Cotswolds by The Local Answer

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APRIL 2015

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Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 44,500 copies Gloucester – 42,000 copies Forest of Dean – 42,000 copies

Andrew Dagnall Publication Manager – Cotswolds

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Editorial

Easter may fall at the beginning of the month, but there’s plenty going on throughout April to keep the family busy. Our Delicious Dish is a brilliantly chocolatey treat that is sure to have the kids arguing over who gets to lick the bowl! The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Bird Park and Henry’s Easter Adventure at Over Farm are a great chance to spend time with the family, and the Forget-Me-Not Concert in aid of Alzheimer’s Society is sure to be a magical evening, raising money for a really worthwhile cause. If you’re already thinking ahead to summer, the Holidays & Travel article may inspire you to try an exotic paradise. Don’t forget St George’s Day on 23rd April!

Inside this month ...

Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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Welcome to April ...

Picture Perfect Delicious Dishes Parenting & Guardianship Health & Beauty Mirror Mirror on the Wall Cocktail Time Looking Good, Feeling Great Holidays & Travel What’s On Wild Food Foraging Homes & Gardens Interior Design Sudoku In the Garden Motoring Word Search Gadgets & Gizmos Save the Planet Quick Crossword Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions

4 5 7 7 9 10 11 12 13 17 20 23 24 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34

Competition on Page 4

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Page 3

Picture Perfect

WIN A £100 TOY VOUCHER!

The theme for our April competition is ‘Cutest Kid’. Send us a photo of your baby, toddler or even your teenager and you could be in with a chance of winning £100 worth of vouchers to spend at Smyths Toys Superstore in Cheltenham courtesy of The Local Answer. Whatever the age of your cutest kid, we’re sure you’ll find something suitable to spend your prize on! To enter, email your photo, stating ‘Cutest Kid’ in the subject line, along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk. One entry per person. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See ‘Index of Advertisers’ page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2015.

Gateway Retail Park, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9DU

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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

Chocolate Easter Squares A quick, easy and fun recipe to make with the kids this Easter! Ingredients: 6 Mars bars; 170g (6oz) unsalted butter; approximately 100g (3.5oz) rice crispies; 200g (7oz) plain chocolate; 200g (7oz) milk chocolate; mini eggs to decorate. Method: 1 Melt Mars bars and butter in the microwave until runny – you may have to stir the mixture for a few minutes if it curdles. Alternatively, if you don’t own a microwave, cut the Mars bars and butter into small pieces, place in a glass bowl and melt over a pan of boiling water (approximately an inch of water). 2 Stir in as many rice crispies as you can – 100g should be enough. If you don’t like rice crispies, why not swap them for corn flakes. 3 Line a 7” x 11” tin with

greaseproof paper and press the mixture into the tin. 4 Break the plain and milk chocolate into a glass bowl and melt over a pan of boiling water. Leave to cool for 10 minutes. 5 Pour the chocolate over the rice crispies mixture and spread evenly. Leave for another few minutes and then decorate with mini eggs. Put in the fridge to set and cut into pieces when ready to serve.

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Page 5

Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart

Creating harmony and cooperative kids Are you struggling to find harmony in your family? Are the kids running wild and you feel you’ve lost control? There is an answer and a way forward. As a parent you create firm boundaries around your children, clearly showing them what is and isn’t acceptable. Rather than simply allow anything to happen and then punish what you do not like, offer clear choices to a child to steer them in the right direction and give attention to the times when they are descriptive praise to encourage best doing it exactly right. For example: “Julie, behaviour. you are waiting really quietly for your dinner – thank you” or “John, you are Descriptive praise sharing your toys with your brother If you are struggling to get the kids to without fighting – isn’t this great?” cooperate and find yourself constantly By stating the best behaviours you see repeating the same demands over and and giving heartfelt appreciation for it, over, this is a great place to start. Instead you will find your kids acting this way of only noticing everything they are more and more – because, really, they doing wrong, choose to pay close only want to please you and have your attention.

Last thing at night when you are exhausted, grumpy and just want them to go to bed? Or when you are on the phone, talking to a friend, trying to focus on something? So, the best way to tackle this is to give attention – and be mindful about it. Find a quiet time together – a rainy afternoon perhaps – sit down with the kids, a large piece of paper, and some felt tips and draw up a plan that shows how and where you will do things together and also what you expect from them. Let them come up with ideas for fun activities as well as jobs they agree to do for the family – perhaps preparing dinner or walking the dog. Try to include reading and homework as together time too, so that things you have to do can become things you all want to do, because you are doing it together! A family is a team affair and everyone their part. By making a plan and Paying attention costs nothing plays celebrating your success you will soon Attention is the golden ticket with find a harmonious element that you children – from cuddling your baby, never knew existed! making eye contact and playing ‘faces’, through to listening to their stories, looking at their drawings and watching them dance. Kids thrive on your loving attention and it is only when they feel deprived of it that they act up! Think about it – when are they the worst for you? In the morning when you are tired, rushed and distracted?

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Page 7

Let’s Talk Courses Using CBT to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Low Mood

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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.

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

Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard

Hair talk – to grow or to chop? You might have noticed the hairstyle of the moment – what is being referred to as the ‘lob’ (aka the long bob) – gracing the covers of the magazines and taking over your social media feeds. This look has taken the world by storm. Everyone from Fearne Cotton to Kim Kardashian is rocking this new bob, and why not? It’s one of the best trends to have caught on since the ombre colour, and it’s the perfect hairstyle to embrace if you’re feeling a change but don’t want to commit to anything too drastic. The beauty of having a ‘lob’ is it can still feel as long as you want it to. Falling anywhere between the shoulders and the cheekbones, be sure you keep yours textured and full of volume in true ‘lob’ style. I, myself, have been wanting a change of hairstyle for a while, but not one to throw on a packet of vibrant hair dye or switch from blonde to brunette, I pondered about it for long enough before I too decided to embrace the ‘lob’! I love this new style and plan on keeping it for the foreseeable future. It’s easier to maintain and much more manageable, but it’s also a classic look that, even after the celebrity craze is over, will always be timeless. I would personally recommend John Frieda products to maintain the locks of

your ‘lob’, especially if, like myself, you have finer hair. For this, I use the Volume Thickening Blow Dry Spray and Volume Thickening Mousse to build a natural looking bounce, as well as Lee Stafford’s Big Fat Root Boost Mousse Spray. A cheat trick to create a wavy ‘lob’ (not having been blessed with natural waves myself) is to use straighteners starting from root to tip, lightly pulling them downwards in a zigzag movement to create a wavy effect. Give it a whirl!

The beard is back with a vengeance Now it’s time for guy talk. The ‘lob’ might be the latest in style trend for the ladies, but what is the equivalent for men? This would be the beard. Men have been rocking this look for centuries – the original ‘cave man’ was the first bearer of the beard and now it is back with a vengeance! It has become fashionable to grow a beard – the longer the better. However, unlike back in the cretaceous period where men used to have no choice but to let it grow, it now takes work to maintain such a look. If you want to achieve this, firstly there is nothing to do but let it grow. However, once you’ve reached the stage where it’s time to treat it, you can do this with beard oil (yes, there is such a thing – look it up and invest

if you have one) that helps keep a beard from looking unkempt to naturally shaggy. Alternatively there is also coconut oil, which is known for working wonders on your hair, skin, nails and even in your cooking! This will make your stubble feel softer, but avoid moisturisers with alcohol in, as research has shown they dry out your skin. This goes for shampooing your beard too – try to use a natural bar of soap that doesn’t have irritant chemicals in, which could make it feel itchy! So if you’re feeling a change and want to embrace a new look, there’s always an on-trend to inspire you and this month you can either take the cut or let it grow.

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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

Singapore Sling This iconic cocktail was created at Raffles Hotel at the turn-of-the-century by Hainanese-Chinese bartender, Mr Ngiam Tong Boon. In the Hotel’s museum, visitors are able to view the safe in which Mr Ngiam locked away his precious recipe books, as well as the Singapore Sling recipe, which was hastily jotted down on a bar-chit in 1936 by a visitor to the Hotel who asked the waiter for it. Originally, the Singapore Sling was meant as a woman’s drink – hence the attractive pink colour. Today it is very definitely a drink enjoyed by all, without which any visit to Raffles Hotel is incomplete. Ingredients: Ice; 30ml gin; 15ml cherry brandy; 120ml pineapple juice; 15ml lime juice; 7.5ml cointreau; 7.5ml Dom Benedictine; 10ml grenadine; a dash of Angostura Bitters; slice of lime or pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Method: 1 Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. 2 Strain into an ice filled collins glass. 3 Garnish with a slice of lime or pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 120ml cherry soda, 60ml ginger ale, splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ice cubes and 1tsp grenadine. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and a maraschino cherry. Page 10

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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff

Give your body a spring clean with sports massage Sports massage is a form of therapy used by a variety of therapists, which can help alleviate the bodies’ soft tissue structures – including muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Therapists use a range of manual, compressive and stretching techniques to help reduce tightness, relieve tension and promote healthy soft tissue. However, a sports massage can do way more than just help your soft tissue, and below are some of the other benefits of regular sports massage.

HELPS RELIEVE STRESS & REDUCES ANXIETY Just a single massage treatment can reduce one’s stress levels, and regular massages can have long-term beneficial effects. As well as helping to reduce cortisol within the body (the stress hormone), this type of massage can also boost the bodies’ endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, helping you to relax and elevate positive moods. Sports massages have also been shown to alleviate symptoms in people suffering with longterm depression and anxiety problems.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY Our immune system is the biological part of our body that prevents illness and disease, but this can suffer due to a number of reasons such as stress or poor diet. Massage has been shown to boost immunity by increasing the cytotoxic cells

that kill viruses and toxins within the body. Massage promotes the important drainage of toxins through the lymphatic system in the body, helping to increase good blood supply to the body.

REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE High or low blood pressure can be fatal and symptomless, leading on to a number of problems such as heart disease and stroke. Getting blood pressure to a healthy level is vital and regular massage is a cost effective treatment to regulate blood pressure – helping to increase good blood flow and supply to the body – decrease heart rate and decrease cortisol within the body, which has been shown to increase blood pressure.

HELPS TO TONE (SCAR TISSUE) A sedentary lifestyle and poor muscle health can lead to muscles becoming untoned. This can be due to poor blood supply, high levels of adhesions and poor contractibility. Sports massage can help by stimulating unused muscles fibres, breaking down knots within the tissues and regulating good blood supply and beneficial drainage of toxins. Scar tissue that is laid down after injury is treatable with massage techniques – massages can break down and elongate scar tissue, helping to increase the skins elasticity.

RELIEVES PAIN Pain in any form will cause your body and mind undue stress. Sports massage, though uncomfortable itself when using deeper techniques, can be helpful in preventing and stopping pain. Headaches can be relieved via massage to the neck and shoulder regions, helping to relax the muscles that are often tight and therefore inhibiting blood flow to the brain. Joint and soft tissue pain – even arthritis – has been shown to decrease with sports massage. Various techniques help to improve blood flow, which helps healing and also develops a better range of motion at joints. The positive endorphins released during massage also help manage pain and promote relaxation.

HELPS BREATHING Many debilitating conditions affect breathing and the respiratory system, such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies. Massage alone cannot solve these problems but can go a long way to help. Treatments can help relax the respiratory muscles in the back and front of the body, helping sufferers breathe deeper. Massages can also improve posture, which can help open up the chest to improve breathing efficiency.

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Page 11

Holidays & Travel with TLA Travel Expert

A beautiful tropical paradise Cancun is a tropical paradise that prides itself on being one of the world’s top tourist destinations. This comes as no surprise when you consider how much Cancun has to offer in both the city and the beaches. A place with great weather, pumping nightlife, many accommodation options and some of the coolest activities in Mexico, Cancun is where you need to be on your next holiday. Some people are lured by the simple pleasures of a white-sand beach, turquoise waters and perhaps a little partying here and there, whereas others find themselves drawn to the preHispanic Maya ruins. Whatever your reason, Cancun will not disappoint. It is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, which makes Cancun an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling. The water temperature is always warm – being on the Caribbean sea – and you can even swim with massive Whale Sharks! When you tire of the beach and the water sports there are quite a few excursions to be had. You can explore the many Mayan temples or visit the unique

underwater museums that have been created to lure people away from the reefs. You may also want to try golfing, fishing or tennis. If you’re looking for something a tad tamer, Cancun also has great shopping, sun-bathing, and dining. When it comes to nightlife, there is no better place as there are dozens of great bars, super clubs and even lounges to ensure the perfect night out. Or, if you are looking for a more sedate evening, there are Jazz bars – or why not indulge in the many tapas bars on offer. Locals say a visit to Cancun is not complete without dining at Lorenzillo’s. Facing the lagoon and a perfect place to watch the sunset, it is reputed to be the

www.cotswoldpaintballing.com

best seafood restaurant in the area – they even give you 20 separate choices for your lobster preparation! As far as accommodation, Cancun runs the gamut. It has everything from luxurious villas – ideal for a family or group of friends – to all-inclusive hotels, which would suit a romantic getaway and even budget hotel options if your hotel is not your main focus on holiday. Your travel agent will be able to find something in Cancun that meets your budget and your needs. Whether it’s a family vacation at an all inclusive like the Hyatt Cancun, a destination wedding, a girl’s weekend or a romantic getaway, Cancun can certainly deliver whatever you’re looking for.

AIRSOFT 19TH APRIL GAME DAY

For online enquiries call 07836 657397 or email us at: info@cotswoldpaintballing.com Bourton Wood, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos GL56 9AJ

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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. 28 MARCH – 12 APRIL THE GIANT DUCK HUNT

A group of giant ducks will be landing at Slimbridge this Easter holidays – can your family spot them all? Pick up an activity sheet on arrival then set off on a fun hunt, which will take you all round the grounds. Spot them all and receive a yummy treat on your return. 9.30am everyday. Price included in admission. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. 29 MARCH – 30 APRIL WOLD GALLERIES

Enjoy our 10th anniversary exhibition in Moreton-in-Marsh featuring artwork by regular contributors to the gallery alongside exciting contemporary work from brand new exhibitors complemented by hand finished glassware and individual ceramics. www.woldgalleries.com 28 MARCH – 6 APRIL HENRY’S EASTER ADVENTURE Join Henry the Tractor on his spectacular Easter adventure at Over Farm this spring. Tractor trailer ride, Easter trail, lambs and baby chicks, arts and crafts, chocolate making and much more. No admission, free parking. All attractions are pay-asyou-go. 10am-4pm. Over Farm, Gloucester GL2 8DB.

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31 MARCH FILM: THE LEGO MOVIE Emmet, an ordinary, rule-following, perfectly average Lego mini-figure is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant; a journey for which is Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. Everything is awesome! Easter activities from 1pm. Film starts at 2pm. £7 (to include an Easter treat). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 31 MARCH FILM: BELLE

Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate, mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield. Belle’s lineage affords her privileges, yet the colour of her skin precludes her from the traditions of social standing. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 2 APRIL THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY

A real celebration of the music of Neil Diamond. Featuring iconic songs from a hit filled musical career, such as Cracklin’ Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Love on The Rocks,

To advertise call 01242 510500

America, Forever in Blue Jeans and Play Me, alongside more recent acoustic material. Bob Drury’s one-man show is a ‘must see’ for all Neil Diamond Fans. 7.30pm. £15. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 4 & 8 APRIL MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY

A fantastic Easter event that gets children out and about with birds and animals. Alice in Wonderland themed marquee, dressing up and face painting. 11.30am. Children’s tickets £10, must be accompanied by an adult for whom the normal admission charge will apply. The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 01452 812727. thebirdpark.com. 7-11 APRIL GLOUCESTER GANG SHOW 2015

Gloucester District Scouts present this show at The Bacon Theatre. £9 (£7). 7.15pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 8-14 APRIL POP UP SHOP IN THE PARK Taking over The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, a bright and colourful Pop Up shop that you don't want to miss. Full of quirky cards, gorgeous gifts, stationery, prints and lots of other lovely things too. Pop in! 10am-5pm daily. Tweet @PopUpinthePark

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10 APRIL A FEAST OF STORIES: LOVE AND STUFF LIKE THAT

An informal evening of entertaining shows written and read aloud by local authors, interspersed with live music. This time the subject is Love in all its many forms – the serious and the definitely not so serious. Suitable for adults and young people aged 14 and over. Plenty of laughs guaranteed 7.45pm. £10 (to include a free glass of wine or juice). The Prince Michael Hall, The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. MURDER MYSTERY EVENING Join us for dinner and witness the drama unfold before your eyes. Interrogate the suspects as they mingle, while you try and get to the bottom of the crime. £30pp to include 3 course dinner and entertainment. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill GL4 6EA. 01452 525653.

11 APRIL TEWKESBURY VINTAGE & COLLECTORS FAIR The George Watson Hall in Barton Street will be transformed into a bustling vintage market complete with tea room. Entertainment includes live music with Betsy Harmony, Lindy Hop dance demonstration with Gary & Sara Boon, a vintage fashion show and musical highlights from 1960s Broadway Hit “Sweet Charity”. Entry is free with donations being collected for the Mayor’s charity fund. 10am-4.30pm. 16 APRIL THE HARD PROBLEM

17 APRIL SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS Bound together with video clips, audio snippets and imagery, this show touches on the highs and lows of an incredible friendship and career, featuring hits such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and the unforgettable Bridge over Troubled Water. £14 (£12). 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 19 APRIL THE FORGET-ME-NOT CONCERT

Tom Stoppard’s hotly-anticipated new play, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Hilary, a young psychology researcher is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work. If there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness? £16 (£14). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

A gala evening of entertainment, featuring artists from the world of opera, musical theatre, dance and television, as well as the pupils of Dean Close School and the Choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey. Join us for a magical evening in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. £25. 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

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21 APRIL THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY Starring Helen Mirren and Manish Dayal, The Hundred-Foot Journey abounds with flavours that burst across the tongue. A stimulating triumph over exile, blossoming with passion and heart, with marjoram and madras. Set in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the South of France, this film is a portrayal of two worlds colliding and one boy’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be. £6.50 (£5.50). 7.45pm. The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 22 APRIL HUGLESS DOUGLAS

A huggable, lovable young brown bear wakes up one morning in need of a hug. A delightful family show with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and

high-energy storytelling, suitable for little cubs aged 3-7 years. £8.50 (£7.50), family £32. 10.30am. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 25 APRIL PIP & JIM’S BIG APPEAL Fundraising evening to help repair the Church. Guests will be able to enjoy a performance by The Ukulele Orchestra, a delicious hot buffet, fine wine and take part in an Auction of Promises filled with many surprises. 7pm. St Phillip and St James’ Church, Leckhampton. For more information call 07824 323803 or email natalienorman2014@gmail.com. 30 APRIL A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE The great Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark and passionate tale broadcast from London’s West End by National Theatre Live. £16 (£14). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. WEDDING OPEN EVENING View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and wedding breakfast, and meet local wedding suppliers. 5.30-8pm. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill GL4 6EA. 01452 525653.

12-16 MAY THE PHEONIX PLAYERS PRESENT: AURELIA Directed by Phil Jones. A stylish, edge-ofyour-seat crime thriller with deceit, robbery, blackmail and (of course) murder – with a comic twist! 7.30pm. Tickets from £5-9. Call 01452 522795. The Kings Theatre, GL1 1QX. 9-13 JUNE

HMS PINAFORE AND COX & BOX Presented by The Cotswold Savoyards. You’ll be familiar with HMSP but probably not C&B. It’s a fast moving story of two men renting the same room without knowledge of the other. Cox works days and Box nights. Cox has a day off finding Box and mayhem ensues! 7.30pm (2pm Sat mat). £13-£19. Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

For spectacular spring walks, breathtaking views, fabulous food and a wonderful selection of gifts and gardening goodies and plants, rediscover beautiful Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre. A perfect spring day out for all the family – dog friendly too!

J O I N H E N R Y T H E T R A C T O R O N H I S S P E C TA C U L A R E A S T E R A D V E N T U R E AT O V E R F A R M T H I S S P R I N G ● ●

● Tractor trailer ride ● Easter trail Lambs and baby chicks ● Arts and crafts Chocolate making AND MUCH MORE…

No admission fee, free parking. All attractions are pay-as-you go.

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Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for more about our lovely spring events and updates on the latest Batsford news. BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AB Telephone 01386 701441 Email: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk www.batsarb.co.uk

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THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SHOW DELEGATE REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Nearly 150 spaces taken up by Gloucestershire businesses exhibiting their services and products, and there will be zones for learning, networking and advice including:

Includes entry on both days plus many of the seminars and workshops. Visit website for details

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Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley

Give nettles a second chance They make phobics cringe, children cry, adults swear and unobservant canines whimper. They also make for quite a refreshing cup of tea! Stinging nettles need no real introduction. Everything you think you need to know about nettles is often learned quickly as a child and, as a result, the connection from throbbing red hand to mouthful of yum is rarely made. But put those adolescent hard feelings to one side for a moment and give this infamous plant a second chance. Some brave evangelists will encourage you to harvest it by simply ‘grasping the nettle firmly’ to avoid being stung. I tried that once and found the advice to be agonisingly flawed. So, I advise thick gardening gloves and a sharp pair of scissors. One tip I think worthy of mentioning, however, is to try and avoid picking nettles from popular dog walking spots for – what I hope to be – obvious reasons. Stinging nettles already have something of a cult following and many recipes can be found online. Young leaves are usually best, as older ones tend to be a little overpowering in taste when used in cooking. But when dried and used for tea, older leaves are fine. To make a year’s supply of nettle tea pick a couple of bunches of the whole plant. Rinse in cold water and hang them upside down to dry on a washing line during a sunny day, or on a really low heat in your oven if you’re beset by stereotypical English weather. When dry, the leaves should easily crumble between thumb and forefinger and are much safer to handle at this stage – but this forager uses gloves whenever they require direct handling. Firmly grasp the root end and position over a large bowl and run your hand down the plant to dislodge the leaves from the stem. Now, get some pay back for your childhood mishaps and bravely break those dried leaves into loose tea sized pieces with heavily armoured hands. Store in an air tight glass container – old coffee jars work well – and use as you would any loose leaf tea. Stored in a cool dry place – it can last you through the winter until you’re able to replenish your stocks the following year. It’s similar in taste to a strong green tea and packs just as much goodness. If you’re not 100% sure that the plant you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild. The Local Answer

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Easter comes early Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Spring has started early this year with birds already nesting, peacocks displaying and the Mad Hatter’s Tea party preparations for Saturday 4th and Wednesday 8th April in full swing. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has become a must do event for children at Easter and gets them out and about with birds and animals in a casual way. The Alice in Wonderland themed marquee has illustrated hangings and is themed for the tea party – with all the birds roaming around, it really is quite special. Dressing up is very much part of the event and the face painter makes the finishing touches on the day. Lunch and face painting is included in the price, and this fun marquee can be hired individually for private parties.

What’s on at The Bird Park’s New Centre? Whilst all this is going on, the New Visitor Centre welcomes Ronald Swanwick – the new Resident Artist who will be at the centre running courses from the 16th-19th April. Ronald will be at the park on these dates and as one of Gloucestershire’s most well-known wildlife artists, we are pleased to welcome him here. There are other courses and events now running throughout the year at The Bird Park. More information can be found on line.

y at The Bird Park

Gypsy Caravan The Bird Parks beautiful Gypsy Caravan is open for Children’s Birthday Party bookings for up to 14 children. This has to be one of the most quirky places to host your child’s special day. Tucked away in a secluded part of the park, amongst the flock of Barnacle geese and miniature donkeys we are able to provide a unique setting for children to enjoy a party. Catering can be provided or you can self cater. If you’d like to book the Gypsy Caravan, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or simply find out more information about the park, call 01452 812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.com.

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Interior Design with Vicky Walker

A place for rest and relaxation 4. STORAGE

The bedroom is part of the house where we recharge and rest after a hard day in the office or the daily stresses and strains of everyday life. To wind down, the room must be designed with a calming atmosphere – if you are planning on decorating a bedroom I hope these tips will help.

Built in storage creates a streamlined look, and is much neater than free standing wardrobes. High gloss finishes in a variety of colours really give that boutique hotel feel, whilst wood can be used for a traditional style. If you have freestanding furniture and want to change it, painting it is a great way to give it a new lease of life.

1. THE BED A bed is a really important investment, especially when you consider how much time will be spent sleeping over a lifetime. The best bed for you isn’t necessarily the most expensive bed, but spending as much as you can afford on a mattress is certainly worth it. Consider the space you need at night – a standard double 137cm wide may not be large enough for a couple, so a kingsize 150cm wide gives will give you and your partner more room to relax and stretch out during sleep. Divans are very useful if you are tight on space, with drawers that provide additional storage. Bedsteads are generally more decorative, but take up considerably more room, whereas folding beds are flexible for overnight guests and take up a lot less room.

2. BEDDING Nothing beats getting into bed with freshly washed and ironed sheets – preferably cotton for that super soft feel. Try to buy bedding that fits well with the colour scheme of the room. If your bedroom is quite ‘jazzy’, opt for subtle

tones and perhaps steer clear of too many patterns. On the other hand, if your bedroom has a neutral scheme, bedding can bring a burst of colour and life to the room.

3. LIGHTING Try to avoid relying on a single pendant light, which can feel a bit stark. Take a tip from hotel bedrooms, which invariably have a number of different types of lights spread around the room – wall, floor and table lamps. Using a combination of these will create a softer, cosier ambience and including a dimmer switch means you can adjust the strength of the light depending on your mood. Table lamps are probably the easiest way to update a tired bedroom, adding colour or pattern in a flash. Smart chrome lamps give a contemporary feel, or you could try a brass one with a lampshade for a more traditional finish. You can also get touch lights, which create a more subtle atmosphere.

5. DECOR Paint versus wallpaper is a long-standing argument that will probably never be settled – but whatever you choose, make sure you are happy with it and won’t tire of it quickly. A feature wall behind the bed can instantly update your room, and although big bright bold patterns may appeal to you when you are staying in a hotel – generally this is for a short period of time – they can be a little overpowering every night. If you are wishing to create a calming atmosphere, choose more neutral tones for walls, furniture and accessories. Cushions and throws on the bed will add texture to a flat room, and a couple of pictures in the same tone as your décor will just finish the look off. Lastly, try to avoid having a television and computer in the bedroom, and put your mobile on silent – we really need to switch off at night and these appliances can certainly disturb your sleep.

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In The Garden with Julia Smith

Enticing and eye-catching colours April can be a bit of a lottery weather-wise. I know the old rhyme says ‘April Showers’, but we have also had quite bad droughts at this time of year. If this is the case, care will have to be taken with any shrubs and trees planted in the last few months. Evergreens don’t show any sign of drought until they are in a really bad way, so care must be taken to give them a thorough watering once a week until they are a year old and should have a strong root system. Remember thorough watering means a good watering can full per plant – mulching around the soil will keep the water in (although don’t go right up to the stem as it can lead to rotting). Garden centres are full of small

plug plants in all sorts of enticing colours, and buying bedding plants as plugs is a very good way to do it. However, don’t just ‘bung’ them in the garden, as they are used to a frost-free environment in the nursery and will need to be kept in a cold greenhouse or conservatory for another 3 or so weeks to acclimatise and make sure they won’t be zapped by the frost (which still can come in April). Start feeding your strawberries, raspberries, etc. now as they will be flowering soon. A balanced fertiliser like Growmore or blood, fish and

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bone will promote successful flower and fruit production, good foliage and strong roots. Apply about 70g per square metre. This is also a good time to plant ornamental grasses in free-draining sandy soil, but if your soil doesn’t sound like this you can add plenty of grit to clay soils to improve the drainage, or create a raised bed with bricks or sleepers to aid drainage. Some grasses look great in pots like the Japanese Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’, which is an eyecatching small ornamental grass, forming cascading hummocks of vividly striped bright yellow and green striped foliage. The narrow leaves keep their colour throughout the season – although it loses its leaves in winter – and often when the plant is grown in full sun, it develops a reddish tinge. However, I prefer it grown in shade to keep the yellowy-green colour.

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The Local Answer

Motoring with Christian Tilbury

Fancy trying something different? If you’re searching for a family car that’s far from ordinary, the Hyundai i30 could be quite a tasty number. Ask the majority of drivers to name a medium-sized family car and the usual answers are “Ford Focus” or “Volkswagen Golf”. Such a response is no surprise, but for those that think outside of the box and – perhaps more likely, those that are ‘in the know’ – there’s another very worthwhile choice – the Hyundai i30. Freshly revised and launched last month, the latest Hyundai i30 takes on all the sector’s ‘big guns’ and gives them more than a run for their money. Recent drivers will be more akin to Hyundai’s latest offerings, but for motorists who still associate the brand with its previous efforts of the 1980s and 1990s, then it’s time to put those memories firmly to bed. Hyundai’s transformation from budget, ‘value’ manufacturer to producer of acclaimed cars is akin to the rise of Skoda – the only joke now is on car buyers who don’t consider them. Check out the latest i30 and you’ll find it’s one of the best models Hyundai has ever produced. It builds on the success of the previous award-winning i30 and works to

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make the model’s package even more alluring. In brief, the crisp-looking new i30 has been enhanced with improved engines, a new seven-speed transmission, extra comfort and safety, plus refreshed styling. The new front end treatment sees the i30 assume the same corporate look as its stablemates, but it’s what is under its purposeful skin that is likely to be of more interest. There’s now a choice of five engines and, thanks to advanced energy saving measures such as stop/start technology, the i30 emits as little as 109g/km CO2 and returns up to 78.4mpg (combined).

Versatility and peace of mind Both diesels and petrols are available – although the diesel does carry a premium so worth weighing up if you really do need the extra frugality – and performance is more than adequate. Indeed, if you have a real need for speed then there’s a brand new 186PS 1.6-litre turbocharged version that’s good for

0-60mph in a respectable eight seconds. There’s nothing lacking when it comes to equipment either – even the entry-level ‘S’ benefiting from keyless entry, USB and AUX connectivity, Bluetooth® with steering wheel remote control and air conditioning as standard. Perhaps even more importantly, and especially as the i30 features in a sector where absolute reliability and dependability are key, the versatile hatchback or estate comes with one other vitally important extra – peace of mind. Choose the i30 and it comes with an exceptional five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and a comprehensive roadside assistance package. Even that alone must make it worth considering, right?

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WORD SEARCH T N N G M E I F U J L X S D B T X R C G I J F K

W Q N N A C H S C S E R P Z Q V E H A R T E A W

Y N J S U V R I P D E Z B Z Y G O N S T C S M P

R Q T O Z T C N D W V F D E R C V L N O X U I I

W E C A B C D L O E L F Z G O A X E J O A S L B

R R E A C K E L E P B G X L O C B B W A B A Y B

S P R I N G F T W F E L A H U N T B B H B Z M B

P H E L S I R E Z R T T R K U Z K K I H I A G O

L E D N T F S K U G E P U K T V I S M T L W G C

N T A H A D P S H N F R M Z E E H N P W A M E C

D O W E E N W A R T H D D Q J W H O S L G W W H

Y A I I R T L B L H F F A B D J D I T L X I C L

A N J X T Y D Z K T U I F M P B Q T R A I L D R

N C N K I B J Y W X W Y F C Y K E C A L O E V B

Z W Y U O F P I Q B H J O O J O U E D Z L S K X

N G K A B A I Q M I Q U D U O I N R I K C E E D

N I T F R I O C N C O F I B K I H R T Q R B K N

C D J Z N S L L U T X U L G P T A U I H E C P Y

E T A R B E L E C R P Q A X F P V S O Q G R A T

L M S D D E T R W C C T B S Q G Z E N R A D Y B

X L I D E C O R A T E C Y M Q M N R A A N D A I

H C R U H C Y L V P Q Y U P X M T S A U L R M D

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

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

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

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

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

Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood

Give your plants a helping hand PARROT FLOWER POWER Watering and caring for our plants about the house often comes second to everything else, and I’m ashamed to say I’d need more than two hands to count the plants I’ve lost to poor care. Are you guilty too? Worry no more. For £40-45 you could invest in the Parrot Flower Power. Exploit technology and increase the chances of good growth, perfect flowering and longevity of your potted friends. Stick the Parrot device into the soil along with your plant and the device will communicate via the official app. Powered by AAA batteries and with a six month battery life, the Parrot Flower Power has a database of over 7,000 plants so you’ll be able to identify and select the plant you’re

trying to grow. The device will monitor moisture and sunlight, as well as the temperature of the soil and atmosphere. When it decides your plant is in need, it will send an alert to your phone or tablet – you can then provide what is needed! Compatible with iOS and android technology, this gadget is waterproof and weighs only 170g. I’m struggling to identify a fault with this – it seems a rather good idea and very well executed!

out stalks, speed up the process with the strawberry-stem remover to effortlessly hull the stalks. Simply click the green end button and retract to remove stems with ease. Priced at a mere £2-5, this is a cheap buy that will save you time, and is perfect for everyone from children to kitchen gadget fiends.

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Of course, if you are a successful gardener you may end up with a bumper crop. With summer only a few months away, the Chef’n Stemgem could be just what you need to save time in the kitchen. Instead of fumbling around cutting

For the child in us, £10-15 buys the black liquid phenomenon that is FerroTec Ferrofluid. Microscopic magnetic particles react when disturbed by an external magnetic field so you can watch water dance – literally. I highly recommend this, as it is great fun, but it does stain so beware!

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Page 30

From repair to tuition, Tewkesbury Computers are experienced in all computer related issues. Call, email or come in and see us at 12 Church Street – we’d be pleased to advise or help. Email

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Save the Planet

with Hannah Gray of Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership

Plan ahead – reuse and recycle As the weather warms up it’s traditionally time to treat your home to a good old fashioned spring clean. The origins of the spring clean are unclear but in 19th Century America, before the advent of the vacuum cleaner, April was seen as a good month to tackle the dusting – warm enough to have all the windows open but not yet warm enough for insects to cause problems. If you’re planning a spring clean this month you may find yourself with a collection of clutter to get rid of. A little planning may mean the difference between sending things to landfill and the much more environmentally friendly options of reusing or recycling. If you’re willing to donate your items, charity shops are a great option for anything that’s in good usable condition. Some charity organisations will take and test electrical goods before reselling them, and some will even collect larger

items such as furniture from your home. Stamps, old greetings cards, spectacles and bottle tops are also collected by some charity organisations, and schools often organise textile collections as a fundraiser. There are a couple of local online reuse networks that you can join and give away (or find) items for free – simply post a description and people who are interested reply. This is a great way to rehome items in your local area – from half tins of paint to a collection of jam jars, a stack of egg boxes to an old TV. Depending on what your item is you may like to make some money out of it by selling it online, in the local papers or even having a car boot sale. This is also a great way of finding a new home for items that are still fully functional. Once you’ve reused as much as you can, the next stop is recycling. Use your box, bin or bag depending on where you live and don’t forget to make use of collection points in public car parks. Larger items that are well past their best can be taken to one of the five Household Recycling Centres

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(HRCs) in the county. A defunct toaster, broken fence panels and old worn clothes can all be recycled into something new – metals extracted from your toaster are smelted and used to create more small electrical appliances, and old fence panels could become chipboard kitchen worktops. As a nation we buy 2 million tonnes of clothing each year – 75% of which ends up in landfill, making textiles one of the fastest growing waste streams! Even the most tired clothing can be recycled and given a new lease of life – perhaps even as filling for vehicle seats. Remember to sort items before you visit the HRC so that you can recycle quickly and easily on site. For more information about waste prevention, reuse, recycling, composting and free waste education workshops for pupils, please visit www.recycleforgloucestershire.com. To find out more about the work of the Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership, please visit www.geep.org.uk.

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Page 31

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 Chinese river 4 Hollow 7 Least attractive 8 Declare 9 Small celestial body 12 Speeches 15 People taken from danger 17 Cured 18 Cite author 21 Acted in response 22 Defined regions 23 Gloomier

DOWN 1 Californian National Park 2 Choked 3 Equal 4 Consumes food 5 Self-contradiction 6 Ox harness 10 Actor's parts 11 Grating 13 Poorer quality 14 Wool fat 16 Photographer's tool 18 Trivia test 19 Periods of time 20 Door frame post

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Laminate

Spe ci a li st s i n wo rkt op u pg ra d e s si n ce 1992

Tel: 01242 680953 | 01452 290458 | 07970 190 965 Due to re-fit, showroom viewings are by appointment

www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk 18, 19 & 20 Malmesbury Road |Kingsditch Trading Estate | Cheltenham GL51 6PL ■

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GRP Flat Roofs Single Garage £1,250 inc VAT ● All New Roofs ● Dry Verge End Cap Systems ● Refelting and Battening ● Fascias, Soffits & Gutters ● Roof and Drive Pressure Cleaning Call for ● All Roof Repairs FREE quotes

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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran

0845 474 5082 07827 818808

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

Planning the inevitable They say that there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes. Several major companies and celebrities seem to have found a way around the latter, but try as we might, no-one has conquered the former, despite the fact that on average we are all living longer. Some of the eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that there was no Money Matters article last month. Mrs Downes and I were away, enjoying some winter sunshine and celebrating my 60th birthday. It was a perfect opportunity to reflect and plan. The evenings were long and quiet, so, amongst the cocktails, we sat and talked about the future. I’ve always argued that you make better short-term decisions if you have a long-term plan and that is as true in planning for the inevitable as it is in any other walk of life.

Think about the time when we’re unable to plan anything more Mrs Downes wants me to prepare a ‘Death Box’ for her, containing all of the information that she might need in my absence. I’m not just talking about a copy of my will, my choice of funeral hymns and a final love letter. When you take time to think about it, there will be quite a lot in my ‘Box’! The will, of course. But Mrs D has always reminded me that I could be worth more dead than alive, so how does she know how to access those funds – life assurance and pension policies need to be there too. And how about those preciously guarded PINs – she will need to know those to be able to get her hands on any money in my current accounts. Not that there’s that much, but you get the point. And then there is the mass of online information. I can’t remember all of my passwords, so what chance does my dearly beloved have? We all plan our lifetime finances – we need also to think about the time when we’re unable to plan anything more. The Local Answer

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Unlock the room in your garden ...

E ith E R F ing w rt

k e Decis adppvly a th t&c

A space of your own, just outside your home, designed especially for you. We provide unique, bespoke garden rooms designed and built to individual customers’ requirements. We offer a full ‘turnkey’ service so all you will have to do is decide how you will use yours? Home office, gym, studio, playroom, den ... You are welcome to visit our stunning showroom to see an example of our work, to discuss your requirements and to get a feeling of what a garden room can offer you. Located in Cheltenham only 5 minutes from junction 11 of the M5, please contact us to make an appointment.

In the majority of cases planning permission is not required.

Office: 01242 694041 Mobile: 07736 676074 Email: info@spagardenrooms.co.uk