The Local
ANSWER
FEBRUARY 2016
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
f o r l o ca l p e o p l e
GLOUCESTERSHIRE NORTH DON’T FORGET VALENTINE’S DAY – TREAT THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE
The Local
ANSWER
Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucester – 46,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies
Oliver Nivison Publication Manager
01242 541077 oliver@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial Lois Kingscott
Pancake Day – or Shrove Tuesday – is just around the corner so we’ve over-delivered this month on the Delicious Dish by providing you with three mouthwatering recipes for you to try out. Get your sweet fix before lent starts and you attempt to give up your favourite treat for 40 days! Don’t forget to spoil your loved one with a Valentine’s treat – whether it is a romantic meal for two at one of our fantastic eateries, or a stroll through the magical Batsford Arboretum. 2016 is a leap year meaning there is one extra day in February. Have a read inside about some leap year trivia including where leap years originated and some famous faces born on 29th February.
Inside this month ...
editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution Robert Kingscott – 01242 541071 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Welcome to February ...
Food & Drink Cocktail Time Delicious Dishes Looking Good Feeling Great Pet Care Motoring Quick Crossword What’s On Leap Year Trivia Homes & Gardens In the Garden Sudoku Interior Design Word Search Save the Planet Wildlife Matters Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
17th Century Cotswold stone-built pub overlooking the village green and duck pond in the centre of the picturesque village of Willersey. The Bell is a genuine Cotswold country pub with home produced foods, traditional cask ales, fine wines and comfortable bedrooms.
WILLERSEY, BROADWAY, WORCESTERSHIRE WR12 7PJ TEL: 01386 858405
Blue Lagoon The origin of this cocktail, like many others, is disputed but many people believe that it was invented in 1972 by Andy MacElhone – the son of the owner of the first cocktail bar in Europe, Harry’s Bar. The ability to master a blue cocktail is evidence of the impressive mixology skills that have earned Harry’s Bar great respect over the years. Many bars have concocted their own variations of the popular cocktail, with some substituting vodka for rum, some adapting it to create a Blue Lagoon Margarita, and others adding fruit juice instead of lemonade. Whether you have a favourite version or have never tasted this cocktail before, why not try out our recipe and let it take your mind to a relaxing tropical destination. Ingredients: Crushed ice; 50ml vodka; 25ml Monin Blue Curacao syrup (non-alcoholic, other types of Blue Curacao may contain alcohol); 25ml lime juice; 80-150ml lemonade. Method: 1 Combine the ice, vodka, Blue Curacao syrup and lime juice in a shaker and mix well. 2 Pour the mixture into a tall glass, top up with lemonade and garnish with a slice of lime.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, simply omit the vodka. Page 4
at The Royal Oak Inn
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WITH EACH ORDER OF TWO MAIN COURSES! Valid until 14th February 2016 with this advert Restaurant: 12-2.30pm & 6-11.30pm. Pub: 11am-3pm & 6pm-1am
Eastern Thai Restaurant at The Royal Oak Main Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury GL20 7LW
01684 772 616 www.royaloakbredon.co.uk
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Pancakes galore! Sticky Vanilla Apricot Pancakes Ingredients: Batter (makes 8): 100g (4oz) plain flour; pinch of salt; 1 standard egg; 250ml (½) pint milk; 1tbsp melted butter. Toppings: Half a bottle of ready made toffee sauce; 400g tinned apricot halves, well drained; drop of vanilla extract; whipped cream; flaked almonds. Method: 1 Sift flour and salt into a bowl. 2 Beat to smooth creamy batter with unbeaten egg, half the milk and melted butter. Stir in remaining milk and use as required. 3 Lightly brush the base of a 20 (8 inch) frying pan with melted butter or vegetable oil. Stand over a medium heat. 4 When pan and butter/oil are hot, pour in 2 or 3 tablespoons of batter mixture (just enough to coat the base of the pan) 5 Fry until golden brown. Turn over with spatula or if you are brave toss the pan!
Celebrate Pancake Day with our tasty trio. Those with a sweet tooth can try our Sticky Vanilla Apricot and Chocolate Cherry pancakes – or for fitness fanatics, why not try our healthier protein-packed pancakes that will keep you energised all morning!
6 Cook second side until golden and mottled. Repeat with rest of the batter mixture. 7 While you are making the batter, toast the flaked almonds on a baking tray under a hot grill until they are golden brown. 8 Warm the toffee sauce in a small saucepan. Tip in the apricot halves and a drop of vanilla extract. 9 Serve mixture over the pancakes and top with softly whipped cream and a sprinkling of the almonds.
Chocolate Cherry Pancakes
Chocolate Banana Protein Pancakes Ingredients (makes 12-15 small pancakes): 25g chocolate protein powder; 2 egg whites; 40g oats; 150g Greek yoghurt; 1 banana; 50ml almond milk; 50g blueberries; 10g coconut oil. Method: 1 Add banana, protein powder, egg whites, oats, 75g Greek yoghurt and almond milk to a blender or food processor and blend until the mix is smooth. 2 Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan and add the pancake mixture a spoonful at a time.. 3 Cook for about 1 minute per side or until they start bubbling and are lightly browned. 4 Serve immediately with the remaining 75g of Greek yoghurt and sprinkle the blueberries on top. Tip: This recipe can be easily adapted by changing the flavour of the protein powder or using different fruit. Have fun creating different combinations! The Local Answer
Ingredients: Batter: As above. Toppings: Chocolate and hazelnut spread, cherry compote or pie filling; whipping cream; chocolate flake. Method: 1 Make pancakes using the Sticky Vanilla Apricot method. 2 Once cooked spread some chocolate and hazelnut spread on the pancakes and fold. 3 Spoon the cherry compote or pie filling on top, then whipped cream and top with crumbled flake.
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The Local
01242
ANSWER 541077
103 High Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5JZ | 01684 296444 www.tewkesburycookshop.co.uk
CORNER CUPBOARD INN Freshly cooked food - from bar snacks to three course meals - served in the relaxed, warm environment of our beautiful 15th Century Inn
TREAT YOUR VALENTINE
to a delicious meal in our restaurant Book now to avoid disappointment!
OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight FOOD SERVED Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm
83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX Tel: (01242) 602303 www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk
FULLY LICENSED ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Authentic family run Italian restaurant
OPENING TIMES MONDAY-SATURDAY 12 NOON-2.30PM 5PM-10.30PM SUNDAY 12 NOON-9PM
CUSTOMERS RECEIVE A FREE MUSTARD BALL
with every order that is placed online at www.Tewkesburymustard.co.uk (Minimum orders of ÂŁ3.00)
TEL: 01684 850 614 66A CHURCH STREET, TEWKESBURY GL20 5RX
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Hoo House, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7DA orders@tewkesburymustard.co.uk or call order enquiries 01684 293 389
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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Lois Kingscott
What are you giving up? February 9th is Shrove Tuesday – otherwise known as Pancake Day. Pancakes were traditionally consumed the day before Lent, as a means of using up rich foods such as sugar, milk and eggs before the 40-day fasting period of Lent. Many of us attempt to give up a chosen food for this duration each year, either as a mental challenge or as an attempt to improve our health. While this is all well and good, could it be that there are certain foods or drinks we should be giving up for longer than 40 days? Perhaps, for life?
vitamins and minerals. Both brown rice and flour are superior to their white counterparts in nutritional value, which is why it is important to switch.
Alcohol
The chances are many of you have already done ‘Dry January’ in an attempt to reverse the effects of a heavy Christmas period. However, apart from noticing a possible decrease on the weighing scales, have you thought about the other ‘invisible’ positive effects your abstinence from alcohol has had on your body? While most of us are familiar with the adverse effects of an alcohol-fueled night – headaches, dehydration, lack of sleep to name a few – this toxin is doing more damage than the eye can see. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of nutrients from other sources, meaning that even if your diet is fairly healthy, you may not be getting the most of it if you drink too much. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with normal metabolic processes – including fat burning – White foods Rice, pasta and bread are all staple which can cause fat to accumulate in carbohydrates in our diets, but are we the body. eating the wrong type? Many benefits of teetotalism It isn’t easy to switch to brown bread Giving up alcohol even for a month after a life lived on white bread – especially because flavour and can lower your blood cholesterol and appearance play a big role in the appeal blood glucose, decrease levels of liver of white bread. Bran – the outer part of fat and help you lose weight. In the wheat grain – is a component rich addition, you are likely to sleep better, in fibre, vitamins and minerals, which be more alert and have higher levels of are all lost in the production of white concentration at work and with day-tobread as the bran is removed. White day tasks, which in turn will enhance flour is also ‘bleached’ with chemicals performance. Improvements in skin and some hidden ingredients are conditions, boosted fertility and added, such as caramel to give a brown increased fitness levels are just a few more benefits of being ‘teetotal’. So look to the bread. why not try staying away from alcohol a Superior in nutritional value little longer and see if you can feel the Brown rice takes longer to cook due long-term benefits. to the presence of bran (meaning it is high in fibre) and has a shorter shelf life, Refined sugar which both contribute to it not being as Giving up refined sugar is no mean popular. However, the difference in feat. It is found in almost all brown and white rice is also down to packaged food and drinks, the removal of bran (and germ), which processed and fast food, and – along with the ‘polishing’ of white rice even your favourite Starbucks – also results in a significant loss of Frappuccino. Given the amount Page 8
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we consume as a nation, it’s not surprising that sugar is being labelled more addictive than tobacco and more fattening than fat. Often we think we’re making good choices at home and, while it’s still probably better than eating out all the time, homemade food can lead you astray. The tablespoon of sweet chilli sauce you add to your stir fry, and the ‘fat-free’ dressing on your salad both contain more than 6g of sugar.
Your body will thank you There are a plethora of benefits associated with cutting out refined sugar including improved sleep, clearer skin, weight loss, fewer mood swings and a generally better mood, improved immune system, fewer cravings, and a feeling of control. Surely that’s enough to tempt you to remove some, if not all, refined sugar from your diet! The reality is if you want to cut out refined sugar, you’ll have to find time in your busy schedule to cook or prepare your own food from scratch so you know exactly what is going into your meals. Batch cooking is a good way to save time, and many people in the fitness industry choose one day to prep all their meals for the week in order to save time on week nights. It takes a bit of getting used to after years of grabbing food on the go, but your body will thank you for it.
The Local Answer
DRAGON
Pet Care
with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre in Cheltenham is a centre of excellence for pets – large and small – and offers a full range of services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham, Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with a great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.
THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER
CONSULTATIONS
ONLY £20 PLUS FREE FLEA & WORM TREATMENT FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS
Should I be worried about Alabama Rot? There have been some disturbing reports in newspapers about a deadly flesh-eating bug that has been affecting dogs up and down the country. Naturally some pet owners have been quite anxious about what exactly is the cause and if their four-legged companion is at risk. The condition was first recognised in Alabama in the US (hence the name) and seemed to affect mostly greyhounds. It is thought that a toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria caused ulcerative skin lesions, but that then progressed to cause irreversible kidney damage. Many dogs that contracted the disease died. It was first reported in the UK in 2012 and sporadic cases have occurred the length and breadth of the country, although there has been a concentration of cases in the New Forrest. To date about 100 dogs have died from the disease.
Associated with wintery walks in woods or the countryside
The above discount is available throughout February 2016 – limited to one DRAGON voucher per household
DRAGON VET CENTRE Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
01242 580 324 ~ info@dragonvet.co.uk Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 24 hour On Site Emergency Service ~ 01242 522 022
www.dragonvet.co.uk The Local Answer
www.willows.uk.net
Efforts to determine the exact bacteria or toxin that causes the condition in the UK have so far been unrewarding, so as a result there is no vaccine available and treatment is aimed at resolving the skin lesions and monitoring and supporting kidney function. Diagnosis is difficult also and often only possible on post mortem. Nearly all cases are diagnosed in the colder, damper months of November through to May. Often it is thought to be associated with wintery walks in woods or the countryside but the exact triggers are still to be established. If your dog does develop unexplainable skin ulcers or sores then you should take it to your vet, but be reassured that to date there have been no cases in Gloucestershire and it is still an extremely rare condition.
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TAXI
QB Cabs 07850 888565 Caroline Walters qbcabs@hotmail.com Based in Broadway
Contracts ● Airport Transfers ● Local Rates ● Courier
Gloucestershire’s VW AUDI Group Specialist Servicing From £95.00 MOT £39.95 Cambelts From £249.00 Air Conditioning regas £45.00 Free Courtesy Cars – Collection & Delivery
www.v-hubservices.co.uk
01684 214444 Sales: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat: 9am-4pm Sun: Appointment only
Service: Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm Sat: 8.30am-12.30pm Sun: CLOSED
UNIT 8A: Beta Close, Delta Drive, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SR
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Motoring with Luke Edwards
The cat that got the cream When the Jaguar E-Type debuted at Geneva Salon in March 1961 it caused a sensation, and with instantly classic lines a British icon was born. Will the Jaguar F-Type live up to the expectation? The Jaguar F-Type has been a while arriving. In the 1980s there was a secret attempt to design and produce an FType, which then influenced some design features of the Aston Martin DB7 (Ford owned both companies at the time). For this F-Type the task of bringing a next generation of iconic sports car to life was real and placed firmly in the hands of Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum.
A beautifully-tuned engine As you approach an F-Type it instantly looks familiar. The body of the convertible smacks of a modern take on a sleek 1950s classic, and the Coupe echoes parts of the original E-Type such as the long sloping rear boot. Ian Callum must have spent hours thinking how to make this Jaguar an instant classic and he has hit the proverbial nail on the head. The F-Type had a nice premium feel, easy to find all you need via tactile switches, and simple to discover a good driving position in the performance seat. I pressed the gold start button and the V6 engine burst into life. The F-Type has an aggressive sports car growl, which screamed a beautifully-tuned engine and a sports exhaust to delight. The Jaguar’s 8-speed Quickshift
double-clutch automatic transmission was both fast to use and refined. Its SportShift selector was also simple and intuitive. I have since tried the manual gearbox version and this is outstanding with a tight gear shift. When I opened up the F-Type’s 375bhp V6 3.0 litre supercharged engine the sound was beyond stunning. In designing the F-Type, acoustics was one of the key attributes Jaguar took into consideration. The Active Sports Exhaust system features active bypass valves, which open during performance driving to allow exhaust gases to exit more directly for a deep, dramatic sound. On the upshift the exhaust popped and on the downshift it crackled with a sense of fun. There was also a whirr from the supercharger and lovely induction noise, which added to the drama.
s ’ e i d Ed
The golden time for Jaguar has well and truly arrived The F-Type is a car to clear the sinuses with a 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds for the Coupe S and a maximum speed of 171 mph. Braking is quick with one of the most precise systems I have felt under foot. Fuel-wise a combined mpg of 31.4 makes the F-Type S Coupe not too thirsty. Price-wise the standard F-Type Coupe is £51,260, F-Type Coupe S is £60,260, the R Coupe V8 is £85,010 and there is a V8 AWD version. One word of advice – if you are after a pure GT car for a long European trip I would opt for the Coupe, as the Convertible does have limited boot space (compared to the Coupe’s 407 litres) and would suit more of a weekend away. The golden time for Jaguar has well and truly arrived.
Your local friendly garage offering
MOTS ● SERVICING AND REPAIRS ● TRACKING AND TYRE SERVICES ●
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm
help@eddies-autos.co.uk Old Station Yard, Station Road, Beckford, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7AN The Local Answer
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DOWN 1 Expel from country 2 Vexed 3 Atmosphere layer 4 Plant seed part 5 Resolve 6 Nervously 10 Foundation 11 Atop 12 Neither 13 Ballot 14 Indecent 15 Hooked (fish) with pole 16 Venture forth 17 Evoke 18 Positive electrodes 19 Evade 20 Confess
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 Oliver on
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© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
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Male voice Out of harm's way Shaving cut Flying around (planet) Pacify New experience More verdant Numb Supplied funds for Mellow Dip into drink Surgeons' workplaces
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01242
ANSWER 541077
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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 MONDAY, TUESDAY & FRIDAY MAT PILATES CLASSES (LADIES ONLY) Mondays 7.15pm (Beginners Pilates/Yoga Fusion). Tuesdays 6.15pm (Intermediate/ Advanced Pilates), 7.15pm (Beginners Pilates). All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0WH. NEW DAYTIME CLASS – Fridays 10.30am (Beginners Pilates). Uckington Village Hall, The Green, Cheltenham GL51 9SR. £8 (pay as you go) or £40 (course of 6). 07528 471091. For more info: www.synergispilates.co.uk. FROM 31 JANUARY TAG RUGBY For 4-8 year olds at the Old Patesians Rugby Club, Everest Road, Leckhampton. Over 200 children have fun learning new ball skills and mixing with other children in a family, friendly environment. Starts Sunday 31st January, 9.15–10.45am. Runs for 6 weeks. For more information email
chrisraymond124@hotmail.com or register at www.cheltenhamtagrugby.co.uk. 3 FEBRUARY CHELTENHAM CRICKET SOCIETY Cheltenham Cricket Society meets 1st Wednesday of each month September to May at the Victory Club. Excellent speakers: cricketers, writers and commentators. Mike Procter and Michael Holding recently. Convivial atmosphere, bread and cheese, annual quiz, bar. Guests welcome. Contact Malcolm Brown – mb3456@blueyonder.co.uk. www.cheltcs.councilcricketsocieties.com FASHION SHOW/SALE Your chance to snap up a bargain! View and try on High Street quality clothes in all sizes. Payments by cash/credit or debit card. Refreshments available. Tickets £5. Proceeds to Help Medina (a charity run by local doctors in Sierra Leone). 7 for
Cleeve Healing Room
Professional treatments in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Body Massage, Indian Head Massage and Body-brushing in a calm and tranquil atmosphere Suzanne Cowling 07890 835469/01242 671041 suzanne@cleevehealingroom.co.uk
7.30pm. Cirencester Ashcroft Church. Call Ros Burnip (01285 239054) or Anne Clark (01285 860291). 7 FEBRUARY BRIDAL FAIR & WEDDING VENUE SHOWCASE Come and visit the stunning Thornbury Castle, chat with the dedicated wedding co-ordinator, enjoy tours of the hotel and maybe even a cheeky glass of something sparkling! 11am-3pm. Prize draws, goody bags, free admission and parking. Thornbury Castle, Bristol BS35 1HH. 07800 592038. www.elegantadditions.co.uk. 8-10 FEBRUARY CHINESE NEW YEAR Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a wonderful 4-course Chinese meal! Set menu – adults £20 or children under 11 £10. Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant, Unit 1-2 Kingsway Local Centre, Thatcham Avenue, Kingsway GL2 2GT. 01452 698770.
Bespoke Holiday Cottage Management for both owners and guests
Telephone: 01386 852 462
Email: campdencottages@icloud.com Twitter:@campdencottages
Visit www.campdencottages.co.uk to view all of our cottages
D o s o m e t hi ng a m a z i n g t h is ye a r ! If you have a few hours to spare each week, why not become an RDA Volunteer? No experience needed – we’ll train you on the job. For anyone with more experience, have you ever thought of teaching? Find out more on our website or give us a call, join us for a coffee and see our wonderful work. • Visit www.cotswoldrda.org.uk • Email info@cotswoldrda.org.uk or • Call 01242 584420 to speak to Claire or Debbie
Cotswold
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
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11-17 FEBRUARY FESTOMANE, FESTIVAL OF MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING Make a robot head talk, turn your own head into a 3D image, join the Space to Earth Challenge, see the Fantastic Plastic show, join a poetry workshop, discover training and career opportunities, get expert advice about growing a business, discover new innovations including 3D printing, and learn about our industrial heritage at Festomane’s celebration of manufacturing and engineering in the Stroud district. All events are free. Various locations. www.festomane.co.uk 13 FEBRUARY MONEY FOR NOTHING Dire Straits are one of the best bands to come out of the UK and this is Europe’s premier tribute. The brilliant guitarist and Mark Knopfler sound-alike, Aled Williams, performs together with a line-up of topclass musicians. The result is a ‘must see’ for rock enthusiasts and Dire Straits fans, featuring all the hits from Sultans of Swing through to Brothers in Arms. £17.50. 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE NIGHT Back by huge demand, join us for our ever popular themed evening at the idyllic
Tortworth Court Hotel. Meet and greet for 7.30pm, dinner served at 8pm. Entertainment and disco until 1am. £27.95 per person. 01454 263000. Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Wotton-underEdge, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH. 13-14 FEBRUARY BRING YOUR VALENTINE TO BATSFORD ARBORETUM Whisk your loved one off to Batsford for a delicious breakfast in The Garden Terrace Café followed by a romantic stroll around our magical arboretum. Just £20 per couple. Visit www.batsarb.co.uk or call 01386 701441 for details and to book. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, near Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD. REALLY WILD WEEKEND
Get up close to exotic animals from all over the world as we take you to see what lives in far flung habitats such as rainforests and deserts. Sessions last an hour and include a fun interactive talk in our Cinema before seeing the species up
close and ask further questions. £3.50 for members or non members can buy a day pass for the event (includes admission to Slimbridge). Limited places so book now to avoid disappointment! Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900 13-21 FEBRUARY PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS February half-term will see WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre play host to the South West’s Puddle Jumping Championships. Wrap up warm, grab your wellies and jump into puddles for a chance to win prizes. Competition each day at 2pm, look out for the big blue welly boot to take part. 9.30am to 5pm. Free to members or included in admission price. Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900 14 FEBRUARY THE PARTY The cake is made, the presents have arrived, and the music is playing. Enter some uninvited visitors: a French cyclist and a man dressed as a giant chicken. What ensues is a chaotic, acrobatic, endlessly entertaining show. 3pm followed by a Circus Workshop from 4.30pm. £11 (£9), family of 4 £36. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand!
NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPEN!
Give your child a magical birthday party in our beautiful gypsy caravan!
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX Page 16
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15-20 FEBRUARY THRILLER LIVE Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer. Join us on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael’s 45 year musical history. You will experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco as the cast play homage to Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves executed with flair, precision and passion. Various times and prices. 0844 871 3012. Call 0844 871 3012 or visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome for more details. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 19 FEBRUARY I’M SORRY I’LL READ THAT AGAIN... AGAIN! Performed onstage in classic radio comedy style with music and sound effects, the OFFSTAGE Theatre Group recreates the anarchic and deliciously surreal cult comedy show that laid waste to BBC Radio in the 60s and 70s. Stand by for wicked parodies, glorious puns and manic songs. 7.45pm. £10 (£8). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
20 FEBRUARY SNOWDROPS AT BATSFORD ARBORETUM
15-18 MARCH RACE WEEK AT THE BREWERY
Wander through drifts of beautiful snowdrops and aconites in the arboretum, followed by a warm lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café. Please visit www.batsarb.co.uk or call 01386 701441 to check how any unpredictable weather may have affected the snowdrops’ flowering progress. Batsford Arboretum, near Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD. 21 FEBRUARY WEDDING SHOWCASE Recently engaged or just looking for the perfect venue? Why not pop along to our Wedding Open evening and view the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and Wedding Breakfast along with local suppliers. 5.30 – 8pm. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. 01452 525653. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, GL4 6EA.
As thousands flock to the races in March, The Brewery will be playing host to a cracking Irish party, complete with live music and world class Irish dancing. Grab a burger and a Guiness and enjoy some unmissable live toe-tapping tunes! ‘Life of Riley’ will open with a bang from 5-7pm each night and ‘The Notorious Brothers’ will rock the crowds from 7.30-9pm! Party starts from 5pm each evening. thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk.
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We Buy 1800-1970’s single items, collections or complete house contents including: Old leather suit cases, Postcards, Dolls, Trains, Toys, Dinkys, Corgi, Match Box, Sporting items, Copper, Brass, China, Silver, Clocks, Watches, Boxes, Treen, Cutlery, Tapestries, Ephemera, Fountain Pens, Medals, Badges, Small furniture Please ask for a detailed list of items we buy Telephone: 01452 770409 evenings or Email ross.milne2012@btinternet.com WATERLANE GL6 7PL We travel to anywhere in the UK
For spectacular spring walks through drifts of snowdrops, aconites and daffodils, fabulous food and a wonderful selection of gifts and gardening goodies and plants, Batsford is a perfect day out for all the family – dog friendly too!
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The year of the History of the leap year The leap year originated over 2,000 years ago in the time of Julius Caesar. The Julian Calendar had one rule – years that were divisible by four would be a leap year. However, this led to far too many leap years and the situation wasn’t rectified until the Gregorian Calendar was introduced over 1,500 years later. Leap years are required to keep the Gregorian Calendar aligned with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun. The Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds (365.2422 days, give or take) to circle the Sun once – this is known as a tropical year. The Gregorian Calendar only has 365 days in a year, though, so adding a day on every year – 29th February – means we avoid losing almost six hours off the calendar each year.
Chances of being Proposing on born on a leap day a leap year Statistically the chance of being born on 29th February is one in 1,461 given that the number of days in four years is 1,460 and you need to add one for the leap year. ‘Leapers’ or ‘leaplings’ can technically only celebrate their actual birthday every four years, but they typically choose either 28th February or 1st March to celebrate in non leap years.
1,461
There are many versions of where this tradition originated. One says that in the 5th Century, St Bridget was annoyed that women had to wait too long for their partners to propose so she struck a deal with St Patrick. This deal allowed women to propose to men every four years – supposedly to balance men and women’s traditional roles, as the leap day balances the calendar. So for those ladies feeling lucky in love this year, why not make this Valentine’s Day extra special and pop the question!
e ‘leapers’ Worldwide superstitions Countries around the world have different beliefs about what a leap year means. Some are as follows: • Greece: As many as one in five Greek couples avoid marriage throughout leap years as they believe it is bad luck – especially on 29th February! • Italy: Italian superstition says that women are extremely erratic during leap years, and it is unlucky to plan important life events. They also believe that whales only give birth in leap years, hence a leap year is referred to as “l‘ann d’ la baleina” or “the whale’s year”. • Russia: Here they believe leap years bring terrible weather, affecting crop growth – beans and peas planted in a leap year are said to “grow the wrong way”. • Scotland: the old Scottish proverb “leap year was ne’er a good sheep year” demonstrates the belief in Scotland that leap years are bad for livestock and crops.
Famous Leap Year Babies Dennis Farina – Actor Well known for his appearances in ‘Snatch’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Out of Sight’, Dennis Farina was a popular American film and television actor. He was a ‘late bloomer’ having only started acting at the age of 37, following time in the military and 18 years as a Police Officer in the Chicago Police Department. Farina died in July 2013 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.
Dinah Shore – Singer Dinah Shore was an American singer, actress and television personality who achieved great popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. She had unsuccessful auditions for Benny Goodman’s band as well as that of Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, which led her to launch a solo career, appear in a number of feature films, and have a hugely successful 40-year career in television. Shore died of ovarian cancer in 1994, just days short of her 78th birthday.
Ja Rule – Rapper Jeffrey Atkins, known by his stage name as Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer and actor from New York. He has worked with multiple musical talents such as R. Kelly and Jennifer Lopez, as well has having great solo success including six top-ten albums. His acting career has seen him appear in films from ‘The Fast and the Furious’ to ‘Assault on Precinct 13’.
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Don’t be too eager – wait for more favourable conditions February is a strange month – it is short and often not the sort of time one feels like being outside in the garden. Although, if the weather is nice you can be lulled into a false sense of security and start doing gardening tasks too early! However, if the weather is anything like it has been for the past few weeks it is a mistake to think that you can plant things outside now unless under cloches or in a greenhouse.
Help plants get off to a flying start I have found that being too eager is a waste of time – wait a few more weeks and plant when the conditions are more favourable and the plants get off to a flying start, and soon catch up with the poor struggling specimens that you couldn’t wait to pop in the cold, wet ground. To help with the New Year weight loss why don’t you turn your compost heap? Empty it onto a
tarpaulin and replace it in the compost bin, allowing the air to get to all the decaying matter. If it is too wet and slimy add shredded paper or cardboard. Make sure you cover it with a lid or a piece of old carpet. If the weather allows, get out in
the borders and remove any weeds. Compost the annual weeds but dispose of things like dandelions (perennial weeds that continue growing year on year) in the garden waste collection (they compost at a much higher temperature to kill off any problem seeds). Removing weeds now will make your job so much easier later on in the season before they take hold.
Hazel or birch are ideal for ‘pea sticks’ This is the perfect time of year to get to grips with putting stakes in your borders. Hazel or birch is the ideal thing to use for ‘pea sticks’ (not just for peas!) and now is a great time to cut it, as the sap rises and it gets a little more pliable before the leaves appear. You can also buy lots of different types of plant supports, but the key to them all is to put them in nice and early, before the plants need supporting so they can grow through them and look natural. The Local Answer
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Interior Design with Caron Burrows
Kids’ rooms – dealing with small space bedrooms Not all children are lucky enough to have a large spacious bedroom. Generally, the smallest room in the house belongs to the smallest family member. With a little creative thinking this room can become as functional as its owner’s needs.
Safety The most important consideration when designing a child’s room is safety. Window locks, sharp edges, mirrors, lighting cables, etc need just a little more thought.
Lighting Daylight is the best light source and it’s a good idea to make the most of it in children’s areas. Keep window dressings to a minimum, choosing fresh colours and plenty of white. All artificial lighting should be ceiling and wall mounted to avoid using valuable floor space. A reading light is a must by a child’s bed, but table lamps take up space. The use of wall-mounted lights will free up floor space, losing the need for a bedside table with a light on it, and making it possible to squeeze a bed into a very narrow spot.
Add a mirror The use of a mirror to increase the sense of space and light is a common trick, working equally well in a child’s room. For safety reasons, make sure the mirror is securely attached to the wall so it can’t fall off, and choose a mirror with rounded edges to avoid bumps.
such as a poster-size photograph on one wall. Why not treat your child to a large poster or canvas of their favourite character? Blackboard paint is a further option, turning the whole wall into a useful blackboard, which can help to encourage creativity. Keep furniture plain and neutral to avoid the room becoming too busy.
Wall covering
Bed
To draw the eye away from the limited Raising the child’s bed off the ground floor space, hang dramatic wallpaper, a immediately provides a chunk of floor painted mural or a large-scale piece, that can be used for play. There are lots of raised beds available to buy, with valuable storage, play or desk space incorporated. Storage designed specifically for the space will make use of every nook and cranny and allow you to tailor it to your child’s needs.
Hang it Stand back and take a look at the room. If any wall space is bare, use it. Squeeze in a shelf for the endless collection of books and knick knacks. Hang a simple rail to suspend small containers – a potential home for colouring pens and pencils or whatever the young person chooses. Hooks mounted anywhere in a child’s room, including on the back of the door will instantly become storage for clothes, toys and the many bits and pieces accumulated over time. The Local Answer
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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”
Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount
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of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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Save the Planet with Lois Kingscott
Supporting your community Once again, flooding has hit the UK and caused devastation up and down the country. While there is much debate about the best type of flood defence mechanisms to prevent future flooding, unfortunately this won’t help those communities already hit.
Restoring original meandering patterns Environmental group WWF have worked with farmers across the UK in recent years in a bid to restore upstream rivers to their original state after hundreds of years of being manipulated into straight, fastflowing channels to flush rainwater off fields. Using traditional meandering patterns forms ‘lazy rivers’, which flow much slower than straight channels and don’t have the energy to carry much silt. Furthermore, ponds were created to catch any silt running off the fields that could later
be used by farmers on their land. What will you do? The return to the meandering There is, of course, action that the method means there is significantly public can take to support their less risk of flooding on land community. Connecting water butts downstream. to downpipes collects water from the roof, stopping it running straight Working with natural off onto roads. They are cheap to buy processes and install, and are available in Restoring rivers and floodplains to multiple sizes so even homeowners their natural functions also helps to with limited space can have one. reduce the risk of flooding. Creating Furthermore, during weather on the wetlands, capturing runoff in low- end of the spectrum, water butts lying ponds, and planting trees are provide a source to water plants with all methods that promote infiltration, during a drought. helping to store water and slow Another idea which is becoming down the rate at which it enters river more popular is growing a green systems. roof. This is a roof or deck onto which Working with natural processes has vegetation is intentionally grown. only been effective so far in small This not only reduces the amount of catchments and will by no means water that runs off, but also slows resolve all flooding problems. water down, allowing drainage However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t systems more time to cope with worthwhile. In some places this may excess water. The vegetation can be be the only viable means of grown on a shed roof if you’d prefer, managing flood risk, and in others it and depending on the design of the can be used to support more roof, can insulate buildings from effective flood defences. extreme temperatures. Green roofs attract wildlife and can be used to grow edible plants and herbs.
Support local wildlife too Finally, garden owners can plant trees. While it is clear that large reforestation would need to occur to significantly reduce flooding in large areas, if every garden owner planted one or two trees, this would make a difference. Trees absorb water and their roots help water penetrate deep into the soil. It is then slowly released rather than running off quickly and overwhelming drainage systems. Planting native trees can also attract and support local wildlife, and enhance your garden. Implementing these suggestions won’t fix the problem entirely, but they go some way to supporting natural and man-made drainage systems in coping with intense rainfall. The Local Answer
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Page 31
Wildlife Matters with John Bromley
Providing essential nourishment for our great garden birds during dry weather when worms are difficult to find. Anything dry, such as biscuits, dried fruit and stale bread should be soaked first to prevent the food either choking birds or swelling up after eating and causing internal injury. If putting bread out in the spring and summer, turn it into breadcrumbs first because that way the adult birds will eat it rather than taking it back to feed to juveniles. Juveniles fed on too much bread might not live to fledge. Hygiene is also an important consideration. Do not put out more food than will be eaten in a day and appreciate that during fair weather Birds need variety Birds need a variety of food, and there will be more natural food different foods are better suited to available so you will need to further different species. For summer feeding it reduce the amounts you put out. You is better to avoid bread and offer instead bird seed, nuts and fat balls. When buying bird seed bear in mind that smaller seeds are better for smaller species such as sparrows, finches and dunnock, whereas seed containing pulses like lentils, split peas and dried rice are more attractive to larger species like pigeons and doves. However, these larger birds will quickly increase in numbers and scare off smaller birds. Another consideration when using bird seed is that any uneaten seeds that end up on soil may grow into unwanted plants. Consider placing seed feeders or a bird-table over a hard surface where loose seed can be swept up. Certain kitchen scraps make great bird food too. Rice that has been cooked in unsalted water can be used and, once cooked, will appeal to smaller bird species. Beware though that cooked oats are too sticky and can cause problems with birds beaks, so only ever use uncooked oats or oatmeal. Feeding garden birds all year round provides essential nourishment during shortages of natural food, and with the UK’s erratic seasons, such shortages can occur at any time of year. A wet and windy summer will result in a shortage of caterpillars and insects, whilst a blanket of snow will simply cover everything. Another advantage of feeding garden birds regularly is that they will keep returning to the food source whilst also feeding on naturally occurring food found nearby such as slugs, insects and caterpillars, which can only be beneficial to your garden.
also need to be aware of attracting neighbouring animals with certain kitchen scraps, and some food types left out overnight might also attract vermin such as mice and rats.
Mouldy food can be fatal Likewise if food in a seed or nut feeder or on a bird-table becomes mouldy throw it away, clean everything with warm soapy water and rinse well with clean water before putting out fresh food. Do not put already mouldy food out for birds because it can cause illness and even death. It is also worth placing seed feeders and ground food in open areas so feeding birds can watch out for predators and other threats.
Use cat or dog food during dry weather Meat based cat or dog food can be put out and this is especially beneficial Page 32
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with Roger Downes of Andorran
Panic over! January is a mad month in my office and I don’t think we’re unique amongst small firms of accountants. We come back to work in the new year, full of hope and anticipation for the months ahead and the first thing we have to do is work out how many, and which, of our clients have not so much as provided us with the information to produce their tax returns by the end of January and tell them how much tax they have to pay. Why do people leave it so late?
A lot of time is spent worrying about matters outside our control Over the next few weeks, in amongst trying to keep those pesky resolutions that we made, we send numerous e-mails and make countless calls to get the information that we need. And all we are trying to do is help them (and earn a crust for ourselves of course!). We spend time worrying about matters outside our control. Will the staff be off sick? Will our IT systems cope? Will the weather hold up or disrupt travel arrangements? And, most importantly, will the clients actually turn up with their records? Just as most years before it, we could have saved ourselves the stress because we got there in the end. My staff are a resilient bunch, I’ve invested in the fastest broadband I can afford (highly recommended by the way, it’s transformed our operating speeds), the snow and the floods stayed away from our area, and the clients did all turn up in the end.
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It all left me wondering why things get left until the last minute. When I think about it a bit more, it is actually symptomatic of the whirlwind speed at which we lead our lives, particularly in business. There is a well-known internet company that uses the practice of last-minutism as its name and makes good money out of what I spend January regarding as bad business practice. Maybe I’m wrong? Maybe it’s the best way to organise yourself. Perhaps I’ll ask clients not to bring any of their records in until after Christmas. I’m only joking before any of my staff read this in disbelief or my clients get crazy ideas of waiting! At least the panic is over for another year and we can settle down to enjoy the remaining eleven months.
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
Park Home Life
Corner Cupboard Inn Eastern Thai Restaurant Salerno Tewkesbury Cookshop Tewkesbury Mustard The Bell at Willersey The Gardeners Arms
6 4 6 6 6 4 7
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Sherdons Golf Centre Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Batsford Arboretum The Bird & Deer Park
36 17 17 16
HEALTH & BEAUTY Cleeve Healing Room
14
INFORMATION Cotswold RDA
14
PROPERTY & STORAGE Campden Cottages
14
7
RETAIL Antiques Wanted Green Light Hydroponic
17 15
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 24 & 35 BUILDING SERVICES BE Rudman 21 Home Care Roofing & Building 21 Marshalls Driveways 24 R. Richards & Sons 25 CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw 33 CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean 28 Oven Busters 25 Pink Fairy Cleaning 25 FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Upholstery Techniques 26 GARDEN SERVICES Bartlett Tree Experts 22
Cheltenham Town Landscaping Cotswold Garden & Landscaping DW Tree Services Mark Clifford Landscapes Oakwood Landscapes HEATING & PLUMBING All Seasons G.M. Ltd KB Female Plumber Hanbury Plumbing Paul’s Plumbing Platinum Plumbing TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerial WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
22 24 24 25 24 21 33 25 21 33 33 2 30 29
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust MOTOR SERVICES Carsmetix Eddie’s Autos
20 13 11
QB Cabs RT Bodysure Tewkesbury Tyres V Hub PET SERVICES Dragon Vet Centre SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling
10 10 12 10 9 34
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COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of posting is not
regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Monday 15th February 2016
STEVENS RECYCLING NOW SUPPLYING
TOP SOIL AT GREAT PRICES
Page 34
ATTENTION! Let us lighten your load!
Domestic and Industrial Skips Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB.
01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com
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