The Local
ANSWER
FEBRUARY 2016
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
f o r l o ca l p e o p l e
GLOUCESTER DON’T FORGET VALENTINE’S DAY – TREAT THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE
The Local
ANSWER
Gloucester – 46,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies
Sara Sheperia Publication Manager – Gloucester
01242 541076 sara@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial Lois Kingscott
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
1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS
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Welcome to February ...
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Food & Drink Delicious Dishes Cocktail Time Word Search Property Care Motoring Parenting & Guardianship What’s On Leader’s Life Leap Year Trivia Wildlife Matters Homes & Gardens Interior Design Quick Crossword In the Garden Save the Planet Sudoku Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
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Lunch Express Menu SPECIAL OFFER 2 COURSE MEAL ÂŁ8.95 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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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
F U S I O N R E S TA U R A N T A T T H E O L D B E L L - T W O B A R S , L O U N G E & R E S TA U R A N T
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*Offer applies to lunchtime menu only and valid at times shown above during February 2016. This advert to be handed in to redeem offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Opening hours Monday-Thursday 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-00:00 Friday & Saturday 12:00-00:00 Sunday 12:00-17:00 Closed Sunday Evening 9a Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TG (Above Costa Coffee) Reservations 01452 332993 www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
10% OFF
www.knobblycob.co.uk
When you order from the sit down menu at the Knobbly Cob cafe. Valid February 2016
15 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2NW Tel: 01452 380754
Men’s modern & traditional haircuts by
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bile Barb Men’s cuts £11 Boys/OAPs £8.50 Over 20 years experience Please give me a call anytime on
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Blue Lagoon
ON ROAD
OFF ROAD
All Aspect of servicing & repairs including road bikes, mountain bikes and suspension servicing Second hand bike sales Collection & delivery service available
FEBRUARY BIKE SALE 10% OFF ALL BIKES FOR FEBRUARY ONLY! Call Nige for expert advice on
07551 923072/01452 534622 or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com
www.bickosbikeshack.co.uk The Local Answer
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.
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WORD SEARCH T B D U E K A J P N G C R E H S U F H V A A W J
K R A A C E F M N O N I B W R W H R Y I R T Z U
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ecoclean
U S X R E T T K L Y A G A Y M X A W I X U G F A
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Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 8
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EXPRESS REMOVALS & Storage Ltd
Local family run business established in 1979
LOCAL NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REMOVAL SERVICES Document destruction service Storage facilities for domestic commercial and archive storage Unit 2, Glevum Works, Upton St, Gloucester, GL1 4LA info@express-removals.co.uk
01452 523676 5 rating ★★★★★ on
www.express-removals.co.uk Page 10
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Never worry about late or missed rental payments again As a landlord, does your rental property weigh heavy on you? Would your life be easier if you never had to worry about late or missed rental payments ever again? Or have to go through the pain and expense of trying to evict tenants? Would it be good news if there were no administration or management fees to pay to agents? Progressive Lets offer a simple deal whereby they lease the property from you and become your tenant. They pay you a guaranteed rent as soon as the property is ready to let, and this is paid to you every month for up to five years – allowing you to sit back and get on with life! The company spend money on furnishing and decorating the property in preparation for rental, and also organise and pay for a weekly cleaner and a gardener in the summer months. If you would like more information as to how we can help you, please contact Peter on 07801 547762 or check out the website at www.progressivelets.org.uk.
ATTENTION LANDLORDS Do you rent out a house or an apartment? We will rent your property from you for up to 5 years
And we also look after all the maintenance!
Are you tired of dealing with tenants? UNPAID RENT? VOIDS? MAINTENANCE? Would you like to walk away from these problems and have a completely passive rental income drop into your bank account each month? We will take the property off your hands for 3-5 years and pay you a guaranteed rent, every month, for the full term of our contract with you.
Forget the hassle, have a break, let us take the strain! Call Peter on 07801 547762 or go to our website for a full explanation of how it all works ...
www.progressivelets.org.uk The Local Answer
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Page 11
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SAVE £££s visit or call ... www.twocan.estate • 0800 294 2860 Our experienced property sales and lettings team is ready to deliver a flexible service at a price that’s hard to beat. TwoCan has committed to donate all profits to a housing charity to help provide homes to rent at low cost and build strong communities. So, by letting TwoCan help find your new home, we’re helping others to move on, too. TwoCan is part of Two Rivers Housing charity
Estate Agents, Letting Agents, Property Management.
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FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND REFURBISHMENTS Plumbing and Electrics
Wall and Floor Tiling Kitchen and Bathroom Fitting
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STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips
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.
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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, 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!”
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 13
SAINTBRIDGE HOUSE
12,000 MILE/ANNUAL SERVICE with MOT is from inclusive of parts, labour and VAT
NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME
01452 300307
6,000/6 MONTHLY SERVICE with MOT is now from
Offering single en-suite bedrooms for up to 36 residents Tastefully decorated and homely Lovely patio and landscaped lawn area for residents to enjoy in the warmer weather ● Dedicated, caring and hardworking staff ● Exceptional hygiene standards ● Weekly unisex hairdresser. Chiropodist, dentist, physiotherapist and optician visits arranged ● Activities Co-ordinator with an ongoing programme of events to keep residents occupied and maintain both physical and mental well being. ●
MOT TEST £35 WINTER HEALTH CHECK £20
●
189 Painswick Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 4QQ E: info@saintbridge-house.co.uk www.saintbridge-house.co.uk
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www.julianrogersautoservices.co.uk KINGSBARTON STREET, GLOUCESTER
☎ 01452 526778 or 308006
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 15
by 01/03/2016
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 F-Type, which then influenced some design features of the Aston Martin DB7 (Ford owned both companies at the time). For this FType 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. start button and the V6 engine burst A beautifully-tuned engine into life. The F-Type has an aggressive sports car growl, which screamed a As you approach an F-Type it beautifully-tuned engine and a sports instantly looks familiar. The body of exhaust to delight. the convertible smacks of a modern The Jaguar’s 8-speed Quickshift take on a sleek 1950s classic, and the double-clutch automatic transmission Coupe echoes parts of the original E- was both fast to use and refined. Its Type such as the long sloping rear SportShift selector was also simple boot. Ian Callum must have spent and intuitive. I have since tried the hours thinking how to make this manual gearbox version and this is Jaguar an instant classic and he has hit outstanding with a tight gear shift. the proverbial nail on the head. When I opened up the F-Type’s The F-Type had a nice premium feel, 375bhp V6 3.0 litre supercharged easy to find all you need via tactile engine the sound was beyond switches, and simple to discover a stunning. In designing the F-Type, good driving position in the acoustics was one of the key performance seat. I pressed the gold attributes Jaguar took into
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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.
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. Fuelwise 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.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 17
Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
Bonding with your baby You are home with baby and, whether it’s your first or your fifth, this is the most precious time of your baby’s life. At this most magical stage of life – before eyes can really see and before words make any sense – this is the time of bonding between mother and baby. This is where you spend those dreamy hours simply staring into your beautiful baby’s eyes as you feed them, nourishing as much with your loving touch as with the food you choose.
Wonderfully fulfilling Breastfeeding is the natural choice – easy, accessible and perfectly suited to your baby’s needs. If approached in a relaxed manner, without undue stress surrounding it, breastfeeding can be wonderfully fulfilling for both mother and baby, especially at 2am when you are hardly awake! For those who may choose not to breastfeed, or have other demands on them which mean sole feeding is impossible, there are arrays of formulas available to ensure your
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baby is well nourished. You will them. A loving child is raised in love always choose what works best for and makes parenting so rewarding. If you are struggling, or feeling you and your circumstances. overwhelmed in these early stages, Everything we do impacts it’s important that you reach out and on our children ask for help. In accepting support The most vital aspect of all from others, you will find the inner feeding, though, is the bonding. The strength to truly be the parent you eye contact, the physical closeness, want to be. The last thing you want the loving touch. In these quiet hours to do is become some kind of ‘super of babyhood, your baby will begin to mum’ who thinks they can do it all connect with the energy of those on their own. You don’t need to – around them. The closer you are, the you are not alone. more often you soothe and comfort It takes a village them, and the more they will grow It takes a village to raise a child – accustomed to this and believe and a lot of the village are themselves worthy and lovable. supporting mum whilst she focuses So much of our self belief, self on her young. This is as it should be. confidence and personality is built Please make use of your local health upon these delicate foundations, and visitor, talk to trusted friends, ask for though in the past people believed a hand now and then, and please tell ‘they are too young to understand’, someone if you start to feel bad! today we know differently and can The first few months with your be assured of one thing – everything baby can be the best and worst of we do impacts on our children, and times – so most importantly, do it helps them become fully rounded your way, be happy to be good individuals. We are training them enough and remember, there isn’t from the moment they are born, and much that a cuddle can’t fix. You’ve they will grow up as we have raised got this!
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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 FRIDAY FITNESS & SELF DEFENCE TRAINING Feel fitter and stronger. Lose weight, increase stamina and flexibility. Learn Kixa breathing techniques for improved concentration. Self control and defence without aggression. 7-8pm. Brockworth Community Centre, Court Road, GL3 4ET. More classes, private tuition and courses available. proteksfitness@outlook.com. 0776 210 1938. 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 from over 25 different schools in a family, friendly environment. Starts Sunday 31st January, 9.15–10.45am. Runs for six weeks. For more information email chrisraymond124@hotmail.com or visit www.cheltenhamtagrugby.co.uk to register. 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 free parking. Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH. 07800 592038. www.elegantadditions.co.uk. 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. 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,
Shipton Golf Course Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
NEW FOR 2016!
Stuart Archibald Golf Academy Golf development programmes to suit “A Open 9 HOLE PAY & PLAY COURSE IN all ages and abilities every day THE HEART OF THE COTSWOLDS” from 7am NO NEED TOuntil BOOKdusk – Open every day from 7am until dusk www.shiptongolf.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter:
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shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: 01242 890237
✉
☎
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.
FUNCTION ROOM PRIVATE HIRE SNOOKER DARTS BAR/LOUNGE POOL 1 HOUR FREE
SNOOKER WITH THIS VOUCHER Redeem at the bar Conditions apply
The Capital Venue | Edison Close | Waterwells Business Park | Gloucester GL2 2FN | Tel: 01452 223 214 www.thecapitalvenue.com | enquiries@tc-venue.co.uk
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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. The animals will be at WWT Slimbridge for one weekend
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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 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. This event will be fun for all ages. Wrap up warm, grab your wellies and jump into puddles for a chance to win prizes. We’ll have the 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,
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endlessly entertaining show that humorously explores topics such as sharing, social exclusion, and not always getting what you want. A fantastically engaging show for all the family. 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. 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. 3pm. From £22.50. For more details visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ.
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Life in retirement with Gloucester U3A Are you the retiring sort? However you might interpret that question, read on because this could be for you … We hear much these days about people living longer and healthier than ever before. But many who come to the end of a working life or caring for a family find their unaccustomed leisure time difficult to fill unless they have already-established pastimes. However, there is a gateway to finding a new, active social life in retirement that deserves to be betterunderstood. It is the U3A (University of the Third Age), and in Gloucester well over 600 people have already discovered it and are as busy as bees having fun in friendly, informal groups covering 45 different – mostly daytime – activities.
All the activities are organized and led by members themselves, who share their skills and expertise learned either through their job experience or their particular passion. You can learn something new, share an interest or just be active. The Gloucester branch of U3A (independently run, but part of the U3A Trust which is a registered charity) welcomes you to a world where retirement means the start of something new in life, not the end! If you would like to find out more or become a member of the Gloucester branch, please visit the website at www.u3asites.org.uk/gloucester or call Suzanne Lovell (Secretary) on 01452 724620.
A wide variety of activities to suit all interests These range from learning a language or studying local history to playing badminton or table tennis; joining a choir, a recorder group or ukulele band; getting together for a ramble, visiting the theatre or just nattering over a Sunday pub lunch. None of this costs more than a pound or two each time. Some activities, including humour, chess or playreading, are held in members’ own homes. The only other cost is a modest £14 annual subscription. There is also a free monthly meeting, usually addressed by a guest speaker, that packs out Gloucester Guildhall.
Best foot forward from members of the Gloucester U3A line-dancing group.
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!
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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. Various times and prices. 0844 871 3012. 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. 7.45pm. £10 (£8). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 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. 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? Pop along to our Wedding Open evening! View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and Wedding Breakfast. 5.30–8pm. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, GL4 6EA. 2 MARCH ROY BAKER MEMORIAL LECTURE One of Britain’s most original portraitists and judge of the BBC’s ‘The Big Painting Challenge’. 2.15pm. Tickets £28 (nonrefundable, includes refreshments and cakes). All proceeds to The Prince’s Charitable Foundation. Contact Gill Ashley on 01666 840993. tetburyartsociety.org.uk. The Orchard Room, Highgrove House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. 10 MARCH 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. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 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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Full fitness class programme Sports hall Outdoor grass pitch hire Children’s swimming parties Tel: 01452 864796 www.brockworthsports.co.uk
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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.
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Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James
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Gloucester’s past is helping shape its future At the end of last year I had the pleasure of opening the New Gloucester Antiques Centre at 26 Westgate Street. The Antiques Centre moved into Westgate Street from Gloucester Quays, where its former premises are being redeveloped as offices. “Team Gloucester” – made up of the building’s owner Chance Malone, Marketing Gloucester, the traders and the City Council – worked hard to make it happen, turning it around in a matter of weeks. Having such an attraction in Westgate Street is good news for the street and the city centre. It brings back into use one of Gloucester’s finest heritage buildings, the 15th century Old Judge’s House – more recently Winfield’s Seed Merchants and Bookends bookshop. If you haven’t seen the half-timbered side of the building along the Maverdine Passage, it’s well worth a look.
A growing appetite for older, quirky items The New Antiques Centre adds to the collection of similar stores selling antiques and collectables in the city – such as ‘Fab & Faded’ in Longsmith Street, their sister outlet ‘Fad & Fated’ which recently opened in Worcester Street and ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ in Severn Road, just opposite Lock Warehouse, the original site of the Gloucester Antiques Centre. There seems to be a growing appetite for older, slightly quirky items and in these environmentally-conscious days we’d rather re-use things than throw them away. Perhaps it also explains the success of last August’s “Gloucester Goes Retro” event, which saw the city centre filled with vintage cars and each gate street adopt a different decade as a theme. It also included a vintage market in Kings Square, of the type that regularly take place at Blackfriars Priory these days. It also gives me some comfort that, having appeared in the newspaper’s “Bygone” pages recently with a story from 20 years ago, just because you’ve been around a long time doesn’t mean you’re not valued anymore! Many of these items may only be decades – rather than centuries – old but they are another example of how Gloucester’s past is helping to shape its future. @cllrpauljames
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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’.
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 28
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Bespoke designs to fit your home and lifestyle Andrew Stevenson took over Space Master of Gloucester from a family friend in 2008, and has taken the familyrun business from strength to strength. The fitted bedroom specialists operate throughout Gloucestershire, as well as the borders of Worcester and Bristol. Andrew used to fit commercial kitchens for a living so has experience and is comfortable with the processes involved in designing and fitting bedroom furniture. Space Master bedroom furniture interiors are made to measure and fitted to your room to ensure they meet your exact specifications for quality and size. Since all wardrobes and bedroom furniture are made bespoke, there is room for customisation with materials and colours from the already large range of catalogue designs.
Utilise your bedroom space more effectively From the initial call out, to conducting a survey, placing an order and fitting the furniture, Andrew (pictured right) and his son Daniel carry out all stages of work so there are no hard sales or middle men to worry about. For your convenience they will come to your home to discuss designs and styles that fit your home and lifestyle. Given his experience in fitting, Andrew is able to advise on ways to utilise your bedroom space more effectively, which is especially helpful for small homes.
Space Master do more than bedroom furniture, too. Cupboards, cabinets, shelves, walk-in wardrobes and home offices can all be designed for domestic use, and commercial work such as designing and fitting storage systems is also available.
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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
To advertise call 01242 510500
of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Page 39
Female Plumber
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Don’t be too eager – wait for more favourable 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 Help plants get off of old carpet. to a flying start If the weather allows, get out in the I have found that being too eager is borders and remove any weeds. a waste of time – wait a few more Compost the annual weeds but weeks and plant when the conditions dispose of things like dandelions 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.
(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.
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Page 42
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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 43
Hygiene Carpet Cleaning Ltd Cleans FASTER Wool Safe Cleans BETTER & Dry in Cleans EASIER 30 minutes
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Fully Insured Fully Qualified CRB Checked
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Your local family business
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Page 48
Worcester 29CDI Boiler installed with Filter, Sesi & Comfort Controls, including 10 year warranty from Worcester. All this for as little as £26.32 per month (offer based on like for like replacement boiler with horizontal flue, over 120 months with £300 deposit – 9.9% APR)
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ROOFING & CONTRACTORS New Roofs G.R.P. Fibreglass & Felt Flat Roofs ● Certified Installers ● Roof & Chimney Repairs ● Slate Repairs ● Flat Roof Repairs ● Lead Repairs and Sealing ● uPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering ● uPVC Repairs ● High Pressure Cleaning ● Painting & Decorating 01452 899903 07503 858963
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Money Matters 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.
Symptomatic of the whirlwind speed at which we lead our lives 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. The Local Answer
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Page 49
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
HOMES & GARDENS
Blue Orchid Cafe Rene Knobbly Cob So Thai Tiger’s Eye
6 4 7 4 6
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Brockworth Sports Centre Dean Close School Revision Course Gloucester U3A Shipton Golf Course
22 20 21 19
EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Batsford Arboretum Bowden Hall Hallmark Hotels The Bird & Deer Park The Capital Venue
22 23 25 21 19
RETAIL Antiques Wanted Bicko’s Bike Shack Ermin Plant Hire Quartz Sonic Vinyl Records
24 7 38 24 24
HEALTH & BEAUTY Deano’s Mobile Barber
7
PROPERTY & STORAGE David Stevens Property Maintenance 13 Express Removals & Storage Ltd 10 Park Home Life 10 The Progressive Letting Company 11 The Property Centre 13 & 52 TwoCan Estate Agents 12
BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 47 & 51 BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors 49 BE Rudman 29 Elite Loft Ladders 42 G Kelly Plastering 48 Home Care Roofing & Building 42 Marshalls Driveways 42 Roofing & Building Solutions 29 CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw 48 Rhodes Carpentry 47 CLEANING SERVICES Dyson Doctor 38 Ecoclean 8 Hygiene Carpet Cleaning Ltd 44 Oven Busters 44 The Oven and Range Cleaning 44 ELECTRICAL SERVICES Cleevely Electrical 44 Folley Electrical 42 GRP Electrical 29 Steve Holland Electrical 47 FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Chosen Curtains 30 Gloucester Carpet Outlet 34 Interior Needs 31 Just Fabrics 32 Quedgeley Carpets 36 Sapphire Carpets 30 Space Master 33 GARDEN SERVICES Chosen Lawnmowers 40 DW Tree Services 40 Glos Gardening Services 40
Joe & Jamie Lawn Doc L.M.S Landscapes Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds HANDYMAN SERVICES Safe Style Home Improvements HEATING & PLUMBING A.M Nelmes APH Plumbing Drain Doctor Fire Wood KB Female Plumber Maisemore Apiaries Mat-heating Paul’s Plumbing Pete T Plumbing The Combi Man Town & Country KITCHENS Hatherley Worktops PAINTING & DECORATING Floods TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows Brightside C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows
40 40 41 40 40 29 48 48 44 42 40 49 42 47 48 48 42
The Order of St John Care Trust COMPUTER SERVICES Computer Cookie LEGAL & FINANCE NJH Bookkeeping MOTORING SERVICES Julian Rogers Autoservices Warners of Gloucester SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Grimebusters Stevens Recycling Wright Skips
49 49 15 16 30 13 47
If you don’t see the goods or services you provide listed here – take advantage and
BE THE FIRST!
29 30 24
Telephone
2 44 37 45 39 46
01242 510500
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Glos County Council Fostering Saintbridge House
15
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