May 2014 by The Local Answer

The Local

Cheltenham

ANSWER

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MAY 2014

EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS BRAND NEW SUMMER ACTIVITY CAMPS FOR KIDS AT CHELTENHAM COLLEGE – CENTRE PAGES

R R S

R Richards & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS

ROOFING AND FASCIA BOARD SPECIALISTS N N e w Ro o f s N New B u il ds N Slate, Chim ney an d Ti l e Re p a i r N N e w Va l l e y s

N Fe l t a n d B a t t e n i n g N L e a d Wo r k SCA F N Le a k Re p a ir s SUPFOLDIN PLIE G N Fi b r e g l as s Ro o f i n g D N Fe l t R o o f i n g

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The Local

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Meet the Team ... Advertising Malcolm Cantwell malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk Advertising Leonie Euwin leonie@thelocalanswer.co.uk Editorial Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk Administration Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk Leaflets & Distribution Cindy Duncan – 07720 098934 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk Accounts Robert Kingscott rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk Managing Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

@thelocalanswer

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Welcome to May ... Let’s hope the lovely weather we’ve been enjoying recently continues to blossom throughout May and everyone enjoys basking in sunshine on the Bank Holiday weekends. After having a passion flower on last month’s cover, we now have ‘Passion Fruit Pots’ for the May Delicious Dish. We also have a rather cheesey ‘Did You Know?’ column! Why not get out and about during May and enjoy a leisurely stroll through our beautiful Gloucestershire countryside? You could walk part of the Cotswold Way near Painswick and enjoy refreshments and stunning views from The Edgemoor Inn (see page 11). Alternatively, take in the glorious scenery on this month’s ‘Short Walk’ around Sapperton between Stroud and Cirencester.

Inside this month ... Food & Entertainment Delicious Dishes Holidays & Travel Short Walks Property Vouchers Did You Know? Health & Beauty Pet Care What’s On Homes & Gardens In the Garden Sudoku Puzzles Quick Crossword Professional Services Money Matters Local Policing Index of Advertisers Competition Winners & Rules Puzzle Solutions Competitions 26, 30 & 32

5 5 7 10 14 16 17 18 22 24 37 41 45 53 60 61 65 66 66 66 Page 3

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The Local Answer

Passion fruit pots with coconut stars

Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

BANK HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING ~ Serves 10 Wow your guests with these stunning little puds. Ingredients: For the pots: 125g caster sugar; 568ml pot double cream; 284ml pot double cream; 8 ripe passion fruit (wrinkly ones); 2 tbsp lime juice. For the stars: 225g caster sugar, plus a tbsp extra for decorating the stars; 100g butter, softened; 140g plain flour, plus extra for dusting; 85g ground rice; 85g desiccated coconut; 2 egg yolks; 1â &#x201E;4 tsp vanilla extract Method: 1 Combine 125g sugar with all the cream in a heavybased saucepan. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved, then bring to the boil. Boil fiercely for 3 minutes, stirring to prevent the mixture bubbling over the pan or sticking, then immediately remove from the heat. 2 Whizz the pulp from 7 of the passion fruits in a food processor to separate the seeds from the juice. Sieve and stir this juice into the cream along with the lime juice- the mixture should visibly thicken. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, then pour into 10 small pots/cups or glasses. Arrange them on a tray and, when cool, cover the whole tray with cling film- be careful not to let it touch the surface of the cream. Chill for 3 hours to set, or up to a day ahead. 3 Meanwhile, make the shortbread. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix the butter, sugar, flour, ground rice, 50g

of the coconut, the egg yolks and vanilla until the dough comes together. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and, using star-shaped cutters, stamp out biscuits. Spread over baking parchment-lined baking trays, sprinkle with remaining coconut and sugar, then bake for 8-10 minutes. Leave to cool. 4To serve, scoop the pulp from the last passion fruit and drizzle a little over each pot. Arrange the coconut stars on the side. TIP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Try one or two first to see if they are up to scratch before giving to any guests!

Care at Home are currently recruiting for

Domiciliary Care Support Workers Who are organised, flexible, self-motivated, able to work on own initiative, have a caring and sensitive attitude and provide care and support to individuals within their own homes in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. Hours of support are between 7.00am until 11.30pm Monday to Sunday on a weekly rota basis to meet the needs and demands of the individuals. Experience is preferred but not essential as full training is provided. Drivers are essential for this role due to travel from location to location with mileage paid. Uniform is provided and Enhanced Weekend Rates. All positions are subject to two suitable references and an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Services Application being obtained.

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Page 5

Specialists in Supporting People with Dementia Queensbridge House provides high quality permanent residential dementia care. Respite and day care is also available through our fully qualified, experienced and professional care team.

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The Local Answer

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ES TE R

Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

GL OU C

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RS L

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ST RO UD

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Exclusive Reader Offer! Gloucestershire’s Furniture Factory Outlets are helping readers of ‘The Local Answer’ furnish their homes for less by giving away an exclusive 15% discount on all stock during May 2014 (on production of this page). Their fantastic showroom is in a wonderful setting adjacent to Saul Marina and houses a huge range of selected living, dining and bedroom furniture in the 20,000 sq. ft. unit. It’s not surprising that Furniture Factory Outlets (FFO) has enjoyed great success since it opened five years ago – the family-run business benefits from four generations’ experience in furniture manufacture and wholesale activities. Putting this wealth of knowledge into their own retail outlet was the obvious step forward. Robert Mack (pictured above) is coowner of FFO with his father John who – with his father, Bob, and Dennis Wilson – produced furniture at ‘Bymacks’ in Dursley for 35 years. Before this, Bob and his father started

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Exclusive to readers of The Local Answer on presentation of this promotion page – valid until 31st May 2014 out as furniture makers in London. Robert said: “Furniture is certainly ‘in the blood’, so we know exactly what we’re looking for when selecting our products – enabling us to present the very best range to our customers at sensible prices. “We believe it’s a combination of factors that encourage people to return to us time and again – top quality furniture, great value and, of course, the excellent advice and

service you’d expect with our history.” Along with great displays of both modern and traditional pieces for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms, FFO stock a variety of care and mobility furniture, and accessories such as pictures and mirrors. The showroom is open seven days a week, so why not pop over to Saul Marina, check out the boats and beautiful scenery, and take advantage of this exclusive offer?

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Short Walks in the Cotswolds Frith Wood

Tunley Frith House

Peyton’s Grove

Iles’s House

Daneway

PH Daneway Bridge

A B

Sapperton

Frampton Wood

Sch E TH

Broad Ride

Ash Hill

Bis (H h or s

Sapperton Wood

Beechanger

Accessible from 9am - 5pm only

PH Glebe Farm House

E EB GL

Manor Farm

l ne un lT na ) C a ed n s to su er (di pp Sa

m Fro er

Dorvel House

Whitehall Bridge

The Leasowe

Dorvel Mill

Mill House

Siccaridge Wood

Riv

Dorvel Wood

Daneway Wood

Daneway House

Springbank House

Hillhouse Cottage

Penny Grove

Trillis Cottage Thames and Severn Canal Trillis (disused) Barnage Wood

The Leasowes

Hillhouse Farm

Oakridge

Hen Wood

Hillhouse Wood

Far Oakridge

Iles’s Green

Quarry Wind Turbine

Quanley Grove

Moderate; two steep climbs, muddy

Sherra NE

Holy Brook

The Frith

3 miles (4.75km) ~ 1½ hours

Hen Wood

Ross Cottage

Mannesty Pp Ho

Sapperton & the Golden Valley

Sapperton Lodge Sapp Plant

Ash Hill Barn (ruin) Sa p

St Luke’s Church, Frampton Mansell

This woodland walk is particularly beautiful in spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, wild garlic and wood anemones. A Park on the roadside just above the church in Sapperton. Return to the junction by the telephone box. Continue ahead and take the public footpath on the right. Cross the minor road and continue to a kissing gate. B Go through the gate and head half-left downhill, past the large tree to a stile. Cross the tunnel bridge, turn right and follow the canal towpath past the Daneway Inn to the road.

pe rto

nT un ne l

Casseywell Bottom

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

C Turn right then immediately left along the footpath marked ‘Wysis Way’ and walk alongside the river to the brick bridge at the western end of the walk. D Turn right over the bridge and take the middle path uphill through the wood. After 50yds (45m) take a right fork and continue to a junction with another track in a clearing. Turn left then immediately right and follow the path to the road. E Go straight across the road and head along the small valley. Ignore the path on the right leading towards the pub. When the path forks, bear right and continue down to the road.

F Turn left then immediately right onto a track and enter the Bathurst Estate (accessible between 8am and 5pm only). Bear right at the fork and follow the main track through the wood. Bear left past a path leading down to a gate and continue as far as a crossing track. G Turn right downhill, continue over the next track and past a track merging from the left. Take the left fork where the track splits, cross the bridge over the river and then uphill past the house to the road. Turn right and follow the road back to the car.

1 This is the western end of a tunnel which at 3817 yards (3481m) long, was the longest in Britain at the time of its completion in 1789. It is part of the Thames and Severn Canal which was built to connect the two rivers between Stroud and Lechlade. The boats were pushed through by men lying on their backs and ‘legging’ along the tunnel roof. The difficulty of maintaining the water level on the porous limestone, and competition from the Oxford Canal, led to its decline and abandonment early in the 20th century. Work is ongoing to restore much of the Stroudwater and Thames & Severn Canals – most of the route has been designated a conservation area.

Page 10

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The Local Answer

Great ale, food and fantastic views... Half way between Stroud and Gloucester in the village of Edge, The Edgemoor Inn overlooks the beautiful, picturesque Painswick Valley and the village of Painswick – a quintessential English village known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’. The late 19th century Inn, constructed from Cotswold stone, has picture style windows and is well known for its pretty panoramic views – making drinking or dining on the extensive terraced patio area particularly pleasant in spring and summer. The restaurant serves home cooked fayre with as much fresh meat, fish and vegetables as possible sourced from local suppliers. The bar focuses on local produce too, with a selection of great real ales from nearby Uley, Wickwar and Stroud. Set in beautiful countryside, The Edgemoor Inn is a perfect place to visit for lunchtime and evening meals or, perhaps, just to savour the ales, atmosphere and views. It’s also extremely handy for those wishing to have a stroll around Painswick or people walking part of the Cotswold Way – the inn lies midway along the route.

The Edgemoor Inn Freehouse & Restaurant Late 19th century inn overlooking beau ful panoramic valley views

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Finest selec on of local real ales.

Edge, Near Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6ND Tel: 01452 813576 www.edgemoor-inn.com The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 11

Quality pre-school education and child As each child develops at their own pace we will work with you, in partnership, to build high self-esteem, respect for others, confidence and early independence to prepare them for their next exciting stage in life.

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Above all we want the children in our care to be safe, happy and content. If you would like more information please come and visit us.

Good OFSTE D Rating s

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care in a beautiful homely environment Lovely setting, secure “garden and play facilities.

A Happy Home Environment for your Child Winton House Day Nursery pride themselves on their safe, homely environment within beautiful gardens for the children to enjoy. This, along with their highly qualified and experienced team of dedicated staff must be why their OFSTED ratings are so good! Winton welcomes children and babies aged 0-5, adapting caring and teaching methods to suit the various age groups. The children can enjoy a variety of activities, whether this is indoors, outdoors, messy or wet play, allowing the children to learn, play and make friends. The staff understand that every child is different, and offer a quiet room to rest and enjoy storytime.

Fantastic caring staff. Lots of different activities, our little boy is really thriving, I will be sorry when he leaves to go to school!

”

The children have opportunities to learn about looking after pets, and get some hands-on cuddling time too. This Easter the nursery had its own clutch of chicks and the children enjoyed watching them hatch in the incubator. They also love watching the nursery rabbit hop around his pen outside in the secure garden.

11 Warden Hill Road Cheltenham GL51 3AU Contact Rosie ~ 01242 511417 info@wintonhouse-daynursery.co.uk www.wintonhouse-daynursery.co.uk

Winton knows how important it is to allow children to have fun but also learn and grow at the same time. This is why they base their approach to teaching and caring around the concept ‘learning through play’ – giving you peace of mind that your child enjoys a happy fun-filled day. Even as we approached the nursery we could hear how happy and excited the children were. They all have a ‘learning journey’ which tracks their development and a number of local schools have been very complimentary regarding the confidence displayed by Winton House children and how well prepared they are for the next stage of their education.

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Page 14

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The Local Answer

There’s a spring in the step of the housing market … It’s no secret that spring and summer have always been a busy time for the property market and, as we enter the traditional ‘moving’ season, this year is no exception – in our opinion it is the perfect time to sell. Our local region asking prices of property coming to market has hit a new record high. Gloucestershire has gone up 1.9% on last year to an average selling price of £258,799, and a total of 114,996 new properties hit Rightmove in the last four weeks alone – up 8.7% on last year. (Statistics taken from Rightmove) Here at House-moves we are approaching our first anniversary and continue to do everything possible to ensure your experience with us will be a memorable and happy one. We have enjoyed an extremely busy, exciting and successful 12 months and, as a result, we recently welcomed a new member of staff – Michelle Ford – who brings her own 7 years’ estate agency knowledge and experience to further strengthen our service to customers.

Friendly and personal

We are all very passionate and tenacious about our job roles at House-moves. We pride ourselves on our friendly and personal approach that makes us stand out from the crowd amongst the other 55 agents in Cheltenham. But don’t just take our word for it – to the right are some of the testimonials our kind vendors have taken the time to write, If you have a property to sell or are looking to get moving we would be delighted to help “We found House-moves to be professional, reliable and always on you. We advertise on all the major websites hand to answer any queries.” and in the local newspaper giving your “House-moves is a different kind of estate agent and brings a human property maximum exposure. We touch to selling a property.” understand that lives are busier than ever nowadays, so we offer flexible appointments “Christine and Joanna care about what they do and that is evident in to suit your needs. the way they treat their customers – buyers and sellers alike.” Christine, Joanna and Michelle look “Christine and Joanna were a pleasure to deal with and I was very forward to hearing from you – please get in happy with the service that they provided. I highly recommend Housetouch today to see how we can help you sell moves to anyone looking to sell their property.” your property or secure your new home ...

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Did You Know? With Laura Smith

Gloucestershire’s Cheese-Rolling tradition COME AND VISIT OUR

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Are the thousands of people careering down a steep hillside in pursuit of a wheel of cheese crackers, or is there method behind the madness? Traditionally held on Whit Monday, now more commonly referred to as Spring Bank Holiday, thousands of people join to celebrate the Cheese-Rolling tradition at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire. Eight-pound wheels of Double Gloucester cheese, decorated in blue and red ribbons, are thrown down the bumpy hillside, shortly followed by brave competitors in the hope of catching the cheese or, more importantly, crossing the finishing line in one piece.

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Tel: 01242 226611 The Local Answer

The famous Double Gloucester cheese wheels have been supplied by Diana Smart (86) and her son, from their local farm in Birdwood since 1988. There are records of the tradition dating back to the 1800s, but these indicate the event was already an established tradition at that time. During World War Two, wooden ‘cheese wheels’ were used due to rationing. Other events took place alongside the cheese rolling such as ‘wrestling for a belt’, ‘grinning through a horses collar for cake’ and ‘shin kicking’. All of these traditions have subsided over the centuries, but one still remains – ‘The Children’s Scramble’. In the past, pie, cake and biscuits were used, but more recently sweets are scattered to symbolise a fertitliy rite in the hope of a fruitful harvest following the birth of a new year after winter. In spite of so much controversy and fears of the event not taking place, the tradition is still being kept alive – not only within the local community, but stretching to the whole of the UK and even overseas.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 17

Health & Beauty

Don’t sit and suffer – act now! How often have you had an injury, perhaps hurting your back doing something as simple as putting your socks on, and then made the mistake of thinking that ‘it will go away’ after taking a few pain killers? Then, after days of suffering and no sign of improvement, you finally give in and go to see an osteopath – wishing you had done so ages ago! It’s a mistake I’ve repeated too often in the past but, having learned the hard way, I’m a little wiser for the experience. Nowadays a mixture of ‘preventative medicine’ and, without panicking at every twinge, swifter action when I have a specific injury have combined to dramatically reduce any suffering. I’ve now had the ‘pleasure’ of seeing three of the four osteopaths working at Oakwell Health for emergency and planned treatments. Like many who have visited osteopaths before, I’m still a little apprehensive before each treatment – wondering which of my body parts will be ‘clicked’ back into alignment and tensing up accordingly. Without fail, the relief I’ve experienced following each visit has been incredible – even when the treatment has been of a preventative nature. My April treatment was administered by Tamsin Cameron (above) who joined Oakwell Health in August last year. Tamsin is certainly passionate about her occupation and clearly derives great satisfaction from helping people enjoy a better life as a result of her intervention. She loves to render her patients ‘pain free’ and, apparently, is always ‘up for a challenge’! With my medical history having been recorded on previous visits, Tamsin was able to focus her attention on my current condition – asking questions, examining my

Review

by Helen Kingscott

posture and getting me to try and touch my toes and see how far I could get my head towards my shoulders in order to fully assess my problems before she started her magic! You don’t need to ‘strip off’ either – just wear some light comfortable clothing and remove your shoes! As with all the osteopaths, I was amazed at how – following that initial assessment – Tamsin was able to put her finger on the exact problem spot. Depending on the severity of your condition, the treatment can be a little uncomfortable – you do end up in a few strange positions – and you may feel a little sore for a couple of days after. But any discomfort is short-lived or minor and the benefits are huge and long-lasting. I am due for a follow-up session in May as, having relieved my initial symptoms, Tamsin is going to ‘undo’ all the strain, inflammation and any bad habits linked to my problems. Don’t sit and suffer – the Oakwell team are there to help.

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The Local Answer

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This amazing new treatment is proving to be a big success with the Japanese celebrities who are enjoying the bene3its of this wonderful non-surgical face lift. Precious oils, cleansers, mineral clays and specially made tissue salt masks are used in the course of the treatment. By using deep, smooth movements over the face, tissues and muscles are lifted and toned, circulation and lymphatic drainage improved, leaving the face feeling revitalised and glowing.

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For more details please call 07842 828585 64 Orchard Way, GL517LB, CHELTENHAM www.thealchemyo3beauty.co.uk

Hair & Beauty

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The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 19

The Local

ANSWER

R ea ch fa r m o re po t e nt i a l cli e nt s ...

“At Oakwell Health we first started advertising with The Local Answer as we were attracted by the distribution – it literally goes everywhere! We carried on advertising and have done now for many years as, quite simply, it works. When we run voucher schemes we see them being redeemed, plus we ask every new client how they heard about us and The Local Answer is a regular reply.

De f i n i n g y ou r sty le

O u r h i g h l y s k i l l e d a n d e x p e r i e n c e d te a m o f h ai rdre ssers is o n h an d to crea te t h e perfec t lo ok fo r yo u ! G Expert

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Page 20

during May 2014 with this advertisement

01242 514900

It’s a great local advertising platform and we now reach far more potential clients than through any other advertising route.”

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The Local Answer

Cheltenham Society of Model Engineers

OPEN DAY Saturday 28th June

An invitation to an extra special day! For many years the Cheltenham Society of Model Engineers (CSME) has drawn large numbers of visitors to public open afternoons at its picturesque society grounds in Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham. This year the organisers are going full steam ahead in extending an invitation to an extra special day on Saturday 28th June where visitors can experience the enjoyment of model engineering – maybe with a view to becoming a member. The passion of existing members will be clearly visible as they proudly display and demonstrate the boats and trains they have built themselves. Adults and children alike will be able to join in the fun – driving trains, taking command of radio controlled boats on the lake or, perhaps, simply observing others while riding behind one of the powerful miniature steam trains on the elevated or ground level railway tracks. The CSME is extremely keen for children and young adults to have the opportunity to get involved. With a lack of ‘hand skills’ (metalwork and woodwork) being taught in schools nowadays, the limited number of engineering apprenticeships and, of course, the access to electronic devices and games, youngsters are often unaware of the extreme pleasure and satisfacton to be had in creating and operating their own model engines. The friendly CSME members are on hand with their decades of manufacturing and engineering experience, plus workshop facilities, to help newcomers of all ages with their own model engineering project. There’s also support from the model engineering market which, in appreciation that families may not

The Local Answer

have the finance or space to allow the building of a model train or boat from scratch, sell train and boat kits that can be purchased in instalments and only require minimal tools to complete. If you feel model engineering may be a great addition to your interests, and would like to explore the idea further by attending this wonderful event, you’d be wise to act quickly as numbers may have to be limited – email for an invitation to specialday@cheltsme.org.uk or visit CSME’s ground in Hatherley Lane (next to Asda) and make yourself known (meeting times can be found at www.cheltsme.org.uk/index-meetings.html).

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 21

Shaggy Chic Dog Grooming

The Local

ANSWER

A g reat re s po n s e ...

“We initially chose to advertise with The Local Answer when – through word of mouth – we heard about a ‘great local publication’. We quickly realised it was delivered every month, with reliable distribution, and so decided to use the magazine to help launch House-moves. We were also attracted to its glossy cover, and up market look and feel. Now, as regular advertisers in Cheltenham, we know just how cost-effective The Local Answer is. It’s great value and, when it goes to over 40,000 homes, you most definitely get what you pay for – a great response. I would recommend The Local Answer to all local businesses as the magazine has great variety and a huge local readership!” Joanna Ryland, Director – House-moves

Page 22

Have your best friend Spring cleaned, clipped and fresh m: 07581 877083 as a daisy! 1 Naunton Parade, Cheltenham, GL53 7NP

Use us and recommend a friend and get £5 discount! shaggychicgroomers@gmail.com

grooming cleaning

Doe s y ou r m a rk eti n g n e ed ext ra bit e?

Promote your business to 40,000 Cheltenham homes – to advertise telephone:

The Local

01242

ANSWER 510500

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Pet Care

with Oliver Wilkinson of Charlton Kings Vet Centre The Charlton Kings Vet Centre is fully equipped with a sterile operating theatre, digital radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory equipment. Drop in and have a look around. You will see many of the same friendly faces from our main surgery at Dragon Vet Centre. You can book your visits and pick up food, medications or pet supplies at either surgery if it’s more convenient. 17 Lyefield Road West Charlton Kings Cheltenham GL53 8EZ 01242 220158

www.charltonkingsvet.co.uk

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER

£10 OFF

VACCINATIONS OR CONSULTATIONS

FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS The above discount is available throughout May 2014 – limited to one voucher per household

CHARLTON KINGS VET CENTRE OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-6.30PM DRAGON VET CENTRE OPEN SATURDAY 9AM-12 NOON 24 HOUR EMERGENCY ~ 01242 522022 Charlton Kings Vet Centre in affiliation with

Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH T: 01242 580324 F: 01242 241908 www.dragonvet.co.uk

The Local Answer

Technological advances help humans and pets alike! When I started practicing as a vet in Australia nearly 20 years ago the most advanced bit of technology we had was an x-ray machine. It hung above a standard table in the only procedure area we had that doubled as the surgery, dental suite and general procedure room. X-rays were developed in a small cellar where the chemical tanks were kept. In a tiny pitch black space, x-ray film was immersed for 3 minutes in the developer fluid, given a quick rinse, then a further minute in the fixator, before a final rinse and hung up on a clothes line to dry. If the film wasn’t perfectly lined up or was over-developed the whole process was repeated, it could easily take 30 minutes to take just a handful of images. Dental equipment was a good selection of hand scrapers and probes, a tiny hand saw and a very basic polishing tool. My boss still had a selection of stainless steel injection needles and glass syringes that could be sterilised for repeat use. Blood tests were posted to the lab and it took many days or weeks to get results back. Modern vet practices are unrecognisable by comparison. X-rays are digitally processed, images produced at the click of a button, and a dozen x-rays can be processed in minutes – chemical dipping tanks and dark rooms are long gone. Dental equipment rivals the best of the human world with ultrasonic scalers, power drills and polishers. We have an inhouse laboratory where blood samples are processed in minutes, testing all sorts of critical values and drug levels. Orthopaedic instruments include all the power drills, saws, titanium implants that you would find in a human hospital. We have sterile operating theatres, separate lead-lined xray rooms and another area for less sterile surgery like dental procedures. The best vet practices will have high quality ultrasound equipment and endoscopy (cameras for key-hole surgery and looking into airways and stomach). I even have an ECG app on my iphone that allows me to take cardiac ECGs without connecting any leads to a patient – it’s like something out of Star Trek!

‘Need to constantly stay up to date’ Imagine where we will be in another 10 to 20 years – even more diagnostic imaging equipment is becoming accessible to the veterinary world and it’s likely the best practices will even have CT scanners or MRI available. 3-D printers are making waves in the medical world where it is possible to use information from scanners to generate an accurate model of a cancer in a bone, for example, and then calculate how to remove it. My smart phone will probably produce a whole lot more than an ECG – I imagine all sorts of vital medical information may become instantly available and uploadable. Medicines are constantly evolving and new treatments available all the time, surgical procedures more advanced but often less-invasive. With all the new technology, medicines and surgical options comes the need to continually update your knowledge. It’s one thing to have information at your finger-tips, it’s another to understand how to use it. Veterinary students and practising veterinarians need to constantly stay up to date with the latest discoveries and practical skills. Ultimately all these new technologies benefit our furry friends. What we can do to treat them, look after them, fix them is advancing all the time. One of the excitements of being a modern veterinarian is that I can constantly discover new and better ways of diagnosing, treating and improving the lives of our four-legged companions. Feel free to come and look around our facilities. Here’s to another 20 years of progress – personally I don’t miss the dipping tanks!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 23

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 WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY JEWELLERY MAKING COFFEE SESSIONS Enjoy a friendly coffee morning and make your own fabulous jewellery with tuition from Rachel in her shop at Verchiel Jewellery,1 Berkeley Mews, Cheltenham (behind the Swan). Wed 10.30-12.30, Thur 12.30-2.30. Only £5 including tuition and refreshments. Materials extra. Pre-booking required. verchieljewellery@hotmail.co.uk. 07828 552610. verchieljewellery.co.uk. EVERY TUESDAY BETHESDA LUNCH CLUB Come and enjoy home-cooked food and make new friends. Starts at 12.30pm on Tuesdays. £2.50 per meal. New members are most welcome at Bethesda Methodist Church, Great Norwood Street, Cheltenham GL50 2AP. Contact Dawn 01242 677738 or Val 01242 232444. EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY BEGINNERS MAT PILATES CLASSES Improve core stability, tone and posture. All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0QW. £7 per class (£4.50 Concessions). Phone 0752 847 1091 for info and timetable. Tues 7pm, Sat 11am. synergispilates.co.uk. 2 MAY BEHIND THE BLINDS What goes on behind suburban blinds revealed in sharp and witty song. Suitable for ages 14+. Gloucester Guildhall, Eastgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1NS. From £8. 01452 503050. gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall. 3 MAY BRING AND BUY SALE FOR CHARITY

Enjoy coffee and homemade cake for £1.50, enter the raffle and browse the plant sale to help raise money for the Malawi Association Charity Support. 10am-2pm. 9 Peacock Close, Cheltenham GL51 0XH. 9 MAY VOICE OF THE HEART Celebrating the incredible musical legacy of Karen Carpenter. £18 (£16). Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk.

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9-10 MAY BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET The ballet perform Frederick Ashton’s Les Rendezvous and Kenneth MacMillan’s Elite Syncopations, alongside an exciting new work from up and coming choreographer Alexander Whitley. £13-£24. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.org.uk. 11 MAY THE CHELTENHAM WEDDING SHOW Come along to meet a wide variety of fabulous local wedding suppliers in a relaxed environment at the Mercure Queens Hotel, The Promenade GL50 1NN. 12-4pm. Free entry, magazine and drink on arrival. TheCheltenhamWeddingShow.co.uk. 13 MAY FILM: BLUE JASMINE (12A)

New York socialite, Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), arrives in San Francisco utterly ruined. As old pretensions and new deceits begin to emerge, she fouls up everyone’s lives, including her own. Blanchett’s delicate and regal portrayal of Jasmine is mesmerising and Woody Allen’s screen drama has been billed as his best in two decades. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50). Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. sonyclassics.com/bluejasmine. 13-17 MAY AS YOU LIKE IT Bristol-based Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory return to the Everyman with this celebrated Shakespeare comedy. Both funny and moving and featuring one of Shakespeare’s best loved heroines, this is a wonderful exploration of the meaning of love, its madness and transcendence. £13£28. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.org.uk.

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17 MAY PLANTS, TOMBOLA, JAMS AND PICKLES 8.30am until midday at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road. Chetenham. Proceeds to The League of Friends, Cheltenham General Hospital. TABLE TOP SALE Tea, coffee, homemade cakes, vintage crafts, bric a brac. In aid of Mercy in Action supporting homeless children in the Phillipines. 10am-12 noon. Tables available £10 each. Holy Apostle Church Hall, London Road, Cheltenham GL52 6HW. Telephone 01242 511061 for details. NCT NEARLY NEW SALE Baby and children’s toys and equipment. Thousands of top quality items to choose from – come and bag a bargain! 10.30am12noon (members with cards from 10.15am). All Saints’ Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0WH. For more information or to order a seller’s pack visit www.nctcheltenham.org. 21 MAY ‘FABRIKA’ MONTHLY SOCIAL CRAFT GROUP Do you enjoy being creative, meeting people, visiting shows and dining out? Then why not join Fabrika, the friendly group meet on the third Wednesday of each month. The Garden Room, St. Andrews Church Montpellier. 6.45-9.15pm. Taster session £5 including tea/coffee. New members always welcome. Contact Marjorie 01242 571151 Sonia 01452 712632 info@fabrika.org.uk. 24 MAY

CHARLTON KINGS CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT Brahms – A German requiem (piano duet version with Fiona Brown and Sara Harris). Mendelssohn – Hear My Prayer. Mendelssohn – Organ Sonata No. 3. 7pm. Holy Apostles Church, London Road, Charlton Kings, GL52 6HW. Tickets £15 (concessions £10) ckcsonline.org.uk 07792 251470 or at the door.

The Local Answer

RIVER AVON BOAT TRIPS

Check out www.handsamboatcompany.co.uk

Handsam Too RIVER AVON TRIPS...

On our 55-seater passenger boat available 7 days a week from the end of March to mid-October, from 11am till 5pm (weather permitting). PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR CRUISE TIMES Also available for PRIVATE EVENING HIRE!

Self Drive Motorboat Hire

Our motorboats are available to hire by the hour, half day and full day.

PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR BOOKINGS

BOAT COMPANY

THE HANDSAM

07860 895416

Explore the River Avon from Abbey Park, Evesham

Never too late to learn

Piano lessons and vocal tui on ●

Lessons in your own home Fully qualified and experienced ● CRB checked

‘Handsam Too’ celebrates 80 years For over 20 years The Handsam Boat Company has been offering river trips and private boat hire in Evesham. Situated in the award winning Abbey Park the cruises depart (weather permitting) from 11 a.m. through till 4 p.m. This year the trip boat ‘Handsam Too’ (formerly The Princess Margaret’) celebrates 80 years of operation. She was not always in Evesham – Chester, York and Newark are just three of her previous locations. The company operate 25 or 45 minute river trips. Customers who prefer to cruise at their own pace can hire one of the motor boats – perhaps taking a trip to visit Bidford on Avon or Pershore with a picnic on board or stopping at a riverside pub. Many groups find a river cruise is an ideal ‘add on’ to a day out, and the boat can accommodate up to 55 passengers comfortably. The River Avon at Evesham is one of the most picturesque stretches of water in our area and is just waiting for you to enjoy it!

Choose Experience Substantial garden set in almost an acre of outdoor space

Open all year (except bank holidays/Christmas week)

Piano with Anna Mob: 07810 290576

R ea l va l u e fo r m o n e y ...

Childcare vouchers accepted

Self contained baby suites with CCTV cameras for sleeping areas Sibling and corporate discounts available

The Local

ANSWER

“We regularly advertise with The Local Answer because it’s the only publication in Cheltenham that gets through so many doors and, with such great distribution, you get real value for money! We see a good level of response through voucher redemptions and competition entries – proof it works. It’s a good quality magazine, with interesting and diverse local content, that is definitely well read.” Demelsa Coleman, Marketing Manager The Brewery, Cheltenham

The Local Answer

Nutrious meals prepared daily - 5 star food hygeine

Fees fully inclusive of nappies/accessories, baby milk, foods, snacks

Save £45

registration fee upon production of this advert Valid until 31st May 2014. One per child/family

Pittville Circus Road Cheltenham GL52 2PZ T: 01242 253222 E: info@circusdaynursery.co.uk www.circusdaynursery.co.uk

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 25

WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the Bacon Theatre

Bikes Camera Action Picture courtesy of Chris Milliman

The Bacon Theatre is excited to announce a new venture for Friday 30th and Saturday 31st May 2014 – a compelling weekend of cycling films and activities in ‘Bikes Camera Action’. This mini festival will cross all boundaries of biking including BMX, fixed gear, speed racing and A2B travel – ideal for cyclists of all abilities. Highlights include screenings of ‘The Flying Scotsman’, ‘Premium Rush’, ‘To Live & Ride in LA’, ‘Bicycle Dreams’ and ‘Wadjda’ plus demonstrations from professional Flatland BMXers and a Bike Polo tournament lead by the Bristol Bike Polo team. There will also be a bike ride, Cyclecraft training, a visit from the Smoothie Bike and bicycle maintenance from Leisure Lakes Bikes. Full schedule at www.bikescameraaction.wordpress.com. Tickets to take part in all the Bikes Camera Action films and activities cost just £20 for adults and £8 for young people wishing to attend all age suitable events. These may be booked via www.bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 258002. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, just send your name, address and telephone number to Bikes Camera Action, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, you can enter via email – send your details, stating ‘Bikes Camera Action’ in the subject line, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date for entries: Thursday 15th May 2014. 24-26 MAY

ROMAN MARKET AT CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Browse the stalls selling traditional crafts of local cheese, honey, wool, sheepskin, pottery and jewellery. Refreshments available in the cafe and shop. Admission £9.90/£4.95. National Trust members free. Telephone 01242 890256 nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth. 24 MAY-6 JUNE DOWNY DUCKLING DAYS Go behind-the-scenes WWT Slimbridge’s busy duckery to learn how they rear hundreds of young birds each year and see many of the fluffy ducklings, goslings and

Page 26

cygnets. On the tour learn all about eggs, incubation and hatching. The tours run through this week and are included in the admission cost and free to members. Arrive early to avoid disappointment as tours are booked on a first come first served basis. For younger visitors there is a duckling creche giving them the opportunity to see ducklings up close without the tour. There is also an incubator so you can watch the progress of a baby bird hatching throughout your visit. 01453 891900, Slimbridge WWT GL2 7BT. 27 MAY FILM: SAVING MR BANKS This Bafta nominated film is inspired by the extraordinary untold backstory of how ‘Mary Poppins’ made it to the big screen. After a 20 year struggle to obtain the rights from the book’s author (Emma Thompson), Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) pulls out all the stops and together they set Mary Poppins free to make one of the most endearing films in cinematic history. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50). Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. 27-31 MAY AN AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY LARK It’s an idyllic summer in 1914 rural Lancashire. Excitement is building for Wakes Week – a rest from field and mill

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

with plenty of singing, courting, drinking and dancing. A gentle and deeply moving drama, poised at the tipping point of war. £13-£28. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.org.uk. 28 & 31 MAY FAIRY & WIZARD WORLD After a magical event last year, Fairy and Wizard World is back for all the family to enjoy! Children can create their own miniature fairy and wizard grottos, followed by lunch in the gypsy caravan before the Kookaburras are out in flight. Join in the merriment and dress up ready for the facepainters to complete the outfit. £10 for children and £6.80 for adults. Book online at thebirdpark.co.uk. 01452812727. The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 30-31 MAY BIKES CAMERA ACTION Compelling weekend of cycling films and activities. This mini festival will cross all boundaries of biking from BMX, to fixed gear, to speed racing, to A2B travel and will be ideal for cyclists of all abilities. Visit bikescameraaction.wordpress.com. £20 for adults and £8 for young people wishing to attend all age suitable events. Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk.

The Local Answer

Bouncing Back Pate’s Festival of Education 2014 Strategies for Developing Resilience in Young People

Friday 27th June 2014 (2:30pm - 4pm)

Following the success of our inaugural Festival of Education last year, Pate’s Grammar School invites you to join us for an interactive and informative session with Tanya Byron, focused on the development of resilience in students and young people.

Tanya Byron

Pate's Grammar School Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 0HG

Designated Teaching School Part of the Odyssey School Alliance www.patesgs.org @PatesGS

Professor Tanya Byron is a psychologist who advises on policy relating to children, young people, mental health and education. Her TV and media career has given national audiences an appreciation of issues around exploring and treating children's behaviour problems. All young people need to develop the skills that will allow them to cope with life’s challenges. We hope that you will want to join us to hear more about the ways in which we can support our children. If you are a teaching professional (primary or secondary level) and would like to know more about the full Festival of Education ‘Bouncing Back’ programme please contact Jeanette Leahy Tel: 01242 538276, or email Festival@patesgs.org.

To book tickets, use our direct ticket link: patesgs.ticketsource.co.uk

Tickets £15 Places are limited. For more information contact Jeanette Leahy: Tel: 01242 538276 Email: Festival@patesgs.org

Ex ce lle nt di st ribut ion ...

The Local

ANSWER

IT’S HERE IT’S LIVE!

CLASSES

Professional and personal service

“At the Bacon Theatre we hold such a wide range of events, some of which readers might not expect to find at a school venue. This is where The Local Answer comes into its own – its excellent distribution informing a wide range of people about what we have coming up and hopefully encouraging readers to try something new.”

Reset Gym Cheltenham Tues 7pm All Saints Academy Wed 5.30pm/Sat 11.30am St Margarets Hall, Hatherley Wed 6.15pm/Sat 9am All classes 30 minutes Suitable for all fitness levels

www.carolinecrowther.com

Jess Waterman, Marketing & Development Manager The Bacon Theatre

Contact Abi 07738 082246 www.abifitness.co.uk agfitness2@gmail.com facebook.com/Insanitycheltenham

‘SPRING’ INTO LOVE? 0800 056 3179 or 01934 744788

WANTED – CASH PAID

ON ROAD OFF ROAD EVERYTHING FOR CYCLING

VINYL RECORDS

LOCAL BUYER PAYS CASH FOR YOUR UNWANTED VINYL RECORDS! 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

from second hand sales to servicing and repairs Collection & Delivery Service Available! Call Nige on 07551 923072 / 01452 534622 or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com For all your cycling needs visit our website...

www.bickosbikeshack.co.uk

WALK OR RUN THE 4-in-1 5k,10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon

Sunday 22nd June

Welcome to the Cheltenham Challenge, the 4-in-1 off-road event for runners and walkers. Enjoy spectacular scenery on a route following parts of the Cheltenham Circular Footpath and Cotswold Way. in conjunction with

See website for more information and to register

www.cheltenhamchallenge.org.uk

Page 28

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

WIN TICKETS!

courtesy of the Everyman Theatre

An August Bank Holiday Lark

Shipton Golf Course “A 9 hole pay & play course in the Heart of the Cotswolds” No need to book – Open every day from 7am until dusk

Family run course offering affordable golf for all Coffee shop and terrace ● Small stock of ‘everyday’ golfing equipment and clothing ● PGA Fellow Professional PGA Approved Establishment available for lessons and advice

✁

●

Available for corporate days, birthdays and special occasions www.shiptongolf.co.uk

☎

shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk

Shipton Golf Course

✉

Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT

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Prescott Hill Climb – Annual French Motoring Festival Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May 2014

●

Tel: 01242 890237

The Everyman hosts this gentle, deeply moving drama – poised at the tipping point of war – from 27th-31st May. Intensely nostalgic and emotionally rich, ‘An August Bank Holiday Lark’ is a story that will both entertain and tug at your heart strings. It’s an idyllic summer in 1914 rural Lancashire. Excitement is building for ‘Wakes Week’ – a rest from field and mill and a celebration of the Rushbearing Festival with singing, courting, drinking and dancing. The looming war barely registers – but it will. Through the lens of traditional rural life you’ll follow the stories of folk with colour, character and charm, and witness their personal transitions from exuberance and touching naivety to a profound and devastating loss of innocence. Performed by the charismatic cast of actor-musicians that is Northern Broadsides – a northern company with genuine heart and soul. To book your tickets visit everymantheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01242 572573. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Bank Holiday Lark’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email – send details, stating ‘Bank Holiday Lark’, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date for both postal and email entries: Thursday 15th May 2014.

The annual French invasion ‘La Vie en Bleu’ makes a welcome return to Prescott Featuring non-stop entertainment both on and off the track including: High octane motor racing Live music Can Can girls and street entertainers French Car clubs French themed trade stalls and food Plus Bugatti Veyron demonstrations Adult pass £15 in advance or £25 for the weekend. U14’s free! For further event information, to purchase advance tickets, or book a trade stand please visit www.prescott-hillclimb.com email: club@bugatti.co.uk Tel: 01242 673136 @GL529RD PrescottSpeedHillclimb

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Fairy and Wizard World Wednesday 28th & Saturday 31st May – 11.30am-3pm After a magical event last year, Fairy & Wizard World is returning to the Bird Park on 28th & 31st May. Let your children’s imaginations run wild, creating their own miniature fairy grottos, a special ‘make believe’ home for wizards and fairies in the activities tent. Whilst the children get stuck in, the parents can have fun getting involved and not have to worry about cleaning up afterwards! You can then enjoy lunch surrounded by rare Barnacle Geese and the delightful Seabrite Bantams in the Gypsy Caravan. It’s such a magical experience for all the family, where children can immerse themselves in the wildlife, getting up close and personal to everything from a

donkey to a swan. The Bird Park events offer such a great opportunity for children to experience the outdoors in a unique way, learning how to be confident with wildlife. The aviculturalists fly the Kookaburras nearly every day and the reindeer are fed at 11am daily for the public to enjoy. All of our friendly team are very happy to talk to the children about the wildlife, so please don’t be shy. Of course, dressing up is all part of the fun to set the scene, so be creative and join in the merriment ready for the face painters to complete your magical outfits. Please visit our website to book tickets – Children £10, Adults £6.80

Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.co.uk The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 31

WIN TICKETS! For your chance to win 2 x tickets to watch the Premiership Rugby 7s tournament at Kingsholm on Thursday 31st July simply answer the following question:

What place did Gloucester Rugby finish in the Premiership Rugby 7s in August 2013? Send your answer, name, email address and mobile phone number to competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Kingsholm to host Sevens opener Premiership Rugby have announced that Kingsholm Stadium will host the first leg of the 2014 Premiership Rugby 7s Series on Thursday 31st July. Gloucester Rugby, the holders of the trophy following victory in last year’s Final at The Rec, will host local rivals Bath Rugby and Exeter Chiefs as well as London Irish in Group A. The evening promises to be another great event on the Kingsholm calendar with electric rugby on show this summer. Northampton Saints play host to fellow Group B teams – London 31 MAY-1 JUNE

VICTORIAN DISCOVERY WEEKEND AT CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Chedworth Roman Villa are celebrating their 150th Anniversary with their Victorian themed weekend of dressing up, stalls, games, Victorian photography, entertainment and re-enactments. Admission £9.90/£4.95. National Trust members free. Telephone 01242 890256 nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth. 6 JUNE LAITHWAITE’S WINE FINE WINE TASTING Join us as we open the type of wines usually saved for really special occasions. 7.15-9pm £30. Call to book 01452 651970. Gloucester Business Park GL3 4AQ. laithwaites.co.uk/events. LIVE MUSIC: LETZ ZEP Letz Zep recreate the iconic sound of Led Zeppelin. 7.30pm. £15 (£13) Child £11. Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road,

Page 32

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Wasps, Harlequins and Saracens – at Franklin’s Gardens, whilst Group C sees Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors lock horns at Kingston Park. The tournament, now in its fifth year, culminates in what is set to be another high-octane Series Final at Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop on GLOUCESTER RUGBY Friday 8th August. Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road Don’t miss out! Tickets for Kingsholm Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX are priced at just £10 adults, £5 t 0871 871 87 81 concessions and £1 juniors – visit e admin@gloucesterrugby.com w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/tickets. Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. letzzep.com. 7 JUNE TABLE TOP SALE From 10am at Leckhampton Village Hall. To book a table (£10). Call Tina on 01242 243035. In aid of Hall Funds. 10 JUNE LAITHWAITE’S WINE TASTNG EVENING Sample 30 different wines from our awardwinning cellars. Exclusive offers. 6.30-8.30pm. £20. 1873 Suite, Kingsholm Stadium GL1 3AX. laithwaites.co.uk. FILM: PHILOMENA Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. £6.50 (£5.50). Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. philomenamovie.com. 15 JUNE FATHER’S DAY LUNCHEON Treat dad to a delicious 3 course meal. £21.50 adult £11.50 child. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, GL4 8ED. 0844 814 9077 email 077cs@jupiterhotels.co.uk. 22 JUNE CHELTENHAM CHALLENGE Welcome to the Cheltenham Challenge, the 4-in-1 off-road event for runners and walkers. 5k, 10k, half marathon or full marathon. Registration now open. cheltenhamchallenge.org.uk.

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

5 JULY MILEFEST – MUSIC FESTIVAL Great bands, family fun, food and drink, camping – all raising money for Milestone School for severely disabled young people. Funds raised will help provide fun outdoor learning for the students. 2-11pm at Hartpury GL19 3BG. Tickets £5 (£1 under14s) available from Milestone School, Hartpury Post Office or 07794 587133. www.facebook.com/milefest1. Tweet us @milefest1. 11 JULY MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal with coffee, followed by dancing to our resident DJ until 1am. £29.50. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, GL4 8ED. 0844 814 9077 email 077cs@jupiterhotels.co.uk.

SOCIAL BALLROOM & LATIN DANCE Every Fourth Saturday of the Month. Everyone welcome to a fun and friendly dance evening featuring all Ballroom and Latin styles including Argentine Tango and Salsa. From 7.30-10pm. £6 per person. The Wheatpieces Community Centre, Columbine Road, Tewkesbury GL20 7SP. Contact DancewithDeb on 07760 763967

The Local Answer

The Sports Centre at Cheltenham College plays host to Cheltenham Activity Camps for 5 weeks this summer. The multi-sport and activity camps offer fun filled, high energy activities for children aged 4½ to 14 years old. Each child will explore and experience a daily activity schedule. No two days are ever the same and there are fresh new themes each week. It’s guaranteed to be lots of fun and your child will leave with many great memories. Every child will take part in at least 6 activities a day – that’s over 30 a week! All children will swim (if they can) every day. All of our friendly, welcoming staff are fully referenced checked, extensively interviewed and DBS certified. The camps run from 21st July to 22nd August and start at £25 a day. The full range of childcare vouchers are accepted. Andrew Hailes, Domestic Bursar at Cheltenham College, commented: “We are delighted to be hosting these camps and making our sports facilities available to children from the surrounding area. Quality is at the

heart of everything College offers and these camps are no different – it is important that parents are given peace of mind. We are confident that these camps will not only solve difficult childcare issues for working parents but give children the opportunity to learn new skills, be stimulated and entertained through a whole host of different activities.” Children can also take part in sports specific academies throughout 2014 in partnership with Activate Sport – the leading company providing academies for children with sporting icons. The International Netball Roadshow, Freddie Flintoff Cricket and Hockey Masterclasses will be coming to the site. Full details can be found on the Cheltenham Activity Camps website or by going to www.activatesport.co.uk. Demand is already high and places are limited. If you want to book or need more information please look at our website www.cheltenhamactivitycamps.co.uk or call 01242 705551.

www.cheltenhamactivitycamps.co.uk ~ 01242 705551

Swimming at Cheltenham College Sports Centre Swim a Song

Aimed at babies and children aged between 4 months to 36 months old. Introducing young children to water. Confidence and independence. Developing movement and water skills. Parent/guardian in the water learning together. Teachers ‘rescue trained’.

Duckling Badge Scheme Swim sessions for pre-school children aged 3 and 4. Ideal for children that have previously attended a group session such as Parent and Toddler, or Swim a Song. Fun sessions, aimed at building confidence and independence. Bridging the gap between being in the water with a parent, and moving towards Swim School sessions in a bigger group. Small numbers in each session. Teacher in the water. Teachers ‘rescue trained’.

Club Swimming Adult only lane swimming (over 16s). Lane swimming. Joint membership available. £125.00 + admin fee. Concessionary rates. Early morning, evening and lunchtime slots available.

Contact: Cheltenham College Sports Centre on 01242 705551 or sportscentre@cheltenhamcollege.org for more information.

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The Local Answer

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Page 37

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Page 39

D.T.

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www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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Spring should definitely have sprung by now! But, my gardening friends, if you have taken any notice of my nagging these last few months you will be ahead of the game with a weed-free garden as it springs into life. Take some photos of the position of bulbs so that you can identify any gaps that need filling in the winter. Clematis need constant tying in as they scramble up their supports. Use soft twine and tie in a ‘figure of 8’, being careful not to damage the delicate stems. They look superb growing up through climbing roses and shrubs, extending the season of interest or flowering at the same time as their host, but with contrasting colours. Try Sambucas racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ with a beautiful blue Clematis ‘Perle d’Azur’ growing through it, or a lovely Rosa ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ with Clematis ‘Etoille Violette’ scrambling up it. If you chose late flowering clematis the pruning is more simple as they are ‘Group 3’ and just need to be chopped off about 30cm high in early spring – very easy! Give the clematis a spring feed with a high-potassium rose-type fertilizer gently forked into the soil surface, and then water and mulch (but don’t let the mulch touch the stems as it may rot them). Look out for the bright red lily beetles on your lilies and fritillaries. You can either just pick and squash or use an insecticide like Provado ultimate bug killer which is systemic and will kill the larvae when they start to munch on the plant. The larvae are disgusting looking as they cover themselves with their own black faeces (still I’m sure their mothers love them). You should be able to start hardening off tender herbaceous plants which you may have bought in the tempting indoor displays in the garden centres and nurseries. This consists of a couple of weeks of taking them outside during the day, and popping them back into the greenhouse or conservatory at night, gradually leaving them for longer and longer until they are out all night. Keep an eye on the weather in case of frosts etc. (although goodness knows we really shouldn’t get any this late on!). You can make a cold frame out of old windows, Perspex off –cuts etc. Place it in a warm, sheltered spot – raise the lid in the day to circulate the air and cover over at night if you have no greenhouse.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 41

Stoves & Fireplaces Cheltenham

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The Local Answer

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Page 43

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The Local Answer

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 45

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www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Leckhampton

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The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 49

Painters and Decorators Specialists in wallpapering and wall coverings All internal and external painting Private houses, period residences, schools, factories and industrial work.

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blinds store

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Store open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm Page 50

www.newblindscheltenham.co.uk

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The Local Answer

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FREE UPGRADE TO ‘A’ RATED WINDOWS ● No pressure sales ● No sitting in your house for hours on end! ● Free quotation ● No cold calls ● 24 years experience

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Our showroom is located in the centre of Gloucester, where you can call in and talk to Louise and arrange an appointment with the company director Nigel Martin who, with 24 years experience, will make a home visit and discuss the choices of products, styles and colours available with no pressure selling, and no sitting in your house for hours on end. You will then receive a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION.

FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Exceptional Doors

Exceptional Quality Exceptional Value

FREE

upgrade from a polycarbonate roof to a self cleaning glass roof on all newly quoted Conservatories.

☎01452 526028

Nigel and Louise

SHOWROOM Mon to Thurs Friday Saturday

Why not add value to your property by changing your Front Door. At C&L Windows we have a wide range of Composite, Panel and Centre Mullion Upvc doors. With a wide range of glass designs, to make your door unique and bespoke to you. Your Front door can say a lot about you in way’s of curb appeal, first impressions & add value to your home, and most importantly, keep you warm and draught proof.

OPENING: 9.00 - 5.00pm 9.00 - 4.00pm 9.30 - 1.00pm

Give us a call or stop by at our showroom at 48 STROUD ROAD, GLOUCESTER, GL1 5AJ

www.candlwindows.co.uk

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 51

Cheltenham's Exclusive Keller Kitchen Dealer

At Leckhampton Bathrooms and Kitchens we present you with the finest quality bathrooms and kitchens available. Professional design service. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1.30pm Saturday. Ample free parking.

Mead Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7EG

Tel: 01242 262606 Fax: 01242 253103 www.lbkonline.co.uk sales@lbkonline.co.uk

Quick Crossword 1

ACROSS 1 Male voice 5 Out of harm’s way 7 Shaving cut 8 Flying around (planet) 9 Pacify 12 New experience 15 More verdant 19 Numb 21 Supplied funds for 22 Mellow 23 Dip into drink 24 Surgeons’ workplaces DOWN 1 Expel from country

2 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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Unit 16, Lansdown Trading Estate Cheltenham GL51 8PL and 10 Albion Street, Cheltenham GL52 2LP Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri & 9am-3pm Sat

Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.

T: 01242 210555 E: info@ebuzzcigs.co.uk

Sensational Surfaces for your Kitchen or Bathroom

Unit R1 Kingsville Road, Kingsditch Trading Estate Cheltenham GL51 9NZ

BB BUSHBOARD BBm-stone

01242 519966 sales@worktopscheltenham.co.uk

BBencore

Hours of business: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm & Saturday 9am-1pm BBomega

BBprima

BBodyssey

BBnaunce

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Building Services & Property Maintenance Public Liability insured

Roofing, Chimneys Drainage Re-pointing Structural Openings Plastering Brickwork, Patio’s Extensions etc Contact John Gurney

Extensions ● Renovations ● Basement Conversions ● Barn Conversions ● Loft Conversions ● New Build

●

Reliable, friendly affordable service

07799 246692 07775 876443 01242 693111

●

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Domestic & Commercial One-off deep cleans ● End of tenancy cleans ● Conservatories, fascias & gutters ●

25 Years Experience

Converting your dreams to reality ...

For a free quotation contact Ryan...

Female Window Cleaner

J.T.G

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

PLASTERING RE-SKIMS PLASTER BOARDING DRY LINING PAINT & DECORATION SMOOTHING OVER ARTEX

Call: 01242 530412 or 07554 424233

EXTERNAL RENDERING SCAFFOLDING SUPPLY DAMP PROOFING NEW CEILINGS STUD WALLS

LIME WORK/RESTORATION

01242 232 672

Cheltenham www.dotanddab.info for reviews and portfolio! e: richard@dotanddab.info

Luxury Fitted Wardrobes Modern or Traditional – we have a wardrobe style for you! FROM ONLY £580 FITTED!

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

The wardrobe people Page 54

Please call for a FREE quote, price list or just advice without any obligation ... 01452 548152

www.spacemasterglos.com www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

The Kitchen Workshop 01242 526960

Beau ful Kitchens Stunning Prices

www.cheltenhamkitchenworkshop.co.uk

Need a Quality Builder?

Decor by Makeover

Your Local Roofing Experts

WEATHERTECH

Your home painting and decorating requirements undertaken

Established for 25 years ● ● ●

Ext ens ions ● Bathr ooms L o f t s ● K i t ch e n s

Call Harry on

07768 651515 or 01242 771077

harryantonious@gmail.com www.antonious.co.uk

Residential & Commercial Roofing New Roofs ● Pro GRP Fibreglass Flat Roofs ● Roof Repairs ● Metal Roofs Call for FREE ● Fascias, Soffits & Gutters quotation ● Painting & Decorating ● Repointing ● Gutter Cleaning find us on:

For a clean, tidy, efficient and friendly service

phone Mike on 01684 291549 or 07972 057 889 mike.k2@btinternet.com

✔ 01452 899903/07503 858963

ROOFING & BUILDING SOLUTIONS

for all your property needs

REGISTERED INSTALLER Our range of services and installations include: ● Replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering ● New roofs and repairs – tile, felt, lead and slate ● Flat roofs ● Chimney repairs ● Lead work ● Gutter clearing ● Dry verges All general maintenance and building work, including the small jobs around the house that you hate to do!

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE – REFERENCES AVAILABLE To arrange a full survey and quotation please call 01242 809650 or 07918 798530 Office 269, 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2LY

Trusted Tradesmen

High Quality Pain ng & Decora ng

Internal and external Murals Wallpapers G Handpainted kitchens and furniture G Accredited with Government Trustmark All areas covered G G G

07592 693 019

Get in touch gary@trusted-trades-men.co.uk

Trusted-trades-men.co.uk

50OF% F O UP T

May Madness Sale: Up to 50% off Ex-Stock Marble & Limestone fireplaces!

Visit our showroom at: 800 Ashville Business Park (Behind Mercedes Benz) Commerce Road, Cheltenham Road East, Staverton, Glos. GL2 9QJ Gloucestershire Open: Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm Airport For more information call 01452 855 550 or visit our website at www.firestyles.co.uk

Hurry - while stocks last!

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Golden Valley A40

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Churchdown

To advertise call 01242 510500

www.firestyles.co.uk Page 57

DO YOU HATE OVEN l cal CLEANING? EST 2004 NEW LEAF CONSTRUCTION

Tel: 01242 227 067 or 0800 8818 423 For more information please visit the website @

www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk

COOKER OR OVEN NOT WORKING? www.fix-my-oven.co.uk

Quality Building Extensions Loft Conversions Roofing Walls Bathrooms Porches Paving References from satisfied customers NEW LEAF CONSTRUCTION is fully insured Contact Oliver Keys for a FREE no obligation quotation on:

Tel: 01242 581524 Mob: 07837 857145 email: oliverkeys@hotmail.co.uk 70 Horsefair Street, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 8JH

G DL

GUNNELL DECORATORS LTD

All internal and external painting and decorating and wallpaper hanging

Quality decorating, 25 years experience References available Commercial and domestic. Fully insured Contact Julian on 01242 517284 Mobile: 07973 890829 email: gdldecoratorsltd@btinternet.com 2 Langdale Road, Hatherley, Cheltenham

RS RS Cladding & Roofing are specialists in all types of Roofing, Flat Roofing and all Rain Water Systems

RS Cladding offer home owners quality uPVC fascias, soffits, guttering, downpipes and cladding in a choice of colours (white, rosewood, oak or black). Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re virtually maintenance -free and will never need to be repainted. All our products are guaranteed for 10 years for peace of mind.

RUBBER FLAT ROOFING

Whatever the weather, ClassicBond EPDM roofing membranes protect your property

When you need a sustainable, long lasting rooftop, look no further than the single-ply membrane with half a century track record of performance and durability

Call now for a FREE Quote FREEPHONE: 0800 747 1283 www.rscladdingandroofing.co.uk

email: rs.cladding.roofing@live.co.uk - 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham. Glos. GL52 2LY RS CLADDING ARE PROUD SPONSORS OF GLOUCESTER RUGBY Page 58

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! ADVERTISEMENT

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 3DXO LV ÀQGLQJ WKDW KLV 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 and he’ll be happy to help!

78)%1)( 94 (39&0) +0%>-2+# (SR´X VITPEGI XLI *VEQIW NYWX XLI 4ERIW

&VSOIR SV (EQEKIH ;MRHS[W# *EYPX] ,MRKIW ,ERHPIW SV 0SGOW# ;ERX 8LI 0EXIWX )RIVK] 7EZMRK +PEWW# %PP +PE^MRK &EGOIH &] 3YV =IEV 1ERYJEGXYVIVW +YEVERXII 4VMSVMX] *VIITLSRI

[[[ GPSYH] GPIEV GSQ [I QEOI WEZMRK QSRI] TIVJIGXP] GPIEV The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 59

Professional Services

GLOSBUILD

Professional & Reliable General Builders

Covering Gloucester, Cheltenham & Surrounding Areas

Driveways (Block Paved/Tarmac) MAY MADNESS Roofing ~ Guttering & Fascias GENUINE DISCOUNTS! Walls & Fencing ~ Landscaping FASCIAS & GUTTING STANDARD PROPERTY

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Over 40 years’ experience ~ No Deposits Required WAS £1500 NOW £1200 Please call 01452 223811 or 07792 676760 TARMAC & BLOCK PAVING info@glosbuild.co.uk www.glosbuild.co.uk MEDIUM DRIVEWAY Court Farm, Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth, Gloucestershire GL2 9PX Page 60

WAS £1500 NOW £1200

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The Local Answer

G Kelly

SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN SERVICE PRICES FROM £90

PLASTERING SOLID PLASTERING ● DRY LINING ● SKIMMING ● PARTITIONING ● FIBROUS CORNICE ● EXTERNAL RENDERING ● FLOOR SCREEDING HIGH STANDARD OF WORKMANSHIP WITH 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE ●

Tel:

Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran

• Bookkeeping • Payroll • VAT/CIS • Uniform & Small Tools Rebates for Employees Free Consultation and free paperwork collection/postal service

The BooksAngel

01242 898385/07845 540 500 sally@thebooksangel.com

07716007326

Beacon eLecTRIcaL LTD

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECK PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING CALL NICK 01242 700770 or 07917 785354

Pension changes

www.electricians-cheltenham.co uk nick@beaconelectrical.ltd.uk

ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area.

COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service Private chapels of rest

www.alexanderburn.com Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road 01242 673300

Cheltenham 436 High Street 01242 245350

Winchcombe 11 North Street 01242 604888

SCHOOL they called us GEEKS

NOWwe FIX their 07855 793425 COMPUTERS WE COME TO YOU! ~ Ask for William ~

PRINTER PROBLEMS? WIFI SLOW? WE CAN FIX IT! ~ YES WE CAN! PC SLOW? VIRUS? LOST DATA? The Local Answer

I’m not qualified to advise on pensions and neither do I want to be – that’s for those who are expert in the subject and their specialist guidance should be sought in every case. But I do know a little about advising businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them, and they face some major changes in the next couple of years. Chancellor George Osborne proudly claimed that the centrepiece of his 2014 budget was the most radical and positive reform of the rules surrounding pensions for decades. He didn’t so much address the regulations covering the amounts that we are able to put into our pension funds, as look at the ways in which money can be drawn out of those funds. It was a modernisation of rules that have been around for a long time and, with the balance of fund types swinging in favour of personal pensions against final salary schemes, it was probably long overdue. But was it the most radical reform of pension rules for a generation? Well no, actually it wasn’t. Not because of what the changes do or don’t achieve, but because they pale into insignificance compared to the regulations concerning autoenrolment. These changes not only affect individual pensions, they have a far-reaching impact on any business that runs a payroll. With only minor exceptions, all businesses with staff other than the proprietor will have to put in place a pension scheme, into which all his or her employees will be automatically enrolled (get the idea of the title now?!) before the end of 2017. The exact date that a business becomes required to put in place a scheme is determined by firstly the number of employees and secondly your PAYE reference. It is known as your ‘staging date’, which is a term that will become commonplace in the coming months. At Andorran, we are beginning the process of rolling out a programme to all our clients to ensure that they are properly prepared for what promises to be a major challenge to all businesses. Failure to prepare properly could cost your business a small fortune.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 61

Stanley Plumbing Services

All work is Carried out to the highest standards Performed by trained professionals Covered by public liability insurance No job too small For a FREE quote Call 01242 693243 / 07798 585396 E: info@swsplastering.co.uk www.swsplastering.co.uk

• Kitchens • Heating Systems Bathrooms • Showers Tiling • Solar Thermal Installations designed and fitted from start to finish We are a local family run business

NO CALL OUT CHARGE m 07787 162 474 t 01452 347929

2480

Free Estimates and Advice All Aspects of Electrical Work Competitive Rates Inspection and Testing P.A.T. Testing

07786 787068 / 01242 862480 neil@cleevelyelectrics.co.uk

PAINTER & DECORATOR

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR FREE ESTIMATES PAPER HANGING COVING & TILING SPECIAL RATES FOR OAPs

01242 237517 07787 332888

Nick Burton

e jgsplumbing@yahoo.co.uk w stanleyplumbingservices.co.uk Cotswold Court, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham GL51 0TF

YOUR LOCAL QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

01242 86

ROGERS

Worcester Bosch Boiler Installations with 7 year Warranty

All Aspects of internal/ external plastering Specialist Work Building Services

TREVOR

Carpenter

ALL JOINERY & DOMESTIC CARPENTRY WORK UNDERTAKEN

01242 620989 07970 409134

Renovations, Bespoke Furniture, Kitchens, Bathroom, Timber Flooring

NO JOB TOO SMALL

nickburton156@btinternet.com

GAS CENTRAL HEATING - BOILER REPLACEMENT - PLUMBING

on all Worcester Bosch boilers we install and

Barker & Bayliss 10% OFF

8 YEARS GUARANTEE on boilers fitted with a filter!

Accredited Installer

Plumbers & Heating Engineers

Central Heating Systems Installed Landlords Gas Safety Checks Boilers Serviced & Replaced Systems Power Flushed 225458 Systems Upgraded Bathrooms fitted Approved Installer

SPECIAL OFFER

All Power Flushes*

*Just mention The Local Answer and book before 31st May 2014

Call For a Free & Competitive Quote Cheltenham 01242 524752 – Mobile 07776 400327

www.barkerbayliss.co.uk email: enquiries@barkerbayliss.co.uk

FULLY QUALIFIED, WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Page 62

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

L.M.Williams

Plumb It Plumbing & Heating Services is a family run, Cheltenham based company that has built its customer base on good old fashioned service, value and reliability. SERVICES INCLUDE: · Central heating systems · Boiler installation and servicing · Gas fire installations · Kitchen appliances (from plumbing in dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and cookers)

· Plumbing installations, blockages & leaks · Gas safety & Landlord certificates

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

The Local Answer

Building & Plastering Services Internal & External Plastering Porches & small extensions Re-pointing Renovations

26 yrs experience

07966 094884

chartered accountants

ACCOUNTANCY & TAXATION SERVICES

for new & existing businesses

01242 244856

accountancy@andorran.co.uk 6 Manor Park Business Centre, Mackenzie Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 9TX w w w. a n d o r r a n . c o . u k

NOT JUST ELECTRICS! Experienced Qualified Electrician General building maintenance, plumbing, decorating.

No job too big or small Free quotations, Reliable, Friendly 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE COUNTY ELECTRICAL

References available CONTRACTOR FOR

T: 01242 251743 M: 07770 790767

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 63

I.D. GODWIN Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Services • Full Emergency Service • Heating Systems • Bathrooms • Showers • Boiler Installations & Service • Power Flushing

24kw Ideal Standard (British) Combi Boiler changed with 2 year warranty from £1050 plus VAT

WARRANTIES

UPTO 7 YEAR on Worcester Boilers UPTO 5 YEAR on Vaillant Boilers

01242 512523/07836 379717 www.iangodwin.com

1 Vineyards Trading Estate, Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 8NJ

PLUMBERS

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

24 HOURS

● HEATING ● PLUMBING 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Leaks Overflows Burst Pipes Showers Pumps Toilets Taps Waste Disposals Saniflo's Tanks Hot Water Problems Immersion Heaters Cylinders

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

• Full & Part Rewires • Fuseboards • Interior/Exterior Lighting • Complete shower installation • Extra Sockets • Fault Finding • TV Aerial Points Local references available No call-out charge ~ Free Quotations FRIENDLY • RELIABLE • PROFESSIONAL

Call Carl on 07970

919 764 or 01242 790072

Malvern View, Old Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 0TG

CALL 01242 234 576 ●

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

cotswoldrewires@hotmail.co.uk

Worcester trained and approved 72524

COTSWOLD

Boiler Breakdowns Servicing Maintenance New Boiler Installs Radiators Pumps Programmers Cylinders Thermostats

WHY CHOOSE US?

What would you say if someone told you that your central heating system could be transformed, with very little disruption to your home, using highly qualified engineers, with the best quality materials possible at a price you could afford? A family run business, Cotswold Plumbers Limited has provided quality plumbing and heating services in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire since 2005. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through repeat custom and relationships that have been built around a first class experience. Offering our customers more...

www.cotswoldplumbers.co.uk Page 64

COTSWOLD REWIRES

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

GAS

Accredited Installer

The Local Answer

Learn French for

Cheltenham Locksmiths ‘Won’t be beaten on price’

FUN, HOLIDAYS, BUSINESS & EDUCATION

GCSE, A2 and A level including Literature Preparation & Crash Revision Courses

QUALIFIED TEACHER Call Suzanne: 01242 528592

Leave message on answerphone & repeat tel. no. clearly! Merci!

20 minute response 24 hour service Lock-outs, Lock changes, Lock upgrades and repairs No call-out fee All work guaranteed

Call Ollie 07725 338 705 01242 573446 www.cheltenham-locksmiths.co.uk

PC-Menders

*German & Latin also available

IT help for Home and Small Business users • • • • • •

Repairs, Troubleshooting and Upgrades Windows 8 and iPad set-up and assistance Virus removal Data recovery and transfer System set-up and Training Networks and Servers

phone: John on 01242 576650 email: help@pc-menders.co.uk

STEVENS RECYCLING

Local Policing with Tim Waterhouse

Cheltenham South LPT Inspector

Changes & challenges for our neighbourhood As I write I have just been given the honour of becoming the ‘Sheriff’ of Cheltenham. For some time my organisation have felt – and I agree – that one person should be in charge of neighbourhood policing for the whole Borough. I have been asked to take that role on and I have gladly accepted. This will give me an opportunity to ensure all the good work that is done around the Town is replicated all over the Town. I will have a team of warranted officers and community officers, and I hope to bring a more visible beat management style to your individual part of Cheltenham.

Team of achievers Each community will have a PC and a couple of community officers, plus as many volunteers as we can add, to have a small cohesive team of achievers. There will be lots of support to our neighbourhood policing from the rest of my organisation and it is my responsibility to look at the demands from the community and ensure a smooth message is passed up the chain and dealt with. My beat managers will have their ear to the ground, attend meetings, be visible and deal with the minor bit of criminality that impacts on people – the things that effect everyday lives.

Domestic and Industrial Skips

Police And Community Together!

ATTENTION!

There will be challenges for me and the team, such as making sure the rest of my organisation understand that your needs are as important as the other demands placed on our time. I aim to create a smooth conduit for information to pass back and forth between the community and the support teams. We are all in this together, the Police and the Community, so much so that we are calling our beat managers and their small teams ‘PACTs’ – Police And Community Together! With all the financial restraints on us in the past few years, and probably more to come, we feel this is the best way of ensuring that we keep a visible and viable police presence in the community. Keeping on top of issues and making sure our support teams are put in places of high demand will provide a quality and intelligence led way of dealing with your issues. With my drive and the support of the dedicated officers that make up your local community teams, I feel it will work. Wish me luck!

For a limited time only...

Let us lighten your load! 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL SKIP HIRE WHEN YOU QUOTE TLA 13/02/48 WHEN ORDERING* *DISCOUNT CANNOT BE APPLIED RETROSPECTIVELY. OFFER RUNS UNTIL 30/06/2014

Stevens Recycling

Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB

NOW SUPPLYING

TOP SOIL

01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com The Local Answer

AT GREAT PRICES

Gloucestershire Constabulary Non-Emergency Number – 101 In an emergency always call 999

www.gloucestershire.police.uk

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 65

Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK

HOMES & GARDENS

16 Bathrooms 11 City Plumbing Leckhampton Bathrooms WHAT’S ON Severn Vale Bathrooms Clubs & Sports Bickos Bike Shack 28 Total Bathroom Caroline Crowther Intro’s 28 Building Services Cheltenham College 33-36 ARD Development Gloucester Rugby 32 Aubrey Howard Builders 30 B E Rudman Shipton Golf Course Damp Detectives Events & Attractions Bacon Theatre 26 David Eastman Tiling Cheltenham Challenge 28 Dot & Dab Plastering Handsam Boat Company 25 Elite Loft Ladders Pate’s – ‘Bouncing Back’ 27 FarrDenn Construction Prescott Hill Climb 30 G Kelly Plastering Prinknash Bird & Deer 31 GlosBuild Slimbridge WWT 29 Harry Antonious The Brewery 27 Homecare Fascias The Everyman Theatre 30 Homecare Property JTG Building Services RETAIL Leckhampton Plastering Strand Arts 16 LM Williams Building Vinyl Records 28 Marcus Rogers Builder Marshalls Driveways HEALTH & BEAUTY eBuzz Electronic Cigs 16&45 Morgan Exteriors Extreme Lengths 19 New Leaf Construction Insanity Classes 28 R Richards & Son Kim Brunwin 20 Roofing & Building Leckhampton Chiropractic 19 RS Cladding and Roofing Mobile Chiropodist 19 Staverton Building NHS – Let’s Talk 20 SWS Plastering Oakwell Health 18 Weathertech The Alchemy of Beauty 19 Carpentry The Guild Hairdressing 20 Nick Burton The Haven 19 Three Piece Joinery Cleaning Services HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Britannia Cleaning Miles Morgan Travel 7 Direct Cleaning UK PROPERTY Female Window Cleaner House Moves 15 Hard Pressed for Time Open House 14 Oven Busters The Ballroom The Edgemoor Inn

COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to the winners of our April 2014 issue competitions: Bacon Theatre – A Song for Marion – J. Holmes, Fir Tree Close; David Selley, Frampton Mews; Paul Martin, Broad Oak Way. The Everyman – As You Like It – Donald Hawkins, King George Close; M. Wood, Old Bath Road; Judith Barker, Gloucester Road. Blofeld & Baxter at The Everyman – M. Foster, Caernarvon Road.

The Local

ANSWER

G re at ex po s u re fo r y o u r b u s i n e ss! To advertise telephone:

01242 510500

43 Pink Fairy Cleaning Regency Cleaning 4 The Housekeeper 6 Electrical Services Beacon Electrical 61 Cleevely Electrical 62 Cotswold Rewires 64 County Electrical 63 Furnishing & Appliances Dixons Carpets & Flooring 43 FireStyles 57 Furniture Factory Outlets 8-9 MWE Furnishings Ltd 37 New Blinds 50 New Blinds – Awnings 4 New Blinds – Shutters 37 Spacemaster 54 Spa Service 17 Stoves and Fireplaces 43 Garden Services Acorn Gardening Services 40 Chosen Lawnmowers 40 Cotswold Garden Services 41 Joe & Jamie 40 Julia Smith Gardening 39 Landscape Creations 40 Mark Clifford Landscapes 40 Master Sheds 41 Tim’ll Fix It 41 Twelve Oaks 40 Handyman Services John Wilson Maintenance 40 The Local Handyman 45 Heating & Plumbing Barker & Bayliss 62 Cotswold Plumbers 64 ID Godwin 64 Pete T Plumbing 49 Plumb It 63 Pure Plumbing 60 Shackleton & Wintle 47 Stanley Plumbing 62

17 52 56 50 63 48 37 39 39 54 39 54 61 60 57 45 47 54 47 63 49 39 49 58 2 57 58 38 62 57 62 50 45 39 54 47 58

Kitchens Hatherley Worktops Leckhampton Kitchens The Kitchen Workshop Worktops Cheltenham Painting & Decorating Brian Mitten Painting Decor by Makeover DT Painting and Decor Flairline Decorating Floods Gunnell Decorators Trevor Rogers Trusted Tradesmen TV & Aerial 1st Choice Aerials Windows & Doors AJ Windows Albany Windows C&L Windows Chosen View Clearway Doors Cloudy2Clear Emperor Windows Misty2Clear

49 52 55 53 49 57 40 47 50 58 62 57 47 44 68 51 49 42 59 67 46

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Auctioneers & Valuers Mallams Care Services Queensbridge Care

4 6

Computers & Software Geeks 61 PC Menders 65 Education & Training Circus Day Nursery 25 French Tuition 65 Piano with Anna 25 Winton House Nursery 12-13 Funeral Directors 61 Alexander Burn Legal & Finance 63 Andorran 61 Books Angel Maitland Walker LLP 14 Locksmiths Cheltenham Locksmiths 65 Motors The Deal Maker 16 Pets Charlton Kings Vet Centre 23 Glos. Animal Welfare 22 Shaggy Chic Grooming 22 Printing Services Planet Print UK 21 Property & Storage Norton Park 43 Recruitment Care at Home 5 Skip Hire & Recycling Stevens Recycling 65 Utilities Utility Warehouse 16

If you don’t see the goods or services you provide listed here – take advantage and

BE THE FIRST! Telephone 01242 510500

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS B

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D E S

COMPETITION RULES 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.

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Thursday 15th May 2014 Page 66

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The Local Answer

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Unit 40, Space Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FL