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Gloucestershire North 20,000 DELIVERED OCTOBER 2014 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk

EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS ‘BRILLIANT BAT NIGHT’ AT THE BIRD & DEER PARK – SEE CENTRE PAGES

The Local

ANSWER

Meet the Team ... Advertising Leonie Euwin leonie@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Malcolm Cantwell malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

Administration Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Robert Kingscott rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Carole Brown accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

Welcome to October ... Halloween is almost upon us and there’s lots to do to celebrate! Over Farm’s Frightmare is back with a spooky ghost hunt in the day for children and a terrifying Haunted Hayride for adults in the evening. The Brilliant Bat Night returns to Prinknash Bird and Deer Park at the end of the month – visitors can have their fortunes told in the Gypsy Caravan, find the ‘not so wicked’ witch in the Wendy House and there will be prizes for the best carved pumpkins and costumes. This month’s cocktail fits in well with the Halloween season and our ‘Did You Know?’ has a haunting theme. Get ahead and book your Christmas Party – Manor By The Lake are having New York themed festivities and tickets are on sale now. We have another new column this month – ‘Sniff and Slurp’ – which will bring you recommendations for some great wines each month. Congratulations to Vision 21 who created the Prior’s Park Edible Garden and helped towards achieving Tewkesbury’s Gold Winning success.

Inside this month ... Delicious Dishes Sniff and Slurp Short Walks Pet Care Cocktail Time Sudoku What’s On Did You Know Homes & Gardens In the Garden Quick Crossword Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions

5 7 8 11 12 12 14 17 20 27 31 33 34

Competitions: 7, 14, 16 and 17

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Get FIT Now!

FREE 7 Day Group Circuit Class Pass with this voucher Valid for one person only Expires 31st October 2014

David Parker and Nick Cafearo are offering a FREE 7 Day Group Circuit Class Pass at Winchcombe’s popular Body4you Gym. For a FREE consultation about Personal Training call David Parker or Nick Cafearo – and we’ll do the rest! ●

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Personal Training In-Home Personal Training Group Circuit Membership Gym Membership from £26.25 a month 12 Cardio Pieces, Weights Area and a Power Plate

www.body4you.com Body4you Ltd 11 Isbourne Business Centre Isbourne Way, Winchcombe GL54 5NS body4youhq@gmail.com

The Edgemoor Inn

01242 604011

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

Tradi onal Cotswold pub oﬀering locally sourced meat, ﬁsh and vegetables. Extensive range of home cooked meals served daily – lunch me and evening. Visit our website for full menu.

Finest selec on of local real ales.

Edge, Near Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6ND Tel: 01452 813576 www.edgemoor-inn.com Page 4

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The Local Answer

Mushroom Risotto

Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

Deliciously rich and creamy Ingredients: 50g dried porcini mushrooms; 1 vegetable stock cube; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves; finely chopped; 250g pack chestnut mushrooms, sliced and washed; 300g risotto rice (Arborio); 175ml white wine; 25g butter; handful parsley leaves, chopped; 50g parmesan, freshly grated. Method: 1 Put the dried mushrooms into a large bowl and pour over 1 litre boiling water. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain into a bowl, discarding the last few tablespoons of liquid left in the bowl. Crumble the stock cube into the mushroom liquid, then squeeze the mushrooms gently to remove any liquid. Chop mushrooms. 2 Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over a medium flame. Fry the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the fresh and dried mushrooms, season and continue to cook for 8 minutes until the fresh mushrooms have softened. 3 Tip the rice into the pan and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and let it bubble to nothing so the alcohol evaporates. Keep the pan over a medium heat and pour in a quarter of the

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Gloucestershire’s POWERSTATION is a one stop performance car service and tuning centre Northway Trading Estate, Northway Lane, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 8JH. Te l : 0 1 6 8 4 2 9 6 6 7 5 Workshop Open: Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00 Sat 9-12.30 please quote www.powerstation.org.uk TLA The Local Answer

mushroom stock. Simmer the rice, stirring often, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Add about the same amount of stock again and continue to simmer and stir. It should start to become creamy, plump and tender. By the time the final quarter of stock is added, the rice should be almost cooked. 4 Continue stirring until the rice is cooked. If the rice is still undercooked, add a splash of water. Take the pan off the heat, add the butter and sprinkle over half the cheese and parsley. Cover and leave for a few minutes so that the rice can absorb any excess liquid as it cools. Give the risotto a final stir, spoon into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and parsley.

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Vision 21 helps Tewkesbury win gold Amongst the many areas of achievement that contributed to Tewkesbury’s Gold Winning success is Prior’s Park Edible Garden located behind Queens Road next to the Local Nature Reserve. The Edible Garden was created by Vision 21 with the assistance of the local community over the past two years. The initial funding was provided through Big Lottery Local Food initiative and it was so successful that additional funding was obtained from the Health Total of the People’s Health Trust to both expand the size of the garden and create personal vegetable plots for the residents of Prior’s park to take advantage of. Erin Baker, Vision 21’s Project Officer, has been on site over the summer twice a week helping to show local people how to maintain the garden and grow a wide range of different types of vegetables. She is now gearing up for a new phase, which is to promote personal plots as well as the existing communal one. Both small or larger plots are available. Sessions and plots are free and for more information about joining the group or obtaining a plot, contact Erin Baker 07432 673069 or email her on ebaker@vision21.org.uk.

Page 6

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Sniff and Slurp with Nick Gay My name is Nick and welcome to Sniff and Slurp! Each month I recommend my favourite wines available from local stores or online, and give you the chance to win two places worth £25 each on a wine tasting evening! Valpolicella This month, I discovered this delicious red Valpolicella Ripasso for just £8.99 at Lidl. This is a turbo-charged Valpolicella, thanks to a second ferment using partly crushed dried grapes (also used to make its even more powerful sibling, Amarone). It is rich, complex and smooth and goes well with a creamy mushroom risotto – why not try it with this month’s delicious dish! Manzanilla Since none of us want to go into hibernation just yet, here is one for enjoying out of the fridge when the sun shines – a Manzanilla sherry for £6.99 from M&S. Think of a green olive escaping to the seaside with a lemon, and pretend you are in Spain! Bone dry and refreshing. Semillon You could also pretend you are ‘Down Under’ with this delightful drop from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Somehow, Australian vintners have coaxed extraordinarily subtle flavours from the Semillon grape, normally at home in cool Bordeaux, in this warm climate region! This paradox is compounded when they sell a 2006 wine for no more than £9.99 at Sainsburys (I paid just £7.99 because it was discounted) – a steal. Toasty, fresh, lemons & limes – great with fish. Nick is a wine educator offering fun, non-stuffy wine tasting events in Cheltenham. Gift vouchers available – great idea for Christmas! For more information about wine or the Oxford Chelt Wine School, email Nick at info@oxfordcheltwineschool.com, call 07858 220119 or visit www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com.

COMPETITION DISTRIBUTORS REQUIRED FOR A FEW HOURS EACH MONTH IN YOUR AREA For details call Cindy on 01242 541075 or email distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk The Local Answer

To win an evening of wine tasting in Cheltenham, send your answers to the following questions with your name, address and telephone number to ‘Sniff and Slurp’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your answers and details, stating ‘Sniff and Slurp’, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 16th October 2014. 1. What is a Kir? a) a grape variety b) a vine disease c) a cocktail of white wine and cassis. 2. Wines with animals on the label are known in the US as critter wines – true or false?

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Short Walks in the Cotswolds Chipping Campden & Dover’s Hill 4¼ miles (6.75km) ~ 2¼ hours Moderate; two long climbs (one steep), some mud

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

1 'Chipping' is found in several Cotswold place names and derives from the Saxon ‘ceping’ meaning a market. This was to prove very appropriate, for the town later established itself as a market centre for wool. Woolstaplers Hall was built by a wool merchant in 1340 as a meeting place for the staple merchants to purchase raw fleece. The most famous of the merchants was William Grevel, mentioned by Chaucer in Canterbury Tales. His 14th century house remains almost unaltered in the High Street. The church of St James was built following his bequest, and is almost entirely 15th century, lending it a unity of style. There are several notable features inside, particularly the brass of Grevel and his wife, among the largest and oldest of Gloucestershire brasses. Another important local figure was Sir Baptist Hicks, a merchant banker, who built the Market Hall in 1627 and the attractive row of almshouses near the church in 1612. A Park in Chipping Campden. From the main street turn down Back Ends beside St. Catherine’s Church towards Hoo Lane. At the sharp right-hand bend, take the first turning on the left into Birdcage Page 8

Walk. Continue ahead along the path to a road. Continue over the road to the corner of a field. Take the path half-right uphill to the road. B Turn right and, after ¼ mile (400m), take the path across the field signposted to Broadway Tower. At the road, turn left and continue to a junction. 2 The Kiftsgate Stone is a holed standing stone on the site of a former ‘moot site’ where local people discussed business and dispensed justice. The Magna Carta was read from the stone as were the proclamations of monarchs, the last one being that of George III. C Bear right and continue for ¼ mile (400m) to a bridleway on the right just after a right-hand bend. D Turn right and go downhill, keeping close to the right-hand field boundaries when the track emerges from the wood. Re-enter the woodland through a five bar gate and look out for a stile and footbridge when a field comes into view on the right. E Cross the stile and head half-left across the field. Cross the stile and footbridge near the corner and turn right uphill, crossing a track, to a stile in the top corner of the field. F Continue in the same direction uphill www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

across two fields and over a stile to a gate. Turn left and join the road through a gate. G Turn right and, after 300yds (275m), take the path on the left to Dover’s Hill. Go straight on over the summit, crossing the stile ahead and continuing across a field to the road. 3 Whitsun Games were probably held on this hill as far back as Saxon times but it was later the site of the famous Cotswold 'Olympick' Games, begun by Robert Dover in 1612. They were certainly not for the weak in body or spirit, involving such activities as wrestling, hand walking, shinkicking, and a particularly rough pursuit called singlestick fighting. The occasion became very popular and in the 1830s as many as 30,000 people attended. Unfortunately, the Games became unruly leading to demands for the event to be cancelled. The Games were stopped in 1853. They were revived in 1951 and now take place on the Friday after Spring Bank Holiday, although not all of the original events are included. H Turn left and take the second path on the right (the Cotswold Way) back to Chipping Campden. The Local Answer

Christmas Parties and a new era Cheltenham’s Manor By The Lake has seen some changes over time, but none so much as now. The stunning 19th century manor house has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment and upgrade, which sees it fully operational for the festive season. Their ‘Christmas in New York!’ theme will be running through this year’s season with the evening festivities based around everything that makes night life in the Big Apple so special. Broadway, music, lights and fashion will make their Christmas Parties go with an American swing. The evenings will centre around the venue’s new ballroom, which can cater for up to 200 guests with food prepared by the hands of former Daffodil Head Chef Norbert Schon. Drinks on arrival in the ‘Airport Lounge’ will be followed by an exquisite 3-course menu including locally sourced Newent Turkey and Gloucestershire Old Spot sausage with sage parcel, duck fat roasted potatoes and market fresh vegetables – sure to be a big hit for those with a taste for something special. Several other choices The Local Answer

for the Manor By The Lake different the Manor is also offering a party with a difference. The casual dining options include a variety of fabulous ‘Street Food’, a DJ and access to the exclusive Rock Bar allowing extended late night fun. All this summer’s hard work seems to have paid off as the Manor has received record bookings for the season and many dates beyond. You can contact the Manor By The Lake team on 01242 245 071 for more details and availability or email events@manorbythelake.co.uk. including chestnut, mushroom and stilton pie or braised blade of beef with creamed potato, smoked bacon and baby onion ragout are available for those wishing to break from tradition. A huge selection of high-quality wines is kept by the Manor so you will be sure to find something for everyone, and delightful desserts to follow will lead into a glamorous evening of music and dance with a live band playing into the night. For those wanting something

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Let’s Talk Courses Low Mood

? ? ? ? ? Emotional Wellbeing Sleep

Anger

Stress and Anxiety

Mindfulness

? ? ? L?Teta’slk ? Panic

Getting Active

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Low Self-Esteem Negative Thinking

? ? ?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS.

We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes. Our NEW courses are: Using CBT to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website

https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time. I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.

It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.

I feel I can now manage my illness by changing some things in my life.

Foundation Trust For Gloucestershire

DRAGON

Pet Care

with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre in Cheltenham is a centre of excellence for pets – large and small – and offers a full range of services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham, Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with a great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER

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DRAGON VET CENTRE Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH

01242 580 324 ~ info@dragonvet.co.uk Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 24 hour On Site Emergency Service ~ 01242 522 022

www.dragonvet.co.uk The Local Answer

Feeding the fussy eater I have the world’s fussiest dog! Many owners claim their dogs are fussy, but I think few compare to Bart the fussy Vizsla. Apparently, Bart failed to read the manual that says dogs should inhale their food, trick humans into believing they haven’t been fed or to stare at you with a desperate forlorn expression until you cave in and offer up a treat. Instead, Bart treats his food with suspicion and even spits out dog treats because he just can’t be bothered! I therefore sympathise when pet owners struggle to get their canine companions to eat enthusiastically. The first thing to establish is whether the dog is unwell. This can usually be determined by whether the fussy eater has always been fussy, if their bowel movements are normal, if they are drinking normal amounts, and by their general body condition. If something is not quite right, a trip to the vet is in order. The next thing to establish is whether the dog is underweight. Surprisingly, many fussy eaters are either in perfect condition or slightly overweight. In this case the reluctance to polish off food is simply that they have had enough, which doesn’t require any significant intervention. Skinny dogs (which Bart is) cause the most anxiety and deserve a more proactive approach.

No single solution for all fussy dogs Generally we don’t encourage owners to change diets too often. Constant variety can form habits and we often find dogs and cats train us to regularly offer them something different when they learn that turning their noses up at one meal results in something else being produced. Some pets can also be sensitive to diet changes, so offering many different brands can end up causing digestive upsets. I usually advise a high quality, consistent diet – genuine fussy eaters will be fussy with most foods, so a varied diet often only works short-term before they go off it anyway. Fussy eaters are much rarer in multi-dog households – one of the few things that gets Bart eating is when his mum wanders over to his full food bowl. Competition encourages dogs to eat – if you don’t want another dog (a bit of a radical solution), remove the food after 10-20 minutes. Dogs soon learn that food is not always available and are more likely to eat it when it is offered. Some dogs eat better when only fed once daily, as they become hungrier, but for skinny fusspots I would put the food down 3-4 times during the day for 10-20 minute periods. Often once they start eating they will eat a decent amount, so sometimes it is okay to offer some food by hand or sprinkle a few treats over the food to get them going. Standing over the dog at mealtimes and fussing them can encourage them to eat their food but gets a bit tiresome! There isn’t one single solution for all fussy dogs. If you’re struggling with a very fussy eater, come and have a chat and, if in any doubt, have your dog checked to make sure there isn’t an underlying illness putting them off their food.

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Page 11

Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Bloody Mary The Bloody Mary is often called ‘the world’s most complex cocktail’ because of the vast number of ingredients it contains, and there are three different claims to who invented it. The first is a bartender from New York’s 21 Club named Henry Zbikiewicz, who supposedly invented the cocktail in the 1930s. The second, a frequent visitor of the 21 Club, is the comedian George Jessel. But the third comes from Fernand Petiot who claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary before the other two, in 1921, while working at the New York Bar in Paris – later known as Harry’s New York Bar. Petiot said that he adapted Jessel’s drink from being simply vodka and tomato juice by combining “four large dashes of salt, two dashes of black pepper, two dashes of cayenne pepper, and a layer of Worcestershire sauce”. He then added a dash of lemon juice, ice, vodka and tomato juice before shaking, straining and pouring. The cocktail’s name is associated with several historical figures – most prominently Queen Mary I of England, who gained the nickname due to the mass executions she carried out while attempting to re-establish Roman Catholicism in England. Ingredients: Ice; 50ml vodka; ½ lemon, juice only; 6 dashes Worcestershire sauce; 3 dashes Tabasco sauce; 150ml tomato juice; pinch salt and ground black pepper; celery and wedge of lime to garnish. Method: 1 Place the ice in a tall glass and add the vodka. 2 Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and tomato juice. Stir well. 3 Season to your taste with salt and pepper, garnish with celery and lime wedge, and serve immediately.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, simply omit the vodka. Page 12

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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY TUESDAY YOGA CLASSES For health, vitality, awareness and calm. For beginners and ongoing students. New lyengar yoga classes in Bishop’s Cleeve. Tithe Barn, GL52 8LU. Tuesdays 9:15-10:30am and 1:30-2:45pm. Certified lyengar teacher since 2009. Small and friendly classes. 07941 201254. valkenmir@btinternet.com. www.yogaval.co.uk. EVERY THURSDAY SWINDON VILLAGE ART & CRAFT CLUB Newcomers welcome including beginners. Tutoring available. Free first meeting 11th September, 7.30-9.30. We work informally on various forms of painting and craftwork. Call 01242 675580 or see Facebook page. EVERY SATURDAY WORKING DOG DEMONSTRATIONS Watch our furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. 2pm. Price

included in admission. Book your place at the Admission desk. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. 4 OCTOBER VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR Over 30 quality traders selling all things vintage, handmade, antique and collectable. Live entertainment from a range of performers throughout the day, plus a BBQ, vintage tearoom, vintage beauty salon, classic cars and lots more. 11am-5pm. Entry £1 adults, children free. Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN. 4-5 OCTOBER NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY GALA End of season gala featuring four working steam locomotives on the ‘World War One’ gauge railway at the GWR, Toddington, with intensive train service from 11am to 4pm. 16mm live steam layout. Adult all-day ticket £5, Children 5-15 years £2, under 5 years free.

A CELEBRATION OF THE

Escorts

An evening in support of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

Ma i n S p o n s o r s

Bristol Street Motors

Monday 1st December 2014

Courtesy Syd Wall at Rally Gallery

7.00 for 7.30 prompt open till midnight

Hosted by après bar Cheltenham. Organised by the Cotswold Motorsport Festival The Escort, glorious, raucous, sexy and a sound to die for!

For ticket details of this epic nite call Capt Bonkers 07780 794178 or email suttsport@hotmail.co.uk Page 14

5 OCTOBER THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE WEDDING SHOW 11am-3:30pm at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Shurdington Rd, Brockworth, Gloucestershire GL3 4PB. Free Entry. TheGloucestershireWeddingShow.co.uk. THE MAN JESUS Simon Callow performs this fresh and moving account of biblical stories.£19.50 (£17.50). 7.30pm. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 7-11 OCTOBER SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER Northern Broadsides return to The Everyman with this delightful romantic romp filled with ludicrous misunderstanding, mischief and mayhem. £12-£28. 7.45pm and 2pm matinees (Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk.

Fireworks Spectacle

YOU and your family or friends could enjoy the Burley Lakes Fireworks Night for free by entering our draw. It really is a fabulous spectacle and has been enjoyed by families for over 20 years! This year’s event takes place on Saturday 8th November. Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible (see ‘What’s On’ listings for details) – if you’re lucky enough to win our competition you’ll receive a full refund on a maximum of five tickets. To enter the draw simply send your name, address and telephone number to: Burley Fireworks, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham GL3 9QS. Alternatively, email your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk – please state ‘Burley Fireworks’ in the subject line. Closing date: Thursday 16th October 2014.

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The Local Answer

11-12 OCTOBER BIRDWATCH MORNING Join the warden as he opens the hides around the grounds to learn about the different birds visible from each hide and how to identify them in their seasonal plumages. 8-10.30am. £15 with tea/coffee and bacon roll. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. 13-18 OCTOBER LOTTY’S WAR

King’s Junior School offers a unique programme for identifying and developing individual talents. Come and see how we offer each child every opportunity to realise their full academic, sporting or artistic potential. 10am-12noon. The King’s School, Pitt Street, Gloucester GL1 2BG. 01452 337337. thekingsschool.co.uk. LAUGHING WITH TOM: WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS Comedian, magician and christian communicator Tom Elliott brings an entertaining evening of laughter, tricks, silly props and plenty of audience participation. Suitable for ages 12+. £8. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk. DAME FELICITY LOTT International Soprano Gala Charity Concert with Choir of Christ Church Cheltenham. Vivaldi Gloria, Schubert Mass in G, French & English Songs. 7.30pm. Christ Church, Malvern Road, Cheltenham. Tickets £20 or £15 from Showcase 01242 224144, Tourist Information 01242 237431. 18 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER FRIGHTMARE The legendary Haunted Hayride is back with an all new story, the award-winning PANIC returns for it’s final year as PANIC! Final CUT. Fright House makes a return after we uncovered more rooms in Fright House:

A mesmerising story of passion, courage and sacrifice, based on unpublished diaries found in Guernsey. Starring Olivia Hallinan (Larkrise To Candleford, Sugar Rush) and Adam Gillen (Benidorm, Fresh Meat). £13-£28. 7.45pm and 2pm matinees (Thursday 16th and Saturday 18th). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 18 OCTOBER OPEN MORNING AT KING’S GLOUCESTER For girls and boys, aged 3-11 years, the

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 available for lessons and advice PGA Approved ● Children’s holiday workshops Establishment

Available for corporate days, birthdays and special occasions

Tel: 01242 890237

www.shiptongolf.co.uk

☎

shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk

Shipton Golf Course

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Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT

The Local Answer

To mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings the delightful D-Day Darlings have packed up their troubles in their old kit bag and are marching around the UK performing their musical concert. £12.50. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE. bacontheatre.co.uk.

Join us for our 2014 themed Christmas Parties

Christmas in New York

✁

FREE COFFEE & BISCUITS FOR ONE

WITH EVERY GREEN FEE ON PRESENTATION OFTHISVOUCHER IN OCTOBER 2014

Second Storey, and we have a brand new live horror experience called Séance that’s sure to set your spine tingling. For more information visit frightmare.co.uk. Over Farm Market, Over, Gloucester, GL2 8DB. 19 OCTOBER THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE WEDDING SHOW 11am-3:30pm at Stonehouse Court Hotel, Bristol Road, Stonehouse GL10 3RA. Free Entry. Free Magazine. Free Car Parking. Come and meet some of the best local Wedding Suppliers in a relaxed environment & beautiful surroundings. TheWestGloucestershireWeddingShow.co.uk. D-DAY DARLINGS

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 15

WIN TICKETS!

courtesy of the Everyman Theatre

Hilarious confusion Richard Bean, the adaptor of One Man, Two Guvnors turns Molière’s medicinal masterpiece into a riotous farce in this brand new production starring Tony Robinson. The penny-pinching Argan is healthy, wealthy and completely obsessed by a list of imaginary ailments. Confusion is piled upon hilarious confusion as a gang of eccentric quacks and Argan’s treacherous wife endeavour to fleece him of his fortune, while his lovesick daughter, her dashing lover and an astute maid, attempt to set him straight. Tony Robinson is one of the UK’s best-loved actors. He is best known for playing Baldrick in Blackadder and for hosting Channel 4’s Time Team and The Worst Jobs in History. Lindsay Posner is one of the UK’s greatest directors of comedy. His recent successes include Noises Off, Abigail’s Party and Relatively Speaking. Tickets start from £19 and may be booked online at everymantheatre.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 572573. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘The Hypochondriac’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email – send details stating ‘The Hypochondriac’ to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 16th October 2014. 21-25 OCTOBER REGENERATION Marking the centenary of the First World War, this is a compassionate look at war and its devastating effects – a powerful anthem to the youth of WW1. £12-28. 7.45pm and 2pm matinees (Thursday 23rd and Saturday 25th). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 23 OCTOBER SAVE THE CHILDREN AUTUMN FAIR Exciting stalls offering gifts for all the family. Refreshments, light lunches and bar available. £3 entry. 10am-4pm. Rye Hill Golf Club, Milcombe near Banbury, OX15 4RU. For more information call Pauline and Graham Evans on 01993 842983. 25 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER PUMPKIN TRAIL

Where are the pumpkins hiding in the grounds? Can you find them all to win

Page 16

yourself a tasty Halloween treat? From 9.30am everyday. Price included in admission. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. 27 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER THE HYPOCHONDRIAC Tony Robinson (Blackadder, Time Team) stars in this riotously funny comedy in a brand new production. £19-30. 7.45pm and 2pm matinees (Thursday 30th and Saturday 1st). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 1 NOVEMBER LEAGUE OF FRIENDS AUTUMN FAIR Cheltenham General Hospital Autumn Fair at the Charlton Kings RC Church Hall (9.30 am to 12.00 noon). Stalls include: gifts, cakes, jams and pickles, bottles, raffle, brand tub, books. Tea and coffee available. Admission 50p. 8 NOVEMBER AUTUMN ART AND CRAFT FAYRE Stalls, ceramics, woodcraft, raffle, cakes and refreshments. St Catharine’s Church, London Road, Gloucester GL2 0RR. 11am-3pm. stcatharine.org.uk. BONFIRE & FIREWORKS DISPLAY BURLEY FIREWORK DISPLAY Disco Roadshow, small fun fair, pig roast, burgers, chips and licensed bar at Burley Fields Lakes, Leckhampton Lane. Gates open

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

and bonfire lit at 7pm. Kids Show starts at 8.15pm. Grand Finale at 9.45pm. Last admission 9pm. Adults and Children £4 in advance, £6 on the night. Tickets on sale at Burley Field Lakes Farm Shop, Leckhampton Convenience Store, Budgens (Charlton Kings) and Bargain Booze (Bath Road). Call Steve on 07831 734683, Pam on 07769 700067 or 01242 861333. Strictly no alcohol, fireworks or sparklers to be brought in. 15 NOVEMBER WINE TASTING WITH LUNCH AND CHAMPAGNE Enjoy a friendly, informal and fun wine journey, tasting 13 wines from around the world and including a delicious two course lunch. 11am-4pm. Hotel du Vin, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AQ. Tickets £80 and Gift Vouchers available in advance. 07858 220119. oxfordcheltwineschool.com.

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. Call DancewithDeb – 07760 763967

The Local Answer

WIN TICKETS!

Did You Know? with Lois Kingscott

courtesy of Over Farm

Spooky Spectacular In addition to the daytime family activities detailed in the advert below, Over Farm have some spooky fun for adults in the evenings. From a terrifying journey on the Haunted Hayride to a walk through your worse nightmare, a cast of bloody and scary characters are waiting for you at Over Farm, Gloucester this Halloween season. Running on select nights between 18th October and 1st November, Frightmare welcomes the return of three great attractions, as well as the addition of a brand new horror experience – Séance – that’s sure to set your spine tingling. The legendary Haunted Hayride is back with a brand new story, the award-winning PANIC returns for its final year as ‘PANIC! Final CUT’, and Fright House uncovers more rooms in ‘Fright House: Second Storey’. Tickets (from £15) are available at frightmare.co.uk. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets for the night time event, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Frightmare’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Frightmare’. Closing date: Thursday 16th October 2014.

The Local Answer

Haunted happenings It’s that time of year again. Halloween is upon us and you know what that means – witches, devils, zombies and ghosts will be roaming the streets, trick or treating their nervous neighbours and collecting as many sweets as they can. But amid all this fun and games are some chilling stories of real ghosts – not the type you’d find with white bed sheets over their heads! Did you know The Corner Cupboard Inn in Winchcombe is haunted by the ghost of a young girl aged around 12 or 13 years old. The rumours are that in the late 19th century, a young girl who worked there refused to submit to the landlord’s advances. Angered by her rejection, he threw her down the steps at the back of the inn. Staff and customers often hear the sound of childish footsteps running through the upstairs room, and a rocking chair is heard moving back and forth by its own accord. The Royal Oak in Bishop’s Cleeve is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a mother and child who tragically died on the premises in the mid 18th century. A woman known as the grey lady haunts the Tudor House Hotel in Tewkesbury. Another lady walks the corridors at night, vanishing when she reaches the doorway. She is believed to be the ghost of a maid who used to work there and was treated badly by her mistress. She became so depressed that she killed herself by jumping out of the window on the top floor. There have also been sightings of a black labrador at the top of the main staircase, as well as a small drummer boy who wakes guests up in the middle of night with the sound of a kettle drum. There are many ghost walks organised across the county that will take you on a spooky journey where you may even experience some paranormal activity yourself! Hopefully this hasn’t scared you too much and you can still enjoy your Halloween celebrations, whatever they may be.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 17

Brilliant Ba Get Batty at the Bird Park this Halloween!

The Bird Park has been hosting ‘Bat Night’ for many years, coinciding with Halloween this year on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October. With the addition of the brand new ‘Visitor Centre’ ready to welcome you all, the event will be better and more ‘spook-tacular’ than ever before! The not so wicked witch will be found in the Wendy House, amusing the children and lowering down sweets for those would be trick and treaters. For those who are looking to see into the future then perhaps our Fun Fortune teller in the Gypsy Caravan can give you a clue. The new centre has massive balconies overlooking the park where the beautiful lights illuminating the trees can be seen from, and those who want to be inside the park can get up close and personal to some of the parks inmates. As pumpkins light up the paths, and pumpkin skittles amuse the children, face painters will help complete the finishing touches to the wonderful costumes you’re sure to create. Prizes for the best carved pumpkins and costumes will be given on the night so get out your carving tools, come on down with your pumpkin and enjoy our ‘Bat Night’ in the park!

at Night

Come and join us for the ‘Bat Night’ at 3pm on Thursday 30th or Friday 31st October. The new Visitor Centre is open, there’s free parking and food and refreshments available for purchase. Tickets (in advance) £8 per head.

Event closes at 6.00pm • thebirdpark.com • 01452 812727 Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com

The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

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The Local Answer

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Big enough to cope, small enough to care Steve Holland Electrical (SHE) is a Gloucestershire-based company that has provided electrical services to the county for almost 20 years. Steve established the business in 1996 and now has five fully qualified electricians working alongside him, enabling SHE to satisfy the needs of all types of customer. The company offers a range of services from the small – such as electrical maintenance and PAT testing – to the mighty – full design and installation of apartment blocks and multi-million pound bespoke homes. SHE is an approved member of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the entire team are

checked annually to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. The company is also ‘Trust Mark’ registered – significant independent recognition that Steve and his colleagues strive for excellence, providing an appropriate certificate for every project undertaken.

Customer confidence and satisfaction Steve emphasised the importance he places on customer service: “We aim to give our clients peace of mind from the moment we meet them. Our ‘approved’ status with the relevant trade organisations helps to assure people that they are in safe hands, and customers also draw

STEVE HOLLAND ELECTRICAL LIMITED

confidence from receiving an Electrical Certificate on completion of our works”. SHE provides its services in private dwellings, colleges and schools as well as business premises so – taking social responsibilities seriously – Steve ensures all staff are CRB checked. Steve said: “Having professional, skilled and responsible employees is great for our clients, and the team’s dedication, enthusiasm and conscientious attitude is key for customer satisfaction. I’m extremely proud of our people and the service we provide – care is taken on every job, from a broken light switch to a full design and installation for new properties.”

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The Local Answer

In the Garden with Julia Smith

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Great value with minimal effort This year my sweetpeas have been glorious. I think I have watered them more than in previous years, which could have helped, but I have picked bunch after bunch for the house, and as you know – the more you pick the more that grow! For the cost of a packet of seeds I think they are very good value and just need a little cosseting in the planting hole to help them reach their potential, with some well rotted compost or manure for their roots to get into. So this month, sow some in pots made of the inside of toilet rolls, lined with a bit of newspaper to stop the compost falling out the bottom. Soak seeds overnight and plant two per roll, using seed compost, which you can buy at the garden centre. Water in and leave to germinate inside at 18-22°C. Once germinated, pinch out the smaller plant and they can be moved outside to a sunny cold frame, or as I did last year just left against the south facing wall and I don’t think I even covered them over at all! They will be ready to plant into their position in the spring.

Enough fruit to fill the freezer October is a good time to prepare the ground for new fruit trees and bushes. If planting on heavy soil, add plenty of grit to ensure drainage is adequate. Work-in plenty of well-rotted manure into each planting position and add a handful of slow release fertiliser when you plant the new trees. Fruit trees are really becoming popular as they take little looking after (unlike vegetables) and can provide enough fruit to fill the freezer to use all year round. It is at this time of year that the Sedum Herbtsfreude – or the Ice Plant – comes into its own, as the borders settle into the last round before the winter. It starts early in spring with the fat rosettes of succulent, lettuce-green leaves, topped with salmon-pink flower-heads in summer, maturing to pinkishbronze then coppery-red in autumn. This versatile perennial is a perfect filler plant for a sunny, well-drained spot. A valuable late source of nectar for butterflies and bees, the dried flowerheads provide structure and colour in the winter garden and in November they still look interesting. You should finish planting your spring bulbs this month, but leave Tulips till last as they fare better if planted late October or even November to limit their exposure to soil-borne diseases.

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 27

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FOR A FEW HOURS EACH MONTH We require Distributors for rounds in your area. Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties.

For details call Cindy on 01242 541075 or email distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 28

Come and visit us for great ideas Gas & Electric Fires | Fireplaces, Hearths & Mantels Multi-fuel & Woodburning Stoves | Accessories | Installations Showroom at: 78-80 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NW

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The Local Answer

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just

The Local Answer

about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”

Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount

To advertise call 01242 510500

of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Page 29

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The Local Answer

Quick Crossword 1

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28 Contributes 29 Word comparison DOWN 1 Scaredy-cats 2 Athenian 3 Numeral 4 Fiery pepper sauce 5 Fab Four group 6 Local lingo 12 Misjudge 15 Kept clear of 16 Pus-filled sore 17 Woolly llama relatives 19 Few, ... many 20 Entrap 22 Genders 23 Photo book

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Help for charities There is always someone worse off than us and so we are encouraged to give to those organisations who are trying to help the disadvantaged. Some of them are funded by public and corporate donations; others rely on government and similar funding to provide contracted help in their chosen sector. The last few years have been a period of austerity and cutbacks. Many aspects of our lives have been affected, including the amount of cash that we have to support good causes. The government has threatened, but so far backed off from, changes to the tax legislation that would make charitable giving less attractive, particularly for the higher-rate tax payer. The argument is that such giving is a tax-led action; let me assure the Chancellor that this is nonsense – if someone is genuinely helping those in need, a small tax benefit is a great encouragement.

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The government seems suspicious of the motives of those setting up charities as well as those donating to them. The 2006 Charities Act changed the rules for creating a new charitable entity but left in place the Charity Commission as the sector regulator, only to criticise it heavily in the last few years for being too feeble in its investigation of certain organisations that it has claimed registered charities solely to exploit tax loopholes. There will always be the odd bad apple in any basket, but let’s not make everyone else’s lives impossible as a result. I knew from my dealings with a number of local charities that the sector had lost significant sums of funding from government sources in the last few years. I was staggered to read recently that the rate of reduction was in the order of £1 billion a year! But all is not bad. The government has simplified Gift Aid declarations, facilitated online claims for Gift Aid and allowed charities to claim under that scheme for small, unidentified donations. Long may it, and our support of the sector, continue.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 33

Index of Advertisers WHAT’S ON Burley Lakes Fireworks 14 Manor By The Lake 15 Over Farm 17 Prinknash Bird Park 18-19 Rally Nite 14 Shipton Golf Course 15 The Everyman Theatre 16

FOOD & DRINK The Edgemoor Inn

HEALTH & BEAUTY Body 4 You NHS Let’s Talk

4 10

HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS City Plumbing Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES CET Bespoke Building Home Care Property Marshalls Driveways Pristine Property Care R. Richards & Sons

28 35 20 26 26 20 30

COMPETITION WINNERS Thank you for all who took part in the September competitions and congratulations to all the winners: The Bacon Theatre – Pair of tickets to see ‘D-Day Darlings’ – Helen Fowler of Bredon and Kerry Rowe of Bishops Cleeve. The Everyman Theatre – Pair of tickets to see ‘She Stoops To Conquer’ – Paul Halling of Tewkesbury and Kay Duck of Bishops Cleeve. The Edgemoor Inn – 3course meal – Trish Miles of Hucclecote.

20 PETS Dragon Vet Centre 11 5 TV & AERIAL 20 1st Choice Aerials 34 WINDOWS & DOORS 31 Albany Windows 2 25 C&L Windows 23 Clearway Doors/Windows32 28 Cloudy 2 Clear 29 7 Emperor Windows 24 28 PROFESSIONAL 13

Weathertech CLEANING SERVICES Oven Busters Pink Fairy Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES Roxon SHE FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Abbey Carpets Carpets Direct Stoves and Fireplaces The Fireplace Gallery GARDEN SERVICES DW Tree Services Landscape Creations Mark Clifford Landscapes Spa Landscaping HEATING & PLUMBING KB Female Plumber Pete T Plumbing Platinum Plumbing The Combi-Man KITCHENS The Kitchen Workshop Worktops Cheltenham

SERVICES

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COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Abbey Business FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn MOTORS AGP autoservice Avonside Private Hire Powerstation PROPERTY & LEGAL Northwood SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

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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 – Wednesday 15th October 2014

1st Choice

Aerial & Satellites

Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs

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Tel: 01242 649120 Page 34

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

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