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 SOUTH DON’T FORGET VALENTINE’S DAY – TREAT THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE
The Local
ANSWER
Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucester – 46,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies
Chloe Reynolds Publication Manager – Gloucestershire South
01242 541072 chloe@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial
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 mouth-watering 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 ...
Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Welcome to February ...
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Food & Drink 4 Cocktail Time 4 Delicious Dishes 5 Wild Food Foraging 7 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 9 Looking Good Feeling Great 11 Wildlife Matters 13 What’s On 14 Leap Year Trivia 18-19 Homes & Gardens 22 In the Garden 23 Interior Design 25 Save the Planet 27 Sudoku 28 Quick Crossword 29 Word Search 30 Money Matters 33 Index, Competitions, Solutions 34
Competition on page 17 Page 3
nt r y o nt d ou ua e i an sc r m op di Feb Co e sh 0% t in th e a 1 ver iv ad ce is re th th wi
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
➻ Cheese Hampers & Gift Boxes ➻ Wines, Ports & Beer ➻ Create Your Own Gift Set ➻ Chutneys & Crackers ➻ Cheese Wedding Cakes ➻ Knives, Plates and Boards ➻ Cheese Vouchers, Club & Tasting 5 Regent Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1HE Tel: 01242 255022 Email: sales@thecheeseworks.co.uk
www.thecheeseworks.co.uk
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
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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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Join us for
MOTHER’S DAY
An extensive selection of Cantonese, Szechuan & Thai dishes
SUNDAY 6TH MARCH A complimentary welcome drink for every mum All you can eat à la carte buffet Adult: £18.50 Child: £9.00 (under 11 years old) Reservations recommended
01452 698770 Find us on
Unit 1-2 Kingsway Local Centre, Thatcham Avenue, Kingsway, Gloucester GL2 2GT
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
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Special Valentine’s Menu To book, and for more details see our website
Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Tipputs End, Horsley, Nailsworth, Glos
01453 839949 info@tipputsgrill.com
www.tipputsgrill.com
NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Goosegrass My childhood was riddled by springs and summers picking Goosegrass, aka Cleavers, out of my school jumper whenever fellow classmates decided to spend second period flicking the tiny ball bearing like Velcro covered projectiles across the classroom. My annoyance wasn’t helped by the rash I would get if the leaves ever touched my skin – a fact quickly picked up on by one particular classmate who proceeded to insert an entire thicket up the back of my jumper during lunch break rendering me sore and irritable for hours. A fact reflected in the detention I had managed to earn myself by the end of the day.
Velcro covered projectiles
BLACK HORSE INN THE
17th century inn situated in the tiny Cotswold village of Cranham the Black Horse Inn is largely untouched by time. Serving home cooked pub food and great real ales
Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8HP
01452 812217
www.blackhorseinncranham.co.uk
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More than just a source of mild annoyance, however, this plant is also edible. Perhaps not the most appetising or pleasant experience eaten raw due to the small hooks covering the plant, but boiled up it can be eaten like any leafy green vegetable. As with most foods foraged in the wild, there are many theories that consuming this plant will cure most ails or cause you to reverse age and sprout wings, but I don’t tend to pay much attention to such claims. If it were to do such things then that’s a happy coincidence, but I don’t expect any miracles. What I do know, however, is that those tiny ball bearing like Velcro covered projectiles can be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee only with less caffeine than regular coffee. A fresh cup of reduced caffeine coffee will cure any ailment I’m likely to get, of that I can be sure! 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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Increase flexibility and strength throughout your body The Gyrotonic system is a dynamic blend of exercises that create simultaneous strength and flexibility, articulate the joints without stress, and heal and prevents injuries. The exercises especially emphasise the movement of the spine using circular, spiralling, elongating, and twisting patterns. These eliminate chronic stiffness and tension throughout the body, as well as working on general body conditioning, especially addressing issues such as osteoporosis.
Adjustable for any age or level of flexibility The exercises are performed on handcrafted wooden equipment, using pulley, friction and weighted resistance. These are adjustable for any age or level of flexibility. This system also includes mat work classes called Gyrokinesis that are conducted in the geodesic dome several days a week. If you would like more information about this system or are interested in a private or group session, please contact Leda Franklin at gyrotonicinthefields@gmail.com or visit www.gyrotonicinthefields.com.
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard
Pink beauty trends to fall for this February The 90s. What a decade! Pink hair, don’t care… That was the general attitude back then. Bright pink was the hair colour to try in the latter part and, more recently, we’ve seen stars today giving the trend a modern take. Pink hair is everywhere and it’s not just the 90s that took notice – the love affair with pink hair has lasted the test of time. Candyfloss coifs have been present throughout hair history, so for those of you (guys included) who want to take a walk on the wild side, or just a simple step out of your comfort zone, listen up!
The days of 90s fashion scrunchies and acid-washed denim may be making a comeback, but they’re not the only trends that emerged during the 90s and are still managing to be relevant today. Like all trends, fashion and beauty come in cycles and some of our favourites from two decades ago are being brought back to life.
Transform into a 90s babe These sought-after looks that are increasingly on-trend today range from Madonna’s strong brow and The Local Answer
Drew Barrymore’s pink hair to Leonardo DiCaprio’s curtain fringe! Now is the time to embrace a revival and transform you into a 90s babe living in the 21st century! What better month to revive the romance of the pastel pink than the very month of romance itself? This Valentine’s Day why not bring out the old romantic in you and express your softer side?
The perfect window of opportunity to experiment 2016 seems to be the year of the comeback 90s hairstyles, but without the added pressure to take the plunge and make it permanent. If you’re curious to try to this trend, you might want to invest in a bottle of ‘Bleach London’s Super Cool Colours’ range in ‘Rose’. This non-permanent hair treatment is designed to fade out in 2-10 washes depending on the colour intensity, giving you the perfect window of opportunity to experiment! For guys who aren’t keen on the pink shade, there’s another hairstyle you can try that swept the 90s. Enter the ‘heart-throb slicked back hair’. This style focuses more on the roots of your hair being slicked back, like actor and musician Jared Leto (right), who has actually incorporated the two trends together – talk about on point! When applying your choice of product, start with less and gradually add more when you’re styling. It’s important to
remember that you can always use additional product, but you can’t take it away! Many young male celebrities in the 90s rocked this look – it was seen as the signature teen heartthrob hairstyle.
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Heartthrob slicked back hair However, if you’re a daredevil who wants to give the colour palette a mix up, but not keen on the candy floss coif, reminisce to the classic Backstreet Boys era. Remember the frosted tips? Smart blonde highlights just on top of your coif seem to do the trick for guys looking to spice up their look! Whatever hairstyle works for you, work it and work it hard. Release your inner 90s icon! Page 9
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 The Local Answer
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.
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Service at the heart of The Property Centre’s success 2015 was a great year for local estate agent, The Property Centre. Not only did the company celebrate its 18th year anniversary in July and expand its branch network with new offices opening in Cheltenham and Abbeymead (Gloucester), but last month it was awarded Best Medium South West Agency at The Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2015 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times. These awards have become widely recognised in the UK as the most prestigious and difficult to win. Initial entry submissions are assessed by a panel of 20 industry experts, followed by an extensive review process, which includes indepth telephone interviews and independent mystery shopping exercises. With more entrants than ever before, over 6,000 offices were represented this year, but only the very best of the best were crowned as winners.
Dedicated to providing exceptional service Steve Jones, Partner, commented: “As a proud local company, winning the Gold award for Best Medium-Sized Agency in the South West is a fantastic achievement. Our staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service – it’s at the heart of everything we do – and we continually strive to improve,
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investing both time and resource in training and developing our teams. All our staff are positive and proactive in their approach, and above all we focus on excellent communication. This is borne out both by the “first-rate” mystery shop results we received from the judges and by the number of testimonials we receive each week from happy customers”. “Buying or selling a property can be a stressful experience”, continued Simon Trippett, Estate Agency Director. “Whatever the reason behind a move, it’s often an emotional time, which is where the benefits of using a good local agent come into their own by making the process run as smoothly as possible. We offer a true end-to-end service, from in-branch independent mortgage advice to our dedicated Sales Progression Team, and pride ourselves on our impressive instruction to completion times. Winning this award is the icing on the cake!”
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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 The Local Answer
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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. FROM 31 JANUARY TAG RUGBY For 4-8 year olds at the Old Patesians Rugby Club, Everest Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham. 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 info email chrisraymond124@hotmail.com or visit www.cheltenhamtagrugby.co.uk. 2-6 FEBRUARY THE LAST TANGO
The nation’s favourite Strictly Come
Dancing stars in their ultimate farewell show. Fresh from their sell-out hit shows, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have created their most moving production yet as they prepare to dance in their final ever show. From £23.40. 7.30pm (2.30pm Weds, Thurs and Sat). 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 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 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.
2016 Tribute Nights at Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel Back by huge demand with more dates now added. Join us for one of our ever popular themed evenings at the idyllic Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel.
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! 13th Feb 2016 25th March 2016 27th May 2016 19th Aug 2016 23rd Sept 2016 25th Nov 2016
Michael Buble Bee Gees Whitney Houston
Tom Jones
Rod Stewart Take That
Priced at only £27.95 per person for a ticket only or £69 per person with accommodation* Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details on our forthcoming events
Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre
Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD T: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk
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Meet and greet for 7.30pm with dinner served at 8pm, followed by entertainment and a disco until 1am. *Based on two people sharing a standard double/twin bedroom
Tel: 01454 263 000 Email:Tortworth.conference@four-pillars.co.uk Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH www.four-pillars.co.uk/tortworth
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8-10 FEBRUARY CHINESE NEW YEAR Enjoy a wonderful 4-course Chinese meal to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Set menu (4 courses) – £20 per adult or £10 per child (under 11). Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant, Unit 1-2 Kingsway Local Centre, Thatcham Avenue, Kingsway, Gloucester GL2 2GT. 01452 698770. 8-13 FEBRUARY AVENUE Q Winner of the Tony Awards Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. Avenue Q is an irresistibly charming musical which tells the story of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues. Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a terrific batch of songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets. Various times and prices. Visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome for more details. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 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 12-14 FEBRUARY VALENTINE’S DINNER Enjoy a truly romantic 4 course candle-lit dinner with live music. For more information call 01452 525653 or email gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA. 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 Four Pillars Hotel. Meet and greet for 7.30pm with dinner served at 8pm, followed by entertainment and a disco until 1am. £27.95 per person. 01454 263000. Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge, 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.
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 The Local Answer
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Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one in our elegant Dearman’s Restaurant? Enjoy a special three-course dinner with coffee, chocolates & half a bottle of Prosecco per person! You will also be serenaded by the romantic sounds of our live pianist Will Blake.
Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner with coffee whilst you flex your amateur sleuthing muscles solving a thrilling Murder Mystery plot? Followed by dancing the night away to the Resident DJ
Friday 12th February & Saturday 13th February Only £35 per person Residential Packages starting from £159
Friday 26th February £33.50 per person
Wedding Fayre Sunday 20th March 11am-3pm Free entry, goodie bag and arrivals drink 40 of the finest local wedding suppliers Live entertainment, fashion show 1pm
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
WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre
As You Like It Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change is broadcast from the National Theatre. With her father the Duke in exile, Rosalind and her cousin leave their lives in the court and journey into the Forest of Arden. Released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love. Tickets cost just £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50) 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 ‘As You Like It’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘As You Like It’. Closing date: Thursday 11th February 2016. 13-14 FEBRUARY 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. The animals will be at WWT Slimbridge for one weekend only courtesy of the Exotic Zoo. Sessions last an hour and include a fun interactive talk in our Cinema before getting the chance to see species up close and ask questions. Members £3.50 – 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. This event will be fun for all ages. Puddles will be available around the grounds all day for that essential
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practice before the competition starts 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, 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 that humorously explores topics such as sharing, social exclusion, and not always getting what you want. 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. ANTON AND ERIN JUST GOTTA DANCE Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple when they return with a thrilling new show for 2016 to dazzle audiences across the UK. Featuring exciting new choreography, sparkling costumes and a sensational show band performing timeless music from the golden age. With classic hits ‘Fever’, ‘Night And Day’ and ‘New York New York’. 3pm. From £22.50. Visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-
To advertise call 01242 510500
hippodrome for more details. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 15-20 FEBRUARY THRILLER LIVE 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, this is a show that you will never forget. Various times and prices. 0844 871 3012. Visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristolhippodrome 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. bacontheatre.co.uk.
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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’.
20 FEBRUARY SNOWDROPS AT BATSFORD ARBORETUM
Wander through drifts of beautiful snowdrops and aconites in the arboretum, followed by a warm lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café. If you’re planning to make a special visit to Batsford to see the snowdrops, please visit www.batsarb.co.uk or call 01386 701441 to check how any unpredictable weather may have affected their flowering progress. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, 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, Gloucester GL4 6EA.
26 FEBRUARY A TASTE OF THAILAND 7pm-11pm. Monthly Supper Clubs – Harts Barn Cookery School, Longhope, GL17 0QD. All welcome. Featuring a different culinary theme every time – fun and informal dining experiences in our quirky dining area, The Apple Barn. £15pp. Book at www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk. 3 MARCH WELLS VIRTUOSI: A SPRING SERENADE
Brilliant young musicians from one of Europe’s foremost specialist music schools. Wells Cathedral School’s renowned ‘Virtuosi’ bring their world-leading music to Cheltenham in aid of the Mayor of Cheltenham’s Charities. Works by Elgar, Finzi, Holst, Suk and Dvorak. 7.30pm. £10. Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE. Box Office open Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk. 10 MARCH AS YOU LIKE IT Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and
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change is broadcast from the National Theatre. With her father the Duke in exile, Rosalind and her cousin leave their lives in the court and journey into the Forest of Arden. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. bacontheatre.co.uk. 15-18 MARCH RACE WEEK AT THE BREWERY
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! Party starts from 5pm each evening. thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk.
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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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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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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
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The Local Answer
Quick Crossword 1
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ACROSS
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1 5 7 8 9 12 15 19 21 22 23 24
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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 ?
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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.”
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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
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Small long established family run business
Competitive rates Free estimates and advice
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Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB
www.abbeybusinessequipment.com
The Abbey Business Lounge at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium sponsored by Gloucestershire’s leading business solutions provider
Page 32
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Aerial & Satellites
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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
Nailsworth Stroud Gloucestershire
For a free estimate with no obligation, just call 07790 883780 olivermeadandassociates@gmail.com
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Dying without a Will. Now that’s a real tragedy
My name is David Mar#n and I’m the local consultant for one of the UK’s premier professional Home Visit Will Writers. I have 28 years’ experience advising clients on personal financial ma$ers and specialising in Wills. Wri#ng a Will is easier and cheaper than you think and ensures that your wishes are carried out efficiently. If you would like to redra an exis#ng Will, discuss your Will arrangements, Las#ng Powers of A$orney or other associated legal services, at a mutually convenient #me in the comfort and privacy of your own home ... Call David Mar#n your local Steele Rose & Co consultant 01453 836699/07973 405997 dcmar#n@hotmail.co.uk www.steelerose.co.uk
STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips
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.
Symptomatic of the whirlwind speed at which we lead our lives
ATTENTION! Let us lighten your load! Stevens Recycling
Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
NOW SUPPLYING
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AT GREAT stevensrecycling584@gmail.com PRICES 01242 522647/529397 The Local Answer
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.
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
FURNISHING & APPLIANCES 12 DJH Carpet Factory Warehouse 12 & 36 Gloucester Carpet Outlet Thornbury Stairlifts RETAIL 20 GARDEN SERVICES Antiques Wanted Cotswold Framing Designs 24 Bartlett Tree Experts CT Roberts HOMES & GARDENS DW Tree Services BATHROOMS Lawn Doc Lifestyle Bathrooms 29 HEATING & PLUMBING Severn Vale Bathrooms 28 & 35 Drain Doctor BUILDING SERVICES Pete T Plumbing A1 Roofing & Contractors 32 Home Care Roofing 32 PAINTING & DECORATING Marshalls Driveways 22 N.S Decorating Oliver Mead & Associates 33 TV & AERIALS 1st Choice Aerials CLEANING SERVICES Barden Clean 28 WINDOWS & DOORS Ecoclean 30 Albany Windows Hygiene Carpet Cleaning Ltd 32 Cloudy 2 Clear
PROPERTY
Blue Orchid Cheeseworks So Thai The Black Horse The Hatton Group Tipputs Inn
6 4 6 7 4 7
WHAT’S ON EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bacon Theatre Batsford Arboretum Bowden Hall Hallmark Hotel The Bird & Deer Park Tortworth Court
17 14 16 21 15 14
HEALTH & BEAUTY Confident Dental Implants Gyrotonic in the Fields
8 8
Park Home Life The Property Centre
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 24 CARE SERVICES 26 Barnwood Trust 22 Samaritans COMPUTER SERVICES 22 Abbey Group 24 EDUCATION & TRAINING 32 Education People 22 MOTORING SERVKICES M+N Motor Services 28 SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING 32 Stevens Recycling WILL WRITERS 24 Steele Rose & Co
10 34 32 20 28 33 33
To advertise telephone: 33
01242 510500
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