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JANUARY 2015
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2015
The Local
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
Distribution Debbie Powell – 07720 098934 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
A very happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers and contributors! Now the festivities are over, it’s back to the real world and for those of you looking to start the year with a health-kick, check out our ‘Looking Good, Feeling Great’ feature for some tips on sleeping well and keeping fresh. We have some great features to help you get your year off to a good start and beat those January blues, as well as some New Year’s resolution ideas that could help ‘Save the Planet’. Our new photography competition ‘Picture Perfect’ got off to a great start with some wonderful entries – make sure you enter this month’s ‘Most Romantic Gesture’ competition for your chance to win a three-course Valentine meal and bottle of Champagne for you and your partner courtesy of Tiger’s Eye. Have a read about the brewing process going on at The Cider Tree, and why not try making this month’s cocktail – or if you’re doing a January detox, try the mocktail instead.
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
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Welcome to January ...
Food & Entertainment Delicious Dishes Cocktail Time Health & Beauty Style & Fashion Mirror Mirror on the Wall Parenting & Guardianship Looking Good, Feeling Great Leader’s Life What’s On Picture Perfect Homes & Gardens In the Garden Sudoku Interior Design Save the Planet Word Search Gadgets & Gizmos Quick Crossword Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
4 5 8 14 14 15 17 19 20 21 26-27 28 31 33 35 39 40 47 48 49 50
Competitions: 24 & 27
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Reservations 01452 332993 Page 4
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(Above Costa Coffee)
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Winter Warmer – Chicken Pie This deliciously creamy chicken pie is sure to warm you up over the winter months! Serves 6-8 Ingredients: 300ml white wine; 600ml chicken stock; 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.7kg); 2 bay leaves; 5 sprigs of thyme; 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 leeks, halved and sliced; 2 celery sticks, sliced; 1kg potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes; 75g butter; 75g plain flour; 100ml double cream; 75g mature cheddar, grated; bag of spinach. Method: 1 Pour the wine and stock into a large saucepan, add the chicken, breast side up, the bay leaves and thyme. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for one hour.
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2 Add the carrots, leeks and celery to the pan, bring back to the boil, then simmer for a further 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Remove the herbs and discard, then transfer the chicken and vegetables to a bowl. Strain the cooking liquid into a large jug – you’ll need 900ml altogether, so if it comes up a bit short, add a little more hot stock. 3 Put the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water, bring to the boil and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender and then drain. Remove the meat from the chicken and chop. Return it to the bowl with the vegetables. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (fan 180). 4 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over a high heat, add the flour and whisk for one minute. Gradually add the 900ml of hot cooking liquid and whisk until you have a smooth, think sauce. Season to taste, then remove from the heat. Pour half of the source over the chicken and vegetables in the bowl, mix together, then spoon into a 2-3 litre ovenproof dish. 5 Add the double cream to the remaining sauce, stir in the cooked potato cubes, season and pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden on top and bubbling. Serve with wilted spinach.
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A winning combination! What could be better than a hearty plate of fish and chips served with a lovely cold pint? Try two plates of fish and chips for £10! The recently refurbished Cider Tree at The Coach and Horses provides brilliant quality food and drink at great value for money. The pub is linked to the Coach House Fish Bar through a small hatch where manager Lee Knickenberg works his magic, creating delightful dishes to satisfy your appetite. The fish is wonderfully fresh, the home-made batter is superbly light, the chips are golden and crispy, and the mushy peas are deliciously soft and sweet – a winning combination! If fish isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options on
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the menu including gourmet burgers, Pukka pies, chicken and home-cooked hot pulled pork. And, if you don’t fancy a pint, the pub serves a wide range of teas and coffees – perfect for a crisp winter’s day. The pub is situated in an ideal location 100 yards from Kingsholm stadium and in the shadows of the wonderful Gloucester Cathedral. There’s plenty of parking in Hare Lane and it’s free after 6pm, making The Cider Tree a convenient venue to enjoy a marvellous meal. Light background music, rustic décor, beautiful beam features, a wonderful oak bar and a warm welcome from manager Bob Bolton and his team, all make for a relaxing environment where you feel completely at home. You’re sure to have a lovely time accompanied by fantastic food at The Coach and Horses.
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Bringing a country art to the city Paul Soden has been running successful pubs in Gloucester for decades and was joined by Kieron Bates around 12 months ago to help continue his success. The pair have recently started a new venture – cider brewing – which they say has been thoroughly enjoyable, and they can’t wait to sample the finished goods with their customers. Paul is passionate about Gloucester and is always looking for new ways to satisfy and entertain his customers. By bringing this traditional country art to the city, Paul has made The Cider Tree at The Coach and Horses in Gloucester the first cider brewing pub in the country.
Following core traditions When Kieron and Paul talked through the process of cider brewing, they referenced a few traditions that help to create the best ciders. Once the apples have fallen from the trees, many varieties are left on the ground for 6-8 weeks or until the first frost, which is an indicator that the apples are ripe enough to press. The apples are shovelled into a machine that churns them into pulp, which is transferred to ‘cheeses’ to be squeezed into a pump. Once the cider has been pumped into large tanks, it is left to brew for approximately 4-5 months or until the first cuckoo sounds.
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While many cider brewing factories may have more precise measurements, Kieron and Paul trust the traditional timings to produce the best results. They have blended 15 tonnes of apples in ten different varieties to create six ciders and one perry, which will all be ready to drink around April. In the meantime, Paul is arranging a wassail party for the 3rd January 2015. A wassail (old English for ‘good health’) is an ancient pagan tradition that is said to drive out evil spirits and ensure a fruitiful harvest. Singing awakes the trees from their winter slumber, pouring cider on the trees’ roots calls for a good harvest, and the soggy toast dipped in cider ensures the big man is kept well watered for the year ahead.
Quench your thirst The old-fashioned New Year’s Eve style party at The Cider Tree will see a pagan character performing a traditional waissal, and there will be cider, mulled cider and pork rolls to quench your thirst and fulfil your appetite! If you can’t wait until January to try one of The Cider Tree’s 34 ciders and perrys, why not pop in for a pint and wash down some fish and chips from the Coach House Fish Bar – situated next door and with a convenient hatch linking it to The Cider Tree so you can order your food with pint in hand (see page opposite).
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Page 7
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
20% OFF MAIN MEALS throughout January with this voucher
Priory Harvester St Oswalds Retail Park Gloucester GL1 2SR
White Russian The White Russian was originally a variation on another vodka drink – the Black Russian. This drink is thought to have originated in Brussels in 1949, and it soon became popular due to its ease of creation and smooth flavour. The introduction of cream to change the drink’s colour produced the official White Russian cocktail. Though fresh cream is preferred, milk is an acceptable substitute. The cocktail experienced a brief flurry of popularity in the 70’s before fading out for two decades. The White Russian was then immortalised in 1998 by the movie ‘The Big Lebowski’. Initially something of a flop, the film didn’t reach cult status until 2002 when it ignited the White Russian’s popularity once more. There are many variations on the drink, including the Blonde or Blind Russian that substitutes the cream for Irish Cream. Ingredients: Ice; 30ml fresh cream; 30ml kahlua (coffee liqueur); 90ml vodka. Method: 1 Pour cream, kahlua and vodka into a cocktail shaker. 2 Shake well and strain over ice into a low ball glass.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, mix 30ml fresh cream with 30ml non-sweetened coffee flavoured syrup. Page 8
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WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN GLOUCESTER?
JOIN UKIP GLOUCESTER TODAY! In 2014 UKIP Gloucester showed the tired old parties that we were more than capable of winning in Gloucester when we topped the poll in the elections for the European Parliament, soundly beating both Labour and Conservative in the city. In 2015 we have, with your support, every chance of winning Gloucester in the General Election! If you would like to join us, why not take advantage of our two month special offer and join UKIP Gloucester Branch for just £10? If you wish to take part in our campaign and to support UKIP Gloucester in any way you can, please email luke@lukehindhaugh.co.uk
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Richard Ford has been selected by UKIP Gloucester to represent them in the 2015 elections. On being selected, Richard said: “ I am delighted to have been selected as UKIP Parliamentary Candidate for Gloucester in the 2015 General Election. If elected I will fight for jobs and regeneration in Gloucester, to ensure that the UK’s borders are properly controlled and managed, and to make certain that our National Health Service is free at the point of delivery and at the time of need for all of Gloucester’s residents. Help me to help you, and to restore pride in our beautiful cathedral city. What do you have to lose? Vote UKIP for Gloucester in 2015.” To find out more about Richard, please visit richardford@ukip.org Promoted by Mike Smith, 82 Marlborough Road, Gloucester GL4 6GD
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Looking after your precious little bundles The Old Station Nursery at Innsworth opened four years ago in a state of the art building constructed by the Ministry of Defence to look after the children of servicemen and women based at HQ ARRC. However, the nursery is open to all local families and there is a good mix of children from many different countries, which makes for some excellent national celebrations. The staff team at the nursery are all qualified and attend regular training to stay up-to-date with best practice and new developments in Early Years care. Nursery Manager Katie White is very experienced and excited to be leading the team at Innsworth. They are currently working on a project to develop the outdoor space, as well as expanding the baby provision within the nursery, due to growing demand. Children attending the nursery enjoy
visits from Tatty Bumpkin Yoga each week, as well as pre-school French lessons. Staff plan a variety of activities each day, based on the current interests of the children. Messy play is always popular, so it is common to find shaving foam, jelly, corn flour, pasta and much more in big trays in the rooms. You’d be surprised how many great new words can be introduced they have a lot of choice in where and when you are hiding dinosaurs in a how they want to play – with staff forest made from crumbled Weetabix! available to challenge and support their learning. Learning through play All children have an electronic The emphasis is very much on learning journey and parents are given learning through play – both indoors a log on, which they can use on a and out. The team think children will tablet, phone or PC at home or work. spend enough time sitting at desks This ensures they can keep in touch once they are at school, so at nursery with the nursery, see what their child has been doing and follow their development steps. This has been really popular with parents, who find it a great way of being involved in their child’s learning in a way that suits their lifestyles. The best way to find out more about what they do at The Old Station Nursery is to go and visit. They offer full and part-time sessions and free funded sessions for all three and fouryear-olds, and some two-year-olds. To learn more about this award-winning company please contact Katie by phone or e-mail, or visit their website – details are below.
we care for your child and support your family
Free sessions for all 3 and 4 year olds and some 2 year olds! Some spaces available now – please ask for details ● Full and part-time sessions for babies up to 4 years old ● Extra-curricular activities included in session prices ● Nutritional meals provided by nursery cook Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, Gloucester GL3 1ET ●
t 01452 739010 e innsworth@theoldstationnursery.co.uk
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www.theoldstationnurser y.co.uk
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 13
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
New Year, New Look Just as politics and fashion have been so closely knitted in the past – Margaret Thatcher and the 80’s power dressing – so it is today. In Vivienne Westwood’s Spring Summer 2015 (SS15) catwalk, the models were dressed in Thatcher inspired pinstripe suits and oversized shoulder pads, with ‘YES’ badges on – a final push for Scottish Independence. Chanel’s SS15 catwalk saw Karl Lagerfeld stage a feminist fashion protest. For what to wear this coming season, look out for styles from Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton, as well as fashion icon and great advocate of feminism – Emma Watson. This year expect to see denim jackets with quirky alterations such as plastic collars and ostrich feathered trimmings.
“Fluff” – as it was referred to in Simone Rocha’s SS15 collection – is already amongst our winter wardrobe, as it edged our party frocks and adorned our shoes, and will now continue into 2015. In the spring you’ll see it on cutesy dresses, clutches and staple denim jackets. With the quick turnover of fashion trends it’s always great to see things cross over seasons – if not for our pocket, but the environment as well. Other pieces to hold onto include those sports-inspired pieces as showcased in Topshop’s Unique SS15 collection – no doubt this will filter down into their High Street pieces. Look up Anya Hindmarch’s ‘Fixation’ collection. Her playful catwalk display emulates her fun approach to fashion, with handbags drenched in leather stickers that take you back to school days. The Spring Summer 2015 colour palette is all about earthy organic tones. The inspiration for this was taken from the idea of relieving ourselves from the fast paced, instantaneous lifestyle that technological advances have brought us. Women should expect to see blues,
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oranges, greys, mint greens and deep reds, and men should be on the look out for cool blues/greys, forest greens, soft sandy tones and subtle lilacs. There is a cross over of palettes between men and women, which both get their inspiration from the same source – an ideal of bringing a non-synthetic, organic feel to this summer, embodying the rich colours of our planet. JW Anderson’s menswear collection illustrates these earthy tones brilliantly. Topman’s SS15 collection shouts 70’s with flared trousers, oversized collars, bold flower prints and jazzy shirts – no doubt we’ll also see double denim. Bucket hats – despite coming back into fashion before – have now also hit the catwalk. With regards to outerwear, look for the classic Parka and boxy jackets. Katie Eary’s cowboy inspired designs also had a hint of the 70’s comeback with an array of psychedelic colours and prints.
Collection & Delivery Service Available! Call Nige on 07551 923072 / 01452 534622 or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com For all your cycling needs visit our website...
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard
Fresh start, fresh face! A new year for some means a fresh start – a new year for beauty means a fresh face! The time has come to take a look ahead to what’s trending for spring/summer ’15 (SS15) and, with the winter colour palettes on their way out, the new season brings an array of colours and textures to play with. Granted, there are some you wouldn’t imagine yourself wearing – most of the looks parading the catwalks wouldn’t exactly look appropriate for, let’s say, getting the groceries! But for those of you who like to experiment with the contents of your make-up bag, this is what the New Year has in store for you. First up is the ‘wet look’, introduced by Alexander Wang, where it literally is a fresh start with a fresh face! The ‘wet look’ encourages healthy skin with the appearance of little or no make-up at all, to give the impression of a postparty glow. Think glossy brows and shiny eyelids, as opposed to a sweaty complexion! This really is the definition of less is more – a fresh faced glow is what we all want to achieve with our post-Christmas detox. The designers at Emilio Pucci have focused their attention on eyes and you’ll be relieved to hear it’s not the ‘feline flick’ (which I’m sure many of you know can sometimes take forever
to create!). It’s time to put down your eyeliner and pick up your mascara. This look is all about ‘doll eyes’ – think spidery long lashes where bigger is better! Eyelash curlers are great for helping you to create this – apply the mascara generously, combing upwards until you have your wide-eyed look. If curlers don’t work for you, you can always buy your own ready-made eyelashes from your local Boots or Superdrug and for this trend, look out for ‘Eylure’, which would be perfect for this. Our next trend makes quite the statement – purple is the new black. For those of you who, like me, are a lover of wearing black, this could be easier said than done. However, the likes of Vera Wang and Matthew Williamson are creating bold, colourful eyes with the use of pastel palettes to coordinate with the floral prints of SS15. Imagine 70’s glamour with a lilac finish, a hint of lavender and flowers in your hair – not only for festival goers, but perfect for those summer parties on the patio.
Last but not least we can talk smokey eye but, as with the previous trends, nothing heavy – noticing a pattern? This comes from the likes of Roberto Cavalli and Carolina Herrera, who are embracing the ‘sandy smoky eye’. Think a palette of warm, relaxed, rich tones of bronze and browns, creating the perfect daytime smokey eye – wearable for every day not just for the dressier evenings. As you’ll have noticed by now, the beauty looks of SS15 are understated and accentuate classic minimalism, which often gets ignored when it comes to applying make-up. Remember, less is more, so make the most of flaunting your natural glow this year!
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Let’s Talk Courses Low Mood
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Low Self-Esteem Negative Thinking
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS.
We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes. Our NEW courses are: Using CBT to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website
https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time. I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.
It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.
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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
How to beat the January blues For those with teenagers in the house, January can be a trying time. There’s the come-down after Christmas, the back to school blues and an array of new stresses and challenges to deal with. Year 9 are choosing their options for GCSE, which can be daunting for everyone involved, especially for those who are struggling at school. For older students exam time is looming, with mock exams for year 11 and SATS for the primary students being mentioned at every turn. As parents the best we can do is ensure our kids are feeling well supported. Try to make sure they are eating well, getting enough sleep and watch out for signs of stress that often show at this time of year.
KEEP TALKING Remember to keep communication lines open. Talk to your kids, talk to their teachers – they won’t bite – and encourage your kids to talk to people outside the family that they most trust
and admire. Very often, those outside can see what we as parents cannot. To get the family back on track and reconnected, think about ways in which you can capitalise on the dark nights and cold weather to really enjoy your time together. Watch a film, play a board game or just talk about your day – whatever you do, just do it as a family.
With so many recipes available online as well as a wealth of cookbooks for all ages and stages, there really couldn’t be a better time to try.
HAVE FUN IN THE KITCHEN One way to reconnect is with healthy meals – especially after the sugar fest of Christmas. January is a great time to get the kids into the kitchen, learn some basic cooking skills and prepare some healthy meals for all the family. The chopping of vegetables for a hearty stew, the weighing and mixing of ingredients for a cake for Sunday tea or the fun of making their own tortillas with loads of choices of fillings can all be a great way to spend quality time together, learn new skills and get those fussy eaters weaned off their sugar addiction.
LET IT GO! If your kids were lucky enough to receive oodles of new toys at Christmas, January can also be a great time to have a clear out. Sort those bedroom piles into ‘Trash’ ‘Donate’ and ‘Keep’ piles, encouraging the children to help choose what to let go of, including those toys and books they have outgrown. Charity shops always need donations and, after receiving so much, it can be very balancing to encourage children to move things along. Give things away and let go of what they no longer need or want, especially when they know they are doing something good for someone else. Maybe they would like to choose a charity that feels important to them? However you choose to spend your winter months, remember to get outside, enjoy the air and, who knows, maybe you could even build a snowman?
Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following areas: Abbeydale, Abbeymead, Brockworth, Churchdown, Innsworth, Hempsted, Highnam, Upton St Leonards, Hucclecote, Barnwood, Longford, Longlevens, Quedgeley, Tredworth, Linden, Tuffley & Kingsholm
Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 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.
The Loca l
ANS WER YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
Gloucestershire 133,000 DELIVERED JANUARY 2015 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WIN A ROMANTIC VALENTINES EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE!
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Page 17
Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff
Sleep better and feel better A poor night’s sleep, or developing a poor sleeping pattern, can lead to a variety of negative health problems – from a higher chance of becoming obese or developing Type 2 diabetes, to becoming more stressed and unfocussed in the work place. The hormone cortisol is produced in excess in people who sleep less. It can attack the immune system, leading to an increased risk of illnesses, and it also damages the skin leading to less elasticity – making you look older, among other health complications. Having an efficient sleep pattern, an optimal sleep duration of between 7-10 hours and an effective before-bed routine can have positive effects on health and productivity, as well as helping to reduce in stress. Following some simple steps can increase the likelihood of getting a good night’s sleep and waking up feeling refreshed!
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK Eating before bed – especially a big meal – can prevent you from sleeping as your body will be attempting to digest the meal. Therefore, your body will not be able to go through its usual before-sleep routine of cooling you down and relaxing you via the release of melatonin into your blood stream. Avoiding caffeinated food and drinks is also a good idea – caffeine increases your heart rate and releases adrenalin hormones and cortisol for up to six hours, making it hard for your body to cool down and relax.
CUT OUT THE LIGHT Artificial light coming from televisions, computers and light bulbs can effect sleep – especially the blue-light given off. This gives the brain the feeling that it is still daytime and, therefore, it does not start the usual stages of relaxing and cooling down. Avoiding very bright screens and mobile phones in the hour before bed will give your brain the signal to start the sleep cycle.
issue, especially when there is a long list of things you need to do the following day or a big project to plan. Stressing too much while attempting to sleep releases cortisol, which stops the natural sleep cycle and makes it hard to switch off. Getting into a planned routine before bed can help you to relax more easily, and making a list of the things that need to be done the following day, and an action plan, can reduce your brain from over thinking and help you switch off.
EXERCISE
Being physically active in the day can have big benefits on getting a good night’s sleep. Fatiguing the body and mind can encourage the body to sleep at night, helping the recovery process. Exercise also improves blood flow and temperature control, which helps your DE-STRESS BEFORE body to cool before bed. Exercising in the BED morning or approximately 4-5 hours Trying to turn your brain before bed is optimal, as this gives the off before bed can be an body time to cool before bedtime.
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What a great year Looking back, I think we can be fairly pleased with how Gloucester fared in 2014. It’s been a year of solid progress. In regeneration terms, the Greyfriars scheme has been on-site and people have started to move into the new homes created in the heart of the city centre. The Gloucester Quays leisure quarter became a runaway success, with the new cinema and restaurants trading well. We made great strides forward with the Kings Quarter redevelopment, securing funding for the new bus station and acquiring the land owned by Aviva that we need for the scheme. We prepared a masterplan for the Blackfriars area with our colleagues at the County Council and the Cathedral has got the first stage thumbs-up from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its Project Pilgrim, which is designed to improve the visitor experience. Gloucester’s first PaintJam street art festival went down a storm and I ended the year riding a camel through the gate streets for the Christmas Procession! A poor end to the 2013/14 season for Gloucester
Page 20
Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James
Rugby was replaced by a sense of optimism, with a raft of new signings on both the playing and coaching sides. 2015 is going to be Gloucester’s BiG Year! Of course, it’s the Rugby World Cup in Sept-ember and October, with four matches being played at Kingsholm. But there’s so much more that we want to achieve on the back of the tournament – improvements to the city, a legacy of sporting participation and volunteering, more prosperity and enhanced pride in the city. It’s also the year of the fifth Gloucester Tall Ships Festival, and Sir Elton John is going to be performing in concert at Kingsholm, plus one other big name (not announced at the time of writing). I hope that regeneration progress during 2015 will include resolving some of the more difficult issues like Bakers Quay, The Fleece Hotel and the Eastgate Indoor Market. I’m determined that 2015 really is going to be Gloucester’s BiG year. I hope it brings you everything you wish for too! t: 01452 384051
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
e:paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
The Local Answer
What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY THURSDAY NORTH GLOS BRITISH SUB AQUA CLUB Gloucester Leisure Centre GL1 at 8pm. A friendly club made up of people of all ages and walks of life with scuba diving as our common interest. Come along and take one of our “TRY DIVES” at £15 or buy a “TRY DIVE” voucher as a gift for someone you know. For more information contact Dave Phillips on 07979 227876 or email enquiries@nglos.co.uk EVERY SATURDAY COME & PLAY FOOTBALL
For Brockworth Albion. ALL ages welcome, girls and boys. Make new friends and play regular football. All qualified coaches. Charter Standard club. For more information contact Gary on 01452 551789 or email g_norris@hotmail.co.uk. Waiting to hear from you. DECOY DOG DEMONSTRATIONS Watch our furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. 2pm. Price included in admission. Book your place at the admission desk. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
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2 JANUARY ARANKAS CACKLE The Cackle play sounds to lose your inhibitions to. They got no time for stool squatters or arm crossers. Life is too short. Arankas Cackle play a blend of ska, reggae and dancehall inflected with their colloquial stamp of "ere" and "arr". Dowsed in cider and drenched in bass weight and then set on fire to create a sound to mash up di dance. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 2–11 JANUARY SLEEPING BEAUTY
The Everyman’s Pantomime is back featuring the return of Tweedy The Clown and William Elliott as the Dame. Tickets start from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 3 JANUARY CBSO: THE MAGIC OF VIENNA There’s no need to go to Vienna to toast the New Year – raise a musical glass of bubbly here in Malvern. There’ll be Strauss
waltzes as sweet as cream cakes, polkas that sparkle like champagne as well as Mozart arias sung by World-renowned soprano Kate Royal. 7.45pm. Tickets from £19. Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277. malvern-theatres.co.uk. 4 & 25 JANUARY BRIDE & GROOM SHOW From Vintage to Classical Fairytale to Country Chic, you’ll find everything on display to help plan your perfect day! Free entry 11am-3pm. Bridal Fashions midday and 2pm. GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester (4th January) and Cheltenham Town Hall (25th January). brideandgroomshow.com. 7 JANUARY MISS FUSION A fusion of musical backgrounds and influences from soul, Northern, Motown funk, cool pop and anything with a groove. This band covers tracks in their unique style, spanning over 5 decades from the early masters such as the Temptations and Curtis Mayfield right up to current artists. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 8-9 JANUARY FLOODLIT SWAN SUPPER Experience the beauty and sounds of hundreds of wild swans on a floodlit lake before enjoying a delicious three course meal at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. £29.95 to include three course meal. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
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 To advertise call 01242 510500
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9 JANUARY RADIO NASTIES An exciting high energy Retro Garage Rock band that know how to entertain. Playing their own intense originals and the classics that everyone loves from an era when everybody just wanted to rock the night awayFree entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 10 JANUARY IT SCHOOLS AFRICA Your local Rotary Clubs are collecting IT equipment on behalf of Cheltenham charity, IT Schools Africa. The charity is working to transform IT education in Africa; helping children escape the poverty cycle. You can help by donating IT equipment (in working order) on the 10th January. Drop off points at: Tesco Cheltenham (Tewkesbury Road) 9.30am1pm, Tesco Stroud 11am-12pm, Tesco Quedgeley 1.30pm-2.30pm, Morrisons Tewkesbury (Ashchurch Road) 9am-2pm. 14 JANUARY SONS OF WARREN JAMES Straight from the forest paying homage to a legend, who fought for the rights of miners years ago. The Sons of Warren James play high-energy multi-instrument Folk music. They have a strong and dedicated following in Gloucester and
always fill the venue with a jovial crowd of live music lovers. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 16 JANUARY HANGING TREE Dirty Dark Blues hailing from Bristol, Hanging Tree come with a fresh sound that’s unlike anything on the live music scene right now. Slow and progressive to fast and aggressive their dynamic style is captivating and a guaranteed audience pleaser. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 19-24 JANUARY PETER PAN GOES WRONG
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society sets out to present J.M.Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. But as the title suggests,
everything that can go wrong does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland, with hilariously disastrous results. 7.45pm (2.30pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday).. Tickets from £16 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277. malvern-theatres.co.uk. 21 JANUARY MIKE PARKER Traditional blues, folk, Americana and acoustic rock come together skilfully in the repertoire of singer/songwriter Mike Parker. So, if you’re a fan of strong musicianship, meticulous yet free guitar picking and have a love of steel guitars then you will not be disappointed. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 21-24 JANUARY EDUCATING RITA Willy Russell’s play Educating Rita is a modern classic telling the story of hairdresser Rita, who feels that life has passed her by. She wants an education but does Open University lecturer Frank have anything to teach her? 7.30pm (2pm matinee Saturday 24th). £10. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk.
Valentines Dinner
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FABULOUS EVENTS at
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ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE
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Dig out your boots and tighten your studs Gloucester Rugby is proud to offer your child an experience that will give them exceptional insight into the game at its heart, transform their skill level or simply just have fun with former Gloucester Rugby and Samoan international player Terry Fanolua who will be leading the junior camps. Not only will they learn the tricks of the trade from the experts themselves, but each attendee can see the techniques they will have learnt in action with a free ticket to watch the Aviva Premiership clash between Gloucester Rugby and London Welsh on the weekend of the 21st February. Terry, along with the experienced Community Rugby Coaches, will provide a fun and friendly environment to allow your child to improve their game with bespoke feedback and specially tailored individual advice about how they play. The camp’s skills session will focus on: • Handling: the basic principles BOUNCERS
Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph are the original men in black as they tell the tale of one night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80’s in this outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever! Various times. Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 21-25 JANUARY ALI BABA Promenade Productions present this classic tale which follows the adventures of young Ali Baba and his trusty camel and their attempts to stop the evil Mustapha Lot from stealing an all powerful sword. Can he save the day? ‘Oh yes he can!’. £8-£14. Evening performances: 7pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees: 2.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 224144. promenadeproductions.co.uk.
Page 24
WIN TICKETS! Gloucester Rugby take on London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday 21st February, kick off 3pm. For your chance to win 2 tickets simply answer the following question:
• Decision Making: fundamentals of game understanding, evasion and attacking play Name the 3 Gloucester Rugby • Contact: tackle technique, rucking, mauling players that were England and defensive systems Rugby squad members in the • Running: the principles of speed and agility • Analysis: to improve game 2014 autumn internationals. understanding Send your answer, name, email • Team Building: a vital element address and contact number to that means the difference competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk. between victory and defeat Don’t forget to mention you’re It doesn’t matter what level of a reader of The Local Answer! ability your child plays at, everyone – both boys and girls – between the ages of 8 and 13 is very welcome. The camp costs just £60 or you can get two places for £100 with the special gift code: FEB15. Give your child an immersive experience that will provide them with skills that they GLOUCESTER RUGBY can use and develop for years to come. Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road Visit GloucesterRugby.co.uk/RugbyCamps Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX to book, or to request additional information, t 0871 871 87 81 please contact Jack Thomson via email at e admin@gloucesterrugby.co.uk CommunityMarketing@GloucesterRugby.co.uk. w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
25 JANUARY BURNS NIGHT SUPPER 3-course traditional Scottish feast, themed music and poems. £30 per person. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Gloucestershire GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. 26-31 JANUARY AND THEN THERE WERE NONE To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, ‘And Then There Were None’ is revived on stage to follow in the footsteps of the company’s hugely successful tours of Murder on the Nile, Go Back for Murder and Black Coffee. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £15. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 28 JANUARY ADAM SWEET An exceptional talent. Whether it’s an electric or acoustic guitar in his hands it makes no difference, the quality and originality shines through. Combine this wonderful talent with his dedication and humble approach to life and you have a performer with honesty and integrity. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP.
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28-31 JANUARY MAN ALIVE!
Award winning Box Tale Soup (Northanger Abbey, Casting the Runes), are back with their adaptation of G.K.Chesterton’s Manalive! Featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets and stunning original music, join us for the world premiere at the Everyman. 7.45pm (2pm matinee Saturday). £10.50 (£9). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 31 JANUARY TREASURE ISLAND Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life in a thrilling new stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery, broadcast from the National Theatre. £16 (£14). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 224144.
The Local Answer
Picture Perfect Winter Wildlife
“Are you looking at me?” Thanks to all of you who sent in your wonderful pictures to enter our ‘Winter Wildlife’ competition. Congratulations to Michelle Tocknell of Gloucester who submitted the winning image (above) and has won tickets to The Bird and Deer Park at Prinknash to see the beautiful creatures living there. Some of our other favourites are pictured below and above right.
Win a romantic meal for two! The theme for our February competition is ‘Most Romantic Gesture’. Please submit a photograph and short statement of no more than 100 words telling the story behind the romance. Courtesy of Tiger’s Eye, the winner and their loved one will receive a 3-course Valentine Dinner and a bottle of Champagne at their wonderful restaurant in the heart of Gloucester. To enter, email your photo and story, along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Romance’. 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 15th January 2015.
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Start as you mean to go on Your first New Year’s resolution is to recycle the Christmas tree rather than leaving it in the garden as a reproachful skeleton until August! Garden centres and local recycling centres will quite often take them, and I have checked that the Cheltenham Council collects trees 4ft or under left out on the first refuse day after Christmas – I should imagine the other local councils do this too.
sowing early crops. This will also cut down on the weeding. Weeds still grow even in the chilly weather – keep on top of them and it will save time later on in the year. Dandelions, docks and other perennial weeds with long taproots can be removed at this time of the year more easily than at others – make sure you have the whole root out or it will just regrow. Garlic grows best when it has endured some winter chill and rain, so plant out individual cloves in a sunny spot, pointed end up, 15cm apart with 2.5cm of soil covering them. If the soil is heavy or really wet you can start the cloves off in small pots of soil-based compost and leave outside in a sheltered spot ready to plant out in spring. January is the right time to give wisteria its winter pruning. Cut back the whippy
stems that have grown last year to two or three buds – this will create flowering ‘spurs’ to bloom in the summer. Do take care if you need to use a ladder – make sure the bottom is secure on a flat surface and don’t lean over to make it unstable. If you have a vast wisteria that has gone beserk after being ignored for many years, it may pay to get in a specialist gardener who can get it back into some semblance of order and enable you to carry on with it yourself in the future.
Try forcing some rhubarb – cover the dormant buds with either straw or dry leaves inside a terracotta forcing pot or a large bucket to keep the light out. Tender pink stems will be produced in a few weeks time. Don’t do this to the same plant every year, as it will need to recover and build its reserves up. Clear the vegetable garden of old crops and cover the ground with a layer of black plastic to help warm the ground for
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The Local Answer
Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
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Garden Sheds, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Workshops, Site Huts, Stables, Kennels, Aviaries, Pavilions or any large timber buildings! The Local Answer
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
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Interior Design with Vicky Walker
10 tips to refresh your living room Is your home suffering from the winter blues? Here are some simple ideas that will breathe some new life into your living room and transform it into the stylish, relaxing space you are looking for.
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3. MUTED PASTELS Soft, muted pastels often create a tranquil atmosphere. Try sage green or slate blue and introduce some metallic touches for a sense of luxury. Deep blue and grey are very much in vogue at the moment and create a much more moody feel to your room. They can work if your room is dark – you just need to know how!
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All types of works undertaken. Custom built wardrobes, loft conversions, door hanging, decking, pergolas, patios.
For a compe ve Quote please contact: Mobile: 07870 586701 or Email: lee@lrcarpentry.co
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9. LIVEN THINGS UP
Introduce patterns for a lively look, but remember to experiment these patterns in a limited colour palette – ideally stick to two or three colours and this means you 6. SUPERSIZE can mix patterns such as stripes, checks Oversized patterns look fantastic in small and florals. Be careful with the size of the doses. Try adding a bright and bold design as well. patterned throw to your sofa or paper one wall in a large scale design. If you feel you 10. HAVE IT YOUR WAY may tire of this quickly, purchase a crazy Lastly, ensure it is your style and that you design of fabric and stretch it over a frame can live with it – then you will love the – this will be easy to replace should you result and will only need to add the odd get bored of it. accessory from time to time.
RHODES CARPENTRY LTD â—?
Make a statement with your lamps – look for a shade that picks up a particular colour from your furnishings. Rather than having a central pendant light, try a side lamp or floor lamp, which will create a lovely calming atmosphere.
your house, K.D.S. ‘making your home’ Internal & External
Friendly, reliable, local service No job too small ~ Fully insured
For a free, no obligation quote please call
01454 261059 / 07803 588491
email: info@kdsdecorating.co.uk
www.kdsdecorating.co.uk
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 35
Oven & Range CCleaning om pany The
OVENS ● EXTRACTOR FANS ● MICROWAVES ● HOBS ● AGAS ● RAYBURNS
Local independent oven cleaning specialist 100% biodegradable and non-caustic products. Tidy, clean, and efficient system.
£5 OFF* 01452 404600 07958383366
* Please mention this advertisement for your £5 discount
ROOFING & BUILDING SOLUTIONS
for all your property needs
REGISTERED INSTALLER Our range of services and installations include: ● Replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering ● New roofs and ● repairs – tile, felt, lead and slate Flat roofs (including Rubber) ● Chimney repairs ● Lead work ● Gutter clearing ● Dry verges All general maintenance and building work, including the small jobs around the house that you hate to do!
ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
www.ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk info@ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk
FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE – REFERENCES AVAILABLE To arrange a full survey and quotation please call 01242 809650 or 07918 798530 Office 269, 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2LY
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5 SATURDAY 10-4 SUNDAY 11-3
CARPET
YOUR LOCAL DISCOUNT FLOORING STOCKIST
SALE NOW ON IN OUR HUGE CARPET AND VINYL WAREHOUSE Free measuring service and sample viewing in your own home. Upon request our expert fitting team will move furniture, uplift old flooring and vacuum after installation.
Bleach Cleanable Berber only £5.99m2 £4.99m2
Please pop in and see Wayne and Richard
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Bumble Bee
A38
New Aqua Pro-tec carpet £14.99m2 £13.99m2
Park & Ride
Everything to suit all tastes and budgets. Amazing 100m2 showroom with vast range of samples to choose from
We are here
Police HQ
Based on Waterwells estate opposite. Quedgeley Park & Ride.
Unit 1, Stanley Court Telford Way, Quedgeley Gloucester GL2 2AE
Page 37
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 Gloucestershire’s leading builders of quality homes with their glazing, but we also carry out double glazing and conservatory repairs and replace misted sealed units.
Registration No: 12011
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 can’t buy better! So why pay more?
01242 511384
Unit 40, Space Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FL
Save the Planet with Lois Kingscott
Make a New Year’s resolution today! It’s New Year’s resolution time. Some of you may promise to go to the gym more, some of you may decide to drink less, while others have simply given up on the whole ‘resolution thing’. It’s not just about you though – we should all be doing our bit to create a much healthier environment, and a resolution is a perfect way to get started.
SAY NO TO BAGS Since the Welsh Government introduced the charge for single-use carrier bags, the distribution has reduced by up to 96% in some retail sectors. Over four billion bags are thrown away each year in the UK, many of which litter landscapes and threaten our wildlife. So, when you head to the High Street to hit the January sales, take a ‘Bag for Life’ or two. They’re stronger than plastic or paper bags, meaning they can hold more weight – great for you, not so great for your finances. Once you get used to remembering your reusable bag, it’ll be second nature and a small step towards cleaning up our towns, cities, countryside, rivers and seas.
MAKE IT HABIT We all have everyday habits – brushing our teeth, dressing, eating regular meals, exercising, etc. Habits by nature are easy to maintain, and it’s not difficult to pick up
new ones either. Recycling should be a priority habit – it’s certainly very important. When you buy a bottle of coke, wash it and use it as a water bottle for the gym. When you print off too much paper, use both sides before recyling. When you cook too much food, freeze some of it (if appropriate) for an easy meal next time. Just make sure anything that can be recycled doesn’t end up in your general waste bin.
NEW YEAR NEW CAR
RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips
TOP SOIL AT GREAT PRICES
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Finally, palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet and is in hundreds of everyday products – from lipstick to pizza. It grows in the same areas as tropical rainforests, and the uncontrolled clearing of land for plantations has led to widespread loss of irreplaceable habitats – home to many already endangered species. The good news is that palm oil can be produced in an environmentally responsible manner, so you don’t have to give up these products. Just make sure the packaging displays either the RSPO or Green Palm Sustainability labels – both mean the oil is from sustainable sources.
Want to treat yourself and do something good for the environment too? Try investing in the most fuel efficient car you can find. Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular and, as well as being more efficient, could reduce or eradicate your road tax – bonus! Alternatively, why not try to use MAKE A POSITIVE START! public transport more or ‘car share’ There are so many more resolutions you with friends or colleagues travelling in the could make – save water, make a compost same direction as you? pile, cut down fast food, volunteer for START THEM YOUNG a charity, donate By involving the whole family, items you don’t you can teach children from a need or use, and young age that being many more. Even environmentally friendly is a picking just one great thing to do. Children are thing that will help particularly impressionable – if the environment is they see you doing something a fantastic thing to good, they are likely to copy. do – just think of They also love positivity so if the impact if you praise them for turning a everyone else on light off or putting a piece of the planet did the card in a recyling bin, they will same! want to do it again.
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ATTENTION! For a limited time only...
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Page 39
WORD SEARCH N O I T I D A R T A P U P S U S I F T L W U E U
S K I K Y W W E N Y S G N A L D L U A S U V L L
Q K A C S S I K V S F K E C V W F T Q A A I M E
R M R L W W O I I E N F W O C B Q F D F G O M X
W X P O C M T I S J E R R G R O B E V B U X T C
N G I O W T H T D A W K A A P K Y G U X C F Y R
T E N R E E I S U N Y E I T B U F F E T G O H K
K D W F V V R L X U E Y D D D Q L I J V U S R X
L Q N Y I P H I O A A T G N I G N I S O S D U J
J O X T E B S X F R R R S F A O G Q Z I W N P J
C W I W Z A G X D Y S A L I Q B V Q L P T E E W
X E Z S M L R L W Z E P R J E K G A O Q G I U X
S I L D K L O S N I V J S Q N J W V I W Q R N D
M G S S P O P G D N E W Q T X I A V O K Q F A O
D E T O R O P P E A W G B Z G E T J J J D N E Q
Z J M H O N M T J D Y C A X N Q Z F B J C J N C
A S H O P S A R E S O L U T I O N I M I H H G O
V C I U R R J R Y U K C F Z Y Z H G N S F O A U
H I V Z B I W S N A I S H A L V Z G N T X E P R
C I G E Y O E T J S D W K I M Z C N U W F M M U
D L L G I H D S U Z O I Q R F I N R H R K A A C
E E J A T O Z M Q W A I L Y C X L J J O V I H J
C K I O W A A V G Q O A U O B P L Y H C J D C Q
M I D N I G H T M C X Y Y R H A U G I N I C O G
Christmas AULD LANG SYNE BALLOONS BUFFET CELEBRATE CHAMPAGNE CONFETTI COUNTDOWN DANCING FAMILY
FIREWORKS FRIENDS FESTIVITIES HOLIDAY JANUARY KISS MEMORIES MIDNIGHT MUSIC
NEW YEARS DAY NEW YEARS EVE PARTY RESOLUTION SINGING TOAST TRADITION
G
Home Removals G Packing Materials G Home Packing Service G Storage
Cheltenham Office: 01242 690594 Churchdown Office: 01452 731330 Mobile: 07967 032702 Freefone: 0800 6129391 email: garry@cdremovals.com
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 40
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Get ready for happy From Westlands Hyundai Gloucester
• New and Used Car Sales • Motability • MOT and Servicing • Collection and Delivery • Genuine Parts • Fully Trained Manufacturer Approved Techincians
Westlands Hyundai
117 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SW
01452 312332
www.hyundai.co.uk/dealer/westlands-gloucester
Find us on Facebook Pictures shown for illustration purposes only.
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Google Maps
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WORKTOPS LTD HW HATHERLEY Your local worktop specialist ■
Granite ■ Composite ■ Wood ■ Corian
■ Quartzstone ■ Laminate
Spe ci a list s i n wo rkt op u pg ra d e s si n c e 1992 Tel: 01242 680953 01452 290458 | 07970 190 965 Showroom viewings by appointment
www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk Hatherley Worktops Ltd | Malvern View Old Gloucester Road | Cheltenham | GL51 0TG
STEVE HOLLAND ELECTRICAL LIMITED
The power to light up your home Fully Qualified Fully Insured CRB Checked Design • Installation Maintenance • Repairs Inspection • Testing
t 01242 250058 e enquiries@shelimited.co.uk w shelimited.co.uk Unit B, Victoria House, Churchill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7EG
■ Worktop Refits ■ Door Replacements ■ Kitchen Upgrades ■ Full Kitchens ■ Electrical ■ Plumbing ■ Gas ■ Tiling ■ Stud Walls/Plastering
Page 42
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Furniture Factory Outlets
WINTER SALE NOW ON Come and visit our Showroom
www.ffogloss.co.uk Telephone: 01452 741880
Furniture Factory sits right next to the beautiful Saul Marina TE R
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
A38
ES GL OU C
WE ARE HERE
Whitminster
Frampton on Severn
LE
Y
J13
RS
Weekdays 9am-6pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 10am-4pm
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DU
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M5
ST RO UD
M5
Frampton-onSevern
10 minutes drive from Gloucester
Sand Field Mill
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Church Lane, Saul GL2 7LA
Furniture reupholstery also available - call for details
t i l es
wood
R russ
Suitable for Log Burners, Open Fires, Chimineas,Woodburning Stoves & BBQ’s, environmentally friendly with no spiders or creepie crawlies as with logs!
Professional Wall and Floor Tiling Service All aspects of tiling undertaken
KITCHENS ◆ BATHROOMS ◆ CONSERVATORIES
only
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For a reliable friendly service please call Russ on 01452 721717
per
10kg bag Collection Only
07914 307625
CleanSweep Chimney
Order a full pallet of briquettes (100 bags) Only £2.50 per bag! and get FREE DELIVERY to any address within 20 miles (by road) of GL2 8HT
MAISEMORE APIARIES OLD ROAD, MAISEMORE, GLOUCESTER. GL2 8HT
TEL: 01452 700289 FAX: 01452 700196 email: sales@bees-online.co.uk www.bees-online.co.uk
Stoves & Fireplaces Cheltenham
Specialists in woodburner installations and repairs ✔ Professional brush and vacuum ✔ No Mess ✔ Prompt, reliable service ✔ Fully insured For FREE advice or to book a clean, please call us 01452 790 253 or 07747 865 959
Treat your home to a New Boiler! ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Service your existing boiler for only £50+vat Central heating installations Worcester accredited installers Boiler repairs Fully qualified Gas Safe engineers Claim cashback Need to know more? Call now
Come and visit us for great ideas Gas & Electric Fires | Fireplaces, Hearths & Mantels Multi-fuel & Woodburning Stoves | Accessories | Installations Showroom at: 78-80 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NW
01242 241164
www.cheltenhamstoves.com
Page 44
£50+VAT
Future Heating Systems Ltd. Trading as
01452 768007 Call now for your FREE QUOTATION
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ADVERTISEMENT
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”
Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount
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of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Page 45
BOOKKEEPING CREDIT CONTROL PAYROLL & VAT We can also help with Business Start-ups Training & Software take five
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SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS Licenced Bookkeeping Services for Sole Traders including VAT/CIS. Competitive Rates and Free Initial Consultation. Telephone Nicola on
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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 46
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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood
Christmas was just the warm up You've got streamers in the cobwebs and the faint smell of Scotland’s finest lingering in the air. With the 2015 calendar in situ and boxes of “it’s the thought that counts” gifts taking up much needed space, what’s left to do? Treat yourself! Christmas was just the warm up and here’s some inspiration.
APPLE SMART WATCH This gadget is set for release in early 2015 and serves to complement the already formidable Apple tech arsenal. This game changer includes a laminated flexible retina display made and milled from a single sapphire, a zirconia rear plate comprising infra red and visible light LEDs to detect heart rate, inductive charging (wireless), a choice of six different straps and a side positioned watch dial named the ‘digital crown’ for control.
Eversure Accounts
Accountancy, Payroll & Bookkeeping Services
T: Lisa on 01242 251614 M: 07891879504
info@eversureaccounts.co.uk www.eversureaccounts.co.uk
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Designed to work in tandem with the iPhone, this watch acts as a smaller, easily accessible interface without the need to reach for your phone. This will prove popular with those investing in the new iPhone 6, measuring up at 5.44 x 2.64”. Like the built-in sat nav to your otherwise standard family car, this gadget isn’t entirely necessary, but it would certainly make life easier and is one cool bit of technology BUILD YOUR OWN SOLAR I certainly want my hands on! As yet, POWERED GADGET BOT no price has been confirmed but For kids, this month I turn to the ‘Build rumour stands at £225 plus. your own solar powered gadget bot’ range. These popular kits come in the form of six bots – including a car, a plane and a boat. A fun activity with a useable toy at the end, this range brings education and play together in an enjoyable and informative setting. Priced at £5-9 on average, general feedback looks positive – though some components are small and may frustrate those with less SELFIE STICK patience, so adult With phones and smart watches help may be comes social media. Giving the nod required. to online photo sharing we have the recent release of the ‘Selfie Stick’. Priced on average at £6-8 this extendable arm clenches the user’s mobile phone and allows the perfect selfie (a photo of one’s self) to be achieved. Popular with both genders, this is a must for any self-respecting selfie addict. But would you be seen with one?
Computer Services
r Transfe ➛ Data Phones rt a m ts/S ➛ Table rking Fixed labour repair fee £40 o tw ➛ Ne irs when you deliver and collect s/Repa e d a r g your computer. ➛ Up t uppor Remote support for only £15 iness S ➛ B us 25% discount on labour Design ➛ Web for anyone over 60
07961 818654 / 01452 550714
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To advertise call 01242 510500
1st Choice
Aerial & Satellites
Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs
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Tel: 01452 311511 Page 47
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DOWN 1 Rolls (in mud) 2 Viper 3 Clock faces 4 Moved (hips) 5 Hangs unlawfully 6 Bandits 12 Gorilla or chimpanzee 15 Liquor 16 Display case 17 Tiny waves 19 Unwell 20 Concentrated scent 22 Exclusive group 23 Ups & ...
The Dyson Doc Dyson vacuum cleaner repair, servicing & sales A local company serving the Gloucester & Cheltenham area
27
Save £££’s call us today on 28
01452 619019 or 07786 017373
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© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
HUCCLECOTE ACCOUNTING & TAXATION SERVICES Se lf Ass es s me n t ta x r e t u rn s So l et r ad er / pa r tn er s h ip ac c o u n t s Li m it ed Co m p an y ac c o u n t s an d ta x r e t u rn s Bo o k k eep i n g a n d v a t re tu r n s P a y r o ll a n d C IS a s si s ta n c e
ACCA
email: enquiries@thedysondoc.co.uk www.thedysondoc.co.uk
HATS Gl o u ces t er L t d T h e W h i te H o u s e 1 62 Hu ccl ec ot e R o ad H uc cle co t e Gl ou c es te r GL3 3 SH Te l: 01452 61119 9
Hucclecote Accounting and Taxation Services (HATS for short) offers a wholly individual approach to accountancy and taxation services. Our staff are patient, professional and friendly and they offer a taxation service that’s tailored to your needs. That means you get all the experience of the HATS team of Chartered and Chartered Certified Accountants; there’s always someone on hand to help. We offer a bespoke accounting service, based on your precise requirements; you can have as much or little help as you need.
Plain English Best of all, you get a ‘plain English’ approach to accountancy. No accountant’s shorthand; just plenty of common sense advice and assistance on all manner of accountancy services. Taxation really doesn’t have to be taxing!
Free initial consultation Even if you’re not sure what accountancy service you need, just contact us and take advantage of HATS’ free initial consultation. www.hatsgloucester.co.uk
Page 48
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inspiring projects ... inspiring people ... inspiring you ...
Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
What’s in a number? Converting your dreams to reality ... ● ●
Extensions ● Renovations ● Basement Conversions Barn Conversions ● Loft Conversions ● New Build
For a free quotation contact Ryan...
Unit 4 Space Business Centre Tewkesbury Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 9FL 01242 268114 07787 547405 r.farrell@farrdenn.co.uk farrdenn.co.uk
As we enter 2015, I’m told I’ve got a “big birthday” coming up this year. Like everyone before me, whose age ends in a zero, I shrug it off with comments about being as old as you feel or life beginning at my new number. It made me think about how much numbers affect our lives – sometimes in a completely meaningless way, but at other times fundamentally. Money is, of course, numbers with a currency sign in front of them. Some of the richest people in the country make fortunes by simply moving numbers around in the City of London. They’ll tell you there is a science and skill to it – but we don’t believe them, do we? It’s just playing with numbers.
Numbers come in all shapes and sizes Every story that emanates from government is about figures, be it the value of the deficit, rates of tax, levels of unemployment or the number of days until the general election. More of that to come this year of course. Numbers come in all shapes and sizes. Our trader friends in the City don’t recognize them unless they have at least six noughts attached. Politicians of different parties will give us completely differing figures to each other when they are reading the same number. I need some help with that one and I make my living dealing in figures. What chance do those with less numerate skills stand? Maybe the most important numbers to the British public every week are the small ones – from 1 to 49 in the shape of the National Lottery balls. These little numbers can change your life in an instant, as long as you can overcome the 1 in 14 million chance of finding the winners! I’m going to regard my number as a little one too, but I’m planning to enjoy my 2015. I hope you are too – Happy New Year!
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Page 49
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Coach House Fish Bar Priory Harvester So Thai The New Inn Tiger’s Eye
6 8 4 5 4 & 27
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Gloucester Rugby Shipton Golf Course Zumba with HayleyR EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bowden Hall Hallmark Hotel WWT Slimbridge
24 14 15 22 23 25
RETAIL Aquajardin Willowpitch Records
20 21
HEALTH & BEAUTY Bicko’s Bike Shack Cambridge Weight Plan Deano’s Mobile Barber NHS Let’s Talk Spa Vapes
14 19 15 16 33 & 50
PROPERTY & STORAGE House Moves Northwood
11 52
HOUSE CLEARANCE & REMOVALS Churchdown Removals
40
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Churchdown Private Hire John’s Private Hire
21 21
HOMES & GARDENS Bathrooms Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES BE Rudman Elite Loft Ladders FarrDenn Construction Home Care Property Maintenance Marshalls Driveways Roofing & Building Solutions Tiles R Russ Weather Tech CARPENTRY Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Clean Sweep Chimney Services Oven Busters The Oven and Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES GRP Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Furniture Factory Outlets
51 28 37 49 32 32 37 44 28 35 44 46 37 46 42 43
Gloucester Import Depot Interior Needs Just Fabrics Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets Stoves and Fireplaces The Dyson Doc GARDEN SERVICES Challenge Fencing Chosen Lawnmowers DW Tree Services Fire Wood Maisemore Apiaries Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds Twelve Oaks HEATING & PLUMBING Pete T Plumbing Pure Plumbing The Combi-Man KITCHENS Granite Transformations Hatherley Worktops PAINTING & DECORATING K.D.S Painting & Decorating TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows
32 34 12 37 28 44 48 33 28 32 32 44 31 33 31 44 42 44 2 42 35 47 38
C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows
29 36 45 30
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Saintbridge House COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Abbey Business Equipment Shiraz Badat EDUCATION & TRAINING The Old Station Nursery LEGAL & FINANCE Eversure Accounts HATS NJH Bookkeeping Take Five Solutions Yorkshire Bank MOTOR SERVICES Westlands Hyundai POLITICAL GROUPS UKIP Gloucester SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Grime Busters Stevens Recycling UTILITIES Utility Warehouse
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N O I T I D A R T A P U P S U S I F T L W U E U
E
B
H O E
E I
B
E I
E
I
A
P A
O T
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COMPETITION WINNERS
S K I K Y W W E N Y S G N A L D L U A S U V L L
Q K A C S S I K V S F K E C V W F T Q A A I M E
R M R L W W O I I E N F W O C B Q F D F G O M X
W X P O C M T I S J E R R G R O B E V B U X T C
N G I O W T H T D A W K A A P K Y G U X C F Y R
T E N R E E I S U N Y E I T B U F F E T G O H K
K D W F V V R L X U E Y D D D Q L I J V U S R X
L Q N Y I P H I O A A T G N I G N I S O S D U J
J O X T E B S X F R R R S F A O G Q Z I W N P J
C W I W Z A G X D Y S A L I Q B V Q L P T E E W
X E Z S M L R L W Z E P R J E K G A O Q G I U X
S I L D K L O S N I V J S Q N J W V I W Q R N D
M G S S P O P G D N E W Q T X I A V O K Q F A O
D E T O R O P P E A W G B Z G E T J J J D N E Q
Z J M H O N M T J D Y C A X N Q Z F B J C J N C
A S H O P S A R E S O L U T I O N I M I H H G O
V C I U R R J R Y U K C F Z Y Z H G N S F O A U
H I V Z B I W S N A I S H A L V Z G N T X E P R
C I G E Y O E T J S D W K I M Z C N U W F M M U
D L L G I H D S U Z O I Q R F I N R H R K A A C
E E J A T O Z M Q W A I L Y C X L J J O V I H J
C K I O W A A V G Q O A U O B P L Y H C J D C Q
M I D N I G H T M C X Y Y R H A U G I N I C O G
COMPETITION RULES
Thanks to all who took part in our December 2014 competitions and congratulations to the winners: Aquajardin – Wendy Spencer of Tewkesbury. Sniff and Slurp – Sarah Barnes of Churchdown and Trish Wilczak of Cirencester. Picture Perfect – Michelle Tocknell of Gloucester.
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.
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