward things well is a good place to start. So I make no apology for keeping the advice simple.

MANAGE YOUR CASH Cash is King in any business. Don’t let your customers play you for a fool. If you’ve done a good job, don’t be shy in asking for your money.

PLAN AHEAD Taking time out to manage your own business affairs can sometimes seem unproductive when you’re trying to satisfy customers. But it will pay off in the long term, so make sure you do it.

MOTIVATE THE TEAM Very few of us can succeed in isolation. Motivating the team on which you are going to rely for support in delivering service to customers can be done in many different ways. How you do it will depend on your circumstances and your team, but it is a vital part of running a successful business.

PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION Plumb It Plumbing & Heating Services is a family run, Gloucestershire based company that has built its customer base on good old fashioned service, value and reliability.

BUY LOCAL

SERVICES INCLUDE:

· Boiler Repairs · Boiler installation and servicing · Central heating systems · Gas fire installations · Gas safety & Landlord certificates

Plumb It Plumbing & Heating Services M: 07827 913291 E: info@cheltenham-plumber.com www.cheltenham-plumber.com The Local Answer

For most of us the best source of new business is our existing customer base. Establishing and maintaining your reputation for producing a high quality service at an affordable price is key to sustaining growth. This won’t make the business a success in isolation, but a strong local economy will have benefits for everyone operating within it.

ENJOY YOURSELF There is no substitute for working with a smile on your face – it also produces better results.

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Roger Downes FCA – Managing Director

www.andorran.co.uk 01242 244856

accountancy@andorran.co.uk

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 31

7PVCu Windows from just 7

£1400 PVCu Doors from just

£500

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VAT T. T All prices include fitting and V These are top quality PV VCu products from a leading national manufacturer P with all the latest style, colour and security options including WER ‘‘ A’ rated. IInsured guarantee and member of T TGO, the glazing ombudsman. F Free quotations. No long sales pitch or pressure to buy, we keep it simple, we just measure and quote. You can’t buy better! So why payy more? ? Y

PLASTERING &RENOVATION

For plastering and rendering, dry lining, room alterations, replastering old walls and over plastering artex etc. For all your building needs

Phone Andy on

0781 605 2737 01452 548764

FEMALE DECORATOR All decorating needs met. No job too big or small. Friendly and professional work ethic with quality finishes every time. Cheltenham, Gloucester and surrounding areas. Telephone:

FENSA R Registration No: 1 12 20 01 11 1

Kestrel Court, Wa aterwells Drive K Q Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 2AT T

a alba any ywindows.co.uk k

Page 32

G Gloucester 424411

07929 610681 Email:

michellepowell81@hotmail.com

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Female Plumber Kerry Baker

Professional qualified plumber Fully insured

No call out charge

Mobile

07880 258 158 femaleplumberglos@hotmail.co.uk

Architectural Design Planning Permission Outbuildings & Extensions Project Management FREE INITIAL VISIT

07783 537700 / 01452 311242

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The Local Answer

Accountants & Business Adviser For a free initial consultation at a time suitable to you, contact Lisa or Tony on

01452 347307 or email info@bowdenyoung.co.uk www.bowdenyoung.co.uk

epairs puter R ➛ C om orking ➛ Netw es rt Phon ts/Sma ➛ Table t uppor iness S ➛ B us e e F ix - No ➛ No F n ig s e D ➛ Web

SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN SERVICE PRICES FROM £85 • Bookkeeping • Payroll • VAT/CIS • Uniform & Small Tools Rebates for Employees Free Consultation and free paperwork collection/postal service

The BooksAngel

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Computer Services Computer and laptop repairs/maintenance. Virus removal. Tablet and smartphone support. Web Design and Hosting.

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www.shirazbadat.co.uk St Catherine Street, Kingsholm, Gloucester, GL1 2BX

LTD

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Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Work undertaken

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Security lighting Kitchen lights Rewires EVERYTHING Showers for work booked and Fault finding carried out before Inspection & testing 31st January 2014 Landlord certificates Distribution board upgrades Free Estimates ~ No Call out Charge

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The Local Answer

Gloucestershire Constabulary People First Policing

Your views will help to make 2014 safer! As my team and I have now been in place at Barton Street Police Station for over a year, this is a good chance for us to review what we have done so far, and what you can expect from us in the coming months. During the last year we have seen a notable reduction in crime across Barton, Tredworth and White City – the main headlines being: • Dwelling burglary down from 181 to 107 – 41% reduction. • Theft from motor vehicles down from 106 to 65 – c.39%. • Criminal damage down from 315 to 237 – c.25%. • Total crime has fallen from 1587 to 1291 – a 19% reduction. Overall, I’m sure you will agree, this is a very positive picture, and PS Tim Wood helps to demonstrate the area is becoming an even safer place to live, work and play. Work we’ve done to contribute to these reductions includes: • Op Joshua – burglary initiative to ‘target harden’ homes. • Op Isaac – targeted patrols in areas vulnerable to ASB and criminal damage. • Development of stronger links with community groups. • Development of new initiatives for young people and the wider community. • Meet the People – staffing surgeries at various locations. • Local Priority Panel – increase in panel membership and representation to identify and tackle local priorities. • Theft hotspots – working with local retailers to adopt innovative ways of designing out and preventing crime. • Just4Youth – development and ongoing launch of youth activities website (www.just4youthglos.co.uk). Plans for the future include: • Barton Street Police Station Open Day – being planned for February half term. • Op Throttle – plan to tackle anti-social use of mopeds. • Youth Action Group – to include development of a Youth Forum for the area. However, we are also keen to hear your views: • What do you think we could be doing better? • What do you think we have done well? • Do you have any suggestions about what we could do over the next year to further reduce crime? • How could we better engage with the community in Barton, Tredworth & White City? Please get in touch – details below – with your ideas on how we can provide an even better service to the community.

Non-Emergency Number – 101 In an emergency always call 999 Email: Gloucester.LPA.Communities@gloucestershire.police.uk Forum: www.bartonstreetpolice.forumchitchat.com Twitter: @BartonSt_Police

www.gloucestershire.police.uk

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Index of Advertisers Food & Entertainment Bowden Hall Café René Over Farm Sebz The Tudor Arms Tiger’s Eye

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Health & Beauty Bowen Technique Deano’s Mobile Barber GS Physiotheraphy & Sports Healthwatch Gloucestershire Kim Brunwin NHS 2 Gether

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Professional Services Care Homes & Services Branksome Care Computers & Software Shiraz Badat Legal & Finance Books Angel Bowden & Young Harrison Clark Rickerbys HATS Property Sales & Lettings Northwood Lettings The Property Centre Pets BJ Luxury Kennels and Cattery Private Hire Rich’s Private Hire Skip Hire & Recycling Grimebusters UK Stevens Recycling Utilities Utility Warehouse

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COMPETITION WINNERS Thanks to all who took part in last month’s competitions, and congratulations to the winners: GODS – family ticket to see Cinderella – Sarah Baldwin of Elmbridge Road, Mrs K Greatrix of Quedgeley and Vivien Murphy of Lansdown Road.

32 29 28 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or 2 prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 5 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win 33 the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has 33 passed. 33 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no 11 correspondence will be entered into. 30 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 36 7 Proof of posting is not regarded as 35 proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the 6 prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize 6 donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you 22 agree to have your name published in 31 the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 12

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