The Local
Forest of Dean
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AUGUST 2015
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WIN £500 WORTH OF FUN IN THE WYE VALLEY & FOREST OF DEAN – SEE CENTRE PAGES
Albany Windows is a local family business. First and foremost we are installers, which is important because installation is the difficult bit and we are small enough to maintain close control over every job.
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Whatever your requirements, we have glazing options for every need and budget, from a single window to a large conservatory. We supply some of Gloucestershire’s leading builders of quality homes with their glazing, but we also carry out double glazing and conservatory repairs and replace misted sealed units.
Registration No: 12011
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We have all the accreditations you could wish for and of course offer a ten year insurance backed guarantee. And, with no long sales pitch or pressure to buy, we make the entire process hassle free from start to finish.
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Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Gloucester – 42,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 45,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies
Sara Sheperia Publication Manager – Forest of Dean
01242 541076 sara@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial
Welcome to August ... This month’s magazine is packed full of fun days out for the whole family. Chepstow Racecourse have a couple of Family Fun Racedays with free entry for kids! Or why not treat the family to Tadstock Festival, which is hosting lots of local talent – with free parking, free camping, games and entertainment, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. While you’re out and about with the family, get snapping with your camera and enter your photos to our ‘Family Fun’ themed ‘Picture Perfect’ competition. You could win £500 worth of fun activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Or why not spend some time in the garden and give your shed a makeover. Our ‘In The Garden’ article has tips on how to brighten up a tired border, while the ‘Interior Design’ feature is full of ideas on how to create a wonderful summerhouse retreat.
Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Inside this month ...
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution Debbie Powell – 01242 541075 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Robert Kingscott rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk
1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS
01242 510500 thelocalanswer
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Food & Drink 4 Cocktail Time 4 Delicious Dishes 5 Medical Health 7 Style & Fashion 8 Wildlife Matters 10 What’s On 11 Parenting & Guardianship 17 Picture Perfect 18-19 Wild Food Foraging 21 Word Search 22 In the Garden 25 Quick Crossword 26 Interior Design 27 Save the Planet 28 Motoring 31 Gadgets & Gizmos 32 Sudoku 33 Money Matters 33 Index, Competitions, Solutions 34
Competitions on pages 19 & 20 Page 3
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
Forest House FOREST HOUSE & BLUEBELL RESTAURANT
Beautiful tea rooms now open in the heart of Coleford
Join us for Cream Tea SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2
£9.60
Homemade cakes, traditional afternoon teas served 12.30pm until 5pm Forest House and Bluebell Restaurant Cinder Hill, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8HQ 01594 832424
Manhattan
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 60ml cranberry juice, 60ml orange juice, ½ tsp maraschino cherry juice, few drops lemon juice, 2 dashes orange bitters. Page 4
Shipton Golf Course
www.forest-house-hotel.co.uk
“A 9 hole pay & play course in the Heart of the Cotswolds” No need to book – Open every day from 7am until dusk
Family run course offering affordable golf for all Coffee shop and terrace ● Small stock of ‘everyday’ golfing equipment and clothing ● PGA Fellow Professional PGA Approved Establishment available for lessons and advice ● ●
✁
A Manhattan is a whiskey-based cocktail, stirred and strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry or orange twist. A popular story of origin for the Manhattan suggests that the drink was invented by Dr. Iain Marshall in the early 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. It is said he created it for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston’s mother) to honor presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The banquet’s success made the drink very fashionable, prompting many people to request “the Manhattan cocktail” – named after the club it originated. Unfortunately, Lady Randolph was in France at the time and pregnant, so the story is unlikely to be true. There are references to a similar cocktail recipe called “Manhattan” served in the Manhattan area. One story says it was invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway near Houston Street. An early record of the cocktail can also be found in William Schmidt’s “The Flowing Bowl”, published in 1891. He writes about a drink containing gum (gomme syrup), bitters, absinthe, whiskey and vermouth. Ingredients: 25ml Italian sweet vermouth; 45ml bourbon; dash Angostura bitters; orange twist or maraschino cherry to garnish. Method: 1 Add vermouth and bourbon to a cocktail mixer and stir. 2 Pour the mix into a martini glass, add a dash of bitters and garnish with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel.
Available for corporate days, birthdays and special occasions
Tel: 01242 890237
www.shiptongolf.co.uk
☎
shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter – ‘Shiptongolf’
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Shipton Golf Course
Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Lemon mousse cheesecake Perfect for entertaining guests at a garden party or a family get-together. Makes 6 Ingredients: 200g shortbread biscuits; 50g melted butter; 300ml whipping cream; 250g cream cheese; 125g icing sugar; 100ml thick lemon curd; 1 lemon, finely zested. Method: 1 Roughly crush the shortbread biscuits, mix in the melted butter and spoon into the ramekins or serving glasses to chill for approximately ten minutes. 2 Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks and set aside. 3 Mix the cream cheese, lemon curd and icing sugar until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Fold the mixture gently into the whipped cream until well mixed. 4 Spoon on top of the shortbread base until the ramekins/glasses are almost full. 5 Top with a little lemon zest and serve chilled. Tips: If you’re looking to impress this summer, serve the cheesecake in a Champagne flute to add a little sophistication. However, if you are entertaining a large group of friends why not make
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them into bitesize canapĂŠs? You could serve the dessert on white porcelain spoons or, for a fun twist, use shot glasses. To make the dessert in shot glasses, omit the lemon curd from the cream cheese mixture and instead use it to layer in between the biscuit and mousse. Grate lemon zest on top and accompany the shot glass with a mini canapĂŠ spoon.
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Medical Health with Holly Prince
The weather and illness We sometimes use the phrase ‘under the weather’ when we’re feeling unwell. The origins of this are possibly from the days of travel on sailing ships – when there were too many ill sailors to record their names in the log, they had to be listed in the space reserved for the weather report; and then they would be sent below deck to shelter from the elements. Britain is known for its wet and highly changeable weather, and these constant fluctuations can leave our bodies in a state of unbalance. Temperature can have an effect on our health – for example hot weather can lead to a feeling of lethargy due to dehydration or heatstroke. Being in the cold for too long can cause an increase in blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, more
L et ’s Ta lk
pain in the joints caused by stiffness, and even pneumonia due to weaker immunity and infections being more prevalent. As well as temperature, air pressure can cause us to become unwell. Some people get headaches or migraines when a thunder storm is imminent – which is possibly due to the drop in pressure in the air causing chemical and electrical changes in the brain.
Chemical and electrical changes in the brain This is also linked to a change in blood pressure, which can be a risk to people with heart disease. Lower barometric pressure can also cause swelling of joints, affecting those with arthritis, and people
with diabetes may find it harder to control their blood-sugar balance. High humidity can also bring on headaches, as well as a stronger feeling of thirst. A good solution is to drink lots of water to keep the body refreshed and hydrated. Asthma sufferers may find their symptoms are worse on humid days, due to a higher number of spores in the air. Asthma can be exacerbated when there are sudden changes in temperature, or in cold, windy conditions – likely due to the moisture or particles in the air that irritate the lungs. This also affects people with allergies, such as those who suffer from hayfever – especially people who are sensitive to mould spores, as these are more abundant in warm, dry weather. Similarly, dampness can lead to respiratory illnesses due to the excess of moisture in the air, which can have a negative effect on the lungs. The weather also has a psychological effect on our health – with too much cloud and not enough sunshine, gloomy days can lead to a gloomy mood. But even if it’s not sunny, it is still important to get some natural daylight and fresh air every day, as getting out has been found to be helpful for those who suffer with depression. So it’s not all negative! The wonderful weather plays an important part in our daily lives and is the beauty of Mother Nature – where would we be without it?
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Page 7
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
Look and feel great whilst working out Sportswear has become hugely popular amongst the fashion world. With high street stores launching their own ranges and celebrities endorsing them you have no excuse not to look and feel great whilst working out. The sun is a great motivator – there is a noticeable flurry of people becoming more active in the summer months and, with brands such as Nike creating keep fit apps, there is plenty of encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle. The biggest investment will be your trainers. Quality is paramount. Before buying consider what surface you will be working out on – wearing the wrong footwear can lead to future injuries. Despite the large price tag on most good trainers, these brands are very fashion conscious. You’ll find yourself wearing them both in and out of the
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gym! Check out popular brands such as Nike, Reebok, Asics, Adidas and New Balance.
A funky assortment of colours You will find the majority of sportswear available in bright, visible neon colours so have fun with this, be playful with your choices and don’t be afraid to mix and match pieces. Geometric, graphic prints are very popular when it comes to active wear, available in a funky assortment of colours. The high street has produced a great range of their own capsule collections consisting of all your work out essentials for both men and women – sports bras, leggings, a variety of tops, shorts, vests and joggers. H&M for women, endorsed by Kate Hudson, have a great sportswear collection at a fraction of the cost of big brands. These sportswear pieces have been cleverly cut to flatter and compliment contours of the body,
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and different fabrics are often used including quirky mesh panelling. Made in specialised breathable, lightweight fabrics, your work out session will be all the more comfortable. For both men and women, other budget stores include F+F range at Tesco, M&S, Urban Outfitters and Gap – these have a noticibly higher price point. Cycling is another great and popular form of exercise, especially during the summer months. For specialised cycling gear check out Rapha – a forward thinking label with an extensive range of active-wear. Not only does it include your standard cycling jerseys, shorts and shoes but a wide range of tailored shirts and trousers all designed with extra movability for cycling. So be sure to get active in style this summer!
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Building for the future The early days of Cotswold RDA operated in the garden of a local lady called May Bingley. Then in October 1965, riding started in the indoor arena at Oriel School, Southam where, with the generous support of the school and tutelage of the riding master, a small group of disabled riders came on a regular basis using borrowed ponies. May Bingley organised all this under the umbrella of ‘Riding for the Disabled’. Now some 50 years on and, thanks to the continued support of the Jockey Club, we are based in the beautiful surroundings of Cheltenham Racecourse. We are proud to provide riding lessons from highly trained riding instructors and volunteers to 180 both mentally and/or physically disabled riders aged between 3 and 80 years old. It was therefore a great honour for us when Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited us in July to meet some of our riders, volunteers and supporters and present long service awards to 21 of our dedicated volunteers.
We are about to embark on the biggest project we have ever undertaken and need your support in securing a better future The Princess is no stranger to Cotswold RDA having visited the school in 1982 when our indoor arena opened and then again for the opening of our menage in 2000. So it was a wonderful opportunity for us to show the Princess our exciting redevelopment plans presented by Stephen Limbrick and James Vincent from architects Roberts Limbrick Limited. Chairman Paul McLain said: “Our existing building has served us well and has allowed us to operate come rain or shine, but it is now badly in need of repair. This is the biggest project we have ever undertaken, with a price tag of upwards of £1.5 million, so we have a lot of work to do. However, this new facility will provide our wonderful services to far more children and adults throughout Gloucestershire and ensure we secure a future for them”. But without the support of our dedicated team of volunteers we simply could not provide this wonderful service. Giving your time for just a few hours a week will make a real difference. Kai, for example, was 5 years old when he came to us and he suffered from complex emotional issues. Riding has been a great focus for Kai with the continuity and weekly routine having a huge positive impact on his learning ability, behavior and emotional state. After only a few weeks he began to build a rapport with his instructor and helpers, which has resulted in Kai demonstrating a great confidence – he can now walk
Princess Anne with a group of our riders
independently up to and mount his horse. Kai’s teachers have also witnessed this improvement in school – his selfesteem is strong, aiding his listening skills and ability to follow simple instructions. In Kai’s words: “Riding is fun”. You don’t need to have an equestrian background to join our team of volunteers – just a willingness to learn, as • 80% of riders we have a training experience physical programme in place. improvement in 12 Leading a pony or side weeks or less walking with a pony and rider to a fast walk or trot • 90% of riders can be physically dedemonstrated manding, but there are improved confidence also many other roles that we always need help • 70% of riders with. Fundraising, talks to demonstrated an local community groups, improvement in gardening, tack cleaning, t heir riding skills general cleaning and administration to name but a few. So if you think you’d like to come down to give us a try and help children like Kai, please get in touch. To find out more about Cotswold RDA and how you can get involved, visit our website at www.cotswoldrda.org.uk, email Info@cotswoldrda.org.uk or call 01242 584420.
D i d y ou k n o w?
M a k e a diffe re n ce – jo i n o u r t ea m
We are seeking volunteers* who would like to train as a leader and/or side walker to support our riding lessons starting for the new Autumn Term September 2015. Why not come down and find out what we do – we are holding 3 open days from 11am to 1pm on 1st, 2nd and 3rd September. We’d love to see you! *Minimum age to lead a pony is 16 years. To apply or for more information visit Cotswold
It’s what you can www.cotswoldrda.org.uk do that counts
Riding for the Disabled Association
Jackie Brutton Riding Centre, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH – Telephone 01242 584420
Wildlife Matters with John Bromley
Bumblebees: the epitome of the British summer Of the twenty three bumblebee species found in Britain, most are in decline or ‘at risk’ yet they are the epitome of the British spring and summer with their hairy gold and black striped bodies bumbling noisily from flower to flower. To me the lifecycle of these magnificent creatures is little short of a Greek tragedy. New queen bees leave their nest in the autumn and quickly mate. The mated queens feed heavily before hibernating over winter anywhere they can find shelter. In the spring the new queen bumblebee emerges and feeds to build up her energy before finding a nesting location. She will often choose an old mouse or bird’s nest where she will lay eggs into a mound of pollen she has collected. The queen has to incubate the eggs until they hatch, often ‘shivering’ her body to generate heat whilst keeping her strength up by drinking from a store of nectar she will have also collected and stored.
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Once the first generation of eggs hatch the queen forages on nearby flowers collecting pollen and nectar to feed the grubs for about two weeks until they pupate and hatch into female worker bees. These worker bees assume nest duties such as cleaning and guarding, whilst others forage for pollen and nectar to feed the next generation of grubs which turn into yet more female worker bumblebees. From this point on the original queen will not leave her nest again.
The average lifespan varies from fourteen to forty days Later in the season the queen lays different eggs, some of which hatch into the next generation of queen bees and others into male bees. The male bumblebees leave the nest first but do not collect pollen – they simply feed on nectar whilst hoping to mate. Most
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never mate and all males die within a few weeks. Meantime the newly mated queen bumblebee begins the cycle again, feeding before hibernating over winter. The original queen and any remaining worker bees will not survive the winter. The average lifespan of a worker bumblebee varies from fourteen to forty days depending on the species. With a full stomach of nectar a worker bee can fly for about forty minutes, but they become so preoccupied with supplying the nest they sometimes forget to feed themselves. Therefore, if you find a grounded bumblebee in your garden looking a bit dazed and confused it has probably run out of energy or got cold following a sudden change in weather You can sometimes revive these bees by popping a few drops of sugar or honey dissolved in water onto a piece of card within close range of the bee, but be careful not to get any liquid onto the bee. If the bee feeds, then after about five minutes it will recover and be on its way again. If the bee has ragged looking wings it is probably beyond help due to ‘old age’. If the bee raises its middle legs and turns it ‘bum’ toward you it is agitated and should be left alone. Bumblebees very rarely sting but better safe than sorry! The Local Answer
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. THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER ARTYSAN AT WOLD GALLERIES LATE SUMMER SHOW The art of the country. An exhibition of our latest original contemporary country art, limited edition prints, ceramics and glass. Wold Galleries, The Old Saddlery, 3A Oxford Street, Moreton-In-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0LA. Telephone: 01608 650727, www.woldgalleries.com. EVERY DAY RIVER AVON BOAT TRIPS On our 55-seater passenger boat available 7 days a week from the end of March to mid-October, 11am till 5pm (weather permitting). PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR CRUISE TIMES. Also available for Private Evening Hire! The Handsam Boat Company. 07860 895416. Explore the River Avon from Abbey Park, Evesham. EVERY DAY UNTIL 6 SEPTEMBER NATURE EXPLORERS
This summer holiday, children of all ages can discover their inner adventurer by becoming fully fledged Nature Explorers. Here, they can follow in the footsteps of Scott of the Antarctic (father of WWT’s founder Sir Peter Scott) by going on an array of ‘wild’ adventures and recording
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them in a special Nature Explorer passport. Price included in admission. 9.30am-5.30pm. Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. EVERY DAY UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER CANOE SAFARI
Grab a paddle and sail the watery passages of our canoe safari trail. Cruise down our kilometre long trail in a canoe which can take up to three people. Your trip, here in Gloucestershire, will take you to see birds from around the world as well as wildlife native to these shores and unique to this area. Sit back and relax as you look out for wildlife along the way such as water voles, dragon flies, warblers and ducks. £5. 11am-4pm. Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. 29 JULY MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING The boys are back from war and it’s time for celebration – but villainous Don John decides to spoil everyone’s fun with his devious plots. Will young Claudio and his love Hero fall foul of these machinations?
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Will Beatrice and Benedick stop bickering and fall in love? Find out in this fastpaced, physical and funny new production from this critically-acclaimed theatre company. 7.30pm. From £12. Please bring low-backed seating and prepare for all weathers. In the event of unsafe weather this event will transfer into the Bacon Theatre. Gates open at 6pm for picnics. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. 30 JULY MEET T-REX Dinosaur fans shouldn’t miss the giant lifelike roaming T-Rex and baby dinosaurs at The Brewery! At this must see event visitors will have a chance to pet the TRex and learn all about him from his keeper. Lucky visitors will also be able to pick up a free fossilised shark tooth (while stocks last). For details visit thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk. 31 JULY TWELFTH NIGHT An action-packed sojourn, involving everything you would expect from a group of actors of an evening – cross-dressing, a couple of fights and some drunken revels. Throw in a shipwreck, much unrequited love and a classic case of mistaken identity and your entertainment is complete. 7.30pm. From £12. Please bring low-backed seating and prepare for all weathers. In the event of unsafe weather this event will transfer into the Bacon Theatre. Gates open at 6pm for picnics. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HE. 01242 258002.
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1-31 AUGUST THE BIG BATSFORD BUG HUNT
Make the most of fine summer weather by getting active in the arboretum. Find the creepy crawlies hidden around the arboretum, mark their location on our map using the stickers provided and pick up a goodie bag! Children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the normal arboretum entrance fee applies. Children’s tickets cost £2.50 plus £3.50 arboretum entrance fee. 10am-5pm. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 01386 701441. 2 AUGUST STROUD SUNDAY MARKET Stroud arts and craft focused market on the Subscription Rooms forecourt the first Sunday of every month. Come and join us for some free family entertainment and stalls from some of Stroud’s finest. For more information and updates visit stroudsundaymarket.co.uk. 10am-2pm. FAMILY FUN RACE DAY
This is the first summer Sunday race meeting at Chepstow for many years – and kids go free! It is Family Fun Race Day featuring the Little Mix tribute band Mini Mix at 1.15pm who will be playing live before racing and during the afternoon. 17 and unders free. Tickets from £20. Gates open 12 noon. Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6BE. chepstow-racecourse.co.uk. 01291 622260. 4 AUGUST WORLD YOUTH GUITAR FESTIVAL Fresh from performances at the Carnegie Hall, New York and the Tchaikovsky Hall, Moscow, Croatian guitarist Zoran Dukic makes his long-awaited UK solo debut. His breathtaking virtuosity and exquisitely sensitive musicianship mark him as one of
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the most distinguished guitarists of our time. Some of the UK’s finest young classical guitarists join together to form the ensemble Guitar Circus, who train at the Royal College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire, led by Musical Directors, Chris Stell, Mark Ashford and Matthew Robinson. 7.30pm. £10 (£9). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 4-8 AUGUST THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre. 7.30pm (matinees Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm). From £11.90. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine's Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012. 5 AUGUST WORLD YOUTH GUITAR FESTIVAL Back by popular demand, an unmissable opportunity to see two favourite WYGF artists take centre stage. The “new star of the guitar” Gaëlle Solal beguiles with her passionate interpretations; and guitarist and composer extraordinaire, Gary Ryan, entrances audiences with his innovative compositions described as a ‘tour de force... exceedingly good fun to listen to’ by Classical Guitar Magazine. 7.30pm. £10 (£9). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 7 AUGUST WALKING THE ZAMBEZI On 7th September 2014, 70 year old Stroud adventurer, David Lemon became the first man in history to walk the entire 3000 kilometre length of the Zambezi River. Join David to hear about his extraordinary feat and be transported into an almost forgotten world. 8pm. £10 (£8 concessions). Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. subscriptionrooms.org.uk. 10 AUGUST STEVE BINGHAM – LINES AND LOOPS Internationally renowned violinist Steve Bingham presents a programme of music to suit all tastes as part of a series of concerts hosted by the European String Teacher’s Association. From Telemann to the Beatles, Philip Glass to Daft Punk and James MacMillan to Coldplay, Steve performs in multi-tracked arrangements where every note is played live. 7.45pm.
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£15 (£10). Prince Michael Hall, The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 11 AUGUST CARDUCCI QUARTET
The Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today’s most exciting young string quartets, performing over 90 concerts worldwide each year. In this second presentation hosted by the European String Teacher’s Association, The Carducci Quartet will perform: Beethoven’s opus 18, no.4; Shostakovich’s Quartet no.8, opus 110; Dvorak’s no. 12, opus 96 ‘American’. 7.45pm. £15 (£10). Prince Michael Hall, The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 12 AUGUST DAVID LE PAGE
Trailblazing violinist and composer David Le Page performs for the final of three concerts hosted by the European String Teacher’s Association. In the first half, David performs from his eagerly anticipated second album ‘As The Crow Flies’ and in the second half of the concert David performs his highly acclaimed interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. 7.45pm. £15 (£10). Prince Michael Hall, The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 13 AUGUST MAKE SOME NOISE The Brewery will come alive with music from local, young talented performers, produced by the Rock Foundry. There will also be the chance to meet your local emergency service teams who will give advice, hold quizzes and allow youngsters to climb aboard their vehicles. Kids can also test out their climbing skills with the climbing wall. www.thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk.
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‘Gloucestershire’s largest
FREE ONE DAY EVENT’
Sponsored by
SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
Held through the streets of Newent from 10am The world famous onion eating competition, Live music from the Ultimate Beatles, The Roving Crows, Sons of Navarone, Woo Town Hillbillies ... PLUS MORE Sponsors of the Newent Onion Fayre Food Festival
Over 100 Stalls ◆ Dog Show ◆ Cookery Demonstrations ◆ Fairground Rides ◆ Street Entertainment ‘The never to be forgotten Onion show'
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Onionfest ... The after party
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Saturday 12 September Newent Lake 7pm
A spectacular, one-off event, which will be remembered for years to come. Not to be missed!
Get y o u r tic k et s n o w – be fo re t h e y a ll g o!
Tickets available from www.newentonionfayre.net or in Cobblers or Gooch Sports in Newent Tickets £20. Children under 14 free (conditions apply - check website)
The Bird Park is sizzling th Bottle feed Bambi For all of you Fallow deer fans there is a rare opportunity to bottle feed our baby Bambi. There is one feeding spot daily available on a booking basis only for groups no larger than 4. So if you would like to give someone a special treat for their birthday or just experience feeding one of these lovely creatures then please call 01452 812727 for price and availability. This is one not to miss!
Art Burst Week The new Visitor Centre at The Bird Park is looking wonderful now with its stunning balconies overlooking the park. During the Painswick Art Burst Week from 1st to 9th August Ronald Swanick will be inside the park with his walk in drawing marquee, where anyone can try their hand at drawing the birds and animals within the park. Monica Fisher will be here in the centre painting the miniature donkeys and has some lovely peacock feather illustrations just to keep the bird theme on the go. And if that’s not enough, Peter Walwin will be showing his wood carvings of wild birds and waterfowl along with some tips on how to work wood into these wonderful works of art. So if you fancy a cup of coffee and an ice cream on one of our balconies then just pop over and visit the new Centre.
k at Prinknash his summer
So it’s all happening here at The Bird Park this summer! Come and meet our lovely baby Reindeer who was born in May, or perhaps try bottle feeding Bambi (by appointment) or indeed feeding the grown up fallow deer, which live here throughout the year. The Wendy House is still there full of toys for children to enjoy and perfect for a picnic spot where the peacocks display and all the waterfowl are ready to meet and greet. For those of you that love the fact that our birds are “free to roam” then come on over and enjoy the experience.
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX
18 AUGUST WEDDING OPEN EVENING Take this opportunity to visit Bowden Hall’s fantastic Wedding Open Evening! See the venue set up as if a wedding were taking place, as well as meeting key suppliers and get a wealth of great ideas. 6-8pm. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 01452 632632. 21 AUGUST CHARITY GOLF DAY Come and have some fun and raise money for Cotswold Riding for the Disabled at the same time. Open to everyone – bring the kids along! £20 for 9 holes & food or advice from a golf pro on the range, putting and food. Lots of prizes and other competitions. Contact Sherdons Golf Centre for tickets – 01684 274782 or professional@sherdons.co.uk. Sherdons Golf Centre, Tredington, Gloucestershire GL20 7BP. MOTHING BY MIDNIGHT Though far less well known than their day-time cousins, there are 50-times more moths than butterflies, they are much more diverse, and their stories are much more amazing. Starting with a talk about all things moths (what they are, their diversity, moth feats and their conservation), we will then venture out to
see the moths that have been attracted by traps set in the Grounds. Free. 8.30-11am. Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. 23 AUGUST TEWKESBURY CLASSIC VEHICLE FESTIVAL
500 cars, 150 motorbikes, 100 trade and gift stalls, live music, bar, BBQ, teas and cakes. Free entry for classic vehicles and their drivers and under 12s. Adults £5. Free parking. Tewkesbury School, Gl20 8DF. See www.tewkesburycvf.org or phone 01684 850940. 24 AUGUST THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW The UK’s No1 Tribute, fronted by respected singer/songwriter Clive John, with The Spirit Band, re-create with astounding accuracy and truly capture the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash
show! Featuring Jill Schoonjans as June Carter and two more talented ladies as the Carter Sisters, all aspects of Cash’s life are covered with impeccable taste. 7.30pm. From £20. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012. www.atgtickets.com. 28 AUGUST AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Worldwide all-stars, couture costumes, an oh-so-steamy score and mind-boggling speciality acts share the spotlight – porcelain cheek to chiselled jowl – in one heck of a wickedly hilarious extravaganza. 8pm. From £11.90. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012. 28-30 AUGUST TADSTOCK FESTIVAL In association with CCP and Studio340, Tadstock is proud to present its annual festival for the people of Gloucestershire and beyond. Dry The River will headline the main ‘Earth Stage’ along with support from a host of local talent including King Soloman and Julia Harris. Family entertainment available. Free camping and free parking. Tickets from £5 (children under 5 free). For details visit www.Tadstock.co.uk. Kencot Hill Farm, Oxford GL7 3QY.
RIVER AVON BOAT TRIPS Enjoy magical walks, browse our fantastic range of plants, gardening supplies and gifts and soak up the sun on the deck of the Garden Terrace Café. A perfect day out for all the family – dog friendly too!
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JOIN US FOR THE BIG BATSFORD BUG HUNT THIS AUGUST – visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details! BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AD. Telephone 01386 701441 Email: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk www.batsarb.co.uk
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The Local Answer
Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
The Human Nature of Teaching Every child is born to learn and as a parent you are your child’s first teacher. Although society has changed over the centuries, the way children learn best hasn’t. We can look to the hunter/gatherer societies to learn how best to facilitate our children’s learning – there are some very interesting observations to be made. In traditional societies it was not deemed necessary to try to teach a child something they did not want to learn. Rather, the role of the teacher was to support and facilitate the child’s natural
curiosity and explorations. Right from birth every child naturally wants to learn and grow – you couldn’t stop them if you wanted, so why try when you can simply allow?
Time to Play At the end of infancy (about 4 years old) the children would be granted total freedom to explore their own world from dawn till dusk – usually in the company of other children of various ages. This is something our modern society frowns upon and parents fear judgement over,
but this free-range exploration allowed children to follow their own natural curiosity and learn more about this world through all the senses, and always at their own pace safe in the knowledge that elders were nearby.
Cultural Tools We tend to think of toys as plastic stuff in packaging. However, traditional toys were simply tools as used by the adults to do their daily work, and this is what our children crave too – real tools for real life, scaled down if necessary to enable them to copy what they see around them every day. Toys were never meant to be a distraction or an amusement but simply to support a child’s natural desire to learn and grow. Today this looks like building bricks, cookery kit, role play and dressing up, and of course arts and crafts. But children do not learn in isolation.
Tolerant Acceptance This brings us to the most important part of being your child’s teacher – togetherness. Your child trusts you, wants you and learns from you, so to allow him or her into your space, to watch, to see, to try and to do, is invaluable. All it takes is for you to slow down and relax, enjoy the journey of discovery and, who knows, you may even enjoy your ‘boring jobs’ that little bit more.
Discovery Walks Try a simple thing like going for a walk and, rather than hurrying to get somewhere, choose to simply amble, allowing your child to see what they can see, to find things and ask questions. And please, don’t be scared that you won’t know the answer. It’s perfectly fine to say “I don’t know, let’s look it up when we get home”. Here, mobile phones and tablets can be our best friends too, from taking pictures to Googling answers, sharing your findings to building a project based website. Your child will also get a lesson in modern day technology, and how cool is that? The Local Answer
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Picture Perfect Glorious Gardens
Thanks to all of you who sent in your brilliant pictures to enter our ‘Glorious Gardens’ competition. Congratulations to Peter Nenadic of Cheltenham who submitted the winning image (above) of his beautiful garden! He has won a BeefEater 900 Series Classic Gas Barbeque courtesy of The Spa-Kling Pool Company. Some of our other favourites are pictured above right.
WIN £500 WORTH OF FAMILY FUN! The theme for our August competition is ‘Family Fun’! Simply submit a photograph of you and your family enjoying yourselves and you could win £500 of family activities in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean! Whether you’re making a splash at the beach, getting creative with arts and crafts or enjoying playtime in the paddling pool at home, we want to see pictures of you and your family having fun in the sun this summer! Courtesy of Wye Dean Valley Tourism the winner will receive a family photo shoot at Capture this Moment, pottery painting for two children plus a free tea or coffee for mum and dad accompanying at Hot Pot Pottery, a brewery experience at Hillside Brewery, a half day guided canoe trip for four (two adults, two children) at Way2Go Adventures, a family ticket to Perrygrove Railway, a family ticket to Cinderford RFC for a 2015/16 home fixture, a gift voucher for Krazy Golf Lydney (two adults, two children) and a family ticket for travel on the Dean Forest Railway (two adults , two children). To enter, email your photo along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Family Fun’. One entry per household. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See Index page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2015.
Perrygrove Railway 01594 834991 www.perrygrove.co.uk info@perrygrove.co.uk
Dean Forest Railway 01594 845840 www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
Capture this Moment 07816 477243 www.capturethismoment.co.uk
Hot Pot Pottery
Cinderford RFC
Hillside Brewery Krazy Golf Lydney Way2Go Adventures
07974 983908/01594 837943 01594 822400 01452 830222 01594 840082 07794 189841/01594 800908 (832248) www.hotpotpottery.co.uk www.cinderfordrfc.co.uk www.hillsidebrewery.com 07948 538335 www.way2goadventures.co.uk info@hotpotpottery.co.uk cinderford@cinderfordrfc.co.uk info@hillsidebrewery.com www.krazygolflydney.co.uk active@way2goadventures.co.uk
28-31 AUGUST FRINGE FESTIVAL A joyous festival during which a whole town throws open its doors and a special community comes together to create a wonderful spectacle. Enjoy vibrant culture and musical performances, from poetry to punk, fine art to folk, comedy to chaos theory, and everything in-between, set in one of the most exciting, creative towns in the Cotswolds. Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. subscriptionrooms.org.uk. 31 AUGUST THE BIG FAMILY FUN DAY
Join us for our Bank Holiday Monday Family Fun Day – and you can meet Paddington Bear. Bring your own picnic (no alcohol). 17 and unders free. Tickets from £22. Gates open 12.10. Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6BE. chepstow-racecourse.co.uk. 01291 622260.
31 AUGUST – 5 SEPTEMBER ANNIE Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. 7.30pm (matinees Wednesday and Saturday 2.30pm). From £15. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012. www.atgtickets.com. 4-6 SEPTEMBER DIDMARTON BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Kemble Airfield gears up for banjo and fiddle mountain music! One of the UK’s premier Bluegrass, Americana and Old Time Music Festivals. Concerts, dance displays, workshops, square dancing, open stage performances, craft and instrument stalls, children’s area and the famous late night bonfires and jam sessions – bring your instrument and join in! See www.didmarton-bluegrass.co.uk for details. 12 SEPTEMBER 20TH NEWENT ONION FAYRE Featuring live music, street entertainers, dancing, animal displays, fairground rides, exhibitions, lakeside events and over 100 stands with arts, crafts and plants to name
VINYL RECORDS VINYL WANTED
Local buyer pays cash for your unwanted LP’s, EP’s & 45’s. Most 60’s, 70’s 80’s records considered, large or small collections. Prog, Psych, Punk, Heavy Rock, New Wave especially wanted. e-mail lists to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987
but a few. From organics and fresh local produce through to beers, wines, ciders and fruit juices, there’s a lot more than onions! 10am. Free entry. Details at www.newentonionfayre.org. ONIONFEST: THE AFTER PARTY To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Newent Onion Fayre, for one year only there is a fantastic after party with a Lake Laser Show, bands, fairground rides and a licensed bar. 7pm. Newent Lake. Tickets available from Gooch Sports, Cobblers or www.newentonionfayre.net. 19 SEPTEMBER LADIES NIGHT Hilarious, handsome guys will entertain you all night, on and off stage, in and out of costumes! Your evening inclues a 3 course meal with coffee, the Ladies Night show and disco until 1am. £35 per person. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 01452 632632. 24 SEPTEMBER CONNECT BUSINESS 2015 Business conference and exhibition. 10am3pm. Free to attend, optional networking lunch £8. The Pavilion, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6PN. For more information and booking visit www.connectbusiness.org.uk, #CCBiz on LinkedIn or follow #CCBiz on Twitter.
WIN TICKETS! courtesy of Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow Racecourse are offering The Local Answer readers a chance to win hospitality at a September meeting. Located in the heart of historic Piercefield Park with breathtaking views of the stunning Wye Valley, Chepstow Racecourse’s welcoming atmospheres and first class facilities will ensure that you have an extremely enjoyable experience. The winners will receive a pair of tickets to enjoy an afternoon of flat racing, as well as dining in Silks Restaurant on Thursday 10th September. They will receive a two course lunch, afternoon tea, admission badges, raceday programme and the table for the afternoon*. For more information please call 01291 622260 or email info@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Chepstow Races’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details stating ‘Chepstow Races’ to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2015. *Competition winners buy their own drinks.
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The Local Answer
Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Purpled fingers probe prickled brambles Long grass, once perfect for a game of hide and seek, has been cut and lined up in neat rows to tempt young feet and hands into undoing a farmers hard work. The warm evening sun dresses the sky with a colour palate that only Mother Nature would ever look good in, and insects hum quietly in hedge rows as purpled fingers probe prickled brambles for juicy berries. Some of my fondest memories are set during sunny evenings with family and friends filling our bags or buckets with blackberries, but gone are the days when I would return home with more than I could consume in one sitting. My youthful exuberance when faced with a glut of plump blackberries blinded me to the fact that other creatures depend on them for survival.
Leave the main crop for local wildlife Since human survival amounts to a quick trip to the corner shop, I now only take a couple of handfuls as a little treat while walking the dog. If you do require a large harvest for wine making and such, I encourage you to pick as early in the season as possible (any time from this point onward) leaving the main crop for local wildlife to consume later in the year during the run up to winter. The best way to make use of a small quantity (besides putting them into a crumble) is to mash them up and pack into ice cube trays to add a fruity twist to carbonated beverages. They are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, a good source of fibre and a really easy way of getting fruit into the tums of even the most devout junk food juvenile. But let's face it, blackberry picking is all about the experience – an excuse to get the family out for the day. 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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ETB celebrate 35 years of automotive excellence ETB – Exhaust Tyres & Batteries Ltd – are a family run business with over 35 years of experience in automotive fast fit. Established in 1980, ETB has since grown to become one of the largest independent retailers of fast-fit tyres, exhausts, batteries and other automotive products in the region, priding themselves on high, reliable standards of service, expertise and outstanding value for money. With their newly refurbished store in Lydney, their business continues to grow with twenty three sites in the Midlands and South Wales offering a range of tyres, exhausts and batteries, MOTs and fixed price menu servicing for every budget. Major brands in stock include Avon, Pirelli Firestone and right now, you have a chance to win an Apple MacBook Air, An Apple iPod shuffle or £10 iTunes digital gift code when you purchase any Bridgestone tyre from ETB. Please call in store for details.
Free tyre check service to help raise awareness In 2011 nearly 10,000 drivers were convicted of driving on dangerous or defective tyres, while illegal tyres are responsible for one in three of all accidents. These figures are disturbing when you think that as a whole we are spending less on tyres now than ever before. ETB offer a free tyre check service to help raise awareness and urge motorists to “let us check your tyres before going on holiday this summer”. The campaign aims to encourage drivers to take advantage of ETB’s free tyre safety check service before they get stopped and checked by the police – something which could result in a hefty fine and points on your licence.
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Based on Hams Road, Lydney ETB Manager Shaun Askey said that a record number of motorists were found to have defective tyres when checks were made on every car visiting the centre, and that many drivers did not appreciate the importance of driving on reliable tyres or the penalties associated with defective ones.
Tyres are the forgotten part of the vehicle Shaun said: “The number of illegal tyres we are coming across is disturbing. It would appear that tyres are the forgotten part of the vehicle in many motorists’ minds when in fact, they are the most important. The prospect of penalty points on your licence, let alone the cost implications and safety element, is particularly strong and a fact that we hope will resonate with a number of people. “Some vehicles we checked had three or even four defective tyres, which would amount to 12 penalty points and up to £10,000 in fines if they had been stopped and checked by the Police. It is that serious.” To let ETB check your tyres before the police do, call them directly on 01594 842 385 or call in to ETB, Hams Road, Lydney.
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Brighten up a tired border Most British gardens are usually at their best in the spring and early summer with the lovely colours of bulbs and the freshness of new leaves on the shrubs. By the time it gets to August many gardens have lost their way. If this describes your garden you can do something about it by popping in some annuals from the garden centre. They are full of delicious looking pots of Cosmos, Zinnias and others which will brighten up a tired border. Think about planting some of the later flowering perennials such as Echinacea purpurea (the mauve cone-flower), Rudbeckia (a lovely yellow daisy), and Asters (the good old Michaelmas daisies), which will flower well into autumn and come in colours that look stunning in the early evening light, and early mornings covered in dew. Last year was a particularly good year for autumn colour and the Michaelmas daisies in my garden flowered on and on until November! Peg down the runners of strawberries to create new plants either in the ground or into small
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pots of potting compost such as John Innes No.1. Peg them down using ushaped bits of wire – wire coat hangers cut up work well. Keep them watered and, when they have rooted, cut the stem holding them to the parent plant and replant in a newly prepared strawberry bed.
Teenagers can be persuaded to water for pocket money Put any pots of plants into a shady spot if you are away for a few days and stand in something like a paddling pool with an inch or so of water in it to keep them going. Teenage children can be persuaded to water for pocket money, but to be honest results are mixed! August is the time to tidy up climbing and rambling roses after they have flowered. If they are grown over arches or pergolas they can be a real hazard if their shoots are too long and whipping around in the wind. The shoots should be pliable when they are young and are best trained around supports in a
spiral fashion, which encourages the most flowers. The main pruning will be done in February but this is just to keep them under control. Now is the time to prune established fruit cordons, espaliers and fans to help restrict growth, maintain the shape of the tree and promote next year’s fruiting spurs. With clean, sharp secateurs shorten new shoots growing from the trunk or main stems to three leaves. Prune sideshoots growing from established lateral branches to one leaf. Ordinary fruit trees are pruned in the dormant season.
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Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
DOWN 1 Religious non-belief 2 Local vegetation 3 Extent 4 Sloping typeface 5 Asian food items 6 Tour de France vehicle 12 Wheel tooth 15 Astounding 16 Respected 17 Pilot safety aid, ... seat 19 Beer 20 Long steps 22 Dutch sea walls 23 Golfer’s two under par
Wily Pen tips Lead-in Brave man On an occasion Lazed Have effect (on) Scalp parasites Oversee Dress ribbons Tropical tree More profound Irritating to the skin Terrace level Cattle prod Run off to marry Old Becomes faster, ... up
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R R S
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Interior Design
Create a summerhouse retreat Whether it’s for escaping reality and enjoying the peace and quiet with a good book, or for hosting summer parties with friends and family, a summerhouse is a great environment in which to relax and be close to nature. You can transform your summerhouse into whatever you want – a studio for writing or painting, a gamesroom for the kids, or simply a space to take a breather from gardening.
The beauty of summerhouses is you can create any theme you want. If you’re using it for escapism, try capturing the essence of your favourite place – perhaps a beach look with nautical decor, or why not turn it into a tropical hideout with an array of plants and a small water feature. Be inventive and see where your imagination takes you.
Country chic Pastel shades in blue or green have a calming effect, and can be painted with intricate flowers and leaves. Alternatively, let nature take its course outside with climbing plants such as wisteria or Campsis radicans, which displays fantastic red flowers in the summer. Windowboxes with flowers and your favourite herbs will create a lovely scent around the summerhouse, and a simple table decoration of a few garden The Local Answer
flowers can be changed every few days to keep a fresh look. Wicker chairs and a folding wooden table are ideal furnishings, as they can easily be moved outside on sunny days. Accompany the chairs with light coloured cushions in floral patterns and either dress the table with a white or cream cloth, or leave it bare for a more natural look.
An artist’s escape For those creative souls out there, your summerhouse may be your personal studio. Writers, artists and musicians often need a natural environment to be able to fully express themselves, and can sometimes find inspiration from nature’s sights and sounds. As with most masterpieces, you have to start with a blank canvas. A white room with a simple desk and chair placed next to a window is a great starting point. From there you can add books, photos, mood boards and anything else that will help your creativity flourish. An unlined curtain or blind can help to shield you from the sun, while still letting in enough light for you to work. And if you’re the type to work
into the night, a desk lamp is a musthave.
Kid’s corner Families with young children may decide to build a summerhouse as somewhere to keep memories that children can return to when they are older. Marking children’s heights on a wall as they grow up not only lets you see how fast they grow, but their cousins and friends can join in too – perhaps with a competition as to who will be the tallest by the time they’re a teenager! Pinning up pictures and displaying creations that the kids have made at school is a great way to show them how proud you are of their work – and it’s funny to look back on when their artistic skills may have improved with age. Keeping children’s books and toys in the summerhouse means they have a little retreat too, and it can also be the perfect place to host a birthday party. With fun and games set up in the garden, and food and drink laid out inside, kids will love showing off their summerhouse to their friends. There’s loads of inspiration online and you can keep it as simple or as complicated as you like. Get cracking now and you’ll have plenty of time throughout the summer to enjoy your summerhouse retreat.
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Page 27
Save the Planet with Caroline Bennett
Ancient products and skills worth having Which traditional land use has been happening in England for over 6000 years that many people have never even heard of? The answer is coppicing, and it may also be the answer to some of your sustainable product needs. Coppicing is an ancient method of woodland management carried out not only in England but all around the world. It involves cutting trees down to nearly base level and allowing them to grow back. The process is then repeated 7 to 20 years later, depending on the species of tree. Not all trees can be coppiced – common species in the UK include hazel, ash, oak, willow, field maple and sweet chestnut.
Coppiced woodland is maintained in a rotation of ‘coups’ – an area being actively harvested while others are left to grow. These areas have increased dappled light, which provides the ideal conditions for forest wildflowers such as bluebells, wood anemones and primroses. The stools (the name for coppiced stumps) provide shelter and food for dormice, nightingales, nightjars and well managed there should be a insects such as beetles and newly coppiced area ready nearby to replace the habitat that is changing butterflies. elsewhere. Producing valuable As well as producing valuable habitats, coppiced wood is used to habitats for wildlife As the coppiced stools grow up the make all sorts of traditional products conditions become beneficial for including besom brooms and different types of wildlife, but if it is beanpoles, charcoal for your barbeque, firewood for the woodburner, trugs, hay rakes, gates, fencing, hurdles, horse jumps and even yurts.
A revival of this management technique This traditional skill fell out of favour after the Second World War and many coppiced woodlands were neglected or planted up with conifers. There has been a revival of this management technique and now there may be a coppicer not far away from you. Coppice workers make different products depending on the species in their coups and their specialities. To find a local supplier of coppiced products check out the National Coppicing Federation – ncfed.org.uk or coppiceproducts.co.uk. If you would like to take up coppicing as a land management technique there are many books and places offering courses or volunteering opportunities aimed at passing on these traditional crafts. So why not try your hand at this 6000 year old skill? Page 28
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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
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of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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Motoring with Christian Tilbury
Perfect 10? If you think that £9,000 doesn’t buy you much when it comes to a brandnew car, you obviously haven’t experienced the Hyundai i10. Available for only £8,995 until the end of September at Gloucester’s Westlands Hyundai, the Hyundai i10 SE might be one of the most compact and affordable new cars available, but its specification and space are akin to those of a much larger vehicle. So what do you get for just shy of £9,000? Well, unlike the majority of its city car rivals, the i10 is a full fiveseater, while it also boasts the biggest boot in its highly-competitive class. In our tested ‘SE’ model, the i10 also comes with a surprisingly high level of equipment. Standard features include electric windows front and back, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter (manual only), daytime running lights, remote central locking, and a USB and Aux connection. Unlike with a lot of cars in its segment, there’s no exposed metal on the inside – the i10 benefiting from full-size doorcards that enhance its quality feel. If it sounds appealing, then you’d be right and it won’t come as a surprise to hear that 9 out of 10 Hyundai i10 buyers opt for the SE. Under its bonnet, there’s a 1.0-litre petrol engine, producing 66PS and
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emitting just 108g/km CO2, which makes the current VED excise duty free for the first year and a mere £20 per year after. Although small and only having three cylinders, the engine is remarkably refined. It is tractable too, and although you do need to make full use of the precisefeeling five-speed gearbox to make the best progress, the i10 will happily change up to the next gear at low revs – ideal if you want to eke out the maximum 47.1mpg that the five-door hatchback is capable of around town. Of course, it’s in urban environments that the i10 excels – its 12ft length
making it a cinch to park. The car’s light steering enhances its nimble low-speed manoeuvrability too, but it’s also pleasing to feel it become slightly heavier as your pace increases. Factor in a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and it’s incredibly hard to find any kind of negative with the baby Hyundai. So does the i10 get a 10, then? Well, What Car? Magazine thought so and voted it 2015’s Best City Car, but then everyone’s different, so why not find out with your own test drive? That said, we very much doubt that you’ll be disappointed.
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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood
Brighten up your morning routine SodaStream In recent years the SodaStream seems to have made a comeback and now they are again commonplace in most supermarkets and homeware stores. Sales are no doubt helped with the arrival of warmer weather and the desire for that freshly made, cool carbonated drink. The SodaStream is a fun kitchen item for all the family to use and is simple to
operate. For an average price of £35-40 the product requires quick and easy installation of the CO2 cannister, which sits inside and is accessed by pressing the button to the front and sliding the product apart. There are numerous flavours to choose from including lemonade, rootbeer, apple, cola and dandelion and burdock. Having inserted the water filled cannister, just press the front pad to bring on the bubbles and add your chosen flavour. A fun product with plenty of choice that I continue to use and enjoy.
Bluetooth Shower Speaker The summer theme continues and what better than a cool shower after a day in the sun. The Bluetooth Shower Speaker from Gadgetinspector.co.uk means you can now take your music with you and sing along to the sound of your favourite tracks at the same time. For £19.99 this item comes with a USB charging cable and instructions.
The speaker is splash proof and simple to connect to your device via bluetooth. The sound quality is good and volume can be raised right up to be heard over the noise of the shower. Play, pause and skip buttons mean you maintain control without diving in and out with wet hands. The speaker attaches simply to your shower wall tiles via the rear sucker pad and is easy to remove. Bluetooth connectivity is good and the range is plenty if your device is in the next room. You can also answer phone calls and have a hands free conversation while in the bathroom, meaning you don’t need to miss that important call that always comes when you jump in the shower. A handy product for a reasonable price that’ll brighten up the morning routine!
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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
Summer Budget Wow! Chancellor George Osborne delivered his first Budget without having to worry about coalition partners on 8th July. We knew there would be further announcements regarding pensions and the wellpublicised plan to allow you to pass on the family home, as long as it is worth less than £1 million, to the next generation. But nobody predicted what actually happened. Committed not to raise the standard rates of income tax and VAT, the Chancellor wanted to give some money away, which meant that he needed to raise at least an equivalent amount from other sources. He chose options that none of us saw coming and it seemed to be the small business owner that was the principal target for his attack.
Burden on small businesses One of the ways that the Chancellor has decided to attack the level of benefits that the government is paying is to encourage the lower-paid into work. His latest idea is to increase the burden on small businesses by insisting that everyone is paid a living, rather than a minimum, wage. Admittedly it will be phased in over the next 5 years, but I have been approached already by small business owners worried about whether they will be able to afford the additional costs. They are a resilient bunch – hopefully they will find a way. The second element of his approach to encouraging people into work is to ensure that those on lower wages keep as much of their wages as they possibly can by increasing everyone’s personal allowance. But business owners, who pay themselves a dividend out of their profits, will now pay substantially more tax on those dividends.
Most owner-managers will be rather unhappy with George’s latest offerings
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The Chancellor has long faced a dilemma about how to discourage buy-to-let purchasers from buying up the housing stock that he would like to see in the hands of first-time buyers. In a surprise move he opted to restrict tax relief on mortgage interest for buy-to-let owners. Insurance Premium Tax increased from 6% to 9.5%. Surely this isn’t an indication that he will eventually charge VAT on insurance premiums, is it? Hopefully not, because it will affect all of us. Have you ever added up how many different insurance payments you make every year? There was a little bit of good news for businesses with a small reduction in the rate of Corporation Tax, an extension of the tax relief for equipment purchases and a 50% increase in the national insurance rebate. I can’t help feeling though that most owner-managers will be rather unhappy with George’s latest offering.
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Forest House Hillside Brewery The Cross Westons Cider
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WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Cinderford RFC 19 Krazy Golf Lydney 19 & 20 Shipton Golf Course 4 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Batsford Arboretum 16 CCP – Tadstock 36 Chepstow Racecourse 11 Cotswold Riding for the Disabled 9 Dean Forest Railway 19 Hot Pot Pottery 19 Newent Onionfest 13 Perrygrove Railway 19
Prinknash Bird Park 14-15 GARDEN SERVICES The Handsam Boat Company 16 Dean Mowers Ltd Way2Go Adventures 19 HEATING & PLUMBING Pete T Plumbing HEALTH & BEAUTY NHS Let’s Talk 7 WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows RETAIL Cloudy 2 Clear Vinyl Records 20
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 33 & 35 BUILDING SERVICES Marshalls Driveways 24 R. Richards & Son 26 CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean 22 The Oven & Range Cleaning 24 ELECTRICAL SERVICES FTL Electrical 24
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Samaritans COMPUTER SERVICES Abbey Group MOTORING SERVICES ETB Tyres Westlands Hyundai PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES Capture this Moment
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