The Local
Gloucester 42,000 DELIVERED
ANSWER
NOVEMBER 2015
YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
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Gloucester – 42,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 45,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies
Sara Sheperia Publication Manager – Gloucester
01242 541076 sara@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial Lois Kingscott
November is here and it’s time to crack out the fireworks! Burley Field Lakes are offering tickets to their Fireworks Night for some lucky readers to win. But if you’re creating your own bonfire and fireworks display, remember to look out for wildlife first – especially hedgehogs, which you can read more about in our ‘Wildlife Matters’ article. It’s also time to start organising Christmas parties – check out our What’s On section for some fantastic events and venues. If you’re hosting your own festive event and want to spruce up your house in time for Christmas, have a look at our ‘Interior Design’ feature for some ideas, or why not get some of our ‘Homes & Gardens’ advertisers to give you a helping hand.
Inside this month ...
editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution Robert Kingscott – 01242 541071 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Leader’s Life Food & Drink Delicious Dishes Cocktail Time Food For Thought Parenting & Guardianship Health & Beauty Style & Fashion Medical Health Wildlife Matters What’s On Homes & Gardens Interior Design In the Garden Quick Crossword Sudoku Word Search Save the Planet Motoring Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
Competitions on pages 9 & 25 Page 3
Gloucester’s thriving Scottish society One of my favourite parts of the Rugby World Cup in Gloucester was the Welcome Ceremony for the Scotland team at the Cathedral. Each host city held a welcome ceremony for one of the competing nations and we were asked to host the ceremony for our friends north of the border. It was a real honour to be allocated a home nation and even more of a pleasure given that their captain is our very own Greig Laidlaw. I was delighted to give the speech of welcome and it prompted me to do some research on the city’s links with Scotland. In rugby terms, many Scottish internationals have played for Gloucester over the years – from Donald Crichton-Miller in 1931 to, more recently, Ian Smith (our only Gloucester born and bred Scottish international!) to Scotland’s most-capped player Chris Paterson, Pete Jones, Rory and Scott Lawson, Big Jim Hamilton and current squad members Alastair Strokosch and Alastair Dickinson. Perhaps the most historic connection is that Edward
Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James II, who suffered an ignominious defeat to Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn, is buried in Gloucester Cathedral. That battle inspired the song “Flower of Scotland”, which the Scottish players sing before each game. The highest-ranking casualty at Bannockburn was Gilbert de Clare, the 8th Earl of Gloucester, whose family coat of arms still forms part of the city crest today.
Historic links with our Celtic neighbours Further research uncovered that Button Gwinnett, the second signatory to the American Declaration of Independence who was born at Down Hatherley, was shot and fatally wounded in a duel with his long-time rival Lachlan McIntosh, who was born at Kingussie in the Highlands. The Patron of the Scottish RFU is the Princess Royal, who lives in the county and is a frequent visitor to Gloucester. At the time of writing, Scotland’s ultimate Rugby World Cup fate is unknown, but so far their campaign has been more successful than England’s. Gloucester has a thriving Scottish Society and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (who play both traditional and contemporary bagpipe music) received a rapturous reception when they performed in Kings Square. Perhaps our historic links with our Celtic neighbours help to explain why.
The Edgemoor Inn @cllrpauljames
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Freehouse & Restaurant STARTERS
Spiced bu(ernut squash soup with sundried tomato focaccia Crispy duck and hoisin spring rolls with roasted plum sauce Three cheese soufflé with candied walnuts, cranberry & orange salad, honey dressing Breaded fish goujons with citrus and herb mayonnaise, salsa verde
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Braised lamb shanks A great dish to cook when entertaining friends or family in the coming festive season. Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 6 lamb shanks; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 2, 400g cartons chopped tomatoes; 150ml red wine; 2 bay leaves; 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 3 tbsp freshly chopped parsley; grated zest of 1 lemon. Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 170째C (150째C fan) or gas mark 3. Heat the oil in a large flame-proof casserole. Season lamb and brown in two batches. Remove and set aside. 2 Put onion and two crushed garlic cloves into the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add tomatoes and wine and stir.
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Return lamb to the pan, season well and add the bay leaves. Bring to the boil, then cover and transfer to the oven and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes or until shanks are nearly tender. 3 Add the chickpeas, cover and return to the oven for a further 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together remaining garlic clove, parsley and lemon zest. Transfer lamb and sauce to a serving dish and sprinkle over the parsley mixture. Serve with mash.
Op en 11a m- 2am ev er yd ay. De li ver y u n til 4 am We d n esd ay F ri d ay & S a tu rd ay
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The Local Answer
Fine Indian Cuisine Restaurant and Takeaway
Visit our modern dining room with a friendly atmosphere – you will not be disappointed.
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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
Margarita Like most cocktails, the origin of the Margarita has many claims, but one of the most popular stories is that Carlos ‘Danny’ Herrera invented the drink at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria in the late 1930s. Legend has it Herrera concocted the drink for one of his customers, Marjorie King – an aspiring actress who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila. To make the cocktail more palatable, Herrera combined the three traditional elements of a tequila shot – a lick of salt and a wedge of lime – and mixed them into a refreshing drink. Another claimant of the drink is a wealthy Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames, who said she created the cocktail for her friends at her vacation home in 1948. One guest, Tommy Hilton, eventually added the drink to his hotel bar menu. However, according to ‘The Complete Book of Spirits’ by Anthony Dias Blue, the first importer of Jose Cuervo tequila in America advertised with the tagline, “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name,” in 1945 – three years before Sames claimed to have created the drink. Ingredients: 35ml Tequila; 20ml Cointreau; 35ml fresh lime juice; handful ice cubes, salt, lime wedge to garnish. Method: 1 Mix the Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. 2 Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a Martini glass and dip in salt. 3 Strain the Tequila mix into the glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml limeade, 25ml orange juice, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml lime juice, pinch of sugar and ice. To advertise call 01242 510500
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Fes ve Menu 3 courses – £26.95
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS MEAL NOW! STARTERS Pressed duck and apricot terrine, sweet date chutney and melba toast Cola braised Japanese style pork belly, poached pear and roasted chilli Thai curried tofu, spinach and avocado fri"ers Cream of wild mushroom soup drizzled with white truffle oil Tempura of so shell crab with homemade tartar sauce MAINS BLACK ROCK GRILL Served with salad and chips or wok-fried potatoes Choose from: 8oz sirloin steak, 8oz kangaroo fillet, fresh swordfish steak or haloumi cheese and vegetable pla"er (v) FROM THE KITCHEN Served with Christmas vegetables and roast potatoes Pan fried duck breast, wasabi mash and red onion jam Poached salmon served with smoked salmon mouse and mussel veloute Turkey paupie"e with a cranberry and cashew nut s!r fry Goats cheese and red onion tartle" with a pesto and rocket salad (v)
An old English setting with a modern twist!
F U S I O N R E S TA U R A N T
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To book your Christmas meal call 01452 332993 or email info@theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk The Old Bell - 9a Southgate St - Gloucester - GL1 1TG
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Food For Thought
WIN A MEAL FOR TWO! WIN A THREE-COURSE SUNDAY ROAST FOR TWO PEOPLE COURTESY OF DOUBLE GLOUCESTER All you need to do is either:
• Share our competition post and ‘like’ us on Facebook – The Local Answer • Retweet our competition post and ‘follow’ us on Twitter – @TheLocalAnswer Please reference ‘Double Gloucester’. One entry per household. Terms and conditions apply. See Index page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 12th November 2015.
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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
Prepare for the coming celebrations Oh, don’t you just love the beginning of winter? Halloween heralds the New Year in our ancient Pagan history and sometimes it really feels like something has changed as we slip from inclement autumnal weather into darkness after the clocks go back! Bonfire night begins the seasonal ‘Festival of Light’ as we burn effigies, send sparks flying high into the black night sky and Hot Chocolate becomes the new beverage of choice. Traditionally the Yule Log was taken from the Bonfire and kept in the hearth until midwinter to represent good luck and protect the family. So the two events are intrinsically linked, although we don’t recognise this today.
Involve children in the planning Before long we begin to plan to decorate our own homes, string garlands of lights across the front of the house and enjoy the delight of
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the town centre illuminated with coloured bulbs, lighting up those long dark mid-winter nights. Allowing the children to join in is a great way to prepare for the coming celebrations, and making paper chains, homemade cards, or helping with the making of a Christmas Cake ready to put away until the big day are all great ways to involve them in the planning. Getting prepared early is the secret to a smooth holiday season. Buy or make your Christmas cards in with your guidance. A little less and actually send them (I still have browsing of the Argos catalogue last years in a box in my bedroom!) (the laminated book of dreams) and Make Christmas less about a little more thought about what getting and more about they really would appreciate and value, makes Christmas less about sharing getting and more about ‘gifting’ and Making lists and doing a little ‘sharing’. every week will take the pressure Ensure lasting and off – but remember, choose your meaningful memories budget and stick to it! If you are really clear with the kids about what Let the kids source recipes for you can and can’t manage, they will cookies, cakes, and sweets to make gladly alter their expectations to fit and package for gifts. Designing their own wrapping paper and gift tags makes each gift something really special. If your children like art, why not frame some of their best works to give as gifts? Or create homemade books from their stories and poems. This is something grandparents will treasure for years to come. From practicing a new skill like knitting or crochet to making soft toys with felt or old clothes, these simple projects are fun for the children, create inexpensive gifts and ensure lasting and meaningful memories for everyone concerned. If craft sessions are accompanied by delicious treats and feature lots of laughter you are making memories, and that is priceless.
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Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
A catalyst of inspiration London fashion week (LFW) returned once more in the final week of September showcasing all the latest trends for womenswear spring/summer 2016 (SS16). Take everything with a pinch of salt – the designs you see on the catwalk are used as a catalyst of inspiration for high street designers. Ruffles created in voluminous shape were popular amongst the catwalk. A feminine look created in soft netting, floral and tulle fabrics – perfectly light and airy for summer days. Have a look at designers Peter Pilotto, Molly Goddard and Simone Rocha for a range of ways this up and coming trend has been utilised for SS16.
by mixing things up when they presented a more sinister look for next season, with the signature floral embroidered chiffon dresses in dark autumnal tones accessorised with Signature floral black neck ties. chiffon dresses The embroidered bomber, We automatically envisage bright, showcased by Alasdhair Willis, is playful colours on the SS16 catwalks. definitely a piece for your SS16 Erdem celebrated its 10th birthday wardrobe. Easy wearing and light, it can be worn with anything from jeans and a tee to a cute dress. It is a practical and transferable piece from catwalk to high street. Other trends to look out for next spring include the cocktail hour come 80s power dressing – see Topshop’s Unique collection. Buttercup yellow, meadow prints and ‘under the sea’ with pearl embellished shoes, embroidered shells, sailors and mermaids plus plenty of stripes and straps made of rope.
Green has been trending London Collections: Men spring/summer 2016 (LC:M SS16) held earlier in the year also gave us a good incite on what we expect to see next season. Green has been trending a while now and will continue to do so into the summer months so be sure to inject some into your SS16 wardrobe, if not sooner. With designer Astrid Andersen The Local Answer
incorporating a luminous green into his sportswear collection, Craig ‘Green’ follows with emerald tones and Oliver Spencer with a rich forest shade.
Functional and on trend Suede was another key trend on the catwalks of LC:M, mainly in the form of a jacket. This will be a great transitional piece – they come in various colours, be it your traditional browns and tan, or something bolder with a blood red. Styles varied too from bomber jackets to anoraks. Wear with a patterned shirt or striped tee. Top pockets were also a trending detail at London Collections: Men. Oversized and placed on the outside of jackets, this small garment design is both functional and on trend.
To advertise call 01242 510500
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The number one spot for all your beauty needs The Beauty Spot is the ultimate beauty salon in Brockworth, Gloucester, giving you the perfect environment to get tanned or pampered. The owners recently opened the new state-of-the-art salon in Gloucester Business Park, which has free parking directly outside – perfect for those ‘on the go’ or looking for a bit of pampering in their lunch break.
For all your pampering needs The salon boasts one lying down and three stand-up sun beds, two private treatment rooms, an extensive range of treatments starting from just £3, and new customers get 10% off their first treatment or sunbed packages. The team at The Beauty Spot pride themselves on offering a friendly and professional service and are confident once you have had the pleasure of using the salon, you will continue to visit
them for all your future tanning and pampering needs. Beauty treatments include waxing, massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, eyebrow shaping, tinting and threading. Freehand Nail Art and Acrylics are also available. Customers are made to feel completely at home whilst in the salon – whether you’re in a rush and need a quick nail revamp, or have time on your hands and wish to totally relax with a re-energising massage, The Beauty Spot has you covered. The salon is open seven days a week for both beauty treatments and sunbeds, with sunbeds available until 10pm – the latest availability in Gloucestershire. Furthermore, late beauty appointments are available on Thursdays until 9pm and Fridays until 10pm. As well as this, The Beauty Spot is the only salon in Gloucester to offer online
booking and cancellations, which can be arranged via the website and on their Facebook page.
The perfect destination for a Christmas treat In the run up to Christmas, The Beauty Spot is the perfect destination to send a loved one for the ultimate treat. Gift vouchers are available at the salon, so why not treat your loved one to a beauty package this Christmas, or pamper yourself before your Christmas party. To start your first class beauty experience, give the salon a call on 01452 234241 or pop into the salon – Unit B6 Whittle Square, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4BJ.
Christmas Offers
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Beauty therapists Lucy and Trina The Local Answer
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Page 19
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Page 21
Medical Health with Aaron Shaw
Understand and control depression Depression is a very common problem. Anyone can suffer from the condition regardless of gender, age, education or cultural background, but it is no sign of weakness. In fact, more than 15% of adults will become depressed at some point in their lives. People who experience depression may feel down in the dumps for large parts of the day, feel like crying or generally overwhelmed with everyday things. They can also lose their motivation and interest to take part in their normal daily activities, and may have very gloomy and negative thoughts about themselves, others or the future. Now and then we can all feel and think like that but we generally speak of depression when those feelings last for most of the day for a prolonged period of time – for at least 2 weeks.
What causes Depression to develop?
follow as a reaction to difficult life events such as: • Loss: the death of a loved one; a relationship breakdown; miscarriage; the loss of a job; or the loss of a beloved animal can all trigger an episode of low mood/depression. • Stress: caused through too many or too few demands either at work and/or at home; stress caused through job insecurity; unemployment or money worries can also lead to feeling depressed and low. • Life changes and transitions: such as leaving school, getting married, moving house, the arrival of a baby or retirement can also be experienced as demanding and require adjustment, which can cause low mood for some time. • Relationship difficulties or being bullied or isolated.
• Physical health: especially when suffering with a chronic illness, experiencing substantial or prolonged pain or having been diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
Gain control Often there is more than one factor responsible for developing depression. However, there may not always be an identifiable trigger and it seems as though depression comes “out of the blue”. This can sometimes be difficult to understand and may make the experience of depression for the person feel worse. Even if we are not able to identify a particular trigger or cause there are still things that can be done to help you to gain more control and make changes to the way you feel. For information on NHS courses see the advert below.
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Wildlife Matters with John Bromley
The Great British Hedgehog These delightful nocturnal creatures are the UK’s only spiny mammal with a distinctive coat containing around 6000 sharp spines. Hedgehogs as we know them have been around for about 15 million years, but as individuals they tend to lead solitary lives, rarely living for more than 5 years. The young are born in litters of 3 – 5 ‘hoglets’ with their spines, little more than hairs at the time, hidden beneath soft skin. As their name suggests they live in and around hedgerows and slightly untidy land where they forage for food. They mostly eat snails and slugs but will scavenge for anything they can find so are beneficial to any garden. Typically a hedgehog will travel up to 2km a night hunting for food, which means they need access to a fair expanse of land, ideally an area the size of several football patch of longer grass scattered with fallen leaves. pitches. Unfortunately, many gardens are Hedgehogs need our help securely fenced in these days, But like so much of our wildlife restricting a hedgehog’s access to the hedgehogs are in decline largely due larger areas they need to forage in to a loss of habitat. Larger fields and order to survive. Therefore, it is fewer hedges have hit the important for small communities to countryside populations, whilst ever work together to create ‘wildlife more housing estates and roads corridors’, which simply involves impact on the urban ones. Hence, cutting a small 12cm hole in fences like so many species, they need our at ground level to allow hedgehogs help wherever possible. The easiest to get into adjoining gardens. way is to be a slightly untidy An incredible sense gardener, leaving a heap of leaves or of smell logs in quiet corners, or keeping a They also need fresh water so something like a large plastic ‘flowerpot saucer’ sunk into the ground is ideal. If you have a pond make sure you have at least one gentle sloping area to allow any hedgehog that falls into it a place to climb out. Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight so they do fall into ponds occasionally. They do however have an incredible sense of smell and can sniff out a worm or slug at an inch or more underground. The Local Answer
Check the base of bonfires before igniting Last month I wrote about the need for providing wildlife shelter over the winter period. Hedgehogs hibernate from November until March so if you have been preparing a pile of logs, wood and other combustible debris in preparation of a Guy Fawkes or any other bonfire, you must appreciate that your bonfire heap will simply appear as a lovely snug winter refuge to any hedgehog. It is imperative that you check the base of the bonfire for hedgehogs or other wildlife such as frogs and toads before igniting it. An ideal solution is to collate your bonfire heap on a spare bit of space and transfer it to the burning site on the day you intend to light it. That way you can be sure you are not adding to the decline of our wildlife. For more information about supporting, feeding and watching hedgehogs in your neighbourhood visit www.hedgehogstreet.org and check out their campaign.
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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. 30 OCTOBER HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY Enjoy a fantastic three-course dinner with coffee whilst you flex your amateur sleuthing muscles solving a thrilling Halloween themed Murder Mystery. From £29.50 per adult. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. MACBETH
Taking their cues from film noir, gangland Britain and the clowning tradition, the
CHAMPAGNE, WINE TASTING AND LUNCH Enjoy a friendly, informal, fun wine journey tasting at least 13 wines from around the world. No previous experience necessary! Includes a delicious 3-course lunch. The Dining Room of the Beehive Montpellier, 1-3 Montpellier Villas, Cheltenham. 11am–3.30pm £80. oxfordcheltwineschool.com. FUNGUS FORAY Join expert forayer Dave Champion along with the Cotswold Fungus Group for a walk through the Arboretum to discover the wonderful world of fungi. Get to know their habits and quirks, and learn how much they contribute to our thriving Arboretum. Walks (10.30am and 1.30pm) are limited to 25 people per session so book early – call 01386 701441. Tickets £5 per person plus arboretum entrance fee. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-inMarsh GL56 9QB.
critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put their contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s most dangerous play. Tragic and hilarious in equal measures this innovative take on ‘The Scottish Play’ features femmes fatale, high-speed chases, killer lines, killer crimes and some seriously weird sisters. 7.30pm. £14 (£12). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 31 OCTOBER HALLOWEEN BALL Celebrate Halloween whilst raising much needed funds for Midlands Air Ambulance. Monster Mash the night away to the band ‘Breeze’ after eating a fabulous 3 course meal. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged – prizes for the best dressed. £30 per person. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk.
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AT BURLEY FIELD LAKES, LECKHAMPTON LANE, CHELTENHAM
FANTASTIC NEW BIGGER SPLIT SHOW PROFESSIONALLY FIRED BY SANDLINGS FIREWORKS
EARLIER TIMES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN! Saturday 14th November 2015 CHURCH LANE
TICKETS (Adults & Children) £4.00 in advance £6.00 on the night
DON’T MISS OUT – TICKETS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED Tickets on sale at: Burley Fields Lakes Farm Shop, Le Paris Café (Warden Hill), Premier Leckhampton Convenience Store and Bargain Booze (Bath Road) TICKET LINES: Steve 07831 734683 Pam 07769 700067 or 01242 861333 STRICTLY NO ALCOHOL, FIREWORKS OR SPARKLERS TO BE BROUGHT IN*
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LAST ADMISSION 8.15PM
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WE ARE HERE BELL INN
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is proud to support Burley Lakes Fireworks Night
You and your family or friends could enjoy the Burley Lakes Fireworks Night for free by entering our draw. Spaces are limited, so we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible (see ‘What’s On’ listings for details) – if you’re lucky enough to win our competition you’ll receive a full refund on a maximum of five tickets. To enter the draw simply send your name, address and telephone number to: Burley Fireworks, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Cheltenham GL3 9QS. Alternatively, email your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk – please state ‘Burley Fireworks’ in the subject line. Closing date: Monday 9th November 2015.
5 NOVEMBER HAMLET
Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, student £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 7 NOVEMBER 60S & 70S PARTY NIGHT Come and dance like you did ‘back in the day’. £15.50 per person to include a welcome drink, DJ and chef’s choice buffet. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson
Lane, GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. 7-14 NOVEMBER CHARLTON KINGS ANNUAL TOY SALE In aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice (Gloucestershire Support Group). Donated toys, games, books, etc. may be brought to the Baptist church on Friday 6th November between 1.30-4.30pm. Tombola, plus raffle drawn on Saturday 14th November – any donated prizes would be appreciated. 9.15am – 4.30pm every day except Sunday 8th. To be held at Charlton Kings Baptist Church. For further information call 01242 522559. 13 NOVEMBER THE KAST OFF KINKS
The Kast off Kinks are former members of the legendary band The Kinks, back together to play great music and to re-live the good times. Expect all the hits, including: You Really Got Me, Sunny
Afternoon, Lola, Come Dancing, plus many more for a great night out. 7.30pm. £20 (£18). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. WINTERSONG Join us for a warming supper followed by a performance of ‘Wintersong’ in the Garden Terrace Café. £18.50 per head including a glass of mulled wine or hot spice berry cordial on arrival, plus your evening meal (meat and vegetarian options available). Doors open 5.30pm, food served from 6pm. Call 01386 701441 or visit www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 14 NOVEMBER BONFIRE & FIREWORK DISPLAY – BURLEY LAKES FIREWORKS NIGHT Disco Roadshow, small fun fair, pig roast, burgers, chips and licensed bar at Burley Fields Lakes, Leckhampton Lane, Cheltenham. Gates open and bonfire lit at 5.30pm. Kids Show starts at 7pm. Grand Finale at 8.30pm. Last admission 8.15pm. Adults and Children £4 in advance, £6 on the night. Tickets on sale at Burley Field Lakes Farm Shop, Le Paris Cafe (Warden Hill), Leckhampton Convenience Store and Bargain Booze (Bath Road). Call Steve on 07831 734683, Pam on 07769 700067 or 01242 861333. Strictly no alcohol, fireworks or sparklers to be brought in.
MERCURE GLOUCESTER, BOWDEN HALL INVITES YOU TO A
WEDDING INSPIRATION DAY Sunday 15th November 11am-2pm The Wedding Team at one of the most popular wedding venues in Gloucestershire will open their doors to welcome you and, your family and friends, into their newly refurbished venue for the much anticipated, Wedding Inspiration Day. Prospective Brides & Grooms are invited to view the fabulous improvements to the Grade II Listed Bowden Hall, which will be dressed as it could be for their special day, along with a hand-picked selection of the finest local wedding suppliers to offer inspiration and advice. Guests will enjoy warming winter punch and festive canapés, plus a special goodie bag on arrival. Admission is free, and booking is not required.
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15 NOVEMBER WEDDING INSPIRATION DAY View the fabulous improvements to Bowdel Hall, which will be dressed as it could be for their special day, along with a hand-picked selection of the finest local wedding suppliers to offer inspiration and advice. Enjoy warming winter punch and festive canapes, plus a special goodie bag on arrival. 11am-2pm. Free admission, booking not required. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8ED. 01452 632635. 17-21 NOVEMBER THE THRILL OF LOVE Phoenix Players present The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington. Mysteries surround the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in Britain. Amateur production suitable 14 years+. 7.30pm. Tickets £9 (£8 concessions) available at Tourist Information Centre. Call 01452 396572 or 01452 522795. Kings Theatre, GL1 1QX. 19 NOVEMBER FUNERAL CHOICES Gloucestershire Humanists. “What you need to think about if you ever expect to die” – a workshop evening with local humanist funeral celebrants and a local funeral director. 7pm for 7.30pm. Hesters Way Resource Centre, Coronation Square,
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Cheltenham GL51 7SU. 01242 516083 or Gloucestershire Humanists website – glos.humanist.org.uk COPPÉLIA Vienna Festival Ballet’s eternal production of Coppélia embellishes the original E.T.A. Hoffmann tale with fabulous dancing and beautiful storytelling. A lively production infused with old world charm, Coppelia appeals to audiences of all ages with its captivating story of an eccentric toymaker and his beloved doll. 7pm. £18.50 (£17.50, children £13.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 20 NOVEMBER MIKE DENVER Ireland’s most all-round Country Music singer. With Mike’s excellent and versatile vocals and his superb backing band, this live stage show is one of the best around for any Country Music lover. Mike will be joined by special guest Lisa Stanley, daughter of Irish entertainment legends Maisie McDaniel and Fintan Stanley. 8pm. £25. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 20-21 & 25-28 NOVEMBER FOLLIES The Cotswold Savoyards present Sondheim’s ‘Follies’ at the Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham. This wonderful show
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has many great songs including ‘Losing My Mind’. Evenings 7.30pm and matinee Saturday 21st at 2pm. £14 (concessions £13). £10pp for groups of 10+. Call 01242 522852 or www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 21 NOVEMBER THE BOHEMIANS LIVE QUEEN
The Bohemians are the most dynamic and exciting Queen tribute band currently touring the world. Standing ovations greet their performances which include full staging, stunning lighting, backdrops, pyrotechnics and a baby grand piano. The Bohemians promise a night to remember as they recreate the glory days of Queen, including the craziness of the 1970s and the magic of the 1980s, live in concert. 7.30pm. £17 (£15). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
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21 NOVEMBER CRAFTERNOON TEA Join Kerry Timms at the Hallmark Hotel for an afternoon of paper crafting and card making along with an afternoon tea. Come and enjoy an afternoon creating Christmas inspired cards. £29 per person, which includes craft materials as well as your afternoon tea. Please bring scissors and glue or double sided tape with you. 124pm. Booking is required. Contact Kerry on 01452 740532 or 07717 068909, stampinkerry@aol.com. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane GL4 6EA. 21 & 28 NOVEMBER CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR Missa Scala Aretina by Francisco Valls, for 3 choirs, strings, cornetti* and continuo plus 2 Coronation Anthems by Handel. November 21st at St Peter and St Paul, Northleach 7.30pm. November 28th at St Mary’s, Prestbury 7pm. Advance tickets £12 online www.cantores.net or 01242 603988. Concessions £10, children FOC. £15 on the door. *Cornetti are not icecreams nor Italian croissants but an early wind instrument! 28 NOVEMBER ELEGANCE AND OPULENCE IN CONCERT The stylised elegance of Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit, Saint-Saens’ opulent Christmas Oratorio and Elgar’s heartfelt
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adagio Sospiri. Charlton Kings Choral Society and the Regency Sinfonia. 7.30pm. Pittville Pump Room GL52 3JE. 0844 5762210. 1 DECEMBER WINCHCOMBE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Dozens of stalls offering quality gifts, plus live music, choirs. Shops and cafes open late, festive food and drink. Youngsters can see Santa in his grotto, Punch & Judy, balloon-making. 5-8pm. Winchcombe Town Centre. 3-6 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 40 trees decorated by schoolchildren, organisations and businesses illuminate the church. Favourite trees chosen by public vote. Celebration service at 6pm on 6th December. St Edward’s Church, Stowon-the-Wold. 10am-5pm. 5 DECEMBER SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of all? Well it must be the Hippodrome’s panto with spectacular cast, music, dance, sets, costumes and a laugha-minute script. Will the Wicked Queen banish Snow White once and for all, or will the handsome Prince thwart her plans with help from the dwarfs? 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ.
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LAKESIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR Visit our Christmas Fair with activities for all – bouncy castle, crafts, BBQ, cakes, raffle and more. 2.30-5.30pm. Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6HR. For more information visit www.lakesidechelt.co.uk/PTA 6 DECEMBER OF MICE AND MEN
The hit Broadway production Of Mice and Men, filmed on stage in New York by National Theatre Live, comes to UK cinemas. James Franco and Chris O’Dowd star in the hotly-anticipated screenings of this riveting, powerful production. This landmark revival of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s play is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
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GLOUCESTER
Welcome in 2016 with friends or family at either our Fire & Ice Ball or our Family Celebration. Prices start from ÂŁ19.99 per person Call us on 01452 525653 or email gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk
WinterWonderland
DAYTIME AND EVENING EVENTS From 28th November 2015
Daytime ticket price includes a visit to meet Santa, a gift, craft marquee and entry to the park. Evening ticket price includes a visit to meet Santa, a gift, the Christmas Fairy, illuminations, face painting, craft marquee and entry to the park. The Bird & Deer Park has been hosting Christmas since 2008 and has been cited by the Huffington Post in 2014 for the beautiful lights, and in the Sunday Telegraph in 2011 for being amongst the top 10 attractions to visit in Rural England. The Park’s newVisitor Centre is lovely at any time, but with the wonderful views of the illuminations from the balconies it has become a must of the Cotswolds as a Christmas treat. As you walk around the Park the sounds of birds, rushing water and glistening lights are really enchanting – especially the famous Wendy House where the beautiful nativity can be found – and then of course the exciting bit ... Santa!
*Hot food, drinks and gifts are available for purchase. *Professional photographs are not include the age of one and are not gift wrapped.Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable.
The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX • W
d at The Bird Park
Santa can be found in all his glory in the hand crafted ash sleigh behind the stunning reindeer sculpture made of horseshoes created by Tom Hill. This Grotto is beautiful with its many trees, twinkling lights and of course a gift for the children. A professional photographer* is on hand to capture all the family on your special day out. Of course we must not forget the famous three – Rudolph, Prancer and Comet – our resident Reindeer who are fed at 4pm in their enclosure. The Christmas Fairy will be found in the twinkling Gypsy Caravan with a special something Our face painters are on hand to put those finishing for the children, and cards for Santa that have been made touches to the outfit. Festive food available* within the in the Craft Marquee can be given to her for safe Park and normal refreshments can be found in theVisitor delivery. Centre. Free parking.
d in the entry price. Group bookings available upon request. Gifts are suitable for children over Illuminations are turned on at dusk. Photographs are not permitted inside the grotto.
Winter opening: 10am-4pm daily • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com
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Interior Design with Caron Burrows
Is your hallway feeling gloomy? The hallway is notoriously a tricky area to decorate – whatever style of property the task is not a simple one. In general, be it a period property or modern home, the hallway is often a narrow corridor that lacks natural light. If you are not vigilant, this space can easily become an unattractive dumping ground for shoes, bags and post. The hallway deserves the same attention enjoyed throughout the rest of your home, as it provides a first impression for guests, creating the mood for your entire house. Try
a few basic tips to help create a hallway that provides instant impact.
Lighting Concealed lighting can make materials and finishes really stand out. LED lights tucked away in the ceiling will brighten it up, and the skirting area and staircase are great places to fit LED lights, adding a fantastic wow factor. A striking chandelier or two will contribute to a classy dramatic finish at the same time providing a good lighters are an instant and source of artificial light. Table lamps and floor standing up inexpensive way to add additional lighting to your hallway. A mirror is not only practical, but a perfect choice to reflect light, visually increasing space.
Colour Make a statement with vibrant colours that add interest and drama, but still help to bounce light around. The ever popular monochrome scheme can be adapted to fit many tastes and styles. However, you don’t have to stick to black and white – a classic white and grey provides a crisp welcome. Bright colours can really bounce off this look – add a random photo frame or lampshade for your own personal touch. Alternatively, brilliant white walls with statement artwork will offer an instant smart look.
Storage and furniture One way or another, storage and furniture are a vital part of any hallway, either acting as a way to hide or display such belongings as hats, scarves, shoes, coats and bags. A space saving wall-hung unit or bench with a lift-up lid provides a place to hide paraphernalia, and wall mounted hooks are the obvious and most simple way to keep a hallway clear. A large bag hung at an accessible height also offers a catchall solution, preventing clutter. The Local Answer
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REGISTERED INSTALLER Our range of services and installations include: ● Replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering ● New roofs and repairs – tile, felt, lead and slate ● Flat roofs (including Rubber) ● Chimney repairs ● Lead work ● Gutter clearing ● Dry verges All general maintenance and building work, including the small jobs around the house that you hate to do!
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Import Furniture Depot can be found opposite Dunelm in Gloucester. We pride ourselves on the quality and originality of all the furniture we sell. We source the finest furniture at the best prices for all our customers in Gloucestershire. Westgate Retail Park, (Opposite Dunelm) Gloucester, GL1 2RU MON-SAT 9.30am-5.30pm SUN 11am-4pm
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Give plants a head start for the winter The Autumn garden has looked really good this year, especially in all the lovely autumn sunshine we have had. The borders were really beautiful in October, and the Michaelmas daisies and Sedums looked particularly fine with tones of purple and pink, and they just flowered on and on.
Lilies start to sulk when they’re not happy!
two or three of the oldest branches down to the base. You can take cuttings really easily from blackcurrant bushes by cutting some healthy 25cm long shoots, which have formed this year (make a slanted cut at the bottom so you know which way up they go) and simply sticking them in the ground – it really is that easy! There are two schools of thought on tidying borders for winter. You can either leave the dying foliage and stems of perennials over winter to help insects survive, or alternatively you only leave the architecturally pleasing seedheads and get rid of the rest, as the slugs also like rotting foliage to spend their winter under.
Now is a good time to plant lily bulbs, as they have a head start on the spring planted ones. They need to be planted in good, rich, welldrained soil with plenty of organic matter dug in. Most of them like to be planted deep (about 15cm). If you have pots of lilies that have been in about 3 years they will need Look out on something to be repotted (usually they start to neat and tidy during the sulk when they are not happy!) or grey days disposed of and fresh ones put in. You are either inclined one way or Make sure you use a deep enough pot to give them a fighting chance! the other and I have to say that I like apply a good mulch of composted Prune blackcurrants now removing to take away most of the old stems, farmyard manure and look out on something neat and tidy during the grey days! At least that is what I intend to do when I have the time!
Produce a more compact shrub Hybrid tea and floribunda roses need to be cut back by about onethird now, which will stop wind rock loosening the roots through the winter. Also cut off any dead, diseased or crossing growth. Leave the rest for the spring pruning. If shrubs such as Cotinus (smoke bush) have become too large they can be cut back now by a third providing the weather is still mild, and this will produce a more compact shrub next year. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Page 46
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ANSWER 541076
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Sudoku A Family Run Business Established in 1971
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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!
Page 55
Save the Planet with Lois Kingscott
The 5p carrier bag charge You may be aware that recently the government passed a law whereby large shops are required to charge 5p for all single-use carrier bags. The primary aim of this is to reduce litter and encourage people to reuse bags. There have been differing views about whether this was the right thing for the government to decide upon, so let’s investigate the benefits.
Reduced impact on the environment and wildlife In 2014 alone, more than 7 billion single-use plastic bags were taken from major supermarkets in England – this equates to almost 150 bags per person, or over 60,000 tonnes. While many people re-use these bags as bin liners, transport for their lunch, or for more shopping, they ultimately all end up as waste. Given that they take much longer than other bags to degrade, they are unsightly when littered in our towns and countryside, and can cause great damage to wildlife, it is extremely important for us to reduce our use of these bags.
Raising money for good causes The 5p charge was introduced in Wales back in 2011 and has since seen great success. Single-use carrier bag use has been estimated to have decreased by 71% in just three years, consumer support for the
charge has increased from 61% in 2011 to 74% in 2015, and additional donations to good causes have been estimated at between £17m and £22m. Similar schemes introduced in Ireland in 2013 and Scotland in 2014 have had similar success with thousands of pounds being raise for large organisations such as WWF, the Marine Conservation Society, fishery programmes and many other small local charities.
Litter clean-up and carbon savings The government has forecast that over the next 10 years in England the new scheme will raise up to £730m for good causes, save £60m in litter clean-up costs and have carbon savings of £13m. So, while it may be an inconvenience to remember to take reusable bags to the supermarkets and to pay the tiny 5p charge, just think about how you will be benefiting our environment in the long-term. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 57
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The Local Answer
Motoring with Christian Tilbury
When values go up in smoke It is now illegal to smoke in a car carrying anyone under the age of 18 – even if the windows are down or the sunroof is open. A look at the facts and it’s hard not to agree with the new law, even if you’re a smoker. According to the British Lung Foundation, more than 430,000 children are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars each week and the knock-on effects for these passive smoking youngsters can include chest infections, asthma and ear issues.
Keep your car in better health too
Damage isn’t limited to a nasty odour
The benefits of the ban for young passengers can’t be argued and while it’s far, far less important, the ban will also work to keep many a smoker’s car in better health too. A car that reeks of cigarette smoke is a major turnoff for potential buyers – no matter if it’s the right colour, specification or price. According to the trade, the mere whiff of smoke can knock £100s off a car’s value and leave it sitting forlorn on the forecourt.
General consensus is that many drivers believe it’s unlikely that you can ever shift the smell completely. A valet may go some way to decontaminating the interior, although it often just masks the smell rather than eliminating it, but the damage isn’t usually just limited to a nasty odour. The smoke often stains headlinings and it’s far from unusual to find burn damage to the plastics, seats and carpets. ‘Smart’ repairs can tidy up
the damage with it costing circa £50 to rectify one cigarette burn on a seat and, surprisingly, the busier the trim pattern the easier it being to achieve a good repair. It’s common to find a residue too, the material settling upon the interior surfaces and the glass as a byproduct of the tobacco smoke.
A few cheap fixes All’s not lost if you’re in the situation of trying to rid a car’s interior of the smell of smoke though, as there are a few cheap fixes to try before calling in the professionals or resigning yourself to living with it. Carpet cleaning products where you shake powder in and leave it to penetrate the trim are said to be a good start, while many have achieved decent results by sprinkling baking soda over the carpets or leaving it in bowls. Some drivers have even tried vinegar or coffee granules to absorb the smell.
Save your car from harm So if you’re an in-car smoker, there’s another reason to try and kick the habit. Not only will you preserve your health and that of your passengers, you’ll also save your car from harm. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 59
WARNERS HELPS GET TEENAGERS BEHIND THE WHEEL Peugeot has made it easier for teenagers in Gloucestershire to get behind the wheel by making its unique ‘Just Add Fuel®’ scheme available to 18-20 year olds for the very first time from local Dealerships, Warners’ of Gloucester and Warners’ of Tewkesbury. From September, young drivers have been able to benefit from the Peugeot ‘Just Add Fuel®’ initiative on the Peugeot 108, due to a clever advanced telematics device, which attaches to the on-board diagnostic port and tracks driver behaviour. Previously only available to drivers aged 21 or older, Peugeot has made strides in the motor industry by making the inclusive package available for young drivers on the Peugeot 108.
High on style, space and practicality
Since its launch over five years ago, more than 27,000 people have taken advantage of the initiative. The innovative, fixed-cost motoring package ensures a single monthly payment, which allows customers to leave the showroom with three years’ insurance, servicing, road tax, warranty and roadside assistance for their vehicle. High on style, space and practicality, the Peugeot 108 is packed with a range of easy-to-use technology to improve life on the road. Offering an abundance of
choice, drivers can choose from eight paint finishes, four interior ambiences and seven stylish themes on the 108. Marc Warner, Dealer Principal said: “Over the last five years, the ‘Just Add Fuel®’ scheme has been recognised as a significant innovation in vehicle retailing and this has now been extended to help get first time drivers on the road in Gloucestershire.
Low monthly payments
The Peugeot 108 is priced from just £248 rental per month and no initial payment is required. The monthly payments can be improved depending on variables such as the amount of deposit paid, location, etc. ‘Just Add Fuel®’ with telematics is also available to Peugeot 108 buyers aged 21-75 who do not have two years’ no claims discount, or have held a full UK driver’s license for less than two years. Despite being part of the new car retailing landscape for five years, ‘Just Add Fuel®’ remains unique to Peugeot and its customers. For more information or for details on any of the models in the Peugeot range, please contact or visit your local Warners Dealership – details left or check online at: dealer.peugeot.co.uk/war ner s-gloucester or dealer.peugeot.co.uk/war ners-tewkesbur y
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Worcester 29CDI Boiler installed with Filter, Sesi & Comfort Controls, including 10 year warranty from Worcester. All this for as little as £26.32 per month (offer based on like for like replacement boiler with horizontal flue, over 120 months with £300 deposit – 9.9% APR)
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From left to right: Simon Birks, Mike Turner, Darren Sherborne and Mark Fairbrother
New signing for Gloucester Rugby Gloucester Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of local firm Sherbornes Solicitors as the club’s Official Legal Partner. Under the arrangement, Sherbornes will provide legal advice to Gloucester Rugby on a wide range of legal matters from employment to business law. Gloucester Rugby’s Chief Executive Stephen Vaughan said: “We are delighted to have signed Sherbornes as the Club’s Official Legal Partner. A well-respected local firm, Sherbornes bring a wealth of experience across a wide range of employment and corporate legal needs. Our Corporate Partners are a vital part of the Club and become part of the team that sits behind the team that run out onto the pitch. As a Club we are looking forward to directly benefiting from Sherbornes expertise and to working on ways to share this with our corporate supporters and fans.”
‘Immensely proud’ Sherbornes are the region’s leading Employment, Company and Commercial Law specialists. Established in 2011 by Darren Sherborne, the firm is highly regarded for the depth of their expertise and their practical, no nonsense approach to legal matters. The Cheltenham based firm has been a sponsor and supporter of Gloucester Rugby for a number of years. Darren Sherborne, founder of Sherbornes Solicitors said: “We are immensely proud to have been chosen by Gloucester Rugby to become its Official Legal Partner. As a Gloucestershire based business, it is not surprising that we are keen Gloucester Rugby fans ourselves, so it is a The Local Answer
Sherbornes Solicitors’ Trula Brunsdon with Mariano Galarza great honour for us to be associated with the Club in this way. We are very much looking forward to developing a long and close working partnership with Gloucester and strengthening the relationships we already have. We are also looking forward to building links with the many other businesses that support this great club”. Under the new arrangement, Sherbornes Solicitors will also provide sponsorship support to the Club including player sponsorship.
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Page 63
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mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk www.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk
GREAT WEEKEND HIRE OPTIONS
Cultivator £25
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01242 604423/07792 088822
Hedge Trimmer £25
Plate Compactor £25
EFFIC IENT, SPEED Y DELIV ERY
Post Hole Borers £35
Pressure Washers £25
Cherry picker hire available with free site surveys
Massive range of sale items including
and
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7.30am-5pm and 8am-12pm Saturdays
Byard Rd, Gloucester GL2 5DF ☎ 01452 526616
www.ermin.co.uk Branches in: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye Page 64
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The Local Answer
1st Choice
Aerial & Satellites
Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs
10% off with this advert Mark Hawkes
Tel: 01452 311511
SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS Licenced Bookkeeping Services for Sole Traders including VAT/CIS. Competitive Rates and Free Quotation. Nicola Hamlin
AICB CB.Cert PM.Dip
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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
Pensions auto-enrolment Last month I looked at the potential impact on small businesses of the introduction next year of the National Living Wage. But there is another piece of government legislation running alongside it that is likely to have a significant effect on the small business sector – pensions auto-enrolment. Unlike the Living Wage, where there is a fixed start date of April 2016, auto-enrolment comes in at different times, depending firstly on the size of your business and secondly on your PAYE reference. All large and most medium-sized businesses have staged (as they call enrolling into the scheme) already. For the majority of small businesses their staging date will arrive in either 2016 or 2017.
Contributions for employers and employees alike Official figures suggest that 1.8 million businesses, employing over 5 million people, will register during the next two years – around 500,000 more than the Pensions Regulator first estimated, due to an increase in the number of new businesses and a reduction in the anticipated number of failures. Auto-enrolment means contributions for both employers and employees alike. There is a minimum stake for the employee, which has to be at least matched by the employer, which increases over the three years following your staging date. Although employees can opt out, they are positively encouraged not to do so. For bosses, there is not only the pension contributions to factor into their budgets, but there is the cost of scheme administration and higher payroll processing charges.
Employers should prepare now If you are an employee, particularly if you do not already have a workplace pension, and your company has not yet mentioned this issue to you, ask your manager about it. If you are an employer with more than just you and your immediate family on the payroll, and you haven’t been involved in preparing for auto-enrolment yet, you have little time to lose. Look at the Pensions Regulator’s website for guidance; establish when your staging date is; check your payroll software can cope with these legislation changes; work out how much it is going to cost you. Talk to your accountant and/or Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) – we’ll know all about it as it’s quickly become a regular feature of all our daily lives. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Cafe Rene Double Gloucester Gloucester Brewery So Thai Spice House Tennessee Chicken The Edgemoor Inn The Old Rectory The Wharf House Tiger’s Eye
WHAT’S ON
8 9 6 10 7 5 4 7 10 8
CLUBS & SPORTS Shipton Golf Course 16 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bowden Hall 28 Burley Field Lakes Fireworks Night 27 Canal & River Trust 30 Hallmark Hotels 33 Prinknash Bird Park 34-35 The Bristol Hippodrome 31 The Capital Venue 26 The Hype Agency 32
RETAIL
Aroundabout Sound Bicko’s Bike Shack Black Friday Eastgate Shopping Centre Soundhouse The Vision Centre
HEALTH & BEAUTY Deano’s Mobile Barber NHS Let’s Talk
26 24 13 29 26 16 16 23
Seven Scissors The Beauty Spot The Guild
PROPERTY & STORAGE
16 18-19 21
Express Removals & Storage Ltd House & Homes Norton Park Park Home Life
HOMES & GARDENS
24 65 12 14
BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 53 & 67 BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors 40 AbleRight 53 BE Rudman 36 Britannia Roofline 51 Elite Loft Ladders 38 Ermin Plant 64 G Kelly Plastering 62 Glosbuild 48 Home Care Roofing & Building 42 Marshalls Driveways 38 Roofing & Building Solutions 42 Tiles R Russ 38 CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw 64 Rhodes Carpentry 38 CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean 51 & 54 Oven Busters 40 The Oven and Range Cleaning 53 ELECTRICAL SERVICES GRP Electrical 36 Steve Holland Electrical 40
FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Gloucester Carpet Outlet Gloucester Furniture Gloucester Import Depot Interior Needs Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets GARDEN SERVICES Challenge Fencing Chosen Lawnmowers Colour Fence DW Tree Services Glos Gardening Services L.M.S Landscapes Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds HANDYMAN SERVICES Safe Style Home Improvements HEATING & PLUMBING APH Plumbing Drain Doctor Fire Wood KB Female Plumber Maisemore Apiaries Pete T Plumbing Plumbing 1st The Combi Man Town & Country KITCHENS Hatherley Worktops PAINTING & DECORATING Floods TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials
43 36 42 41 49 40 44 44 47 46 46 44 44 44 40 64 62 46 64 65 44 62 62 42 38 38 65
WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows AJ Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows Glassfix Glazing Thomas Tonks
68 52 37 50 55 56 62 46
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Glos County Council Fostering Saintbridge House The Order of St John Care Trust EMPLOYMENT & RECRUITMENT Klifestyles FUNERAL SERVICES The Co-operative Funeralcare LEGAL & FINANCE Eversure Accounts NJH Bookkeeping MOTOR SERVICES Warners Westlands Hyundai PET SERVICES BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Grimebusters Stevens Recycling Wright Skips
20 22 21 21 15 2 64 65 60-61 58 24 64 66 62
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS M H Z Z Q Z T W J W Q S E U H D X V R H W G H Q
COMPETITION WINNERS Thanks to all who took part in our October 2015 competitions and congratulations to the winners: Bacon Theatre – Pair of tickets to see Macbeth – Mrs Anderson of Hucclecote. The Bristol Hippodrome – Pair of tickets to see Sweeney Todd – Catherine Blackwell of Churchdown.
U S S E X J H C M I D R E V P E A F E V D B C J
G Z I P X A K T X R I X G U N P O W D E R U Q A
T U H R K I Q L O F P Y Y S E D X K T M P E M M
P R Y S R U G L N L K A M F E J C Z X S G T E X
N U G F D O F O O O E L O P Y M X A K D K H K I
F U P C A O B S F T L P R F H W A R T Y F M E J
Z S H X E W I E L C D S G X Q P O J K H T H X A
L D R S G V K E R A N I B C B W S R G C O X C P
H V U T E J X E K T A D J Y E Z E D W N F L N M
Z O X S E Y V V S H C J B R F M Z P I D I K I L
H W I S M L Y B V E N E I S E R G D P C T K P C
T F E C W W P H K R A F C M S S K C L T T I Q J
E T U F M G T P D I M L B I W Z Q D S F L G J Z
K T M E K Y C M A N O E B E L K Z W K Q G N P D
C P C T U O R O B E R T C A T E S B Y F P D T E
O O Q K U K A L S W E T N E M A I L R A P U O H
R E B M E V O N P H Z F Y M C Z D C X C Q B T D
Y L M F H V E L A E L S F R J N K K E T V W E E
K Y T Q M V W K R E H P E O R Z G L A C G H S S
S T H G I L N Q K L F L Z R T L L U J K I D T W
T R E A S O N S L V O O Q Z A A R K E A K E A B
O N P H H L A R E E W T I Y R L T C J F V H N R
M M J F M Q S Z R B R J H P U V F Q P P E Q T R
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 November 2015
STEVENS RECYCLING NOW SUPPLYING
TOP SOIL AT GREAT PRICES
Page 66
ATTENTION! Let us lighten your load!
Domestic and Industrial Skips Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB.
01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com
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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