Cheltenham by The Local Answer

The Local

Cheltenham

ANSWER

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FEBRUARY 2015

EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WIN A LUXURIOUS TREAT FOR YOUR MUM COURTESY OF HILTON PUCKRUP HALL HOTEL

R R S

R Richards & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS

ROOFING AND FASCIA BOARD SPECIALISTS Serving Gloucest ershire and beyond N N e w Ro o f s N N ew B u i ld s N S late, Chimney and Tile Rep air N N e w Va l l e y s N Fe l t a n d B a t t e n i n g N L e a d Wo r k N L e a k R e p a i r s N Fi b r e g l a s s R o o f i n g N Fe l t R o o f i n g

F SC REE AFF OL S

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Fascias & Soffits and Guttering Carports Replacement Fascias in a range of colours

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ANSWER

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

Malcolm Cantwell malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Amanda Saunders amanda@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution Debbie Powell – 07720 098934 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Love is in the air this month and we’ve got lots of tips and tricks on how to look your best for Valentine’s Day in our Health & Beauty section. Why not treat your loved one to a romantic meal in one of the fabulous restaurants and hotels advertising this month? Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at recreating the gorgeous Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet from our ‘Delicious Dish’. If you’re feeling the chill from the cold weather, why not stock up on great quality produce from Burley Fields Lake and spend the day cooking some delicious winter warmers – read more inside. Don’t forget to check out the winner of last month’s ‘Picture Perfect’ competition and enter this month’s theme – ‘Marvellous Mothers’. Simply send in a photo of your mother and tell us why she’s the best mum in the world!

Inside this month...

Administration Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

Welcome to February ...

Food & Drink 5 Delicious Dishes 5 Cocktail Time 10 Health, Beauty & Care 10 Looking Good, Feeling Great 11 Style & Fashion 13 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 15 Short Walks 17 Parenting & Guardianship 23 Pet Care 26 Holidays & Travel 27 Wild Food Foraging 30 Property 30

What’s On 34 Picture Perfect 42-43 Homes & Gardens 44 Interior Design 47 In the Garden 51 Sudoku 53 Wordsearch 64 Quick Crossword 67 Motoring 71 Professional Services 74 Save The Planet 75 Gadgets & Gizmos 77 Money Matters 81 Index, Competitions, Solutions 82

Competitions: 37, 40 & 43

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Page 3

BIG KITCHEN & BATHROOM SALE UP TO 40% off SELECTED LINES

QUALITY KITCHENS

NEW INDEPENDENT KITCHEN AND BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

Fresh thinking and built in the UK. Soft close features on all units as standard

andy@cotswold-kitchens.com

QUALITY BATHROOMS If you are looking for a quality bathroom with a real wow factor, supplied and installed to the highest standard, choose from the wide selection of styles

shaun@cotswold-bathrooms.com

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN CHELTENHAM

Fabulous Kitchen & Bathroom Designs – Supplied and fitted by us. We offer a full design service including 3D DESIGN of your Bathroom/Kitchen

www.cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com ● Sunnybank Stables, London Road, Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire GL54 4HG ● 01242 210090 enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com OPENING TIMES: MON-FRI 9.30-5 SAT 9.30-3 BANK HOILIDAYS 10-4

Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet Treat your loved one this Valentine’s day with a fresh, delicious and tasty bouquet of chocolate smothered strawberries! Ingredients: 20-60 fresh small-medium strawberries; 200g each white, dark and milk chocolate; any other toppings you desire. Equipment: 20-60 clean wooden skewers; small basket/bowl; small block of oasis to poke skewers into; foliage from your garden to decorate; icing pipers. Method: 1 Wash fresh strawberries and gently dry with paper towels or kitchen roll. 2 Break white, dark and milk chocolate into small pieces in separate glass bowls. Pour boiling water into a saucepan and rest the glass bowl on top. Allow chocolate to melt – stir occasionally. 3 Leave the chocolate on the side to cool (not set). Once cool, place strawberries on the skewers and dip in the chocolate. You may need a spoon to help you cover them completely. Leave the first layer of chocolate to set (unless you are using other coatings that need to stick to the chocolate). Standing the skewers in tall glasses means the chocolate won’t get wiped off. 4 Once set, put the remaining chocolate in an icing bag and pipe pretty patterns onto the strawberries. Put the block of oasis into the basket/bowl, poke the skewers into the oasis and arrange how you wish. 5 Wash the foliage you’ve collected from your garden and poke into the oasis in between the skewers.

Tips: • Though large strawberries often look more appealing, their weight means they fall down the skewer. Therefore, small strawberries are best – they look much bigger when coated in chocolate anyway. • There are loads of different toppings you can use to coat the strawberries – hundreds and thousands, coconut shavings, chopped nuts, or you could turn the white chocolate different colours using food colouring. Choose a few toppings that your partner likes. • You can make your bouquet as little or as large as you like – 20 strawberries is plenty for two to share as a romantic dessert, or you could go for a big gesture and make a bouquet with 100 strawberries! Be creative and have fun!

LOCAL The Flower Room DELIVERY

Great gifts for Valentine’s & Mother’s Day Beautiful Flowers and Plants

Open 8am to 7pm on Saturday 14th February

SERVICE Please call

01242 522101

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

41B Lyefield Road West, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8EZ www.theflowerroomcheltenham.co.uk email: flowerroom@hotmail.co.uk

Lovely range of gifts includes pots, vases & handmade cards

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

curtain store

The Old Rectory Re staurant Cole sbourne , Che lte nham 01242 870120

Celebrate Valentines

Enjoy fresh seasonal £29.50 3 course menu in a warm & romantic atmosphere with cosy log fires

Snowdrop Lunches £12.95 2 course menu from Wed to Sat

Telephone 01242 526 189 or fill out form on website for showroom appointment or home visit Showroom open by appointment

FREE EASY PARKING!

Unit K Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 7FD

www.curtainscheltenham.co.uk

Traditional Sunday Lunch 3 course multi choice menu £18.50

Private Dining Room

Ideal venue for all special occasions, family and friends get together - no hire cost BOOKINGS PLEASE

www.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk

The Edgemoor Inn Freehouse & Restaurant

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

Late 19th century inn overlooking beau ful panoramic valley views

Valentine

Dining

Treat the one you love to a romantic valentine’s meal. Bookings now being taken.

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

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The Local Answer

Local, fresh, quality food and qualified local butcher. All the items on sale either originate from their own animals or are sourced locally – eggs from Brockworth and Dexter beef from Faringdon help to make up the wonderful selection of produce available. Pam is also proud to provide meats you wouldn’t usually be able to find in your local supermarket, such as goat and mutton, and a variety of sausages with regular new flavours added including wild garlic, spicy chilli, lamb and mint, venison and wild boar cross. All animals at Burley are reared free range and given the highest quality of care. Customers receive exceptional value by supporting a local business, which is on par with major supermarkets pricewise, and can rest assured knowing exactly where their food is coming from – you can even visit many of the animals yourself! If you’d like to take a walk around the lakes, do a spot of fishing, visit the animals or purchase some fantastic quality food, pop into the shop for a chat, email pamtheham@hotmail.com or call Pam on 01242 861333. You definitely won’t forget a visit to Burley Fields Lake, so what are you waiting for?

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

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NL TO MP

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ROAD TON HAMP LECK

www.burleyfieldslake.co.uk

KID

01242 861333 or 07769 700067 Open Thursday/Friday 10am-5.30pm & Saturday 10am-4.30pm Leckhampton Lane • Cheltenham • GL51 4XT

A KH EC

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Beef, Pork, Lamb, Duck, Venison, Goat, Poultry, Sausages, Eggs, etc. – see website for more

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FANTASTIC PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND!

BURLEY FIELDS LAKE

Burley Fields Lake Farm Shop

E LAN FARM

Pam Williams and Steve Kincart have been producing meat at Burley Fields Lake for over 18 years and opened their farm shop eight years ago. Situated at the foot of Leckhampton Hill and overlooked by the famous Devil’s Chimney, Burley Fields Lake is one of Cheltenham’s finest beauty spots with wonderful scenery and wildlife in abundance. The farm spans an impressive 200 acres with animals in every direction, and I was lucky enough to experience a whistle-stop tour. Starting with around 100 stunning deer – including Axis, Sika, White and Plain Fallow – the tour began with a stare off with the handsome two year old stag who faithfully protects his herd. After whizzing around to see the two curly-haired Mangalitsa pigs and their babies, stopping off to feed some of the 300 sheep, and spending some time cuddling the adorable baby Boer goats, it was back to the farm shop. The shop is set in the centre of the farm and is run by Pam along with a fully trained

AD RO

BUY LOCAL Page 7

from CLASSIC to CONTEMPORARY, MODERN to MOBILITY ...

01452 330852

MON-FRI 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-1PM

bathrooms made easy!

Located behind Bristol Street Ford 18 Capitol Park, Pearce Way, Bristol Road, Gloucester GL2 5YD

www.severnvalebathrooms.co.uk

NEW

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Top quality bathrooms at competitive prices No matter what line of business you are in, hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to customer service are paramount. This policy has certainly worked for Severn Vale Bathrooms – a thriving family business, which has been operating for almost a quarter of a century. The team have not only had to overcome the UK’s difficult economy, but immense personal tragedy, which makes the success of the company even more remarkable.

Committed to employees and customers Julia Lomax, Severn Vale’s Managing Director, says: “A short time ago my husband suddenly passed away and I was left with a business which, frankly, I knew little about. Some people advised me to close down, but my daughters and I felt a strong commitment to the people we employed, as well as our customers, so we persevered. “As we never use sub-contractors, all of the fitters who carry out installations are employed by us and have been with us from between 15 to 25 years. It was thanks to their help and dedication that we were able to

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carry on providing the level of service we are known for”. From its new, extended showroom, Severn Vale Bathrooms can design, supply and install bathrooms as entire projects and can also provide numerous space-saving solutions. All initial consultations and design work are carried out by Kevin Esson – a former fitter – who knows exactly how to bring customers’ ideas to life. A big part of getting a new bathroom fitted is ensuring you make the most of the available space – something which Severn Vale Bathrooms does to perfection. Claire Townsend, Julia’s daughter and another company director, explains: “We’ve made sure that all the showroom settings are laid out in the size of ‘real life’ bathrooms, so that customers can see exactly how the design of their choice will look when completed. Many people are amazed by just how much we can fit into a relatively small space and how attractive it looks, as well as the problemsolving solutions we can incorporate”. Another area where Severn Vale Bathrooms excels is mobility. Varying degrees of disability mean that discreet changes to standard fittings are required, and absolutely

anything can be incorporated into your new bathroom’s design. From simple handrails and lever-operated taps to shower cubicles with full wheelchair access – the team will provide as much or as little as the individual needs.

Cost effective and low maintenance The days of cleaning mouldy grouting are gone too! Severn Vale Bathrooms never use tiles, but instead use top quality UPVC wall panelling, which is much more cost effective and very low maintenance. “The showers we install are from the Cheltenham-based Mira,” said Nikki Laugharne-Jones, Claire’s sister. “We use them exclusively because the name is well known, the company is local and – above all – they provide us with the same level of service that we wish to give our customers.” If you’re looking for a top quality bathroom at a competitive price, Severn Vale Bathrooms is a great place to start. You’ll find the new, attractive showroom in Pearce Way, off Bristol Road, in Gloucester, just behind the Ford dealership. It’s tucked-away but well worth seeking out!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 9

Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

SpaVapes.

Cheltenham’s Vaping Shop

High Quality E-Cigarettes & E-Juices

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

www.spavapes.co.uk T: 01242 210555

thehaven

Shellac Shellac Manicure Manicure

with FREE removal until 28th February 2015

182 Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings

MOBILE CHIROPODIST E: info@spavapes.co.uk

01242 252 869

amandawiltshire@aol.com

www.thehavencheltenham.co.uk

Maria Ranieri Long M.S.S.Ch. M.B.Ch.A. HPC Registered

Shirley Temple To mark one year since her passing, this month’s cocktail is actually a mocktail – the Shirley Temple. The American film and TV star, singer and dancer died on 10th February 2014 at the age of 85 having had a wonderful career, which included becoming Hollywood’s number one boxoffice star from 1935-1938. The mocktail’s recipe and inventor are both disputed subjects, but a common concoction is a mixture of lemonade, grenadine and a few maraschino cherries (although some replace the lemonade with ginger ale). Children dining with adults are often served this drink instead of a real cocktail. A restaurant in Beverly Hills called ‘Chasen’s’ is rumoured to have made the first Shirley Temple recipe for her 10th birthday. A second claim was made by Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, who say they invented the drink and named it in Shirley’s honour. Finally, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki – a resort where Shirley Temple was a frequent visitor – also claims to be the founder of the drink. In the 1980s, various soft drink companies wanted to sell products named ’Shirley Temple‘ and ‘Shirley T’, and the Hollywood star was forced to fight for the rights to her own name! Unfortunately, when asked about the iconic drink, Shirley revealed that she didn’t even like the cocktail, as it was too sweet. Ingredients: Ice; 25ml grenadine; can of 7UP or Sprite; several maraschino cherries. Method: 1 Fill a tall glass with ice and add grenadine. 2 Pour in 7UP or Sprite, stir and garnish with a couple of maraschino cherries.

Qualified Chiropodist providing professional care and service in the comfort of your own home Toe nail cutting, thick yellow nails, corns, hard skin, in-growing toe nails, diabetic foot care, general foot care Appointments can also be made for treatments at the Springbank Community Resource Centre, ground floor – please call for details. Free Parking Available

01242 705828 / 07719 664020

De f i n i n g y o u r st y le

Ou r h igh ly sk illed an d e x p e r i e nc e d t e a m o f h a i rd re s s e rs i s o n h a nd t o c r e a t e t h e p e r fe c t l oo k f or y ou ! ●

Expert colouring and highlighting

Precision cutting and styling

01242 514900

www.theguildhairdressing.co.uk View the full range of promotions at

18 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2AQ

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Cocktail? For an alcoholic alternative, simply add 25ml vodka or rum. Page 10

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25% OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS

WITH STYLISTS AND JUNIOR STYLIST IN FEBRUARY The Local Answer

Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff

Making and sticking to your 2015 fitness goals 2015 – the chance for a fresh start, the chance to reignite your fitness, lose those pounds, run that race and break that personal best! All this looks and sounds great on paper, but when the ink has dried and it comes down to it (inevitably after the Christmas break it is harder and sweatier than ever), that goal seems much further from your grasp. Even if you’ve managed to stick to your goals for a few weeks, results aren’t always seen straight away, and we are all impatient even at the best of times. Sticking to your targets requires a structured approach and an inner belief in your ability to reach what you set. You must be able to visualise the process and the end goal – but don’t just fantasise! Making ‘SMART’ objectives with the help of a trainer or by yourself is a great way of beat is vital, otherwise you lack the ability developing exercises and regimes that are to track improvement. right for you. Follow these steps to plan a ATTAINABLE better fitness goal. A goal should be achievable for you – are SPECIFIC you in the right place and have the right A goal must be individual to you, aiming at access for the objective you have set? what you want to Setting smaller ones can help you develop accomplish. General and work towards a bigger end goal. targets lead to reduced focus and too REALISTIC To be realistic you must be able to visualize much wiggle room. achieving the objective. Too high a MEASURABLE yourself goal and you may struggle to see the end, A goal must be too low and you will find yourself less able to be motivated. measured – whether on TIMED scales or on a Having a time frame for a goal is important, stopwatch, having a as this is what you must work towards. This time or weight to will give you a sense of urgency and keeps

ChangeStart

the goal and completion date firmly set in your mind. Write it down! Making one big target is great, as this is what you really want to achieve – for example, running a marathon or losing five stone. But these targets take considerable time and it’s easy to lose sight. Creating shorter-term goals aimed at the main goal is beneficial, and these must also be ‘SMART’. A monthly objective might start with simply going to the gym three times per week. As we are all habitual creatures we fall into certain routines or habits, which can be good or bad. Creating an exercise habit can be vital in helping you achieve your goal. Start with an easy habit that will be easy to stick to, and make sure you are consistent and perform this habit for at least two weeks. For example, perform 30 minutes of exercise on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Once you have been doing this for 4-6 weeks, change it – maybe increase the length of your workout or switch exercises. This will keep your body and brain guessing, and help lead you to your 2015 fitness goal – you can do it!

Alison Edgington ~ Reiki Master since 2004

Reiki, Counselling & Coaching

Start changing your life today! W h y n o t m a k e c h a ng e s a n d h a v e a ne w s t a r t i n 2 0 1 5 ?

Simple laying on of hands therapy • Can be used for any mental, physical or emotional disorder Holistic approach to ongoing problems using counselling and goal setting Treatments available at a central therapy room or a home visit can be arranged

change.start@yahoo.co.uk 0754 728 3099 www.changestart.co.uk

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 11

Beauty without breaking the bank For four years Elaine Burton (pictured below) has worked her magic, beautifying clients and helping them look their best, but this has only been part-time. Now, she’s ready to put her all into providing beauty treatment essentials for you with her recently established business – Definition Beauty. As someone who enjoys being pampered herself, Elaine finds it very challenging to locate a place in which she feels fully comfortable, as well as being able to receive a variety of treatments. She explains: “If I’m facing these problems, I want to be able to offer a place where clients can have all sorts of treatments and know who’s going to be treating them each time. I love the idea of working from home, as it provides a welcoming, relaxed environment where I can build a friendly relationship with my customers.” Elaine has been trained in semi-permanent make-up and HD brows for some time now, as well as other beauty basics such as waxing, lash extensions and nails. However, she has recently undergone more training to perfect her skills and learn the fine details of the techniques she uses. For example, though specialised training in Brazilian

waxing isn’t required, Elaine’s personal preference is to learn more so that she can answer her clients’ questions in full with confidence. There is ample free parking outside Elaine’s house in Up Hatherley, and her beautiful abode is the perfect setting to relax and be pampered in privacy. By working from home, she avoids many of the overheads a salon would have, and can therefore provide her services at affordable prices. For more information about Elaine and her business, prices and offers, check out her Facebook page – www.facebook.com/definitionbeauty – or to book an appointment give her a call on 07841500616.

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Definition Beauty Fully trained in Semi-Permanent Make-Up and HD brows ◆ Lash Extensions & Lifting ◆ Gel Nails ◆ Waxing ◆

To book an appointment please call Elaine on 07841 500616 Facebook page – www.facebook.com/definitionbeauty 12 Thornhaugh Mews, Up Hatherley GL51 3RW Page 12

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Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry

What to wear on your Valentine’s date Sporting the theme of romance, reds and pinks are a must this Valentine’s day. The monochrome red dress is a traditional failsafe staple that will never lose its appeal, or perhaps go for something a little softer by opting for a pastel pink. Despite what instinct tells us, scarlet red and fuchsia pink make a great pairing – the duo of clashing colours creates serious impact, and this combination was really popular in Spring Summer 2014 (SS14). Fully embrace the statement by incorporating stripes or geometric shapes into this look, or just stick with block colours. Alternatively, inject a splash of these colours through your accessories, whether it’s jewellery, bags, socks or lingerie. Why not have a go at incorporating some playful prints into your

Valentine’s outfit – Burberry’s iconic heart print shirt from their Autumn Winter 2013 (AW13) collection has since been imitated across the high street and no doubt will be in stores this February. Worn by Harry Styles and Victoria Beckham, this is a look for both men and women. Heart embellished underwear and cute printed socks are also available for something more subtle – you will find plenty of fun accessories in stores online and on the high street. When deciding what to wear this Valentine’s day, the location of your soirée – whether it is your local pub or a swanky restaurant – is something to consider. For women, a simple LBD (little black dress) can be very effective, or keep it fun and flirty with something less formal such as a shift or tea dress. A floral print is also fitting for the occasion. For something more understated, wear a pair of skinny fit jeans accompanied with a basic top, leather jacket and staple stilettos.

As for men, it’s all about mixing and matching. Turtle necks are right on trend this season. A versatile piece, it can be teamed with a smart tailored suit or accompanied with some slim fit jeans, and is easily adaptable to the tone of the date. Loved by men and women alike, you can’t go wrong in a suit. Lose the tie or switch the blazer for an informal jacket – bomber jackets are popular amongst the high street – and you could even choose a staple piece of knitwear for a more casual look. Alternatively, jeans with a smart shirt – patterned or plain – put together with brogues, loafers or desert boots, will always look great.

EVERYTHING FOR CYCLING

from second hand sales to servicing and repairs

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

www.bickosbikeshack.co.uk

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HayleyR with

ON ROAD OFF ROAD £5 PER CLASS

FIRST CLASS FREE! LOYALTY CARDS AVAILABLE

CLASSES See website for full addresses and more information

Monday ~ 6-6.55pm ~ Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham Monday ~ 7.30-8.30pm ~ Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester Wednesday ~ 6-7pm ~ Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester Wednesday ~ 7.30-8.15pm ~ Ribston Hall High School, Gloucester Thursday ~ 7-8pm ~ Prestbury Hall, Bouncers Lane, Cheltenham

A calorie-busting DANCE FITNESS PARTY for EVERYBODY and EVERY BODY! Guaranteed energy boost and serious case of THE SMILES at every class!

07799 841377

with HayleyR hayleyr.zumba@hotmail.com ~ www.hayleyr.zumba.com

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 13

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

FREE COFFEE & BISCUITS

for one with every green fee www.shiptongolf.co.uk

‘Shiptongolf’

Centre Manager Janie Whittemore

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shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk

Tel: 01242 890237

✉

☎

Leckhampton

CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Don’t Let Pain Be Your Problem

Professional Patient Centred Care Award-winning Practice GCC registered

FREE assessments available www.gcc-uk.org Alison Shaw DC MRCC Melissa Folly General Chiropratic Council

MChiro

www.chiropractor-cheltenham.co.uk

2 Brunswick Buildings, Bethesda St, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL50 2AZ (next to Bath Rd Car Park)

Cheltenham CBT Clinic Private Psychotherapy Practice offering cognitive behaviour therapy to treat clients suffering from emotional disorders

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Panic disorder Agoraphobia Generalised anxiety OCD Social anxiety Specific phobias Health anxiety Depression

At our clinic we are proud to offer a psychotherapeutic solution that has been scientifically tested with proven results.

FR EE

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A pp oi wh nt en m en TL quo t A tin g

In addition to our regular classes at the centre we have lots of interesting workshops and one-off courses – not to mention our visiting Guest Speaker events. Many voices are currently calling for a ‘revolution of consciousness’, including that of Russell Brand, and regardless of whether you like him or not there is no doubting the existence of a feeling that we need to stop accepting things as they are. To this end, our Top Guest Speaker for February is Lynne McTaggart, author and editor of the magazine ‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You’, who will give a talk entitled ‘Seven Steps to Spiritual Revolution: How to Become a Mouse that Roars’ on 2nd February. Andrea Gardner, Hay House author, will give a talk on 9th February at 7pm where you can learn how you can Change Your Words, and Change Your World. Everything you say affects who you are and what you become. The well-loved speaker Judy Hall, author of The Crystal Bible (and over 40 other books) will be here on 28th February at 11am for a day workshop on how you can Create the Future Now. Using guided visualisations and crystals you will work with Judy to envision the gifts you need for now and the future. In addition, you could go on a Meditation Retreat Day on 7th February, take a workshop in Angel Alchemy on 13th, learn Reiki Level 1 on 15th, Crystal Healing on 22nd, and optimise your website using Google on 25th February. Regular Classes at the Isbourne in February offer such a wide variety of subjects, you will be spoilt for choice. What takes your fancy? Mondays: Egyptian Belly Dance, Course in Miracles and Cheltenham Healing Group. Tuesdays: Tai Chi Gong/Tai Chi Chuan, Websites Made Easy, Meditation and Mindfulness, Dru Yoga, NLP Skills. Wednesdays: Meditation for Beginners, Tai Chi and Energy Exercise, Healing Song Circle, Numerology. Thursdays: Yoga for Graceful Ageing, Egyptian Belly Dance, Yoga for Pregnancy, Reiki Share Group, You Have a Superpower, NiaJoyful Movement, Personal Transformation-Shift Your Reality. Fridays: Tai Chi and Energy Exercise. Saturdays: Mixed Ability Yoga, Know and Heal Yourself Through Art. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see what’s happening, and don’t be afraid to drop in just for coffee in the cafe! Call 01242 254321 or visit www.isbourne.org

Just cut out this voucher and bring it with you

Fi rs t

Living well

✃

in February 2015

Open every day from 7am until dusk

Oriel Lodge, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XN Call Deborah to book your clinic or skype appointment

07595 322317 www.cbtclinic.co.uk info@cbtclinic.co.uk

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard

Vamp up your Valentine’s Here we are, finally getting into the swing of 2015 and it’s time to embrace those new beauty trends from last month’s column! There’s one day in particular this month where beauty must look its best. Whatever your individual style, whether you’re the soft romantic, the raunchy red or the vampy violet, there are beauty looks every girl can work this Valentine’s day. If soft, subtle shades are your preferred look, the dusty pinks and fluttery eyes are your (makeup) bag. Think a Bridget Bardot inspired look, with accentuated eyes and a fuller pout. For wideeyed, long lashes you’ll need mascara with just the right wand, and for this I recommend ‘They’re Real!’ by Benefit. I wouldn’t use anything else now I’ve discovered this! After curling, its spider

like comb helps you create the perfect doll lashes, without the glue. However, if you enjoy the faux lashes there are so many to choose from – make sure you find the volume and length that’s right for you, so not to over shadow your look. Dust your cheeks with a hint of rose, giving some subtle colour to your complexion and compliment with the perfect dusky pink pout. To create an even fuller lip, use a soft pink lip liner to outline, smudge inwards with your finger (so not to leave an obvious line) and blot in your dusky pink lip coat to blend with the liner giving you a fun, flirty and feminine look. If a pale pink is too subtle for you, then paint the town red with the raunchy red of icon Marilyn Monroe. Take inspiration from Max Factor’s latest campaign, featuring their beauty muse – Victoria’s Secret Model Candice Swanepoel – who channels her inner Marilyn in order to bring back the great glamour of the 40’s! Use charcoal black eyeliner to draw a modest line across the upper lid, ensuring to curve the tip of the pen outwards to create the feline flick. The classic red lip, which is one of this year’s continuous big trends, was the main beauty look at the SS15 Burberry Prorsum show. The

shade you need is more of a deep ruby than a raspberry red (MAC do a sensual shade called ‘Ruby Woo’ which would be perfect for this) and, repeating the same technique as before, use a red liner to outline lips then plump up to the max! Finally, if you prefer to take a walk on the dark side, then use this year’s summer shade with a twist! As mentioned in last month’s column, the pastel purples are a popular shade this summer too, being showcased by Vera Wang and Matthew Williamson. Instead of keeping this look light and fresh, darken your purple to a deep plum, defining a more gothic glamour than a sexy sultry. This look is recklessness vs. glamour, so you can experiment with glitter infusions and bold tones highlighting a particular feature, which will make the statement you want. So, whichever palette you choose to help you look your beautiful best on Valentine’s day, whether you’re getting ready for a night on the town with the girls or a candle lit dinner with that someone special, be sure to channel your inner icon!

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Short Walks in the Cotswolds Chedworth Woods 3¼ miles (5.25km) ~ 1¾ hours Easy – one short climb, some mud.

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010

River Coln

This is a pleasant walk that includes the wooded banks of the River Coln. When planning the walk allow plenty of time to visit the Roman villa, owned by the National Trust, it is regarded as one of the finest examples in Britain. It gives a fascinating insight into 4th century Roman Britain and has some beautiful mosaics. 1 These are the remains of one of the largest Romano-British villas in Britain. It is thought to have been inhabited as a country house over a period of 250 years. The location was chosen for its sheltered position, water supply, and communications. The first villa was built in the 2nd century but was later altered and enlarged some time in the 4th century, from which the present buildings date. The first remains were discovered by accident in 1864 by a gamekeeper who began to notice fragments of Roman paving and pottery among the rabbit burrows. A museum now houses finds from the site, and there are several impressive mosaics of varying quality, the remains of two bathhouses and hypocausts for underfloor heating. The Romans introduced large edible snails to Britain and they can still be seen in and around the villa. A Use the car park near the villa. Walk back down the road to the gates on the The Local Answer

right at the bottom of the hill and turn right along the track. Continue to the road and carry on a short way just past the house on the right. B Turn right up the steps into the wood. Cross the first track and turn right at a second track. After about 30yds (27m) bear half-left downhill to the main track in the valley. Turn right and follow this track up the valley to the open field. 2 The ancient Chedworth Woods have a great diversity of flora and fauna. Ancient woods are those which were in existence before 1600 and because of this they tend to be very rich in wildlife. Bluebell, primrose and wood spurge can all be seen in the area as well as ramsons (wild garlic) and wild strawberry. There are also many woodland birds such as tawny owls, woodcock, nuthatch, blackcap, wood

warbler and wren. In damp weather the large Roman snail might be spotted. C At the entrance to the field, turn slightly left and head uphill across the field, aiming for the marker posts visible in the distance. Bear left slightly as you pass the two trees and join the road. D Turn right for ½ mile (800m) to a bridleway on the right just as the road starts to descend steeply. E Turn right and follow the track, passing the buildings on the right and walk through several gates. F As the track ends continue along the path which bears slightly right, just to the right of the gate straight ahead. Follow the path into the wood and continue downhill. Stay on the path to a stile and then follow the track straight ahead for a short distance. At the road turn left back to the car. View of Chedworth

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Quality care in a special community The Sisters of Nazareth – founded in London in 1851 – have been involved in the caring profession for more than 150 years. The original House in Cheltenham was in St. Gregory’s Parish in 1884, and a year later a larger house was purchased in the Bath Road. The present house at Charlton Kings was purpose built in 1968 for 63 residents, and is situated on the London Road. The house is located in spacious well-landscaped grounds where quiet walks can be enjoyed on tree encircled pathways, and there are ample benches for resting.

Tastefully furnished and decorated The boundary to the north is embraced by the River Chelt, which – although little more than a stream – can be crossed by a bridge leading through a small wooded area, returning by a second bridge to the orchard where fruit is grown for the kitchens. Behind the main building is a sitting area with a goldfish pond and putting green, and on the frontage is a large grassed area, beyond which are the Ham Hills. All bedrooms are tastefully furnished and decorated, and residents are encouraged to bring some of their own furniture and personal items, such as pictures and photographs, to help make their rooms more homely. These are looked after with the utmost care by carers, and all rooms have a wash basin, with many being en-suite. Each room also has a TV point, and a private telephone line can be made available if required.

The two lounges on each floor feature comfortable chairs where residents can relax and watch TV or films and there are three dining rooms. The cooks work to a well planned menu and great attention is given to providing a choice of nutritious food, while catering for special diets and serving meals in residents rooms where necessary. Separate pantries are also available for residents who wish to make their own snacks. A spacious function room with a conservatory and veranda on the first floor provides spacious facilities for functions such as Christmas and birthday parties, and recreational activities such as painting, quilling, and a weekly exercise class with a qualified instructor.

Encouraged to maintain independence Mass is celebrated daily by a priest in residence in the house’s own chapel and there are other various devotions during the week. Since residents of any religion are accepted, their ministers are always welcome and are encouraged to visit regularly. Every resident is supported in maintaining his or her independence as long as possible with both inside and outside interests. Visits from friends and relatives are unrestricted, and a small reception lounge is available for residents’ visitors should they wish to use it. For more information about becoming a resident of Nazareth House, please call 01242 516361 or email gm.cheltenhamuk@nazarethcare.com.

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Residential and Respite Care for the Elderly

Live with the reassurance of immediate assistance at any hour – day and night, 365 days a year. Dignified attention to all your needs by a skilled and experienced team. Three cooked meals a day available – your choice from a seasonal and varying menu. Full laundry service and daily room housekeeping. No restrictions to your lifestyle – live with the comfort and freedom you feel in your own home. You matter to us – your safety and well-being are put first.

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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart

New arrivals? How do you tell your children there is a new baby on the way? It can be one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have, and it is vital that older kids don’t feel abandoned and toddlers don’t feel scared that they have been replaced. Under fives will hardly notice and are likely to simply accept the news once delivery is imminent. However, by the age of eight or nine, your youngsters will have some understanding of how a baby is made, and you may well find yourself having to answer some more complicated questions. It is advised that you encourage the child to lead the conversation and be as honest and open as you can be. They will soon lose interest and wander off to something more interesting, so don’t be afraid of overwhelming them – they will soon let you know when you are boring them!

SHARE THE LOAD Once the little one arrives you will need to take care of not only the baby and your other children, but yourself too. You will undoubtedly lose sleep, so ensure you are not over doing it and call in help from wherever you can. Delegating simple tasks to older children and really showing your appreciation for their help can be beneficial to both parties. You get the help you need with laundry, washing up and tidying – maybe – and they get to learn, grow and feel valued. Such a powerful experience for them!

SHARE THE JOY For those of you welcoming grandchildren into the family, it is a wonderful time to share your wisdom and the benefits of your experience and support your children as they grow as parents. Young families are often far away from extended family, so using modern technology like ‘Skype’ and ‘Facetime’ to keep in touch and sharing photos on

social media can help keep families connected, despite the distance. This spring why not explore ways in which you can share your children’s milestones with family and make the most of the winter days? From scrapbooking favourite photos to creating an online diary to share with family, anything is possible.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN If you are not online at home or want to learn more about using new technology, why not drop into your local library or Community Centre where you can access courses on all sorts of things from digital photography to sending an email? Some local colleges also offer short courses covering all forms of digital technology to get you started and ensure that when the kids get computer savvy, you won’t be left behind. Let new arrivals be the catalyst for learning and feel confident that – no matter how old you are – it’s never too late to learn something new.

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Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following areas: Springbank, Rowanfield, Benhall, Hatherley, The Park, Montpellier, Lansdown, Fairview, Whaddon, Prestbury, Wymans Brook & Alstone Each round is made up of The Loc al 150-400 copies per month. ANS WE R The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties. YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE

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FUNDRAISING +CHALLENGES

THE

CHARITY

Giving back Employees at Vertex Financial Services (Jessop Avenue) take their place in the community and support for local charities very seriously. The team of more than 250 people donate both funds and time to countless charities every year, including Help for Heroes, Leckhampton Hospice and Riding for the Disabled (RDA). A key charity for Vertex in the last year has been Cheltenham Open Door, which supports vulnerable, disadvantaged or lonely people in the community. One of several ways they have generated funds for this charity is through a raffle in which The Local Answer gave a lucky winner the chance to advertise an organisation of their choice. Vertex employee Alison Edgington chose her very own business – Change Start – as her organisation of choice. Vertex would like to thank all the charities that have allowed them to spend time with them throughout 2014 and hope that this will continue long in to the future. If you would like to find out more about Cheltenham Open Door or to make a donation please visit www.cheltenhamopendoor.org.uk.

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Page 25

Pet Care

with Oliver Wilkinson of Charlton Kings Vet Centre

Moving home? Supposedly moving house is one of the most stressful things we do in our lives, so it goes without saying that our four legged companions sometimes need a little help adjusting to new surroundings. Cats are particularly sensitive to a change in territory and can find moving into a new neighbourhood a little stressful. There are plenty of stories of cats making their way back to their old stomping grounds after a relocation. Here are a few sensible steps to avoid your cat going AWOL and hopefully settling in quickly. 1 Keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks ideally. It gives them a chance to realise that the new house has a good supply of food and comfort, so when they do eventually go out they have an incentive to return to what has become familiar to them. 2 Use a pheromone spray or diffuser (e.g. ‘Feliway’). These look like plug-in air fresheners but they squirt into the air a synthetic cat pheromone that we can’t smell. It is the same pheromone that cats produce when they rub their faces on things to leave a familiar scent, and it makes them feel relaxed and settled in a foreign environment. 3 Nutritional supplements – in recent times the serotonin-boosting supplements have gained popularity as a way of making pets feel more content. They are a milk protein-based amino acid supplement that contains L-tryptophan, which is the building block of the neurotransmitter ‘serotonin’. Increased levels of serotonin in the brain are associated with feelings of content and well-being, and so the idea is if you can encourage more natural production of serotonin then you will feel happier about stressful situations! 4 Create a den or a hide-away. Sometimes cats really appreciate being able to hide away – it makes them feel more protected. A cat igloo (covered cat bed) or a quiet spot under the bed or in the bottom of a cupboard with a nice familiar smelling towel or old t-shirt can help them to feel more settled. 5 Before you let them out make sure they are either wearing a collar with a tag or they are microchipped and all your details have been updated on the microchip register – there’s no point having the local animal shelter call your old house to tell you they have your cat! For dogs it is often a much simpler matter of finding a nice warm spot for the dog bed! Occasionally some dogs can be a bit more sensitive to change – the same supplements and a dog version of the pheromone diffuser are also available. As with cats, make sure their microchip details have been updated. If you have any questions about moving your pet, come in and have a chat to us or ask about what products might be most suitable for your pet. Page 26

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

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Holidays & Travel with TLA Travel Expert

A romantic break for two Valentine’s Day is generally considered to be a day devoted to all things romantic. It is a day filled with flowers, chocolate and – if you are lucky – a slap up meal at the pub. But, for some true romantics, nothing could be more special than planning a long romantic weekend. As Valentine’s falls on a Saturday this year, it is the perfect excuse for a long weekend break. Your first thought might be the city of love but, understandably, Paris is always quite busy around Valentine’s so why not opt for a more original destination to celebrate this year?

You can fly from Bristol making Barcelona an easy option and with prices from just £399 per person for three nights including flights, you could consider this a delight for your culturally rich exotic Valentine. Slightly closer to home, a London stay can be very romantic and – with the choice of driving or taking the train or bus – a flexible option as well. Why not try the the five star Sheraton Park Lane, which is offering two nights accommodation with full English breakfast, a complimentary Red Rover River ticket and tickets to Miss Saigon for only £299 per person. This could be a good option for theatre buffs and those that enjoy the finer things in life. Be it further afield or, indeed, just up the road, there are many options you can choose to show your better half you love them with a romantic mini-break. Your local travel agent will be happy to help and able to secure a fantastic deal for you whatever your choose. La Griffe Roma Mgallery Hotel

Apple Cottage Suite at the Manor House Hotel

Living within or near to the Cotswolds is fantastic, but most of us rarely appreciate the natural beauty on our doorstep. A stay at the traditional 16th century Manor House Hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds could be an option for a hassle free Valentine’s where you can revel in luxury, indulge yourself with fine food and drink and relax in a homely and friendly atmosphere. Prices start from £149 per person for a two night stay including one dinner and breakfast both mornings. Rome, the Eternal City, is a fantastic option and the La Griffe Roma Mgallery Hotel is located in the very heart of the city, just a few steps away from the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum. The hotel gives you an ideal base to explore and with prices starting at £399 per person – including three nights with breakfast and flights – it is well worth considering. Perhaps you could recreate ‘The Lady and the Tramp’ pasta moment! Barcelona is a more adventurous break with the bustling Ramblas to explore and perhaps a Tapas Valentine’s meal.

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Page 27

Winning ways with water For those fortunate enough to indulge in a little luxury and home wellbeing, an established West Country company has set up a new base in Cheltenham. MillAquia – a specialist swimming pool design and installation company – is expanding into Gloucestershire and the neighbouring counties. The expertise behind the business comes from Richard Wall, who has over thirty years’ experience in the leisure industry, which includes several well known large facilities, many luxurious private swimming pools, including being featured by Grand Designs. The company’s activities, however, are not just confined to swimming pools, but also include saunas, steam rooms and tiled spas. “Much of our work is bespoke and very individual – we strive to make everything we do as unique as the clients we work with”, commented Richard. Project and general manager for MillAquia Jacqui Lickfold says: “We are different to most of our competitors – we invest a lot of time in our clients. Everyone has a wish list and we try to find ways to help them achieve those wishes and desires. We don’t take the easy route – we want our clients to be able to make well-informed decisions, based on comprehensive information”. She goes on to say: “Finishes are the most

important part of any project. We strive to help our clients individualise their project by introducing colours and materials that they might not have considered or been aware of. Sufficient space is a concern for many people, but we have frequently been able to create great experiences for people within the smallest of areas”. The company regards itself as very much hands on, and they know that the winning formula is attention to detail and effective communication through the pre-contract discussions, the build, the finishes and the post-contract service.

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Page 29

Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley

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A feast of edible goodies Ever looked around the English countryside and wondered how much of it you can eat? Probably not, but every month our fertile isle offers up a feast of edible goodies for us to make use of. If you’re worried that helping yourself to a fist full of face-purpling berries will scupper the supper of local wildlife, fret not. Most of the natural treats I have in mind are more than sustainable. You would be surprised at how many plants you walk past that have a long history of culinary use in Britain. Sadly, a lot of this knowledge has been surrendered to dot com ordering and the like. But once you know what a plant is, how to identify it and – most importantly – how best to put it on the end of a fork, you will struggle to take a Sunday afternoon constitutional without stopping to notice many tasty treats.

Harvesting this crop won’t have a negative impact Jack-by-the-hedge (Alliaria petiolata – don’t worry, I struggle to pronounce that too), also known as Garlic Mustard, is something you’ve probably seen many times but never noticed. After a mild winter, such as the one we’ve been experiencing, this plant can be seen as early as February. It is easily identified by the mild garlic/onion smell it gives off when you bruise the leaves, which are similar in shape to that of a stinging nettle (though they don’t sting and are glossy to look at). Its flowers are small and paper white, and appear in spring. Common all over England, Jack-by-the-hedge can be found mostly in hedge rows – as the namesake suggests. It’s an invasive species and in no way endangered, so harvesting this crop won’t have a negative impact on the ecosystem. Pick only a few leaves from each plant so as not to hinder future growth – though the plant is not endangered, there’s no need for vandalism! Chopped finely and added to home-made mint sauce, it makes for a perfect accompaniment to roast lamb. You can also add the leaves to a simple salad to lift the flavour of this out-ofseason side dish. Historically Jack-by-the-hedge was once used as a disinfectant. I prefer, however, to place my trust in dot com ordering for my sanitary needs! 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, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild. Page 30

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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY JEWELLERY MAKING COFFEE SESSIONS Enjoy a friendly coffee morning and make your own fabulous jewellery with tuition from Rachel in her shop at Verchiel Jewellery, 1 Berkeley Mews, Cheltenham (behind the Swan). Mon 10.30-12.30. Wed 10.30-12.30 and 1-3pm, Thur 12.30-2.30. Only £5 including tuition and refreshments. Materials extra. Pre-booking required. verchieljewellery@hotmail.co.uk. 07828 552610. verchieljewellery.co.uk. EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY BEGINNERS MAT PILATES CLASSES Improve core stability, tone and posture. All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0WH. £7 per class (£4.50 concessions). Phone 07528 471091 for info and timetable. Tues and Weds 7.15pm – 8.15pm, Sat 11.15am. synergispilates.co.uk. 1 FEBRUARY WEDDING OPEN DAY Hilton Puckrup Hall welcomes Gloucestershire brides-to-be to its showcase of wedding finery. View the function rooms and discuss details with dedicated wedding planners. 11am-3pm. Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Club, Tewkesbury, GL20 6EL. 01684 296200. 1 AND 21 FEBRUARY BIRD WATCH MORNING Winter is a magical time on the Reserve with tens of thousands of birds spending winter here. With the guidance of our wardens, come along and enjoy this magical sight along with spotting some of

the extra special ones. Warm clothing, boots or wellies needed. 8-10.30am. £15.95 including tea/coffee and bacon roll. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. 3-8 FEBRUARY JOSEPH Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s brilliant production of a sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance. Re-telling the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including ‘Those Canaan Days’, ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Close Every Door To Me’. Various times. Tickets from £16. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 11 FEBRUARY GLOUCESTER ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE We are re-launching our monthly acoustic showcase night fresh for 2015. In February: The Do-ables, Polly Pitts and Luke Philbrick will be playing. We will be choosing the acts that play each month. To get involved ask at the bar or email info@caferene.com. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 14 FEBRUARY – 15 MARCH CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION Gloucestershire Lettering Arts present “When in Rome”, a calligraphy exhibition, at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. 14 February – 15 March 2015. Plus “Letters

after Lindisfarne”, in homage to the Lindisfarne Gospels in 2013 by 200 contributors from around the UK and abroad. The books will be out of the display case for closer viewing on the Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays during the exhibition period. 15 FEBRUARY WEDDING FAYRE View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and wedding breakfast, and meet local wedding suppliers. 11am-3pm. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. THE SOOTY SHOW

Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy - Its The Sooty Show! Direct from Citv, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation's favourite bear will be Sweep , Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy will he have his hands full! 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets from £14. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk.

VINYL RECORDS WANTED – CASH PAID Most records considered – large or small collections. Psychedelia, Prog Rock, 1960’s, Heavy Metal, Soul & Reggae are especially wanted. ‘For Sale’ lists of records welcome, please send to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987

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The Local Answer

INDOOR A E PL AY ARS OPEN H FEB 14T

WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre

A night of Hendrix & Cream This February the mighty, retro rocking machine that is Voodoo Room comes to Cheltenham for one night only on Saturday 28th February at 8pm. Featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians, this stunning, high-energy power-trio have worked with the likes of Steve Winwood, Duran Duran and Ben E King, and they are on a mission to deliver the all-time great Cream and Hendrix numbers with the true passion and energy worthy of these classic masterpieces! Beyond tribute, a Voodoo Room gig celebrates the genius and virtuosity at the heart of Hendrix and Cream’s incredible music. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the thrill of this musical ride as it was back in the day – feel the magic! Tickets cost just £16 (£14 for concessions) and may be booked online at bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling 01242 258002. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Hendrix and Cream’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details, stating ‘Hendrix and Cream’, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 12th February 2015. 18 FEBRUARY TREASURE ISLAND Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, and mutiny is brought to life. 2pm. £10 (£8), family ticket £32. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 258002. 18-20 FEBRUARY BATH TIME This magical and perfectly silly show celebrates the games we all play in the bath. Come and meet Ernie the Duck and friends in this interactive treat for all the family. 10.30am and 2pm. £8.50. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 18 FEBRUARY – 21 MARCH WICKED

Wicked tells the incredible untold story of

The Local Answer

an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ. 0844 871 3012. 19-21 FEBRUARY CINDERELLA

with differing flavours and colours. Depending on the chosen sequence, each evening will develop differently. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 28 FEBRUARY A NIGHT OF HENDRIX & CREAM

Elmscroft Drama Section presents fabulous half term fun family pantomime ‘Cinderella’ at Elmscroft Community Centre, off Armscroft Estate, Barnwood, GL2 0SS. Thursday & Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm. £6 adults, £4 children (under 16). Tea, coffee, ice-creams, raffle, bar. Box office: 01452 617846. 24-28 FEBRUARY ROUNDELAY Alan Ayckbourn has created a varied bouquet of five related short plays, each

Peter Orr, John Tonks and Andy Tolman form the mighty, retro, rocking machine that is: Voodoo Room. 8pm. £16 (£14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. 1 MARCH WEDDING FAYRE Come and gather ideas for your big day. With 40+ local exhibitors, a free goody bag and a fabulous fashion show. 11am3pm. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077.

To advertise call 01242 510500

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MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Treat Mum this Mother’s Day with a traditional Sunday lunch in our Dearmans Restaurant, plus coffee and a special gift for Mum From £21.50 per adult & £11.50 per child

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Page 38

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The Local Answer

Spring Wings Prinknash Bird Park kicks off the New Year and the new Visitor Centre with its ‘Spring Wings’ on Wednesday 11th and Wednesday 18th February. Starting at 11.30am, there will be crafting in the new Centre for children to create birds and animals using materials found in the park and – of course – a lot of imagination provided by the children and inspiration found from visiting the animals. There will be lots of fun, including face painting and a Bird Park quiz, which can be completed whilst visiting and feeding the animals with your complimentary bag of bird food. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fabulous day’s activity! Tickets cost £10 per child, which includes a light lunch and the opportunity to visit the animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult, who will receive a reduced admission fee of £7 (not including lunch). For more information, call 01452 812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.com.

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

The Local Answer

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Page 39

WIN TICKETS!

courtesy of the Everyman Theatre

Differing flavours and colours Alan Ayckbourn has created a confectionary assortment, a varied bouquet of five related short plays, each with differing flavours and colours and written to be played in no particular order. Some are connected through shared characters, some through overlapping narrative. Some are sequels to others which turn out to be preludes to others. There are – apparently – 120 possibilities as to the order in which they can be performed. Depending on the chosen sequence, each evening will develop differently. Which order will you see? Nobody knows for certain, least of all us. It won’t be decided till the night! Tickets start from just £13 and may be booked online at everymantheatre.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 572573. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Roundelay’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Roundelay’. Closing date: Thursday 12th February 2015.

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The Local Answer

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21st March 2015, 7.30pm

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The Local Answer

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Page 41

Picture Perfect Most Romantic Gesture

Thanks to all of you who sent in your wonderful pictures to enter our ‘Most Romantic Gesture’ competition. Congratulations to Emma Bennett of Cheltenham who submitted the winning image (above) and has won a three course meal and bottle of Champagne at L’Artisan. The story:

“This is my favourite view in the whole world from my Grandparents’ balcony in Fowey,

Cornwall. I thought my now husband would never propose but last year he popped the question in this very special place with 20+ of my family members, which is very brave since he comes from a very small family. To me, his selflessness in letting them share our moment was true romance and now my Grandparents have sold our family holiday home I will always have the very special memory. ”

We had some great stories and accompanying images – some of them are pictured above right

Win a luxurious treat for your mum! The theme for our March competition is ‘Marvellous Mothers’. Please submit a photograph and short statement of no more than 100 words telling us why your mum is truly wonderful. Courtesy of Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, the winner will receive an overnight stay for two in luxurious surroundings, a three course evening meal, a bottle of bubbly and breakfast (not to be used on a Saturday). To enter, email your photo and story, along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Marvellous Mother’. One entry per person. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See Index page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 12th February 2015.

Come and visit Puckrup Hall to see why we should be your first choice of wedding venue

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Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Club Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 6EL

For the ultimate Country House wedding why not become ‘Lord and Lady of the Manor’ for the day in our Regency Manor House. To view our lovely hotel, or for further information, please call our wedding co-ordinator Karen Openshaw on 01684 296200 or email Karen.openshaw@hilton.com

WEDDING OPEN DAY Sunday 1st February 2015 ~ 11am-3pm

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The Local Answer

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

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Page 45

Interior Design with Vicky Walker

Working from home Statistics show that there are more people working from home than ever before, meaning it is really important to spend time on designing a space that is functional for you. Whether your home office is designated space for running a business, or simply a nook for paying bills and organising your life in general, you deserve a proper work area. Why? An office reflects the design and comfort of the rest of your home and you will work a lot more efficiently if you have a proper designated and decorated room.

1. LOCATION Do not always assume you have to have the smallest room in the house or the loft room. Consider the nature of your work – do you need it to be quiet or can you cope with children and background noise? Do you have clients visiting you regularly? If so, ensure you have adequate, comfortable seating and it looks professional – this all reflects in how you present your business. Make sure your office has plenty of light to cut down on eye strain and headaches, and use a small lamp on the desk for task lighting.

and purchase furniture, so that you’re not wasting money on unnecessary items and don’t forget the important things. Home office furniture should complement other rooms in the house instead of screaming ‘soulless office furniture’. You want your office to be part of the house – not a separate cave you have to drag yourself to every day! Try John Lewis and Marks & Spencers for inspiration.

addition to your room and can significantly improve productivity.

4. DECOR

Paint the walls in a colour you love. Forget the ‘office beige’! You need a colour to ensure you work to your full potential – some people like a bright cheery colour like orange or lime green, where as others need a calming shade like duck egg blue. Colours really do have a huge impact on 3. ACCESSORIES the way we feel, so it is important to pick Choose items that enhance your the appropriate colours that will put you in personality. For example, a fabric covered the mood for working. pin board, a wicker waste bin, a pretty mug – the ‘shabby chic’ look further aids in 5. TECHNOLOGY softening the look of your office. On the Place your monitor as close to the socket other hand, if your taste is contemporary, as possible to avoid trailing wires and cords Perspex pen holders, staplers and metal – alternatively, you could use cord tidies. Purchasing a wireless printer also helps to rulers all look cool on a glass desk. Pictures are another injection of your avoid any tripping up, and means you can personality into your office – if you enjoy easily rearrange your office if you fancy a looking at your children’s paintings, allocate change. a space on the wall for these. Anything that So give your office a make-over and enjoy inspires and motivates you is a positive your new space working from home.

2. FURNITURE Investing in a good chair is essential. If you’re sat at your desk for hours every day, you need to be comfortable – back pain will only distract you or make you want to stop working. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit of money – in the long term it will be well worth it. Desks, shelving and storage also need to be considered. Do you generate a lot of paper work? Do you need to keep client files? Plan what you need before you go

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The Local Answer

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Page 47

Landscape C

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Page 48

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The Local Answer

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The Local Answer

In The Garden with Julia Smith

So much to do, so little time February is the shortest month of the year, which – considering the weather and dark evenings and mornings – is just as well! Once February is out of the way everything seems to speed up with bulbs flowering, vegetable seeds to be sown, weeding and tidying in the borders and the lawn needing cutting again. Anyway enough of what is to come, what to do this month. Deciduous shrubs – those with leaves that fall off in winter – that flower later in the year can be pruned now. For example, the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), which needs a good hard prune to stop it becoming a spindly monster, and hypericums, which often get infected with rust disease, can also be pruned right back to the ground.

The tangled mess of later flowering clematis (group 3) can be chopped off about 15cm from the ground – you will see the new buds already forming. Tidy up any containers of pansies etc. while dead-heading and picking off any mouldy leaves. This keeps them flowering and looking good. Window boxes could still need watering even after prolonged rain, as they are sheltered – don’t drown them, but keep them slightly moist. If the weather is good and the soil fairly dry underfoot you could even take the first lawn cut of the year – I know it probably doesn’t seem like five minutes ago that you were thankfully putting that mower away for the year. Keep the blades high so that you only take off the

very top of the grass – this will keep the grass stronger and you can reduce the height as the season progresses, thus making it harder for moss and weeds to take hold. This year why don’t you grow some early potatoes? You will find early seed potatoes in the garden centres – the variety ‘Accent’ is a good one but there are plenty of others. Put them individually in egg boxes to ‘chit’ in a cool, bright place. Don’t let them get frosted in an unheated greenhouse, or if frost is forecast cover them over in fleece and then uncover again in the morning. Chitting is just a term for sprouting – you want sprouts about 1.5cm long ready to plant out in late March. You don’t have to even have a garden as there are many different companies selling sturdy bags or bins that have been designed to grow potatoes in and can be kept on a patio – a dustbin with holes in the base would do fine.

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Leckhampton bathrooms and kitchens are offering you a

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awnings store

Live in style – inside and out... Due to increased demand, and a desire to deliver the best service possible, our showroom is now only open by appointment. You will be free to browse at your leisure, without pressure. Experienced staff will be on hand to help and advise.

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The Local Answer

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

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

The Local Answer

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

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

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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!

Page 61

Service with a smile at New Blinds Nicki Cook and Tim Davis have been running New Blinds for over 14 years, and their Cheltenham showroom opened six years ago. After moving to Cheltenham, the business has gone from strength to strength and their client base has grown significantly. While customer service has always been a strong focus for the company, their recent ‘appointment only’ policy will improve their service even more. By booking an appointment, clients can browse products at their own leisure, and will have Nicki’s full attention to help choose the right look for their home. With allocated parking immediately outside the showroom and a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate on arrival, Nicki and Tim have really captured a friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere in which their clients can shop at ease. Nicki, the owner of New Blinds, is a highly knowledgeable salesperson with over 18 years experience in the industry, and takes care of ‘front of house’. She will guide you around the vast array of window covering products and help you choose the best style for your home – be it blinds, curtains, shutters or awnings. Tim – Nicki’s partner – looks after and runs the technical side of the business, but also has a good knowledge of the products should you need another opinion or suggestion.

blinds store

Appointments are available all week from Monday to Sunday – including evenings – which makes it extremely convenient for you. Alternatively, Nicki and Tim are happy to come to your home, which can be beneficial in picking out colours, patterns and styles in a room to fit perfectly with the window covering required. To book an appointment or a home visit call 01242 526189 or fill out the contact form on the website at www.newblindscheltenham.co.uk – your enquiry is guaranteed to be answered within one working day.

Live in style...

Due to increased demand, and a desire to deliver the best service possible, our showroom is now only open by appointment. You will be free to browse at your leisure, without pressure. Experienced staff will be on hand to help and advise. For the widest range of blinds visit Gloucestershire’s largest indoor showroom... Unit K Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 7FD

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Page 63

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Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 64

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The Local Answer

STEVE HOLLAND ELECTRICAL LIMITED

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Page 66

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The Local Answer

Motoring with Christian Tilbury

New smart ‘fortwo’ and ‘fourfor’ – are they foryou? Late February sees the launch of the all new smart – the distinctive brand going all out to make a major impact in the increasingly fierce city car segment. It’s fair to say that smart has always been seen as a bit quirky, but that could all be about to change. The new car still has all the hallmarks of the traditional smart – including the acclaimed, safety-enhancing tridion cell and the rear-engined, rear-drive layout – but it has grown up considerably to make it a serious rival to such established cars as the Fiat 500, the Volkswagen Up! and the Toyota iQ. The most obvious change is that it’s not just the ‘fortwo’ that makes up the

smart offering – the ‘forfour’ is making a return to the manufacturer’s range after the original version was dropped back in 2006. Compared to the outgoing smart, both models offer improved safety, more equipment, greater comfort and a heavily revised drivetrain, including an all new fivespeed transmission that answers criticisms of the previous smart’s gearbox. But while the new smart offers the comforts and specification of much bigger cars, it’s still got what it needs to cut it in the city. In fact, the new ‘fortwo’ is even more agile than its predecessor and, at just 6.95 metres, has the smallest kerb-to-kerb turning circle in its class. The ‘forfour’ is

equally nimble and, with its four-seat, four-door practicality, will appeal to those who want something that is a bit trendy but don’t wish to compromise on space or just having two seats. Neither model will worry a sports car but nippy, flexible performance is assured by a choice of engines. The ‘fortwo’ can be specified with either a 71hp or 90hp turbocharged engine – the former returning an impressive 68.9mpg (combined) and emitting just 93g/km of CO2 to make it cheap to fuel and tax. The ‘forfour’ also gets the 71hp engine initially, which enables it to achieve 67.3mpg and 97g/km of CO2 emissions. The 90hp version will follow as will the optional six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that is available with the ‘fortwo’ from launch. You can also choose from three trim lines – passion, prime and proxy – and add a host of extras too. With prices starting from £11,125 the latest smart is certainly not the cheapest city car, but if you’re in the market for such a car then it’s well worth considering. Having an open mind and putting aside any preconceptions you have about the brand could well be a smart move in every possible way.

4x4 Sales & Service Centre Over 100 cars in group stock 4X4 CENTRE Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham 01242 243243 USED CAR CENTRE Evesham Road, Gotherington 01242 675300

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Page 71

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The Local Answer

Female Plumber

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Page 73

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For a complete building service

A professional company working throughout Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties for over 10 years. Offering a wide variety of services ranging from a labour only service to a complete building management solution. Helping to make home alterations the easiest and most pleasant experience possible. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Refurbishments & Conversions Electrical Installations & Alterations Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting GRP Fibreglass Roofing Solar Pv installations

Please contact us for a free quote: 01452 506801 www.arddevelopmentsltd.co.uk Page 74

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The Local Answer

Save the Planet with Kate King

Your water, our environment For peace of mind this winter, we’ve got a few quick tips to help you protect your pipes from the cold weather, as well as some advice on how to save water.

forget, if you have outside taps, you’ll need to insulate them too. Take extra care when entering areas such as roof spaces and if you are in any doubt about being able to do this safely, call a registered plumber who will be able to help.

A SMALL CHANGE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

During the winter months, water in your pipes can freeze, which increases pressure and can cause pipes to split or joints to pull apart. It is recommended that you check all pipes inside and outside your home to make sure they are protected as soon as you can. Simply insulating or lagging all pipework and fittings in unheated areas such as lofts, roofs, garages and outbuildings can help to protect your pipes. Local plumbers, merchants and DIY stores can provide help and advice on the correct insulation or lagging. Don’t

Although Britain seems to have its fair share of rain, some areas actually have less water available per person than Spain or Australia. It is clear that the climate is changing – we are experiencing more frequent periods of very wet weather and extended periods of dry weather. With the prospect of such significant changes to our weather patterns, we all need to do what we can to protect our natural environment for future generations. This ever changing weather has a great impact on all of us and it is important that we plan for these changes to prevent more flooding or hosepipe bans in the future. If we reduce the amount of water we waste we can reduce the amount of energy needed to clean and treat it. Also, if we avoid flushing items such as fat, wipes and cotton buds into our sewers, we will save some of the extra energy needed to take these things out. By making small changes around your home, you can help save water and make a big difference to your family, your local community, the

STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips

NOW SUPPLYING

TOP SOIL AT GREAT PRICES

The Local Answer

environment and even your pocket too. Try these simple tips: • Have a short shower instead of a bath • Reduce the time you spend in the shower • Only use the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load • Brush your teeth with the tap off • Use a watering can to water the garden instead of a hosepipe • Use a bowl for washing food, then use the waste water to rinse out your cans and glass jars ready for recycling • Use a plug in your sink for face washing and shaving

Free water saving products are one of the easiest ways to help you reduce your water waste. To order your free products and for more advice on saving water call 0845 6034413 or visit stwater.co.uk/savewater. For talks or workshops please email Kate.king@severntrent.co.uk.

ATTENTION! For a limited time only...

Let us lighten your load! 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL SKIP HIRE WHEN YOU QUOTE TLA 14/01/46 WHEN ORDERING* *DISCOUNT CANNOT BE APPLIED RETROSPECTIVELY. OFFER RUNS UNTIL 28/02/2015

Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB

01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 75

Eversure

MARTINTERIORSLTD

Accounts

Accountancy, Payroll & Bookkeeping Services

QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS IN CHELTENHAM

info@eversureaccounts.co.uk www.eversureaccounts.co.uk

• Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting • Carpentry/Joinery • Painting & Decorating • Tiling • Plaster Skimming

Numerous Local References Available!

Please contact Martin for a

FREE QUOTATION

t 01242 231985 m 07984 049743 e martinterior@aol.com www.martinteriors.co.uk

COTSWOLD

PLUMBERS

24 HOURS

● HEATING ● PLUMBING 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

CALL 01242 234 576 ●

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

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

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

T: Lisa on 01242 251614 M: 07891879504

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

‘Won’t be beaten on price’ 20 minute response 24 hour service Lock-outs, Lock changes, Lock upgrades and repairs No call-out fee All work guaranteed

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

PC-Menders

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

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

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

WHY CHOOSE US?

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

GAS

www.cotswoldplumbers.co.uk Page 76

Cheltenham Locksmiths

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Accredited Installer

The Local Answer

Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood

Safety, security and silliness TRANSCEND DRIVEPRO 200

KEY FINDER

CAUGHT ON CAMERA! No, not a reference to a minor traffic infringement or embarrassing moment. This month’s feature gadget is the Transcend Drivepro 200. This in car camera records in HD at 30 frames per second in seamless high quality video and audio (if activated). With built in wifi you can connect to a PC, phone, tablet and more to effortlessly download video files and share (or keep) via the app. With a 2.4” driver facing LCD screen you can see what’s being recorded, and a built in G sensor detects impact and will automatically protect the preceding moments before a collision and immediately after. Seven glass lenses – with a 160 degree view and 1080p resolution – allow for pristine imagery in both daylight and darkness. The Transcend Drivepro 200 retails at £75-80 and comes with a 16GB micro

Are you the type of person to lose your keys all the time? The Key Finder, retailing at £4-6, is a small 4.6 x 2.6cm key fob that clips to your keys and will save the day when you realise you can’t find them! Simply whistle and the Key Finder will beep loudly until you close in. Be aware though, it can take a few whistles to get the Key Finder to recognise and respond, as it has only a 20m range.

SD card, wires, windscreen attachment and guide. Setup is simple – connect, turn on, and go! Trust me, I bought one. This in-car tech serves as a reliable and effective means to evidence your actions and that of others, but beware – it’ll record your poor driving as well as your good!

NANO CHALLENGE If you enjoy a brain game check out the Nano Challenge. This small fob that also attaches to your keys comprises six buttons that illuminate in sequences, which the user must replicate to progress to the next level. Each time the user punches the correct sequence, another light is added. Retailing for £5-7 this will pass the time and keep you entertained for hours – great for occupying the kids on a long car journey!

Want to quit smoking? SpaVapes.

The Local Answer

FREE 10ml TJUICE

with every E-Cigarette Starter Kit purchased

with this voucher during February 2015

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

www.spavapes.co.uk

T: 01242 210555 E: info@spavapes.co.uk To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 77

Building & Property Services

Aubrey Howard is an innovative property services company made up of experienced project managers, architects and tradesmen. We aim to provide a fresh approach to your property requirements without the usual complaints and hassles that dog the building trade.

The Perfect Build

✧ Concept Design ✧ Architectural Drawings ✧ Planning Permission ✧ Listed Building Consent ✧ Project Management ✧ Consultancy ✧ Portfolio Management

Whether it is a leaky tap, a loft conversion or a larger building project, Aubrey Howard has the necessary experience and drive to make even the most daunting of projects a reality. We work collaboratively with our customers at all stages of a project and deliver an outstanding service on time and on budget. Always.

Our Services ✧ Plumbing ✧ Heating ✧ Carpentry

✧ Joinery ✧ Electrical Work ✧ Roofing

✧ Decoration ✧ Interior Design ✧ Landscaping

24 genc Ho y Cal ur l Out

ALL QUOTATIONS COME WITHOUT OBLIGATION!

46 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2AQ

NOT JUST ELECTRICS!

7 YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL

Experienced Qualified Electrician General building maintenance, plumbing, decorating.

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

References available CONTRACTOR FOR

Nick Burton

T: 01242 251743 M: 07770 790767 Carpenter

ALL JOINERY & DOMESTIC CARPENTRY WORK UNDERTAKEN

01242 529316 07970 409134

Renovations, Bespoke Furniture, Kitchens, Bathroom, Timber Flooring

NO JOB TOO SMALL

WORCESTER BOILERS From £1400+VAT

Est. 1984

Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Services • Oil Boiler Service • Showers & Installation • Boiler Changes Installations • Renewables & Service • Heating Systems Power Flushing • • Bathrooms Landlords Certifications

01242 512523/07836 379717 www.iangodwin.com

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

nickburton156@btinternet.com

Worcester trained and approved

72524

GAS CENTRAL HEATING - BOILER REPLACEMENT - PLUMBING SPECIAL OFFER

Barker & Bayliss 10% OFF

on all Worcester Bosch boilers we install and

8 YEARS GUARANTEE on boilers fitted with a filter!

Plumbers & Heating Engineers

Central Heating Systems Installed Landlords Gas Safety Checks Boilers Serviced & Replaced Systems Power Flushed Systems Upgraded

Accredited Installer

Approved Installer

All Power Flushes*

*Just mention The Local Answer when you book

225458

CALL FOR A FREE & COMPETITIVE QUOTE Cheltenham 01242 524752 – Mobile 07776 400327

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

FULLY QUALIFIED, WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 79

COTSWOLD REWIRES

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

Cheltenham Plumbers

for all your plumbing and oil requirements From a leaking tap to a complete new bathroom Oil boiler servicing and replacements

Cost-effective FREE Quotations NO VAT TO PAY ON OUR SERVICE For professional service with a smile contact: SHANE IAN

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

Call Carl on 07970

919 764 or 01242 790072

07780 594421 07768 317151 www.cheltplumbers.com

shane@cheltenhamplumbersltd.co.uk

ian@cheltenhamplumbersltd.co.uk

cotswoldrewires@hotmail.co.uk Malvern View, Old Gloucester Rd, Cheltenham GL51 0TG

Office interiors, furniture & multifunction printers We offer a wide range of office furniture and equipment from the industry’s leading manufacturers to suit any business environment. • office interiors & furniture • space planning and design • move management solutions • structured cabling • digital printers & photocopiers

Please call us on 01242 263 444 Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB www.abbeybusinessequipment.com The Abbey Business Stadium, sponsored by Cheltenhams leading business solutions provider Page 80

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The Local Answer

Money Matters chartered accountants

ACCOUNTANCY & TAXATION SERVICES

for new & existing businesses

01242 244856

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

All Aspects of internal/ external plastering Specialist Work Building Services

with Roger Downes of Andorran

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

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

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

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

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

A good time to ‘fill ’er up’ Are you as old as me? Can you remember driving into a petrol station where you had to be served by a forecourt attendant with a fiver in your pocket and asking said attendant to ‘fill ’er up’? You even expected to receive some change! How times have changed. Now a fiver doesn’t even buy you a gallon of fuel – let alone a full tank. A gallon, by the way for our younger readers, is an old measure of liquid volume equal to around 4.5 litres. But things are taking a turn for the better. The price of crude oil has dropped by around 60% since last summer and experts are predicting that it will remain at the current level for maybe the next three years. “Hurrah”, I hear you cry.

Job cuts and redundancies If only it was this simple. Unfortunately, for every litre of fuel sold, around 60% goes to the Treasury in fuel duty and VAT. So, a 60% fall in the price of crude oil only affects the remaining 40% of the pump price – i.e. a 24% reduction in the price you pay. 24% of £1.30, which is what pump prices were in late 2014, should see the amount we pay fall to exactly £1 per litre. If it gets there and stays there for three years, business and individual motorists will be happy. However, as a general rule in business, there can’t be winners without there being losers. One of the country’s biggest petrol suppliers, BP, has already declared significant job cuts and they won’t be alone in announcing redundancies. Oil companies – particularly those operating in the North Sea with stakes in older oilfields – will need to take further cost cutting measures if prices remain stable at this level for any length of time. But for you motorists, enjoy fuel at £1 per litre. It was only a few years ago that you were protesting at it rising to that level!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 81

Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK

PROPERTY & STORAGE

The Edgemoor Inn The Old Rectory

6 Elliot Oliver Estate Agents 32 6 House Moves 31 30 Newcombe Residential WHAT’S ON Norton Park 30 CLUBS & SPORTS 33 Open House 13 Property Centre Bickos Bike Shack 84 Cheltenham College Sports 40 Sam Ray Property 33 GL1 Leisure 41 HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Krazy Golf 34 Miles Morgan 28 Shipton Golf Course 14 The Seasons Art Class 35 HOMES & GARDENS Zumba with HayleyR 13 BATHROOMS City Plumbing 69 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Leckhampton Bathrooms 54-55 Bowden Hall 38 Severn Vale 8-9 & 53 Bristol Hippodrome 41 Total Bathroom 68 Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel 43 BUILDING SERVICES Prinknash Bird Park 39 Aubrey Howard Builders 78 The Bacon Theatre 37 ARD Developments Limited 74 The Brewery 39 B E Rudman 49 The Everyman Theatre 40 Chosen View 50 Wow Weddings 41 David Eastman Tiling 73 WWT Slimbridge 36 Dot & Dab Plastering 66 Elite Loft Ladders 74 RETAIL 68 Aquajardin 25 FarrDenn Construction 72 Burley Fields Lake 7 G Kelly Plastering 60 Cotswold Vintage Living 69 GlosBuild 68 MillAquia 29 Harry Antonious 60 The Flower Room 5 Home Care Property 74 Vinyl Records 34 JTG Building Services LCM Flat Roofing 64 HEALTH & BEAUTY Leckhampton Plastering 57 ChangeStart 11 Mart Interiors Limited 76 Cheltenham CBT 14 Marshalls Driveways 48 Craig Thorn Acupuncture 16 R Richards & Son 2 Definition Beauty 12 Rapid Roofing 52 Isbourne Holistic Centre 14 Ready 2 Repair 73 Leckhampton Chiropractic 14 Roofing & Building 72 MGB Massage 16 RS Cladding and Roofing 44 Mobile Chiropodist 10 Steve Mustoe Building 57 NHS – Let’s Talk 20 SWS Plastering 81 Oakwell Health 15 Weathertech 50 Spa Vapes 10, 67 & 77 CARPENTRY The Guild Hairdressing 10 Nick Burton 79 73 The Haven 10 Three Piece Joinery

CLEANING SERVICES Anya Cleaning Hard Pressed for Time Oven Busters Ovenclean Pink Fairy Cleaning Regency Cleaning The Housekeeper ELECTRICAL SERVICES Beacon Electrical Cotswold Rewires County Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Antique World Bella’s Interiors Carpet Emporium FireStyles Just Fabrics MWE Furnishings Ltd New Blinds New Blinds – Awnings New Blinds – Curtains New Blinds – Shutters Stoves and Fireplaces GARDEN SERVICES Acorn Gardening Services Challenge Fencing Chosen Lawnmowers Cotswold Garden/Landscape DW Tree Services Glos Garden Services Julia Smith Gardening Just Fencing Landscape Creations Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds The Garden Landscape Cons. HANDYMAN SERVICES Ian Badrock John Wilson Maintenance The Local Handyman HEATING & PLUMBING Barker & Bayliss Cheltenham Logs

57 57 57 66 73 57 57 74 80 79 66 30 47 59 59 46 44 63 60 6 69 44 49 50 50 51 49 49 48 48 48 51 50 50 49 48 72 79 73

EDUCATION & TRAINING Fox Cubs Day Nursery Rendcomb College Winton House Day Nursery FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn HOUSE CLEARANCE & REMOVALS Crown Clearance LEGAL & FINANCE Andorran Eversure Accounts LOCKSMITHS Cheltenham Locksmiths MOTORING SERVICES Auto Village Westlands Hyundai PETS BJ Luxury Kennels & Catery Charlton Kings Vet Centre SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

80 Cheltenham Plumbers Combi-Man 72 Cotswold Plumbers 76 ID Godwin 79 KB Female Plumber 73 48 Maisemore Apiaries Pete T Plumbing 49 Platinum Plumbing 66 Plumb It 81 Pure Plumbing 68 Seasoned Hardwood Logs 50 KITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen & Bathroom 4 Granite Transformations 65 Hatherley Worktops 67 Leckhampton Kitchens 54-55 PAINTING & DECORATING Cotswold County 60 Flairline Decorating 47 Floods 73 Trevor Rogers 74 TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials 74 WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Albany Windows 83 C&L Windows 45 Clearway Doors & Windows 58 Cloudy2Clear 61 Emperor Windows 56 Firm Fix 62 Misty2Clear 53

72 81 76 76 71 70 27 26 75

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS Mallams CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Charlton Kings Care Home Nazareth House Queensbridge Care Thirlestaine Park COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Abbey Business Equipment PC Menders

24 23 22

BE THE FIRST!

38 18 20 19 20 21

Telephone

01242 510500

80 76

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS S N H E R L D D Q L Z E X W P C P Q V V U J U D

COMPETITION WINNERS

L Y M O H O S I W F S S C S U I V P K I H L Z W

M E S K O R M Q P L R E F D T A H A N M K M M F

N E S M E S V A B U G J D T L Q T S C W X M X L

S P N W Y Q O Y N D C L P E B S E K D G R F I F

B R O D I N N E R T E A N V C U R X M N Y E W X

A L M S F R L B Z C I T R C W T R A E H E P R M

F D L O U K L F Z Q I C I D V V P J W L C I Y P

X Y P G W R O W K N G C Q J H M K K F K I A R Y

T K R N C G E V E N M C U W K Z L S D O H Y G F

D Y T I Z G K V F E E L I N G S P S B V Q F I F

Q N U R X L J S E F X W U K H B D I H B N B V D

Q M O A G L E K A R G Y G Z B D N K S R V M I G

Z D E H Y J W F R D O L O E R N M K Q U Y Q N N

E F L S E I E G O W J F W G K C Q S V J Q C G E

M V L V Z B L E L P U O C B A A Q Y D M T O K O

R M O X Y G L G F W R Z W Y Q R T V Q B E T X J

R L O A N X E Q A R B R X R O D F W K L Q O T A

X H Q E I B R D A K O M B W W F X J B N B R P G

Z J X I S E Y X Y E D G B E P W L V D E T R L V

B Q N N W D D H D E T A L O C O H C X L M E C F

A N A O E T F U N C L J A Y D A T E U M C I S V

U C J Q E F K I A K Y K U U O T E W X H P A N D

V K U C T X V V C E Z A M M G Y N T X N O Q D E

COMPETITION RULES

Congratulations to the winners of our January 2015 competitions: Bacon Theatre – Barbara Day of Cheltenham and Lisa New of Cheltenham. Cheltenham Town Hall – Ian McDonald of Cheltenham and Ami Edwards of Cheltenham. Everyman Theatre – Mr Edwards of Cheltenham and Pam Pemberton of Stonehouse. Picture Perfect – Emma Bennett of Cheltenham. Sniff and Slurp – Mrs Howes of Cheltenham and E. Bennett of Fairview.

1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless

stated. 7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Friday 13th February 2015 Page 82

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The Local Answer

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. But we are big enough to obtain supplies directly from large, high quality manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.

WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS

Whatever your requirements, we have glazing options for every need and budget, from a single window to a large conservatory. We supply some of Gloucestershireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Registered through: FENSA

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.

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy better! So why pay more?

For a free no obligation quotation call 01242 511384 Showroom: Unit 41, Space Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9FL

LOOK WHO’S OPEN IN CHELTENHAM! Award-winning agent, The Property Centre, now has a new oﬃce in Bath Street, open every day including Sundays! • First-Class Sales & Progression Service • Local, highly knowledgeable team • Great introductory fees

If you want to move, we can make it happen! Call us today on 01242 504555

in association with

GAGGENAU HIGHLY COMMENDED REAL ESTATE AGENCY GLOUCESTERSHIRE The Property Centre

2014-2015

28 Bath Street Cheltenham GL50 1YA www.thepropertycentres.co.uk