The Local
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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
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 special night for you ladies at Bowden Hall! 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. Be sure to treat your Mum on Sunday 15th March – check out our Food & Entertainment section for some ideas on where to take her this Mother’s Day. Alternatively, you could cook her this month’s Delicious Dish and make it a really special day.
Inside this month ... Food & Entertainment Delicious Dishes Cocktail Time Health & Beauty Style & Fashion Looking Good, Feeling Great Holidays & Travel Parenting & Guardianship Picture Perfect What’s On Homes & Gardens Interior Design In the Garden Sudoku Word Search Quick Crossword Save the Planet Motoring Professional Services Gadgets & Gizmos Leader’s Life Index, Competitions, Solutions
4 5 10 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 28 31 33 35 37 38 41 43 44 45 49 50
Competitions: 18 & 24
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MOTHERING SUNDAY LUNCH 15th March
THE
HOTEL
Treat Mum to a EVERY SUNDAY IS MOTHER’S DAY mothers day meal she will remember HERE AT THE STATION HOTEL
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ON SUNDAY LUNCH* Traditional 3 course lunch Come along to our iconic Station Hotel
Book to avoid disappointment On production of this advert *Excludes Mothers day
Three course meal with coffee
Bruton Way, Gloucester 01452 520022
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FREE bunch o daffodil f every M s for other
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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.
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Page 5
Lunch Express Menu SPECIAL OFFER 2 COURSE MEAL £8.95 Select one main course and either a starter from 1-7 or a dessert from the menu (specialities not included) Takeaway available Sunday-Thursday 10% off menu prices
01452 535 185
www.so-thai.co.uk
Bearlands, Longsmith Street, Gloucester GL1 2HJ
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 6
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The Old Rectory Re staurant Cole sbourne , Che lte nham 01242 870120
Dine in style
Enjoy top quality local meats & poultry, fresh fish & seasonal vegetables Delicious home made desserts
Spring Lunches
From Wednesday to Friday. Two course freshly prepared multi choice menu only £12.95
Traditional Sunday Lunch 3 course multi choice menu £18.50 SUPERB DINING - EXCELLENT VALUE
Ideal venue for parties of all occasions and friends get-togethers – No hire cost!
B O O K EA F O N ST R OW ER
Private Dining Room www.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk
The Aviator Cafe Pub Restaurant
MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY March 15th – BOOK NOW *KIDS EAT FREE DURING EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Friday 27 March-Sunday 12 April *Kids meal free with every adult main meal purchased
Free Wifi access ● Alcoholic and soft beverages ● Specialty coffees, tea and homemade cakes ● Breakfast from 9am ● Main menu and lighter bites from noon ● Children’s menu and daily specials board ● Sunday roasts and Sunday menu Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, Cheltenham GL51 6SR www.theaviatorglos.co.uk Email: info@theaviatorglos.co.uk
01452 714442
Mother’s Day
F U S I O N R E S TA U R A N T
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*Offer applies to lunchtime menu only and valid at times shown above during March 2015. This advert to be handed in to redeem offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Sunday 15th March
Treat your Mum to a wonderful dining experience – superb food served in our beautiful restaurant. Visit our website to view the large selection of delicious dishes available
Opening hours Monday-Thursday 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-00:00 Friday & Saturday 12:00-00:00 Sunday 12:00-17:00 Closed Sunday Evening 9a Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TG (Above Costa Coffee) Reservations 01452 332993 www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
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Page 7
®
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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Proud to provide a local service for the local community CJ Hole are an independently owned estate agency serving the Gloucester area as a franchise of a group that extends to over 85 offices operating under four established brand names nationwide. With over 140 years of experience in the property industry, CJ Hole have earned a reputation for providing a high quality service, which they continuously work hard to maintain. The Gloucester office opened in January 2015 and has enjoyed a positive start to the year, winning instructions and sales on a varied style and price of properties, with many people still looking to buy.
Consistently recognised as one of the country’s best sales and lettings agents Tim O’Sullivan and Claire Price run the Gloucester office and were previously the Branch and Lettings Managers for Parkers Estate Agents in Hucclecote. They have now moved on to become franchisees with CJ Hole and they bring with them a wealth of experience in the Residential Sales, Property Lettings and Property Management fields. They are both passionate about their jobs, have a good knowledge of the Gloucester area and look forward to helping you sell, buy or rent your home. The pair work with Danielle at the Gloucester office, and a team of
eight run the other local office in Hucclecote. Tim says: “We pride ourselves on providing an excellent level of customer service, and can carry out free no obligation property appraisals six days a week.” CJ Hole have been consistently recognised as one of the country’s best sales and lettings agents, winning some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. The office in Gloucester is also a proud sponsor of the Pied Piper Appeal, which was founded in 1992 and is the leading children’s charity in Gloucestershire. Pied Piper fund medical and practical equipment
that enhances care and treatment for children in hospital, and they provide support and equipment that can transform the lives of sick and disabled children at home and in the local community. The franchise really is focused around the local community, and the team will be happy to offer you the very best of services whether you are looking to buy, sell or rent. Keep up to date with all of their latest properties and news by following them on Twitter and Facebook, and don't forget to register for their free online magazine via their website at cjhole.co.uk.
Gloucester Office 40B London Road Gloucester GL1 3NU
01452 899965
gloucester@cjhole.co.uk
Hucclecote Office 5 Silverdale Parade Hucclecote GL3 3LA
01452 619777
hucclecote@cjhole.co.uk The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 9
Cocktail Time
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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.
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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 10
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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.
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The Local Answer
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T: 01452 554001 E: glos@spavapes.co.uk To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 11
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
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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
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!
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Page 13
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
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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.
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.
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Page 15
N e ed h e l p t o g row yo u r bu s i n e ss ? The Local
ANSWER
To advertise telephone:
01242 510500
SAINTBRIDGE HOUSE NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME
01452 300307
Your local furniture restorer
Repolishing & upholstery repairs Porcelain, clock, barometer, silver and painting repairs TELEPHONE 01452 310881
BEAUTIFUL PARK HOME & TOURING CARAVAN PARK
OPEN 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR CARAVAN AND CAMPING PITCHES WITH SHOWER BLOCKS AND ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS – STUNNING VIEWS NORTON PARK, TEWKESBURY ROAD, GL2 9LH 01452 223811
Offering single en-suite bedrooms for up to 36 residents Tastefully decorated and homely Lovely patio and landscaped lawn area for residents to enjoy in the warmer weather ● Dedicated, caring and hardworking staff ● Exceptional hygiene standards ● Weekly unisex hairdresser. Chiropodist, dentist, physiotherapist and optician visits arranged ● Activities Co-ordinator with an ongoing programme of events to keep residents occupied and maintain both physical and mental well being. ● ●
189 Painswick Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 4QQ E: info@saintbridge-house.co.uk www.saintbridge-house.co.uk
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 ● ●
www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, Gloucester GL3 1ET
t 01452 739010 e innsworth@theoldstationnursery.co.uk Page 16
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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!
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 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. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £18. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 4 MARCH RICH MCMAHON Rich McMahon has gained a reputation as a writer of contemporary folk songs and as a performer who actively engages with his audience. He seamlessly blends his own compositions with folk standards and songs by a diverse array of artists. A combination of old-fashioned
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showmanship and a vast repertoire of selfpenned material, Irish folk songs and classic covers. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 6 MARCH VICTORIA KLEWIN & THE TRUE TONES Bridging the gap between old and new with effortless sophistication and style, Victoria Klewin & the True Tones play 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. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 13 MARCH KING SOLOMON Gloucester’s heavy-weight Reggae collective King Solomon stay true to Reggae tradition, while bringing together a unique blend of Blues, Jazz and Punk. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 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. 13 MARCH LADIES NIGHT Hilarious, handsome guys will entertain you all night, on and off stage, in and out of costumes! A roller coaster ride of fit and funny entertainment you will never forget! Only £35 per lady (over 18s only) including a 3 course meal with coffee and disco until 1am. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. 15 MARCH DANCEWORKS 2015 3pm. £10 (£8). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 233338. info@danceworksstudios.co.uk. MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH Treat mum this Mother’s Day with a traditional Sunday lunch in our Dearmans Restaurant, plus coffee and a special gift for mum. From £21.50 per adult & £11.50 per child. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH Why not indulge your mum with a fabulous 3 course lunch in the Brasserie restaurant. Only £18.95 per person plus a gift for mum. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, GL4 6EA.
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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 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. 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. But how much compromise is he prepared to make? 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ.
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18 MARCH IAN LUTHER Genre defying, attention grabbing and impossible to ignore. Great song writing and a highly visual performance. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 20 MARCH CAPTAIN ACCIDENT AND THE DISASTERS Bringing a fresh Reggae SKA sound jammed with some super sweet vocal 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
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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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23 MARCH MAXINE PEAKE AS 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 “Big Joe Bone” (A.K.A. Danny Wilson) plays 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 fingerpicking skills 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. Think Jimi Hendrix playing Michael Jackson and you’ve got the right idea. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 28 MARCH – 12 APRIL THE GIANT DUCK HUNT
A group of giant ducks will be landing at Slimbridge this Easter holidays – can your family spot them all? Pick up an activity sheet on arrival then set off on a fun hunt, which will take you all round the grounds. Spot them all and receive a yummy treat on your return. 9.30am everyday. Price included in admission. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
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. Easter activities from 1pm. Film starts at 2pm. £7 (to include an Easter treat). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 31 MARCH FILM: BELLE Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate, mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield. She falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change, who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in 18th Century England. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 5 APRIL EASTER LUNCH Why not treat the family and join us for a fabulous lunch in the Brasserie restaurant with an Easter egg hunt included. Only £18.95 per person. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, GL4 6EA.
MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY LUNCH SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Treat Mum this Mother’s Day with a traditional Sunday lunch in our Dearmans Restaurant, plus coffee and a special gift for Mum From £21.50 per adult & £11.50 per child
Fr i d ay 1 3 t h M a r c h
Hilarious, handsome guys will entertain you all night, on and off stage, in and out of costumes! It’s a roller coaster ride of fit & funny, entertainment hilarity you will never forget!
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E: csales.mercuregloucesterbowdenhall@jupiterhotels.co.uk Page 22
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WIN TICKETS! Gloucester Rugby take on Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday 25th April (TBC). For your chance to win 2 tickets simply answer the following question:
Which Gloucester Rugby player played for Wales in the RBS Six Nations 2015? After the success in May 2014, Gloucester Rugby are pleased to announce the ‘Road to 2015’ sponsored walk is back on Saturday 9th May in line with Gloucester Rugby’s last home game of the 2014/15 season. The route is a three mile loop starting and finishing at Kingsholm and taking in sights of Gloucester, including the Cathedral, Docks and the rugby posts in the park. In the lead up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Gloucester Rugby are inviting all
schools, rugby clubs, businesses and anyone from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to join the sponsored walk and raise money for their own worthwhile causes and the Gloucester Rugby CIC. 60% of the money raised by each organisation will be put towards a cause of their choice from grassroots sports to much needed equipment or facilities, CSR projects to charities. The remaining 40% will be donated to the Gloucester Rugby CIC for the delivery of programmes to the community.
Send your answer, name, email address and contact number to competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk.
Rewards can be earned by participants for taking part Don’t forget to mention and raising money for their you’re a reader of The Local nominated causes, including Answer! a Gloucester Rugby flag, team poster and match tickets to Kingsholm. Gloucester Rugby’s ambition is to make the event hassle-free for all participants – all risk assessments, planning and event management aspects GLOUCESTER RUGBY of the walk will be managed Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road by Gloucester Rugby. Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX For more details on this t 0871 871 87 81 event please email e admin@gloucesterrugby.co.uk roadto2015@gloucesterrugby.co.uk. w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
£15.00 (Door £17.00)
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FABULOUS EVENTS at
Hallmark Hotel Gloucester
MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH
GLOUCESTER
EASTER LUNCH Sunday 5th April
Sunday 15th March
Only
£18.95 per person plus a gift for mum Why not indulge your mum with a fabulous 3 course lunch in the Brasserie restaurant
Why not treat the family and join us for a fabulous lunch in the Brasserie Restaurant with an Easter egg hunt included
Only £18.95 per person
Friday 10th April
WEDDING OPEN EVENING
Join us for dinner and witness the drama unfold before your eyes. Interrogate the suspects as they mingle, while you try and get to the bottom of the crime. Only £30.00 per person to include 3 course dinner and entertainment.
View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and wedding breakfast and meet local wedding suppliers
MURDER MYSTERY EVENING
Thursday 30th April 5.30pm-8.00pm
Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA
01452 525 653 gloucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk
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.
www.gloucestershire-business-shows.co.uk ~ 01242 807689
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Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: CLOSED March is the perfect time to brighten up your home.
Having a ‘spring clean’ will freshen things up, and giving a room a ‘lick of paint’ can make a bit of difference. However, choosing the right colour or colours for your walls and fabrics is key to creating the right mood for you. At interior needs we can advise, design and supply everything you need for complete refurbishment projects or to help update your existing decor.
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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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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,
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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
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!
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Page 33
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The Local Answer
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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
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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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Page 39
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The Local Answer
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
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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.
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The Local Answer
Motoring with Christian Tilbury
The easiest way to get a fantastic new car deal Splashing out thousands of pounds on a new car is no small undertaking, but you’d be amazed at how flippant people can be when it comes to parting with their hard-earned cash in return for some shiny new wheels. Would you believe that some people don’t even know what car they want before ambling into a showroom? It’s hard to comprehend, but if you speak to a few people in the trade you’ll find it’s surprisingly common. March is one of the busiest car buying periods of the year, but before you’re sucked in by being the first in your road with the spanking new 15plate suffix, there’s plenty you can do to ensure that you get the best possible deal. It’s not rocket science – basically do your homework and shop around. Right from the start know everything about the car that you’ve got your heart set on, right down to the engine size, trim and – importantly – how much its list price is. You can usually find its exact price on the relevant
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manufacturer’s website. Using the list price as a guide, contact a few dealers to see what they might be able to offer and try to get detailed, broken-down quotes in writing, as they’ll give you much more leverage when it comes to negotiating a purchase. When it comes to the deal, stick to what you want and don’t be cornered into settling for a different specification. The salesperson will have plenty of patter and it’s easy to get charmed, but at the same time don’t be on the offensive – you’re much more likely to get a decent discount if you’re actually nice to do business with! One essential is to negotiate any discount before the discussion turns to how you’re going to fund your new car. The best deals come if you’re taking finance, so don’t say if you’re in the fortunate position to pay cash. As a rule, the more expensive the car, the greater the discount. However, if a particular model is in high
demand, it’s not unusual for a dealership to stick to the list price. If that’s the case, then chance your arm for a couple of extras – even a set of floor mats for a prestige model can cost as much as £150 – or maybe ask for an extended warranty or service plan. Buying a brand new car should be an enjoyable experience and if you can resist the pressure – at one point you’re guaranteed to hear “if we can deal today, this is what we can do...” – then you’ll be in the driving seat of not only a new car, but also the deal to get it. Good luck!
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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
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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.
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Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James
Say hello to Scrumpty Sculpture trails across the country seem to be growing in popularity. Perhaps the Bristol Gromit trail is the most famous, which attracted 1.8 million visitors and has raised £4.5 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Norwich had gorilla sculptures, Northampton had lions and, more locally, Cirencester had a trail of hares last year. So it’s about time Gloucester joined in too. And this year, of all years, seems an ideal time to do it. After a debate about whether we should have Old Spot pigs, Tailor of Gloucester cats or even seagulls (really?), we settled on a new character called Scrumpty. I’ve got to be honest, it was my idea – although I can’t claim credit for the way in which it has been developed. Scrumpty is a mixture of Humpty Dumpty (which, legend has it, was a siege engine in Gloucester during the Civil War) and a rugby ball, to reflect our most high profile sport.
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The idea, as well as to give the city a taste of artistic flair with a fun theme, is to encourage footfall and circulation around the city centre, allowing all traders to benefit from this year’s influx of visitors. Around twenty five sculptures will be placed in prominent locations around the gate streets, Docks and Quays, and perhaps even towards Kingsholm. All of these will be sponsored by businesses, with only a couple still left to be snapped up. Each Scrumpty sculpture will be decorated in a different style by local artists, including the acclaimed Swarez, as well as local schools who have already been working on their designs. Scrumpty is already active on social media – on Facebook (facebook.com/TheScrumptyTrail) and Twitter (@ScrumptyTrail). A call has gone out for businesses to take advantage of merchandising opportunities from lapel badges to t-shirts – and even pickled eggs! Gloucester could well see a Scrumpty pop-up shop during the summer months. It may be the first time you’ve heard of Scrumpty, but I reckon you’ll be hearing a lot more of him! t: 01452 384051
To advertise call 01242 510500
e:paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
Page 49
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Coach House Fish Bar So Thai The Aviator The Edgemoor Inn The Old Rectory The Station Hotel Tiger’s Eye
4 6 7 6 7 4 7
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Gloucester Rugby Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bowden Hall Bristol Hippodrome Gloucestershire Business Show Hallmark Hotel Prinknash Bird Park Valiant Events WWT Slimbridge
24 12 22 21 26-27 25 20 24 23
RETAIL Aquajardin Mallams Vinyl Records
8 24 19
HEALTH & BEAUTY Bicko’s Bike Shack Deano’s Mobile Barber
12 10
NHS Let’s Talk Spa Vapes
10 11 & 35
PROPERTY & STORAGE CJ Hole Norton Park
9 16
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Churchdown Private Hire John’s Private Hire Valkyrie Chauffeurs
19 19 5
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES BE Rudman Elite Loft Ladders FarrDenn Construction G Kelly Plastering Glosbuild Home Care Property Maintenance Marshalls Driveways Rapid Roofing Roofing & Building Solutions Tiles R Russ Weather Tech CARPENTRY Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Oven Busters
51 28 49 44 48 46 28 32 40 35 28 32 48 31
The Oven and Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES GRP Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Antique World Gloucester Import Depot Interior Needs Linda’s Blinds Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets The Dyson Doc GARDEN SERVICES Challenge Fencing Chosen Lawnmowers DW Tree Services Fire Wood Forest Product Glos Garden Services Maisemore Apiaries Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds HEATING & PLUMBING Combi-Man Drain Doctor Pete T Plumbing KITCHENS Granite Transformations Hatherley Worktops
40 48 44 16 38 30 28 46 44 38 32 32 32 45 33 35 35 32 32 49 45 28 2 40
TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS AJ Windows Albany Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows
48 47 52 29 34 39 36
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Park Home Life Saintbridge House Samaritans EDUCATION & TRAINING The Old Station Nursery Tinies Nurseries LEGAL & FINANCE Eversure Accounts HATS NJH Bookkeeping MOTOR SERVICES Westlands Hyundai PET SERVICES BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Grimebusters Stevens Recycling
14 17 16 10 & 50 16 15 49 48 49 42 13 31 41
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS G R N W M U V R N D J E E K O S S W A O Y O E X
COMPETITION WINNERS Thanks to all who took part in our February 2015 competition and congratulations to the winner: Picture Perfect – An overnight stay for two, a three course evening meal, a bottle of bubbly and breakfast courtesy of Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel – Frankie Hopkins of Cirencester.
R U T S K F O E T R T A C H G Q A P P C N B P R
L P I E S K T S B A E K O P D C K A E Z F N L R
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
B C M I P N C M T L R W E I K E P S I H J H Q B
Y G P O H D F A Q H P I V H V I T M C S A J L D
D E T O V E D O M S G I C U T R U D J F E Q U N
M T N K U R R Z A N N U B G Z O Z L P B P R I Z
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
H T S W Z B O E T J W N X B T B H U H O D Q V G
W G I A R M C C R C Y C B U V Z Y K L U C F H H
T F K J O Y V R Z A P P R E C I A T I O N D M T
U G V M Z L L A G K Z E S F T R L L V W U K B E
P D M S J B L R S V G X S U B B B R A C Z S W R
H A P P Y I M G L J A W T K Q K U H E A R T C Q
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 50
08457 909090 jo@samaritans.org
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Albany Windows is a local family business. First and foremost we are installers, which is important because installation is the difficult bit and we are small enough to maintain close control over every job.
But we are big enough to obtain supplies directly from large, high quality manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories. WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS
Whatever your requirements, we have glazing options for every need and budget, from a single window to a large conservatory. We supply some of 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