The Local
Cotswolds
ANSWER
28,000 DELIVERED
YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
MARCH 2015
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS
DON’T FORGET TO SPOIL YOUR MUM ON SUNDAY 15th MARCH!
The Local
ANSWER Meet the Team ...
Advertising Leonie Euwin leonie@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Welcome to March ...
Malcolm Cantwell malc@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Amanda Saunders amanda@thelocalanswer.co.uk
James Butler james@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Andrew Dagnall andrew@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
Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Robert Kingscott rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS
01242 510500 thelocalanswer
@thelocalanswer
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There’s so much going on in March with Mother’s Day, the start of Easter celebrations and plenty of shows at various theatres around the county. Our What’s On guide has a full round up of this month’s events – from craft fayres to live music, and a giant duck hunt at Slimbridge! St Patrick’s Day falls on 17th March this year – have a look at our Holidays & Travel article for some inspiration on what to do in Dublin and find out how the Irish celebrate this popular day. Spring is in full swing, so spend a little time in the beautiful outdoors and get your garden looking wonderful – our ‘In the Garden’ article has some great tips on how to help your garden spring into life. Be sure to treat your Mum on Sunday 15th March – why not cook her this month’s Delicious Dish and make it a really special day.
Inside this month ... Food & Drink Delicious Dishes Picture Perfect Holidays & Travel Cocktail Time Style & Fashion Looking Good, Feeling Great Parenting & Guardianship What’s On Short Walks Wild Food Foraging Homes & Gardens Word Search In the Garden Interior Design Sudoku Gadgets & Gizmos Quick Crossword Save the Planet Index, Competitions, Solutions Competition on Page 6
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The Edgemoor Inn Freehouse & Restaurant
Late 19th century inn overlooking beau ful panoramic valley views
Tradi onal Cotswold pub offering locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables. Extensive range of home cooked meals served daily – lunch me and evening. Visit our website for full menu. Finest selec on of local real ales.
Mother’s Day Sunday 15th March Bookings now being taken
Treat your Mum to a wonderful dining experience – superb food served in our beau ful restaurant
Edge, Near Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6ND Tel: 01452 813576 www.edgemoor-inn.com
Page 4
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The Local Answer
Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Oven-baked fish with tomatoes, carrots and lime A wonderfully fresh meal with crunchy carrots, juicy tomatoes and a fiery kick from the chillies. If you’re not a fan of white fish, why not try this recipe with salmon or trout fillets? Ingredients (serves 2): 2 pieces skinless white fish, about 175g each; 2 small tomatoes, chopped; 4 spring onions, trimmed and cut on the diagonal; 1 red chilli, de-seeded and shredded; 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into julienne strips; juice of 1 lime; 2 dessert spoons dark soy sauce; a few sprigs of fresh coriander; vegetables of your choice to serve.
4 Steam vegetables of your choice to serve with the fish.
Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 230 degrees (fan 210/gas mark 8). Place each fish fillet on its own sheet of kitchen foil and put both on a large baking tray. 2 In a bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, spring onions, chilli and carrot, then pile half on top of each fish fillet. Drizzle half the lime juice and soy sauce over each one and wrap each fish fillet in the foil to make a parcel. 3 Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 15 minutes, or until opaque and cooked through. Serve scattered with the coriander and a slice of lime.
The Cotswolds Finest Traditional
FISH & CHIPS EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER: 12noon-2.30pm and 5.00-8.30pm SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
★★★★★ w w w. r u s s e l l s f i s h a n d c h i p s . c o . u k 2 0 a H I G H S T R E E T, B r o a d w a y W R 1 2 7 D T T E L : 0 1 3 8 6 8 5 8 4 3 5
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Page 5
Picture Perfect Marvellous Mothers
Thanks to all of you who sent in your wonderful pictures and stories to enter our ‘Marvellous Mothers’ competition. Congratulations to Frankie Hopkins of Cirencester who submitted the winning image (above) and story, and has won an overnight stay for two, a three course meal, a bottle of bubbly and breakfast courtesy of Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel for her marvellous mum! The story:
“ My mum is the most incredible person that I know. She isn’t just our mum now,
but our dad too after he passed away very suddenly in October 2013. She continues a daily battle day in day out to raise two teenagers with special needs, while also fighting her way through her battle with IBS and Chrones disease. She has the biggest heart out of anyone I have ever known. Not only did she adopt a son, but she has fought for the last 10 years to get him the support he so desperately needs. My Mum deserves this break away for a little bit of respite from the battle she has to go through on her own since her husbands passing. ”
Be sure to look out for our May competition in next month’s magazine. The theme is ‘Cutest Kid’ and the deadline will be Thursday 9th April – so get snapping now!
Holidays & Travel with TLA Travel Expert
Endless sightseeing opportunities in Dublin St Patrick’s Day is the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other. The day when everyone wants to be Irish and in every English speaking city in the world there’s a St Patrick’s Day festival with green beer, blarney and craic. But the most authentic way to celebrate is in the country’s capital – Dublin. Whether you fly from Bristol or take the ferry from Holyhead, Dublin is worthy of a visit at any time of the year. However, the city comes into its own over the four-day St Patrick’s Festival, which sees hundreds of thousands gather on the city’s streets and in venues throughout the centre to ‘honour’ the saint who drove the snakes out of Ireland. You’ll find street theatre, a fairground, music festival and the famous street parade on 17th
March to round out the festivities. The parade begins at midday and winds its way from Parnell Square heading down O’Connell Street, through College Green to an appropriate end at St Patrick’s Cathedral – the largest church in Ireland. It is certainly worth seeing and you can purchase grandstand tickets to make sure you get the best view. Getting around the city is easy with the recently introduced Leap Card, which works much like London’s Oyster card and can be purchased on arrival at the airport and used on the city’s buses and trains. It is very economical too, as the fares average around 15% cheaper than paying in cash and the money you save can be put towards shopping on Grafton Street or a cheeky pint of the black stuff in the lively Temple Bar!
St Patrick’s Day Festival
FREE
HOME PIC KUP
Temple Bar
Dublin is quite a compact city and you can get your bearings by travelling on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can get a great view of the skyline from the Guinness Brewery or take to the water and cruise the River Liffey. The sightseeing options are endless. The popular city offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller, from the historic Shelbourne Hotel – which is ideally located opposite St Stephen’s Green and has played host to many famous names – to quaint bed and breakfasts offering quirky Irish charm and everything in between. Make sure you book early to ensure you get the best flight and accommodation deals, as the city books up quickly over the festival period and you don’t want to miss out!
Book your 2015 holiday now
01793 821303 travel@barnescoaches.co.uk Woodside Road South Marston Park Swindon SN3 4AQ
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UK & European Coach Holidays
www.barnescoaches.co.uk
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Page 7
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
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Sex on the Beach This popular drink is sure to get you in the mood for organising your summer holiday and it would be rude not to have a few cheeky cocktails while you plan! The most well-known claim to the invention of Sex on the Beach dates back to the autumn of 1987 in Florida, USA. A new drink – peach schnapps – had just started to be distributed and, with thousands of tourists expected to visit for the spring holiday, the distributor created a contest to popularise the new beverage. The bar that sold the most peach schnapps would receive a bonus of $1000 and the bartender responsible for the highest sales would receive $100. Ted, a young bartender at Confetti’s Bar, mixed peach schnapps with vodka, orange juice and grenadine, and was soon asked what the cocktail was called. He immediately thought of the main reason why people came to Florida for their spring break – the beach and sex! “Sex on the Beach!” he replied. As the drink became more and more popular, thousands of students returned home and requested the cocktail at their local bar. The bartenders didn’t know how to make the drink, as they had never heard of it, so they asked around and this led to the multiple variations of the drink. Ingredients: Ice; 50ml vodka; 25ml peach schnapps; 50ml orange juice; 25ml grenadine. Method: 1 Add ice, vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass. 2 Top up with orange juice and drizzle grenadine to create a ‘sunset’ appearance.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml cranberry juice, 50ml grapefruit juice and 25ml peach nectar. Garnish with an orange slice. Page 8
https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk/ or call 0800 073 2200
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®
Be inspired by Packtypes You may not have heard of Packtypes® but tens of thousands of people are using it around the UK right now, including major retailers, the police, NHS, County Councils and over 2,000 schools. The exciting news is that it is now being launched to Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is a simple, yet very powerful and innovative tool, centred around a unique pack of cards, which might sound trivial, but is anything but that. The cards provide incredibly fast and detailed insight into how people behave and how to improve relationships with colleagues, management and customers, with friends, partners and family, and even with young children and teenagers.
Building self-esteem across the work force Whilst it is essentially personal equipment, organisations are also using Packtypes® to develop high performing teams and build self-esteem across the whole work force. Great performance relies on a confident, motivated staff and Packtypes® develops this fast. It has to be experienced to be fully understood and local Packtypes® licensed instructors are excited to be launching here in Gloucestershire. They are running the inspirational workshops in Cheltenham on 16th March and 10th April, and also in Swindon on 6th March and 2nd April.
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For just £60 you will be equipped with your own Packtypes® resources worth £25, learn how to use them on a fun but nonthreatening half-day workshop and receive complimentary use of the Hotel Spa facilities in which to relax and reflect. So who is it for? You as an individual, you and your friends, staff or leaders, teams and groups – the list is endless. Places are limited, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Visit www.eventbrite.com to book a place or phone Sara Raymond on 07882 375961 for more information. To find out more about Packtypes®, visit www.packtypes.com. Packtypes® is a Registered Trademark belonging to Friendly Publishing Ltd.
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Page 9
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
70s style is back with a bang During the months following Christmas we find ourselves in limbo. The sales are over and in their place the coming season’s collections. The cross over from Autumn/Winter (AW) to Spring/Summer (SS) is always a tricky one. During this transition you can slowly begin to add pieces of next season’s trends into your current wardrobe. The most prominent trend from the SS15 London Fashion Week is the 70s comeback. Designers were heavily influenced by the decade filled with psychedelic prints, flares and flowing silhouettes – think Mick Jagger and Keith Richards or leading lady Stevie Nicks for inspiration. Suede is also going to be very popular this season and the nostalgia will continue with 70s disco platforms, chunky rings and layers of vintage necklaces. Jewellery is not just for women either, as we are set to see a revival of the flamboyant male. Saint Laurent SS15 illustrates this look perfectly.
For more inspiration, why not visit the Thea Porter exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textiles Museum, which is running till May. She was the ultimate 70s bohemian chick specialising in fashion and interior design. Trainers have been around the fashion circuit for a while now, and last summer designers such as Dior and Chanel put their own flare into the sports footwear. Chanel stuck to the classic trainer look, but added tweed and holographic panels, whereas Dior made beautiful pumps, garnished in dainty sequin flowers, that sculpted to your foot like a glove. This season we’re playing it cool and keeping it fresh with plain white trainers. Celebrities such as Kate Moss and Rihanna have been sporting this trend and – teamed with a tailored suit or simple dress – they are versatile, smart and amongst the rush of the
21st century practical. An exciting collaboration has formed between Rihanna and Puma, as she recently took the role of creative director. We are currently in the midst of the AW15/16 Fashion week run in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Showcasing designers from around the world, these are prestigious platforms where the master puppeteers and trend setters of the fashion world delight us with what’s next. The highly anticipated Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition launches this month. Hosted by the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) it will display an incredible archive of his innovative work – a rare opportunity to see the genius’s creations first hand.
Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following areas: Erbington, Blockley, Quenington, Fairford, Lechlade, Kempsford, Stratton, Cirencester, South Cerney, Kemble, Avening, Tetbury & Willersey
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ANS WER YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
Cheltenham 43,000 DELIVERED MARCH 2015 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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.
For details call Debbie on 01242 541075 or email distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 10
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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
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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff
Fitting fitness into a busy schedule Whatever your goal, whether getting fitter, losing weight or packing on some muscle, it will involve a certain amount of preparation and training time. This part of the process can often be daunting. Having the time and energy left prior to or after work, before social events and over family time can be a struggle. However, following some simple steps can make fitting in your fitness training and preparation that little bit easier without offsetting your social life and vital time to relax.
your whole body and perform them backto-back for a timed duration or repetition range. Interval training involves performing a period of exercise of 20-60 seconds at a fast pace, then performing a slower period to recover, before repeating. This can be done on an exercise machine such as a rower, or simply running on the spot. These two forms of training can be completed in less than 20 minutes and – if done effectively at a high intensity – can increase your metabolism, burning fat for up to 12 hours after exercise!
DON’T OVER TRAIN
RECOVERY IS KEY
For most goals outside that of a professional athlete you don’t need to train anymore than 4 days a week (if that) to see results. Too much training puts excess stress on the body, and can lead to injury and lowering of immune function – alongside many other factors, both physical and psychological. A good training session should take between 30-60 minutes, no longer, as
this gives you time to work hard, stress the body to a good level and perform a good warm up and cool down. Exercising too frequently can lead to under-recovery, which puts undue stress upon the body and can actually lead to weight gain!
THE WORLD IS YOUR GYM All physical activity does not have to be confined to a gym. Performing exercise in your front room using your body weight, or using a local hillside to perform hill walks or runs can be extremely beneficial and easier to fit in with a busy schedule. Exercising outside can actually burn more calories due to your body using energy to keep you warm or keep cool, and with the added benefit of exposure to clean air and vitamin D!
Recovering after exercise, especially if performing the above exercise, is vital. Getting the right food and fluid in after exercise will help your body to repair and re-energise. Sleep and rest is important, as this allows your body to recover and adapt to the stresses of exercise, making you fitter and stronger for your next session!
INTERVAL AND CIRCUITS Using a form of circuit training can be very efficient if you are strapped for time. Choose 3-8 different exercises that work
TETBURY CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Just some of the symptoms that can be helped by treatment:
Acute low back pain Chronic low back pain Acute/subacute neck pain Call now for free consultation Chronic neck pain Tetbury Chiropractic Migraine Vicinity Health and Wellbeing Centre Acute whiplash-associated disorders DermaCo House Tennis elbow 2 Charlton Road Hip osteoarthritis (hip wear and tear) Tetbury Jwala Gurung Knee osteoarthritis Gloucestershire Doctor of Chiropractic, GL8 8 DY info@tetburychiropractic.co.uk Telephone 07469 187004 Mchiro, CCEP, LRCC. The Local Answer
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Page 11
Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
Get creative and adventurous! The clocks go forward on 29th March and the days begin to feel noticeably longer. We’re filled with a mysterious ‘energy’ that tempts us outside, gets us excited and promises that spring time is just around the corner. Of course, we have been slowly recovering sunlight since 21st December, but the spring equinox really gets our juices flowing. You may not know that we experience a state of equality on the equinox itself – a perfect balance of daylight and darkness before we tip into growing warmth and light, rushing toward the June solstice.
Getting away This time of year brings the promise of Easter as well as plans for holidays. Families looking to get away can access a wealth of holiday treats right on our doorstep – the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley, the numerous Cotswold villages
and, a little further afield, the rural expanses of South Wales. We are blessed with an infinite number of attractions for family day trips, and if camping is your thing, there are numerous high quality camp sites dotted about the local area. From Tewkesbury Abbey to the Forest of Dean we are spoiled for choice for places to stay and play. Camping is certainly a budget friendly way to get the whole family together and enjoy being outside. Take a football, a disposable barbecue and some waterproofs (just in case), load up on marshmallows and hot chocolate and you are good to go. Kids love the sense of adventure and, even if it is a bit of an effort, adults will enjoy the change of scenery. There’s nothing like the big blue sky to clear the mind and relieve stress.
COTSWOLD ARCHERY ●
Pottering in the garden Meanwhile, back at home, the garden will be crying out for some attention. Now is the time to get the lawnmower out and start planting those early potatoes. For small gardens use large pots to plant some early vegetables and watch the kids enjoy the thrill of growing their own food. Let them choose what they want to plant, as this may encourage them to try new foods. You can also plant some colourful bulbs ready to flower in the summer. I find these jobs with the promise of rewards very uplifting when the days are grey and the mood dips. Getting your hands dirty is a great way to remember what’s really important in life. So this month, why not get the whole family feeling creative and adventurous? You might just be surprised what you can do.
● Dedicated archery range set within the 65 acres of arboretum woodland One or two hour lessons available. Tailor your archery experience requirements or lesson ● Minimum age of 5, all abilities and experience. All equipment and tuition supplied ● Groups of up to 12 catered for – any events such as birthdays or treats for the family – Archery is a true Olympic sport for all the family –
Neil Holt at Cotswold Archery Office - 01993 835202 Mobile - 07949 128494 Batsford Arboretum, Moreton in Marsh GL56 9AD www.cotswoldarchery.co.uk The Local Answer
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Page 13
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. 1 MARCH WEDDING FAYRE Come along to our wedding fayre to gather ideas for your big day. With 40+ local exhibitors, a free goody bag and a fabulous fashion show. 11am-3pm. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. 2-7 MARCH TWELVE ANGRY MEN A jury has murder on their minds and a life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father. But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a huge dilemma as prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £18. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 6 MARCH VICTORIA KLEWIN & THE TRUE TONES Bridging the gap between old and new with effortless sophistication and style. A heavy blend of vocally-driven blues, jazz and soul with both sparkling originals and restyled standards. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 10-14 MARCH A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE When Eddie and his wife welcome two cousins into their home, Marco and Rodolpho, recently arrived from Sicily, the balance of Eddie’s family relationships is dangerously rocked. As the young men seek work, wealth and security they find themselves in a threatening country shimmering with the mirage known as The American Dream. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 13 MARCH KING SOLOMON Bringing their captivating new sound to Café René, King Solomon stay true to Reggae tradition, while bringing together a unique blend of Blues, Jazz and Punk. A night not to miss. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340.
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12 MARCH BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS India is surging with global ambition. But beyond the luxury hotels surrounding Mumbai Airport lies a makeshift slum, full of people with plans of their own. David Hare has fashioned a tumultuous play on an epic scale adapted from Katherine Boo’s uncompromising novel. 7pm. £16 (£14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 15 MARCH DANCEWORKS 2015 3pm. £10 (£8). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 233338. info@danceworksstudios.co.uk. 17 MARCH DOT TO DOT DRAMA: PUSS IN BOOTS A Cheltenham Schools Drama Festival Production. 4.45pm. £10 (£5). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. CRAFT AND SHOPPING FAYRE
Come along and find a Mother’s Day present or just spoil yourself! 12-4pm. The Little Thatch, 141 Bristol Road, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 4PQ. 17-21 MARCH THE ABSENCE OF WAR It's now or never for George Jones. The charismatic leader of the Labour Party needs to get out of opposition and into Number Ten. Plagued by a hostile media, beset by divisions in his party and haunted by his own demons, George has three weeks to convince the Great British Public that he's their man. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 20 MARCH CAPTAIN ACCIDENT AND THE DISASTERS Bringing a fresh Reggae SKA sound jammed with some super sweet vocal
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harmonies spread over the top of laid back bass riffs and reverb-drenched guitars. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 21 MARCH VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR GLOUCESTER An abundance of traders selling all things vintage, handmade, antique and collectable as well as live vintage-inspired entertainment, BBQ, vintage tearoom, vintage beauty salon, classic cars and more at all dates. 11am-5pm. Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2HN. Entry £1, children free. Further dates – 20th June, 26th September and 5th December. 07738 115572. info@helsbellesboutique.co.uk. !AUDACIOUS Come and celebrate Jesus with us! 7.30pm. Tickets £15 in advance (£17 on the door). At GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester GL1 1DT. Box Office: www.valiant.vision 22 MARCH SLEEPING BEAUTY
Set to Tchaikovsky’s traditional score, with stunning Petipa choreography, Sleeping Beauty portrays the struggle between good and evil. The wicked fairy Carabosse lays a curse on the young princess and the entire palace falls into a deep sleep. A century later, Prince Florimund awakens the sleeping princess with a kiss. Vienna Festival Ballet’s timeless tale of love is sure to enchant and enthral ballet enthusiasts of all ages. 5pm. £18.50 (£17.50) child £13. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
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Heaps of happiness this Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is celebrated throughout the country on the 15th March and what better way to say thank you than to enjoy all that Spring has to offer at Prinknash Bird & Deer Park. With the Daffodils budding, the birds in full colour, Rosie the baby fallow deer taking her first steps into the world of the grown ups, and a stunning new Visitor Centre to enjoy, it really is the moment to participate in our “Mums get in FREE” offer for one day only. Not only is the Bird Park offering a Mother’s Day Special, but we now start our children’s parties such as the Mad Hatters Party in April and – of course –the famous Gypsy Caravan is ready to host children’s parties. So don’t miss out on the fun, and for more information visit our site to purchase your “Mum gets in FREE” ticket at 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 23 MARCH MAXINE PEAKE AS HAMLET From its sell-out run at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre comes this unique and critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s tragic Hamlet. The play explodes with big ideas and is the ultimate story of loyalty, love, betrayal, murder and madness. Hamlet’s father is dead and Denmark has crowned a new king. Consumed by grief, Hamlet struggles to exact revenge, with devastating consequences. 7pm. £16 (£14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 24-28 MARCH KING LEAR The story of a family at war with itself. Lear, an ageing and deeply flawed individual, wrecks his relationship with his three daughters and in doing so, loses all he has. What is there left? 7.45pm (2pm matinee Thursday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 25 MARCH BIG JOE BONE A mix of Delta Blues, Bluegrass, Oldtime, Gospel and Hillbilly music utilizing his raspy vocals, hard driving harmonica rhythms, sublime bottleneck slide guitar playing and lightning finger-picking skills
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on 5 string banjos! 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 27 MARCH THE JP’S A dynamic group who aim to please, playing a wide variety of popular tunes you wouldn’t usually expect to hear in a blues/rock/soul setting. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 28 MARCH – 12 APRIL THE GIANT DUCK HUNT
31 MARCH FILM: THE LEGO MOVIE Emmet, an ordinary, rule-following, perfectly average Lego mini-figure is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant. Easter activities from 1pm. Film starts at 2pm. £7 (to include an Easter treat). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. FILM: BELLE
A group of giant ducks will be landing at Slimbridge this Easter holidays – can your family spot them all? Pick up an activity sheet on arrival then set off on a fun hunt, which will take you all round the grounds. Spot them all and receive a yummy treat on your return. 9.30am everyday. Price included in admission. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate, mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
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Page 15
Short Walks in the Cotswolds Meml PW
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Sheppey Manor Corner Farm STANWAY Chestnut Stables Chestnut Corner Farm
Stanton Road Farm
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2 63 B4 Berry Wormington Cottage Berry Wormington
A
Moderate – one long climb, some mud.
1 Stanton owes much of its restoration to the architect, Sir Philip Stott, who bought the estate in 1906. He spent 30 years restoring the village and, after his death, the council continued in the same manner by constructing houses in the traditional style. The houses were constructed between the late 16th and mid 17th centuries, some having their dates carved into the lintels – 1604, 1615, 1618. They display all the classic features of the Cotswold style with their drip moulds, stone mullions, and dormer windows. The church is 12th to 15th century and has strong links with John Wesley, the 18th century cleric who preached regularly from Stanton and the surrounding area. Inside there is a rare 14th century wooden pulpit, and the pew ends bear gouge marks made by the ropes attached to the sheepdogs that accompanied shepherds to church. A Use the car park next to the cricket pitch in Stanton. Turn right out of the car park and, at the junction, turn left and walk as far as the fork near Pear Tree Cottage and the Stott Lantern. B Turn right and follow the ‘Cotswold Way’ sign to Shenberrow Hill. Continue on the track and turn right just before a gate down to a stile. Cross this and continue to the next stile. C Bear right to a stile. Cross this and continue uphill to a stile in the wall on the left. Cross over and head half-right. Follow the waymarks and continue uphill to a gate beside the farm. 2 The hill fort at Shenberrow lies at over 900ft (275m) and commands a good view over the vale. It was built during the Iron Age some time between 700–150BC although, being of bivallate (double ramparts) structure, it probably dates from the later end of the period. It originally covered about 3 acres (1.25ha), and is one of many hill forts located on the edge of the escarpment. Page 16
Quarry
Long
4¾ miles (7.5km) ~ 2½ hours
Wedgewood Cottages Stanton Court Pavilion Oak Piece
Lodge
RD
Stanton & Stanway
D
Shenberrow Hill
Stanway Grounds
The Sling The Slinget Thompson’s Hill
Shenberrow
White’s Brake
Stanton Hill Wood Camp Hollow
Rayer’s Brake
Gallon Wood
Thorn Coppice Holder’s Roughs
4
Cricket Ground Pavilion Tithe Barn
G
PW
Cockpit
3
Stanway House
Stanway
PO
Stepping
Elm Coppice
F
Shenberrow Buildings
E
Barn Wood
Lidcombe Hill
Whiteway Wood
Parks Farm
Quarry
Rough Bank Pyramid
2
Lidcombe Wood
Papermill Farm
S Quarry
Longpark Wood
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010 Oldhill
D Continue ahead to a signpost on the right and turn right, passing through the farm to a gate. Turn right to pass in front of the farm. Continue along the right-hand edge of the field, straight on at the first gate and, at the next gate, bear half-left to a stile. E Turn left and enter the wood ahead. At the junction with the track, turn right and follow the bridleway back into the wood following the marker posts down to the road. F Turn right and continue along the main road to a stile on the right marked ‘Cotswold Way’. Follow the path to the road and turn right past Stanway House to a gate on the right. Stanway House
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3 Stanway House is a fine Jacobean building built by Sir Paul Tracy early in the 17th century. Extensive modifications made in the 19th and 20th centuries were removed in 1948, and much of the present building is original. Surrounding the house are one of England’s finest water gardens, created in the 1720s and since restored. As well as ponds and a formal canal there is the striking 300ft (91m) high single-jet fountain – the tallest in Britain – which was added in 2004. Past occupants of the house include Dr Thomas Dover. He was known for his mercury-based medicines but is chiefly remembered as the rescuer of Alexander Selkirk – with the literary identity of Robinson Crusoe – from the island of Juan Fernandez in 1708. 4 This rather unusual, thatched, cricket pavilion was given to the village by J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan and visitor to Stanway House in the 1920s. G Go through two gates and follow the waymarks through the parkland and the fields to a gate before the buildings. Turn left to the road and then turn right. At the junction turn left back to the car. The Local Answer
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Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Refreshing and revitalising Assuming the weather has worked out what it’s supposed to be doing at this time of year, everything should be starting to look a lot more alive after winter and the first two weeks of March is the perfect time to find fresh sap coursing through the capillaries of Birch trees. With a little consideration you can harvest this sweet, clear nectar for yourself. All you need is string, a pocket knife and a plastic drinks bottle. This method might sound brutal, but I assure you it will cause less harm to the tree than a blood test at your local doctors. At least the tree can’t see the size of the needle! That being said, it’s important to familiarise yourself with UK knife legislation found at gov.uk. Otherwise, you’ll have a job explaining yourself to PC Perturbed if he or she catches you poking at living things with anything bigger than a pocket knife. 1 Place the tip of your blade against the trunk of a Birch tree, three or four feet from ground level. At a steep upward angle, carefully push on the knife so that the blade goes in by a few centimetres. Clear liquid should dribble out within a few seconds. If there isn't any, come back and try again a different day – this tree hasn’t woken up yet! 2 Once the sap is running, whittle the end of a small stick to a flat point and insert it into the hole you just made. The sap should run down the stick and drip off the end like a tap. All you need to do now is tie your plastic bottle onto the tree just below the tap to catch the sap. 3 Leave it for a short while to collect. This is a perfect opportunity to take the dog for a walk – that’s code for a swift pint at the pub in my household! By the time you return to the tree you should have a refreshing drink full of goodness with which to revitalise yourself. Birch sap has the colour and consistency of water and is slightly sweet. It is perfectly safe to drink straight out of the bottle or, if you’re feeling brave, you can naturally ferment it. It doesn’t have a very long shelf life, so it only keeps for two to three days after tapping (even if refrigerated). To keep the tree healthy, don’t take more than one litre and always make sure you remove your tap and firmly press the flap of bark closed when you’re finished. The tree will take care of the rest. Sappy days! (Sorry.) 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.
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EXHIBITORS LINE UP TO ATTEND THE C
A fantastic initiative for the county The Local Answer is proud to support the Gloucestershire Business Show (GBS) – one of the county’s biggest ever Business to Business events, which we believe is a fantastic initiative. Over 100 local businesses and organisations have signed up to be part of Gloucestershire’s biggest business show, which promises to be a fantastic event for exhibitors and visitors alike. Organisers of the show, which takes place at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse on 13th and 14th May 2015, are expecting in excess of 3,000 visitors over the two days. The celebration of Gloucestershire business will provide a diverse programme of inspirational talks, panel discussions, debates and workshops across seven stages. Centred on 11 themes developed in partnership with local businesses, nearly 70 talks and seminars have been agreed, with new speakers and events being added every week. A unique Entrepreneurs’ Bazaar is another feature of the show, where enterprising individuals and start-up companies can share information about their services and
“The show will create excellent opportunities for businesses to network. With such a diverse business community, this event is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to showcase all that the County has to offer.” Barbara Stopher – Institute of Directors products. Delegates will also be able to chew over topical subjects at business breakfasts and have the opportunity to sign up to a charity Gala Dinner in aid of GBS’s 2015 Charity Partner – County Community Projects (CCP) – on the evening of 13th May. Alongside the programme of events, Business Forums will bring together partners, exhibitors and sponsors whose products and services focus on Low Carbon Gloucestershire, Sport Gloucestershire, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Spaces around the venue are reserved for Gloucestershire businesses to exhibit their services and products. Cotteswold Dairies, Cloud Tamers, Willans Solicitors, Robert Hitchen Homes, The Growth Hub, Business West and the National Star College are just some of those who have already signed up. Cheltenham-based Business Kitchen is one of the event’s sponsors and willl be running The Laptop Kitchen at the show as well as holding seminars, workshops and one-toone consultations. Co-founder of the Business Kitchen Nigel Knowlman said: “As a showcase for county businesses we naturally want to show our support and make sure that the first event is a great success. We are delighted to be involved and have the opportunity to present how the Business Kitchen can support small and medium-sized
“This is a county full of great ideas, entrepreneurship and first class businesses of all sizes and we hope the show will help to highlight and promote all that is good about the lively business scene in Gloucestershire.” Mark Owen – Federation of Small Businesses businesses through its unique monthly workshops that help business owners develop the skills they need to run a successful company.” Organisers Pete Allison and Antonia Coles from County Business Shows are delighted with the response to date. GBS Director Antonia Coles said: “We are the first to host such a large scale event for Gloucestershire, tailored for the county’s business community. From the large corporate enterprises to not-for-profit organisations and small startups, there will be something of interest for everyone who would like to benefit their business through collaboration, innovation, learning, dialogue and promotion.” Co-Director Pete Allison added: “We are delighted to have so many organisations signed up to exhibit and deliver sessions at the event. To have the support of the county’s local authorities and professional organisations such as Business West, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Institute of Directors and the Association of Gloucestershire Chambers and Business Groups is also fantastic.
There’s still time to get involved “We are still able to offer opportunities for businesses to become involved by exhibiting or providing sponsorship before we finalise our programme, so we invite anyone who wants to find out more to check out our website and look at the engagement events taking place across the county over the coming months.” Businesses and organisations that would like to find out about sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting can get in touch by emailing hello@business-shows.co.uk or visiting www.gloucestershire-business-shows.co.uk. Prices start from £120 per day for start-up businesses to take a stand in the Entrepreneurs’ Bazaar (excluding VAT) and tickets to the show cost £20 including VAT and booking fee for entry to both days’ events.
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SHOW Dave Kingscott – The Local Answer
COUNTYʼS BIGGEST BUSINESS SHOW DELEGATE REGISTRATION OPENS 2nd March 2015
Nearly 150 spaces taken up by Gloucestershire businesses exhibiting their services and products, and there will be zones for learning, networking and advice including:
Includes entry on both days plus many of the seminars and workshops. Visit website for details
• Learning and Development Hub • Entrepreneurs Bazaar The Gloucestershire Business Show • Innovation Hub is proud to support • Business Lounge • Technology Lounge • Laptop Kitchen • Mentor Desk • Legal and Finance Drop-In Zone Pete Allison has been providing event and production support for a wide range of events for two decades. Working across Arts, Corporate, Sport and Motorsport events and delivering technical production, site management, strategic planning and whole event solutions, he has been involved in significant events and festivals in Gloucestershire and beyond. Antonia Coles has been in the events industry for over 15 years and has run her own business for the past five. She enjoys the creative and front end of events, having delivered many successful theatre performances, charity events, corporate team building, themed dinners and wedding events.
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Gardens are springing into life March can be a tricky month – some race weeks are warm enough for short sleeves and sitting outside, but on the other hand there have been Gold Cup days where there has been snow fall! Either way Cheltenham will be looking at its best with all the daffodils nodding their heads on the verges and roundabouts, and in your gardens the bulbs will be nosing their way through the ground – crocus, scillas, daffodils and many others. The garden is springing into life once more. If you forgot to plant more bulbs in the autumn you can always pop in some pots from the garden centre. I tend to keep them in their pots, burying them in the soil. Then,
when they have flowered, take them out of the pots and plant them properly at the right depth (twice to three times the height of the bulb) with a little bonemeal, as they tend to be planted very shallowly in their pots. Now is also the time to hard prune the stems of willows and dogwoods that have been wonderful and bright during the winter with their fiery reds and yellows. Species grown for their colourful stems include Cornus alba, C. sanguinea and C. sericea (all dogwoods), and the willows (salix) include Salix alba and S. irrorata. Cut back to two to three buds from the base of the shrub. This very old technique is called ‘coppicing’ or ‘stooling’ and will provide lots of fresh new shoots and colour for the next winter. This can be done every year, or every two years depending on how you want the shrub to grow. Winter flowering heathers look better for an annual pruning to keep the plants
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compact and bushy. Books recommend using secateurs, but if there is a large area of heathers it is easier to use shears. Don’t cut into the old wood but just prune off nearly all of the previous seasons growth. If you haven’t grown vegetables before, start small. Things for beginners to grow would be runner beans, courgettes, cherry tomatoes, and cut and come again lettuces. Either order your seeds online or buy in garden centres.
Share a packet with friends – especially courgette and tomato seeds – as you don’t need to plant many. Two courgette plants will probably suffice, 6-8 runner beans and sow the lettuce in very short rows every couple of weeks so they don’t all come at once. Follow the instructions on the packets and fingers crossed you could be tucking into your home grown veg in a few weeks! Reg: 09064563
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Interior Design with Vicky Walker
It’s time for a spring clean! With spring approaching it has always been tradition to give our home a ‘spring clean’ – not everyone’s favourite job, but there are some tips to help you along the way. You may also be thinking of putting your house on the market – a house which is in clean, tidy, decorative order won’t be on the market long and it doesn’t take a lot to create this.
1. PLANNING Make a list of all the cleaning products you will need and go off and purchase them all – so no excuses! Write down a plan to help you prioritise and stay on task, tick off as you do. Start with your least favourite rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, which will most probably take the longest to do. Gather all your products in a bucket, as this makes it easier to carry from room to room.
2. CLEANING Generally carpets are vacuumed at least once a week, but once a year I would recommend hiring in a company that will steam clean them – or you can hire a machine yourself if you want to keep the cost down. Curtains can be dry cleaned but again these can be steam cleaned in situ.
3. KERB APPEAL This is the first thing people see before they even enter your house. Ensure the front is weed free and there is no rubbish lying around, and tidy up and re-plant any pots that are looking a little tired. If you don’t have a shed, purchase a storage box to hold any garden furniture and equipment or bikes. A clean front door is most welcoming and it doesn’t take long to give it a lick of paint. Letterboxes and door knockers can easily be cleaned or – if past their best – you can replace them yourself, which isn’t difficult and they can be purchased at a reasonable price from any DIY store. If you are selling your home, it is very important to remember ‘Kerb Appeal’.
wellingtons in the summer? Baskets stored under a narrow console table with pretty covers can hide a multitude of things, and a mirror placed above will also add light into the hall.
5. CREATING A DIFFERENT MOOD For easy makeovers, you can make a fast, easy change with bedding – you can’t go wrong with crisp white bed linen, as it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the decor. Bathrooms filled with a scented candle and clean fluffy towels all add to that ‘hotel’ feel. Switching furniture around can change the look of a room – but remember to measure your space first, as you don’t want to waste time moving it only to find it doesn’t fit. You really don’t have to spend a lot to create a different mood or look to your home, and if you’re stuck for ideas, have a look at interior magazines for inspiration.
4. ENTRANCE HALL After stepping through the front door, the hall will give a feel to what the rest of your home is like – a tidy entrance hall gives a great first impression. Remove any unnecessary coats and shoes – who needs
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A complete cleaning service Regency Cleaners is a professional cleaning company that has been serving the Gloucestershire and Cotswolds areas for three years. From removing stubborn stains from carpets and cleaning your oven to helping keep on top of chores, the company are always delighted to help. They use the latest trusted cleaning products that are safe and effective to ensure your home or commercial premises are left Cleaners have the skills and sparkling. dedication to get the job done. Owner Mark McClymont stresses the importance of attention to detail and perfection in all the work his team undertakes. He says: “Cleaning has to be done to showroom standards. We are a high level bespoke cleaning company and we always aim to exceed customer expectations”. Regency Cleaners specialises in the cleaning of commercial buildings, office buildings, schools, and cleanups after special events, and can also assist with builders’ cleans following extensive or minor renovations. Having worked in such organisations as Cheltenham College, Scott Fraser and Hamptons International, they recognise that a thorough job is essential, as clients and visitors need to have a great lasting impression of the premises so they are more likely to recommend you to others and visit again. Whether you need your offices cleaned regularly or simply need help clearing up after a corporate or public event, Regency
Trusted Traders, which is a scheme that puts organisations through a rigorous assessment process and recognises those who successfully pass as reputable traders. The company operates in accordance with the latest UK safety regulations and each technician is insured and CRB checked. Furthermore, if you are not completely satisfied with the outcome of Regency Cleaners’ work, there is a 100% money back Endorsed by Which? guarantee. To arrange professional carpet Trusted Traders cleaning, domestic cleaning or The cleaning technicians Mark commerial cleaning call Mark at employs have years of practical Regency Cleaners on 01242 830848. experience as well as specialist training, and the company uses only the most effective cleaning equipment and solutions to ensure each area is cleaned to perfection. Their website even has tips and tricks including how to remove stains, how to prolong the life of your flooring, the importance of cleaning carpets and many more. Regency Cleaners is also endorsed by Which?
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Page 28
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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”
Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount
To advertise call 01242 510500
of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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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
Contact us via email info@aubreyhoward.co.uk or call on 01242 269287 or 07758 334480 www.aubreyhoward.co.uk
Em
ALL QUOTATIONS COME WITHOUT OBLIGATION!
er
46 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2AQ
Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood
Catch out the office thief! SCHWINN CYCLENAV With cycling growing in popularity it comes as no surprise that attention is turning to the two wheeled enthusiast in the tech world. Unveiled in 2014 in the USA, the Schwinn CycleNav is one of the first attempts by a known brand to tap into the lucrative satellite navigation corner of the cycling world. Priced at $60 on average, it is expected for release around the world early 2015 and worth watching out for. The CycleNav comes as a mountable plastic unit and attaches to the handlebars. Using Bluetooth connectivity, it communicates with your mobile phone via the Cycle Map app and plots your chosen route. Then, using three green LED arrows facing the rider on top of the device, you’ll be directed through flashing indications and voice command as you ride. The app will also calculate projected calorie burn, estimated time of arrival and more. If you miss a direction, simply hit the repeat button. With an internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to ten Welding & Fabrication www.metalweld.co.uk Mobile Welding Plant Repairs General Fabrication of Gates & Fencing ● Stairways ● Barriers ● Handrails ● Marine/Boat Repairs ● Commercial Vehicles ANYTHING THAT NEEDS WELDING!
two hours recording battery life, 30FPS, 32GB micro SD card and 1280x960 resolution, this is a great buy at £25-28 on average.
LEGO CHIMA LAVAL TORCH
hours, compatibility with android and Apple technology and with waterproof resistance, this could well be for you. There is suggestion the device lacks aesthetic appeal and quality finish, but this is only suggestion while we wait for UK release and price confirmation.
FROM NAVIGATION TO INVESTIGATION Missing something? Has somebody at work been pinching the M&M’s from your desk drawer? You should consider the Desk Clock Spy Camera! Disguised as a basic desk top clock, bung this among the junk and use the built in HD motion activated camera to record. With
For kids this month try the Lego Chima Laval Torch night light. With a price range of £12-£30 it really does seem to differ on cost so have a look around for the best deal. This night light features a chest plate that, once pressed, illuminates the feet of Laval (prince of the Lion Tribe). Detachable from the base for torch-only function and with a 30 minute shut off timer, this could be the answer to a good night’s sleep for your Lego loving young ones, and you – a price worth paying! UPDATE: Apple have now confirmed a release date of April 2015 for the Apple Smart Watch.
WEATHERTECH
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Residential & Commercial Roofing
Est for 25 years
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0845 474 5082 07827 818808
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LOCAL ROOFER
ALEXANDER BURN 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
To advertise call 01242 510500
find us on:
New Roofs ● Pro GRP Call for FREE Fibreglass Flat Roofs quotation ● Roof Repairs ● Fascias, Soffits & Gutters ● Painting & Decorating ● Repointing ● Gutter Cleaning ● Flat Roofs ● Roof & Driveway cleaning and sealing
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24 hr Callout
01452 899903 07503 858963
22 Wilson Drive, Cheltenham GL51 0GY
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Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 Suspect’s excuse 7 Flight industry 8 Skewered dish 10 Sleepy feeling 12 Ocean voyager 14 Wheedle 16 Actor, ... Sharif 17 Calmly 20 Counterfeit 23 Song of the Swiss 24 Sketching carbon 25 Bequeath
DOWN 1 Lower leg joints 2 Necklace component 3 Affirm 4 Paved terrace 5 Missile’s strength 6 For men or women 9 Snap 11 Twin-hulled boat 13 Supplement, ... out 15 Wet (weather) 16 Place of business 18 Daffodil hue 19 Authoritative command 21 Lend to 22 Urban community
THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SHOW
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE 13th-14th MAY 2015
DELEGATE REGISTRATION OPENS 2nd MARCH 2015
© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
Includes entry on both days plus many of the seminars and workshops. For details visit ... www.gloucestershire-business-shows.co.uk
Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB
www.abbeybusinessequipment.com
The Abbey Business Lounge at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium sponsored by Gloucestershire’s leading business solutions provider
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Save the Planet
with Mark Stead of Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership
“If it’s not dirty, wash at 30” Lots of us are now starting to think about the impact of our electricity use on the environment – not to mention the cost! In 2013, supplying energy to UK homes and businesses resulted in 190 million tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere. The good news is that this is beginning to decline due to our switch to renewable forms of energy, and we can all take a few small steps to improve the situation further. How many of us fill the kettle right to the top every time we make a hot drink? Something as simple as only filling the kettle with the amount of water you need will save a considerable amount of energy over the course of a year. There are lots of other things you can do to save energy in the kitchen. The most common setting on washing machines heats the water to 40°C. However, this temperature is not really necessary except for stubborn stains – remember “if it’s not dirty, wash at 30”. It’s also worth waiting until you have a full load, and the same applies to dishwashers and tumble driers. In fact, this spring and summer try to dry your clothes outside and avoid using tumble driers altogether unless you have to. Turning appliances off at the switch rather than leaving them on standby is an easy but under-used trick. Figures show that 8% of the total electricity used in our homes comes from appliances left
on standby – the equivalent of around two power stations’ worth of electricity each year, which adds up to £740m a year of wasted electricity, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST). Wasted energy from appliances left on standby is also responsible for 4 million tonnes of excess carbon dioxide each year. Lots of us also charge our mobile phones and other devices overnight. Did you know these continue to use energy even once fully charged? You can save energy by unplugging them as soon as they are charged. Of course, one of the biggest changes you can make is to consider energy consumption when buying new
STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips
NOW SUPPLYING
TOP SOIL AT GREAT PRICES
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appliances. All appliances now have to display an EU energy label. However, it’s easy to be misled. For example, since July 2012 all new models of fridges and freezers need to achieve at least an A+ rating, meaning that A+ is the minimum standard rather than being among the best. The rating for TVs is also dependant on their size – a B-rated 24” TV might actually use less energy than an A-rated 32” TV. Finally, it’s worth thinking about your lighting. It is a common myth that it takes more energy to turn a light off and back on again. In fact, it makes sense to turn the light off even if you are only leaving the room for a short period of time. At this time of year, I also find myself turning the lights on in the morning when it is dark and forgetting to turn them off when it brightens up later in the day. Try to remember to turn lights off when there is plenty of natural daylight. As you can see, there are lots of simple steps that all of us can take to save energy. It needn’t take a huge effort and remember – it will save you money as well.
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* Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
*DISCOUNT CANNOT BE APPLIED RETROSPECTIVELY. OFFER RUNS UNTIL 31/03/2015
01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Russells Fish & Chips The Edgemoor Inn
PROPERTY & STORAGE 5 4
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Cotswold Archery Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Glos Business Show Prinknash Bird Park Valiant Events
13 17 18-19 15 17
HEALTH & BEAUTY NHS Let’s Talk Tetbury Chiropractic Clinic
8 11
RETAIL Aquajardin MillAquia Leisure
9 23
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Barnes Coaches
7
Newcombe Residential
8
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES Aubrey Howard BE Rudman FarrDenn Construction Marshalls Driveways R. Richards & Son Weather Tech CARPENTRY Three Piece Joinery CLEANING SERVICES Regency Cleaners FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Bella’s Interiors Shutter Frontier HEATING & PLUMBING Pete T Plumbing
35 30 20 28 23 26 31 26 27 25 25 26
KITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen & Bathrooms 24 Granite Transformations 2 20 Hatherley Worktops WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows 36 21 C&L Windows Cloudy 2 Clear 29 Dave & Dave Window Cleaning 22
COMPETITION WINNERS Thanks to all who took part in our February 2015 competition and congratulations to the winner: Picture Perfect – Frankie Hopkins of Cirencester.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Richmond Painswick Samaritans Glos COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Abbey Business Group FUNERAL SERVICES Alexander Burn SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling WELDING SERVICES Metalweld
12 4 34 32 31
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ANSWER
G re at ex po s u re f o r y o u r b u s i n e ss!
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O T M D T G I P R W V Q H J L H H X H C Z N T Z
Y T F D A R V E O W I H U A V S P V H Z I S L M
V W L U P N D C N D T Z N A L F Y D M K E A A D
K X U U S I C T C B C R C Y O G T F D N L Q L T
N K H U S L O E F X E T V V V A O Z O Q L R R O
S J A N T W U I R T T H U P E R I H L F I H C L
T N O Z C O Z F A N O R Q T G S H W Q R F M K O
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G U R Q K F E T V G A G O S P M M Y C X N N X T
F O S O L U F I T U A E B H K E S N L R H Q T L
Z N E U F L X U P H R E R K T M U A L B H D A A
H H S F T M K I C A R I N G B R Z D M W I G I U
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COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof
of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Friday 13th March 2015
Always there if you need us
E GLOUCESTERSHIR Page 34
08457 909090 jo@samaritans.org
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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?
For a free no obligation quotation call 01242 511384
Brand New Showroom Now Open Unit 41, Space Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FL