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01242 541076 sara@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Welcome to October ... Halloween is just around the corner so it’s time to get your house looking super spooky! Our Interior Design article has some great tips on decorating for Halloween whether you’re aiming for a simple look or going all out to impress your ‘trick-or-treaters’. If you’d rather not decorate your home with scary spiders and ghoulish ghosts, there may be a reason behind your fears. The Medical Health feature explains what phobias are and the different types, why we have phobias and how they affect us. Watch out for the terrifying tarantula! If you fancy a night with the Welsh National Opera, we have a fantastic competition for you to enter where you could win tickets to see ‘Sweeney Todd’!
Inside this month ... 4 5 9 11 13 15 17 19 19 21 22 23 24 25 36 39 47 51 54 57 59 61 63 65 66
Food & Drink Delicious Dishes Looking Good Feeling Great Mirror Mirror on the Wall Style & Fashion Medical Health Parenting & Guardianship Cocktail Time Wild Food Foraging Holidays & Travel Wildlife Matters Pet Care Leader’s Life What’s On Homes & Gardens Interior Design In the Garden Property View Word Search Quick Crossword Motoring Sudoku Save the Planet Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
Competitions on pages 26 & 35 Page 3
Over, Gloucester, GL2 8DB | enquiries@thewharfhouse.co.uk
AWARD-WINNING WATERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
Christmas at The Wharf House serves acclaimed modern British and European cuisine with a twist. Booking strongly advised.
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pre-order menu
only £25 per person
01452 332 900 www.thewharfhouse.co.uk Directions: Turn off the A40 at traffic lights 250 yds west of Over Roundabout (junction A40/A417, GR SO 816197)
All profits from The Wharf House will be used for the promotion and restoration of Hereford & Gloucester canal
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
Page 4
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Thai green prawn curry A tongue-tingling curry with plenty of crunch. Serves 4 Ingredients: 200g onion; 2tsp coconut oil (or olive oil); 120g Thai green paste; 200ml coconut milk; 300ml vegetable stock; 200g green beans; 200g red pepper; 1 lime; 400g cooked king prawns; coriander. Method: 1 Dice the onion and fry with oil for 5 minutes to soften. 2 Add Thai green paste and heat through for 2 minutes. 3 Mix in coconut milk and stock and bring to a simmer. 4 Add green beans and diced red pepper to the sauce and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Leave for longer
if you prefer your vegetables to be softer. 5 Squeeze the lime juice into the pan and stir. 6 Add the prawns to heat through when nearly ready to serve. 7 Garnish with coriander and, if desired, serve with rice of your choice. If you don’t like prawns, replace with the same weight of diced chicken breast (this will need longer to cook).
Now Taking Christmas Bookings Tel: (01242) 602303
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight FOOD SERVED Mon-Fri 12-3pm &6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm
CORNER CUPBOARD INN 83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX. www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk
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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
- AT T H E O L D B E L L TWO BARS, LOUNGE & RESTAURANT SWEETS White chocolate and poached strawberry cheesecake Xmas pudding with a brandy sauce Bailey’s crème brulee Trio of chocolate mousse Coffee/tea and mince pies/ chocolate truffles £2.95 suppplement
To book your Christmas meal call 01452 332993 or email info@theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk The Old Bell - 9a Southgate St - Gloucester - GL1 1TG
www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
The Edgemoor Inn
30 DIFFERENT VODKAS ● FANTASTIC COCKTAILS, ALES & BEER ● STUNNING WINE SELECTION
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.
NOW BEING TAKEN
Edge, Near Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6ND Tel: 01452 813576 edgemoorinn@gmail.com www.edgemoorinn.com Page 6
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Treat yourself! Got a party coming up or a gathering with no time to cook and no idea what to serve up? One of Gloucester’s favourite chicken takeaways could be the answer. Its Bargain Packs comprising of 10 pieces of chicken and 4 servings of French fries will whet and satisfy most appetites at only £15.99. Or why not grab a Bucket Meal for a family mid-week supper? But there’s no need to wait for a special occasion! You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to a Mega Munch chicken burger with hash brown and cheese or an original hot and spicy boneless chicken.
O p e n 11 am 2a m e ver yd a y. Del i ver y u nt il 4 am We d n esd ay F ri d ay & S a t u rd a y
Push the boat out!
10% off your order when using our website
www.tennesseechicken.co.uk 1 3 2 E a s t g a t e S t re e t , G l o u c e s t e r
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And its not just chicken – there’s plenty more on the menu to choose from including a wide variety of pizzas, wraps, ribs, pastas and dipping dips. So why not invite some friends over this weekend? There’s nothing like sharing a meal to bring people together. With side orders at just over £1 each you can afford to push the boat out. Tennessee Chicken is at 132 Eastgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1QT and deliveries are made throughout the GL1-GL4 area.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 7
12 Ta F -1 ste RE 5t r E h W Oc e to ek be r
Free Joining Fee and Free members’ pack worth £25*
weight loss, health & fitness by former Rosemary Conley franchisee Julie Panthin
www.slimfitness.co.uk 07886 486577 *when joining Premier membership (valid until 31/10/15)
julie@slimfitness.co.uk
Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff
Why you should resistance train Resistance training is classed as any form of training against a resistance, most commonly thought of as free weight training with dumbbells and barbells but also body weight training, resistance band workouts and resistance machine exercises. Forms of resistance training are used by physiotherapists, personal trainers, sports coaches and class based instructors, and can start from very basic movements with machines or rubber tubing, to more complicated movements such as the Olympic lifts. There are many benefits of resistance training for the whole population, moving past the simple ‘building muscle’ benefit!
Builds strong bones
improving the ability to burn fat – especially in the 36 hours after resistance training. This does not mean you will get ‘bulky’! Training against resistance helps develop a lean physique and improves health.
Strengthens joints This form of exercise also helps in strengthening muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. In turn this helps protect the body’s joints from injury. Having strong tendons and ligaments helps prevent any misalignment of joints causing poor movement or even dislocation. Resistance training improves balance and stability, leading to less falls in the elderly population and a decrease in sprains with the joints’ ligaments. This training is also generally less impact based, which helps prevent the joints’ wear and tear.
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How to begin resistance training If new to resistance training, a qualified personal trainer or coach is always necessary to learn the basics and avoid any injuries due to poor technique. If you suffer with any chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or arthritis you should consult your doctor first. Resistance training programs should begin with the basics and build up from there. Postural and muscular assessments should be performed before beginning a program to be sure of correct joint and muscle alignment.
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Contrary to popular belief, resistance training can help increase aerobic endurance. It also helps build muscle function and strength, improving the contractile abilities of the muscle, helping each contraction go further as well as preventing early fatigue and lactic acid build up in muscles.
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Training against resistance at any age helps to build our bone density, helping them remain strong and prevent break down. This also helps protect against injuries such as fractures, and prevents the onset of osteoporosis and certain types of arthritis that attacks weak bones, especially around joints. Decreases blood pressure Structured resistance training improves posture, helping hold bones in a secure Blood pressure is an epidemic at the position for optimal movement and moment. Structured resistance training has been shown to reduce high blood stability. pressure, decreasing the systolic Aids body composition reading enough to decrease the risk of Resistance training, especially heavier heart disease and strokes. Resistance load resistance training, can help with training also improves heart function, weight loss goals. Increasing the helping increase its strength and amount of type II muscle fibers has leading to better arterial blood flow and been shown to increase metabolic rate, improved pulse rate.
Improves endurance
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard
Nineties Halloween Revival Grunge. Not a word we hear and associate with ‘beauty’. However, back in the 1990s, this androgynous look crept its way into women’s (and men’s) grooming regimes. This was where you would purposely use your make up bag to create the ‘morning-after-thenight-before’ face of dark, smudgy eyes combined with nude lips and a pale skin tone.
Embrace the dark side The ultimate grunge statement was made with the eyes. All in all, it is the perfect look to recreate for trick-ortreating this Halloween season. Not all looks have to be horror – 90s grunge allows you to embrace the dark side whilst maintaining an ontrend edge! Here is where you would create heavily shadowed lids to achieve the desired effect. A dark – preferably black or dark coloured –
palette is used to smudge onto the upper and lower lids accompanied with eyeliner and lashings of mascara. As we all know, eye shadow has a way of sprinkling down onto the cheeks when applying! Therefore, ensure your eyes are the first port of call before you attend to your cheeks, then you can wipe off any unwanted smudges.
An obvious contrast to will accentuate the grunge inspired dark eyes eye make up. The best thing about For the second stage of grunge, the palette now tones down to the opposite end of the colour spectrum. The paler tones provide an obvious contrast to the dark eyes, which compliment one another perfectly for this look. Once you’ve applied your nude colour to the mouth, make sure you blot with your finger to create a matte effect. A tip for keeping it on a little longer is to put pressed powder onto the tip of your finger and dab over the lips.
a nude lip is that it allows a little drama and attention to be paid to the eyes. The smokey eye may be the most timeless look on record, yet it remains our favourite. What’s that old saying? ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’? Well, if it it’s still working, keep working it and this Halloween provides the perfect opportunity to trick or treat yours!
Allow a little drama For those who would prefer to inject a touch of ‘glam grunge’, sprinkle some glitter along the cheekbones and partner with glittery eye shadow as opposed to just black. The dark upper face in contrast with the paler complexion The Local Answer
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Page 11
Let’s Talk Courses
Using CBT to Help You Manage
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Mindfulness
Low Mood Anger
Panic
Getting Active Irritable Bowel Syndrome
L et ’s Ta lk
Stress and Anxiety Sleep Low Self-Esteem Emotional Wellbeing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS. We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes.
Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website
https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time.
I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.
It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.
I feel I can now manage my illness by changing some things in my life.
Foundation Trust For Gloucestershire
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
Keep your AW15 wardrobe alive and kicking This autumn faux fur is trending with force, but avoid playing it safe with your neutral browns and blacks, and instead follow designer Roksanda with bright, bold, block colours. This will certainly keep your Autumn/ Winter 2015 (AW15) wardrobe alive and kicking! Neo-Victorian is also trending – a mixture of Victorian and Edwardian inspired clothing with a modern edge. Take a look at Alexander McQueen and Givenchy AW15 collections – a great illustration of this trend featuring lots of lace leather and sheer fabrics. Fashionista FKA Twigs is great inspiration for how to wear this style on a day-to-day basis.
designers this season in both men and womenswear with his distinct and uniformed style evidently channelled on the catwalk. Lacoste had Royal Tenenbaums style tracksuits along with Richie Tenenbaum’s signature headband, polo shirt and Turtlenecks continue to be a staple two piece suit. Get inspired yourself piece in our autumn wardrobe. and marvel in Anderson’s unique Women can use this as a base layer filmmaking style- films include under any dress, jumpsuit or Moonrise Kingdom, The Life top for extra warmth and for Aquatic and The Grand Budapest men we continue to see it Hotel to name a few. styled with a tailored two piece suit. Transform any minimal
outfit
A versatile look
This season’s must have For the guys, there is accessory is oversized a big focus on tartan – Distinct and uniformed earrings. Worn on just one and lots of it! With style ear, this is a statement many designers Producer Wes Anderson has piece that will transform including Topman and become incredibly influential to our any minimal outfit, as Tom Ford creating designer Tibi showcased in tailored tartan suits, his recent collection. this is a versatile look Hosiery has also become that can be worn with very popular. This is a good subtlety if choosing way to add interest and softer tones or boldly texture into your wardrobe, with bright colour with quirky lazer cut patterns combinations. A great and lace prints. look for both workwear The 70s phenomenon still and socialising. remains, so men and women Print was also a layer up your summer pieces as recurring theme on the we continue into winter. Wear runways of London with a shearling jacket to Collections: Men 2015. complete this look. Women will These prints weren’t find this season’s latest 70s pieces subtle either, with bold have a more romantic feel with large graphics worn as a floor length, long flowing, floral coordinating jacket and trouser dresses. piece. The Local Answer
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Page 13
How’s your prostate? Local charity wants men to A lot of otherwise healthy men get prostate cancer – many with no symptoms – and over 11,000 die of it every year!
So… what can you do about it?
• Aged between 50 and 75? • Or 40+ with a close rela've who’s had prostate cancer?
Come and find out more, and have a confiden'al FREE PSA blood test.
Wall’s Club
Have a quick blood test – it may save your life!
Hammond Way Barnwood Gloucester GL4 3HG
Monday 19th October
Between 6pm and 8.30pm
NO NEED TO BOOK – JUST TURN UP
Cotswolds Prostate Cancer Support Group
w www.cotswoldsprostatecancer.org t 07703 477391 e contactcpcsg@gmail.com
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know about prostate cancer
The Cotswolds Prostate Cancer Support Group wants all Gloucestershire men to know more about prostate cancer. “It’s the most common cancer in men – around 11,000 men die of it in the UK every year. Yet most don’t know much about it”, says the charity’s chairman, Roger Powell. In its early stages, prostate cancer generally produces no symptoms, but a measurement of the Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood (PSA test) can be a good indicator of the health of the prostate, and may show up the need for further investigation.
Registered Charity 1143651 CHELTENHAM LIONS CLUB
are suppor'ng this free test
“Men over 50 (those most at risk) can ask their GP for a PSA test, after discussing the pros and cons, but not many do ” says Roger. “It’s also sensible for men over 40, with a close relative who’s had prostate cancer (brother or father, for instance) to get tested, as they’re at higher risk, as are men of African or Caribbean background too.” The Cotswolds charity is organising a FREE public PSA blood test on Monday 19th October at the Wall’s Club, Barnwood, Gloucester between 6pm and 8.30pm. “Come along and find out more about your prostate and the PSA test from a Urology Consultant, and have a quick blood test. It may save your life!”, says Roger. For more information, click on cotwoldsprostatecancer.org.
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Medical Health with Holly Prince
Overcome your phobias Sometimes scary things can be fun – such as Halloween, which is associated with monsters and ghouls and things that go bump in the night. But when we fear ordinary things in our everyday lives, this anxiety can turn into a phobia. A phobia is defined as an irrational fear of something, which many people wouldn’t be afraid of, but for the sufferer it produces an automatic and overwhelming response. This anxiety can interfere with the person’s daily life – for example, going out to work or socialising – as they will try to avoid the object or situation (stimulus) that they are fearful of. Fear is a natural reaction to danger. When we feel afraid, we experience the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response, where we react by facing the danger, getting away from it, or doing nothing. This fear may be due to something real or a perceived threat, and the response is the body’s way of protecting us from it. But if there is no real danger and the response is an over-reaction, this is when people are said to have a phobia. To a person with a phobia, there is nothing irrational about it – it is a genuine fear response. Symptoms might include sweating, rapid heart rate, dry mouth and breathlessness, shaking, nausea, continual thoughts of dread, panic and powerlessness. There are many things that people can have a phobia of, and these are sorted into three types. The first two The Local Answer
are ‘complex phobias’ – social phobias, and agoraphobia (fear of being trapped in a confined or inescapable place). The other type is ‘specific phobias’ and these are sub-categorised into fears about the natural environment – such as brontophobia (fear of thunder); animals – like cynophovia (fear of dogs); medical-related – like fear of needles or blood; and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy situational fears – such as fear of (CBT) helps people to question and flying. challenge their thoughts and feelings Cure your fear altogether about the stimulus and to modify An estimated 10 million people in behaviours in order to react the UK have a phobia, so if you’re differently and not avoid the feared one of them, you’re certainly not object/ situation. alone! Phobias can take over people’s Gradual exposure (desensitisation) lives if they do not take action to involves confronting the fear little control the fear. steps at a time – for example, seeing Fortunately, there are many a picture of a spider, then being in recommended treatments available the same room as it, leading up to that can alleviate the symptoms and touching the spider, until the person feelings associated with the stimulus, feels relatively comfortable around it. or cure the fear altogether. Anti-anxiety medications can also Hypnotherapy can be used to tap be used to suppress the physiological into subconscious processes that are and psychological symptoms of fear, involved in the fear response, and to and your GP can advise you about promote relaxation. these.
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Page 15
Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
Keep busy on rainy autumn days It’s that time of year when, as the wheel turns, the nights darken and we head into deepest winter. But not without first relishing in the glorious golden gifts of autumn. As we step into October the leaves are turning from green to gold, conkers and pine cones litter the ground and we find ourselves searching for long lost gloves, hats and scarves to ward off the chill wind. Weekends are made for autumn fun so I thought I would share with you a few different ideas for getting the most out of the treasures of autumn.
Make a beautiful light display For rainy days at home there are some wonderful projects to try such as recycling jam jars. Remove all labels and use craft glue to stick golden leaves around the outside before placing tea lights inside to make a beautiful light display. Go for a walk and explore your local trees. Enjoy the gorgeous crunch and rustle underfoot before collecting some ‘special’ leaves and some fat brown conkers and full The Local Answer
pinecones to take home as decorations. I enjoy cuttings of ivy and berries too for floral arrangements, and can begin planning my natural Christmas decorations at the same time. Here in Gloucestershire we are lucky enough to have access to pumpkin growers and farmers markets where we can go the whole hog at Halloween, enjoying hay rides and haunted trails as well as purchasing the all important pumpkin for lanterns on the 31st. Back at home, there are plenty of ways to get busy at autumn time. Why not build a hedgehog house ready for little mammals to live in over winter, and set up a feeding station for your garden birds.
American cousins, to be grateful for all we have. We can notice the blessings we have in life and begin a season of rituals that we can take into winter. If you can manage it how about a last visit to the beach to enjoy a barbecue and hot chocolate on the rocks, overlooking the ocean, wrapped up in coats and scarves? What a bracing way to celebrate the turning of the year and build yet more memories for your children to treasure. This truly is my favourite time of year, and whatever you do I hope you find some unique ways to have fun with your family. Remember, Watch wildlife when all else fails there is always all year round the pure bliss of watching a favourite A bird table with film in your pyjamas! hanging feeders for nuts or fat balls is a great way to watch wildlife in your garden all year round, and gives the children inspiration for drawings and paintings on rainy days. I love to give my children a new journal at Halloween. After decorating the cover we put pictures and treasures in the pages, write seasonal poems, record events and remember family members on their birthdays. As Halloween is all about remembering those who went before it seems the right time to begin a fresh start and, like our
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Page 17
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HUGE RANGE OF RISER RECLINER CHAIRS AND SCOOTERS IN STORE TO TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Magically transform sour sloes Whiskey Sour The Whiskey Sour was first recorded in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book ‘The Bartender’s Guide’, albeit being known for over a century prior. Back then, travel took forever, refrigeration was lacking and the concept of germs was unheard of. Sea travel wasn’t as easy as journeys over land – food and water would spoil over time, and water wasn’t considered safe due to the germs. Sailors suffered from scurvy, malnutrition and sea-sickness until an English bartender named Vice Admiral Edward Vernon mixed a few ingredients together to serve his crew. Within their rations sailors had lemons and limes to prevent scurvy and liquor for something to drink. The liquor, watered down with lemon juice, brought about an early version of the Sour. When brought to shore, this concept became popular and developed to the sour cocktail we now know. The egg white was added at a later stage as a creamy, frothy element to help the cocktail go down smoother and make it look better in the glass. This is sometimes called a Boston Sour. Ingredients: 60ml bourbon; 30ml lemon juice; 15ml simple syrup; egg white (optional); ice; maraschino cherry and ½ orange slice to garnish. Method: 1 Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well then pour into a rocks glass over ice. 2 Garnish with a maraschino cherry and half a slice of orange. 3 If using the egg white, dry shake (no ice) vigorously in a shaker to get it white and foamy. Then add ice and the other ingredients.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 25ml lime juice with 75ml Ginger Ale and pour over ice. Garnish with a wedge of lime. The Local Answer
As winter starts to rattle its sabre, hedgerow harvests become more scarce so it’s time to start preserving if you want a steady supply of free nosh to get you through to spring. I think you should prioritise and start by preserving some alcohol! During previous outings, you should have started to notice Blackthorn trees producing miniature plum like berries, called sloes, along roadsides or round the edges of fields. The Blackthorn can be identified by its long needle sharp spines and leaves, which are oval in shape and serrated round the edges. The sloes are a light blueish purple in colour and if you’re brave enough to bite into one your tongue will grow hair and your face will want to turn inside out! But soak them in gin and sugar for a couple of months and that astringent sourness transforms into something magical. Harvest sloes after the first frost of the year and, if you’re a fan of tradition, prick each sloe with the spine of the tree they were picked from. Failing that, a fork will suffice.
It should be ready at the end of January Half fill an old sterilised sauce jar with sloes, add about 100g of sugar per 1 pint of berries (pack as many as you can into a pint glass without bursting them to acquire that measurement) and pop in one or two cloves if you feel like it. Fill to the neck with gin and seal the lid on tightly. Store in a cool dark place, the under stairs cupboard for instance, and turn the jar over once a day for two weeks then once a week for about three months. It should be ready to drain into clean sterile bottles toward the end of January. Leave to stand for another month to let any sediment settle and carefully decant into some sterile decorative bottles, once more leaving the sediment behind for clarity. All that’s left to do is invite some friends round and enjoy your sloe gin! Please remember to drink responsibly. If you’re not 100% sure that the plant you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild.
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Holidays & Travel with Jamie Bending
Unique and utterly irreplaceable Think about it, picture the place – can you describe what you see? You could ask any number of people that question and most will simply stutter, confounded for a moment, as they try to picture some enigmatic haze of sunshine and lapping waves upon warming sand. Following on from Australia in the second of the series, we’ll be considering the sort of place Thailand truly is, brushing aside the commercial myths, and seeing what this South Eastern paradise can offer for the modern student. Thailand is unique and utterly irreplaceable. For a country with barely more occupants than the United Kingdom, it offers a huge range of things to do and see! Where else can you step out of a first rate hotel or resort, campsite, eco-hut, bivouac, beach-side villa or apartment to leisurely stroll up to an elephant – your steed for the day – on an arranged elephant trek with Chiang Dao Elephant Camp?
whether you choose the night sky from The Moon Bar at 61 floors up, or the vibrant strobes of Ku De Ta, the hottest club in Bangkok, you’re bound to find yourself a light to guide you here. And if indoors can’t sate your party appetite then a single trip to Loi Krathong festival in November, with the esteemed floating lantern display, will likewise send your troubles floating towards the horizon. Shopping in Thailand is something pretty special, with the floating markets of Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak filled with indigenous delicacies, and the street stalls of Chatuchak fulfilling all your budget designer needs! If city life begins to wear you down though, then you needn’t fear. The rural life – rife with Ancient Ruins and UNESCO national parks – will shatter the
mundane daze! The Khao Sai Dao Waterfall and Phanom Rung Historical Park are without equal, and Kanchanaburi is number one on all backpackers to-do lists!
Flit between the islands Along the coast you’ll find the Golden Triangle – a confluence of the Burma/Myanmar and the Laos, and why not flit between the islands for some scuba diving in the Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui areas when you’re there? The Bay of Bengal is famed for a reason – it’s one of the few places you may of heard of here. But the truth is, it’s all worthy of note. So the next time someone asks you about Thailand, wouldn’t you like to be able to tell them the truth? Pay it a visit, become one of the few. Grand Palace
Opulent palaces protrude Trot around contently as you admire the tropical beaches with white sand in abundance, palms swaying against a backdrop of turquoise and not a lot else. Amidst glowing backdrops, opulent palaces protrude. The 200 year old Grand Palace – residence of the Kings of Siam, and Wat Traimit – is a sacrosanct haven with a three meter tall Buddha statue, a glistening religious idol! Outside of history, find yourself emerged in a pulsing party scene, and
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01452 712178 BJKennelsandCattery
www.bjkennelsandcattery.co.uk The Local Answer
bjkennelscattery@btconnect.com
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Page 21
Wildlife Matters with John Bromley
Creatures need home comforts too Summer is over and it’s time to tidy up the garden for the winter. Somehow it’s easy to visualise long, dark winter evenings keeping warm beside the fire listening to the wind and rain drumming against the windows. It’s even better with a nice mug of hot chocolate in hand to chase away those winter blues as you plan next year’s garden. However, spare a thought for the creatures stuck outside in the elements. They need home comforts as much as we do, and fortunately it is really easy to give them a helping hand and they will repay you for it.
There are benefits to doing something positive for nature A pile of leaves in a quiet garden corner will provide winter protection for mammals such as hedgehogs and voles as well as frogs and toads. If you don’t have trees or shrubs in your garden producing leaves, take a
Page 22
plastic carrier bag with you when you next go for a walk and fill it with leaves from a park or from under a roadside tree. Even when full of leaves it won’t weigh much and it will give you a genuine excuse to get outside for a stroll and a breath of fresh air. As always there are benefits to doing something positive for nature – even warty toads and prickly hedgehogs. For a start you will end up with a heap of leaf mold which gardeners call “black gold” because it is such a fantastic nutrient for your flower borders and potted plants. Meantime, the hedgehogs and amphibians you protect over winter will feed on nasty old slugs and snails in your garden, thus stopping them from munching your seedlings next spring. Don’t worry if you don’t have space for a leaf pile because there are lots of other things you can do, be it in a garden or on a balcony. Any hollow
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plant stems from the likes of fennel, teasels or similar plants will provide a retreat for lacewings, ladybirds and earwigs. Break the hollow stems into 15cm lengths and tie them together in a bundle, then to a tree branch or balcony. These particular insects live on aphids so will be really beneficial in the garden next year.
Provide a little shelter for those important creepie crawlies Again, if you don’t have a ready supply of hollow stems at hand go foraging for them – it’s fun and gets you out and about. Alternatively you can loosely roll corrugated cardboard and pop it inside a cut down plastic drinks bottle and tie that somewhere safe for the winter. You can make simple shelters for beetles and other aphid eaters by piling a few thicker branches or small logs from your autumn pruning in a sheltered spot. Even a patch of grass left uncut over winter, or an upside down flowerpot filled with straw will soon become some creature’s winter refuge. So, as you tidy up your garden ready for winter have a look around and see what you can do to provide a little bit of shelter for those important creepie crawlies stuck outside in the rain and the cold. The Local Answer
Happy Paws Just £10 an hour
Pet Care
with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre
Pets eat the silliest things
Brittanie Broughton’s Dog Walking Service
Offering one-off walks as well as a regular walking and nail clipping service. National Diploma in Animal Care and Management. As well as two years experience in walking dogs and dog behaviour, you know your dog will be in good hands!
Contact me on 07580 521733 Brittanie_broughton15@hotmail.com Fully insured
I’ve been working as a vet and in vet clinics for over twenty years so I’ve seen a lot cases of what we euphemistically call an “intestinal indiscretion”. Last week did seem to be a rather busy one with one dog having a sock removed from its small intestine, another having a corn cob extracted, a piece of cork in another dog and two more socks ingested one Saturday morning that fortunately we were able to retrieve by inducing a vomit rather than risking them getting wedged on their way through. Over the years I’ve seen all manor of items cause blockages – there is of course the occasional bone, stick or stone. Kids’ toys make an appearance from time to time and smallish balls are easy to swallow. I had a labrador once with half a dozen golf balls in its stomach – the owner brought it in because he could hear a clinking noise and thought its joints were arthritic! An engagement ring, chewed up bits of rubber dog toys, food skewers and underwear are just a few more examples!
Pets aren’t the only animals susceptible to eating foreign material
it % NT is 10 OU st v ert SC fir dv DI our is a y th f of with
One of the most dangerous blockages comes from stringlike obstructions, and cats are more prone to these as they like playing with string, cotton or tinsel. The ‘linear foreignbody’ stretches out through the intestine but as the gut contracts and tries to push the object through, the string-like object can cut through the side of the gut causing perforations. Sometimes the foreign body causes an ‘intussusception’. This is where one piece of bowel gets stuck inside a neighbouring piece. The foreign item stops the bowel contracting in one particular spot so that as the section of bowel immediately before it contracts, it ends up on top of the next bit and often the only solution is to cut out the affected area of bowel completely. But pets aren’t the only animals susceptible to eating foreign material. “Hardware disease” is a term used for cattle that munch down wire or similar metal objects that then get stuck and often perforate one of their stomachs. Captive animals aren’t immune either – tragically a hippo in a zoo in America in 1996 died after a racket ball thrown into its enclosure became lodged in its intestine and in 1993 a giraffe in a Shanghai Zoo died when plastic bags blocked up its digestive tract.
Retrieve the item if you can Young pets are more inquisitive so as pet owners we can reduce the risk of a gut tragedy by being mindful of a puppy’s desire to explore the world with its mouth. Don’t leave socks lying around, make sure rubbish bins are dog proof, only give dogs toys that are designed for them and if they start tearing chunks off them it’s time to bin them and get a less destructible version. Corn cobs and corks are particularly notorious so if you see your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t be, it’s best to retrieve the item if you can. In an ideal world your dog should be trained to leave objects on command... I’m still working on that one!
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Page 23
Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James
VINYL RECORDS VINYL WANTED
Local buyer pays cash for your unwanted LP’s, EP’s & 45’s. Most 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s records considered, large or small collections. Prog, Psych, Punk, Heavy Rock, New Wave especially wanted. e-mail lists to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987
Gloucester attracts some class acts Thoughts are already starting to turn to next year’s events and one of the biggest is the Three Choirs Festival. One of the oldest classical musical festivals in the world, it comes to Gloucester one year in three as we share the Festival with Worcester and Hereford. The relatively high ticket prices and the slightly highbrow nature of music has meant historically that many people in Gloucester have had little engagement with the Three Choirs. This is something the current organisers are very much alive to and are working with Marketing Gloucester to develop an inclusive programme of events around it.
Music needs to be at the heart of Gloucester’s cultural revival Gloucester’s music scene probably doesn’t get the recognition it deserves – whether it is the Cajun and Zydeco Festival held each January at the Guildhall, which brings people from all around the world, or the Blues Festival, which brings many of our city centre pubs to life in the summer, and is organised on a shoestring. Gloucester Guildhall attracts some class acts for such a small venue – including Robert Plant, Lily Allen and Charlotte Church. There is a real clamour in the city for a larger live music venue to bring even bigger names to the city. Gloucester Academy of Music, based in Barbican House on Commercial Road, does a marvellous job in providing professional musical tuition to young and old. Music has also been weaved into the History Festival programme now, thanks to the current Mayor of Gloucester Sebastian Field. The city has musical connections ranging from Hubert Parry (composer of Jerusalem) and John Stafford Smith (who wrote the music for Star-Spangled Banner) to Mary-Jess Leaverland (winner of the Chinese version of the X-Factor) and Nathan Sykes (formerly of The Wanted). With Gloucester’s cultural revival starting to gather pace, music clearly needs to be at the heart of it. t: 01452 384051
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e:paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY FITNESS & SELF DEFENCE TRAINING Lose weight, increase stamina, feel stronger, self control and defence without aggression. Tuesdays 7-8pm – Gloucester Deaf Association Community Centre, Colin Road, Barnwood, GL4 3JL. Thursdays 7.158.15pm – All Saints’ Academy (Gym/Studio), Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0WH. proteksfitness.com. 0776 210 1938. 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 27 SEPTEMBER THE FIVE VALLEYS WALK
Join us at this year’s fantastic Five Valleys Walk, charity Meningitis Now’s flagship sponsored stroll around the Cotswolds near Stroud, and help stomp out meningitis. It’s a guaranteed family, fun-filled day. Find out more at www.fivevalleyswalk.com.
3-4 OCTOBER CRAFT FAYRE Start your Christmas shopping early with some beautifully hand-made local gifts at the Batsford Craft Fayre, in the new Education Centre. Browse a wide variety of products by local designers and makers, including cards, pottery, soaps, candles, fused glass and much more. Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–5pm. Free entry. www.batsarb.co.uk. 01386 701441. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-inMarsh GL56 9QB. 7 OCTOBER FOSTERING DROP IN EVENT Interested in fostering? Gloucestershire County Council is holding a drop in event at Fairford Library on Wednesday 7th October from 2pm-5pm. Alternatively call 01242 532654 for more information. 8 OCTOBER WEDDING OPEN EVENING Recently engaged or just looking for the perfect venue? Pop along to our Wedding Open evening from 5.30-8pm to view the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and Wedding Breakfast along with local suppliers. Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. 9-10, 15-17 OCTOBER THE COTSWOLD PLAYERS PRESENT OEDIPUS AND HIS DAUGHTER ANTIGONE Driven from his home by a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus defeats the Sphinx to become king of Thebes. Here is a rare opportunity to see a double bill of Greek
Shipton Golf Course Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
day in the Heart of the Cotswolds” “A 9Open hole payevery & play course from 7am until dusk No need to book – Open every day from 7am until dusk www.shiptongolf.co.uk
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tragedy staged in classic style but a new adaptation. cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk/tickets 16 OCTOBER TEDDY WHITE BAND The Teddy White Band will be playing live at 9pm. Free entry. All welcome. Also quiz night every Wednesday and Thursday – £1 to play. Hi 5 Poker league – free to play. The London Inn, 195 London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6HU. 01242 525606. BEN WATERS AND VERY SPECIAL GUESTS One of Jools Holland’s top ten favourite pianists of all time. Ben has also played at parties for Mick Jagger and performed with the greats: Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Mick Hucknall. Ben Waters will perform with his band of equally fine musicians, in aid of Maggie’s Cancer Care. Support by Kyla Brox. 7.15pm. £24. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 17 OCTOBER BACK TO BROADWAY Back to Broadway is the all-singing, alldancing, theatrical sensation that invites you to take a journey through the magical world of musicals; with unforgettable performances, dazzling costumes and original choreography. Be enthralled by the unforgettable, ‘One Day More’ from Les Misérables, the epic ‘Circle of Life’ from the Lion King plus many other timeless showstoppers performed live on stage. 7.30pm. £18 (£16). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
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WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre
The Pantaloons’ Macbeth This story is not for the faint-hearted. It is the story of how old King Duncan died. It is a story of murder and betrayal. It is a story of supernatural sorcery. And it is a story that’s going to be retold as you’ve never seen it before. Taking their cues from film noir, gangland Britain and the clowning tradition (yes, really) the criticallyacclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put their own contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s most dangerous play. Tragic and hilarious in equal measures, this innovative take on ‘The Scottish Play’ features femmes fatale, highspeed chases, killer lines, killer crimes and some seriously weird sisters. Tickets cost just £14 (£12) and may be booked online at bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 258002. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Macbeth’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Macbeth’. Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2015. 17 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Join Alan Ranger on a half or one day photography workshop. Suitable for beginners and more advanced photographers, Alan will work with each person individually to capture the wonderful autumn colour in the Arboretum. Half day workshops 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm – £79. Full day workshops 8am-5pm – from £130. All bookings must be made in advance. For details and to book visit www.alanranger.com/batsford. 19-20 OCTOBER ALICE – THE MUSICAL
Alice – The Musical brings Lewis Carroll’s zany world to life. The nonsense of Wonderland is captured in this fast paced exciting production with its catchy songs. With a cast of 30 ranging in age from 6 to
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16, the members of Young Promenaders have been enthusiastically rehearsing since June. Directed by Paul Avery, assisted by Heather Gallagher. Musical Director – Vicki Beauregard assisted by April Perrot and Poppy Storey. Choreography by Molly Champion-Pinchin. 7pm. Tickets from Showcase on 01242 224144 – adults £10, children £6. Parabola Arts Centre, Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AA. 22 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER SLIMBRIDGE SPOOKTACULAR
Fiendish fun is in store for little explorers. Find the missing pumpkins, make a magic potion, meet the wizard’s amphibian pets, enjoy creepy crafts and take a scarecrow selfie. Face painting and pumpkin carving will also be available (extra charge). Book online to save 10%. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
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24 OCTOBER AUTUMN SALE Cheltenham Hospital League of Friends are hosting an Autumn sale with handicrafts, cakes, tombola, raffle, books, jams, gifts, bric-a-brac, bottle stall, refreshments and much more. 9-12am. Entrance fee 50p. Sacred Hearts Church Hall, Moorend Road, Cheltenham GL53 9AU. 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 (yes, really) the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put their own 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.
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WANTED D o es yo ur p o ny f i t t h e p ro f i l e ?
Cotswold Riding for the Disabled are seeking some very special ponies. Horse riding provides amazing therapeutic benefits to riders of all ages and a wide range of disabilities. All our ponies are special – they are blessed with endless patience and a calm temperament, but at the same time are highly trained by our equestrian team to ensure they meet our demanding requirements and earn their badge of honour.
Sadly, not all ponies are suitable. Ideally, we are looking for geldings that are between 14hh and 15hh, and between 7 and 15 years old. They must be able to live out and be good on and off the lead rein.
Cotswold
W h y n o t l o a n yo u r pony to us ?
If you have a pony that meets these very special needs but you don’t want to sell, why not talk to us about a loan agreement?
We work during the school term time leaving your pony free to return home to you during the holidays.
Please contact Debbie via email debbie@cotswoldrda.org.uk or call 01242 584420.
It’s what you can do that counts
Riding for the Disabled Association
Jackie Brutton Riding Centre, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH
t 01242 584420 w www.cotswoldrda.org.uk e info@cotswoldrda.org.uk
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
A growing portfolio of Hallmark Hotels This Autumn, the Hallmark Hotel Gloucester became part of the new 20 strong and growing portfolio of UK wide Hallmark Hotels. The wider portfolio, catering to both leisure and business guests, can be found in a variety of settings including city centres, picturesque rolling countryside retreats, manor houses and well placed airport locations. Visit the brand new website www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk or follow @hallmarkhotels for updates on exciting packages and special offers across the new portfolio.
A Halloween party to remember If you’re searching for a Halloween party to remember whilst raising money for a good cause, the Hallmark
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Gloucester hosts its Halloween Ball in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance on Saturday 31st October. Monster Mash the night away to music provided by ‘Breeze’, having indulged in a 3-course sit down dinner. Whilst fancy dress is optional, it is most definitely encouraged, and prizes will be given to the best dressed Halloween costume. Tickets are priced at only £30 per person.
All-inclusive Christmas party nights And for those looking forward to the Christmas party season, the hotel is hosting an array of options, each hand crafted with attention to every detail. With our allinclusive Christmas party nights you can enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, all you can eat 3-course carvery with free flowing drinks during dinner, photographer, party games, disco and dancing until the early hours. And to keep your energy up for all that dancing, there will be free bacon baps at 11pm! Prices start from £50 per person. Also new for 2015 are the Fire and Ice Party Nights, featuring a themed bar, live performers, festive 3-course sit down dinner, DJ and dancing. For further information or to book tickets call the Hallmark Gloucester on 01452 525653 or email gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Gloucester Waterways Museum awarded grant for remodelling museum The Gloucester Waterways Museum has been awarded a grant to remodel the Canal and River Trust-run museum. The project will allow the museum to make much more of the uniqueness of the River Severn and Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, as well as emphasising the significant role Gloucester Docks and the local canal network had in transporting goods to the industrial Midlands. The funding will allow the historic museum, based in a former Victorian warehouse at the heart of the Docks, to install a new inviting visitor entrance, fresh and exciting new galleries on the ground and first floor, and a modern gift shop.
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Sabrina 5, a 90-foot long cargo barge moored at the Museum, will also be given a new lease of life as a floating learning space to teach families and youngsters more about England’s canals and rivers. The museum is scheduled to close for the galleries for the work to be carried out. The last day of operating will be Sunday 1st November 2015, re-opening in Summer 2016. During this time museum staff will establish a pop-up museum around Gloucester to reach out to new audiences. This project has been funded with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund and the Friends of Gloucester Waterways Museum, The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire Charitable Trust, The Langtree Trust, The Ratcliff Foundation, The Rowlands Trust, The Saintbury Trust, The Summerfield Charitable Trust and The Wilmcote Charitrust. The Santa Trips will still operate during the closure on 12th, 13th and 19th through to 24th December at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm each day. Tickets are priced at £9.50 per person and pre booking is essential by telephoning 01452 318200/1.
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The Local Answer
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.
2016 Weddings from
£3999*
ABBA TRIBUTE £35 27th & 28th November Due to the sell out in 2014 we are happy to announce the return of our Abba Tribute Party Nights. Whether you’re a Dancing Queen or just a Super Trooper, don’t miss out on this fantastic night of fabulous hits and dance routines.
HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS £29.95 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th December 9th January These Hollywood-themed parties let you feel like a star for the night, from the paparazzi on the red carpet to the walk of fame. Whether with friends, family or colleagues, you’ll enjoy a premier evening of delicious food and music from the resident DJ. LAS VEGAS CHRISTMAS BALL £38 4th & 5th December Transport yourselves back to the glitz and glamour of the Sands Casino in Las Vegas. Wearing your black ties and ball gowns, you will have the chance to meet some fabulous Vegas girls during the reception and then watch them perform some spectacular dance routines during your sumptuous threecourse gala dinner. Fantastic swing vocalist Gary Grace and his band are followed by a disco and gambling at the casino tables.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER £75 Enjoy the countdown with a magnificent six-course gala dinner, sensational 7 piece live band, resident DJ and casino tables. Black tie and cocktail dresses. Mercure Gloucester BOWDEN HALL Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Glos GL4 8ED Tel: 01452 632 632 E: 077cs@jupiterhotels.co.uk
Quote ‘LOCAL’ when you make a booking
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, Robinswood Hill, GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. 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 entrance fee. Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 5 NOVEMBER HAMLET Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch 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. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, student £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, 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. 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’, plus many more for a great night out. 7.30pm. £20 (£18). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 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.
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 conc) available at Tourist Information Centre. Call 01452 396572 or 01452 522795. Kings Theatre, GL1 1QX. 10 DECEMBER ANNUAL MENINGITIS NOW CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Performances from a male voice choir and local primary schools, the promise of snow and a visit from Father Christmas. Tickets – call 0345 1204530 or visit www.meningitisnow.org/christmasconcerts. Prices: £10 nave seats, £5 aisle, £30 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) in the nave, £15 family ticket in the aisle. 7.30pm. Gloucester Cathedral, GL1 2LX.
THE BIRD & DEER PARK WEEKENDS OPEN ON
PRINKNASH
• 28th & 29th November 2015 • 5th & 6th December 2015 • 12th & 13th December 2015
OPEN DAILY FROM 18th – 24th December 2.30pm – 6pm close
*Ticket price includes a visit to meet Santa with a gift, Christmas Fairy, illuminations, face painting, craft marquee and entry to the park. *Photographs are not included in the entry price
Hot food, drinks and gifts are available for purchase. Free parking. Group bookings available upon request.
Gifts are suitable for children over the age of one & are not gift wrapped.Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. Illuminations are turned on at dusk. Photographs are not permitted inside the grotto.
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX PARK OPEN AS NORMAL FOR HALF TERM
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The Local Answer
not as you know it! Your Christmas party night but
Over 18s only
If Santa asks you to sit
!” on his lap, we’d say “NO
10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19 December 7pm-12.30am Join in the fun at Over Farm for a lot of laughter, sexual innuendos and general tomfoolery as frustration surrounding Mr and Mrs Clause’s relationship is shared with the audience. Indulge in welcome drinks and a three course dinner, including a three meat carvery with seasonal Over Farm vegetables. Live comedy sketches with audience participation, music and dancing, all set within a beautiful 160 year old barn.
TICKETS £36.50pp
Over Farm, Over, Gloucester GL2 8DB Go to overfarm.co.uk or call
01452 387447
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Win Tickets!
To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets for 22nd October, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Sweeney Todd’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details stating ‘Sweeney Todd’ to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2015.
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WINDOWS I DOORS I CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS
Ready for a cold hard Winter? Why not install energy efficient ‘A’ rated Windows in readiness for the cold harsh Winter? Stop those draughts and start saving money straight away, energy bills will never come down, but with energy efficient windows you will constantly be saving. The other benefits to having new windows are;
Enhance the look of your property
LOW MAINTENANCE HIGH SECURITY NOISE REDUCTION
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HOME CARE ROOFING & BUILDING
FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS
Painters and Decorators Specialists in wallpapering and wall coverings All internal and external painting Private houses, period residences, schools, factories and industrial work. ~ Established over 30 years ~ For free quotation contact Stephen on 01242 698787 or 07789 172232
sflood@floods-decorators.co.uk
www.floods-decorators.co.uk
69 Stanway Road, Benhall, Cheltenham GL516BU
FANTASTIC OFFER
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Our range of services include: New roofs and repairs ◆ Tiles ◆ Slates ◆ Felt and battening ◆ Lead work ◆ Repointing ◆ Ridge tiles and chimney repairs ◆ Flat roofs EPDM rubber ◆ Moss removal and fungicidal treatments ◆ Roof coatings ◆ Dry verge systems ◆ External painting ◆ uPVC fascias & soffits ◆ Gutter repairs and cleaning ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
For a FREE QUOTATION please call: FREEPHONE 0800 474 8424 or 01242 809264 (Please dial area code when calling)
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The wardrobe people Page 38
Please call for a FREE quote, price list or just advice without any obligation ... 01452 548152
www.spacemasterglos.com www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Interior Design with Caron Burrows
Decorating for Halloween Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, providing the perfect opportunity to enter into the spirit of the season. Whether your home is the venue for a children’s trick or treat party, a formal party for friends and family, or you simply want to cosy up your home for autumn and beyond, here a few suggestions to inspire you further.
Pumpkins An obvious choice is the trusted pumpkin. If you want to add a few Halloween touches without going overboard, just concentrate on the doorway and entrance hall. Style a table or dresser with pumpkins, and add candles and twigs for a natural display. The children will be excited by plastic spiders and witches hats added to a display. Perhaps you are not a fan of the
typical orange and black Halloween colours? Try something a bit different with an alternative colour scheme. This can be easily achieved by spray painting pumpkins – white painted pumpkins will look smart, whereas gold and silver will bring some sparkle.
Soft Furnishing Create a sumptuous decor with multiple layers and textures in a range of materials. Replace throws and cushions with fur or knitted fabrics. Black provides the traditional Halloween look and autumnal colours offer an instant cosy feel.
Candles An abundance of candles grouped together is one of the most effective ways to add atmosphere, whatever the occasion or time of year. For an autumnal effect, twist seasonal foliage around the base of large church candles or place them inside glass jars or lanterns.
Wall Art and Signs Instantly set the scene with spooky signs hung on your front door and dotted around your home. A more grownup and long-term investment can be achieved by a large piece of appropriately
themed wall art mounted in a prominent position – a great source of conversation.
Sophistication Decorating for Halloween can be elegant with a more ‘adult’ feel. Think about a few simple touches with a dark edge, such as serving drinks in black glasses or a decorative skull. Waterford Crystal offers a great range, which will add elegance and drama. For a more permanent fixture, quirky animal sculptures and rustic antlers can all add a spooky vibe to your home. Display them against a dark painted wall for extra spookiness.
Town & Country Heating and Plumbing Ltd Boiler installations, repairs & servicing All types of plumbing & heating work and repairs Bathroom & kitchen installations Landlord Certificates
NO CALL OUT CHARGE FREE ESTIMATES safe GAS
tm
REGISTER
m: 07787 523425 t: 01452 649370
e: enquiries@townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk w: townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk The Local Answer
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Page 39
interior needs Luxurious Curtains and Soft Furnishings
& Fabrics ◆ Tracks & Poles ◆ Blinds/Perfect Fit Blinds ◆ Interior Shutters ◆ Curtain Refurbishments
◆ Conservatory
Roof Blinds ◆ Canopies & Awnings ◆ Mirrors s on ◆ Lighting Join u2nd & ◆ Wallpaper Fridayday 3rd Satur ober Oct r for ou n
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E X T E N S I V E RA N G E O F D E S I G N E R BR A N D S . . . ●
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Sanderson Romo Zoffany James Brindley Prestigious Harlequin Velux Silent Gliss Blendworth Casadeco
Tel: 01452 522 422
enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk
www.interior
Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next
g
10% OF OUR SALE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO CANCER RESEARCH
rneeds.co.uk
This year will be the start of an annual event at the Interior Needs showroom. We will take 2 days to clear out ex-display soft furnishings and blinds at silly prices, all at 50% off or more. We will dedicate 10% of all sales to charity. This year we have decided to dedicate our 10% to Cancer Research. We will combine this with supporting the Macmillan Coffee Morning Appeal by offering cake, coffee and tea throughout the two days, with all donations going to the Macmillan Appeal. We are a family run business and have unfortunately been effected recently with family members and work colleagues suffering with cancer related illnesses. So we thought it would be appropriate to dedicate our first yearsʼ event to supporting Cancer Research.
Please come and support us even if it’s just to come out of the cold and have a coffee and cake.
TWO DAY EX-DISPLAY SALE 2ND-3RD OCTOBER ●
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Fabrics remnants Ex-display roman blinds Cushion covers Ex-display curtains Ex-display blinds Tracks/Poles Accessories
Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: CLOSED
t to The Weavers Shop opposite PC World)
Just Fabrics’ cushion competition shortlist Just Fabrics have had a great response to their ‘Design a Cushion Competition’ based on the Cotswolds. They have shortlisted their 10 finalists and are in the process of selecting the overall winner who will be decided by their Facebook followers. The prize is a trip to Voyage Maison in Glasgow to work with a designer to finalise the cushion design, which will then be available to buy. Jane from Just Fabrics said: “The standard of entries was very high and it’s been a difficult choice for us to select the finalists!”. Here are the finalists’ entries.
Gloucester Import s ct u d ro p ty Quali Furniture great prices! Depot
Living room ranges
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Dining room ranges Bedroom ranges
Occasional furniture
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d boar Side199 £
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
Telephone 01452 524545
www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 43
CHOSEN LAWNMOWER SERVICES SERVICING & REPAIR of all domestic lawnmowers Mower collection and delivery For a reliable, friendly service please call Graham
07771 783528 01452 731100
ROOFING & BUILDING SOLUTIONS
for all your property needs
REGISTERED INSTALLER Our range of services and installations include: ● Replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering ● New roofs and repairs – tile, felt, lead and slate ● Flat roofs (including Rubber) ● Chimney repairs ● Lead work ● Gutter clearing ● Dry verges All general maintenance and building work, including the small jobs around the house that you hate to do!
01452 543 973 or Mobile 07967 838 979
☎
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ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE – REFERENCES AVAILABLE To arrange a full survey and quotation please call 01242 809650 or 07918 798530 Office 269, 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2LY
www.glassfixglazing.co.uk
Wood-burning Stoves Design, Installation, Servicing Accessories & Parts
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FIREWOOD: 01453 702907
www.elcombestoves.co.uk
www.elcombefirewood.co.uk
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C C O
Making Carpet Affordable
ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS
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Bristol Road
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B4 07 GLOU CEST 2 CARP ER OU ET ENTRTLET ANC E Clifto n Ro ad
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Philip St
OPENING TIMES: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday 9am-4pm
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH ANY OTHER CARPET SHOPS IN MORELANDS Ask for Dan or Ben Unit 6G, Morelands Trading Estate GL1 5RZ
☎ 01452 413513 www.gloucestercarpetoutlet.co.uk
Find us on:
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Glos Garden Services Ltd www.glosgardenservices.co.uk • Tree work • Garden Design • Garden Maintenance • Turfing • Lawn Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Pond Work • Patios • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing • Sheds • Driveways Diploma in Horticulture ~ Established 1993
Free Quotes ~ Competitive Rates
01242 713800 / 07778 340485
www.markclifford-landscapes.co.uk
E SERVICE RE
Small long established family run business
References available
19 The Grange, Cotswold Court Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucestershire GL51 0TF
info@glosgardenservices.co.uk
01452 913633
find us on
All major credit cards accepted COMPANY REGISTRATION 09302713
ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES
JOE & JAMIE
Tree pruning & thinning ● Shrub shaping ● Hedge trimming ● Fencing ● Turfing ● Drives & Patios (block paving & gravel)
LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
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The complete tree and garden service
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01242 802684/07900 155 086 email: sales@dwtrees.com
www.dwtrees.com
~ Established 25 years! ~
All garden work undertaken and guaranteed! Fencing, Patios, Block Paved Drives & Gravel Surfaces Tree & Hedge Pruning, Trimming, Felling 10% OFF Turf supplied and laid ~ Lawns removed for OAPs Retaining Walls Built/Repaired
No job too small or too large ~ All waste removed For a FREE ‘no obligation’ estimate, call Joe or Jamie on
01452 500942 or 07724 159342
Master Sheds Each structure is custom built to your own requirements – perhaps to fit a corner of the garden or a difficult location.
01452 314011 07831 762644
www.mastersheds.co.uk
Unit D, Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted, Gloucester GL2 5HG
Garden Sheds, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Workshops, Site Huts, Stables, Kennels, Aviaries, Pavilions or any large timber buildings! Page 46
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The Local Answer
In The Garden with Julia Smith
Provide a show through the winter Now is the time to plant wallflowers which will give foliage all winter and flower in the spring next year. You see the bundles of wallflowers in greengrocers and garden centres – choose fresh ones and plant out immediately. Orange wallflowers look brilliant with dark tulips such as ‘Queen of Night’ or ‘Havran’. October is a good time to prepare the ground for new fruit trees and bushes. If planting on heavy soil add plenty of grit to ensure drainage is adequate. Work in plenty of well-
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rotted manure into each planting position and add a handful of slow release fertiliser when you plant the new trees. As mentioned last month you can now sow sweet-peas ready for next year. Soak them for a few hours in some water to help them germinate, then sow 1.5cm deep in seed compost in a 13cm pot, several seeds per pot. Cover with glass or polythene until the seeds germinate and then stand out in the garden in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse over winter. Now is also a good time to empty your hanging baskets and replant window boxes with winter pansies and primroses to provide a show through the winter into spring. It is good to clear away the excesses of the summer boxes and baskets that have gone over, and replace with something fresh and tidy – it always makes me feel very organised! Pop in a few dwarf daffodils like ‘tete a tete’ or ‘February
Gold’, or perhaps some Iris reticulata. Add some fresh young ivy and maybe a small conifer or two. It is nice if possible to pick out the colour of your front door with the planting. Mulch is a term that is bandied about by garden articles, and it basically means a layer of material laid over the earth to keep moisture in and deter weeds. The composted leaves you make are perfect to lay down around Hydrangeas, and especially other plants which prefer an acidic soil (pH of under 7) like Azaleas and Camellias. Bark can also be used, as can gravel, slate chippings etc. The golden rule is to make sure the soil underneath is moist before you lay down the ‘mulch’, and to remove perennial weeds such as dandelions, etc. October is a good month to mulch as the soil is still warm, and it will improve the condition of your soil in the future.
d an A % TL 5 t te ive un uo ce co Q re dis
● Domestic/Commercial Maintenance Patios/Paving ● Decking ● Fencing ● Turfing ● Gravel Gardens ● Ground Works ● Garden Design ● Planting Arrangements ● Over 15 years Experience ● Portfolio available ● Fully Insured ● All Works Guaranteed ● References available For advice and free quotations contact Nick Rutter on 01452 538684 or 07796 146099 www.lmslandscapes.co.uk
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Page 47
Page 48
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The Local Answer
A company you can trust You may have seen hundreds of branded Minis driving around Gloucestershire a couple of weeks ago. That was because a major British FTSE 250 company was holding its annual company conference at the Cheltenham Racecourse. The company, Utility Warehouse, is operated by Telecom Plus PLC – a major British company whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Utility Warehouse provide over 500,000 customers throughout the UK with substantial savings on a wide range of utility services including home phone, mobiles, broadband, gas and electricity. Now turning over £720m, they provide their members with great value, great savings and the best possible customer service.
Glowing endorsements in the national press The company has received glowing endorsements in the national press and consistent praise from the UK’s leading independent consumer magazine. Utility Warehouse is very different to other suppliers because they're a club – a Discount Club. They don’t have any high street shops and because – unlike their competitors – they don’t spend customers’ money on expensive advertising campaigns on TV or in the
national press, they can afford to charge their customers less for the same services.
An opportunity to earn with Utility Warehouse Thousands of Partners have already joined Utility Warehouse, and many are earning a significant monthly income, which is making a huge difference to their lives, or to the funds of charities or community fund raisers. Anyone who wants to earn some money and has drive and enthusiasm can become successful with the Utility Warehouse. In addition to earning a residual income, Utility Warehouse Partners can also benefit from an exciting range of incentives and bonuses. For more information and to start saving money on your household or business bills, or if you’re interested in more information on earning with Utility Warehouse, please contact Utility Warehouse Authorised Distributors Shelley and Jason Hyde on 01242 575462 or 07812 996653, or email shelley@utilities4you.net. Alternatively, visit the website – www.utility-saver.com.
EXPRESS REMOVALS & Storage Ltd
Local family run business established in 1979
LOCAL NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REMOVAL SERVICES Document destruction service Storage facilities for domestic commercial and archive storage Unit 2, Glevum Works, Upton St, Gloucester, GL1 4LA info@express-removals.co.uk
01452 523676 5 rating ★★★★★ on
www.express-removals.co.uk The Local Answer
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Page 49
w 5 Ne 201 r fo
LUXURY LODGES
A beautiful environment exclusively for lodges Brand new family-run development Quiet, secluded position with stunning views ● Close to local attractions and amenities ● Excellent location for road networks ● 32 plots for high quality luxury lodges ● Choices of sizes and internal layout ● Spacious properties with two or more bedrooms ● Mains electricity, running water and sewerage ● Adjacent parking space and garden area ● Resident ‘on site’ warden ● Electric password controlled entrance gates ● Active CCTV for security and peace of mind ● Free Wi-Fi ● Pet friendly ● Finance Available - stage payments ●
LICENSED ALL YEAR ROUND
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Sale prices start from just £37,500*
Please call to arrange a viewing of some of the luxury lodges already on site:
w nortonparkhomes.com t 01452 731285
Norton Park, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester GL2 9LH
Our second park is 2 miles away, offering caravan, camping and secure storage ...
Just two miles from Norton Park Luxury Lodges is ‘sister company’ Court Farm Caravan & Camping, enjoying similar stunning views, shower blocks and electric hook-ups. There are also great hard standing secure storage facilities for large vehicles including caravans, motor homes, boats and horse boxes.
With an owner living on-site, secure lock-ups, key pad entry and 24-hour CCTV, you can rest-assured your vehicle will be looked after. This is a pay as you go service with no minimum or maximum time frame for storage. For further information please call: Bonnie 01452 731285 or John 07463 737404
w courtfarmcaravans.com t 07463 737404 Court Farm, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester GL2 9PX
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The Local Answer
Property View with Howard Seabrook
What to ask yourself before choosing a letting agent You want to rent out your property and you’ve decided to get help from a letting agent rather than go it alone. The first decision to make is how much you want the agent to do for you. At the most basic level, you can opt to have the agent just find you a tenant, and then you take over from there. This leaves you with a lot to do. You’ll need to carry out the inventory, verify references, do credit checks, draw up legal documentation, secure the tenant’s deposit in a protection scheme, collect the rent, chase arrears, keep up with legislation, be the day-to-day contact for the tenant, and take care of organising maintenance and repairs.
Which tasks do you want help with? Most agencies will offer a bespoke ‘pick and mix’ of their services,
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depending on how much you want to be involved in running your let. You may want the agent to take care of what needs to happen up until the point where the tenant moves in. This will include vetting prospective tenants, drawing up the tenancy agreement and securing the tenant’s deposit. At that point it would be over to you. But if you don’t like the thought of collecting rent and chasing arrears, that service can be added to your contract with the agent. That just leaves the maintenance of the property and sorting out day-to-day problems. This option still makes demands on your time, but keeps costs under your control while giving you the peace of mind that the legal and financial side is being handled by a professional. Study the small print, and make sure the costs are
broken down and clearly set out in your service contract with the agent.
Do you need everything taken care of? You want all the bells and whistles, with every aspect of the let covered for you. This option may be right for you if you have a portfolio of properties, or don’t have the time, inclination or experience to be handson. Bear in mind that full-service management comes with a fullservice price tag, usually around 10% to 15% of the rental price. On the plus side, you need never get involved in managing your investment. The agent takes all the strain. You’ll have no nightmares about a tricky tenant, and a blocked drain on Christmas Day is not your problem. Whatever level of responsibility you are handing over to an agent, make sure they are part of a recognised regulatory body, and if you can, get a personal recommendation.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 51
Female Plumber
YOUR LOCAL QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
Kerry Baker
Professional qualified plumber Fully insured No job too small
Mobile
07880 258 158 kerry@thefemaleplumber.co.uk
01242 86
2480
Free Estimates and Advice All Aspects of Electrical Work Competitive Rates Inspection and Testing P.A.T. Testing
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YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN Doing the jobs you simply can’t manage
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SAFE STYLE HOME IMPROVEMENTS For a FREE QUOTATION please call:
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www.ermin.co.uk Branches in: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye Page 52
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The Local Answer
Albany Windows is a local family business. First and foremost we are installers, which is important because installation is the difficult bit and we are small enough to maintain close control over every job. But we are big enough to obtain supplies directly from large, high quality manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.
WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS
Whatever your requirements, we have glazing options for every need and budget, from a single window to a large conservatory. We supply some of 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
WORD SEARCH Z E T N G G L C D R B R O M T D C K N X N L K K
A K Z H M H A L E O I E O C O S T U M E W R I C
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C S L O L V Q L X H H L I R T I S W N J F H R N
T R A D K A J Z H L Z F R T K P O T I V Y F K D
L O R M C M K M R G J X G P L L K Z E S C D S Y
B O B A F P J H G Q G V M P L L H C T R N X W W
N W E J D I D A Y T H U Q A Q N W W S W V C V Q
Z Y U B O R D T M H P F H Y E F I F F S T G L B
A V E Z Y E O C E F T A B K S K T U P O D Y G T
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Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 54
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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
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
FREE UPGRADE
A local company you can trust
to Self Cleaning Glass
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Added hinge bolt security lock Easy clean hinges to help customers to clean their own windows A-Rated glass to ensure minimum heat loss
01242 220 640 info@emperor-windows.co.uk
Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 7 8 10 12 14 16 17 20 23 24 25
Desert wanderer Scandal Cape Logically Bluffing Unit of land Grassed section Canines Unwillingness Inuit canoe Provoking Group of musical notes
DOWN 1 Rock face recesses 2 A great distance 3 New Zealand bird 4 Acute pain 5 Bolted (of gate) 6 Rewrite on keyboard 9 Buddhist fate 11 Careless pedestrian 13 Opposite of aye 15 Protruded, ... out 16 Tempting 18 Chopped wildly 19 Rough-skinned 21 Female relative 22 Apiece
W h y n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt is e yo u r b u s i n e ss ? For details please telephone Sara on
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© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
01242
ANSWER 541076
Oven & Range CCleaning om pany The
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01452 404600 07958383366
* Please mention this advertisement for your £5 discount
www.ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk info@ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk
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Motoring with Christian Tilbury
A part of the family With such a vast array of models to choose from, family car buyers have arguably never had it so good. But while the market is awash with suitable, quality cars, there’s one model that always figures near the top of many a family’s wish list – the Volkswagen Golf. In production for over 40 years, the Golf has been a mainstay in Britain’s top 10 Admittedly, many believe it all best selling cars for seemingly went a little bit wrong with the MkIII forever, so what’s the secret of its and MkIV variants that Volkswagen success? launched in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the latest MkVII version Unwavering popularity There’s no doubt that it’s a great sees the Golf back at its best. car, but its unwavering popularity Importantly, its extensive range also stems from its rich history and includes something for everyone, the haloed badge. Ford’s Focus sells line-up spanning three- and fivemore in the UK, but it can’t compete door hatchbacks, a cabriolet version, with the prestige that many spacious estate and even a MPVassociate with the VW roundel or esque model. Very few of the Golf’s match the Golf’s 30-year legacy of so-called rivals can come close to rock solid reliability. In fact, so offering such a variety of body styles, dependable was the Golf that and it’s the same story when it Volkswagen felt confident enough to comes to a choice of what powers it. engineer a TV advert around it – A sizeable selection of anyone remember Paula Hamilton ditching the fur and fancy jewels but power outputs to pick from hanging onto the keys to her MkII Such is the array of engines, what Golf GTi? to choose can pose a bit of a
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dilemma. Together with traditional petrol and diesels, there’s the option of electric and hybrid units, while there’s also a sizeable selection of power outputs to pick from. For example, you could choose the BlueMotion 110PS 1.6 diesel that returns up to 88mpg, the 1.0 TSI 115PS BlueMotion that is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty, the 1.4 TSI 204PS PHEV that gives you up to 166mpg together with a 0-62mph time of only 7.6 seconds or, for those seeking the ultimate in performance, the 2.0 TSI 300PS engine that propels the family hatchback from 0–62mph in a mere 4.9 seconds.
World Car of the Year 2013 It’s no wonder then that the newest MkVII version scooped the World Car of the Year 2013 award shortly after its launch and that Volkswagen has sold more Golfs than any other model. For anyone considering a family car, that’s more than enough to recommend it and goes a long way to explaining the Golf’s loyal following – for many owners it isn’t so much a family car, more a part of the family.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 59
ROOFING & DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST NEW ROOFS & REPAIRS
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TARMAC BLOCK PAVING
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Please call Neal on 01452 618487 or 07798 782434
We will beat any like for like quote Free design and planning service Call now to book a free survey T: 01452 523068 Unit 4, Woodrow Way, Gloucester GL2 5DX www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk
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TEL: 01452 700289 FAX: 01452 700196 email: sales@bees-online.co.uk www.bees-online.co.uk
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Wh y n ot u s e t hi s s pa ce t o a dve rt is e y ou r bu s i n e ss ?
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ANSWER 01242 541076
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 61
Save the Planet with Tamsin Bent of Stroud Valleys Project
Create your own wild space For a long time conservation has relied on the idea of creating nature reserves to protect areas for nature. Although reserves play an important role, they cannot successfully conserve wildlife on their own. Just 7% of land in the UK has any sort of formal protection for nature and many species cannot survive and prosper in these small isolated pockets of land. To put it simply, many of the UK’s nature reserves, wildlife sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are simply too small to ensure the The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust long-term conservation speak to many wildlife enthusiasts, of the plants and animals they are a lot of whom would love to create a designated for. community wildlife area but are not Everyone has the power to sure where to begin. They dearly want to help, but simply don’t have make a difference the resources to visit all the If we are to preserve and restore potential sites and help Britain’s wildlife we need to connect people plan, fund and expand our special wildlife sites. and undertake This is easier said than done because improvements the vast majority of land in the UK is for wildlife. This in private ownership. However, this is why they have teamed up with also means that nearly everyone has the Gloucestershire Environmental the power to make a difference, Trust (GET) to launch the ‘My Wild whether it is creating a wildlife area Space’ fund. in your garden, cutting verges Help conserve wildlife in less often or adding a wildlife your local area feature to a local green space. Creating a small The fund is targeted at community island of wildlife groups who wish to help conserve habitat in your wildlife in their local area. These local area can groups – including schools and parish make a councils – can apply for grants of up difference. to £5,000 to help cover costs such as equipment, professional labour and education materials. Applicants will also have the opportunity to receive expert guidance from a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Community Wildlife Officer to help them decide The Local Answer
what to do and complete the application process.
Autumn and winter are perfect seasons for creating wildlife areas Even relatively small spaces can be transformed into wildlife areas – whether it is a pond, beetle bank, wildflower area, hedgerow or small orchard, there are endless possibilities. Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to create wildlife areas and ‘My Wild Space’ is open for applications now. For more information and to download application forms, call 01452 383333 or visit www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk.
To advertise call 01242 510500
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RHODES CARPENTRY LTD Over 18 years carpentry experience
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For a compe ve Quote please contact: Home: 01452 533 102 Mobile: 07870 586701 or Email: lee@lrcarpentry.co
FULL HEATING SYSTEMS BOILER REPLACEMENTS POWER FLUSHING COOKERS AND FIRES INSTALLED ANNUAL SERVICING
LANDLORDS SAFETY CHECKS BATHROOMS AND EN-SUITES GENERAL PLUMBING ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE QUOTATIONS
Call Adam on 07890 390220 or visit: www.a-m-nelmesheating.co.uk
www.draindoctorglos.co.uk
All drains and blockages ● All emergency plumbing work ● Pre-fixed prices ● Saniflo blockages & installations ● High pressure jetting/drain repairs/relining ● CCTV surveys/homebuyers surveys ● Local Authority insurance & water company approved ●
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We can offer various Finance Options to suit your personal requirements. We carry out Landlord Gas Safety Checks, Boiler Servicing, Legionnaires Risk Assessments and Electrical PAT testing £50 plus VAT (per service) We are fully Qualified Gas Safe Engineers, Worcester Accredited Installers & Green Deal Approved Installers
Plumbing, Heating and Electrics Registered office: 2 Bath Mews, Bath Parade, Cheltenham GL53 7HB
Tel: 01452 768007/01242 370390 reception@combi-man.com
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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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1st Choice
Aerial & Satellites
Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs
10% off with this advert Mark Hawkes
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Pro mo t e y ou r b u s i n e ss i n 4 2,000 m a g a zi n e s
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GRP Electrical The Local
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LTD
ANSWER
Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Work undertaken
Get ready for the dark nights with external security lighting Kitchen lights Rewires Showers Fault finding Inspection & testing Landlord certificates Distribution board upgrades Free Estimates ~ No Call out Charge
with Roger Downes of Andorran
A living wage Chancellor George Osborne was not a popular man amongst many of my clients with the proposals outlined in his summer Budget, the first allConservative offering for nearly 20 years. Now George isn’t the most popular man anyway, so what was it about his announcements this July that created so much dismay?
Anti-small business measures It’s fair to say that his additional 7.5% tax on dividends drawn by small business entrepreneurs as from next April has hit at the very heart (and pockets!) of ownermanaged businesses. And his statement that interest on buy-to-let mortgages will be gradually restricted to standard rate tax relief went down particularly badly with those people holding property portfolios, many of whom see that as their pension provision. No, it was neither of those anti-small business measures. It was one that will affect businesses large and small – the idea of replacing the current ‘minimum wage’ with ‘a living wage’. It matters not the size of your business, the minimum hourly rate that you pay your staff is set to rise steadily over the next few years from £7.20 an hour to £9.35 for the over 25’s, a rise of around 30%. Bigger businesses will simply increase their sales prices to compensate and no doubt add a little bit more for themselves. Retailer Next has already forecast price increases of 6% per annum in the run-up to 2020 and other household name retailers will undoubtedly follow suit.
Expect to see an increase in small business failures
10% OFF EVERYTHING for work booked and carried out before 31 October 2015
144 Finlay Road Gloucester GL4 6TF Tel: (Gloucester) 01452 307413 Tel: (Cheltenham) 01242 649642 Mob: 07970 547277 Email: info@grpelectricalltd.co.uk www.grpelectricalltd.co.uk
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Money Matters
But what chance does the small business, already burdened with the additional employee costs associated with pensions auto-enrolment, have of simply passing on this cost to its customers? None at all, so expect to see an increase in small business failures over the next few years. Whilst I support the principle of ensuring that the lower-paid receive a fair wage for a fair day’s work, we need to be a little careful of the potential consequences. What good is it going to be to them if it forces the hand that feeds them to shut down and £7.20 an hour suddenly becomes zero? The reductions in the rate of Corporation Tax and the increase in Employment Allowance, which Mr Osborne says will help to defray these costs, are nothing more than tokens. Come on George, what do you take us for?!
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 65
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Corner Cupboard Inn So Thai Tennessee Chicken The Cider Tree The Edgemoor Inn The Wharf House Tiger’s Eye
5 4 7 7 6 4 6
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Cotswold Riding for the Disabled 27 Shipton Golf Course 25 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bacon Theatre 26 Batsford Arboretum 33 Bowden Hall 31 Canal & River Trust 30 Hallmark Hotels 28 Meningitis Now 29 Over Farm 33 Prinknash Bird Park 32 The Bristol Hippodrome 34-35
RETAIL Ableworld Aroundabout Sound Bicko’s Bike Shack Soundhouse The Vision Centre Vinyl Records
18 24 9 24 14 24
HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty Spot
10
Cotswold Prostate Cancer Support Deano’s Mobile Barber NHS Let’s Talk Slim Fitness
14 25 12 8
PROPERTY & STORAGE Express Removals & Storage Ltd Norton Park Park Home Life The Property Centre
49 50 20 68
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors BE Rudman Elite Loft Ladders Ermin Plant G Kelly Plastering Glosbuild Home Care Roofing & Building Marshalls Driveways Roofing & Building Solutions CARPENTRY Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean Oven Busters The Oven and Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES Cleevely Electrical GRP Electrical
67 65 36 64 52 61 60 38 52 44 64 54 38 57 52 65
FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Gloucester Carpet Outlet 45 Gloucester Import Depot 43 Interior Needs 40-41 Just Fabrics 42 & 43 Sapphire Carpets 36 Space Master 38 GARDEN SERVICES Challenge Fencing 46 Chosen Lawnmowers 44 DW Tree Services 46 Glos Gardening Services 46 Joe & Jamie 46 L.M.S Landscapes 47 Mark Clifford Landscapes 46 Master Sheds 46 HANDYMAN SERVICES Safe Style Home Improvements 52 HEATING & PLUMBING A.M Nelmes 64 Drain Doctor 64 Elcombe Stoves 44 KB Female Plumber 52 Maisemore Apiaries 61 Pete T Plumbing 52 Plumbing 1st 61 The Combi Man 64 Town & Country 39 KITCHENS Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery 61 Granite Transformations 2
Hatherley Worktops PAINTING & DECORATING Floods TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows AJ Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows Glassfix Glazing Thomas Tonks
36 38 65 53 62 37 48 55 56 44 44
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Samaritans The Order of St John Care Trust LEGAL & FINANCE NJH Bookkeeping MOTOR SERVICES Westlands Hyundai PET SERVICES BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery The Brambles Veterinary Surgery Happy Paws SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling UTILITIES Utility Warehouse
16 66 20 65 58 21 23 23 57 49
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Z E T N G G L C D R B R O M T D C K N X N L K K
COMPETITION WINNERS Thanks to all who took part in our September 2015 competition and congratulations to the winners: Over Farm – Pair of tickets to Frightmare – Jenny Griffiths of Brockworth. Oakwell Health – Reflexology Session – Helen Merrett of Abbeymead.
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COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
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